Attractions in Inner East (Melbourne)

Polly Woodside Melbourne Maritime Museum

The Belfast-built Polly Woodside ferried coal and nitrate between Europe and South America until 1904 when she was sold to New Zealanders, who renamed her Rona. She then plied the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean until being decommissioned and sold to the Australian National Trust. Teams of volunteers lovingly restored her to her former glory and rechristened her Polly Woodside. She now sits in the only wooden dry dock left in the world and is the center piece of the Melbourne Maritime Museum. Facilities include a gift shop, small cafe, barbecues and picnic areas. NOTE: The museum is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in late 2009.

Parliament of Victoria

The Parliament House of Victoria has remained incomplete throughout several decades. This piece of history lacks a dome, northern wing superstructure and a south-eastern basement envisaged in the original design. Nevertheless, it is a significant piece of mid-19th century civic architecture and an important establishment for modern political debate and decision-making. It is also a symbol of parliamentary democracy. Building commenced in 1855. Evidence of the Victorian Gold Rush of that era can be seen in its interior. The elaborate use of gold is a direct result of this important piece of Australian history.

Hay's Paddock Adventure Playground

Hay's Paddock bills itself as the first community playground in Australia designed for children of all physical and intellectual abilities. It certainly provides stimulation for all senses with lots of interesting things to feel and smell: listening tubes, brightly coloured climbing equipment and even a treehouse with pretend binoculars for birdwatching. Some signs are in Braille and there are special swings suitable for disabled children. The playground takes up one corner of a large area of playing fields, bushland and wetlands that are home to many native birds.

Wattle Park

Generations of Melbourne children have climbed in, out and over the old trams parked here, rather incongruously, in the bushland setting. They are still a major drawcard of this sprawling park, which also comprises a golf course, tennis courts, barbecues and an oval. At the center of the park is the charming Wattle Park Chalet, built in the 1920's and often used for receptions. A newer addition is a well-designed and constructed adventure playground. Apart from the odd traffic noises, it is easy to imagine you are in the bush. A kiosk near the golf course sells light snacks.

Ruffey Lake Park

The local community has created a fantastic park and playground out of a former orchard in this hilly spot in Doncaster. The centre piece is a huge adventure playground built over several levels. This means lots of ladders, steps, ramps, slides and tunnels. In imaginative play the structure could easily double as a pirate ship, space station or fort. Other features include sandpits, swings and monkey bars. Children of all ages and abilities will find something to do here and the sheltered picnic tables are well positioned for adult supervision.

Shopping Spree Tours

Melbourne lays claim to being Australia's shopping capital, but there is more to the city than glossy department stores and boutiques. This guided bus tour takes you into the warehouses and factory outlets of Melbourne's inner suburbs in search of the real bargains. Whether you want fashion, shoes, handbags, leather, knitwear, home ware, watches, toys, chocolates or even electrical appliances there will be something for you to spend your hard-earned cash on! The tour also includes a trip to the Rialto Tower Observation deck for sweeping views over the city, and a two course lunch. The venue is open daily from 8:30 a.m.

Phoenix Park Community Adventure Playground

The local community is rightly very proud of this magnificent adventure playground. The huge, elaborate timber structure resembles a castle or fort with lots of walkways, bridges, lookout towers and so on. Slides, swings, flying foxes and sand pits will also keep the kids busy. There is a low fence all the way around to prevent littlies from running onto the road, although the surrounding streets are fairly quiet. Chadstone Shopping Centre is nearby so if you and the kids need a fresh air break before or after shopping, check out this playground!

Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre

Somewhat incongruously - or perhaps perfectly contiguously - named after a former Australian prime minister who died by drowning, the Harold Holt Center offers pretty much everything for keen swimmers. There is a 50 meter outdoor pool and a 25 meter indoor pool. The indoor section also includes a spa, hydrotherapy pool and learners' pool. During the summer months, the outdoor spa is opened, along with the toddlers' and dive pools. Yoga, massage and self-defense courses are also offered.

The Johnston Collection

Housed in an historic Georgian-style townhouse, The Johnston Collection is a treasury of decorative arts. The collection's pieces come mainly from the Georgian, Regency and French Empire periods and are displayed as if the home is lived in and the objects used by the family. Part of the fun of visiting the museum is the mystery involved. Planning regulations forbid The Johnston Collection to reveal its address, so visitors are collected at Hilton on the Park in East Melbourne and whisked by mini-bus to the museum. Tours last one and a half hours.