Five top attractions to make a Melbourne vacation memorable
Werribee Open Range Zoo: Africa isn’t the only place you can go on safari anymore. Located just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s city center, the Werribee Open Range Zoo is home to an array of animals living on a wide-open savanna. Visitors can take the Pula Reserve Walking Trail to see gorillas, a pride of lions, monkeys, cheetahs and hippos, or embark on a safari across the grassy plains to visit with grazing rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Eureka Skydeck 88: One of Melbourne’s must-see attractions, Eureka Skydeck 88 propels visitors up to level 88 in under 40 seconds. Brave souls can even get up close to “The Edge,” in a glass cube that slides out from the building. Skydeck offers more than thrills and views, though – a slew of activities and interactive information displays make this attraction one for visitors all ages.
Old Melbourne Gaol: One of Melbourne’s oldest surviving buildings, this institution was built in the 1800s to house Victoria’s criminal population. Today, it is one of the city’s must-see attractions, offering visits to the prisoner cells and a Crime and Justice Experience. Discover the history of some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and gangster Squizzy Taylor. For a spooky experience, see the Old Melbourne Gaul by candlelight on a night tour.
Melbourne Cricket Ground: This iconic Victorian sport center is touted as one of the most important cricket grounds in the world. Nicknamed “The G,” the venue has a seating capacity of 100,000 and hosts more than 90 days of cricket and Australian Football each year. Visitors looking to take in a game can pre-purchase reserved seats for most events, or buy available general admission tickets at the public gate on the day of the event. Interested parties can also take a guided MCG Tour that covers the important areas of the arena.
Federation Square: Home to major cultural attractions, events and an array of restaurants, bars and stores, there’s something for everyone at Federation Square. Popular attractions include the Ian Potter Centre, presenting the history of Australian art, and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, celebrating film, television and digital culture. Over 2,000 events take place in the Square each year, including cultural festivals, exhibitions, performances, concerts, and fashion shows.
