Recent upgrades to viewing platforms and ramps provide sensational views of the penguins’ beach arrival and parade pathway during the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in Victoria. Photo: Supplied.
Described as one of the world’s “most liveable cities”, Melbourne has a certain laid-back Aussie vibe that’s quite appealing. It also boasts a unique blend of metropolitan intricacy, diverse cultures and natural beauty.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, and Australia’s second-largest city, is known for its vibrant arts, sports, food and coffee scenes, its multicultural community, and much more. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the picturesque Yarra Valley wine region to the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road.
We first ventured out to visit Phillip Island, just 90 minutes south of the CBD. The heritage-listed Flinders Street Railway Station was also a drawcard. Part of the ‘’Garden State’’, the city streets lead to open green spaces with blooms popping up both far and wide. Garden wandering was a lot of fun!
Phillip Island, home to the largest little penguin colony in the world, houses about 40,000 little penguins. In fact, new penguin parade experiences are bringing visitors nearer to nature. Get even closer to the incredible beach waddling spectacle with a range of new eco-experiences. Acquaint yourself with the magic of watching these amazing seabirds waddle home from the ocean to their burrows any night of the year.
Phillip Island Nature Parks has launched a new boardwalk and upgraded premium viewing stands that guide visitors into the heart of the colony via a secluded boardwalk to a special platform, allowing a view of the penguins in their natural habitat.
The heritage-listed Flinders Street Station in Melbourne is Australia’s oldest train station, and one of the busiest suburban railway stations in the Southern Hemisphere. Photo: Rama Gaind.
Within incredible proximity, each night little penguins waddle up Summerland Beach to their burrows. Sightseers were mesmerised witnessing the natural wonder before them! The upgrades deliver safety compliance, accessibility and additional seating to improve the visitor experience.
Nature Parks general manager tourism, Mark Anderson, said demand for nature-based tourism was growing and the new ticketed experiences would take visitors closer to Summerland Beach and ensure the Penguin Parade retained its position as one of the top ecotourism experiences in Australia.
“The penguin parade had an incredible summer season,” he said. “Support from the Victorian Government has enabled the Nature Parks to complete the first stage of critical works as part of a broader project to ensure the penguin parade can remain open for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.”
One of nature’s most beloved homecomings is now easier to see. However, Visit Victoria and Phillip Island Nature Parks advise care should be taken while driving on the island, especially at dawn, dusk and at night when wildlife is most active.
One of the busiest suburban railway stations in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne’s most iconic landmark, Flinders Street Railway Station, has a historical significance. As Australia’s oldest railway station, it’s known for its distinctive architecture, the “meeting under the clocks” tradition, and its role as a major transportation hub. More than 1500 trains and 110,000 commuters pass through each day.
Stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections feature at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Photo: Supplied.
The French Renaissance-style building, with its yellow facade, green copper dome and arched entrance, is a prominent and recognisable feature of the Melbourne skyline. It’s not just a station; it’s a piece of Melbourne’s history, having been in operation since 1854, and was the first city railway station in Australia.
Australia’s oldest train station has famous clocks, particularly those at the main entrance, that over the years have proved to be a popular meeting point. Inside, stalls serving hot food and cold drinks line the concourse, while the upper floors were created specially to house a gym, library, and a lecture hall. Its 708-metre main platform is the fourth-longest railway platform in the world.
Take a break from the hectic pace of the city and discover abundant, leafy gardens. At the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, enjoy stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections. It attracts 1.9 million visitors annually.
Discover old-world charm at Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne. Star attractions are the historic Cooks’ Cottage and the Spanish mission-style conservatory with its magnificent floral displays that are changed five times each year. Other points of interest include a miniature Tudor village, the Fairies’ Tree carved sculpture, fountains and statues, and the Scarred Tree.
Flagstaff Gardens is the perfect spot for a picnic, with its proximity to fresh produce and tasty treats at the Queen Victoria Market.
Heritage-listed Treasury Gardens, Victoria’s oldest public garden, is known for its foliage of conifers and palms and backdrop of elms and oaks.
There’s lots to do on a staycation in Melbourne, from sun-up to sundown, as this vibrant city beckons with myriad things to see, eat and do!
