Culture pervades every aspect of Melbourne – be it kayaking on the Yarra River, exploring Melbourne’s charming lanes or taking in a live punk/pop concert at an eastside bar – culture forms part of its very fabric.
Take in Melbourne’s magnificent views from Eureka Tower – boasting the highest building view in Southern Hemisphere! Or delve deeper into Australia’s convict history at Pentridge Prison – once home of Ned Kelly and Chopper Reed! Colombo to Melbourne routes are right now available from top operator Cathay Pacific.
Federation Square
Flinders Street Station’s landmark Federation Square serves as home for an abundance of cultural attractions and world-class events, drawing both praise and criticism alike for its unusual design – but one thing’s certain – it has quickly become one of Melbourne’s foremost cultural centres.
The Square is an expansive public plaza featuring two civic spaces – an open amphitheater and Atrium–surrounded by intricately designed buildings and architectural structures. There’s something here for everyone in Fed Square – theater performances in its 450-seat amphitheater, modern art exhibits at ACMI or historical and Aboriginal artworks at Ian Potter Center; you won’t want to miss it.
Attractions to this neighborhood also include some of Melbourne’s premier restaurants and bars, such as Big Esso for first nation fare or Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters for local produce crafted into award-winning cuisine. If you’re in the mood for drinks, head to Transit Rooftop or Ponyfish Island for relaxing beverages while taking in views of Yarra River.
Fed Square transforms into an icy wonderland during wintertime, complete with large igloos and an ice skating rink. Additionally, this iconic square serves as a hub for sports events such as AFL Grand Final and Australian Open matches.
The Square is easily accessible via foot, bus, train or tram – and is located in Melbourne’s central intersection. Additionally, walking tours or Melbourne Scavenger Hunts may also take you there to uncover its many gems while providing you with more knowledge of its history and hidden corners. Tour operators provide walking tours featuring clues leading you towards all kinds of special spots around town!
Captain Cook’s Cottage
Cooks Cottage in Melbourne, Australia is a reconstructed replica of Captain James Cook’s parents’ home from Great Ayton in Yorkshire England; originally constructed in 1755. Brick by brick it was transported and opened as a museum museum in 1934 – although Cook himself never resided here himself; nonetheless its connection with his parents make it significant.
Fitzroy Gardens houses this historical oddity, complete with charming English garden and modern interpretive space. Visitors to this site have an opportunity to view how the house would have looked when first constructed; today it has been furnished with items belonging to family members of those who once resided here.
Visitor center features film and exhibition on Cook, his parents and house’s journey to Australia. Additionally, this site hosts various events and programs which celebrate Australia and world history.
As well as touring the house, guests can also admire its picturesque gardens and parkland. Featuring lush English Elm trees and Victorian fountains, guests will have plenty of opportunities for creating family photos at this free tour – but for best results it is recommended to check their website regularly to confirm opening times.
Visits to this historic site offer visitors an intriguing chance to gain more knowledge about an iconic Australian figure often overlooked today. Unfortunately, however, its future is now uncertain due to pandemic restrictions and declining international visitor numbers that has led to reduced tourism numbers at its cottage location.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Witness shark feeding at the Rhythm of the Reef; see mermaids and seals play at Underwater Mermaid Garden; or come face-to-face with crocodiles at Croc Lair – these experiences and more await them here!
Aquariums provide an invaluable educational experience for both children and adults about marine life and its delicate ecosystems. Aquariums regularly introduce exciting new features, events and experiences aimed at engaging families – the latest being Night on the Reef: an incredible bioluminescent wonderland filled with tropical fish and eagle rays!
SEA LIFE also offers plenty of hands-on activities to keep young guests occupied. Kids can get up close and personal with stingrays at Bay of Rays or take part in fishing at Discovery Rockpools; and at Penguin Playground they can explore a peek into King and Gentoo penguin lives!
The aquarium also features exciting 4D cinema experiences designed to keep everyone in the family entertained, such as joining Scrat, Manny and Diego from Ice Age on their adventure in one cinema; channel Antarctic spirit through Happy Feet at another four dimensional experience; or learn about conserving our marine world at its Conservation and Sustainability centre.
Melbourne Zoo
Situated within Royal Park in Melbourne city centre and offering various habitats to house exotic species from across the world – as well as being an invaluable educational destination.
There are numerous interactive and educational exhibits such as Butterfly House, Reptile House, Great Flight Aviary, Wild Sea Precinct Treetop Apes & Monkeys precinct and Lion Gorge that make visiting fun for both visitors and animal-lovers.
The Zoo is an ideal way to witness Australia’s native wildlife up close. Visitors can witness Australian fur seals frolicking along their own beach, koalas and wombats playing happily in trees, or walk down a bush track and spot kangaroos and emus! Additionally, your visit supports conservation efforts that aim to save endangered species in nature.
If you want a closer look at some of the animals, zoo tours and safari bus experiences offer an excellent way to avoid long lines at zoos and make the most out of your visit. Or stay overnight at a zoo camp; dinner will be included as well as after-dark exploration before retiring to your own private tent for restful restful zoo exploration – perfect for families looking for an immersive experience.
Werribee Zoo
The zoo offers several Wild Encounters, but the one most guests rave about is the Ostrich Encounter. Here, visitors can feed these massive birds as well as take pictures with one of them for an unforgettable experience – do not miss this incredible encounter!
