Top Things to do in Greater Melbourne
The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Greater Melbourne, Victoria
Discover the best top things to do in Greater Melbourne, Australia including Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, Maribyrnong River Trail, Cardinia Aqueduct Trail, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk, Catani Gardens, Cherry Lake Altona, Blind Creek Trail, Scotchmans Creek Trail, Coburg Lake Reserve.
Restaurants in Greater Melbourne
1. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
This is a coastal trail that is about 20km in length. It is suitable for cyclists and walkers and is well made in concrete. It passes through many parks along the way. Along the way there will be areas where food, water and toilets are available.
Reviewed By SusanC4948 - Melbourne, Australia
We had a pleasant walk along the Hobson's Bay Coastal Trial between Williamstown Botanical Gardens and the Altona Pier on a sunny Sunday morning. This section has coastal views near Williamstown then skirts the northern edges of the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve (where some side trips are worthwhile) and Paisley-Challis wetlands, heads up to cross Kororoit Creek along some industrial area before rejoining the coast at PA Burns Reserve. The path is suitable for walking and bikes and wasn't too heavily frequented. Toilets were located near the Williamstown and Altona ends but were a bit hard to find in between. It is possible to walk from West Gate Bridge to Williamstown via the Bay Trail. We have previously done this and it is pleasant too and of similar quality and hugs the Yarra river and the coastline more with a variety of surfaces. A side trip to ScienceWorks is possible. The Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park was quite blowy when we did that section and you take the bitumen road through the industrial port area. The path is very well maintained and easy to walk on. At the end we enjoyed a meal in the Altona shopping strip and then took the train back from Altona to Williamstown (via Newport) so we only had to walk one way.
2. Maribyrnong River Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By markmarky73 - Melbourne, Australia
Love this river trail that leads you towards the city skyscrapers has open gyms, rock climbing under the bridge, bike stations with enough room for both pedestrians & cyclists.also many people fish down this stretch but not today!
3. Cardinia Aqueduct Trail
4. Werribee Open Range Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,891 reviews
Experience an African adventure just 30 minutes from Melbourne. You'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savannah. On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with amazing gorillas, a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and feel the sand between your toes at the new Hippo Beach! Included in your admission price is a 40 minute safari tour where you will find rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savannah. Don't miss: Wild Encounters: Feed a giraffe, stroke a serval, see amazing animals on the savannah from an open vehicle and, in the new Gorilla Behind the Scenes encounter, get up close and personal with three gorilla bachelors! Slumber Safari: Stay overnight in our luxury safari tents overlooking the savannah. Your stay includes amazing close-up animal encounters, drinks and dips at sunset, and a sumptuous African feast.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
At the Werribee Open Range, animals are seen in their natural state, roaming the savannah. African animals at the Zoo include giraffes, hippos and meerkats.. Wild Australian animals such as emus and kangaroos are also featured. Werribee Zoo is in the south-west of Melbourne. It is a quick trip on the freeway. By the way, everyone must pre-book tickets; tickets are not available at the gate.
5. Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
The 1000 Steps is probably Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk. Officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, walkers love the challenge of the steep trail, locals appreciate the convenience and tourists just want a picture of a gorgeous rainforest walk. But to truly appreciate this unique place, you need to visit when it’s quiet. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (incorporating the 1000 Steps) departs from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, winding up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest, before emerging into a clearing where you can enjoy great views of Melbourne through the trees. Complete the loop by taking the Lyrebird Track back to the carpark. The path is steep and beautiful, which makes it attractive to fitness walkers and tourists however please leave your dog at home, as this walk is not for your pets. Dogs are not allowed at the 1,000 Steps.
Reviewed By amysimonella - Blackburn South, Australia
I love the 1000 steps memorial track so much I do it at least once a week, for my own health and fitness. Due to restrictions it is suggested on the track that you only go up the steps and then use the fitness track on your way down, (you can also use the fitness track to go up). Make sure you wear comfortable shoes like runners or hiking boots. Bring plenty of water, there are two tap spots, one down the bottom and one up the top. It’s suggested that the walk to the top will take about 40-45 minutes. But really it all depends on your fitness. There are dedicated resting spots, equiped with small benches and a map of the Kokoda track with some detailed information on it which is always worth a read. I recommend doing the track during the weekdays as there is more parking available at the track and less people walking, but if you choose to walk on the weekend, keep in mind of tour groups, larger families and extra parking around the corner as the normal car park will be full. Most importantly, just have fun! You’ll feel so accomplished once you’ve completed the walk.
6. Catani Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By S4nnyBunny
Underrated and sometimes forgotten when visiting St.Kilda beach, but worth coming if you’re nearby if you want some quiet space. As you can see it’s pretty well lit up during night. Plenty of benches, there’s a public toilet, some drinking fountain, a lovely rotunda in the middle and its very well maintained. Nice place to chill or have a picnic.
7. 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.
8. Blind Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By martincU8588BG - Melbourne, Australia
This trail wends its way from Ferntree Gully all the way to Jells Park where it joins the Dandenong Creek Trail. Such a fascinating place to walk; but keep an eye out for wayward cycle riders.
9. Scotchmans Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Traveller88Melbourne
A long trail popular with bikers, walkers & runners. I frequently walk between Warrigal Rd to Waverley Rd near Valley Reserve. This stretch has pretty bridges, mini falls, runs along Oakleigh Golf Course, Huntingdale wetlands & a long tunnel under Monash freeway. Approx 10 kms return. You will spot pretty birdlife like lorikeets & the odd kookaburra. It has been widened & well maintained with some seats along the way once you cross Huntingdale wetlands.
10. Coburg Lake Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By 383irenej
I have attended Coburg lake with work. It gives you time to reflect. The lake is clean safe. The BBQ area is clean . There are many different areas to go to the grass and trees are well maintained. The ducks like to be feed.
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