Churches and Cathedrals in Victoria

"Where St Paul's Cathedral sits is the site of Melbourne's first Christian service, held in 1835. The block was then used as a corn market until St Paul's Cathedral was constructed in 1891. Since then it's been a significant piece of Melbourne's identity."

"With such highlights included on the tour itinerary as St. Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square, Chinatown, Parliament House and much more, you're sure to get a true taste of the diversity that Melbourne is all about."

"The Mission to Seafarers, Victoria, active from 1857, has operated since 1917 from the heritage-listed building, 717 Flinders St, on the banks of the River Yarra. The Mission is highly regarded for its long and continuing service to those who live and work at sea. Guided tours available or casual visits are welcome 365 days of the year, refreshments available."

"From here it’s a 15 minute cab ride (or 30 minutes by tram) to St Kilda beach, where you can stroll along the esplanade and historic St Kilda Pier, and enjoy a cake at one of Acland Street's famous patisseries. AfternoonFrom St Kilda it's a half hour tram ride back to the city centre. Visit Australia's oldest gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), which hosts a wide range of local and international artists, exhibitions and events. Or you may like to see Melbourne from a new perspective aboard a cruise along the Yarra River."

"Melbourne’s most famous beach is perfect for a quick afternoon trip to the beach, and you can conveniently combine it with a visit to Luna Park (for the kids) or a dine and wine along Carlisle Street. In fact, St Kilda in itself has a lot to offer that will put it in one of the top positions for families visiting Melbourne. The Botanical Gardens, Catani Gardens, the historic Palais Theatre and the Esplanade Markets on Sundays are perfect to keep the whole family entertained."

"The calm waters of Elwood Beach make it great for swimming, and sometimes there’s enough surf for some boogie boarding. There’s the Bayside Trail bike and running track if you fancy a walk or cycle, plus cafes a’plenty. Getting there: Elwood Beach is 9km from the city centre."

"A little bit further south, Elwood Beach comes with plenty of parking and is less crowded than its famous neighbour St Kilda. Elwood has a great beachside vibe with quaint little shops and cute cafes. The promenade is great for prams and scooters."

"Werribee Open Range Zoo offers families an African adventure close to home. Kids will love to check out the rhinos whose survival is under serious threat, you can come face-to-face with a pride of lions in a dramatic savannah landscape at Lions on the Edge, and you can even take a Family Off Road Safari- ride around in a protected car as you get super close to giraffes, hippos, zebras, and ostriches. For more information, visit their website."

"Visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo Once back down at ground level, head to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium to discover the amazing range of creatures from a variety of seascapes including the depths of Antarctica, Rivers, Reefs and the weird and wonderful that live further down below the ocean's surface."

"Go on an African adventure with the kids and take them on a safari tour they will never forget. Gorillas, giraffes, zebras, lions, and hippos are all part of the animal family. But you must’ miss the kangaroos either!"

"Located in the heart of the city on the Northbank of the Yarra River, Signal is the last surviving signal box in Flinders Street Station. Once decommissioned, Signal has been converted into a creative studio for young people using simple environmental design concepts. Until your next visit, have a look-see at this creative hub online."

"Can't decide?" ($22) swoops in for the rescue: house-made granola, toast and OJ, plus a couple of the brunch tapas that are a highlight here. You might luck onto Korean-fried short rib, braised wild mushrooms or crispy spuds with preserved lemon mayo. The experience: Walking in feels arriving at a friend's place."

"Marketto is an organic food & produce Market which takes place in the courtyard of Sweet Caroline Hairdressing Salon. Each Market there is a beautiful range of organic fruit and vegetables from Makin' Groceries, as well as a variety of other producers and makers such as local honey from The Urban Beekeeper, mushroom kits from Fungi Culture, organic baby food, olive oil, cakes and preserves."