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While one of the first stops for the wild life tourist is the Phillip Island Nature Park, there are other must-see items for the nature enthusiast. The Open Range Zoo at Werribee is thirty minutes from Melbourne and is open every day of the year (9-5pm). The zoo is spread over 200 hectares of grassy plains and features rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, cheetahs and more. The animals are from Africa, Asia and of course Australia and it is possible to see hippos wallowing in waterholes while kangaroos graze nearby. There are 50 minute guided safari tours available for up close and personal views of the animals. There is the usual visitors centre and safari shop. The Healesville Sanctuary (open 9-5pm) is on (appropriately enough) Badger Creek Road in Healesville and is 40 minutes from Melbourne. This zoo has more than 200 species of native birds, mammals and reptiles. Here kangaroos, emus and other birds may be seen in their natural habitat. Those who do not wish to venture from Melbourne and who prefer maritime exhibits will be fascinated by the Melbourne Aquarium on the corner of Queenswharf Road and King street. This is an interactive experience and a visitor can walk through billabongs, mangrove swamps, coral atolls, rock pools and down even a transparent tunnel– where sharks and giant stingrays may be see swimming by. The shark dives are always popular and those who fancy the idea of swimming with the sharks– naturally this is not for everyone. |