Travel the Great Ocean Road and beyond and experience one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. See the towering 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks, and misty waterfalls. Discover a diverse array of things to see and do in the region, from outdoor activities such as surfing, scuba diving and sea kayaking to arts, cultural and heritage attractions. Admire the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Walk, get up close to native wildlife at Tower Hill, and explore surf towns and seaside villages. Enjoy fine dining up and down the coast and stock up at local winemakers, dairy farms and fresh proved-ores along the way. The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 243 kilometer stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. One of Australia's most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is a magnificent three-day self-drive touring route from surf capital Torquay to the famous 12 Apostles, ending at historic fishing village Port Fairy.
A short one-hour drive from the Melbourne city sits the beautiful Yarra Valley. Best known for producing excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Valley is home to more than the 120 wineries. Whether you take the family, run away for romance with your partner, or round up some friends, the Yarra Valley is the perfect weekend escape. Float high above the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon for unprecedented views of rolling hills strung with vines, lush greenery, and pastures. With boutique wineries around every bend in the valley, you'll soon be attuned to its charms. Enjoy a meal accompanied by a local wine amid the vines as you travel around. See alternate views of the valley from both inside and outside the curved Tarra Warra Museum of the Modern Art, built to integrate into the landscape. Pick up some winery specials to enjoy a gourmet picnic in the peaceful fern gullies and mountain ash at the Badger Weir Park near Healesville. Venture into the Christmas Hills and Sugarloaf Reservoir. Go bushwalking along the 18-kilometre trail, bird watching, sightseeing, sailing and shoreline fishing. Have a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam overlooking the reservoir.
The Melbourne Zoo is also known as the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, and it is one of the biggest zoological parks in Australia. Located in the Royal Park premises in the Parkville region of Melbourne, the zoo is about 4 km away from the center of the city. It is the primary serving habitat for many animals in Melbourne and is home to more than 320 species of animals. Some of these animal species are native to Australia, but there are many that are native to other parts of the world as well. The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens are an institutional member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association. The gardens are also a part of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, shortly known as the WAZA. A large part of the zoo is inspired by the London Zoo. It was inaugurated in 1862 on the 6th of October. The 55-acre land area for the zoo was donated by the city. Soon after its opening, the zoo became home to many animals that were previously living in the botanical gardens in the city. It is set amidst beautiful gardens and picnic areas and is divided into several bioclimatic zones. The African rainforest zone, for instance, is home to many gorillas, pigmy, hippos, and parrots. On the other hand, the Asian rainforest zone houses animals like otters and tigers. Some of the most popular exhibits in the zoo are The Trails of Elephants, Butterfly House, Orangutan Sanctuary, Australian Outback, and Predator precinct. For animals’ lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this is an unmissable destination in Melbourne.
