Close-up native and exotic animals, kids’ areas and a short ferry ride kids enjoy; typical hours are ~9:30am–5:00pm — confirm seasonal times and pre-book tickets.
Short ferry or walk across the Harbour Bridge to enjoy gentle kids’ rides — check ride height limits and opening hours (usually mid-morning to evening).
Morning flight to Melbourne — allow 2–3 hours for airport transfer and check-in; flight time around 1h30. Book seats together and request infant/bassinet options if needed.
Historic steam train through fern gullies — a slow, scenic ride great for young children and photography; check Puffing Billy timetables and pre-book family tickets.
Hands-on animal park with koalas and kangaroos you can feed in controlled areas — ideal for young children; typical hours ~9:30am–5:00pm, confirm before travel.
Seasonal pick-your-own fruit (berries/summer fruit) — fun and tactile for children; farms open morning–late afternoon but availability is seasonal, so call ahead and book.
Dusk/night sessions let kids see possums, gliders and other nocturnal animals — Moonlit Sanctuary runs seasonal sessions and requires advance booking; check start times at dusk.
Family-friendly wildlife boat cruise searching for dolphins, seals and seabirds — a gentle cruise is perfect for small children; operators usually run afternoon departures and require advance booking, so check exact times and sea-suitability for toddlers.
See little penguins return from sea at dusk — book Penguin Parade tickets in advance (boardwalk or grandstand options) and confirm exact dusk entry time for your date, as times vary seasonally.
Night drives on New Year’s Eve can be busy; consider staying locally on Phillip Island for less late-night driving with young children, otherwise allow extra time for the return trip.
Explore African-style open-range habitats and family-friendly viewing; guided safaris or timed experiences may have limited capacity — pre-book if interested.
If the market is open (some stalls or sections may have altered holiday hours), it’s great for last-minute souvenirs and snacks; otherwise enjoy a short CBD walk and playground visit. Verify market hours for 2 Jan before you go.
Easy afternoon outing with a seaside promenade, playground by the foreshore and penguin viewing at the pier at dusk (penguins are more visible after dark, but the pier area is pleasant during the day); great for children to burn off energy before travel.
Have an early family dinner near your hotel and collect luggage from storage; choose a place close to your transport to the airport to minimise transfers with kids.
Allow ample time for car return, security and boarding with children — for a late-night departure plan to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before international flights (or 90–120 minutes for domestic). Confirm rental car return hours and any after-hours procedures.
Depart Melbourne late night — adjust arrival-at-airport time to match your actual carrier’s recommended check-in window; ensure baby/infant arrangements are confirmed with the airline.