Top Outdoor Activities in Melbourne

Luna Park

Opened in 1912, Luna Park is the most identifiable landmark of St. Kilda with generations of children walking wide eyed through the broad clown's mouth entrance. Although threatened by developers on numerous occasions, it has miraculously remained intact. The charm of Luna Park is its old world character. No comparison can be made to the special effects laden amusement parks around the world. Luna Park relies on spectacular views from the Scenic Railway, the glamor of its historic carousel, and the fact that children still love eating fairy floss! Hours vary seasonally, do check website for further details.

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.

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.

Dandenong Oasis Indoor Aquatic Leisure Centre

There is something for everyone seeking to fulfill their fitness needs 365 days a year at this outer suburban leisure center. The main attractions are the aquatic facilities, including a 50-meter, 10 lane pool, hydrotherapy pool, toddlers pool, 25-meter fun pool with slide, spa and sauna. Those after a more intense workout can exhaust themselves in the gymnasium, equipped with a range of free weights, pin loaded machines and computerized cardiovascular equipment. Aerobics and circuit classes are also held regularly throughout the day. Once you have finished working up a sweat you can relax at the café within the complex.

Box Hill Indoor Sports Centre

If there is any chance of a sport being modified to play indoors, the odds are the Box Hill Indoor Sports Center will have it catered for. The Center runs competitions in indoor cricket, netball, soccer and volleyball (both beach and conventional). Do not worry about being pitted against adversaries you cannot counter, however, because the center manager will thoroughly test you out before throwing you in against some opposition. You can even arrive alone and be placed into a side.

Cliffhanger Climbing Gym

Someone was once asked why they liked to climb mountains. The answer was something along the lines of because they are there. This is an answer that also holds true at Cliffhanger Climbing Gym. The complex, which is only a 15-minute drive from the city center, has more than 1,000 square meters of different climbing surfaces, ranging from easy to very challenging. The feel of outdoor climbing is well replicated, and there are no time limits, so there is no need to rush and injure yourself. The gym also runs tours to various climbing locations around Victoria.

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.

Frankston Pier

Sometimes the best fishing action can be found here after dark. Barracouta are often spotted in large schools between March and June. Place yourself under one of the lights, using whitebait under a float, and if no bites are forthcoming, move on to the next section after 10 minutes. Other fish caught here quite often include flat-head, garfish and rock cod. Bay trout, snook and snapper are also around during the summer months. For younger anglers, good fun can be had in summer just on dusk, when flat-head and small snapper become active near the end of the pier.

Buzy Kids at Mill Park

This indoor playground distinguishes itself from others around Melbourne with its outdoor area set up as a traffic school. Kids can hire bikes or bring their own and make their way around the mini-town, hopefully observing all the traffic rules! Children must bring their own helmets. Inside the center are the usual games, toys, climbing structures and slides. The cafe provides hot and cold food and drink, and a place to rest after all the activity.

AMF Moorabbin Bowl

There are 28 lanes at Moorabbin Bowl, with league bowling during the day and evening. As well as regular leagues there are special teams of Juniors and Seniors-so all age groups can join in the fun of bowling. Visit the pro shop for equipment sales, then grab a snack or drink before or after your game in the restaurant or bar. Kids' parties can be arranged (including balloons, bowling, shoe hire and a choice of two menus).