Top Things to do in Greater Melbourne
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What to do and see in Greater Melbourne, Victoria: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Greater Melbourne, Australia including Werribee Open Range Zoo, Turpins falls, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Victoria Gardens, Victoria State Rose Garden, Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk, St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Lysterfield Park, Wilson Botanic Park.
Restaurants in Greater Melbourne
1. Werribee Open Range Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,891 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
At the Werribee Open Range, animals are seen in their natural state, roaming the savannah. African animals at the Zoo include giraffes, hippos and meerkats.. Wild Australian animals such as emus and kangaroos are also featured. Werribee Zoo is in the south-west of Melbourne. It is a quick trip on the freeway. By the way, everyone must pre-book tickets; tickets are not available at the gate.
2. Turpins falls
3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Oldjack - Greater Melbourne, Australia
The 15 HA Australian Garden is an excellent display of Australia and its plant life from the arid desert to tropical areas and running streams and lakes.It is well designed and interesting with an excellent display of the diversity of plants found in Australia. For somewhere for a pleasant walk or to study in detail the diverse range of Australian plants you cannot beat the Royal Botanic Gardens Australian Garden at Cranbourne. An excellent example of a well-planned exhibition of native plants.
4. Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Williamstown is on Hobsons Bay; it is one of the earliest Melbourne suburbs. The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are well established, with many mature European trees. The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are on of the oldest planned gardens in Melbourne. The trees and architectural features make it a favorite venue for photography, in particular wedding photos in spring when the weather is clement
5. Victoria Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Jessica-sykes30 - St Helens, United Kingdom
We came to Victoria gardens with friends for a picnic in the park with the dog. The park is lovely and very peaceful and great for dog walkers. They also occasionally have events and gigs on at the park. We went to small print pizza I had the chicken pizza which was Cajun chicken and chilli pizza and my partner had the prosciutto pizza both very nice both were $22 which I think is very reasonable. You order in the pizza shop and then they bring it over to the park when it is ready. Really impressed will definitely return.
6. Victoria State Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By davidwQ2305JS - Ballarat, Australia
The garden will appeal to rose lovers as well as anyone that loves colour or the sweet smells from the flowers. The rose beds take different shapes with the name of the rose placed on bricks by them. Located adjacent to the Werribee Park Mansion makes this a a double delight to visit, especially as entry is free to both gardens.
7. Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
The 1000 Steps is probably Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk. Officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, walkers love the challenge of the steep trail, locals appreciate the convenience and tourists just want a picture of a gorgeous rainforest walk. But to truly appreciate this unique place, you need to visit when it’s quiet. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (incorporating the 1000 Steps) departs from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, winding up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest, before emerging into a clearing where you can enjoy great views of Melbourne through the trees. Complete the loop by taking the Lyrebird Track back to the carpark. The path is steep and beautiful, which makes it attractive to fitness walkers and tourists however please leave your dog at home, as this walk is not for your pets. Dogs are not allowed at the 1,000 Steps.
Reviewed By amysimonella - Blackburn South, Australia
I love the 1000 steps memorial track so much I do it at least once a week, for my own health and fitness. Due to restrictions it is suggested on the track that you only go up the steps and then use the fitness track on your way down, (you can also use the fitness track to go up). Make sure you wear comfortable shoes like runners or hiking boots. Bring plenty of water, there are two tap spots, one down the bottom and one up the top. It’s suggested that the walk to the top will take about 40-45 minutes. But really it all depends on your fitness. There are dedicated resting spots, equiped with small benches and a map of the Kokoda track with some detailed information on it which is always worth a read. I recommend doing the track during the weekdays as there is more parking available at the track and less people walking, but if you choose to walk on the weekend, keep in mind of tour groups, larger families and extra parking around the corner as the normal car park will be full. Most importantly, just have fun! You’ll feel so accomplished once you’ve completed the walk.
8. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
The St Kilda Botanic Gardens were staked out in the 1800s and formally establised in 1859, when a boundary fence was erected around the gardens. The gardens are a feature of St Kilda that is loved by residens ad visiors alike. The flowers are attractive, particularly in spring. The mature trees provide a home for wildlife such as the Flying Foxes (bats) and the rare Powerful Owl. Many native birds can he found im the gardens. The gardesn have a playground. Dogs (on leash) are welcome. Bicycles are not allowed. The gardens, which have restrooms, are open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.
9. Lysterfield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
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.
Reviewed By sdcook44 - Hampton, Australia
Nice easy drive from Melbourne, plenty of parking, beautiful, peaceful setting, ample mountain bike tracks for the novice to the expert, a great lake for swimming etc, a great day in nature ????
10. Wilson Botanic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Monte2021 - Cranbourne, Australia
Love this park. I think the picnic areas are expensive to hire but if you don’t you could risk missing out so it’s best to hire. But a little expensive. The place is beautiful amazing & love coming here it’s pet friendly too & kids have a great play area.
