4-Day Family Friendly Melbourne Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day at Hardware Société, where you can indulge in their famous French toast and freshly baked pastries, perfect for fueling a day of exploration.
Take a short tram ride to Hardware Société from the city center.
AUD 60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, where your family can enjoy the vast green spaces and a lovely lake, a perfect picnic spot too!
A 20-minute walk or a quick tram ride from Hardware Société.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Head to Queen Victoria Market for a bustling atmosphere with plenty of family-friendly food stalls offering everything from fresh fruit to delicious hot food.
Take a tram back to the market from the gardens (approx. 15 minutes).
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Melbourne Museum

Engage the kids with interactive exhibits at the Melbourne Museum, where they can learn about Australia’s natural history and culture.
A 15-minute tram ride from the market to the museum.
AUD 65 (family ticket), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Federation Square

After the museum, head to Federation Square, a lively spot with plenty of cafes, galleries, and spaces for kids to play.
A quick 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Press Club

Enjoy a family dinner at The Press Club, where modern Greek cuisine is served, making it a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
A 10-minute walk from Federation Square.
AUD 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Wildlife Adventure

Phillip Island, Australia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Fuel up with delicious breakfast options at The Kettle Black, known for its stunning presentation and flavors.
Drive to the Kettle Black for breakfast (30-minute drive).
AUD 60, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Phillip Island

Take a scenic drive to Phillip Island to enjoy its famous attractions, the kids will love the journey exploring the coast.
Take the M1 and then follow the signs towards Phillip Island (approx. 2 hours).
Free, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Phillip Island Nature Parks

Explore the Phillip Island Nature Parks, which includes the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can see these adorable animals up close.
Drive a short 30 minutes to the Nature Park from the main entrance of Phillip Island.
AUD 90 (family ticket), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Cape Kitchen

Savor a lovely lunch at The Cape Kitchen, overlooking the ocean, providing delicious meals made with local produce.
A 15-minute drive from the Nature Park to The Cape Kitchen.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Penguin Parade

In the afternoon, head to the famous Penguin Parade where you can watch these adorable creatures come ashore at dusk; an unforgettable family experience.
It’s a quick 20-minute drive to the Penguin Parade from the lunch location.
AUD 70 (family ticket), 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Cowes Beach

Before the parade, spend time relaxing at Cowes Beach, where the kids can run around and enjoy the sandy shores.
Drive 10 minutes from the Penguin Parade to Cowes Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Waterboy

End the day with dinner at The Waterboy, offering a cozy family atmosphere and a menu full of options everyone can enjoy.
A 10-minute drive from Cowes Beach.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Experience the Penguin Parade

Witness the incredible sight of the little penguins returning home, a true delight for children and adults alike, making this a special family moment.
A short walk from The Waterboy to the Penguin Parade viewing area.
Included in previous ticket, 1 hour
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Day 3: Great Ocean Road Trip

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Good Table

Fuel your family with a wholesome breakfast at The Good Table, with a strong focus on fresh and local ingredients.
Drive back to Melbourne (roughly 2 hours) for breakfast at The Good Table.
AUD 70, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive the Great Ocean Road

Set off for a day driving the stunning Great Ocean Road, with its dramatic coastal scenery and various stopping points perfect for family photos.
Drive from Melbourne following the Great Ocean Road (approx. 1.5 hours to the first stop).
Free, 4 hours with stops

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Wye River General Store

Stop at The Wye River General Store for a casual lunch with local favorites and spectacular river views.
A 10-minute drive from the first scenic lookout on the Great Ocean Road.
AUD 80, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Twelve Apostles

Visit the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations, a must-see that will leave the family in awe of nature's wonders.
A 30-minute drive from the lunch spot to the Twelve Apostles.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Loch Ard Gorge

After the Twelve Apostles, head to Loch Ard Gorge to take in breathtaking views and learn about its fascinating maritime history.
A 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles to Loch Ard Gorge.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at 12 Rocks Beach Bar and Café

Wrap up your adventurous day with a stunning dinner at 12 Rocks Beach Bar and Café, where fresh local seafood is a highlight.
A quick drive from Loch Ard Gorge back to the coast (about 15 minutes).
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: City Markets and Culture

Melbourne, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mankind

Start your final day at Mankind, where you can enjoy delicious organic options and a healthy energy boost.
Drive back to Melbourne (2 hours).
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Melbourne Zoo

Spend the morning exploring the Melbourne Zoo, where the kids can learn about diverse animal species and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Take a 15-minute tram ride from Mankind.
AUD 75 (family ticket), 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Roche Kitchen

Have lunch at La Roche Kitchen, featuring a fabulous menu with kid-friendly options in a cozy atmosphere.
A 10-minute walk from the zoo.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Explore the National Gallery of Victoria, where children can engage with art and enjoy special exhibits designed for young visitors.
A tram ride (15 minutes) to the gallery from La Roche Kitchen.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Explore St Kilda Beach

On your final afternoon, take the kids to St Kilda Beach for fun in the sand and a chance to see the local wildlife including penguins and birds.
A 20-minute tram ride from the gallery to St Kilda.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Stokehouse

End your Melbourne adventure with dinner at Stokehouse, a family-friendly restaurant with beautiful ocean views and a fantastic menu that caters to everyone’s tastes.
A 10-minute walk along the beach from St Kilda Beach.
AUD 150, 1.5 hours
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