Arguably one of most beautiful botanic gardens in the world and the perfect place for a relaxin picnic with a view. It displays more than 50,000 plants and is undisputedly one of Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions. Definitely worth a visit on a sunny day in Melbourne.

Once known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd, the Convent provided refuge for vulnerable women, children and orphans. Nowadays, the convent building and formal gardens play host to events and festivals, workshops and classes, music and theatre performances, and in summer, outdoor cinema. Located on a bend of the Yarra river, the historic site features beautiful and eerie gothic spires of the convent, lush lawns, secluded courtyards and a meticulously restored formal garden. Entry is also free and the garden is open late. Have a beer or even join a team of gardening volunteers.

In the middle of the Øresund strait, right between Sweden and Denmark, lies the idyllic island of Ven. The astronomer Tycho Brahe was gifted the whole island by King Fredrik II after he discovered a new star in the Cassiopeia constellation. Here he constructed one of the most interesting buildings of the time: the Uraniborg castle, a subterranean observatory called Stjerneborg and a renaissance garden. The New Church of Ven has now been turned into a museum, the garden has been renovated, and in the observatory you can watch a light and sound show. The light in Ven is said to have a unique quality, which has attracted many an artist and ceramist to the island. Take a tour among the studios and workshops, and meet with sculptors and silversmiths along the way. Ven is a small island, and the best way to get around is by bike, which you can easily rent when you get off the ferry.