As exciting as it would be to meet Mark Viduka, Greg Norman or Adam Ghilchrist, ultimately such encounters would likely involve an element of meet and greet and a little small talk. Any attempt to feed them would be looked down upon, continually patting them on the nose might be a little weird and giving them a good slap on the arse could get you arrested. On the other hand, this type of behaviour is all encouraged at Living Legends where all the retired sportsmen have four legs.

Set up in 2006, the paddock is only a ten minute drive from the airport and situated among 700-hectares of nature reserves.  Drop your ten dollars into the box and you can meet horses such as ‘Might and Power’, ‘Doriumus’ ‘Better Loosen Up’ and ‘Fields of Omagh’. Even better, if you are around at 11am or 2pm you can go on a tour and get up close to the animals whilst learning a little more about them.

You will walk away with a new favourite and develop an understanding of the different personalities that the horses have. 

More than just horses

Meeting horses is just one part of the Living Legends Paddock. Attached to the paddocks is a 19th century homestead, with a homely café and a free museum showcasing the history of the home and some information about its famous equine residents.

Across from the homestead is the Woodlands National Park with a series of walking tracks taking you past billabongs, classic red gums and more kangaroos than you could poke a stick at (please don’t try)* The bird life is also abundant in this area, including the spectacular bright blue wrens.

*In fact this is perhaps the best place in Melbourne to take an international tourist wanting to get up close to Kangaroos.

The 19th century homestead doubles up as a museum with displays that outline the history of the home and information about its famous equine residents. Pop in for a cup of tea and maybe some home-made scones and enjoy the cosy homeliness of it all. If you are feeling a little energetic, you are well catered for with a wave of walking tracks which will take you past billabongs, classic red gums and more kangaroos than you could poke a stick at (please don’t try). The bird life is buzzing including these amazing looking bright blue wrens.

 Details

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
Cost: $15
Address: 207 Oaklands Road, Greenvale

Links

Living Legends Paddock