Melbourne City Center:
One of the city's main family attractions is the Melbourne Museum, winner of the Australian Tourism Awards for the Best Major Tourist Attraction in Australia for 2011. Not only is it a museum showcasing Australian social history, indigenous cultures, science and the environment, but it is also adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building, the Carlton Gardens and the Melbourne IMAX Theatre. The city is also home to the Melbourne Zoo and the Melbourne Aquarium, the Queen Victoria Market, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne City Center itself for you to get lost within. Just make sure that for this day out in particular, you have more than enough money with you, as the costs may quickly add up. With entry and exhibit fees and gift shops at every stop, you'll need enough to be prepared to spend your holiday cash throughout the day. Just make sure that you take a substantial chunk out of your overall spending money, or actually calculate the costs of all the places you want to go before you leave to have a more accurate overall cost.
Animals & Wildlife:
Sea Life Aquariums: If there is one thing that Melbourne itself has plenty of, it is definitely zoos and wildlife parks and the city is full to the brim with exciting opportunities to see all kinds of animals. First of all, the Melbourne Aquarium, it is an attraction that should be visited for sure. The Melbourne Sea Life center now boasts the new Seahorse Pier Exhibit, which is home to the world's largest collection of species from the seahorse family. You will also find the 360-degree Oceanarium, housing giant sharks and stingrays, as well as the penguin Antarctic exhibit and the dazzling coral display that is home to hundreds of tropical creatures.
Melbourne Zoo: Another amazing chance to see some exciting animals up close is the zoo, and we all know that kids absolutely love the zoo! At the Melbourne Zoo you'll be able to explore the Asian and African rainforests, catching sights of tigers and monkeys, before taking the award-winning Elephant Trail or viewing the unique and native wildlife in the Australian bush. You will also find the amazing underwater world at Wild Sea, with penguins, fur seals and hundreds of creatures native to the Victorian waters.
Werribee Open Range Zoo: Why travel thousands of miles to get a taste of Africa, when it's just outside of the city at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Experiencing a real African adventure is on offer here at the open savanna. On the Pula Walking Trail you'll find gorillas, lions, monkeys and cheetahs and a family of hippopotamus at the Kubu River exhibit. You can also experience a real safari across the grassy plains to capture sights of rhinos, zebras, giraffes and antelopes across the picturesque savanna.
Fun & Games:
Melbourne's Luna Park: Also known as Melbourne's destination for fun, the Luna Park is a galaxy of amusements and sensations! Thrill rides, rollercoasters and an authentic carnival atmosphere to enjoy, Melbourne's Luna Park is home to many rides and carnival games to ensure you have an exhilarating day. Located next to the St. Kilda Beach, the theme park is perfect for both the young and the young at heart.
Wonderland Fun Park: Located in Melbourne's City Center at the Harbour Town Shopping Center, the Wonderland Fun Park offers a variety of rides and attractions including dodgems, the grand carousel, the Jurassic adventure and the all-new walk on water experience! It is the perfect adventure for all of the family and hosts a range of live shows for you and the kids to enjoy all year round.
Article written by Julie Cowen.
image © Bigstock Momlee
