All our tops tips for parents from overseas to have the holiday of a lifetime in vibrant Melbourne.

It’s tricky planning a holiday from so far away and even more so if you are doing it independently.

We are a family from the UK, we lived in Melbourne as a couple for 2 years before the boys were born, and we couldn’t wait to take our children to one of our favourite places in the world.

We’ve detailed the best things to do in Melbourne on your family holiday.

Melbourne offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and attractions. Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip:

Getting there

Melbourne Airport

From Melbourne Airport (also known as Tullamarine Airport) to the CBD, you have several options for public transportation:

1. Sky Bus: The SkyBus operates 24/7 and provides a direct service from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You can purchase tickets online or at the airport.

2. Airport Shuttles: Some companies offer shared shuttle services from Melbourne Airport to various locations in the CBD. These services typically operate on a door-to-door basis and may take longer than the SkyBus, depending on the number of stops.

3. Take the bus. Public bus route 901 operates between Melbourne Airport and Broadmeadows Station, where you can transfer to a train to reach the CBD. This option may be more time-consuming than the SkyBus but is generally cheaper.

4. Taxi or Uber: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are available at Melbourne Airport and can take you directly to your destination in the CBD. The journey time and cost will vary depending on traffic conditions and your specific destination.

Overall, the SkyBus is the most popular and convenient option for getting from Melbourne Airport to the CBD, offering frequent services and direct transfers to Southern Cross Station.

We tend to just get a taxi or uber. The sky Bus is more economical but there isn’t much in it when your paying for 4 seats, and after our long haul flights, we are so done, and so ready to collapse in our apartment! So we tend to just get there the quickest way possible.

What to do in Melbourne for Families

Melbourne is an amazing city and a great place to explore as a family. We really loved showing our kids around the city. There were so many cool things to see and do. The boys still talk about our trip to Melbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens: Always our fordt stop on a trip to Melbourne! We loce it here. Iys such a beautiful setting with great views of the city and the MCG. Explore the lush gardens, picnics on the lawns, or take a relaxing boat ride on the lake. Kids will love the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, designed especially for them. Grab a drink or ice cream. There is also a rainforest walk area to enjoy with kush ferns and towering trees. It’s close to the shrine of remembrance, so it easy to combine the two places. Take a short walk to this stunning memorial to war heroes of Australia, which is poignant, moving, and  has breathtaking views of Melbourne.

Scienceworks: A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, Scienceworks is both educational and entertaining for kids of all ages. The Melbourne Planetarium, located within Scienceworks, offers fascinating shows about space. A great one for a rainy day!

Melbourne Aquarium: Dive into the depths of the ocean at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to thousands of marine creatures including sharks, rays, and penguins. Don’t miss the daily feeding sessions and interactive touch pools. Another great option for when the weather is a bit iffy.

St Kilda and Luna Park: The iconic city beach area of St Kilda, with its buzzing atmosphere and the beautiful sandy beach, is a must visit on a trip to Melbourne. Walk along the boardwalk, along palm tree lined boulevards, and get a drink or a bite to in in one of the many great cafes and restaurants. The kids will love playing on the beach and swimming in the blue waters. There is also the retro Luna Park Fairground. Located in St Kilda, Luna Park is an iconic amusement park with rides, games, and carnival treats. It’s a nostalgic experience for parents and thrilling fun for kids.

Penguins at Phillip Island: This was my favourite day trip, the kids adored seeing the penguins come on to the beach at twilight and the beach, island and quaint town are just gorgeous to explore during the day. As well as the famous Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, you can also visit the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

Melbourne Museum:  Explore Australia’s natural and cultural history at the Melbourne Museum. Kids will love the interactive exhibitions, including the Children’s Gallery and the Dinosaur Walk.

Puffing Billy Railway: Step back in time and ride the historic steam train through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. The open-sided carriages are lots of fun for the whole family. The dandenongs are amazing to explore, with lush rainforests, gardens, and sweet towns to stop off at. We combined with a trip to nearby Olinda, Sassafrass, and Mount Dandenong.

Queen Victoria Market: Our boys loved spending their pocket money here! You can stroll through the bustling stalls of Queen Victoria Market, where you can sample delicious food, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Kids will enjoy the variety of treats and snacks available, as well as looking at all the interesting things to buy!

Melbourne Zoo: Perfect for animal lovers, Melbourne Zoo houses over 320 species in a beautiful setting, as well as all the native Australian animals.  Don’t miss the daily keeper talks and animal encounters.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: Take the children on the big wheel to  get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. The 30-minute ride offers panoramic views of Melbourne and its surroundings.

Where to stay? Explore the city!

Melbourne is a city known for its diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique atmosphere and attractions. We used to stay in the CBD, and although buzzing, and convenient for all the attractions,  we like the atmosphere and vibe of the chilled out beachy Bayside, funky Fitzroy in the city or  South Yarra for a central location with access to lots of green spaces. There are lots of hotels for every budget located all over the city, our travel style is more suited to self-catering so we usually get a serviced apartment or an air b and b. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular areas in Melbourne.

CBD (Central Business District): The heart of Melbourne, the CBD, is bustling with skyscrapers, shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Highlights include Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and Bourke Street Mall.

We don’t tend to stay in the CBD anymore as we prefer the feel and atmosphere of the other suburbs; our favourite place to stay is one of the Bayside suburbs. The CBD is a good pick for first timers as it is in the heart of all the sights you want to see, its easy to navigate and has great transport links.

In the south of the CBD area is the modern waterfront development of the Docklands with high-rise buildings, waterfront promenades, and attractions like the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.. There are some nice apartments and hotels in this area but it can feel quite corporate and to us lacks the atmosphere of the other locations. We have stayed here before though, and bagged a lovely room with cool views of the city.

Located along the Yarra River opposite the CBD, Southbank is known for its entertainment complex, Crown Melbourne, as well as its riverside promenade, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. We love the hustle and bustle of Southbank; there is always something going on, and lots of cool bars and restaurants to try. There is a great kids playground nearby over the bridge by Flinders Street Station too.

Fitzroy: Known for its bohemian vibe, Fitzroy is a trendy neighbourhood filled with street art, independent boutiques, vintage stores, and eclectic cafes. The kids loved exploring all the murals and graffiti art in this area! Brunswick Street is a hotspot for shopping and dining. Great place to find a huge variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants.

St Kilda: Located by the beach, St Kilda is famous for its lively waterfront, Luna Park amusement park, and the historic St Kilda Pier. It’s a great place for dining, nightlife, and outdoor activities. Its popular with backpackers, and although we like to visit, we tend to stay further down the bay, where it is quieter.

We normally choose Brighton, Hampton, or Mordialloc. These and others nearby are a collection of suburbs on Port Phillip Bay ( known as Bayside) that are close and accessible to the city but feel like a beach holiday at the same time. It’s perfect for families, and we love it.

South Yarra: A fashionable and lively neighbourhood, South Yarra is home to designer boutiques, many restaurants, and chic cafes. It’s also where you’ll find the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens and Faulkner park; there are lots of green spaces. We have stayed here before and loved it as getting to the botanical gardens is one of our top things to do in Melbourne and we always go on our first day visiting the city.

Richmond, Fitzroy North and Carlton North are relaxed suburbs with green leafy parks, historic architecture and lovely cafes. Known for its diverse dining scene, Richmond is a foodie’s paradise with a wide range of international cuisines to choose from. It’s also home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the bustling Victoria Street. Brunswick Street in Fitzroy North and Lygon Street in Carlton North are popular dining and shopping strips.

Adjacent to Fitzroy, Collingwood is an edgy and eclectic neighbourhood known for its creative scene, street art, and indie music venues. Smith Street is lined with vintage stores, galleries, and hip cafes.

Yarraville is a charming suburb with a village-like atmosphere. Yarraville is known for its historic art deco architecture, independent cinemas, and trendy cafes. It’s a great place for a relaxed day out.

These are just a few highlights of Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. We love venturing out of the CBD and staying in new suburbs that allow us to explore different areas of the city.

Great places to eat

Melbourne is such a great place to for eating outr; it is a food lover paradise! There are some many diverse cafes and restuarants n offer with delicious cuisine from all over the world. The coffee is renowned as being the best in the world, and they take it very seriously! Yuo honestly cant go wrong, and just taking a wonder down the street you will see inviting cafes and great menus, so just take your pick!

There are son many delicious options to chose from and a wide range of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, so we’ve picked a few of our favourites to help you narrow it down!

Pancake Palour. If your kids are anything like mine they love pancakes! With multiple locations across Melbourne, Pancake Parlour is a favourite among families for its extensive menu featuring sweet and savoury pancakes, as well as other breakfast and dinner options.

Grill’d. Known for its delicious and healthy burgers, Grill’d has several locations in Melbourne. They offer a kids’ menu with smaller portions and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families. We always enjoy a meal at Grill’d.

Gelato Messina. Treat the family to some artisanal gelato at Gelato Messina. With flavours ranging from classic to creative, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this popular dessert spot.



The Arbory Afloat . Located on the Yarra River, The Arbory Afloat is a floating bar and restaurant offering a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. Enjoy a variety of dishes and drinks while taking in the waterfront views. New for 2024, it is launching a Mexican theme. Great if you like tacos (We do.)

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. Indulge in all things chocolate at Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. From decadent desserts to savoury dishes with a chocolate twist, this restaurant is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth in the family.

D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar. If your family loves pizza, head to D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar for authentic Italian pizzas made with fresh ingredients. Their cozy atmosphere and kid-friendly options make it a great choice for families.

Hakata Gensuke Ramen. Treat the family to some comforting and flavorful ramen at Hakata Gensuke Ramen. With multiple locations in Melbourne, this restaurant serves authentic Japanese ramen in a casual setting.

Brunetti. This café has 3 locations in central Melbourne and is a cake lover paradise. It a café not to be missed. Try the various mini versions of the cakes and desserts instead of a full sized version if you cant decide! My boys and I loved getting a section of mini pastries and cakes and working our way through rating each one!

These are just a few options, but Melbourne has countless family-friendly restaurants to explore, ensuring that both parents and kids can enjoy delicious meals together.

In conclusion, Melbourne really is a fantastic city to explore with kids. There are great parks, playgrounds and green spaces, beaches, museums, and so much going on. We love visiting and always try to include a few days in Melbourne when we are lucky enough to have a trip to Australia booked.

Tell us about your trip to Melbourne in the comments! What was your favourite part?

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Hi! I’m Lizzie, a mum of two living in the Cotswolds. Here on Travel Happy Family, I share all of our travels with you, where we’ve been, how we got there, and how much it cost!

Happy Travels! Xxx