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

Day 1: Arrival in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Arrive in Melbourne

Welcome to Melbourne! After clearing customs, collect your rental car and get ready to explore.
N/A
AUD 0, 0.5 hours

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Kickstart your adventure with breakfast at Hardware Société, a cafe famous for its fresh and delicious dishes.
Drive 15 minutes to the café.
AUD 80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped Royal Botanic Gardens where kids can play and everyone can relax.
A short 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Southbank Promenade

Dine at one of the family-friendly restaurants on Southbank Promenade, which offers great views of the river.
Drive 10 minutes.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Melbourne Zoo

Spend the afternoon at Melbourne Zoo, where the family can enjoy animal encounters and fun educational experiences.
15-minute drive from lunch.
AUD 100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Wrap up your first day with a family dinner at Chin Chin, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and modern Thai cuisine.
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 breakfast at a local café in Lilydale Marketplace before heading to the beautiful Yarra Valley.
Drive approximately 1 hour from Melbourne.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:00AM

Healesville Sanctuary

Visit Healesville Sanctuary, where kids can feed kangaroos and learn about native Australian wildlife.
15-minute drive from breakfast spot.
AUD 90, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yarra Valley Dairy

Indulge in delightful cheeses and local produce at Yarra Valley Dairy, perfect for a family meal.
Drive 30 minutes through vineyards.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon

While adults enjoy wine tastings, kids can play in the beautiful grounds of Domaine Chandon.
5-minute drive.
AUD 40, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Melbourne

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

6:00PM

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Savour a pleasant meal at Cumulus Inc., known for its modern flavours and seasonal menu.
Drive to the restaurant located 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 your day with breakfast at Commonfolk, a café known for its local coffee and fresh breakfast dishes.
Drive 1 hour to Mornington Peninsula.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Devil Bend Natural Feature Reserve

Explore the hiking trails of Devil Bend, a nature paradise for active families.
20-minute scenic drive.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Red Hill Brewery

Indulge in a hearty lunch featuring wood-fired pizzas at Red Hill Brewery.
Drive 15 minutes.
AUD 90, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Get lost in Australia's largest hedge maze and enjoy the stunning gardens with the family.
25-minute drive from lunch.
AUD 70, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Sorrento

Venture to Sorrento, a charming beach town, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
40-minute scenic drive.
AUD 0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Sorrento Hotel

End your day with contemporary Australian cuisine at Sorrento Hotel, offering breathtaking bay views.
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 overlooking the beach at The Cowes Cultural Centre to fuel up for the day ahead.
Drive or take the ferry (2 hours).
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:00AM

Phillip Island Wildlife Park

Encounter local wildlife at Phillip Island Wildlife Park, where kids can feed kangaroos and see Australian species.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
AUD 80, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Nobbies Centre

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

1:00PM

Lunch at Penguin Parade Cafe

Savour a casual lunch at the Penguin Parade Café, with family-friendly menu options.
A quick 5-minute drive.
AUD 90, 1 hour

2:30PM

Penguin Parade Experience

Be captivated as you witness the Penguin Parade at sunset, a magical family-friendly experience.
Staying at the same location.
AUD 60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne after an exciting day filled with wildlife experiences.
Drive back (2 hours).
AUD 0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pizza E Birra

Conclude your day with delightful pizzas at Pizza E Birra, a family favourite for its lively atmosphere.
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

Relish a whimsical breakfast at Miss Marple's Tea Room, surrounded by charming décor.
Drive 1 hour to Dandenong Ranges.
AUD 85, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the National Rhododendron Gardens

Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the National Rhododendron Gardens, ideal for family fun.
A quick 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Puffing Billy Railway

Experience a unique BBQ lunch at The Puffing Billy Railway, where you can enjoy a classic steam train ride.
20-minute drive.
AUD 120, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Puffing Billy Railway

Take the Puffing Billy Railway to witness the stunning scenery while bonding with the family.
Stay at the same location.
AUD 80, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne and unwind after a fun-filled day.
Drive back (1 hour).
AUD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trunk

Wrap up your day at Trunk, offering casual dining with a menu of 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

Start your day with fresh, locally sourced breakfast at The Grain Store, an excellent family-friendly venue.
Walk to the café nearby.
AUD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Melbourne Museum

Visit Melbourne Museum for fun and educational exhibits that will impress the entire family.
15-minute tram ride.
AUD 60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Savour lunch at Queen Victoria Market, diving into multicultural food stalls offering local delights.
10-minute walk.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Ride the Melbourne Star

Experience spectacular views from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, a family highlight.
10-minute walk.
AUD 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at the Fitzroy Gardens

Unwind at the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens where kids can play and families can enjoy the serene surroundings.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Flower Drum

Conclude your explorations with a delightful dinner at Flower Drum, a highly regarded Chinese restaurant.
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

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Views Restaurant before embarking on an exciting day at Great Ocean Road.
Drive approximately 2 hours to the starting point.
AUD 80, 1 hour

8:30AM

Stop at the Twelve Apostles

Marvel at the majestic Twelve Apostles, a highlight that showcases the stunning coastline.
30-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Loch Ard Gorge

Visit Loch Ard Gorge where the striking landscape creates a perfect family photo opportunity.
10-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Grotto

Enjoy a scenic packed picnic lunch at The Grotto, amidst stunning coastal views.
Pack a picnic before setting off.
AUD 40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Apollo Bay

Spend some time at Apollo Bay beach where kids can play and families can relax by the ocean.
30-minute coastal drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Begin your journey back to Melbourne filled with memories of your adventure.
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 breathtaking views.
Drive to the restaurant in the CBD.
AUD 300, 2 hours
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