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Melbourne parks and Botanic Gardens

The conference is located at Albert Park which is a huge expanse of parkland just outside the city centre. Take the 5km walk around the lake, or cycle around using one of the Melbourne city bikes.

The Domain Parklands are just a 10 minute walk from the north of Albert Park, along Albert Road. The enormous parkland incorporates the Kings Domain, the Shrine of Remembrance, Government House, the Observatory and the Royal Botanic Gardens with plants from all over the world.

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St Kilda

Melbourne’s favourite beachside suburb is a stone’s throw from Albert Park. It can be reached on foot in about 25minutes, or by bus from St Kilda Road. This is a nice place to swim, hang out on the beach or go for food. Little Penguins can be seen at the end of St Kilda pier around dusk.

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Laneways

The lanes off the main city drag are a hive of activity with hole-in-the-wall cafes, trendy restaurants and boutiques. The walls of the laneways off Flinders Lane are covered in murals and impressive street art.

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Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is in fact a memorial to those that died in World War I. It was a massive feat of engineering, carved into the rock of the rugged south coast, connecting up all the settlements along the 243km stretch of coastline. Built by retired servicemen after the war, the project provided them with much needed jobs. The road passes along the gorgeous coastline, but also takes in the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park where you might be lucky enough to see a koala hanging from a Eucalyptus tree. The most famous spot along the road is the 12 Apostles, a rock formation eroded over many millions of years, making 12 stacks out in the ocean.

The 12 Apostles which is towards the end of the Great Ocean Road is 275km from Melbourne. There are day trips starting from Melbourne CBD that take you along the Great Ocean Road and back in one day.

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Yarra Valley Wineries

The undulating hills of the Yarra Valley are not only a magnificent spectacle in themselves, but are abundant with cellar doors selling some of the very best Australian Wines. From tin sheds to glass architectural structures, there are a range of cellar doors and a great array of wine to choose from. There are many tour companies that will pick you up from Melbourne CBD and take you around the Yarra Valley wineries. They usually stop for lunch at a vineyard with a view. For more information, visit the Yarra Valley website.

Image Courtesy of Visit Melbourne

Philip Island

Philip Island is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne, here you can find iconic wildlife, pristine white beaches and hi-octane motor sports. Enjoy endless family activities such as fishing, swimming, water sports and even a chocolate factory. Phillip Island is also home to a large colony of Little Penguins. Visit the Penguin Parade in Ventnor at dusk to see the penguins come in off the surf.

Images Courtesy of Visit Melbourne

National Gallery Victoria

The NGV is an iconic building just across the Yarra River from Melbourne’s CBD. The Gallery houses several established exhibitions as well as a diverse range of temporary works. See the website for the NGV’s programme of events including talks, tours and late-night openings and performances.

Images Courtesy of Visit Melbourne

The Mornington Peninsula

The lifestyle on the Peninsula is much more easy-going than Melbourne city. Just one hour out of Melbourne, the peninsula is a great place for walking, beach time and relaxing in the hot springs. You will find quaint town after quaint town lining the coast of the peninsula, with cafes and restaurants serving locally sourced cuisine and wine from nearby Peninsula vineyards.