7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Melbourne

Day 1: Explore the City

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day with fresh pastries and delicious breakfast dishes at this popular French café.
Located near Melbourne's CBD, approx. 15 min tram ride from major hotels.
AUD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens that cater to all ages.
A short 10-minute tram ride from the café will get you there.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boatbuilders Yard

A family-friendly spot with great views, serving wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads.
A brief 10-minute tram ride from the gardens.
AUD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Melbourne Museum

Interact with fascinating exhibits that will enchant both kids and adults alike.
A 15-minute tram ride from the lunch spot.
AUD15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee Break at Queen Victoria Market

Take a break at this iconic market and enjoy a coffee while the kids browse local treats.
A quick 10-minute tram journey to this historical market.
AUD15, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Grill'd

Savor gourmet burgers made with fresh ingredients, perfect for the whole family.
Only a 5-minute walk from Queen Victoria Market.
AUD70, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening stroll along the Yarra River

Wind down your day with a serene walk along the river, taking in the city lights.
Accessible by foot from Grill'd.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Science and Adventure

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

This iconic café serves delicious, traditional Italian breakfast fare to kick off your day.
A short walk from your hotel in the CBD.
AUD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Melbourne Scienceworks

Children and adults alike will love the interactive exhibits focusing on science and technology.
A 20-minute drive or an easy train ride from the city.
AUD14, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mill Brewery

Satisfy your hunger with a relaxed lunch atmosphere and great pub food.
Located nearby in Spotswood, a 5-minute taxi ride.
AUD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Head to the Kookaburra Park

Let the kids see and interact with Australian wildlife - kangaroos, koalas, and more!
A 15-minute drive from the lunch venue.
AUD22, 3 hours

5:00PM

Go for a walk in Albert Park

This serene park offers cycling tracks, playgrounds, and beautiful lake views.
A 10-minute drive from Kookaburra Park.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Stables of Como

Enjoy a lovely dinner featuring seasonal ingredients in a relaxed setting.
A short 10-minute drive from the park.
AUD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Culture and Arts

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Treat yourselves to vibrant brunch dishes in a chic setting.
A 15-minute tram ride from the hotel.
AUD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Wander through impressive art collections that cater to all tastes and ages.
A 15-minute tram ride from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Southbank

Enjoy a variety of cuisines in this waterfront district, perfect for a family meal.
Only a 10-minute walk from the gallery.
AUD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Healesville Sanctuary

Meet Australia's unique wildlife before engaging in an interactive animal experience.
About an hour drive from Southbank.
AUD40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back and relax after a fun day of exploration.
Drive back to Melbourne city.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Tonka

Delight in modern Indian cuisine that will surely impress the entire family.
A 10-minute drive back to the CBD.
AUD150, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Great Ocean Road

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, Australia

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Miss Marmalade

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in this delightful café before a day of adventure.
A 15-minute drive from your hotel.
AUD45, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Great Ocean Road

Set out on one of the world's most scenic coastal drives toward the Twelve Apostles.
Approx. 3-hour drive from Melbourne.
Fuel Cost, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre

Enjoy a delightful lunch with stunning ocean views after exploring the magnificent rock formations.
Directly adjacent to the Apostles.
AUD50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Twelve Apostles

Marvel at the iconic limestone stacks and learn about their formation.
Westward from the visitor centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Loch Ard Gorge

Discover another breathtaking coastal sight with a historic shipwreck tale.
A quick 10-minute drive from the Apostles.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Drive back to Melbourne

Enjoy the beautiful landscape on your way back.
A scenic return drive.
Fuel Cost, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Savor a casual dinner with contemporary dishes in a vibrant setting.
Located back in Melbourne, mere minutes from your accommodation.
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Wildlife Adventures

Philip Island, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Olive Tree

Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast at this relaxed café specializing in local produce.
A 15-minute drive from your hotel.
AUD40, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Philip Island

Set out early for a fabulous day of wildlife experiences and scenic views.
About a 2-hour drive from Melbourne.
Fuel Cost, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Koala Conservation Centre

Get up close with koalas and learn about their habitat and conservation efforts.
Directly between Cowes and San Remo.
AUD14, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at San Remo Hotel

Enjoy a hearty meal while taking in views of the water and local marine life.
A 15-minute drive from the Koala Centre.
AUD55, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Phillip Island Nature Park

Embark on a wildlife adventure filled with seals and birds in their natural environment.
Only a 10-minute drive from the lunch spot.
AUD30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Penguin Parade

Experience the most famous event of Philip Island as little penguins return from the sea.
An easy 10-minute drive from the Nature Park.
AUD25, 2 hours

6:30PM

Drive back to Melbourne

Return after a thrilling day of wildlife encounters.
About a 2-hour drive back.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

End the day with modern Thai cuisine that everyone will rave about.
Located near your hotel in the CBD.
AUD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation

Melbourne, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Cup of Truth

Kickstart your day at this hidden gem known for its great coffee and delicious pastries.
A 10-minute walk from your hotel.
AUD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shop at Melbourne Central

Explore the iconic shopping center with plenty of stores and family-friendly activities.
A 15-minute tram ride from the café.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gazi

Savor modern Greek fare designed for sharing in a lively atmosphere.
A short 10-minute walk from Melbourne Central.
AUD70, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax at Federation Square

Enjoy the cultural heart of Melbourne and let the children explore the art exhibits.
Only a 5-minute walk from Gazi.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore ACMI

Dive into Australia’s moving image culture at this captivating museum of film, TV, and art.
Located within Federation Square.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Movida

Cap off the day with authentic Spanish tapas in a vibrant setting.
A short stroll back to the CBD.
AUD120, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Good Egg

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with plenty of healthy choices to energise you for the day.
A 15-minute drive from your hotel.
AUD35, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk through the Melbourne Zoo

Spend your morning exploring a vast array of animals in a beautiful park setting.
A short 10-minute drive from breakfast.
AUD40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lune Croissanterie

Enjoy a lunch of delectable, world-renowned croissants at this award-winning bakery.
A 15-minute ride by tram.
AUD40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Melbourne Aquarium

Spend a fascinating afternoon visiting the vibrant marine life and interactive exhibits.
Located within walking distance of the bakery.
AUD42, 2 hours

3:30PM

Free time at Southbank

Take some time to shop or relax by the riverside before heading home.
A short walk from the aquarium.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Press Club

End your journey with a finalist for Australia's Best Restaurant, offering contemporary Greek dishes.
A 10-minute walk from Southbank.
AUD200, 2 hours
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