The Wild Side Of Melbourne

Buzzing along a townscape consisting of Victorian-era buildings and Manhattan-style skyscrapers one might actually forget that Melbourne also boasts botanical gardens, an internationally acclaimed zoo and a state-of-the-art aquarium, all hosting a range of native Australian wildlife, bird and aquatic life. Explore Melbourne the natural way and experience the diversity of Australia's fauna, flora and landscape at some of Melbourne's biggest attractions.

Just 4km from the city centre of Melbourne the award winning Melbourne Zoo offers its visitors the pleasure of viewing over 300 species of animal. Indulge your senses in diverse smells, sights and sounds as you explore the 55 acres of botanic setting landscaped to portray Asian and African rainforest and Australian bush. Discover the lifestyle of elephants, past and present, at the Elephant Village and watch and experience the natural behavior of the orangutans from the tree top at the Orang-utan Sanctuary. The added benefit here is the well trained volunteer guides at the zoo offering complementary guided tours.

The Melbourne Aquarium, with its 360 degree Oceanarium, is the latest addition to aquariums in Australia. Experience live feeding at the Oceanarium where the giant shark and stingrays are housed. Be dazzled by the beautiful Great Barrier Reef display with touch pools, colourful coral and tropical creatures. For the ultimate challenge, take a plunge to meet the sharks face-to-face. This adrenaline-rush-adventure is of course with an experienced diver guide. Located conveniently close to the city, a proper tour of the Aquarium would take at least two hours.

Travel 30 minutes out of Melbourne for an African adventure. The Werribee Open Range Zoo offers an overland expedition through the grassy plains inhabited by hippos, giraffes, antelopes and zebras. For more up-close and personal experiences walk the cheetah and monkey trail, visit Lions on the Edge or just take a Canoe Safari. Over night adventure, including typical African barbeque, camp night and buffet breakfast, can be arranged. Open picnic areas are available for those who wish to relax in the natural surroundings.

Travel 45 minutes out of Melbourne to one of Victoria's most treasured native bushlands. Home to several rare and endangered animal life, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne offer a unique experience of the diversity of Australian flora and fauna in 363 hectares of virgin wetlands, wood lands and heathlands. Walking tracks, amounting to 10km, and a 360-degree lookout tower makes this an ideal place for the nature lovers.

Home to over 12,000 different species of plants the Royal Botanic Gardens are a natural sanctuary for native wildlife. The Gardens feature an Ornamental Lake, and also houses the National Herbarium of Victoria, the Australian Rainforest Walk, the Old Melbourne Observatory and the Water Conservation Garden. Be prepared to invest 2 to 3 hours for a complete tour at medium pace.