Morning: Fly from Perth to Melbourne and collect your rental car; the flight is short and child‑friendly. After landing, drive to your accommodation in Doncaster and unpack.
Afternoon: Take a relaxed stroll around Doncaster Shopping Centre to stock up on groceries and essentials for the week.
Evening: Enjoy an easy dinner at a nearby family‑friendly cafe and early bedtime to recover from travel.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Doncaster Park and Ruffey Lake for a playground session and a gentle lakeside walk.
Afternoon: Head to the Yarra River promenade for a short river cruise that delights kids with sights of the city skyline.
Evening: Return to Doncaster for a relaxed dinner at home, perhaps trying a local take‑away.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the tram to Federation Square, explore the interactive exhibits and let the child run around the open space.
Afternoon: Walk to nearby Flinders Street Station and enjoy an ice‑cream while watching the bustling crowds.
Evening: Dine at the family‑friendly restaurant on Swanston Street before heading back to Doncaster.
Find HotelsMorning: Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens, where the kids can discover the Children’s Garden and feed the ducks.
Afternoon: Walk up to the Shrine of Remembrance for panoramic city views and a short history lesson suitable for young ears.
Evening: Picnic dinner in the gardens or a light meal back in Doncaster.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive early at Melbourne Zoo to catch the animal feedings and the butterfly house.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the zoo’s African savanna and Australian native sections, taking breaks at the playgrounds.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for a quick dinner and early night after a full day of wildlife.
Find HotelsMorning: Stroll through Queen Victoria Market, sampling fresh fruit and pastries; kids love the bustling stalls.
Afternoon: Walk to nearby Chinatown for a dim sum lunch and a visit to the small Chinese garden.
Evening: Head back to Doncaster and enjoy a relaxed evening at a local park.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the tram to St Kilda Beach, build sandcastles and maybe spot little penguins at the pier.
Afternoon: Ride the historic wooden coaster at Luna Park and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
Evening: Have dinner on Acland Street, famous for its cake shops, before returning to Doncaster.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for a guided Great Ocean Road tour, stopping at the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Afternoon: Continue along the coast, visiting the scenic Loch Ard Gorge and the rainforest at Great Otway National Park.
Evening: Return to Melbourne late evening; a simple dinner at the accommodation will suffice after a long day.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Phillip Island and explore the Koala Conservation Centre, where kids can see koalas up close.
Afternoon: Visit the Penguin Parade visitor centre and learn about the little penguins’ life cycle.
Evening: Watch the magical Penguin Parade as the chicks return to shore, then head back to Melbourne.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the Yarra Valley, stopping at a family‑friendly winery with a playground and picnic area.
Afternoon: Indulge in a chocolate tasting at a local chocolate factory while the child enjoys the interactive chocolate‑making demo.
Evening: Return to Doncaster, perhaps ordering a takeaway dinner to unwind.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the Melbourne Museum, especially the Children’s Gallery and dinosaur exhibit.
Afternoon: Cross the river to Scienceworks, where hands‑on experiments keep the youngster entertained.
Evening: Dinner at a family restaurant in the nearby suburb of Carlton.
Find HotelsMorning: Dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, watching sharks, stingrays and the interactive touch pool.
Afternoon: Walk around Docklands, ride the carousel and perhaps visit the ArtPlay creative space.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at one of the waterfront eateries before heading back.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend the morning at Chadstone Shopping Centre, Australia’s largest mall, with its kids’ play zones.
Afternoon: Continue to nearby Glen Waverley for a relaxed coffee break and a stroll through the local park.
Evening: Light dinner at home and early bedtime after a retail‑heavy day.
Find HotelsMorning: Let the child enjoy the playground at Doncaster Park while you sip coffee at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely bike ride along the Greensborough Trail, suitable for families.
Evening: Cook a simple family meal together, reflecting on the trip’s highlights.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the Dandenong Ranges and board the historic Puffing Billy Railway for a scenic steam train ride.
Afternoon: Wander the forest trails, spot native birds, and enjoy a picnic at Olinda Falls.
Evening: Return to Doncaster, pack up, and prepare for departure the next day.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out of your accommodation, load the car and head to Melbourne Airport.
Afternoon: Return the rental car and board your flight back to Perth, reminiscing about the week’s adventures.
Evening: Arrive home in Perth, unpack, and relax after a memorable family holiday.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: $951
If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Great Ocean Road and Dandenong Ranges days, which saves two full travel days while still covering Melbourne’s core attractions. To extend the stay, add an extra night in the Yarra Valley for a relaxed vineyard brunch or spend a day at Werribee Open Range Zoo, which offers a safari experience perfect for kids. Adjust the daily pace by mixing longer outings with relaxed park days to keep the young traveler happy.