Joanna James
The coastal capital of Victoria, the vibrant city at the head of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne has long appealed to tourists of all ages and is a popular family-friendly destination in Australia. Come, treat yourself to a getaway like no other, touring the best of Melbourne’s family attractions.
Dating back to 1846, the Royal Botanic Gardens are not only among the best tourist attractions in Melbourne but also one of the finest of their kind in the world. The sprawling nature haven’s sheer size of 38 hectares is best comprehended by its geographical extent, which not only covers areas of Melbourne but also extends south of the Yarra River all the way up to certain parts of Cranbourne. Besides the mind-blowing 10,000 plant species that call the Botanic Gardens home, visitors to the gardens, especially families with kids in tow, can look forward to the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, which promotes and encourages gardening to little ones.
Melbourne surely is a city that is meant for admiring and what better place to take in the stunning cityscape than 88 floors high at the Melbourne Skydeck in the Eureka Tower? Soaring 300 metres into the azure blue, the 91-storey Eureka Tower in the heart of Southbank affords the best views of the city in all of Melbourne. For breathtaking views coupled with a dose of thrills, venture out onto The Edge, a glass cube that juts out three metres from the tower — at the same 88 floors high — an experience sure to conquer your ultimate fear of heights.
Here’s a Melbourne City attraction that takes you to a whole host of other attractions of the metropolis. Hop aboard the City Circle Tram, without a doubt, the quintessentially Melbourne way of seeing the top sights in the CBD and Docklands. The hop-on, hop-off heritage tram takes you on a 50-minute circuit, accompanied by commentary, affording sights of many iconic city landmarks, such as Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel.
Four kilometres outside the city centre in Parkville, Australia, is the Melbourne Zoo, the primary zoo serving Melbourne. The sprawling 22-hectare haven for wildlife is home to over 3,800 animals comprising nearly 250 species, from Australia and around the world. Treat yourself to a delightful day, meandering and getting up close and personal with fascinating fauna.
On the banks of the Yarra River beside and under the Flinders Street Viaduct and the King Street Bridge, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers a glimpse into the wonderful world underwater — an exciting experience for both the young and the young at heart. After a day of experiencing fascinating marine life, retreat to one of the finest hotels in Gold Coast, Australia, including the likes of Avani Broadbeach Residences, and return to your exploration of the beautiful coastal metropole.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
