Top Melbourne Nature Parks

Spot Aussie icons and exotic beasts on a thrilling family-friendly day out at the Serengeti-themed Werribee Open Range Zoo. Hop on an open-window bus for a safari tour and get up close to the wildlife. Then, explore the rest of the park on foot and at your leisure, visiting the different animal enclosures, enjoying zookeeper talks and presentations throughout the day, or making the most of the playgrounds.

A hot air balloon ride offers visitors to Melbourne a new perspective over one of the most beautiful cities in the country. This balloon flight experience is made extra special by departing at dawn, giving travelers stunning views of Melbourne’s cityscape as the sun rises, the perfect addition to an Australian holiday for those seeking something memorable.

Spend a day immersed in the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo. Encounter native species including koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, and local Victorian species such as indigenous penguins and seals splash. Also admire mighty Asian pachyderms at the Trail of Elephants, elegant African zebras and giraffes in open-air habitats, the energetic primates at Lemur Island, an elevated orangutan exhibit, and more.

Soak up spectacular aerial views of Melbourne with a visit to Melbourne Skydeck—the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Look out toward Port Phillip Bay and the rolling Dandenong Ranges in the distance. Thrill-seekers can upgrade to experience "The Edge"—a moving, glass-bottomed cube that hovers over the city streets 88 floors below, or opt for dinner and drinks packages for a special visit.

No trip to Melbourne is complete without a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial that honors Australian service and sacrifice in all wars. Join a guided tour to explore the monument, built after the First World War, and explore its rich history. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the design of the building and the lives of those it commemorates as you discover commemorative spaces and special exhibitions.

Experience your own African safari with an open vehicle adventure at Werribee Open Range Zoo! In this behind the scenes encounter you will meet an expert guide and head off road where you will be completely immersed in the sights, smells and sounds of the Savannah as you travel across the Zoo's open plains spotting rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra and antelopes! Excludes admission - entry needs to be purchased separately.

Lose yourself in a sea of color at ArtVo, an interactive art space in The District Docklands, a short distance from the Melbourne CBD. As visitors explore more than 100 paintings across 11 themed zones, they are encouraged to touch and interact with the art. Take a selfie against angel wings or a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Staff is on hand to help orient you and provide creative inspiration.

Journey through the iconic Australian Bush and meet some unique Koala, Wombat & Bird ambassador species. Meet our mob of kangaroos, the rangers who care for them and if you’re lucky, our charming Tamar and Swamp wallabies. • Embrace the early morning with before-hours access to Melbourne Zoo. • Visit our iconic Australian animals as they wake up for the day. • You'll also hop into the back of house - kangaroo exhibit for an intimate behind-the-scenes experience with our kangaroos.