Melbourne tourist destinations

Old Melbourne Gaol – Crime & Justice Experience

Take a step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison. Visit the former City Watch House and experience being arrested in an environment unchanged since the police and inmates left in the mid-nineties.

Russell Street, Melbourne
(between Victoria & La Trobe Streets)
Open Daily 9.30am-5pm
For details telephone 8663 7228 or visit www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au

Polly Woodside

The enchanting 1885 tall ship, the Polly Woodside, owned and managed by the National Trust of Australia (Vic), is a tangible reminder of Australia's rich maritime history and of the importance of such ships to the settlement. Take a tour of the boat and enjoy learning all about the history of her extraordinary life in the ship's brand new gallery, theatre, retail area and workshop. Once fully operational there will also be an ongoing wonderful calendar of events for ages to enjoy.

South Wharf Precinct (Clarendon Street)
Opening, Spring 2010.
For more details telephone 9656 9800 or visit www.pollywoodside.com.au

Como House & Garden

The 160-year-old Como House & Garden boasts immaculate gardens, grand historic mansion and an impressive collection of antique furniture. Wander the fountain terrace, have a latte in the café and enjoy one of Melbourne's most glamorous locations.

Cnr Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra
Open daily from 10am to 4pm (September to June)
Wed, Sat & Sun from 10 to 4pm (July to August)
For details telephone 9827 2500 or visit www.comohouse.com.au

Rippon Lea House & Gardens

Discover the wonders of Melbourne's last grand estate. Stroll through the garden of sweeping lawns, heritage orchard and lush fernery. Climb the lookout tower and marvel at the mansion's lavish decoration. Enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn.

192 Hotham St, Elsternwick
Open daily from 10am to 5pm (September to April)
Thur to Sun from 10 to 5pm (May to August)
For details telephone 9523 6095 or visit www.ripponleaestate.com.au

Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula's local markets, historic gardens and amazing ocean beaches are just one hour drive from Melbourne. On the Peninsula, you can appreciate cultural art and vineyards, while enjoying your stay in intimate hotels and historic country houses. Find out more.

Yarra Valley

In the beautiful Yarra Valley, you can wander through galleries and museums, visit waterfalls and National Parks, or stop in to see animals and wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. For a change of pace, you may choose to visit cellar doors to sample some beautiful local wines or you can enjoy some home grown produce in many of the restaurants / cafes in the region. Why not enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the acres of farmland ... or you could even sky dive over them! Find out more.

Tourism Victoria

As the Government's leading tourism agency, Tourism Victoria will make your job easy by providing you with information about the great things you can do in Melbourne and Victoria. Find out more.

Spring Racing Carnival

The Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia's biggest events. You and your friends can share the excitement of horse racing, as well as the many other fun events on offer. There are fashion shows, which include social events and prizes to be won. The Spring Racing Carnival never disappoints. Find out more.

DFO Essendon

DFO is a big brand shopping centre located next to Essendon Airport, just 15 minutes from Melbourne Airport. You can find clothes, shoes, jewellery and much more by brands like Charlie Brown, Jacqui E, Industrie, Tony Bianco and Cotton on Kids. If you're big on quality and saving, DFO has what you need with up to 70% off retail prices. Find out more.

MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the home of some of Australia's biggest sporting events. The MCG hosts football games and cricket matches on a regular basis and can hold up to 100,000 passionate fans. It has a world-class reputation and is only a train or tram ride away. Find out more.

National Sports Museum

Australia's greatest showcase of sport is housed at the National Sports Museum at the MCG. The Museum honours Australian football, cricket, Olympic Games, soccer and many other sports. Located across two levels of the newly-refurbished Olympic Stand, visitors can enter the Museum via Gate 3 and immerse themselves in some of the finest sports-related artefacts and interactive technology witnessed anywhere in the world. Find out more.

Chadstone Shopping Centre

Chadstone Shopping Centre was the first freestanding shopping centre in Melbourne and is the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll be able to find anything you need in one of the 530 fabulous stores which includes 12 luxury brands. Find out more.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

The award-winning MCEC is the largest and most versatile convention and exhibition space in the Southern Hemisphere. It is located in the heart of Melbourne on the edge of the Yarra River and boasts thirty two meeting rooms, a massive grand banquet room and three theatres. The Centre has raised standards with its technology, sophistication and operations. Find out more.

Queen Victoria Market

Opened in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market is more than just Melbourne's shopping mecca - it's a historic landmark, tourist attraction and an institution for all Melburnians. The Market offers fresh seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a fresh approach to shopping. Find clothing, baggage, toys, jewellery, new-age products and souvenirs at competitive prices. Find out more.

Crown Casino

Crown has three world-class hotels: Crown Towers, Crown Metropolitan and Crown Promenade Hotel. The Crown complex offers some of Melbourne's finest dining and boasts more than 40 restaurants / cafes and more then 30 bars. There are shows and performances on offer each week and more then enough places to shop until you drop. The Casino itself is one of the largest gaming facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. Find out more.

China Town

In China Town you will find Chinese, Malaysian and Thai cusine right in the heart of Melbourne. China Town not only provides fine dining from these countries, it also gives you the whole experience with various shops and accommodation located in the area. You can also visit the Chinese Museum, which is home to the Millennium Dai Loong Dragon, who is awakened every year during Chinese New Year. Find out more.

Windsor Hotel

The luxurious Windsor Hotel has a wide range of rooms to choose from, ranging from the Traditional Room to the Royal Suite. The Hotel has a reputation for the outstanding quality of its food served in a world-class restaurant. The Hotel has been serving traditional afternoon tea since 1883. Find out more.

Melbourne Docklands

Escape to Melbourne Docklands and discover a different side to city life. Only minutes from the city centre, Docklands offers quality restaurants set along promenades and marinas. You can go shopping at Harbour Town, take in the large scale urban art and be entertained by a wide array of events and activities to suit the whole family. Find out more.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens extend over 36 hectares and is home to more than 50,000 plants. Diverse plant collections, year-round events, unique tours, and a reputation as one of the world's finest gardens has made the Royal Botanic Gardens one of Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions. Find out more.

Eureka Sky Tower

Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Eureka Tower is located at Southbank in Melbourne's CBD, adjacent to the Yarra River. The Eureka Skydeck on level 88 is the only observation deck in the world that can thrill you with 'The Edge' – a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building – with you in it – suspended almost 300 metres above the ground! Find out more.

The Goldfields

Uncover the rich talents of the many artists who call the goldfields home. View works by Frederick McCubbin at the Bendigo Art Gallery and discover the history of cartoon and caricature at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Wander through sleepy country villages and explore specialty shopping strips. Or you can indulge your taste buds with delectable food and wine before stretching your legs on a beautiful bush walk. Find out more.

Macedon Ranges

Located right on Melbourne's doorstep, the Macedon Ranges is a picturesque region featuring fertile river valleys, rolling hills and tree-clad ranges. From Gisborne to Kyneton, each town is a thriving community buzzing with its own artistic, historic and culinary energy. Find out more.

Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy is a century-old steam train still running on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the scenic Dandenong Ranges. The train departs from Belgrave, only one hour east of Melbourne and is open every day except Christmas day. Find out more.

Melbourne Zoo

You won't believe how many animals are at Melbourne Zoo! Over 300 species from around the world can be found in the beautifully landscaped settings, just five minutes from the city centre. Stroll through Asian and African rainforests, where tigers roam through the trees and monkeys swing from the branches, then take the time to stop and see eye to eye with beautiful orang-utans in their special elevated exhibit. Explore the award-winning Trail of the Elephants or spy koalas, wombats and other unique native wildlife in the Australian bush setting. Discover a window to the world's wildlife at Melbourne Zoo. Find out more.

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Your African adventure is a little closer to home, just 30 minutes from Melbourne at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Get on board for your guided safari tour across the unique savannah landscape and discover rhinos, giraffes, zebras and more. Come face to face with a pride of lions on the African Walking Trail, visit with a family of hippos at home in the award-winning Kubu River Hippo exhibit or experience some of Australia's very own wildlife along the Volcanic Plains Walk. For the ultimate adventure, stay overnight on a Slumber Safari and experience all the sights, smells and sounds of the savannah as you dream of Africa. Find out more.

Healesville Sanctuary

Experience a real slice of Australia at Healesville Sanctuary, where you'll see Australia's native flora and fauna at their best! The natural bush setting is home to koalas, kangaroos, emus, platypuses and more. Wander the tranquil bushland tracks, come face to face with some of the 200 animal species or hear amazing stories of animal rescue at the Sanctuary's real life veterinary hospital, the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. Don't miss the breathtaking Birds of Prey show, featuring Australian raptors such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Barking Owl. Just over an hour from Melbourne, Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia's most acclaimed wildlife sanctuaries. Find out more.