6-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Melbourne, Australia

Day 1: Exploring Carlton

Carlton, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Piaf

Start your adventure with a delightful breakfast at Piaf where the family can enjoy pancakes and fresh fruits.
Located within walking distance in Carlton.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Melbourne Museum

Explore the Melbourne Museum where kids can learn about natural history and indigenous culture.
5-minute drive from Piaf.
AUD 64, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cider House

Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Cider House with fantastic options for kids like burgers and salads.
10-minute walk from the museum.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Carlton Gardens Exploration

Take a family stroll through the beautiful Carlton Gardens, a perfect spot for picnics.
Across the street from The Cider House.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Royal Exhibition Building

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning architecture and lush surrounding gardens.
Also at Carlton Gardens.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at La Porchetta

Savor delicious Italian food at La Porchetta, perfect for families with its kids' menu.
5-minute drive from Carlton Gardens.
AUD 90, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Lakes and Parks

Carlton, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Town Hall Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at The Town Hall Hotel, offering fresh eggs and pastries.
Near Carlton.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Princes Park

A fantastic park with playgrounds and lots of space for the kids to run around.
5-minute drive from The Town Hall Hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Park Cafe

Refuel with a casual lunch at The Park Cafe overlooking the park.
At Princes Park.
AUD 65, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Bike Ride around the Lake

Rent bikes and enjoy riding around the picturesque lake in Princes Park.
Bike rentals are available on-site.
AUD 40, 2 hours

4:30PM

St Kilda Beach Visit

Head to St Kilda Beach where the kids can play in the sand and enjoy ocean views.
30-minute drive from Princes Park.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Donovans

A family-friendly beachside restaurant, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and pasta.
Local to St Kilda Beach.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: City Landmarks

Melbourne CBD, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

A bustling cafe known for its French-inspired breakfast and pastries.
20-minute drive to Hardware Société.
AUD 90, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Federation Square

Check out the cultural precinct of Melbourne complete with art galleries and events.
Walking distance from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Melbourne Aquarium

The kids will love the underwater world featuring sharks, rays, and beautiful fish.
10-minute walk from Federation Square.
AUD 130, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Southbank

Grab lunch at one of the River Walk restaurants, enjoying screening views of the Yarra River.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ride the Melbourne Star

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation wheel, a family favorite.
15-minute drive to Melbourne Star.
AUD 80, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Experience modern Thai dining, highly praised for its family-friendly dishes.
15-minute drive or cab from Melbourne Star.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Great Ocean Road Adventure

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at The Birdcage

Have a quick breakfast at The Birdcage Café before an exhilarating day.
Local to Carlton.
AUD 60, 1 hour

8:30AM

Great Ocean Road Trip

Set off for a scenic drive down the Great Ocean Road, renowned for its stunning coastal views.
Drive about 1 hour from Carlton to start the journey.
Free (vehicle expenses), 7 hours (including stops)

1:00PM

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Enjoy lunch at a seaside cafe with spectacular ocean views.
Stop in Apollo Bay on your tour.
AUD 90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit 12 Apostles

Marvel at the iconic rock stacks and take family photos during the late afternoon light.
Continue 30 minutes to 12 Apostles.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return Journey to Melbourne

Start driving back with a few scenic stops along the way, making your return enjoyable.
Return via Great Ocean Road.
Free (vehicle expenses), 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Smith

Finish your day with a delicious dinner at The Smith, known for its fresh seasonal produce.
Back in Carlton.
AUD 110, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature & Wildlife

Carlton, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Fuel up with a direct-carve coffee and delicious breakfast at this family-friendly spot.
5-minute walk from your hotel.
AUD 65, 1 hour

9:30AM

Melbourne Zoo Visit

Discover wildlife up-close at one of Australia’s oldest zoos; an adventure for the whole family.
10-minute drive from Carlton.
AUD 80, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the zoo café

Savor tasty lunch options, perfect for a quick bite before more animal adventures.
At Melbourne Zoo.
AUD 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Royal Park Exploration

Spend the afternoon at Royal Park for open fields and picnic areas where kids can play.
5-minute drive from the zoo.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Royal Botanic Gardens

End the day at the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens for scenic walks and beautiful flora.
15-minute drive from Royal Park.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Meat & Wine Co.

Treat yourselves to an amazing dinner complete with steak options for adults and options for kids.
20-minute drive from Royal Botanic Gardens.
AUD 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural & Local Experiences

Carlton, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Paradiso

End your trip on a high note with breakfast at Café Paradiso, known for its fresh baked goods.
5-minute drive from Carlton.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Queen Victoria Market Visit

Explore the bustling market filled with fresh produce, souvenirs, and local goods.
10-minute drive from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

NGV International Visit

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria to see amazing art from around the globe.
20-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Brick Lane

Enjoy street food from various stalls, perfect for a quick and diverse meal option.
At Queen Victoria Market.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Street Art Tour

Take a walking tour to view the stunning street art scattered throughout the city.
30-minutes walking from the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Final Dinner at The Press Club

Conclude your memorable trip with a farewell dinner at The Press Club known for innovative dishes.
5-minute drive from the street art area.
AUD 200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability