6-Day Family Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Melbourne, Australia

Day 1: City Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day with delicious French-inspired breakfast dishes at Hardware Société, famous for their poached eggs and freshly baked pastries.
Located in the CBD, easy walk from most downtown accommodations.
AUD35, 1 hour

9:30AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Explore the sprawling landscapes with playgrounds and picnic spots in the Royal Botanic Gardens, perfect for families to enjoy nature.
Take a tram from Flinders Street Station to Domain Interchange.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Stalactites

Savor traditional Greek cuisine at Stalactites, known for its generous servings and tasty souvlaki.
Tram back to Flinders Street, Stalactites is a short walk away.
AUD60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Melbourne Zoo

Visit the Melbourne Zoo where kids can experience animal encounters and learn about wildlife conservation.
Take tram 55 towards West Coburg from Flinders Street Station.
AUD35, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Melbourne's Chinatown

Enjoy a family dinner at one of the many restaurants in Chinatown, where you can find an array of Asian cuisines.
Take tram back to CBD, walk to Chinatown.
AUD80, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Walk at Federation Square

Stroll around Federation Square, with vibrant cultural displays and the possibility of special evening events.
A short walk from Chinatown.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Great Ocean Road Adventure

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Fuel up for a big adventure with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
N/A
AUD40, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive along the Great Ocean Road

Embark on a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, taking in breathtaking coastal views and stopping at notable landmarks along the way.
Rent a car and head west on the M1.
AUD50 (fuel), 6 hours (includes stops)

2:00PM

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Stop for lunch at a local café in Apollo Bay, enjoying seafood or a rustic pub-style meal.
Take a break at Apollo Bay located midway on the route.
AUD70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Twelve Apostles

Witness the stunning rock formations of the Twelve Apostles, a must-see along the Great Ocean Road.
Continue driving along the route towards Port Campbell National Park.
AUD15 (parking fee), 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return Drive to Melbourne

Start to make your way back to Melbourne, reliving the sights of the coast while the sun sets.
Head back via the M1.
N/A, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Giancarlo's Pizzeria

End your adventure with pizza at Giancarlo's, a local favorite with Italian delicacies.
Head back to Melbourne’s CBD.
AUD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Wildlife Encounter

Phillip Island, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with rich coffee and fresh pastries before heading out for the day.
Located in South Melbourne, easily accessible by car.
AUD40, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Phillip Island

Head to Phillip Island for an exciting day filled with wildlife encounters.
Take the South Gippsland Highway (A440), it’s a scenic drive.
AUD30 (fuel), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Koala Conservation Centre

Marvel at koalas in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior at the Koala Conservation Centre.
Follow signs to the Conservation Centre upon arrival.
AUD25 (adult), AUD12.50 (child), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cowes Beach

Enjoy a beachside picnic with pre-packed lunch or dine at a café right by the beach.
Short drive to Cowes Beach.
AUD50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Phillip Island Nature Park

Explore the nature park filled with scenic walking trails and native wildlife encounters.
Drive to the Nature Park location.
AUD60 (family pass), 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Penguin Parade Viewing

This is the highlight of the day; watch the Little Penguins make their way back to shore after a day at sea.
Short drive to the parade ground.
AUD30 (adult), AUD15 (child), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cape Kitchen

Enjoy homemade pasta and fresh seafood while taking in the splendid sunset views over the ocean.
Stay on the island for dining option.
AUD100, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Drive back to Melbourne

Finish the day with a relaxing drive back to Melbourne, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day.
Retrace your route back to Melbourne.
AUD30 (fuel), 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Discovery

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cumulus Inc.

Indulge in seasonal breakfast offerings at this renowned eatery with an open-plan kitchen.
Located in CBD, an easy start to the day.
AUD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Visit the Melbourne Museum where you’ll find interactive exhibits that fascinate both kids and adults alike.
Catch tram 86 from Bourke Street.
AUD28 (adult), AUD14 (child), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy lunch at the iconic Queen Victoria Market, with options from gourmet street food to fresh produce.
Tram back to CBD, walk to the market.
AUD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Laneways and Street Art

Take a walking tour through the famous laneways of Melbourne and enjoy the vibrant street art on display.
Start from the market, easy walk to laneways.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the State Library of Victoria

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, featuring stunning architecture and fascinating exhibits.
Walking distance from laneways.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Press Club

End the day with a fine dining experience at The Press Club, showcasing Modern Greek cuisine.
Short tram ride from the library.
AUD150, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature Retreat

Dandenong Ranges, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cuckoo Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a twist at this fun and unique dining experience featuring a buffet and entertainment.
Drive to the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 1 hour.
AUD60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Puffing Billy Railway

Take a ride on Puffing Billy, the historic steam train that runs through lush forests and scenic hillsides.
Short drive to the rail station.
AUD50 (family pass), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Sherbrooke Forest

Discover the tranquility of Sherbrooke Forest with its towering eucalyptus trees and diverse wildlife.
Drive to nearby Sherbrooke Forest.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Piggery Café

Dine at The Piggery Café, set amidst the trees, offering delightful dishes made from fresh local produce.
A short drive away within the Dandenong Ranges.
AUD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful gardens designed with lakes and ornamental ponds, perfect for family photos.
Drive to the gardens.
AUD10 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

Enjoy dinner with stunning views over the city at SkyHigh, offering a diverse menu and family-friendly atmosphere.
Short drive to Mount Dandenong.
AUD100, 2 hours
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Day 6: Leisure and Shopping

Melbourne, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Delight in breakfast dishes with a modern twist at this popular spot, known for its stylish decor.
Back in CBD, a must-try breakfast.
AUD55, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Melbourne Arts Precinct

Explore the cultural hub filled with galleries, theaters, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Easy tram access from the CBD.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maha Restaurant

Treat your family to contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine at Maha, a culinary delight in Melbourne.
Short stroll from the Arts Precinct.
AUD120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping at Emporium Melbourne

Spend the afternoon shopping at Emporium Melbourne, featuring a variety of boutiques and international brands.
A short walk from Maha Restaurant.
N/A, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

End your Melbourne adventure with dinner at Chin Chin, offering a modern Thai dining experience that's fun and vibrant.
Located back in the CBD, short walk from Emporium.
AUD100, 2 hours
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