Moonee Valley is a charming hot spot just outside Melbourne’s CBD. It offers an impressive array of entertaining activities that one cannot simply choose to ignore it. Although it is easily accessible by public transport, choosing Moonee Valley minibus hire for your holiday will make exploring its many fascinating attractions more comfortable and fun.
World-Class Racecourses
There are two famous racecourses in Moonee Valley. The Moonee Valley Racing Club hosts the renowned W.S. Cox Plate every October. It serves as a precursor to the highlight event of the year, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, to be held at the Flemington Racecourse where you can find the Victorian Racing Club. The four-day event is an assortment of activities with thousands of people congregate on the track not only to watch races but also to attend lavish parties. There’s no better way to dress up and have fun than in the racetracks!
Moonee Ponds
One of Moonee Valley’s suburbs, Moonee Ponds is a historic district known for its vibrant community. You will find historic buildings and trendy shops at Puckle Street, the main shopping strip. A visit to the Clocktower Centre is a must and can be found right beside the train station. Built in 1880 as the Essendon and Flemington Mechanics Institute, it became the town hall before becoming what it is now. The 500-seater theatre that has a colourful history became a host to many kinds of artistic productions including music concerts, theatre, and ballet.
Rose Creek Estate
You might not expect it but there is an esteemed olive oil producer and winery just a few kilometres shy from Melbourne’s CBD. Located in East Keilor, another notable suburb in Moonee Valley is the Rose Creek Estate. The family who manages Rose Creek has preserved the traditional Italian techniques of producing wine and olive oil. The house is open by appointment so make sure to call in advance if you want to visit.
Essendon Fields
For some serious retail therapy, DFO Essendon in Essendon Fields is the best way to go. You will find both luxury labels and a lot of casual brands for clothing, sporting gears, and gifts. The DFO Homemaker Centre has plenty of home furnishings for your home needs. If you want to experience shopping at a luxurious market, head on to the La Manna. It is a 10,000 square metres market with wide aisles, friendly staff, and a lot of shops for fresh produce, traditional shops, and boutiques.
Still at Essendon Fields, head on next to Bounce after a day of shopping. It is a fun destination for kids and adults alike. The wall-to-wall trampolines, Big Air Bag, dodgeball, and extreme fitness classes will definitely deliver hours of endless jumping, rolling, running and laughing.
Johnny Pump
If you are on the hunt for Instagram-worthy food, Johnny Pump at Moonee Valley’s Essendon suburb is where you should head to next. Aside from the delectable juicy burgers and fat fries, the dessert menu is really to-die-for and since you cannot help but to devour it at once, capture a snap of your order to preserve the experience in photo. It will be a great post-exploring treat not only for the kids.
Riverside Park
Still at Essendon, Moonee Valley, the Riverside Park by the Maribyrnong River banks is a delightful place to be for the whole family. The Moonee Valley City Council had recently completed the park upgrade and now it has become a haven for fun-loving kids. There is an iconic pirate ship on the playground which is quite unique instead of the usual slides and swings. You may walk, jog or bike around the river. The park is also a great picnic area for barbecues or just for lounging and enjoying the fantastic scenery.
Flemington
Another popular suburb in the Moonee Valley is Flemington. Many of its streets were named after famous Indian cities such as Cashmere and Delhi. One of the best places to eat is at Phat Milk where you can find Middle Eastern inspired menu. The Pepper Café is also suggested for a Friday date night with its humble pizza and a solid wine and cocktail selection menu. As a home of the Melbourne Cup, expect a lot of action beyond the Flemington Racecourse. There are festivals and craft markets throughout the year and a walking tour of the course may also be arranged for the hard core race fans.
Avondale Heights
Home to the Avondale Heights Football Club, the home club of Essendon AFL champ Matthew Lloyd, the Canning Reserve at Avondale Heights is a great place to explore especially when with a holiday with the kids. The park by the river is worth a visit with its BBQ facilities, playgrounds, and a fishing spot for those lazy afternoons along the river. Quaint cafes and shops are along the Military Road which is the suburb’s main street. Marvel at the strong Italian heritage of the locals with the local favourite bakery, the Impasto Forno Antico. Fill your picnic basket with Italian baked goodies and enjoy them over coffee. There is also the Rice Fields Restaurant that serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. Drool over their excellent noodle soup bowls and sink your teeth into tasty fried noodle plates.
Strathmore
You will find the popular tourist spot Napier Park in Strathmore. This ten-acre park was a gift to the community by Thomas Napier on the condition that the original vegetation should be maintained and should remain in its natural state. This is why Napier Park was beautifully preserved and enjoyed by both the locals and visitors. It is a popular respite for families who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is also a brand-new park for dog owners just south of Tullamarine Freeway. The Alf Pearce Dog Park was designed with special regards to the physical exercise needs of fur babies. There are gravel and rocky areas for walking, agility area for training, and even a bushland for dog exploration activities. The humans can likewise enjoy the park with plenty of seating spaces and a play area for toddlers.