Joanna James
Aussie's vibrant cultural Capital is steeped in quaint glamour, from its art-riddled laneways to its colonial timepieces; however, the nature-kissed city also has a mischievous appetite for adventure. Here are some adrenaline-rich escapades you can't miss!
For many visitors, Melbourne is synonymous with a spectacular coffee culture and Instagrammable cafés, nature-kissed trails, eclectic sensations, and enclaves that are full of both quirky artistry such as Union Lane and historic enchantment like that of Guildford Lane. However, along with its atmospheric hidden boutiques, gourmet eateries, and surreal galleries, are a treasure trove of (literally) breathtaking experiences, the foremost of which is discovering the magic of The Great Ocean Road. From rainforest walks and jaw-dropping views of the Otway Ranges and the spectacular rock architecture at Port Campbell National Park to encountering adorable wild koalas in their native terrain and roaming quaintly picturesque townships like Colac, there is no shortage of character-enriching escapades along this scenic coastal stretch.
If you've always wanted to be a train driver, you'll have your dream opportunity courtesy of the Puffing Billy Railway, Oz's premier heritage steam railway service that offers exhilarating liberties for adventurous spirits. This genteel rollercoaster will chug you across rolling farmland, lush fern valleys, and rainforest mountain passes, and the kids will love nothing better than to sit on the carriage sills open to the refreshing outdoors.
From bushland reserves with stunning blue rock amphitheatres and V8 raceways for some breakneck laps to dizzyingly phenomenal sky decks that yield euphoric views, Melbourne supplies plenty of fuel for even the most seasoned adrenaline junkie! However, if you really want a taste of the wild, head over to the Savannah-style Werribee Open Range Zoo, which will transport you to an African safari trip. Here, you can prepare breakfast for giraffes, get a day in the life insight of wild hippos, and sleep over with majestic lions. If you're looking for one of the sophisticated Collingwood serviced apartments proffering prime access to the city's prime allurements, venture no further than lyf Collingwood Melbourne.
The Dandenong Ranges is iconic for its 3200-hectare exhibition of some of Australia's finest natural wonders, from picture-perfect woodland avenues of autumnal glory and secret rainforest picnic nooks to delicious waterfalls, elevated gardens, and velvety fern glades. You can also ride your way across this dreamy terrain in storybook trains puffing over old-time trestle bridges, stopping for high tea at one of the charming villages along the way.
Glide along the postcard-perfect East Coast of Victoria, watching the sunset paint the Yarra River and marvelling at historic sites and underwater shipwrecks. This unconventional excursion allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant lights and sights of the city while indulging in the rejuvenation of open sky and water.
Imagine drifting into cotton-candy sunrise clouds above the cutting-edge grandeur of Melbourne's skyscrapers and intricate laneways, watching the morning light spread over the metropolis with its lush parks and surrounding mountain ranges adorned with the sinuous ribbon of the Yarra River. This is an unforgettable perspective of this vivacious city that you can't afford to miss!
From intimate encounters with tiny penguins and fur seals to fairytale spots like Swan Lake and mountaintop boardwalks claiming panoramic seascape views, Phillip Island will leave your heart and camera roll full with its unique myriad of poignant eco-friendly experiences.
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