Visit the National-Trust listed Labassa estate in Caulfield that has been used in filming for TV shows such as Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Source: News Limited
LOOKING for something to do for the Australia Day holiday next weekend? Sometimes the best places to explore are right under your nose. Discover or rediscover these Melbourne gems.
Viewing platforms, upgraded paths and educational signs have been completed at the Bellbird picnic area at Yarra Bend Park. Picture: Josie Hayden Source: News Limited
BELLBIRD PICNIC AREA, YARRA BEND
As the cyclists whiz by on Yarra Boulevard above, take a quieter path by foot along one of the paths that follow the twists and turns in the Yarra River. Follow the signs at Studley Park Boathouse or park at nearby Bellbird Picnic Area which has barbecues, a launch area for canoeists - and a colony of grey-headed flying foxes relocated from the Royal Botanic Gardens a decade ago.
Don't miss: a walk up the hill from the picnic area to a viewing platform where you can see and learn about the flying foxes.
MORE INFORMATION: parkweb.vic.gov.au
BICENTENNIAL PARK
Bicentennial Park is a gem of a playground well known by locals in Melbourne's southeast but little known by parents outside the area. All parents know a great playground is worth the trip, and this is one of the best with two big mound slides, sand pits, giant basket swing, hammock, Mount Chelsea Express train, grasshopper and bee springers, stand on spinners, spiral slide, climbing frames, stepping stones, monkey bars, flying fox and much more set in sculptural gardens. There's also a Liberty Swing for people with mobility issues. Best of all, the playground is fully fenced so the little ones can't escape! There are also shelters, barbecues, tables, toilets, water taps and fitness equipment.
Don't miss: The Smurf village with a music, story and play huts and a mooing cow. For the adventurous, try the speed slide.
ADDRESS: Scotch Parade, Chelsea
BIRD FEEDING AT GRANT'S PICNIC GROUND, SHERBROOKE FOREST
Get back to nature and feed the native birds at Grant's Picnic Ground in the Dandenong Ranges' beautiful Sherbrooke Forest. Mary Poppins sang about feeding the birds at a twopence a bag, but here you'll pay $4 to buy a token and seed from Grants on Sherbrooke kiosk to enter the fenced bird feeding area. Crimson rosellas, sulphur crested cockatoos, eastern rosellas and kookaburras are all frequent visitors.
Don't miss: going for a bushwalk and trying to spot an elusive lyrebird
ADDRESS: 70 Monbulk Road, Kallista.
MORE INFORMATION: grantsonsherbrooke.com.au
BIRD WATCHING AT WESTERN TREATMENT PLANT
The Western Treatment Plant treats more than half of Melbourne's sewage and has been the butt of many jokes, but for tens of thousands of birds it's a place to call home. The area around the Western Treatment Plant is a Ramsar "wetland of international significance" and more than 280 species of bird have been recorded at the site, making it one of the most popular sites for bird watching, or twitching, in Victoria. Tiny birds from as far afield as Siberia, Alaska and Asia make an annual migration to the Western Treatment Plant to join the species that live there year round. There is an annual open day with tours of the massive facility, which is bigger than Phillip Island, and permits are available from Melbourne Water for bird watchers who must register their visits.
Don't miss: See if you can spot threatened species including Brolga and Orange Bellied Parrot.
ADDRESS: New Farm Road, Werribee
MORE INFORMATION: melbournewater.com.au
BUNDOORA PARK
Bundoora Park, the largest park in the northern suburbs, bills itself as Melbourne's most diverse park and that's no lie as the 450 acre park is home to an incredible mix of activities including a children's farm, heritage settlement, enclosed playground, cafe, heritage settlement and Mt Cooper - the highest point in Melbourne offering great views across the northern suburbs. Bike and walking trails meander through the park and there are loads of barbecues and picnic facilities.
Don't miss: feeding the animals, pony rides and taking a tractor tour at the Children's Farm.
ADDRESS: Plenty Rd, Bundoora
MORE INFORMATION: bundoorapark.com.au
CERES Environmental Park in East Brunswick. Source: News Limited
CERES ENVIRONMENT PARK
Located on 4 ha of rehabilitated landfill in East Brunswick, there are so many reasons to love Ceres with its hipster vibe. There's the farm, the market, the cafe, the Merri Creek, the permaculture nursery and the fabulous sandpit that keeps kids occupied while you relax with a latte. If you want to lighten your ecological footprint, this is the place to find out how to do it. Education and training are an important part of the park's vision.
Don't miss: Buying some eggs freshly laid by the resident Isa Brown chooks.
MORE INFORMATION: ceres.org.au
CHINATOWN
Chinatown Melbourne in Little Bourke St dates back to the gold rush days of the 1850s, but many Melburnians don't realise it's the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world. Find out more at the Chinese Museum. The guided Chinatown Heritage Walk, which can include a banquet lunch, is another way to enjoy the sights and smells. There are also monthly markets
Don't miss: The Millennium Dai Loong Dragon on display at the Chinese Museum. It is awakened every year for a religious ceremony and lion dance run by about 200 volunteers.
MORE INFORMATION: chinatownmelbourne.com.au
DIAMOND VALLEY RAILWAY, ELTHAM
A bargain at $3 per person, you're never too old to take a ride on this miniature railway, run by a community of hobbiest and model engineers. It's one of the top five miniature railways in the world, with a track laid to a gauge of 184mm. The trains - powered by diesel, steam or electricity - run on about 2km of track, up and down hills, across bridges, and through tunnels.
Runs every Sunday, 11am-5pm
Don't miss: The picnic area with rotunda in the centre that can be hired along with the trains for private functions.
MORE INFORMATION: dvr.com.au
FITZROY GARDENS CONSERVATORY
A peaceful place to escape the city bustle, the Conservatory exhibits five floral displays each year. You will see cinerarias and cyclamens from now until September. Built in classic Spanish Mission style, it opened in March 1930. The nearby Cooks' Cottage, Fairies Tree, model Tudor Village, parkland and sculptures are also drawcards, as are the possums scampering around at night.
Don't miss: The statue of Diana and the Hounds. It was the last bronze sculpture made in Britain before World War II and the first new work installed at Fitzroy Gardens after the removal of the 1860s' plaster and cement sculptures.
MORE INFORMATION: fitzroygardens.com
FLEMINGTON HERITAGE CENTRE
On the first Tuesday each November, the eyes of the nation are glued to a field of horses charging around the Flemington track. But there's good reason to visit Flemington year-round. The Flemington Heritage Centre displays the history, heroes, events, artefacts and fashion of Australia's biggest horse race, the Melbourne Cup, and the 150+ year racing history of the Flemington racecourse. Visit the Racecourse of Dreams exhibition, and be sure to take a walking tour to explore the famous rose garden, the jockey rooms, stalls complex, mounting yard areas and admire the spectacular views of the city skyline.
Don't miss: the Melbourne Cup Walk of Fame surrounded by the stunning rose arbour.
Admission: $8-$15. Flemington Racecourse, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale.
MORE INFORMATION: flemington.com.au
Herring Island’s Summer Arts Festival is well worth a visit. Source: News Limited
HERRING ISLAND
The only island in the Yarra, heart-shaped Herring Island sits in a curve of the river between South Yarra and Burnley. Pack a picnic and, for $2, catch the Parks Victoria punt from Como Landing, on the south side, from 11am on weekends and public holidays. Until April 21, during the Summer Arts Festival, a gallery on the island will be home to exhibitions from five arts groups.
Don't miss: a stroll around a trail that reveals permanent sculptures made from natural materials scattered around the island.
MORE INFORMATION: parkweb.vic.gov.au
LABASSA MANSION
Melbourne-set TV timepieces such as Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and the recent gangster series Underbelly: Squizzy are a showcase for Melbourne historic properties. Step back to another era with a visit to a National Trust property such as Labassa, at 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North, which was used as a location for both TV shows. The opulent gold rush-era mansion was built in 1862 and had many residents since - including artists, actors and musicians in the 1970s. It's open on the third Sunday of the month from 10.30am-4pm. (July 21).
DON'T MISS: walking up the grand staircase.
MORE INFORMATION: http://ift.tt/LttkfE
LITTLE PENGUINS
Phillip Island's little penguins are world famous, but Melbourne has its own cityside penguin parade. The breakwater at the end of St Kilda pier is home to a colony of these seabirds, the smallest of all penguin species, and just after sunset they emerge from the water to settle into their rocky burrows for the night. Volunteers from Earthwatch St Kilda who monitor the colony are on hand nightly to answer questions and keep the penguins safe.
Don't miss: keeping an eye on the shallows for the rakalis - Australian native water rats - just before the sun goes down.
MORE INFORMATION: earthcarestkilda.org.au
LITTLE SAIGON MARKET, FOOTSCRAY
Close your eyes, take a deep breath and the assailing scents will have you thinking you're in Vietnam. But no, it's Footscray. Ingredients to re-create your favourite Asian dishes are easy to come by in Melbourne, even in supermarkets, but this place, with its mind-boggling cuts of meat and exotic (and familiar) fresh produce, will make the shopping experience more authentic - and possibly more chaotic, especially amid the ongoing Regional Rail Link works. Off Nicholson St, Footscray.
DON'T MISS: a bowl of pho from the myriad Vietnamese restaurants to fortify yourself for shopping.
MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY
The Melbourne General Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Victorians, including Australia's longest serving prime minister Sir Robert Menzies, author Marcus Clarke and the infamous Princes Theatre ghost Frederick (Federici) Baker. There is also a memorial to ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills. Book a guided tour of the Gate Lodge and cemetery for Open House next weekend. Otherwise tours can be arranged by appointment - minimum numbers apply - or take a Halloween Night Tour on October 31.
Don't miss: the Elvis Presley Memorial at the corner of North and Entrance avenues.
MORE INFORMATION: mgc.smct.org.au/
Middle Brighton Baths is the perfect place to entertain the kids. Source: News Limited
MIDDLE BRIGHTON BATHS
It looks all fancy now with a cafe, bar, restaurant and gym, but behind the facade is a charming piece of history and one of the few remaining caged open water seabaths in Australia. It's guaranteed that the only shark you'll encounter is in the cafe on a plate. Built in 1881, the timber enclosure was rebuilt in 1988 and a glass and steel extension added on both levels in 2001. The enclosure is the size of an Olympic pool, allowing you to count your laps. It's the perfect place to wear retro swimwear, entertain the kids or recharge your batteries on the private boardwalk.
Don't miss: The Brighton Icebergers, a hardy group of locals who swim all year and brave cold winter mornings.
MORE INFORMATION: middlebrightonbaths.com.au
NEWPORT LAKES
Across the Westgate Bridge, 15 minutes from the city centre, Newport Lakes is a tranquil, unexpected oasis resurrected from an old bluestone quarry and rubbish tip. Bring along a picnic and take a self-guided 2km walk through the 32ha bushland setting, which now brims with native plants and wildlife. Dogs are allowed in some parts of the park. Enter off Mason St, Newport.
Don't miss: cross the stepping stones between the north and south lakes.
MORE INFORMATION: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
PRINCES PIER
You'll find one of Melbourne's best sculptures here. Built between 1912 and 1915, Princes Pier was the third major pier constructed at Port Melbourne. More than 1 million people disembarked at Princes Pier and Station Pier between 1947 and 1969 to start new lives in Victoria. Princes Pier was decommissioned in the 1990s after a series of fires, and reopened as a public space in 2011 after a State Government injection of $34 million to convert the pier into a heritage centrepiece. The first 196m of the pier and 1935 gatehouse were restored, but the piece de resistance is the remaining 580m of piles that have become an eerie sculptural memorial and a favourite haunt of photographers.
Don't miss: "The Leading Lights" beacons, one on land and one in the sea, which date from the mid-1920s. When their lights were aligned they guided vessels to the piers at Port Melbourne. They've been superseded by modern navigation aids.
MORE INFORMATION: heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Aidan, 4, gets ready to fly a De Havilland Vampire T35 at the RAAF Museum in Point Cook. Source: News Limited
RAAF MUSEUM AND INTERACTIVE FLYING DAYS
At Point Cook, Australia's aviation history is preserved and on show at the RAAF Museum. Unlike the static displays of most museums, you can watch engineers and volunteers restore and work on historic aircraft and even see some of them fly. The museum holds interactive flying displays every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 1pm featuring one of their heritage aircraft, or a special visiting aircraft, where visitors can meet the pilot, learn about their plane, watch a flying display and hear the pilot's radio calls during flight.
DON'T MISS: The recently retired F-111 and restoration hangar.
ADDRESS: RAAF Museum at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook Rd, Point Cook. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
MORE INFORMATION: http://ift.tt/KoMdPk
SUGARLOAF RESERVOIR
A trip to Sugarloaf is both recreational and educational. Kids can see Victoria's fourth largest reservoir, which supplies water to Melbourne's northern, western and central suburbs. Along with a great view from the western lookout, there's a 15km walk around the reservoir. You can try shoreline fishing for yellow belly, redfin or European carp, as long as you have a Recreational Fishing Licence and observe the restrictions. Have a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam picnic areas.
DON'T MISS: The Sugarloaf Sailing Club in action on Saturdays and Sundays until May.
MORE INFORMATION: http://ift.tt/LttiV4
SUN THEATRE, YARRAVILLE
The grand art-deco cinema experience of yesteryear is what patrons at Yarraville's Sun Theatre enjoy every day. First opened in 1938, the four cinemas retain the art-deco features and old-style seating synonymous with historic movie houses while screening new release and art house films.
Don't miss: the original-style curtains drawing up to reveal the screen before the show
ADDRESS: 8 Ballarat St, Yarraville.
MORE INFORMATION: suntheatre.com.au
Werribee Park Mansion Source: News Limited
WERRIBEE MANSION GARDENS, POLO FIELDS, HERITAGE ORCHARD, ROSE GARDEN AND SCULPTURE WALK
You might know the historic 60-room 1870s-era Werribee Mansion for its role as a backdrop in last year's The Great Australian Bake Off, but the gardens, heritage orchard, Victorian State Rose Garden, sculpture walk and polo fields are equally worth visiting.
The sculpture walk features large scale works by Australia's leading sculptors and selected winners of the national Helen Lempriere Award along a trail winding through the farm and riverine areas of the park. The heritage orchard with its apples, quinces, pears and stone fruits preserves and restores the original fruit orchard planted for the mansion in the late 1800s. Ten hectares of manicured garden containing a mix of exotic and native plants, lakes, grottos, glasshouses and more are perfect for picnicking in and several times a year, the polo fields host high-stakes tournaments with tickets available to the public.
Don't miss: the world renowned Victorian State Rose Garden with more than 5000 roses in bloom from October to May but at their most magnificent from November to April.
ADDRESS: Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee
MORE INFORMATION: parkweb.vic.gov.au
WESTGATE PUNT
The Westgate Punt offers cyclists and pedestrians a quick crossing of the Yarra River below the Westgate Bridge from Spotswood Jetty, near Scienceworks, to Port Melbourne's Fisherman's Bend. It's a fun way to link the Bay Trail West and Bay Trail cycle paths and get in to town under your own steam. The punt offers a weekday commuter service every 20 minutes during peak periods (6.30am-9.30am and 4pm-7pm) and operates on demand from 9am to 5pm during weekends. Fares cost $2 one way on weekdays, and $5 one way or $7 return on weekends.
Don't miss: watching the huge container ships sail past as they navigate in to and out of the Port of Melbourne.
MORE INFORMATION: westgatepunt.com
WILLIAM RICKETTS SANCTUARY
More than 90 sculptures of people and animals are hidden along the ferny pathways of the tranquil William Ricketts Sanctuary in the Dandenong Ranges. It's a fascinating wander through beautiful forest, with bird calls punctuating the air as you take in the unique art. Sculptor and explorer William Ricketts spent time with the Aboriginal communities of Central Australia and his works capture their culture, lifestyle and spirituality. There are also sculptures of Australian animals.
Don't miss: the audio tour brings the sculptures and Ricketts' thoughts on them to life. Hire on site for $5 or download to your MP3 player at home and bring it with you.
ADDRESS: Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong.
MORE INFORMATION: parkweb.vic.gov.au
WOODLANDS HISTORIC PARK
Step back in time and explore a sliver of landscape that's changed little since European settlement. The park has a 150-year-old homestead, Indigenous canoe trees, and native woodland and grassland. Clamber among the granite boulders on Gellibrand Hill and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, bay, Great Dividing Range and Melbourne Airport. The fenced "Back Paddock" is home to kangaroos, birds, and the threatened Eastern Barred Bandicoot. You'll also find retired racehorses, including Fields of Omagh and Doriemus, in the front paddocks.
DON'T MISS: The Murrup Gurrong Yan (Spiritual Creek Walk), a 2.5km trail that starts across the footbridge from Somerton Rd Picnic Area.
MORE INFORMATION:http://ift.tt/KoMbqI
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