A visit to Melbourne is a trip to an exciting coastal city with many attractions. It is a city with a diverse cultural and social scene and is home to many museums, theatres, and parks. Some of the most popular Melbourne attractions include the Melbourne Zoo, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the City Circle Tram. There are also a number of other interesting places to visit in the city when you fly into Melbourne with Cathay Pacific. These include the IceBar, Moonlight Cinema, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s largest art gallery. It was founded in 1861 and now has a world class collection of over 70,000 works. The Gallery is located in two buildings in Melbourne. One building houses the international collection, while the other contains Australian art.
In addition to its permanent collections, the NGV hosts a range of events and tours. It is also one of the most visited galleries in Australia.
Whether you are a first time visitor or an art lover, the National Gallery of Victoria is sure to inspire you. Visitors can explore a diverse selection of contemporary and historic exhibitions. There are free guided tours and talks as well as programs for kids and teens.
The Gallery has a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year. Some special exhibits may require a fee. These include a Caravaggio painting exhibit, Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse, and Rembrandt.
The building that houses the international collection is a Victorian Heritage Register site. A large number of works are owned by the Felton Bequest, and have been donated by wealthy citizens. Other collections include Egyptian artifacts, historical European ceramics, prints and drawings, and Mesoamerican art.
While the international collections are housed in the main building, the Australian collection is housed in the Ian Potter Centre. This building is designed by Lab Architecture Studio, and opened in 2002.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is one of the most popular attractions in Victoria. It has been a part of the city’s cultural life for over 170 years.
This 94-acre garden is known for its diverse plant collections. There are more than 8,500 different types of plants found here. Among these are native and exotic varieties.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is a great place for picnics and to connect with nature. There are shaded benches and pathways around the gardens. You can also enjoy a punting boat ride on the Ornamental Lake.
During your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can take part in a Climate Watch Walk, which focuses on how the gardens respond to climate change. Other activities include guided walks, environmental workshops, and games.
Visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the area on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, which is led by a member of the indigenous aboriginal community. They can also explore the ancestral lands of the Kulin tribe, which used to reside in this area.
Other notable features of the Royal Botanic Gardens include Guilfoyle’s Volcano, an historic water reservoir. After a restoration project, the volcano now boasts stunning views of the Melbourne skyline. The cacti and low water use plants surrounding it also contribute to the unique landscape.
Another unique feature of the Royal Botanic Gardens is the Plant Craft Cottage. Open on the third Sunday of the month, this workshop offers an interactive opportunity to learn about the various uses of plants.
Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo. It features more than 300 species of animals from around the globe. Aside from the animals, the zoo has several exhibits that offer visitors an interactive experience. Besides the usual suspects, the zoo also features a trail that mimics the environment of the wild.
Visiting the Melbourne Zoo is a great way to spend a day with the family. There are many activities to keep you and your kids entertained, including the new Wild Encounters program. You can also explore the various flora and fauna of the area by taking a stroll through the lush rainforests.
One of the highlights of the Melbourne Zoo is the Wild Sea. The area features a pier and sand dunes where you can watch marine life such as penguins and seals play.
The zoo is also home to the Orang-utan Sanctuary, which is the tallest treetop home in the country. Visitors can get a glimpse of these majestic creatures by signing up for a guided tour.
The zoo is located on the outskirts of Melbourne’s central business district. Getting there is easy by car or by train. Alternatively, you can take the tram 58, which stops outside the zoo.
During the winter months, the zoo is less crowded and therefore offers a more enjoyable experience. Another advantage is that the zoo is free to visit on weekends and holidays.
Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema is Australia’s favourite outdoor movie experience. It’s located in the Royal Botanic Gardens and offers a unique combination of cult classics and global blockbusters. The movie theater is perfect for the whole family.
Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time or you’ve been there a million times, there are a few things to know about the venue. One of these is that it offers an array of food trucks, so it’s a good idea to bring a picnic rug.
Another is that it’s dog friendly. You can even bring your pet to the screening.
The venue also features a candy bar. If you’re a fan of sweets, this is a must-see!
Aside from the candy bar, the site also offers free popcorn. There’s a food truck on the site and you can even get a bean bed for your pet.
This venue is perfect for families and those who enjoy a good old-fashioned outdoor movie experience. It’s also one of the largest drive-in cinemas in Australia.
As of the writing of this article, the venue is open seven days a week. During the summer months, the screenings start at sundown and finish as early as nine o’clock.
Although it may not be the most well-known or the most impressive outdoor movie experience in Melbourne, Moonlight Cinema is an entertaining venue that’s worth checking out.
IceBar
Located in the heart of Melbourne, IceBar is a unique experience. It is the only venue of its kind in Australia. It provides a sub-zero drinking experience. You can also take part in some fun games and photo ops.
IceBar is open daily from 11am to 7pm. Admission includes a complimentary cocktail. If you want to snag a seat, you’ll have to get in early. The bar is surrounded by over 30 tons of expertly sculpted ice, which makes for an enjoyable and exciting hour.
To make the most of your time, you’ll need to get into the Melbourne Ice Bar with some clothing and a sense of adventure. They are a fun destination for kids and adults alike. This is a fun way to spend the day with the family.
One of the more unusual features of the IceBar is the novelty luge that delivers your drinks. For a small entry fee, you can have a fun-filled ride. You can also enjoy one of the many icy cocktails.
While you’re there, check out the ice hockey table and giant avalanche jenga. There’s even a cool-looking ice cube shaped ice sculpture of a famous movie character.
Although there are plenty of other bars and lounges in Melbourne, IceBar offers a little more than just drinks. They have a menu of icy cocktails and novelty items to satiate your sweet tooth.