Around Melbourne - interesting suburbs, unique attractions

After less than an hour's drive, you can be pulling levers in a science museum, touring a mansion, admiring avant garde art, strolling among roses or spotting zebras on safari.

Montsalvat
These hand-crafted buildings were built between 1934-1970. The complex houses a colony of working artists and artisans who sell their wares.
Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 9439 8771

Museum of Modern Art at Heide
This gallery, celebrating the work of Australia's early modernists, is about 15km north-east of the CBD. You can picnic in the sculpture garden or dine in the restaurant.
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen;
Open Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat, Sun 12-5pm
Ph: 9850 1500

RAAF Museum
This museum offers an insight into the history of military aviation in Australia. Aircraft displays are complemented by a multi-media gallery.
Point Cook (Point Cook exit on Melbourne-Geelong freeway)
Open Tue-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm
Ph: 9256 1236

Scienceworks Museum
A hands-on science and technology museum that will keep kids entertained for hours. Be sure to visit the Melbourne Planetarium with its digitally-rendered planet show. The adjacent Spotswood Pumping Station is listed by the National Trust and houses giant old steam pumps.
Booker Street, Spotswood
Open daily 10am-4:30pm
Ph: 9392 4800

The Mansion at Werribee
Located on the banks of the Werribee River, 30 minutes drive from the CBD, this imposing building is an example of 19th-century pastoral wealth set amid splendid, manicured gardens.
K Road, Werribee;
Open daily 10am-5pm
Ph: 131 963

Victoria's Open Range Zoo
More than 200 hectares with freely roaming giraffes, zebras, antelopes, rhinoceros and hippopotamus. This zoo prides itself on showing animals in natural surroundings. Take a 50-minute guided safari or view natural enclosures with cheetahs, monkeys and ostriches.
K Road, Werribee;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 9731 9600
www.zoo.org.au