Whether you’re looking for a day out in the country or an afternoon in the city, Melbourne attractions can offer plenty of activities. There are museums, parks, and art galleries – not to mention some of the best dining in the area. You’ll find that the Australian capital has much to offer Cathay Pacific visitors coming in through flights to Melbourne, from historic buildings to modern developments.
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest and largest art museum. Its collection spans the history of both international and Australian art.
Visitors can enjoy the museum’s impressive collection of over 70,000 works, including treasures from ancient Rome. In addition to its permanent collection, the NGV hosts exhibitions, performances, and talks.
The gallery’s collections include the European-derived art of Veronese, Michelangelo, and Tiepolo, as well as Greek and Egyptian artifacts. A collection of over 4,000 Asian artworks is also on display.
Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria was established in 1861. The collection includes Australian and international artworks, and was designed to present the history of art throughout the world.
The NGV offers guided tours, programs for children and adults, and free admission. The galleries are located in the city center, and visitors can easily access them by tram.
The National Gallery of Victoria has been around since 1861, and offers an exciting visual arts experience. With an impressive collection, the museum is one of the largest in the world. You can browse through its collections by different areas.
To help visitors find their way around the museum, the NGV offers trams and on-site parking. Accessible tram stops are available at St Kilda Road and Federation Square.
Melbourne Zoo
When it comes to Melbourne attractions, the Melbourne Zoo stands out as a top contender. With a large number of animals on display, you’ll want to spend a full day here.
There’s a large variety of animals at the Melbourne Zoo, from kangaroos to elephants. The zoo also boasts some interactive exhibits. These include the Orangutan Sanctuary, which offers a treetop viewing pathway to get a closer look at the animals.
In addition to its awe-inspiring animal displays, the zoo has a conservation program. Visitors can take part in activities like the Wild Encounters program. They can also participate in “Meet the Keeper” talks.
The zoo also boasts an award-winning Asian village. This area showcases the best of Asian wildlife. Other highlights include the Butterfly House, the award-winning Trail of the Elephants, and the interactive kids farm.
For more information, you can contact the zoo’s staff. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Parking is $2 for five hours. On weekends, entry is free.
The zoo is close to the city centre, and is easily accessible by public transport. There are several trains that stop near the zoo. The Melbourne zoo has been taking care of animals for more than 160 years.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Victoria, is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. It has a large selection of plant collections and is a great place for a picnic or a stroll.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is a state-supported institution that contains more than 20,000 species of plants, including native Australian trees. The garden also includes the National Herbarium, which is home to over a million dried botanical specimens.
The royal gardens are divided into different themed areas. The central part of the gardens is the Ornamental Lake, where you can enjoy a punting boat ride. Punting is a fun way to explore the surroundings and enjoy bird-watching.
There are several tours available for visitors. These include the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, where you will learn about the First Nations people and the plants they used. They are led by a member of the indigenous community. You will also see the Aboriginal Heritage House.
The Garden Explorer Walk is another way to see the gardens. The garden features mini ecosystems, black-swan spotted ponds, and more.
The Plant Craft Cottage is a building that teaches about the plants’ uses. Several volunteers work here to preserve the art of plant crafts.
Adelaide Hotel’s rooftop pool
If you’re planning a trip to Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, you’ll probably want to spend some time by the hotel’s rooftop pool. It’s a great way to relax and get some Vitamin D.
Hotels with pools are perfect for a family getaway, a romantic vacation, or a business trip. Many of these hotels have infinity-edge pools, private cabanas, and swim-up bars. There are also hotels that offer outdoor pools right on the beach.
The Mayfair Adelaide is one of the best luxury hotels in Adelaide. Located in a historic Art Deco building, the hotel offers elegant rooms with luxurious furnishings and comfortable beds. And the hotel’s location puts you within walking distance of the Adelaide CBD.
Another great option is the Soho Hotel. With its heated rooftop pool, this is the best hotel in the city for a relaxing break. Plus, you can enjoy 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi. You’ll have access to a Soho Spa, too.
For a more affordable stay, check out the Ibis Adelaide. The hotel is located near major attractions and the tram stop is nearby. They also have a gym and a fitness centre.
One of the coolest parts of staying at a hotel with a rooftop pool is the panoramic views of the city. A 15-meter pool provides an excellent view of the Melbourne skyline.
Docklands Public Art Walk
The Docklands Public Art Walk is one of the world’s most extensive public art programs. This self-guided walking tour covers 36 outdoor artworks in Melbourne’s Docklands. A brochure is included with the map that explains each artwork.
The walk is an immersive experience. It covers a variety of themes, from technology and the meaning of being Australian to humanity and humanity’s connection to nature.
At the end of the art trail you’ll find a range of shopping and dining options. These include an open-air shopping centre, the Harbor Town Shopping Centre, and a number of restaurants and bars. There are also a number of trams that take you to the top attractions. Several of them are free.
One of the best ways to enjoy the artwork is to download the Harbourside Docklands Art Trail app. It’s available for both Apple and Android devices. You can get a copy at the Library at the Dock. Alternatively, you can visit the Melbourne Visitor Centre, and they will provide you with a printed brochure.
The Harbourside Art Trail is broken down into three sections. The first, Sealight Pavilion, is situated on the Harbour Esplanade and is made from reclaimed timber. Designed by Rintala Eggertsson Architects, it is an architectural response to the present and Docklands’ past.
Peninsula Hot Springs expansion
Peninsula Hot Springs is an award-winning natural hot springs resort on the Mornington Peninsula. It opened in 2005. The resort offers private baths sourced from natural thermal mineral waters. The resort is perfect for a relaxing weekend trip from Melbourne.
In addition to the main area pools, the resort also has a cave pool and a Turkish steam bath. A variety of spa treatments are available, including Thai massages, Thai hot stone massage, body clay, Moroccan hammams, and mud and salt wraps.
For those looking to take it a step further, the resort has recently introduced a new amphitheatre section. This includes seven new hot pools and an ice cave.
The expansion will also include new treatments, new sauna experiences, and new cultural activities. These features will allow the resort to further cement its place on the global health map.
In addition to the new facilities, the resort will also be expanding its on-site accommodation. A new 60-square-metre eco-lodge will open next to a private hot springs bathing pool. Additionally, the resort will build three outdoor massage pods and an undercover dining area.
Visitors can expect to experience the region’s native wildlife during the winter months. When visiting the hot springs, guests can also take a reflexology walk, or enjoy the scenic views from the hilltop pool.
