Family Adventure in Melbourne: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Kick off your Melbourne adventure with a delicious breakfast at Hardware Société, famous for its French-inspired dishes and comfort food.
Located at 120 Hardware St. near the central business district.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and diverse plant life.
It’s a short 15-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boatbuilders Yard

Enjoy lunch by the Yarra River at The Boatbuilders Yard, with options for kids and plenty of outdoor seating.
A 15-minute tram ride will take you there (tram number 12, 96 or 109).
AUD 80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Melbourne Museum

Discover the wonders of the Melbourne Museum, where you can explore everything from dinosaurs to Indigenous Australian culture.
A 10-minute tram ride (route 86 or 96) will get you there.
AUD 78, 3 hours

4:30PM

Federation Square

Head to Federation Square to admire its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere while letting the kids enjoy the space.
15-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Wind down your first day with a family dinner at Chin Chin, an upbeat Asian fusion restaurant with a menu that even picky eaters will love.
Stroll back for about 10 minutes.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Art and Nature

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Coffee & Pastries at Cumulus Inc.

Start your day with artisanal pastries and quality coffee at Cumulus Inc., a favorite local spot.
Located at 45 Flinders Lane, a 15-minute tram ride will get you there.
AUD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Gallery of Victoria

Enjoy a morning of culture at the National Gallery of Victoria, where collections range from ancient to contemporary artworks.
It’s a short 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at the NGV Café

Take a break for lunch at the NGV Café with a menu featuring seasonal Australian fare.
Right in the National Gallery precinct.
AUD 90, 1 hour

12:30PM

Albert Park Lake

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Albert Park Lake. You can rent bicycles or walk the scenic path around the lake.
Catch tram number 12 to the park from NGV, around a 15-minute ride.
Bike rental AUD 30, 2.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Luna Park

Take the family to Luna Park in St Kilda for some classic amusement park fun with rides and games.
A quick tram ride (route 96) will take you to St Kilda within 20 minutes.
AUD 100, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at St Kilda Pier Restaurant

Finish the day with seafood and other delicious mains at St Kilda Pier, enjoying lovely views of the bay.
Just a short walk from Luna Park.
AUD 160, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Phillip Island

Phillip Island, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Big Mouth

Fuel up for your day trip with a hearty breakfast at Big Mouth in St Kilda before you head out.
A quick walk from your hotel.
AUD 70, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Phillip Island

Set off for Phillip Island, known for its stunning coastlines and wildlife, approximately a 2-hour drive from Melbourne.
Rent a car for convenience, or join a tour.
AUD 50 (shared cost for gas), around AUD 140 for a tour., 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Koala Reserve

Explore the Koala Reserve at Phillip Island to see koalas in their natural habitat.
A direct route from the main road will take you there.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cowes

Head to Cowes for a beachfront lunch, where you’ll find cafes serving fresh local fare.
A short 15-minute drive from the Koala Reserve.
AUD 80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Penguin Parade

Prepare to witness the famous Penguin Parade in the afternoon as little penguins march home.
Drive 30 minutes to the Penguin Parade viewing area.
AUD 120, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Phillip Island Coastal Drive

Enjoy the breathtaking views along Phillip Island's coastal drive; stop at scenic lookouts for family photos.
A circuit around the island will lead you back to Cowes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cape Kitchen

Dine at The Cape Kitchen, famous for its fresh, seasonal produce and beautiful ocean views.
A drive back to Cape Woolamai, around 20 minutes from Cowes.
AUD 140, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Wildlife & Shopping

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fitzrovia

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast at Fitzrovia that will satisfy both kids and adults with an eclectic menu.
Located at 222 Barkly St, just a tram ride away.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Melbourne Zoo

Visit the Melbourne Zoo, home to many exotic and native animals, where kids can enjoy close encounters.
Take tram route 55, approximately 30 minutes.
AUD 80, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Royal Park Cafe

Refuel at The Royal Park Cafe, conveniently located near the zoo, with outdoor seating options.
Short walk from the zoo.
AUD 70, 1 hour

1:00PM

Queen Victoria Market

Experience the lively atmosphere of Queen Victoria Market for shopping and local snacks.
Take tram route 19 back to the city center, around a 20-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Southbank Promenade

Walk along the Southbank Promenade, where you can enjoy street performances and shops.
A 15-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Meat & Wine Co

Dine at Meat & Wine Co, known for its hearty dishes; kids menus are available.
A 15-minute walk along the Yarra River.
AUD 150, 2 hours
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Day 5: Culture & Fun

Melbourne, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Enjoy breakfast at The Kettle Black, known for its sophisticated slow-cooked meals and fantastic coffee.
Located in South Melbourne, accessible by a short tram ride.
AUD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Melbourne Scienceworks

Engage your family at Scienceworks, where kids can explore exciting interactive exhibits about science and technology.
A 30-minute tram ride (route 82 or 57).
AUD 80, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Platform 61

Have lunch at Platform 61, a cozy café in Scienceworks with kid-friendly meals and treats.
Right beside the Scienceworks entrance.
AUD 60, 1 hour

1:00PM

ArtVo Immersive Gallery

Next, walk through ArtVo as you and your family enjoy interactive art installations that make for great photos.
A 20-minute tram ride back to the CBD.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Chapel Street

Spend the afternoon shopping on Chapel Street, known for its trendy stores and family-friendly boutiques.
A 25-minute tram ride will take you there.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Smith

End your trip with a family dinner at The Smith, an iconic restaurant with a relaxed vibe and an extensive menu, catering to all tastes.
A quick 10-minute tram back to South Yarra.
AUD 130, 1.5 hours
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