7-Day Family-Friendly Foodie and Rail Adventure in Melbourne

Day 1: Melbourne Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your trip with a delicious breakfast at Hardware Société, known for its innovative French-inspired dishes and fresh ingredients.
Located in the Melbourne CBD, easy to get to via tram.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, where the kids can run free and discover the beautiful flora.
A 5-minute tram ride from Hardware Société.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Southbank

Enjoy a casual lunch by the Yarra River at one of the many eateries at Southbank.
20-minute walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
AUD60, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Melbourne Zoo

Visit the Melbourne Zoo, home to over 320 animal species, great for engaging the kids.
Take tram #58 from Southbank to Royal Park.
AUD40, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Grain Store

Savor a family-friendly dinner at The Grain Store, offering a farm-to-table menu.
Short tram ride back to the CBD.
AUD80, 2 hours
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Day 2: Art & Culture Day

Melbourne, Australia

9:00 AM

Breakfast at St. Ali

Indulge in the buzzing atmosphere of St. Ali for a top-notch coffee and breakfast.
Tram ride to South Melbourne.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

National Gallery of Victoria

Explore Australia’s oldest public art museum with family-friendly exhibitions.
Easy tram ride to the gallery in the city.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fedders

Enjoy a tasty lunch at Fedders located in a vibrant art enclave.
Short walk from the gallery.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Queen Victoria Market

Explore the famous market and try local delights while shopping for fresh produce.
Take a tram from Southbank to the market.
Free (Shopping at your expense), 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tonka

Experience modern Indian cuisine with a family-friendly menu at Tonka.
Walk or take a short tram ride back to the restaurant.
AUD90, 2 hours
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Day 3: Daylesford Day Trip

Daylesford, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Oley

Fuel up before heading out to Daylesford with a hearty breakfast.
Drive from Melbourne CBD to Daylesford, about 90 minutes.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Lake Daylesford

Enjoy time by the picturesque Lake Daylesford—great for family photos and a nature walk.
Free parking available near the lake.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Lake House

Dine at the renowned Lake House with a seasonal menu and beautiful views.
Short walk from the lake.
AUD120, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Daylesford Spa Country Railway

Ride the heritage steam train—the kids will love the fun experience!
Follow signs to the train station.
AUD50 (family ticket), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Drive back to Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne, reminiscing about your beautiful day.
1.5-hour drive back to Melbourne.
N/A, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Oporto

Grab a casual family dinner at Oporto with some famous grilled chicken.
Return to Melbourne CBD.
AUD40, 1 hour
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Day 4: Ballarat Day Trip

Ballarat, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Start your day with some delicious pastries and coffee before heading out.
90-minute drive to Ballarat.
AUD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Sovereign Hill

Spend the day at a living museum where kids can experience the Gold Rush period.
Short drive from the café.
AUD100 (family ticket), 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The New York Bakery

Grab a bite at a popular local bakery known for its hearty sandwiches.
Walking distance from Sovereign Hill.
AUD50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife; the kids will love it!
About a 10-minute drive from the bakery.
AUD80 (family ticket), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Drive Back to Melbourne

Return to Melbourne, enjoying the beautiful countryside views.
1.5-hour drive back.
N/A, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Italian Bar

Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine with a family-friendly atmosphere.
A short drive from your lodging.
AUD70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Geelong Adventure

Geelong, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Geelong Gallery Cafe

Savor breakfast with a view of the beautiful gallery before exploring.
Drive to Geelong takes about 1 hour.
AUD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Eastern Beach Reserve

Enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront and let the kids play in the park.
Short drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Explore these beautiful gardens featuring a vast array of native flora.
Walking distance from Eastern Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Hot Chicken Project

Savor some unique dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
5-minute drive from the gardens.
AUD60, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Geelong Carousel

Take a ride on the historic carousel, a fun outing for the kids.
Short drive to the carousel.
AUD20, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Drive back to Melbourne

Return to Melbourne for the final night of the adventure.
1-hour drive back.
N/A, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience on a moving tram as you explore the city.
Short drive to the tram starting point.
AUD120, 2 hours
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Day 6: Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Australia

6:00 AM

Early Breakfast at Short Black Café

Start early with a coffee and some pastries before hitting the road.
Early morning drive from Melbourne.
AUD40, 1 hour

7:30 AM

Drive along the Great Ocean Road

Enjoy the breathtaking views as you drive along this iconic coastal road.
Drive takes approximately 3 hours to reach the first stop.
N/A, 3 hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Twelve Apostles

Marvel at these stunning sea stacks; this is a must-see on your journey.
Follow signs from the main road to the viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre

Enjoy lunch with views of the ocean while the kids explore.
Conveniently located with food options.
AUD70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Loch Ard Gorge

Explore this stunning natural landscape and enjoy a walk on the beach.
Short drive from the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Drive Back to Melbourne

Head back while taking in the beautiful sights one last time.
3-hour drive back.
N/A, 3 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Celebrate a fantastic trip with dinner at this popular modern Thai restaurant.
Back in Melbourne CBD.
AUD100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxing Day in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

9:00 AM

Brunch at The Kettle Black

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of the trendiest spots in Melbourne.
Short walk or tram ride in the city.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Royal Melbourne Showgrounds

Check for events happening at the showgrounds; it’s a family-friendly hub.
Take a tram to the showgrounds.
Varies, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bomba

Grab a laid-back lunch featuring tapas and paella.
Short tram ride back into the city.
AUD70, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Melbourne Museum

Engage the family with interactive displays and exhibitions—fun and educational!
Tram ride to the museum.
AUD50 (family ticket), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Naked for Satan

Wrap up your Melbourne adventure with a creative dinner at this unique rooftop venue in Fitzroy.
A short tram ride to Fitzroy.
AUD80, 2 hours
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