Teach your kids about the wild world the best way possible: getting up-close-and-personal with the feathery, furry and scaly kind.
1. Meet the devils – Monarto Zoo, SA
Your little devils can meet Tasmania’s endangered ones with Monarto’s Devilish Native Experience , which takes you into the exclusive breeding facility for one of Australia’s most troubled animals.
Tassie devils at Monarto Zoo (photo: Dave Mattner).
Experience feeding time for the Tasmanian devils and also learn about Monarto’s conservation efforts in saving the black-footed rock and mainland tammar wallaby, brush-tailed bettong and bilby.
Prices start from $65 for non-members; ages 6+.
Address: Old Princes Hwy, Monarto South SA
2. Play with platypuses – Healesville Sanctuary, VIC
This is a world first! ‘Wade with the Platypus’ is a fabulous encounter for kids interested in one of Australia’s mysterious egg-laying mammals.
Who wouldn’t want to see a beautiful platypus?
Offered at Healesville Sanctuary , children will be briefed by keepers before jumping into waders and venturing into the play pool.
Here they’ll be able to pat, play and feed the platypuses in a safe environment. $199; ages 12+.
Address: Badger Creek Rd, Badger Creek VIC
3. Feed seahorses – Beauty Point, TAS
Is there anything cuter than a baby seahorse?
Like no other experience we’ve heard of, Seahorse World has it all, allowing kids to learn about the lifecycle of the seaweed-dwelling creatures with a glance into the seahorse farm.
One of Seahorse World’s fascinating displays (photo: Rob Burnett).
The Kids’ Discovery Program has your children feeding the baby seahorses and sharks, and handling hermit crabs, star fish and more.
$15 per person (adults welcome); ages 4–10.
Address: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point TAS
4. Make feathery friends – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, QLD
Each school holidays the Creature Keeper program focuses on a different species – in April, it’s all about birds.
Designed for young adults, they will gain access to behind-the-scenes areas, learn about how each enclosure is designed to house its feathery occupants, what foods they eat, watch how the keepers follow chick development within the egg, meet a wedge-tailed eagle and have their photograph taken beside one of the sanctuary’s wonderful birds.
Two-day course from $135; ages 12–17.
Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD
5. Be a zookeeper for a day – Australia Zoo, QLD
Kids can live out their ‘When I grow up’ fantasies and see the real side of zookeeping at Australia Zoo on this day-long adventure.
Be a zookeeper for a day at Australia Zoo!
They can spend the morning with a variety of animals such as resident Aldabra tortoises, Igloo and Goliath, as well as rhinoceros, giraffe and binturong, to name a few.
Each program is unique, so be prepared to care for some unlikely creatures. $85 per person; all ages.
Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD
6. Rendezvous with reptiles – Australian Reptile Park, NSW
Spiders and snakes and crocs, oh my! If your child likes creepy crawlies, then this is the program for them.
Tawny owl feeding at the Australian Reptile Park.
The Australian Reptile Park lets its littlest keepers see the ‘off display’ reptile room, handle lizards and snakes and observe spider-milking.
They also get to meet Hugo the tortoise, play with Tassie devil babies, interact with Tawny owls and much more. $70 per child; ages 8–12.
Address: 69 Pacific Hwy, Somersby NSW
7. Have an exotic encounter – National Zoo, ACT
Imagine this for show and tell: ‘I got up-close-and-personal with a lion, met a brown bear, hand-fed a giraffe, patted a rhino, and held a python, all in one day!’
The Zooventure at Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium is two hours of rare animal encounters that average zoo visitors can only dream of.
There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.
The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.
If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.
Where to stay
The Westin Melbourne
View the city from above in your suite.
Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.
Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.
Where to eat and drink
1. Allegro
Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.
The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.
2. Lobby Lounge
Step into the Lobby Lounge.
Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .
The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.
For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.
3. Other places to dine
There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.
Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.
Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.
While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.
Things to do
1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces
Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.
A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.
If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.
3. Catch some live music
Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.
Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.
4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG
Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)
The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.
Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.
5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre
Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.
Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.
