Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) 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 long avenues of trees are gorgeous, and it’s also just a lovely shady spot to hang out with your bridal party. This can be a busy spot in November and March, but that’s for good reason. It’s got lots of open spaces as well as little hideaways where you can get away from the world too."

"Visit the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens for somewhere unique in Melbourne – it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest existing exhibition buildings in the world. The building hosts various exhibitions and events in all areas of interest, of which price for each will vary so check out what’s on before visiting. Regardless, a simple walk around the outside provides a moment to admire the restoration work on this wonderful building!"

"If you are planning a visit to the Melbourne Museum which is located in the historic Royal Exhibition Building then you can’t walk past the wonderful Carlton Gardens. These gardens are world heritage listed and are well worth a visit in any season. Make sure you check out the ornamental lakes and the fountains (kids love water in action)."

"Firstly you don’t need a permit (yay!) and even if there are lots of visitors in the gardens, there is still lots of space. Our fave spots are the hedge wall and gazebo near the rose garden. Even the public toilets have a great stone wall!"

"The area around St Kilda Pier has to be one of the top places to be in city on a warm and still evening. It’s certainly one of the nicest sunset photography spots in inner-city Melbourne. Tip: Watch the sunset over Port Phillip Bay on a clear evening then head further down the pier to the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Marina to watch the skyline light up."

"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."

"The Conservatory restaurant offers an array of international cuisine, with a series of different culinary stations, each offering a unique dining experience."

"Part of the Saltwater Coast residential development, Crocodile Park is open to everyone with a playground, boardwalk and barbecue area. The playground includes a play structure, and a water play area with a large crocodile at the centre, and a stream running into a wading pool and water jets. Crocodile Park, Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook"

"Murrumbeena Park is home to a huge playground with different zones for different abilities, including a separate toddler area. I particularly love the wooden sculptures and nature play elements. Murrumbeena Park, 37 Kangaroo Road, Murrumbeena"

"All you need is a love of carbs to join this particular club, where the rewards are awe-inspiring breads, pastries and pies. The two Frenchmen behind the venture have worked e at Vue de Monde, Woodfrog Bakery, Tivoli Road Bakery and Baker D. Chirico. Classic sourdough and baguettes are a given, while creative turns results in delights like Banana Split croissants, toffee custard doughnuts and saffron buns."

"And who wouldn't line up for baklava escargot and 'Tirami-choux'?. Follow Bread Club's Instagram for the daily drop of menu items. Think brie pumpkin sourdough sando, pepperoni pizza, chewy choc chip cookies and loaded doughnuts."

"Melbourne is in love with this simple dessert, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on the hype surrounding this Japanese-style cheesecake. One of the joys of Uncle Tetsu’s shop is the simplicity — the store sells a couple of simple variations on the perfect combination of wheat, egg, milk and cheese. A slice of the original signature Japanese cheesecake is melt-in-your-mouth soft and fluffy."

"Displaying the striking collection of Black opals, light opals, boulder opals and other jewelry crafted by artisans, the national opal collection is dedicated to the world of opals!. A treasured collection of Australian Opals, this is where you can observe as well as shop for opal items and souvenir items!. The unique museum educates its visitors with the link between opals and dinosaurs; yes tha...Read more"

"This is a place to see rare opalised fossils and the life-size animal sculptures, and displays of unset opals and jewellery.It is located in 119 Swanston Street."

"If you have kids of varying ages and are looking for Melbourne things to do with kids, then you will love ArtVo!. ArtVo is an art gallery with interactive 3D art where you are encouraged to touch and interact with the artworks. The art is painted on both the floor and walls with various other sculptural elements so you can get among the numerous scenes, photographing yourself and becoming part of the artworks."

"Through emotive exhibitions, Melbourne’s Immigration Museum investigates Victoria’s multicultural identity. Located within Victoria’s Old Customs House, the museum explores the eventful and at time harrowing immigrant stories through exhibits such as Leaving Home, Journeys of a Lifetime and Getting In. The museum also features a Discovery Centre where you can trace your genealogical history and a Tribute Garden."

"Immigration Museum A fascinating exploration into how Australia has been shaped by migrants, this museums tells the story of people who have travelled across the world and ended up in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. It’s an engaging and refreshing set of exhibitions that give you insights about Australia’s multicultural backgrounds."

"An autistic-friendly museum, the Immigration Museum aims at telling the stories of people that have come to Australia one way or the other. Explore with them what it means to leave your home country, look at the different cultures that now call Australia home and follow lots of personal stories. Best of all, kids enter free."