Top Things to do in Greater Melbourne
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Greater Melbourne, Victoria
Discover the best top things to do in Greater Melbourne, Australia including Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, St Kilda Pier, Tim Neville Arboretum, Edwardes Lake Park, Organ Pipes National Park, St Kilda Pier, Cherry Lake Altona, Valley Reserve, Karkarook Park.
Restaurants in Greater Melbourne
1. 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.
2. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By platypus150 - Melbourne, Australia
It really was a pleasant stroll along the well made paths and to the lake. There is a good playground, seating scattered through all the vegetation types, and much peace from the din of the city. Many bird calls registered and there was a good chance for conversation.
3. St Kilda Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Reviewed By 680hazela
Visited on a Sunday so there was a waterfront market and the bonus of a Triathlon. Lovely place to visit and the extra of seeing for free the fairy penguins at the end of the pier, Lovely clean area easily accessed by tram from Melbourne, sea breezes and good cafes on Acland Road.
4. Tim Neville Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Bit-meddler
Beautiful gardens amongst boardwalk over a largish pond; usually with ducks. To cap it off, there is an attached children's playground which also scores well. There is something for everyone here; adults and kids alike. There are many planted areas and various features including a gazebo, a sculptured wall. I won't spoil the fun; take a look for yourself. It's a highlight of Knox shire. Bring a picnic. The children's playground has a flying fox, too.
5. Edwardes Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By fabiana868
Great park to run. You will find a very safe and family oriented environment at Edwards Lake park. Just watch out for the swans..
6. Organ Pipes National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
The Organ Pipes National Park is located at the eastern-most edge of one of the world’s largest ancient volcanic lava flows, stretching 350 kilometres from the edge of Melbourne to the western border of Victoria. Park your car on top of an old volcano and take a walk into the river valley to the awesome stone columns that give this park its name. The Organ Pipes hang on a cliff face over picturesque Jackson Creek. A leisurely stroll down the hill leads to the iconic Organ Pipes, Rosette Rock which resembles the spokes of a giant wheel, and Tessellated Pavement, a mosaic-like basalt outcrop. Organ Pipes National Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Picnic tables are available next to the carpark and near the Organ Pipes lookout.
Reviewed By cooldy
I'm amazed by the rock formation that shapes like gigantic organ pipes, how amazing it that (a stunning viewing pleasure), which makes me appreciate nature even more. To me, the major attraction is the organ pipes, though I will recommend visiting Tessellated Pavement while you are there, it will be worth your while as the rock formation is also unique too. It's only a short hike from the car park (~30 min walk)/visitor centre. There is plenty of parking, and the park is very well-maintained too. An easy day hike for sure from Melbourne (30 min).
7. St Kilda Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
St Kilda Pier is a Melbourne landmark and has traditionally been one of Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions. Providing panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, the pier is a popular destination for strolling, cycling, in-line skating and fishing. St Kilda's Little Penguin colony is well-known for making the breakwater its home, and is a popular tourist attraction. You can view the Little Penguins from the viewing platform at St Kilda Pier or by charter boat. St Kilda Pier has safe wheelchair access, lighting, handrails, drinking fountains, toilets, barbeques and a picnic and playground area. Only 5km from Melbourne CBD, St Kilda is well serviced by public transport. Take the tram from the heart of the city. Alternatively, car parking is available in the vicinity of the foreshore.
Reviewed By MimiFlorence23 - Melbourne, Australia
I seriously don't bother going to Phillip Island anymore the fairy penguins are right here! It can depend on the night as to how many there are but we have been lucky on most occasions that we have been. There is also a great view of the city from the pier, a great photo opportunity beckons.
8. Cherry Lake Altona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
What a fabulous oasis in Altona and nice and close to the beach. Habitat to many birds and other wildlife, I found the walking circuit around the lake to be just the right distance. Located on Miller’s Road not far from Seaholme Station, there is a large carpark, plenty of tables, shelters, bbq’s, a couple of playgrounds, a lot of fitness equipment, toilet blocks, water fountains and a track for bikes or walking. This lake was made in the early 1960’s designed for a flood retention basin for residential expansion in Altona and Brooklyn. However, it did have another life prior to this as a motor racing circuit, constructed in 1954. Certainly a valuable addition to the area. Wheelchair accessible. Plenty of open spaces for activities and kids play. Dogs welcome but please pick up their waste and keep on lead. Fishing allowed - but read the signs.
9. Valley Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By rossdvs6
A very lovely regenerated picnic area in a bushland Reserve, close to a set of roads which make access easy and a car park with in easy walking distance to the Picnic area. A variety of walking or cycling trails with distance which are flexible for a variety of physical bodies. Still, quiet and beautiful, Australian bushland with wading water birds and ducks on the large lake.
10. Karkarook Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Karkarook Park is a recreational and environmental oasis, revegetated with indigenous plants. It's the perfect spot to get in touch with nature; watch the sun set across the lake from the pier or see how many different birds you can spot. The 15-hectare lake is a good spot for canoeing, kayaking or sailing. Previously a sand mine, it now provides a home for many water birds. Grab your fishing line and try to catch a Rainbow Trout or Red Fin. Get active and walk, jog or cycle around the 6km of trails in the park. The Lake Trail goes all the way around the lake. It's a great walk to explore the park. There's a small jetty along the trail — a good spot to drop a line and try your luck fishing. Bird watchers can take a short detour
Reviewed By 218helenm - Melbourne, Australia
Coming from different locations in bayside Melbourne, our group gathered in Karkarook Park, on a weekday in early December. Some of our group arrived early to secure a rotunda and electric barbecue. There were not many picnickers on this day but at the weekend it would no doubt be more difficult. Parks Victoria website has a visitor information PDF with a very good map of the park area. Mothers with prams and other walkers/runners were making good use of the tracks. Wheelchairs would easily cope with the paved lakeside path. The park is also dog friendly and includes a free range area. The usual responsible dog ownership applies. Make sure you have a 'doggy' pick-up bag with you. We spent about three hours at the park just having lunch and socialising. It's a 'take your rubbish home' park so remember to put in a rubbish bag if you are picknicking.
