Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Portarlington

"Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens are simply glorious. From the air, the 94-acre spread evokes a giant green lung in the middle of the city. Drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually, the gardens are considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping in the world. You'll find a global selection of plantings and endemic Australian flora. Mini ecosystems, such as a cacti and succulents area, a herb garden and an indigenous rainforest, are set amid vast lawns."

"Another one of the nice places to go with kids Melbourne offers is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located in Melbourne CBD is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria which spans over 94 acres and is home to over 10,000 species of native and exotic plants. Various activities are available within the gardens, including a guided tour of the Wurundjeri people’s land where you taste Indigenous food straight from the garden on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk."

"The Botanic Gardens are simply stunning and a joy to explore. Kids will love the Ornamental Lake where you can take them on a punt cruise around the bays and islands. Highlights include the stunning Guilfoyle’s Volcano and the Tropical Glasshouse."

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"The Shrine of Remembrance (commonly referred to as The Shrine) is a war memorial built in honour of the men that fought in World War I. It now functions as a memorial for all Australians who have been sent to war. The Shrine was built during the great depression and construction relied heavily on public contributions."

"The Old Melbourne Gaol operated from 1824 to 1929, and was the scene of 133 hangings, including that of the notorious gang leader, Ned Kelly. Now it’s open as a museum and allows you to walk through the cells, see the stocks and learn about its grisly past. They operate day tours and ghost tours."

"One of the most interesting historical sites in Melbourne is the Old Melbourne Gaol. It was in use from 1842 to 1929 and was ‘home’ to some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including bushranger Ned Kelly. Oh, the stories it could tell!"

"Created to reach for the sky, nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe inspiring view of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. The Skydeck features thirty viewfinders that help visitors to pinpoint numerous significant landmarks around all parts of Melbourne, along with several free binoculars. Tommy Ooi’s Traveling Tips"

"Eureka Tower – offers stunning views from the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, Eureka Skydeck at 297 metres/88 floors. I recommend going up just on sun down so you experience Melbourne by day and as it slips into night."

"As the birthplace of Aussie Rules Football and the site of such famous venues as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena and Flemington Racecourse, a sports tour of Melbourne will let you get a behind-the-scenes look at these world class sporting venues. You'll visit famous sights including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena as well as the National Sports Museum to see memorabilia and learn about the city and the country's history and love of sport."

"Melbourne loves sports - and the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the sports capital of the nation. Commonly referred to as ‘The G’ it is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and the 10th largest in the world. Founded in 1853 by the Melbourne Cricket Club, the MCG has since hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics, two cricket world cups, and The Commonwealth Games."

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"Popular with joggers and dog walkers, Albert Park Lake is a lovely place for a golden hour stroll. From the far end of the lake (furthest away from the city) there is a really nice view of the skyline. As the sun starts to set it bathes the city in golden light."

"Keep your cameras at the ready if you can make it to the Brighton Bathing Boxes before sundown – the backdrop of 82 distinctive bathing boxes on the foreshore of Brighton Beach makes for some iconic photos. After all, you can’t really say you’ve been to Melbourne without a shot of yourself featuring a bathing box that best complements your personality, can you?"

"The Southbank of many cities is often the cultural hub of life, and Melbourne’s Southbank is no exception. Spend an afternoon wandering along the Yarra River and meander across the many bridges, complete with various artworks. One such installations on Sandridge Bridge displays metal statues titled ‘The Travellers’ – a fitting title for a tourists’ day out!"

"Located right next to South Yarra Railway Station, the burgers here are inspired by sunny Los Angeles. L.A. Burger is a relatively new player in the Melbourne burger scene. What makes this place so special is not only the fresh and inviting brioche buns but also the juicy and flavourful meat patties."

"If you are looking for some really yummy food, don’t miss the Cuff Food + Wine. While this place is open for lunch and dinner too (so if you miss breakky never fear) they have some really awesome breakfast options including totally amazing Acai Bowls. Their muffins are a bit of a vibe too."

"There’s so much more than pizza on offer at Bay Beach Pizza & Pasta in Port Melbourne. Cosily located on Bay Street, diners can sit alfresco and soak up warming rays under red market umbrellas, or din..."

"Vue de Monde has been a Melbourne institution of dining luxury for almost 20 years. There’s one set menu which changes daily, with each dish brought out and explained to you by any one of the notoriously charming chefs. Set in one of the most gorgeous locations imaginable; the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building, if you get there at the right time of day, you can feel the sunset over you and watch the Melbourne city skyline transform.The food: Native Australian with a side of theatrics.The cost: $310pp chef’s menuHow to order: Book here"

"Shannon Bennett’s luxe restaurant began in an out-of-the-way Carlton terrace house way back at the dawn of the millennium, before relocating to a CBD laneway. In 2011, Vue De Monde settled into the Rialto tower’s 55th floor and recently scored two hats in the 2020 Good Food Guide. Take in the city views through walls of glass, then ponder the similarly breathtaking menu."