Activities and Attractions

Melbourne offers visitors a large selection of activities and attractions. There is also a Smartvisit Card that can be purchased that allows card holders free admission into over 60 Melbourne attractions. Prices for the Smartvisit Card are as follows: 2 day adult pass $75 (ages 16 and up), 2 day children’s pass $45 (ages 5-15), 3 day adult pass $95, 3 day children’s pass $57, 7 day adult pass $150, 7 day children’s pass $98. Listed below is a sample of some of the activities and attractions located in Melbourne. All prices are listed in American dollars.

 

·        Rialto Towers: As the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere Rialto Towers stands 232 meters in the sky. At the top of the 55^th story there is the Melbourne Observation Deck where visitors can take in 360 views of the city. Free binoculars are provided to visitors and there is a café and souvenir shop located near the observations deck as well. Ticket prices for the Melbourne Observation Deck are as follows: $22 for adults with lunch or dinner and $16 for children 5-15 with lunch or dinner.

·        National Gallery of Victoria: Founded in 1861 the National Gallery is the oldest art gallery in Melbourne. The gallery features paintings and art collections from both local artists as well as international ones. The gallery’s most famous piece of international art is Blue Poles by American painter Jackson Pollock. Admission into the gallery is free but there may be fees involved in entering certain exhibits.

·        Phillip Island: Phillip Island is a great place to encounter penguins, kangaroos, and koala bears. There are several tours available that take tourists on an excursion of the island. Most tours are half day or full day adventures.

·        St. Kilda: St. Kilda is a beach suburb in Melbourne that offers beaches, water sports, night life, restaurants, and shopping. The area is very popular with tourists.

·        Luna Park: Luna Park is an amusement park located in St. Kilda. Admission into the park is free and visitors pay for rides, food, and games once they are inside the park. Park visitors can purchase an unlimited ride ticket which allows unlimited rides. Those tickets can be purchased for $10 (children 3 and under), $18 (children ages 4-12), 26(ages 13 and older, and a family pass can be purchased for $75 for 2 adults and 2 children. Visitors can choose from hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, pizza, and much more inside Luna Park. Rides range from the thrill seeking G Force and Shock Drop to the tamer Ferris Wheel and carousel.

·        Melbourne Zoo: The Melbourne Zoo is a great place to visit while in the city. More than 350 animal species from Australia and all over the world can be found at the 55 acre zoo. Admission prices into the zoo are as follows: $16 for adults 16 and older, $8 for children ages 4 to 15, there are also family passes available for $40 for 2 adults and 2 children, $44 for 2 adults and 3 children, $47 for 2 adults and 4 children, and $50 for 2 adults and 5 children. The zoo also offers a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as several vendors through out the zoo. The zoo is open every day with the exception of Christmas and all public holidays. It opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The Smartvisit Card is accepted at the zoo.

·        Queen Victoria Market: The Queen Victoria Market is a big attraction for both tourists and locals. Visitors can shops for souvenirs, clothing, candles, food, jewelry, and wine. There are also live entertainment acts that appear at the market. The market is open most days from 6am until 2pm.

·        Melbourne Aquarium: Discover an underwater world at the Melbourne Aquarium. The aquarium is home to several species of aquatic life such as clown fish, starfish, turtles, ells, crabs, octopus, jellyfish, Port Jackson sharks, stingrays, and much more. Admission prices are as follows: Adults 16yrs old and older $18, children 4yrs-15yrs $10, family of 2 adults and up to 3 children $45, single family with 1 adult and up to 3 children $32, additional children with family passes are an additional $8 each. The aquarium honors Smartvisit Cards.

·        Her Majesty’s Theatre: This theatre has been bringing entertainment and shows to Melbourne for 120 years. There are several different shows that play regularly at the theatre. For more information on current shows visit their website at http://www.hermajestystheatre.com.au/.

·        Southgate: Located on the south banks of the Yarra River, Southgate offers shopping, dining, bars, and entertainment.

·        Golf: Melbourne offers several area public golf courses that welcome visitors to the city. Most have club rentals with very reasonable prices. There are also golf courses that accept Smartvisit cards.

·        Wineries: The Melbourne area is home to numerous wineries. Visitors can take guided tours of wineries and sample the tastes of the vineyards. Some wineries honor the Smartvisit Card.

·        Sporting Events: There is always a sporting event going on in Melbourne. From Australian football to tennis or cricket sporting fans will never be with out some action while visiting the city.