Melbourne

Luna Park

This St Kilda icon's famous mouth entrance continues to grace Melbourne's postcards and for good reason. Built in 1912, the historic amusement park is free to enter, with a number of rides to keep the young and young at heart entertained. The fabled Scenic Railway is the oldest continually operating wooden-framed rollercoaster in the world, and gives panoramic views over the nearby bay. Other rides include all the usual favourites, such as a Ferris wheel, dodgem cars and a ghost train. A great day out for kids and families. In poor weather, some rides may close, including the historic rollercoaster.

Opening hours vary, although generally open 11AM-6PM weekends and 11AM-8PM weekdays during school holidays; closed weekdays during school term · Single ride: adult (13+) $11, child (4-12) $9, infant $5; unlimited ticket: adult $49.50, child $39.50, infant $16.50

Fawkner Park

Soccer, tennis, softball, and cricket in the summer. Local school Aussie Rules Football in winter. Popular dog walking area. Two large children's playgrounds and a BBQ area.

La Mama Theatre

Contemporary theatre showing the latest in Melbourne's emerging theatre scene. In a front row seat you can literally see the actors sweat. Check their website for upcoming plays. Be sure to check if your play is at La Mama or La Mama Courthouse (see entry below).

La Mama Courthouse Theatre

When booking a play at La Mama, double check if it's at the main theatre on Faraday Street, or the Courthouse on Drummond St. Don't miss your play by going to the wrong address!

Moonee Ponds Clocktower Centre

Performing arts centre including drama, dance, music performances and movie screenings.

Moonee Ponds Clocktower Centre

Performing arts centre including drama, dance, music performances and movie screenings.

Merri Creek Trail

Cycle or walk along Merri Creek. This is a 20km shared path free from motorized traffic between Yarra Bend Park, where the creek joins the Birrarung/Yarra River and the Main Yarra Trail in the south, and the Metropolitan Ring Road in the north.

Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve

Frankston Reservoir

Bush walking, cycling, kayaking. Pedestrian access is available at any time via Jeremy Way, Harry Court, Frankston-Flinders Road, Rinella Bushland Reserve and Lawson Avenue. Vehicle access to the visitor carpark via Jeremy Way, Frankston South, between the hours of 6.00am-9.00pm during daylight hours, and 7AM-7PM in non-daylight savings hours.

Open everyday · Free

Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture garden tour

Take an immersive outdoor tour through the Heide Museum’s sculpture garden, which houses over 30 works by Australia’s leading artists. The garden is an artistic escape that’s as much about nature as it is about sculpture, featuring pieces inspired by and integrated into the surrounding landscape.

Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM · Free entry to garden; museum admission $16

Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield Lake

Mountain Bike Trails including the State Mountain Bike course offers 20 kilometres of trails catering for riders of all ages and ability. The lake is very popular for canoeing, sailing, paddle boating and surf skiing. There are also a number of walking tracks including three trails that are linked for a brisk two-hour walk around the lake.

Sunrise to sunset · Free

Moonee Valley Racecourse

One of Melbourne's Big Three horse racing venues, there are several race meetings a month in the busy season from September to March. The famous Cox Plate weight-for-age race is run here in late October each year.

See website for race meeting dates and times · Most general admission tickets $20, GA for Cox Plate $55

Moonee Valley Racecourse

One of Melbourne's Big Three horse racing venues, there are several race meetings a month in the busy season from September to March. The famous Cox Plate weight-for-age race is run here in late October each year

See website for race meeting dates and times · Most general admission tickets $20, GA for Cox Plate $55

O'Brien Icehouse

The largest ice recreation venue in the Southern Hemisphere, the O'Brien Icehouse allows visitors to skate around a large ice rink. There are free beginner classes on weekends and school holidays. It regularly holds public events such as dancing, games, and music parties.

Mon-Thu 9AM-10PM, Fri Sat 9AM-11PM, Sun 9AM-9:30PM · $25 adult, $23 concession, $21 child (includes skates)

Studley Park Boathouse paddling

Established in 1863, the Studley Park Boathouse offers a memorable paddling experience on the scenic Yarra River. Rent a rowboat, kayak, or canoe to explore the waterways, or enjoy walking tracks through the nearby parkland. There’s also a charming café and restaurant for refreshments after a day on the water.

From 9AM daily · Free entry; boat hire from $30 for two people for half-hour

Treetops Adventure Belgrave

Tackle your fear of heights at the Treetops Adventure Park. With courses ranging from beginner to advanced, this high-ropes adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The site features zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings suspended high in the eucalyptus trees, offering both excitement and gorgeous views.

9AM-5PM · From $35

Werribee Open Range Zoo

An open range park with animals from the grasslands of Africa, Asia, North America and Australia.

Daily (including Christmas Day and all public holidays) 9AM-5PM, entry closes at 3:30PM. Sat Sun during Jan-Feb open till 9PM. Safari bus tours (50 minute) begin 10:30AM-3:40PM (Jan Feb: Sat Sun until 7:40PM) · $24.80 adult, $12.40 4-15 years

Altona Beach

On the "wrong" side of the bay in terms of famous Melbourne beaches, Altona Beach is a strictly locals-only affair. However, because it is a very long, clean, sandy beach, with plenty of parking, it is known as the best beach in Melbourne's west. Altona has a thriving restaurant and cafe district nearby, centred around Pier St. There's even a big new (2024) jetty, and the esplanade is lined with mature trees which provide some shade. Accessible by train and bus, too.

Ballam Park

Barbecues, basketball ring, playgrounds, flying fox. The Park is home to Ballam Park Homestead, a historic home and museum from the 1850s run by the Frankston Historical Society.

Barefoot Bowls

It’s a fun night for families and a sausage sizzle is included.

Every Fri evening at 6PM (weather permitting) until dusk, during daylight savings · $8.00 per adult and $2.00 for children

Jubilee Park

Barbecues, basketball ring, cricket nets, playgrounds, wetland area.

Kananook Creek Reserve

Kananook Creek walking track runs for 7.5 km parallel to the coastline linking Seaford Wetlands to Frankston Foreshore. The creek reserve is home to many indigenous plants and animals and is one of Frankston's most beautiful natural environments, providing a unique and picturesque place for people to commune with nature in the midst of our urban landscape. Canoe launching sites to access the Creek are located at Riviera Street, Broughton Street Reserve and near McCulloch Avenue.

Koonung Creek Trail cycling and walking

A scenic and accessible trail, ideal for a leisurely cycle or walk through the eastern suburbs. Stretching from Kew to Nunawading, this trail passes through green parklands and bushland, with amenities such as toilets, drinking fountains, and shaded seating spots along the way. The path is sealed and well-signposted, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Mullum Mullum Trail walking and biking

A quieter alternative to some of the larger trails, Mullum Mullum Trail meanders through native bushland, passing wetlands, creeks, and local parks. This path is ideal for walkers and cyclists looking for a more secluded route with plenty of bird-watching opportunities.

Free

Seaford Wetlands

261 hectares of predominantly freshwater swamps. It is prohibited to bring cats to the reserve.

SkyHigh Observatory and Gardens

Overlooking the Eastern suburbs, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong offers stunning views of Melbourne and its surroundings. The attraction features beautiful gardens, a maze, a bistro, and seasonal events. Perfect for a day trip, especially at sunset or twilight for picturesque views.

From $5 per car

St Kilda Sea Baths

An old Melbourne institution perched on the St Kilda foreshore, the Sea Baths building now has a variety of different functions, including a gymnasium, a spa, a sea water pool and countless restaurants, bars and cafés.

The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve

The lookouts in the reserve provide awesome views on the Dandenong Ranges.

Warrandyte gold panning and bushwalking

Step back in time and pan for gold along the Yarra River in Andersons Creek, just as prospectors did in the 1850s. Warrandyte State Park offers bushwalking trails and picnic spots with scenic river views, where you can try your luck at finding small flecks of gold.

Free, though a miner's right (permit) and personal equipment are required for gold panning

Whitehorse Lunar New Year Festival

Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival

Celebrate Melbourne’s multicultural spirit at this vibrant festival, one of the largest Chinese New Year events in the state. The festivities feature dragon and lion dances, traditional music, fireworks, and delicious street food. It’s an exciting way to experience Chinese culture, with activities and performances for the whole family. Free entry.

Yarra River kayak tour

Experience Melbourne from a unique perspective with a self-guided kayak tour along the Yarra River. Paddle through peaceful stretches of natural bushland and keep an eye out for native wildlife, including kookaburras and water dragons.