Melbourne

"When you need a break from all the laneways and urbanscapes, head to the sprawling Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Here, 93 acres of landscaped gardens feature more than 10,000 species of native and exotic flora species. On sunny days, locals tend to gather on the grassy slopes that surround the ornamental lake or jog along The Tan (a nearly 2.5-mile walking track that loops around the gardens and past the striking Shrine of Remembrance). If you’re a first-time visitor, however, be sure to also explore the Australian Forest area, Trig Point Lookout, and the Rockpool Waterway. And families will love the interactive Children’s Garden."