World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Melbourne  - Key Attractions
Key Attractions

Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1841 and expanded rapidly during the gold rush. The gaol was the setting for 135 hangings, most famously that of Ned Kelly in 1880. Exhibits include a collection of death masks and Kelly's armour.

Russell Street
Tel: (03) 96 63 72 28. Fax: (03) 96 39 01 19.
Web site: www.vtoa.asn.au/attract/p148.htm
Transport: Museum station; or City Circle Tram to corner Latrobe Street and Russell Street.
Opening hours: 0930-1630 daily.
Admission: A$8 (concessions available).

Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens contain extensively landscaped gardens covering 35 hectares (86 acres) and feature thousands of plants from across Australia and around the world. Free guided walks or self-guided audio walks available.

Birdwood Avenue
Tel: (03) 92 52 23 00. Fax: (03) 92 52 23 50.
Web site: www.rbgmelb.org.au
Transport: Numerous trams along St Kilda Road.
Opening hours: Apr-Oct 0730-1730 daily; Nov-Mar 0730-2030 daily.
Admission: Free.

Rialto Towers Observation Deck

The tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the Rialto Towers Observation Deck offers 360-degree panoramic views of Melbourne and the surrounding areas. The facilities also include a licensed café-bar.

525 Collins Street
Tel: (03) 96 29 82 22. Fax: (03) 96 14 82 31.
Web site: www.vtoa.asm.au/attract/p154.htm
Transport: Spencer Street station; tram 11, 12 or 109.
Opening hours: 1000-2200 Sun-Thurs; 1000-2300 Fri and Sat.
Admission: A$7.50 (concessions available).

National Gallery of Victoria

As part of the Victorian Arts Centre complex, the National Gallery of Victoria houses the premier collection of Australian works through to the present day and frequent special exhibitions focus on different aspects of Australian culture. The gallery will be undergoing extensive renovation from the end of 1999 to 2001 and the collections will temporarily be relocated to the old museum site at the State Library of Victoria.

180 St Kilda Road
Tel: (03) 92 08 02 22. Fax: (03) 92 08 02 45.
Web site: www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Transport: Flinders Street station; or city tram 12.
Opening hours: 1000-1700 daily.
Admission: Free (temporary exhibitions vary).

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Yarra Park is home to the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG, the venue for many national and international cricket matches. The ground contains the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Olympic Museum and Australian Gallery Sport.

Yarra Park, Jolimont
Tel: (03) 96 57 88 79. Fax: (03) 96 50 67 50.
Web site: www.vtoa.asn.au/attract/p143.htm
Transport: Jolimont train station.
Opening hours: (guided tours) 1000 and 1500, not match days.
Admission: A$9.50 (concessions available).

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is Australia's oldest zoo and over recent years has enjoyed large-scale investment to improve facilities for both the resident animals and visitors. There is an African rainforest with gorillas, orangutans, hippos and big cats; a particularly impressive butterfly house; and a bushland exhibit, which is home to many of Australia's native wildlife.

Elliott Avenue, Parkville
Tel: (03) 92 85 93 00. Fax: (03) 92 85 93 50.
Web site: www.zoo.org.au
Transport: Royal Park station; tram 55 Mon-Sat or tram 68 Sun.
Opening hours: 0900-1700 daily.
Admission: A$14.50 (concessions available).

Rippon Lea House Museum & Historic Garden

The grounds of Rippon Lea House are as impressive as the grand nineteenth-century Victorian mansion. Built during the gold rush, the interior of the mansion is also very opulent.

192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick
Tel: (03) 95 32 88 22. Fax: (03) 95 23 69 21.
Web site: www.vtoa.asn.au/attract/p146.htm
Transport: Rippon Lea station.
Opening hours: 1000-1700 Tues-Sun.
Admission: A$8 (concessions available).



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Water
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events