Melbourne's biggest park at 180 hectares, Royal Park is a favourite with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists. Hot air balloons sometimes launch from here on calm mornings, creating a striking scene against the city skyline. The Melbourne Zoo sits within the park and deserves at least half a day.
The Burke and Wills memorial marks the starting point of their ill-fated 1860 expedition to cross Australia from south to north. Large areas of the park have been replanted with indigenous grasses and wildflowers, giving it a more natural feel than Melbourne's manicured inner-city gardens. Tram route 19 runs along the park's eastern edge.