Outdoor Activities in Inner East (Melbourne)

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.

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.

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.

Global Ballooning Pty Ltd

See the world's most livable city from above! Enjoy a one hour, sunrise hot air balloon flight, buffet champagne breakfast at the Hilton on the Park, complimentary transfers to and from your hotel, winery tasting vouchers, in-flight photos and postcards, and white glove service. This unique adventure activity is an active morning outdoors starting before sunrise; so wear warm layered clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, sturdy shoes, warm socks, a cap, and sun glasses. Flights depart dail, and if you book online you will receive a discount. Gift vouchers are also available. This is a very special way to see a very special city. 

Fire Services Museum of Victoria

A visit here will delight youngsters who want to grow up to be fire-fighters. The original headquarters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade now houses a display showing the history of fire fighting in Melbourne. Adults too, will be interested in the horse drawn manual fire pumps and the old uniforms, helmets and fire engines. This is a display of state-of-the-art fire trucks. Here children can climb on the trucks and see the equipment in action.

Collingwood Children's Farm

Located only five kilometers from the city center, this farm gives urban kids a real hands-on country experience. Cows, pigs, horses, chickens, lambs and even a donkey are all there large as life and just as smelly! It is a great opportunity to show your little ones where milk and eggs come from before they get to the supermarket shelves. Farm staff are happy to answer questions and will let children touch most of the animals. There are various activities like the milk taking session that take place at a specified time. You can get all the information of the events here from their website. There is a kiosk or you can bring a picnic lunch.

Brighton Golf Course

When you see a golfer salivating about the prospect of playing on a course in the sand belt region of Melbourne, it is because that is where the city's best layouts are located. Brighton Golf Course is one such place. It is open seven days a week, while the Brighton Golf Academy has PGA qualified instructors to teach you the finer points of the game, which has often been described as a good walk spoiled. Admission: The cost for lessons ranges from AUD30 for a half hour lesson to AUD240 for five 60 minute lessons.

Buzy Kids at Chelsea Heights

Your 'busy kids' will find plenty to stimulate and challenge them in this warehouse converted into a play center. In the toddlers area there is a mini-castle, ball pit and soft foam animals to ride on or hug. Older children will be fascinated by the climbing structures built like a maze, with lots of tunnels and ramps to stretch their imagination as well as their limbs. There are private rooms available for parties, with food, balloons, lolly bags and cakes provided by prior arrangement.

Malvern Valley Golf Course

Malvern Valley Golf Course is one of the easiest to find if you have not been to Melbourne before. Adjacent to the Monash Freeway and located in the Gardiners Creek Valley, it is only a short trip from the central business district. The course is a par 67 architect-designed layout that provides a true test of skill, with superb greens all year round. The dress code is neat casual. A bar, bistro and function center are all open to the public. Bookings are strongly recommended. The Course is open on all days from 6a to dark.

Wattle Park Golf Course

Wattle Park Golf Course has been in the Surrey Hills area for more than half a century now. The beautiful fairways, neatly mowed greens, amazing wildlife and the view of the city are the factors that make up the popularity of this golf course. Watch out for the special competitions held here and do visit the pro shop. Professionals are on the job through the week, so hone your golfing skills and tee off.