7-Day Family-Friendly Nature and Foodie Itinerary in Melbourne

Day 1: Explore Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day at Hardware Société, known for its delightful French-inspired breakfast options, perfect for energising the family.
Head south on Little Lonsdale Street.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, where the kids can play and explore the varied flora and fauna.
A short 10-minute drive or tram ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Southbank Promenade

Enjoy a family-friendly meal at one of the many restaurants along the Southbank Promenade, offering riverside views.
Walk along St Kilda Road.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Melbourne Zoo

Visit Melbourne Zoo to engage with a diverse range of animals and learn about conservation efforts.
15-minute tram ride from Southbank.
AUD 100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Dine at Chin Chin for delicious modern Thai dishes that will satisfy the entire family’s taste buds.
A quick cab ride back to the city centre.
AUD 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Yarra Valley Adventures

Yarra Valley, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at Lilydale Marketplace

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a café in Lilydale Marketplace as you set out for a day in nature.
Drive approximately 1 hour from Melbourne.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:00AM

Healesville Sanctuary

Explore Healesville Sanctuary where you can see Australian wildlife up close, plus interactive presentations for the kids.
15-minute drive from breakfast spot.
AUD 90, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yarra Valley Dairy

Dig into some local cheese and artisan bread at Yarra Valley Dairy, perfect for a light and tasty meal.
Drive 30 minutes through picturesque vineyards.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon

While the adults enjoy sparkling wine tastings, kids can play on the grounds at this stunning winery.
5-minute drive.
AUD 40, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne for a restful evening.
Drive back to the city (1 hour).
AUD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Enjoy a relaxed family meal at Cumulus Inc., serving up seasonal and local produce.
Drive to the restaurant in the CBD.
AUD 120, 2 hours
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Day 3: Mornington Peninsula Fun

Mornington Peninsula, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Commonfolk

Start the day with a nourishing breakfast at Commonfolk, a vibrant café known for its local produce.
Drive 1 hour to Mornington Peninsula.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Devil Bend Natural Feature Reserve

Explore the picturesque hiking trails at Devil Bend, perfect for family nature walks.
Take a scenic 20-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Red Hill Brewery

Taste local brews and enjoy a wood-fired pizza designed for sharing at Red Hill Brewery.
Drive for 15 minutes.
AUD 90, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Get lost in the largest hedge maze in Australia which can be fun for the whole family.
A 25-minute drive from lunch.
AUD 70, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Sorrento

Drive to Sorrento to explore the charming beach town.
40-minute scenic drive.
AUD 0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Sorrento Hotel

Finish your day with contemporary Australian cuisine at Sorrento Hotel overlooking the bay.
Walk to the hotel from the beach.
AUD 150, 2 hours
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Day 4: Philip Island Experience

Philip Island, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Cowes Cultural Centre

Enjoy breakfast with sea views at The Cowes Cultural Centre as you gear up for an exciting day on Philip Island.
Take the ferry or drive (2 hours).
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:00AM

Phillip Island Wildlife Park

Feed kangaroos and see local wildlife at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, an exciting attraction for the whole family.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
AUD 80, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Nobbies Centre

Enjoy the stunning coastal views and the picturesque boardwalks at The Nobbies.
Drive for 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Penguin Parade Cafe

Savour a relaxed lunch at the Penguin Parade Cafe, with menu options that appeal to all ages.
A quick 5-minute drive.
AUD 90, 1 hour

2:30PM

Penguin Parade Experience

Witness the enchanting Penguin Parade at sunset as the little penguins return home.
Staying at the same location.
AUD 60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne after an exciting day on Philip Island.
Drive back (2 hours).
AUD 0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pizza E Birra

Wrap up your day with some delicious pizzas at Pizza E Birra, a family favourite.
Drive to the restaurant in Melbourne.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Dandenong Ranges Day Trip

Dandenong Ranges, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Miss Marple's Tea Room

Enjoy a delightful breakfast surrounded by charming decor at Miss Marple's Tea Room in Sassafras.
Drive 1 hour to Dandenong Ranges.
AUD 85, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the National Rhododendron Gardens

Explore the National Rhododendron Gardens where kids can enjoy nature and open spaces.
A quick 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Puffing Billy Railway

Have a unique BBQ lunch at The Puffing Billy Railway, where you can also ride one of Australia’s oldest steam trains.
20-minute drive.
AUD 120, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Puffing Billy Railway

Take a picturesque journey on the Puffing Billy Railway, sharing the experience together as a family.
Staying at the same location.
AUD 80, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne and relax after a day of fun.
Drive back (1 hour).
AUD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trunk

Finish your adventurous trip with casual dining at Trunk known for its hearty meals.
Visit the restaurant in the CBD.
AUD 120, 2 hours
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Day 6: Melbourne City Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grain Store

Kickstart your day with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at The Grain Store.
Walk to the cafe nearby.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Melbourne Museum

Visit the Melbourne Museum to engage with immersive exhibits and beautiful parkland outside.
15-minute tram ride.
AUD 60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy lunch at Queen Victoria Market, diving into multicultural food stalls that reflect Melbourne's diversity.
10-minute walk.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Ride the Melbourne Star

Experience stunning views of Melbourne from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, a fun outing for everyone.
10-minute walk.
AUD 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at the Fitzroy Gardens

Unwind at the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens where the children can play and the family can relax under trees.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Flower Drum

Finish your day with a meal at Flower Drum, a highly regarded Chinese restaurant known for its flavours.
Short cab ride from the gardens.
AUD 250, 2 hours
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Day 7: Great Ocean Road Adventure

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Views Restaurant

Fuel up with breakfast at The Views Restaurant before a full day on the Great Ocean Road.
Drive approximately 2 hours to the location's start.
AUD 80, 1 hour

8:30AM

Stop at the Twelve Apostles

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles, a highlight of the Great Ocean Road.
30-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Loch Ard Gorge

Explore Loch Ard Gorge, where the striking landscape creates an amazing backdrop for photos.
10-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Grotto

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at The Grotto, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.
Pack a picnic before setting out.
AUD 40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Apollo Bay

Check out the beautiful beach at Apollo Bay; kids can play or splash in the ocean.
30-minute coastal drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne after a fantastic day exploring natural wonders.
Drive back (2 hours).
AUD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Celebrate the end of your trip with a memorable dining experience at Vue de Monde, featuring a stunning view of Melbourne.
Drive to the restaurant in the CBD.
AUD 300, 2 hours
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