8-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Melbourne: Nature, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Culture & City

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Kick off your adventure with a delicious breakfast at Hardware Société, famous for its beautiful French-inspired dishes and hearty options.
Located in the city centre, it’s easily accessible by tram.
AUD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

After breakfast, stroll through the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens with children-friendly trails and open spaces.
It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk or a short tram ride from the breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kettle Black

Savour a variety of healthy yet flavoursome meals at The Kettle Black which is known for its stylish atmosphere.
A short 10-minute walk from the gardens.
AUD 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Melbourne Museum

Immerse yourselves in Australian history and culture with hands-on exhibits at the Melbourne Museum.
A quick tram ride will get you there in about 15 minutes.
AUD 70, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Federation Square

Head over to Federation Square, a cultural precinct with events and galleries full of family-friendly activities.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

End your day with delicious Thai cuisine at Chin Chin, perfect for the whole family with vibrant food options.
Located a short 10-minute walk from Federation Square.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Coastal Drive

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Beach Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Beach Hotel, overlooking the beach.
Located on the Great Ocean Road, it’s a perfect spot to fuel up.
AUD 75, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive the Great Ocean Road

Embark on a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, making stops at iconic sights like the 12 Apostles.
Rental car is ideal for this trip which takes about 3 hours to the apostles.
AUD 40 (fuel), 6 hours with stops

2:00PM

Lunch at 12 Apostles Visitor Centre

Enjoy a casual lunch at the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre café featuring local produce.
It’s conveniently located right at the lookout.
AUD 70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Loch Ard Gorge

Explore Loch Ard Gorge, perfect for kids to run around and enjoy stunning coastal views.
Just 10 minutes’ drive from the 12 Apostles.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Head back to Melbourne

Start your returning journey to Melbourne, making leisurely stops along the way.
It’s about a 3-hour drive back.
AUD 40 (fuel), 3 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Mamasita

Satisfy your hunger with authentic Mexican dishes at Mamasita, well known for its lively atmosphere.
Easily accessible downtown.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art & Markets

Melbourne, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Domain Chandon

Enjoy a picturesque breakfast at Domain Chandon overlooking the vineyard.
Located in the Yarra Valley but an easy drive from your accommodation.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Explore art from renowned artists at the National Gallery of Victoria, which often has family-friendly exhibits.
Return to Melbourne which is a 1-hour drive.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Browse food stalls and dine at the Queen Victoria Market, where you can sample local delights.
Just a 10-minute walk from the gallery.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shopping at Queen Victoria Market

Spend some time exploring the vibrant market stalls filled with local produce and crafts.
Stay right in the market area.
Cost varies, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Fitzroy Gardens

A lovely park for children to play and enjoy some beautiful gardens and playgrounds.
A 30-minute walk or 10-minute tram ride from Queen Victoria Market.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Wrap up the day with a casual dinner at Cumulus Inc., known for its modern Australian dishes.
Easily reachable in the city centre.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Wildlife Encounter

Wilsons Promontory, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tidal River Cafe

Start with a filling breakfast at the Tidal River Cafe inside Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Located at the base of the park, easy to access.
AUD 60, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hiking at Wilsons Promontory

Spend the morning hiking on one of the many family-friendly trails, looking for kangaroos and wildlife.
Trail maps are available at the café.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Squeaky Beach

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Squeaky Beach, famed for its white sands and pristine waters.
Short walk from the main trailhead.
AUD 40 (picnic supplies), 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Wilsons Promontory Visitor Centre

Learn about the local wildlife and history at the visitor centre; often has family activities.
Just a short drive from Squeaky Beach.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Head back to Melbourne

Begin your return journey to Melbourne after a day of adventure.
Drive back, about a 3-hour trip.
AUD 40 (fuel), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tipo 00

Enjoy fresh handmade pasta in a family-friendly setting at Tipo 00, a local favourite.
Located in the city centre.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Wine & Dine

Yarra Valley, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yering Station

Indulge in a lavish breakfast at Yering Station, overlooking beautiful vineyards.
Drive to Yarra Valley, approximately 1 hour from Melbourne.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Healesville Sanctuary

Meet Australian wildlife up close and personal at the engaging Healesville Sanctuary.
A short 20-minute drive from Yering Station.
AUD 120, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Innocent Bystander

Sample local dishes and wines at Innocent Bystander, perfect for the entire family.
Just 10 minutes from Healesville Sanctuary.
AUD 90, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon

Parents can enjoy sparkling wine tastings while kids can explore the grounds.
Drive about 15 minutes from lunch location.
AUD 50 (for parents), 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Family fun at TarraWarra Museum of Art

Explore contemporary art and enjoy outdoor activities at TarraWarra Museum.
It’s a 10-minute drive away.
AUD 40, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Eltham Hotel

Conclude your Yarra Valley adventure with an enticing dinner at Eltham Hotel, serving local dishes.
Drive back towards Melbourne, about 30 minutes away.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: City Discovery

Melbourne, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Proud Mary

Start the day at Proud Mary with their exceptional breakfast menu known for specialty coffee and healthy eats.
A short tram ride from your accommodation.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Melbourne Zoo

Spend the morning at the Melbourne Zoo to see various animals from around the world, engaging programs for kids included.
Ride a tram to the zoo in about 30 minutes.
AUD 100, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Zoo Café

Have a convenient lunch at the Zoo Café, serving a variety of meals perfect for all ages.
Located inside the zoo.
AUD 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore laneways and street art

Take a guided tour through Melbourne’s vibrant laneways to admire fascinating street art.
Easily accessible from the zoo by tram.
AUD 50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Take a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

Enjoy breathtaking views of Melbourne from the iconic Melbourne Star.
Tram transport to the Docklands area takes about 25 minutes.
AUD 60, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Press Club

Savour a unique dining experience at The Press Club, offering contemporary Greek cuisine.
Located in the city centre.
AUD 150, 2 hours
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Day 7: Nature & Relaxation

Melbourne, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Vino

Start your day at Cafe Vino with a great selection of breakfasts, ideal for all ages.
Easily accessible in the city centre.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

St Kilda Beach Day

Spend the morning relaxing at St Kilda Beach, where kids can play in the sand or swim.
A tram ride to St Kilda takes about 30 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fitzrovia

Enjoy fresh and locally sourced meals at Fitzrovia, close to St Kilda.
A quick walk from the beach.
AUD 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the St Kilda Adventure Park

Have a fun afternoon at the St Kilda Adventure Park with rides and activities suitable for the entire family.
Short walk from the lunch spot.
AUD 90, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Luna Park

Check out the iconic Luna Park in St Kilda for some classic amusement rides.
Just a short walk from the Adventure Park.
AUD 60, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Espressonist

Conclude your day with a casual dinner at The Espressonist, celebrated for its gourmet pizzas.
Easily accessible in St Kilda.
AUD 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Wildlife & Fun

Phillip Island, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cowes Beach

Start your day with breakfast at Cowes Beach with stunning views.
Drive to Phillip Island, about 1.5 hours from Melbourne.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Phillip Island Wildlife Park

Meet kangaroos, koalas, and more at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, featuring close animal encounters.
Just a short drive from Cowes Beach.
AUD 70, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cape Kitchen

Savour a delicious farm-to-table lunch at The Cape Kitchen facing the ocean.
10-minute drive from the wildlife park.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Learn about dairy farming and enjoy tractor rides at the heritage farm.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
AUD 60, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Penguin Parade

Watch tiny penguins return home at sunset at the world-famous Penguin Parade.
Just a short drive from the farm.
AUD 100, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Twilight Hour

Enjoy a stunning view while having dinner at The Twilight Hour, with contemporary dishes and local ingredients.
Located near the Penguin Parade venue.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours
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Cultural Norms + Etiquette

In Melbourne, it’s customary to greet people with a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact. Casual dress is acceptable, but locals tend to prefer smart-casual attire, especially in restaurants and bars. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for exceptional service is common. It’s also important to respect personal space and wait for your turn in queues, as patience is highly valued.