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.

Cooks' Cottage
This year is the 250th anniversary of Cooks' Cottage which is the oldest European building in Australia. Known as Captain Cook's Cottage, it was owned and built by the discoverer's parents, James and Grace. It was constructed in 1755 in Yorkshire, England and later purchased and transported to Australia in 1933 by Russell Grimwade. The cottage and grounds celebrate the achievements of Captain James Cook and show visitors what family life was like in an English village of the 18th century. The surrounding Fitzroy Gardens are an excellent setting for the cottage with English style parklands.
The cottage is located on Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.
Ph: 9419 4677

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