The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Greater Melbourne, Victoria

Known as the "cook's market", Dandenong Market is a 150-year old traditional working market in Melbourne's South East. A mecca for fresh produce and hard-to-find ingredients, Dandenong Market attracts over 5 million visitors a year who seek out authentic, fresh produce. With over 200 market traders spread out over 8000 square metres, Dandenong Market offers everything from honeycomb fresh from the beehive, to flowers cut straight from the farm, to apples picked from the orchard. A busy and bustling market full of sights and delights, Dandenong Market offers a taste for every season and a treasure in every stall.

Experience an African adventure just 30 minutes from Melbourne. You'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savannah. On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with amazing gorillas, a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and feel the sand between your toes at the new Hippo Beach! Included in your admission price is a 40 minute safari tour where you will find rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savannah. Don't miss: Wild Encounters: Feed a giraffe, stroke a serval, see amazing animals on the savannah from an open vehicle and, in the new Gorilla Behind the Scenes encounter, get up close and personal with three gorilla bachelors! Slumber Safari: Stay overnight in our luxury safari tents overlooking the savannah. Your stay includes amazing close-up animal encounters, drinks and dips at sunset, and a sumptuous African feast.

Jog, cycle or walk with your dog around Albert Park Lake. When you stop to catch your breath, take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline. With both off and on-lead areas, come and enjoy Albert Park with your four-legged pooch. Nine picturesque picnic areas dotted around Albert Park Lake are perfect for an outing with family and friends. Albert Park is home to a plethora of events, from fun runs to cycling events, pet-friendly meetups and the iconic Australian Grand Prix. Swim, dive or try out the indoor sports facilities and fitness gym at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Sign up for some sailing or rowing lessons, hire a boat or if you are a seasoned sailor or rower, join in on the weekly races and meets.

Cranbourne Gardens is one of Victoria's most precious areas of native bushland and home to an amazing range of plant and wildlife. More than 400 plant species provide food and habitat for over 150 bird species and more than 20 mammals, including koalas, wallabies and the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoots. In the heart of the bushland, discover the stunning Australian Garden and soak in the beauty and diversity of Australian flora that reflect the true essence of the Australian landscape. Hop aboard The Explorer or discover the stunning landscapes with a walking tour.

Nestled by the sea, complete with rare trees, a formal palm avenue and a charming Edwardian ornamental lake amongst its many attractions, the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, opened in 1860, is a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic, stroll the intricate pathways or relax and daydream on the green lawns. A few minutes from the Williamstown Beach Railway Station, the gardens have gravel paths providing good accessibility. Open all year. Beach and facilities nearby. Free.

Just four kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, its 11 historic buildings, gardens and car park are spread over 6.8 Hectares in a sweeping bend in the Yarra River and are surrounded by the Collingwood Children's Farm and Yarra Bend Park. With a focus on creativity, culture and learning the Convent is now home to over 100 artist studios and offices for small businesses, a radio station, four eateries, an open air cinema, food and craft markets, two galleries, an extensive program of events and venues for rehearsals, performances, classes, workshops and conferences.

Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends. Spot kangaroos while walking or jogging the Lake Circuit Trail, ride mountain bike trails or relax at the lakeside picnic areas. You can sail, kayak or canoe in the lake, while runners love the network of gravel bush tracks. It is also home to one of Australia's busiest mountain biking trail networks – including the State Mountain Bike Course, easy green trails and action packed black diamond trails for experienced riders. Lysterfield is a great place to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild close to Melbourne, so please ensure you leave your dog at home and don't disturb the local wildlife. The kangaroos and wallabies are most active during the mornings and evenings.