Family-Friendly Itinerary for a Week in Melbourne

Sunday, December 24, 2023: Arrival in Melbourne

Welcome to Melbourne! After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring Federation Square, a vibrant cultural precinct in the city center. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Birrarung Marr Park, with stunning views of the Yarra River. In the afternoon, visit the Melbourne Museum, where your family can learn about the natural and cultural history of Australia. In the evening, head to St Kilda Beach and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Esplanade Market.

• Federation Square: Free, approximately 2 hours
• Birrarung Marr Park: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
• Melbourne Museum: $15 per adult, free for children under 16, approximately 2-3 hours
• St Kilda Beach and Esplanade Market: Free, evening stroll

Monday, December 25, 2023: Christmas Day Excitement

Start the day with a delicious Christmas brunch at one of Melbourne's many renowned cafes. Afterward, head to the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium for a unique underwater experience. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by beautiful flora. In the evening, take a stroll along Southbank Promenade and enjoy the festive lights.

• Christmas brunch: Cost varies depending on the cafe
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: $42 per adult, $30 per child, approximately 2-3 hours
• Royal Botanic Gardens: Free, approximately 2-3 hours
• Southbank Promenade: Free, evening stroll

Tuesday, December 26, 2023: Adventure at the Melbourne Zoo

Spend the morning at the Melbourne Zoo, where your family can get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals. Enjoy lunch at the zoo's onsite cafe. In the afternoon, head to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, visit the Queen Victoria Market and indulge in delicious street food.

• Melbourne Zoo: $38.50 per adult, free for children under 16, approximately 3-4 hours
• Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: $36 per adult, $22.50 per child, approximately 1-2 hours
• Queen Victoria Market: Free entry, cost varies for food, approximately 2 hours

Wednesday, December 27, 2023: Fun at Luna Park

Start the day by visiting Luna Park, Melbourne's iconic amusement park. Enjoy the thrilling rides and carnival games. Have a light lunch at one of the park's eateries. In the afternoon, take a scenic tram ride along St Kilda Beach. Spend the evening exploring Acland Street, known for its cake shops and vibrant atmosphere.

• Luna Park: Free entry, ride tickets available for purchase, approximately 4-5 hours
• St Kilda Beach tram ride: $4.50 per person, approximately 1 hour
• Acland Street: Free, evening stroll

Thursday, December 28, 2023: Discovering Scienceworks

Start the day with a visit to Scienceworks, a hands-on museum where your family can engage in interactive exhibits and scientific experiments. Enjoy a picnic lunch in nearby Footscray Park. In the afternoon, ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train in the Dandenong Ranges. In the evening, head to Yarra Bend Park for a peaceful riverside walk.

• Scienceworks: $15 per adult, free for children under 16, approximately 3-4 hours
• Footscray Park: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
• Puffing Billy steam train: $57 per adult, $29 per child, approximately 2-3 hours
• Yarra Bend Park: Free, evening stroll

Friday, December 29, 2023: Exploring the Melbourne Aquarium

Spend the morning exploring the interactive exhibits and mesmerizing marine life at the Melbourne Aquarium. Have lunch at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Southbank Promenade and enjoy street performances. In the evening, visit Eureka Skydeck for breathtaking views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Melbourne Aquarium: $42 per adult, $30 per child, approximately 2-3 hours
• Southbank Promenade: Free, afternoon stroll
• Eureka Skydeck: $25 per adult, $15 per child, approximately 1-2 hours

Saturday, December 30, 2023: Cultural Immersion in Melbourne

Start the day with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, known for its diverse art collection. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes. In the afternoon, explore Melbourne's street art scene in the famous graffiti laneways. In the evening, experience the vibrant night markets at Queen Victoria Market, with live music, food stalls, and unique shopping.

• National Gallery of Victoria: Free entry, some exhibits may have a fee, approximately 2-3 hours
• Graffiti laneways: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
• Queen Victoria Market night market: Free entry, cost varies for food and shopping, evening visit

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Melbourne, be sure to visit Collingwood Children's Farm, a working farm where kids can interact with farm animals. The Royal Melbourne Show, held annually in September, is another great family-friendly event with carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and entertainment. For outdoor adventure, take a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges and explore the scenic forests, visit the Puffing Billy Railway, and enjoy the charming villages.

Check out kayak.com for hotel and flight prices to Melbourne.