Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and the capital of the state of Victoria. While its summers are blistering, winters are cool and rainfall is mostly scant throughout the year. Melbourne has traditionally been regarded as Australia’s cultural capital and boasts several Victorian-era monuments. This bustling multi-cultural city is packed with theatres, galleries, museums, marketplaces, gardens, and plenty of family attractions in general. With Father’s Day to be held on September 6, Melbourne is the perfect destination to spend some memorable time with your family.
Eureka Skydeck 88
Visit the Eureka Skydeck for a sensory feast. In just 38 seconds, visitors are elevated to the observation deck located on the 88th floor. Stepping onto the Skydeck, visitors enjoy 360 degree views of Melbourne through the floor to ceiling windows. For enhanced thrills, try the world’s only Edge Experience – a glass cube that projects itself three meters out of the building. You could also lounge about in the Skydeck and indulge in a snack or drink. Sightseeing Melbourne never got better than this.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Located just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre is the fascinating Werribee Open Range Zoo. While on the Pula Reserve Walking Trail here, you can come face-to-face with gorillas or lions, spot frolicking monkeys and cheetahs, you will catch sight of rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing on the scenic, sweeping savannah on a safari across verdant plains. Animal-lovers might also want to try a behind-the-scene wild encounter in which they can closely encounter three gorilla bachelors, feed a giraffe or stroke a wild cat. The best part? Children under 16 years of age are permitted free entry every weekend, and during Victorian public holidays.
The Docklands
The harbour of Melbourne is rather picturesque and brimming with a range of attractions for the whole family. The entire zone is spilling over with shops, bars, restaurants and things to do for the family such as a giant observation wheel, the Wonderland Fun Park which offers a world of carnival rides and excitement, and two Olympic-sized ice rinks at the Medibank Icehouse. There is also a huge sports stadium with a waterside setting.
The Great Ocean Road
An ideal family trip out of Melbourne can be along the Great Ocean Road. Starting at Torquay, the Great Ocean Road is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Drive down this road full of marvels to see cascading waterfalls, the towering 12 Apostles, to admire the spectacular coastline on the Great Ocean Walk, and explore seaside villages. Don’t forget to indulge in some fine dining through the length of the coast.
Families opting for this unforgettable drive would do well to choose Hertz car hire in Melbourne in order to make the journey comfortable and hassle-free for the whole family. You might also wish to use Hertz’s special seat offer for younger children.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is nothing less than a wonder-world for children and adults alike. With interactive animal encounters, animal feeds, and iconic state-of-the-art displays, the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is an outstanding, learning experience that should not be missed. Families might also want to get a feel of the underwater world of fine dining at Melbourne’s most quirky venue.
So, whether it’s Father’s Day, a birthday, or wedding, the aquarium houses enchanting marine spaces for every occasion and event.