Top Rated Parks to Visit in Dandenong

"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!"

"Birrarung Marr is a three terraced park that connects the central business district in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and the Yarra River. Strewn with grassy knolls, river promenades, this garden adds up immensely to the beauty of Melbourne. The central attraction of this garden is the middle terrace that you can take up the scenic route to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) via the ‘talk...Read more"

"Birrarung Marr Park with its weird sculptures is perfect for children that love to escape to fantastical places. The installation celebrates the diversity of Victoria’s indigenous culture by interpreting stories through public artworks. A winding pathway acknowledges the significance of the eel as a traditional food source."

"If you’re a Melbournian, you would’ve set foot inside Birrarung Marr at some stage for a concert or some kind of foodie or cultural event. It would be completely un-Melbournian of you if you haven’t. The city would probably disown you."

"A perfect spot if you are getting married at Leonda by the Yarra and want to stay in the immediate area for photos. Just take a short stroll through the car park, past the oval and there’s a beautiful green area complete with a shady bridge – just keep an eye out for dog walkers :)"

"A perfect stroll for weddings held at Doyles Bridge Hotel and Windows on the Bay, although we’d suggest getting a lift back to Doyles if you can arrange it. White sand, flat blue water and some garden area to hide in – even the toilets are picturesque."

"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"

"This delightful crescent-shaped beach is about 350m long and is generally safe for swimming and for snorkelling. Do check with the surf life saving club if you are keen to find the best swimming and snorkelling spots. Getting there: Half Moon Bay Beach is about 20km from the city centre."

"Once used as the offices for the state’s Treasury Department, the Old Treasury Building was turned into a museum in 1994 and has a series of exhibitions about the formation of Melbourne and other significant periods of the city’s history. There are interesting displays about topics like the Gold Rush, Melbourne as the national capital, and the stories of the governor. Temporary exhibitions are also held on other topics."

"Australia’s rich maritime history unravels through the Polly Woodside ship that has preserved antiquity in its bowels. The ship was launched in Belfast in 1885, and had sailed 1.5 million kilometres around the globe. Today, it is located in Melbourne's South Wharf precinct and is one of the major attractions of the city."

"Polly Woodside is a three-masted iron-hulled barque, built in Belfast in 1885. She carried coal, nitrate, and wheat between Britain and South America, then cargo in the New Zealand trade. She became a coal hulk in 1923, and was used as a service lighter in WWII in New Guinea."

"A museum ship is a perfect hands-on experience that will delight kids of all ages. In Melbourne, have a look at the Polly Woodside which can be found at 21 South Wharf Promenade. The ship is 130 years old and has circumnavigated the world 17 times!"

"The geometric, zinc-clad home of Melbourne art collectors Charles and Leah Justin doubles as the Justin Art House Museum. Book ahead for a private tour of the couple's dynamic collection of contemporary art, consisting of more than 250 pieces amassed over four decades. There's a strong emphasis on video and digital art, with the works rotated regularly. Guided tours take around two hours. The house was designed by the couple's daughter, Elisa."

"78 Williams Rd, Prahran, Stonnington, Victoria 3181 AustraliaEuropean, Australian, ContemporaryLunch, DinnerSeating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+61 3 9525 2178http://www.woodlandhouse.com.au/"

"The scene:Woodland House is the place to go when you want the traditional fine dining ambiance. Expect perfectly-pressed crisp linen tablecloths, pale grey walls, very polite wait staff and a pretty garden view through the over-sized windows that could trick you into thinking your dining in an old English cottage. But although the atmosphere can feel a bit formal and proper, the food is anything but."

"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"

"Style / Ambiance: Featured among Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Restaurants in the World, Vue de Monde is a fixture on Melbourne’s fine dining scene. Chef Shannon Bennett serves four- and 10-course tasting menus in a recently renovated dining room situated 55 stories above the city. Those looking for an extra exclusive experience should book the Dom Perignon Room, a Joost Baker-designed private space that seats up to 14 guests."