In Melbourne. . .
1.Sky Dive
Looking for something different to do while in Melbourne? Something exhilarating? Exciting? That would make an excellent story? Why not give skydiving a go? Located next to the St Kilda Marina Skydive Melbourne has a group of well trained staff and excellent facilities to make your experience perfection! Check out their website for prices and get ready for an epic adventure.
2. Shop
Coming from New Zealand, were the shopping selections here are well below par, exploring the stores in Melbourne was refreshing. Plus, we all love to grab a bargain, so be sure to check out DFO- Direct Factory Outlet. Located in South Wharf this easy to access wonderland boasts 170 different stores with up to 70% off!
3. Melbourne Zoo
The tram will stop right outside Melbourne Zoo, making getting there and back so incredibly easy. It is honestly the best way to spend a day, with excellent facilities, interactive learning opportunities and special feeding times. It is seriously the best zoo I have ever been to. If you go make sure you check out the lemur enclosure for some lemur selfie opportunities!
4. Eat
Seriously, the food in Melbourne is to die for. Whatever you are after I am sure you will find it here. Check out Enchanted Serendipity’s Best Melbourne Desserts!
5. Luna Park
Bring out your inner child at Luna Park in St Kilda. They have a mixture of relaxed and exhilarating rides, perfect for any type of person. The rollercoaster, Scenic Railway, is also one of the oldest rollercoasters still operating, with even a brake man standing in the middle! Grab some amazing fairground treats such as hot chips, donuts and hot dogs. Make sure to book your tickets online for an extra discount and skip the main ticket line (we had to wait an hour to get in).
6. Royal Botanic Gardens
Not to be missed is the Royal Botanic Gardens which stretch out 86 acres. It is the perfect way to relax, get in touch with nature and explore the thousands of flowers, trees and shrubs. If you are getting over the busy city this is perfect. Head to the main visitors centre for self-guided audio tours or free guided walks.
7. Melbourne Aquarium
Located along the Yara River is the Melbourne Aquarium, hidden away alongside the towering apartments and buildings. Inside you will find all sorts of underwater creatures! There’s even a penguin enclosure, a massive crocodile and a 3D movie.
8. Queen Victoria Markets
The Queen Victoria Markets are located in Melbourne CBD and sell everything you could ever want. There are so many vendors selling touristy souvenirs and other knick-knacks. Explore the food hall as well and enjoy all the free samples, the food is absolutely amazing! To get here you can take the free city tram. It is also the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere!
Get out of Melbourne…
9. Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary is an animal lovers dream and only 50 minutes out of Melbourne it is only a short drive. With those typical Australian animals we all love happily bouncing around underneath the trees. They will come up and eat some food out of your hands and enjoy a little pat. There is such an assortment of wonderful animals here and with tickets at only $15 it is hard to turn down this opportunity.
10. Phillip Island
Okay, Phillip Island is a must do when visiting Melbourne, just dress warm for a windy night on the coast. The little penguins all emerge from the ocean, one after another, and make their way up the beach to their nesting boxes. I did a day tour here with Melbourne Coastal Tours, though there are plenty of tour providers which feature Phillip Island or you could even hire your own car! Tickets cost $20 for a seat on the beachfront viewing stands.
11. The Beach
If you are wanting to work on your tan, Melbourne and the surrounding area have a selection of beautiful sandy beaches. If you are not wanting to head too far out of the city, make your way to St Kilda Beach using the amazing tram system. Here, the basically wave free beach is perfect for watersports and only a quick walk to the amazing cafes and restaurants of Acland Street. If you want to head further out check out Woolamai Beach on Phillip Island for some awesome surfing opportunities or Mt Martha Beach for those cool bathing boxes.
12. Wine tasting
Okay, I am not the biggest wine fan, but I understand some people are and the wineries around Melbourne are to die for. I visited Red Hill Estate which has amazing views over the ocean, amazing food and an amazing dessert wine- I have a bit of a sweet tooth. It is the perfect way to destress, enjoy the sunshine and have a laugh with good company.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
I’d love to visit the Queen Victoria Markets because I am a big fan of markets and I think they provide a good insight into the food and culture of a place. Oh and watching little penguins at Phillip Island sounds delightful.
Ameeta xx