Top Rated Parks to Visit in Portarlington

"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."

"Curlew Community Park has play equipment, a sand pit and water pump, basket swing, half basketball court and a track for scooters, roller skates and more. Curlew Community Park, Epsom Street, Laverton"

"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"

"At the time of writing for example there is an enchanting free exhibition about children’s books illustrations. Of course, there is also the typical program of storytelling, bounce and rhyme etc for younger kids that you can make use of. It is always worthwhile to check out the website for the latest program."

"Uni students and city workers alike spend their time hanging out on the lawn. We all know how boring libraries can be, but we guarantee you – this one is anything but!. It was actually one of the first free libraries in the entire world."

"The pedestrianised square is the location of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image; a fascinating and informative space focussed on film and photography across Australia. Admission to ACMI is free to explore and check out their permanent exhibitions, however some temporary events, special exhibitions, or movie screenings may charge a small entry fee. As always, check ahead before visiting!"

"Art enthusiasts often find Melbourne’s cultural and art scene very fascinating. This is probably because the city’s vibrant cultural scene offers a range of top-class galleries, cutting-edge performance art..."

"Located down one of Melbourne’s iconic laneways (which are worth checking out in their own right – maybe as a fun Melbourne date idea?) is Krimper Cafe, one of the best breakfast spots in Melbourne CBD. Thought by many as one of Melbourne’s best hidden gems, it is afterall kinda hard to find, it is definitely worth a visit. If you are into seriously good coffee where the barista’s know really how to hit the spot and fresh breakfast options suitable for the whole family, you really can’t go wrong with this bustling Melbourne cafe located in the heart of Melbs."

"Located in a former wool factory in Footscray, the interior is as inspiring as it gets. The grandeur of There really comes down to its insanely high ceilings with windows to match. Pair that with the bespoke finishes curated to perfection and you have industrial chic at its finest."

"Known as an ancient and elegant dance in China, the Melbourne version of the Flower Drum will light up your taste buds like its Chinese New Year. With a protean menu that changes with the seasons and a philosophy that demands the freshest ingredients and a delicate balance of flavours, the Flower Drum’s many banquet offerings have rightfully staked their claim as some of the best Yum Cha in Melbourne. At the zenith sits the Chef’s five-course signature banquet with matching wines – it will cost you a pretty penny, but it promises to be a dining experience you won’t be forgetting any time soon."

"Named after a traditional Chinese dance, Flower Drum was established by Gilbert Lau, who wanted to create a fine-dining experience where Australians could taste true Cantonese cuisine. Originally opened on Little Bourke Street in 1975, Flower Drum now sits on Market Lane and features a sprawling dining room as well as private rooms ideal for functions. The highly distinguished restaurant is now led by Executive Chef Anthony Lui, who skillfully executes the 13-page menu, ensuring that every guest leaves with their palate abuzz."

"Apart from their amazing take on Cantonese cuisine, flower drum is known for their impeccable cuisine. You won’t find moody or arrogant workers here. Believe me, the incredible service itself qualifies the restaurant’s place on this list."

"While neither of HuTong’s Melbourne locations are Yum Cha in the strict sense of the word, that concern will evaporate when a basket of Xiao-Long-Bao slides under your nose. No matter how you ingest these translucent parcels of heaven, keep in mind that these morsels (as well as other HuTong signatures; pan-fried pork dumplings, chilli wonton) deserve a sizeable chunk of credit for sparking Melbourne’s dumpling fever. Sure, many other joints dishing out Yum Cha in Melbourne do these dishes and do them well, but HuTong sure sets the bar high."

"These slippery bundles of pork swaddled in pale-yellow wrappers, made fiery with chilli oil, are entirely worth the collateral damage they can inflict on your shirtfront. HuTong’s work in this department knows few rivals in Melbourne. If you prefer things a little easier to convey from bowl to mouth, the northern-style spinach dumplings and the airy crystal dumplings packed with prawn meat are more than worthy."

"Pull on your loosest pair of pants and prepare yourself for a ridiculous amount of dumplings. Order up a round of soup dumplings, and if you still want more, follow them with some steamed, gelatinous pork belly."