Things to do in Melbourne at least Once in your Life

See the Melbourne Sunrise From a Hot Air Balloon

Balloon rides above Melbourne's beautiful cityscape aren't limited to the countryside. A flight over the Yarra Valley is just as breathtaking.

Even if you have to force yourself out of bed at an ungodly hour, it will be well worth it to catch that early flight. Not many people are awake before dawn, so it's a strange experience to float over the city in the fresh morning light.

Each day's flights are different, so you never know whether you'll get to view some of your favourite Melbourne landmarks from above or if you'll end up discovering some whole new hidden jewels.

Get back to nature in the Royal Botanic Gardens

The 8,500 plant varieties found in this massive garden are complemented by tranquil lakes and green grass.

Melbourne is blessed with the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are located smack dab in the centre of the city. The gardens are conveniently situated, making them an excellent picnic spot or a welcome change from the office lunchroom. Because there is so much space, you won't have to compete with anybody else for a comfortable location to relax.

Punting on the Lake and enjoying a picnic in the gardens are two activities not to be missed. Even while the area around Ornamental Lake is beautiful, it shouldn't be your default picnic spot. We're certain that if you spend enough time wandering the gardens, you'll discover the perfect spot to enjoy some time outside. If you're hungry and didn't pack a lunch, go straight to Jardin Tan for some delicious Vietnamese food.

See a Blockbuster Exhibition at the NGV

The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and most renowned art museum in Australia. It is housed in a beautiful modernist edifice on St Kilda Road.

Major worldwide art exhibits are brought to Melbourne by the NGV, which displays both historical masterpieces and cutting-edge works by today's most exciting artists. We have visited paintings by Van Gogh, Hokusai, MC Escher, Dior, Dali, Warhol, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, and the big free NGV Triennial, which returns in late 2020.

It's easy to be distracted by the NGV's spectacular special exhibits and forget about the equally remarkable (and free!) permanent collection. Dosso Dossi's picture of Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara is worth spending some time with on your next visit (1519-1530). According to NGV curator Laurie Benson, "a unique record of one of the most renowned ladies in history," as it is one of the few known portraits of the illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI.

Take a Drive Down the Great Ocean Road

Whether you're driving, strolling, horseback riding, surfing, sailing, or cycling along this twisting route, you'll have sufficient time to reacquaint yourself with the ocean, the bush, and the sounds and views of nature.

It's roughly a four-hour journey without stopping, but trust us when we say you will. Too much is occuring along the shore to ignore it. A drive along the Great Ocean Road is worth your time whether you're planning to stay for the day, the weekend, or even permanently.

Get a Ground Pass at the Australian Open

Numerous people go to Melbourne Park every year to see the only Grand Slam event played in the southern hemisphere's sweltering summer weather.

If you can't make it to the stadium, the Australian Open Festival has you covered with live performances and food vendors at Birrarung Marr.

Do not miss out on the action by not purchasing a Ground Pass if tennis is your thing. Even while this ticket won't allow you into the main stadiums, it will provide you entry to all the smaller courts in the vicinity, where the next generation of tennis stars will be competing. In addition, ticket prices begin at only $49.

Explore the Flinders Street Station and the Federation Square

Flinders Street Station's ornate main entrance was constructed in 1910 and is on the Victorian history registry, making it a popular subject for postcards and travel brochures featuring Melbourne.

Inside you'll discover Southbank within short walking distance, as well as Australia's biggest train station, a modest retail centre, and delicious dining choices.

Across the street lies another Melbourne landmark, Federation Square, whose distinctive and interesting architecture sets it apart from any other public space in the world.

Rock out

Melbourne's world-famous live entertainment scene has made rock music in particular a household name. There are always live performances by a wide range of bands, and the metropolis is a magnet for established and emerging artists from throughout the world.

Nick Cave, an Australian music icon, poet, and novelist, was born and raised in this city. Spotted Mallard Hotel, The Corner Hotel, Post Office Hotel, Evelyn Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, and Palais Theatre are all great places to see a live show.

Have a Greek Dinner That's Gourmet and Exotic.

More than any other city beyond the Athens, Melbourne is home to the largest concentration of Greeks. This population is culturally engaged and well-connected.

Another excellent option is the Greek Precinct, which serves real Greek cuisine on par with that found in Greece. The Hellenic Museum is just a short walk away from a number of shops that sell Greek items.

Both the Antipodes Festival and the Greek Film Festival are hosted in Melbourne each year.

Spend the Day (And Maybe the Night) At Melbourne Zoo

Why go? The Butterfly Room is a great place to sit back and watch the world go by, the Aviary is full of vibrant birds, and the Trail of the Elephants will take you to see a family of big-eared beauties. The Melbourne Zoo is the place to see animals. From summer music series Zoo Twilights to year-round keeper lectures and elegant zoo teas, the zoo is never without activities. You should stop by and say goodbye to the lion pride on your way out (follow the roars).

Don't miss out on the craziest zoo sleepover ever by not reserving your spot for a Roar 'n' Snore, where you'll be setting up tent in the zoo's original historic elephant exhibit.

Drink a Cocktail at Hidden Bar Beneath Driver Lane

Beneath Driver Lane, an underground pub in Melbourne's central business district, is one of the city's best.

Why go? Beneath Driver Lane is the ideal cellar for those who like mixed drinks, whisky, blues, friendly service, and late-night fare like Reuben sandwiches. This pub, located in a repurposed bank vault in the Central Business District, has a speakeasy vibe, making it stand out in a city with underutilised basements.

Don't forget to familiarise yourself with the extensive back bar, which houses over a hundred bottles of whisky, including rare finds like Yamazaki 18 and Pappy Van Winkle.

Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol to Learn About Victoria's Convict History

The city of Melbourne, Australia, is home to a museum housed in the former Old Melbourne Gaol, a jail that was in existence from 1842 until 1929. During its existence, 133 inmates were killed there, including some of Australia's most notorious criminals like Ned Kelly.

Some mentally ill and indigent people were confined in the 1800s, and the harsh conditions to which they were subjected appear rather dreadful by way of instance in the museum's exhibits.

The museum has a vast collection of relics, including the faces of several offenders who were put to death by hanging. Some people believe the museum is haunted, thus it features tales from past visitors and employees on its ghost tours.

Have a Night Out at the Crown Casino Complex

Located on the banks of the Yarra River, the Crown Casino Complex is Australia's biggest gambling establishment and one of the largest in the world.

It's excellent fun if you like gambling, and it's open around the clock, every day of the year (except for three public holidays), with upscale shopping, stunning dining options, and pulsating nightlife to boot.

The pyrotechnic towers outside the complex are intriguing to see; they are the biggest of their kind in the world, and they launch fireballs into the night sky. The Atrium area is beautiful, with exquisite fountains and sound/light performances.

Appreciate the Artwork of the Aboriginal Peoples.

The City Gallery, housed inside Melbourne's Town Hall, the Flinders Lane Gallery, the NGV International, and the Ian Potter Museum of Art are just a few of the city's many Aboriginal art galleries.

In Melbourne, you may learn about the importance of indigenous art and admire some of the world's most famous works.

Indulge in Italian cuisine on Lygon Street

Lygon Street Italian Precinct, or Little Italy, is a beautiful tree-lined corridor spanning many districts of Melbourne, with a thriving café culture that gave rise to the city's now-famous penchant for speciality coffee.

You may enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the world here, as well as see the historic Lygon Buildings and unique shops.

Eat a Parma

This pub classic is a chicken schnitty that has been cooked to perfection and covered with napoli sauce, pieces of smoked ham, and a mountain of melted cheese. The vegetarian version of this dish sometimes replaces the chicken with meaty eggplant or faux meat, and it is often served with chips or a salad for the "health-conscious," or both.

Melbourne picked fried chicken as their favourite food. But first, let's get the spelling and pronunciation right: that's parma with a 'a,' not parmi with a I Geelong and the rest of Australia. That's why you're completely incorrect.

Don't miss Mrs Parmas, a restaurant serving up 10 distinct varieties of the chicken lover's dream, as well as the many parma festivals and awards held in Melbourne. More of our go-to spots for Melbourne's greatest parmas are listed below.

Try the Best Croissant in the World at Lune Croissanterie

Lune Croissanterie the finest in the city, while a New York Times critic called them "the world's greatest." Kate and Cameron Reid don't have a terrible job for a brother-and-sister duo.

Many highly regarded restaurants in Melbourne (ahem, Chin Chin) also attract large numbers of hungry diners due to their widespread acclaim. Almost daily, long lineups form outside the establishment. To what extent, however, does Lune measure up? Just to cut to the chase, sure. Lune croissants, made in a temperature- and humidity-controlled laboratory, are almost mathematically flawless. When you consider that Kate Reid was formerly a race car engineer, this isn't so surprising.

The original plain croissants are not to be missed, but our favourite kind is the almond croissant. Thankfully, Lune also has a location in Melbourne's central business district.

Visit St Kilda and Look for Penguins There

The communal gardens, vibrant nightlife, and exquisite cakes of Acland Street are just a few of the many tourist and local favourites in St  Kilda.

In addition to its beautiful beach and well-known Victorian beach homes and pier, this bustling Melbourne neighbourhood is home to a colony of tiny penguins. During the 1970s, a colony settled on the St Kilda breakwater, where members regularly gather after dark throughout the year. The population swells dramatically during the summer months.

During the time when daylight savings time is in effect, advisors who specialise in penguins will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Visitors are asked to be respectful of the penguins and their nesting areas, eggs, and babies; after all, penguins are just another member of the family.

Visit the Block Arcade

The Block Arcade is a commercial district located in a historic arcade that first opened its doors in 1892. Historic and architecturally gorgeous, the Block Arcade transports visitors to a bygone era while still providing modern conveniences like the Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery, Hopetoun Tea Rooms, and Haigh's Chocolates.

Be Brave and Tackle the Cold in Australia’s First Ice Cave

The $13 million renovation and addition of Peninsula Hot Springs in 2018 included nine additional pools, a food garden, a deep freeze chamber and an ice igloo.

Why go? Australia's first ice cave uses heat and cold treatment, which has been shown to have positive effects on muscle pain, stress, and inflammation.

Even if you might easily while away the hours lounging in the pools, the "fire and ice sensation" is something you shouldn't miss. During the 45-minute session, visitors alternate between the site's hot sauna (maintained at 60 degrees), cold ice cave (at -17 degrees), icy plunge pool (4 degrees), and warm geothermal spring (maintained at 36 degrees). Forget bungee jumping; this is what adrenaline junkies should be doing. Your pulse rate will race and slow; you'll sweat and shiver; and you'll come away with a newfound appreciation for your body and its boundaries.

Have a Dip in the Adelphi Hotel Rooftop Pool

The rooftop pool at the Adelphi Hotel is quickly becoming one of Melbourne's most photographed locations.

A part of the pool with a glass bottom cantilevers out over Flinders Lane, allowing swimmers to see the busy street below without having to surface. The rooftop pool deck has never looked better after a refurbishment in late 2017. You need not be a hotel guest, but you will be expected to pay. Just take a quick spray and go to the beach with your towel.

You should definitely spend the night at the hotel. The Adelphi Hotel, housed in a massive 1938 structure on Flinders Lane in the heart of the Central Business District, is a great place to stay for individuals who place a premium on cutting-edge design, location, and excellent service.

Catch a Festival

Visitor information centres in Federation Square and internet resources are good places to learn about events happening in Melbourne during your stay.

Popular events include the Lunar New Year festivities, Cultural Diversity Week, Midsumma Festival, Moomba Festival, Christmas Festival, and White Night (an illumination festival in the inner city).

Experience the Safari Thrill of the Wild at Werribee Open Range Zoo

It may be a bit of a drive from the city centre, but the trip is definitely worth it to see the Werribee Open Range Open Zoo, which is set out like a safari in Africa and is home to many fascinating creatures.

The Rhythm of Africa is only one of many events that have taken place there. It's a wonderful place for families, and it's also a lot of fun for adults that like nature.

Conclusion

The Royal Botanic Gardens, right in the heart of Melbourne, are a gift from nature. Trees, flowers, lakes, and meadows cover 38 hectares of property, which gradually descends towards the river. For a quick bite to eat if you forgot to pack a lunch, head to Jardin Tan. One can find paintings by Van Gogh, Hokusai, MC Escher and Dior in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). In the meantime, you should take a moment to admire Lucrezia Borgia, the Duchess of Ferrara by Dosso Dosi.

Melbourne has the largest concentration of Greeks in Australia. There is no better Greek cuisine to be found than in the Greek Precinct. In the suburbs of Melbourne, the Melbourne Zoo is an Australian zoo. A 4 km radius north of Melbourne's city centre, it may be found in Parkville's Royal Park. If you want to see animals up close, head to the Melbourne Zoo.

Driver Lane, an underground tavern in Melbourne's CBD, is one of the city's most popular. From 1842 until 1929, the museum was situated in the Old Melbourne Gaol. Others think the museum is haunted. The Crown Casino Complex in Melbourne, Australia, is the country's and the world's largest gaming operation. Melbourne's now-famous love for speciality coffee was born in Little Italy, a tree-lined avenue spanning many districts.

Lune croissants are virtually mathematically perfect since they are prepared in a temperature and humidity-controlled laboratory. The Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery, Hopetoun Tea Rooms, and Haigh's Chocolates are among the many modern amenities found within The Block Arcade. In Australia's First Ice Cave, Test Your Mettle Against the Cold. Since its renovation, the rooftop pool deck of the Adelphi Hotel has looked better than it has in recent memory. Many exotic wildlife call Werribee Open Range Open Zoo home, which has been designed to resemble an African safari. Information about upcoming events in Melbourne can be obtained from the Federation Square visitor centre and via the internet.

Content Summary

• An aerial view of the city You don't have to go to the countryside to take a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne's stunning landscape.bo
• The Yarra Valley is equally as beautiful from the air.
• The early flight will be well worth the effort, even if you have to drag yourself out of bed at a ridiculous hour.
• It's an odd feeling to fly over the city in the early morning light because not many people are awake at that time of day.
• There's no guarantee that you'll be able to see some of your favourite Melbourne sights from the air, or that you'll stumble onto some new gems.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great place to go back to nature.
• Both Melbourne and Cranbourne are home to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
• Melbourne Gardens, a new botanical garden, was established on the south bank of the Yarra River in 1846.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne are placed right in the middle of the city.
• For those who are looking for a break from their office lunchroom, the gardens are just a short walk away.
• So much room means that you won't have to compete for a peaceful resting spot with anyone else.
• Boating and having a picnic in the gardens are two must-do activities while visiting the lakeside mansion.
• Surely, if you spend enough time in the gardens, you'll find the right place to relax and unwind.
• For a quick bite to eat if you forgot to pack a lunch, head to Jardin Tan.
• Visit the NGV for a Major Exhibition
• Australian art lovers flock to the National Gallery of Victoria, the country's first and most revered art gallery.
• The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) brings major international art exhibits to Melbourne, showcasing both historical classics and contemporary works by today's most fascinating artists.
• While in New York City, we visited the MoMA and the massive free NGV Triennial, which will be back in the fall of 2020. We've also seen works by Van Gogh, Hokusai, MC Escher, Dior, Dali, and Andy Warhol.
• If you're not paying attention, you might miss the equally impressive (and completely free!) permanent collection on display at the NGV.
• Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara's portrait by Dosso Dossi is worth a look on your next trip to Ferrara (1519-1530).
• According to NGV curator Laurie Benson, "a rare record of one of the most prominent ladies in history," as it is one of the few known portraits of Pope Alexander VI's illegitimate daughter.
• Explore the Great Ocean Road by Car
• Great Ocean Road, a 243-kilometer stretch of road between Torquay and Allansford in Victoria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance to Australian history and culture.
• Starting in Torquay (approximately 1.5 hours from the city) and finishing just before Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road runs the length of Victoria's south-west coast.
• There is enough time to re-acquaint yourself with the sounds and sights of nature on this meandering journey whether you are driving, walking, horseback riding, surfing, sailing, or cycling.
• Whether you're just passing through or staying for the long haul, a trip down the Great Ocean Road is well worth your time.
• Get an Australian Open Ground Pass.
• This is the only Grand Slam event held during summer in the southern hemisphere, and it draws a large crowd to Melbourne Park each year.
• If you're unable to make it to the stadium, the Australian Open Festival at Birrarung Marr will provide entertainment and food for those who can't attend.
• Investigate the Flinders Street Station and Federation Square as well as the surrounding neighbourhood.
• The Flinders Street Railway Station is located at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
• A number of regional and rural services run to and from the eastern part of Victoria from this historic station, which opened in 1854.
• Due to its opulent design and Victorian heritage status, the station's main entrance at Flinders Street is frequently shown on postcards and travel brochures showing Melbourne.
• Nearby are Southbank, Australia's largest train station, a tiny shopping mall, and a slew of delectable culinary options.
• One of Melbourne's most distinctive and interesting public spaces, Federation Square, can be found just a few blocks away.
• Rock music, in particular, has become a household brand because to Melbourne's world-famous live entertainment scene.
• A wide variety of bands perform regularly, and the city serves as a magnet for both well-known and up-and-coming performers from throughout the world.
• One of Australia's most famous musicians and poets is Nick Cave, who grew up in and around this city.
• Enjoy a Gourmet and Exotic Greek Meal.
• Melbourne has the highest concentration of Greeks of any city outside of Athens.
• Individuals in this demographic are well-versed in their local arts scene and maintain active social networks.
• The Greek Precinct delivers authentic Greek cuisine on par with that found in Greece and is another fantastic choice.
• It is only a short walk from the Hellenic Museum to a number of stores that sell Greek goods.
• In addition to the Antipodes Film Festival, Melbourne also hosts the Greek Film Festival.
• Melbourne Zoo is a great place to spend the day (and even the night).
• In the suburbs of Melbourne, the Melbourne Zoo is an Australian zoo.
• In Parkville, around four kilometres north of Melbourne's city centre, it may be found in Royal Park.
• This zoo comes to mind while thinking of Melbourne's zoos.
• What's the point?
• Butterfly Room, Aviary, and Trail of the Elephants are all fantastic places to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the world around you.
• If you want to see animals up close, head to the Melbourne Zoo.
• The zoo is never short on events, whether it's the summer music series Zoo Twilights or year-round keeper lectures and exquisite zoo teas.
• On your way out, you should stop by the lion pride to say goodbye (follow the roars).
• Not securing your position in the Roar n' Snore, where you will put up tent in the famous elephant exhibit, will mean missing out on the craziest zoo sleepover ever.
• At the Hidden Bar, Have a Cocktail the lane for the driver Driver Lane, an underground tavern in Melbourne's CBD, is one of the city's most popular.
• It's hard to find a better dive bar in the city than Beneath Driver Lane if you're looking for great cocktails, whisky, blues, and late-night grub like Reuben sandwiches.
• Over 100 bottles of whisky, including Yamazaki 18 and Pappy Van Winkle, can be found in the spacious rear bar, which is open to the public.
• Learn about Victoria's Convict History by visiting the Old Melbourne Gaol.
• There is a museum housed in the former Old Melbourne Gaol, which served as a prison from 1842 to 1929 in the Australian city of Melbourne.
• Some of Australia's most renowned criminals like Ned Kelly were incarcerated and executed there.
• In the 1800s, a number of mentally ill and impoverished people were institutionalised, and the museum's displays depict the horrendous conditions in which they were kept.
• An extensive collection of artefacts, including the faces of various criminals who were executed by hanging, can be found at the museum.
• As a result of the museum's reputation as a haunted attraction, its ghost tours include anecdotes from former guests and personnel.
• The Crown Casino Complex, which sits on the banks of the Yarra River, is Australia's largest gambling operation and one of the world's largest.
• If you enjoy gambling, this is the place for you. It's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (with the exception of three federal holidays) and offers premium shopping, exquisite dining, and a throbbing nightlife to boot.
• Appreciate the work of Indigenous Artists.
• Many Aboriginal art galleries may be found in Melbourne, including the City Gallery, the Flinders Lane Gallery, the NGV International, and the Ian Potter Museum of Art.
• In Melbourne, you may see some of the most well-known works of art in the world while also learning about the significance of indigenous art.
• Italian cuisine may be found on Lygon Street.
• An idyllic tree-lined stretch of Lygon Street in Melbourne's Little Italy, the birthplace of Melbourne's now-famous love affair with speciality coffee, is home to the Italian Precinct, often known as Little Italy.
• Visit the historic Lygon Buildings and one-of-a-kind stores while you feast on some of the best Italian food in the world.
• Eat some Parma ham
• As the name suggests, this pub staple is made up of a chicken schnitty that has been cooked to perfection and coated in Napolitano sauce, ham, and melted cheese.
• Fried chicken was voted the best food in Melbourne by the city's residents.
• To begin with, let's get the spelling and pronunciation correct: That's parma with a "a," not "parmi" with a "I" in Geelong and Australia.
• Check out Mrs Parmas, which serves up 10 different versions of the chicken-lovers' dream, as well as the several parma festivals and awards that take place throughout Melbourne.
• High-profile eateries like Chin Chin draw enormous crowds of hungry diners because to its broad appreciation in the city of Melbourne.
• Lune croissants are virtually mathematically perfect since they are prepared in a temperature and humidity-controlled laboratory.
• Because Kate Reid was a former race car engineer, this isn't a huge surprise.
• However, our favourite type of croissant is an almond croissant; the original plain croissants are a must-have.
• Fortunately, the central business sector of Melbourne is home to Lune.
• St Kilda is a Great Place to Spot Penguins.
• Residents and visitors alike enjoy strolling along Melbourne's St Kilda Esplanade, a coastal district.
• Luna Park's eye-catching attractions, boom-era houses, and old sea baths are all reminders of the strip's past as a ritzy resort.
• There are a number of good restaurants and pastry shops on Acland and Carlisle streets.
• St Kilda has a lot to offer visitors and locals alike, including a dynamic nightlife, communal gardens, and some of the best cakes in the city.
• An adorable colony of little penguins lives in this popular Melbourne neighbourhood in addition to its stunning beach and well-known Victorian beach houses.
• In the 1970s, a colony established themselves on the St Kilda breakwater and routinely gathers there after dark.
• This time of year sees a substantial increase in the number of residents.
• During daylight savings time, experts in penguins will be available to answer any questions you may have about the creatures.
• People who visit the penguins' nesting places, eggs, and infants are asked to be respectful of the penguins as if they were human family members.
• One of the oldest business districts in the city, The Block Arcade was built in 1892 and first opened its doors to the public that year.
• Heat and cold treatments are used at Australia's first ice cave, and these have been proved to reduce muscle pain, tension, and inflammation.
• The "fire and ice feeling" is a must-see, even if you'd rather spend your time lazing around in the pools.
• Participants alternate between the 60-degree sauna, the -17-degree ice cave, the 4° plunge pool, and the 60-degree geothermal spring during the 45-minute session (maintained at 36 degrees).
• In the end, you'll have a newfound respect for your body's limits and the changes it undergoes as a result of this experience.
• Visit the Pool on the Rooftop of the Adelphi Hotel
• Adelphi Hotel rooftop pool is quickly becoming one of Melbourne's most popular photo spots.
• Refurbishment of the rooftop pool deck in late 2017 has made it appear better than ever.
• There is no requirement for you to be a hotel guest, but you must pay.
• All you need to do is spritz yourself down and head to the shore with your towel.
• The hotel is the best place to stay.
• With a stunning 1938 construction on Flinders Lane, the Adelphi Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD and offers guests the best of both worlds: cutting-edge architecture, prime location, and world-class service.
• Find out what's going on in Melbourne while you're here by visiting one of Federation Square's visitor information centres or using online resources.
• The Lunar New Year celebrations, Cultural Diversity Week, the Midsumma Festival, the Moomba Festival, the Christmas Festival, and White Night are all popular events (an illumination festival in the inner city).
• Safari thrills await you at Werribee Open Range Zoo in Melbourne, Australia
• Even though it's a long journey from the city, Werribee Open Range Zoo is worth the trip because it's set up like an African safari and features a wide variety of exotic animals.