Showing 1-9 of 9 results
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Albert Park Lake
Pairs of elegant black swans will give you their inimitable bottoms-up salute as you circumnavigate the 5km perimeter of this stunning lake. Waterbirds share the lake with dozens of small sailing, rowing and remote-controlled boats. You can hire sailing and rowing boats from the Jolly Roger School of Sailing (tel: 9690 5862; Aquatic Dr South).
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Flemington Racecourse
Home of the Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Cup, Flemington has regular race meets. During the Spring Racing Carnival, Flemington's roses bloom, the lawns are manicured and the bars are groomed for the thousands who visit at this time of the year.
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Herring Island
Theoretically, Herring Island is open to visitors at all times. The only catch is getting to it. Unless you swim (not recommended) or have your own boat (unlikely), you're limited to the Parks Victoria (tel:13 19 63) punt (per person around A$2 ). It operates from Como Landing on Alexandra Ave in South Yarra. It runs on Saturday and Sunday between noon and from October to March.
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Melbourne River Cruises
Cruise the Yarra River upstream in this sleek boat, which passes the Royal Botanic Gardens , Herring Island and the city's sporting precinct. Or you can head downriver to the port and docks. Tours depart every half-hour from Federation Wharf (on the north bank of the river, east of Princes Bridge) and from Berths 5 and 6 at Southgate.
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Royal Botanic Gardens
Certainly the finest botanic gardens in Australia, and among the finest in the world, this is one of Melbourne's most glorious attractions. Sprawling beside the Yarra River, the beautifully designed gardens feature plants from Australia and around the world. Mini-ecosystems, such as the cacti and succulents area, herb garden and Australian rainforest are set amid the vast lawns. Take a book, picnic or Frisbee; most importantly, take your time.
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Royal Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne's zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions, and deservedly so. Established in 1861, this is the oldest zoo in Australia and the third oldest in the world. In the 1850s, when Australia was considered a foreign place full of strange plants and animals, the Acclimatisation Society was formed for 'the introduction, acclimatisation and domestication of all innoxious animals, birds, fishes, insects and vegetables'. The society merged with the Zoological Society in 1861 and together they established the zoo on its present site.
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Royal Park
Royal Park's vast open spaces are great for a variety of activities. You'll find you quicken your jogging pace when you hear lions roaring behind you. Royal Park contains the Royal Melbourne Zoo, a number of sports ovals, netball and hockey stadiums, a golf course and the Games Village. The village housed athletes and officials participating in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and is gradually being turned over to public and private housing. Neighbouring the Village is Trin Warren Tam-boore, a new wetlands area with boardwalks and interpretive signs for spotting native plants and animals. In the park's corner closest to the University of Melbourne is a garden of Australian native plants.
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St Kilda Botanic Gardens
Only a few blocks from Acland St, the Botanic Gardens are an unexpected haven from St Kilda's signature bustle. Wide gravel paths invite leisurely strolling, and there are plenty of shady spots to sprawl on the lawns. Botanically there's something for everyone, from local indigenous plants and a subtropical rainforest conservatory to the springtime splendour of the Alister Clarke Rose Garden. Dogs stay leashed and kids chase ducks, leaving the grown-ups to get down to some serious picnicking.
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Yarra Bend Park
Escape the city without leaving the city. About 5km northeast of town, the Yarra River flows through bushland - an area cherished by runners, rowers, cyclists, picnickers and strollers.
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Showing 1-9 of 9 results
