From bustling markets to jaw-dropping views and encounters with wildlife, Melbourne’s many attractions are guaranteed to surprise and delight MELBOURNE ZOO
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET Known affectionately as the ‘Queen Vic’, this market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. Offering everything from fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood to clothing, souvenirs and jewellery, you’re sure to find a bargain. Do as the locals do and visit early in the day to get your pick of the produce. Treat yourself to a gourmet delicacy from the historic Dairy Produce Hall, join a behind-the-scenes tour or try a famous hot jam doughnut. qvm.com.au
MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL Reach for the sky with a ride on the Melbourne Star. The fully-enclosed observation wheel takes visitors on a 30 minute ride offering extraordinary views of up to 40 kilometres of the city and surrounds, including Port Phillip Bay and as far away as Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges. Audio
commentary and information panels provide facts on Melbourne’s history, culture and eccentricities. melbournestar.com
EUREKA SKYDECK 88 Get a bird’s eye view of Melbourne from Eureka Skydeck 88, the highest public viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. Ride one of the fastest lifts in the world to arrive at the Skydeck, where you’re rewarded with expansive views of Melbourne. Test your mettle on The Edge – a glass cube suspended almost 300 metres above the ground. The truly fearless can step out onto The Terrace and feel the elements from on high. Use the interactive Serendipity Table to explore Melbourne’s history, and visit the Edge Shop for souvenirs and tickets. eurekaskydeck.com.au
SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM Home to over 10,000 animals, including one of the world’s largest saltwater crocodiles, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is made up of twelve wonderful underwater worlds. The Bay of Rays hosts the world’s only display of Elephant Sharks, while the Coral Caves boast extraordinary marine animals from the depths of the ocean. If you’re feeling brave you can swim with great white sharks in the Mermaid Garden, or keep it low key and check out the collection of seahorses and seadragons at Seahorse Pier. For a truly memorable experience, suit up in Antarctic snow gear and meet the King and Gentoo penguins and their keepers. melbourneaquarium.com.au
TEXT: CASSY POLIMENI / IMAGES: VISIONS OF VICTORIA
Just minutes from the CBD, Melbourne Zoo is a window into countless other worlds with over 300 species of animals in residence, each in their natural habitat. See majestic Asian elephants at play, watch orangutans swing through the trees and visit the Gorilla Rainforest. Head down the bush track to see unique Australian wildlife or go underwater at Wild Sea, the zoo’s biggest exhibit, where you can watch penguins and seals at play. Keeper talks give you a chance to learn more about the zoo’s residents, or book a Wild Encounter to get up close and personal with your favourite animal. zoo.org.au/melbourne
