Melbourne and Surrounds Family Adventure: Wildlife, Mountains, and City Life Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in

Melbourne, Australia on August 23, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at Queens Place Apartment

Settle into your Airbnb at Queens Place, perfectly located in Melbourne’s vibrant city centre, providing easy access to local eateries and attractions.

Included in booking, 1h

4:00pm

Explore nearby cafes

Visit ‘Hardware Societé’ for a delicious relaxed afternoon coffee and light bites, ideal to acclimatise to Melbourne’s café culture.

AUD20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Dine at the iconic Chin Chin restaurant, renowned for its modern Thai cuisine and buzzing atmosphere.

AUD50, 1h30m

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Day 2: Werribee Zoo Visit

Werribee, Australia on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Queens Place

Enjoy a homemade breakfast at your apartment or visit ‘The Grain Store’ for fresh pastries and coffee.

AUD15, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Werribee Open Range Zoo

Drive or take a shuttle to Werribee Zoo; the transport takes approximately 40 minutes west from Melbourne CBD.

AUD20, 40m

10:00am

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Explore Australia’s only open-range zoo with an African safari experience featuring giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs. The zoo opens at 9:30am and closes at 5:00pm.

AUD41, 5h

3:00pm

Lunch at Girraween Café

Enjoy lunch at Girraween Café inside the zoo, offering fresh, family-friendly meals.

AUD25, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Head back to the city to relax after an exciting wildlife day.

Included, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tipo 00

Savour handmade Italian pasta in a cosy setting at Tipo 00 in Melbourne CBD.

AUD45, 1h30m

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Day 3: Mount Buller Day Trip

Mount Buller, Australia on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Grab breakfast at ‘Rushfords’ bakery before departing for Mount Buller.

AUD15, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Mount Buller

Drive approximately 3 hours northeast to Mount Buller, a famous alpine resort offering scenic walks and mountain views.

Included/Transport cost varies, 3h

10:30am

Explore Mount Buller

Spend the day hiking trails, enjoying panoramic views, and possibly renting mountain bikes. The village has cafes and shops to browse.

Free access; bike rental extra, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café on The Plateau

Eat at the top of the slopes with cosy ambient dining and tasty alpine food.

AUD25, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Depart for the city to rest after an active day.

Included/Transport cost varies, 3h

7:00pm

Casual Dinner at Hellenic Republic

Enjoy delicious Greek food with a warm atmosphere back in Melbourne CBD.

AUD40, 1h30m

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Day 4: Melbourne CBD Stroll

Melbourne, Australia on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Manchester Press

Start your day with Melbourne’s famed cronuts and coffee at Manchester Press.

AUD15, 1h

10:00am

Walking Tour of Melbourne CBD

Take a self-guided tour visiting Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Hosier Lane street art, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Many attractions open from 9am to 5pm.

Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Return for a lively lunch inside one of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants with superb Thai-inspired food.

AUD40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria

Explore Australia’s oldest public art museum, housing an exceptional collection open until 5 pm.

Free entry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Experience fine dining at Vue de Monde, a high-end restaurant with panoramic city views offering modern Australian cuisine. Reservation recommended.

AUD150, 2h

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Day 5: Phillip Island Penguins

Cowes, Phillip Island, Australia on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Check out Queens Place, Morning Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at ‘Higher Ground’ cafe before leaving the apartment.

AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Cowes, Phillip Island

Drive southeast for approximately 2 hours to Phillip Island, known for its wildlife and beaches.

Included, 2h

11:00am

Check-in at Cowes Airbnb

Settle into your Airbnb accommodation in Cowes, ideal for penguin viewing.

Included in booking, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Rusty Water Brewery

Enjoy handcrafted beers and casual meals in Cowes close to your accommodation.

AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Phillip Island Nature Parks Visit

Explore Koala Conservation Centre and other wildlife attractions; open 9am to 5pm.

AUD40, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Cape Kitchen

Dine on fresh local produce with ocean views, perfect before watching the penguins.

AUD50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Penguin Parade at Phillip Island

Witness the famous Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at dusk. Viewing starts around 7:30pm, lasts approx 1.5 hrs. Book tickets in advance.

AUD27, 1h30m

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Day 6: Brighton Beach & Relax

Brighton, Australia on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Checkout Airbnb in Cowes

Prepare to leave your Phillip Island accommodation after breakfast at ‘Isola Pizza Bar’.

AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Brighton Beach

Drive approximately 2 hours northwest to Brighton Beach, Melbourne, famous for its colourful bathing boxes.

Included, 2h

11:30am

Visit Brighton Bathing Boxes

Take photos and stroll along the beach spotting the iconic colourful huts. This is a peaceful beachside area with cafés nearby.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Garden Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean-inspired meals near the beach.

AUD35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at the beach or explore Brighton Town

Spend a leisurely afternoon sunbathing or shopping in local boutiques.

Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Red Herring Restaurant and Bar

Eat locally sourced seafood overlooking the bay in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

AUD50, 1h30m

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Day 7: Puffing Billy Day Trip

Belgrave, Australia on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Brighton

Grab a quick breakfast at ‘Mr Brighton Café’ before heading out.

AUD15, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Belgrave Station

Drive 1 hour from Brighton to Belgrave, the start point of Puffing Billy Railway.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Ride Puffing Billy Steam Train

Enjoy a scenic heritage steam train ride through the Dandenong Ranges, a unique and historic experience. Departs daily and runs until late afternoon.

AUD56, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch in the Dandenong Ranges

Have lunch at ‘The Teahouse’ at Emerald Lake Park for beautiful surroundings and tasty meals.

AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Brighton

Drive back to Brighton for a relaxing evening.

Included, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Windsor Alehouse

Comfortable atmosphere with hearty meals and local beers in Windsor near Brighton.

AUD40, 1h30m

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Day 8: Free Day

Melbourne, Australia on August 30, 2025

9:00am

Brunch at Higher Ground

Enjoy a leisurely brunch in this stylish café offering creative dishes and excellent coffee.

AUD25, 1h30m

11:00am

Free day recommendations

Options include visiting Melbourne Museum, shopping at Queen Victoria Market, or relaxing in Fitzroy Gardens; all open daily with varying hours (generally 9am-5pm).

Varies, Flexible