5 Amazing Things to do in Melbourne – Adventures Down Under

A trip to the zoo is always a fun time, especially if you're in the mood to see the playful antics of its residents. The Melbourne Zoo in particular is one of the most feature-rich zoological institutions in the whole country. Over 300 different species of animals are showcased here. You'll find a number of truly exotic species here, including chimpanzees from Africa, tigers from India, and grey wolves from North America. The many fantastic marsupials and monotremes that are endemic to Australia can also be found here. You can even interact and pet some creatures like the cute and docile koala bear. These kinds of moments spent are sue to stick with you for years to come. If you're looking for things to do in Box Hill, a trip to the zoo will not disappoint. What's more, if you're staying at a centrally located hotel like the Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences, it's less than a 30-minute drive away!

Melbourne's Chinatown is a must-visit if you're ever in the city. It's here that you'll find some of the best street cuisines that the city has to offer – and it's really cheap too. Once you sated yourself, be sure to stop by the Chinese Museum found at the edge of Chinatown as well. The area itself is one of the oldest known Chinese settlements in the Western world and the museum harbours a myriad of Chinese artefacts and tells the story of the Chinese community's history in Australia. It's a unique insight into how foreign people and their cultures have interacted and assimilated into Australian society and reminds you of the importance and significance of diversity in local communities.

If you're looking to spend a peaceful afternoon in the company of your family, look no further than the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria. It's a great place to relax and catch a breather from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You'll find a number of free walking tours here too that will take you through the gardens, and introduce you to a number of endemic plant varieties that thrive here.

For over 40 years now, the Collingwood Farm has remained a staple attraction in Melbourne – especially for families during the weekend. Kids and parents can join forces to take on some fun farm chores and understand the essence of running a farm and living off the land. Activities include feeding the chickens, collecting eggs, and bottle-feeding baby animals.

A visit to the Werribee Open Range Zoo can be both fun and relaxing. Here the animals roam freely in large enclosures. This means that the animals are quite relaxed and calm, which in turn puts you at ease as well. All in all, it's a great way to get up-close and personal with a number of exotic spices like the Masai giraffe and plains zebra.