The Best Family-Friendly Things To Do In Melbourne in Just 7 Days

If anyone asks me which country they should visit to experience an “ang moh” culture that’s not a torturous 15-hour flight away (we’re looking at you, America), with great weather and budget-friendly options, I always point them to Australia, particularly Melbourne.

With round-trip flights costing just around S$300 to S$500 on Scoot, Melbourne offers amazing value, especially considering the exchange rate and all the free and low-cost kid-friendly attractions on offer.

I recently visited Melbourne in May and had an amazing time, particularly venturing outside the CBD. Here’s where I went, and my recommendations for things to do in Melbourne for the best family trip ever. 

Note: The itinerary and timings recommended in this article are based on personal experience. Flight timings and traffic conditions may vary, especially during peak seasons.

PRO TIP: Rent a car in Melbourne

Feel free to speed-scroll through this article, skim the itinerary, or even forget where Phillip Island is — but whatever you do, remember this one thing: you absolutely, 100%, must rent a car if you want the best Melbourne experience.

Renting is easy, reasonably priced, and best of all, you don’t need an international driving permit. Driving gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful outskirts — beaches, nature reserves, and charming towns — that really make a family trip special. 

For our eight-day trip, we booked a Kia Sportage on Klook and paid about S$600 in total — that works out to roughly S$75 a day. Divide it by four people, and it comes up to around S$19 per person per day!

That price even included full Collision Damage Waiver, so we had peace of mind on the road. Best part? We got a free upgrade to a massive Ford upon registration, which made the deal feel extra worth it.

Your 1-week family-friendly Melbourne, Australia Itinerary

Day 1 — Depart Singapore for Melbourne, Australia 

If you’re making the most of your time (and your annual leave), take the Scoot flight that leaves Changi right after midnight — great for catching some sleep on the plane and landing in Melbourne by late morning.

Scoot flight suggestion (approx.):

Depart: 12:55am, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Arrive: 11:40am, Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Travel time: 7 hours 45 minutes (overnight)

Fresh off the plane and brimming with holiday energy? Skip the city traffic and kick off your Aussie adventure with a bang — head straight out for a spectacular drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road!

Expect jaw-dropping coastal views, winding cliffs, and the kind of scenery that’ll have the whole family glued to the window (with plenty of scenic stops for snacks and photo ops, of course).

First pit stop: Brimbank Shopping Centre — Lunch & essentials run

After picking up your rental car, your Melbourne adventure truly begins with a practical (and honestly, pretty fun) pit stop at Brimbank Shopping Centre.

It’s seriously got everything: Coles, ALDI, Woolies, Target, a food court, and even a $2 Megamart. You might just find yourselves going a little wild with the snacks and Aussie groceries!

This is your one-stop shop for stocking up on water, snacks, and any forgotten travel essentials. Family-friendly amenities (including a kids’ playground), and plenty of food options make it ideal for a quick post-flight recharge.

For lunch, take your pick from the food court or head for classic Aussie comfort food. Feeling adventurous? Try Jeremy’s Ocean Boat Fish & Chips if you want that “first meal in Australia” feels — crispy, golden, and classic. I highly recommend their hot chai.  

Or keep things simple with fam-friendly staples like Nando’s, Hungry Jack’s (it’s just Burger King, TBH), or a cheeky Red Rooster.

After lunch: Head to your Airbnb

While hotels are comfy, there’s nothing quite like soaking up Australia’s local life in an Airbnb. For this trip, we chose a cosy stay near Ocean Grove, just outside Geelong — about a 1.5-hour drive from Brimbank Shopping Centre. 

Once you’ve unpacked and claimed your rooms, take the time to chill — whether that’s an afternoon nap or a quick explore of the neighbourhood. There’s even toys in the Airbnb catered for kids! 

If you’re planning to cook dinner, pop out to the nearby supermarket for supplies. If you’d rather eat out, here’s your insider tip: everywhere closes early in Australia, especially outside the city. Most restaurants and supermarkets shut by 8pm, so plan your dinner runs and grocery shops well in advance to avoid any hungry hiccups!

Day 2 — Get up close with koalas, explore Aireys Inlet, 12 Apostles, and take photos at the Memorial Arch

Breakfast at The Lighthouse Tea Rooms, views at Split Point Lookout

Rise and shine! Today, you’re getting up close with Australia’s fluffiest locals and ticking off some truly iconic Great Ocean Road sights!

Most tourists flock to Cape Otway Lighthouse for their Insta shots, but here’s a wallet-friendly hack you’ll love: skip the A$22 entry fee and head to Aireys Inlet instead. It’s less crowded, totally free, and the food is fantastic.

Just an hour’s scenic drive from Geelong, Aireys Inlet is where you want to kickstart your morning. Breakfast at The Lighthouse Tea Rooms is a must. 

Grab a seat outdoors and soak in the fresh ocean breeze while brilliant cockatoos and cheeky parrots swoop by. The sandwiches are delicious and budget-friendly, perfect for fueling up the family without stretching your holiday funds!

When everyone’s fed and happy, wander over to Split Point Lookout for jaw-dropping coastal views — prime photo ops guaranteed.

Snap pics at Memorial Arch

Did you really drive the Great Ocean Road if you didn’t get a photo at the Memorial Arch? 

Just a 10-minute drive from Aireys Inlet, the Memorial Arch is a speedy five-minute pit stop — pile out of the car, snap that classic road trip group shot, and soak in the iconic scenery. 

Then it’s back on the road to your next adventure to…

Fauna Australia — Get up close and personal with koalas, wombats, kangaroos and more

About 1.5 hours’ drive from the Memorial Arch, Fauna Australia is an absolute gem for families wanting to feed and pet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native animals — up close, and minus the crowds you’d get at the bigger wildlife parks.

Pro tip: Advance booking is recommended! You can easily contact them via their website to make a reservation. We stumbled upon this place at a pit stop, tried our luck at the gate, and they simply told us to come back in an hour (so don’t just rock up without a booking if you’re tight on time).

Admission cost us around S$30 per person for a one-hour animal encounter. Is it worth it? Heck yes. The experience of hand-feeding kangaroos, patting a wombat, and getting nose-to-nose with a koala is pure family magic, and a guaranteed trip highlight!

Apostle Whey Cheese — Sample 13 cheeses & ice cream for $3

From Fauna Australia, drive for around 40 minutes and you’ll hit up Apostle Whey Cheese, the ultimate pit stop for cheese lovers and curious little foodies!

For only AUD$3 (S$2.50) per person, you and your family get to sample a whopping 13 different cheeses and two types of gelato.

It’s a truly fun experience — I enjoyed tasting a variety of cheese for the first time, something that I’ve never gotten to do in Singapore. Highly recommended as a quick and tasty detour that’s big on flavour and easy on the wallet!

12 Apostles

No Great Ocean Road adventure would be complete without a stop at the iconic 12 Apostles. Even better — entry is completely free!

Only a 15-minute drive from Apostle Why Cheese, prepare to be wowed by the dramatic limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean, with sweeping views that are breathtaking at any time of day (top tip: sunset is pure magic). Wide viewing platforms make it easy for the whole family to get those IG-worthy pics, and there’s plenty of space for kids to wander safely.

It’s one of those moments where nature steals the show — and all you need to do is show up with your camera and a sense of wonder. Do take note, there’s quite a bit of walking involved from the car park! 

After you’re done with the 12 Apostles, head back to your Airbnb for a rest. If you’re staying at Geelong, it’ll be around a two-hour drive back.

Day 3 — Searoad Ferries & Mornington Peninsula relaxation

Fish and chips brunch at Queenscliff

After checking out of your hotel or Airbnb, take a leisurely brunch around the Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale area. 

If you happen to be there on a Sunday, be sure to visit the charming Point Lonsdale Farmers Market at Point Lonsdale Primary School, which operates every second Sunday of the month from 9am to 2pm.

For lunch, head over to Hesse Street in Queenscliff. This road is dotted with vintage shops, local eateries, pharmacies, and the Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre, where you can learn about the history of the area. The centre is free to enter and has clean toilets.

Food recommendation: The Original Queenscliff Fish and Chips.

Now, I’m not exactly a food writer but this. stuff. slaps.

Out of all the fish and chips I’ve had on this trip, this one is the best for me in terms of price and portion. We went for the Family Feast Pack, which costs AUD$70 (about S$58) for four people. 

The portion is massive, and it was a super satisfying meal. I still crave it to this day. If you’re heading there, you should definitely give them a try — or just wander down the street, because there are plenty of other dining options to choose from.

Take a ferry across to Sorrento (yes, you get to drive aboard) 

After lunch and a walk around town, make your way to the Searoad Ferries terminal for your crossing to Sorrento. While tickets can be purchased on the spot, it is often cheaper to book online in advance. 

Be sure to arrive at least 40 minutes before the ferry departure to allow time for check-in and boarding. The ferry ride itself takes approximately 45 minutes, and the total cost is AUD$141 (S$116), which covers the car, one driver, and up to three passengers.

The mini cruise trip was very relaxing and there’s also a play area on board for the kids. Out on the deck, there are beautiful views, a refreshing breeze and tons of space to goof around.

One memorable highlight was spotting dolphins swimming alongside the ferry — a wonderful bonus since dolphin watching tours usually cost hundreds of dollars. It really felt like we hit the jackpot with this one!

Rest of the day: Chill out at Peninsula Hot Springs

After your ferry journey, make your way to Peninsula Hot Springs for a truly rejuvenating experience. 

Just a 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal, the Peninsula Hot Springs is a beautiful sanctuary tucked into rolling hills, offering more than 70 different bathing and wellness experiences.

You’ll find everything from hilltop pools with spectacular panoramic views, to cave pools, cold plunge pools, hydrotherapy baths, and even family-friendly areas. There’s an expansive Bath House zone that’s made for kids — think gentle mineral pools, a fun reflexology walk, a Turkish steam room, and a playful splash area. 

Peninsula Hot Springs usually opens daily from 7am to 10pm, so there’s plenty of time to soak, explore, and unwind. Admission for adults starts from about AUD$35–55 (S$29-45) depending on the time and package, while children’s tickets are available at lower rates. There are family passes too, if you’re visiting with kids.

Pack your swimwear, water bottles, and comfortable sandals. Lockers and towels are available for rent. If you get hungry, their in-house café serves healthy bites and drinks with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.

With all the scenery and the variety of pools — some relaxing, some fun, and some even with unblocked views of the peninsula — spending your afternoon and evening here is a perfect way for everyone to relax and recharge, especially when you’ve just chionged Great Ocean Road the day before. 

Stay at Peninsula Hot Springs for as long as you’d like before heading to your hotel or Airbnb at night. For transparency, I stayed at an Airbnb near Mornington but found it not very satisfactory, so I wouldn’t personally recommend it. There are plenty of other options around the Peninsula to explore for a more comfortable stay!

Day 4 — Pelican feeding, Churchill Island Heritage Farm & Penguin Parade 

Brunch: Fisherman’s Co-Op at San Remo 

Start your day with a scenic drive to San Remo and visit the Fishermans Co-Op for an ultra-fresh seafood breakfast or lunch — the fish and chips here are famous, and you might catch the daily pelican feeding session right on the pier.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

After your meal, head across the bridge to Churchill Island, a peaceful spot with lovely gardens, historic farm buildings, and easy walking trails. It’s a great place for a gentle stroll, soaking up some local history, taking part in the daily farming activities and meeting friendly farm animals.

We even got to: 

- Milk a cow
- Pet a couple of super smart farm dogs
- Watch sheep shearing

Tickets cost around S$14 per person on Klook. 

Evening: Penguin Parade at Phillip Island

In the evening, make your way to the iconic Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Arrive before sunset to get a good viewing spot as hundreds of adorable little penguins waddle home from the ocean to their burrows — an unmissable wildlife experience that’s best enjoyed for families and animal lovers. 

Remember to book tickets in advance, bring warm layers (it gets cold after dark), and enjoy the magical sight of penguins in their natural habitat. Tickets go for around $28 per adult, and $12 for kids aged 4 to 15. Infants enter for free! 

Do note that photography is not allowed during the viewing. 

Day 5 — Arthur’s Seat, Enchanted Adventure, fruit picking

Arthur’s Seat and cable car rides

Begin your day with a drive up to Arthur’s Seat, where you’ll find sweeping views of the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. You can explore the scenic lookouts, enjoy short walks along the trails, and even take a ride on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle gondola for a relaxing aerial view of the coastal landscape. 

The gentle ascent, the chance to spot treetops and beaches below, and the thrill of gliding through the air make it a memorable highlight for families and little adventurers alike.

Tickets cost $25 per adult and $16 per child, and you can book them on Klook. 

Enchanted Adventure Garden

After that, take a short 6-minute drive down to Enchanted Adventure Garden, a family-friendly attraction featuring hedge mazes, giant slides, tree surfing, and beautiful themed gardens. 

Let your little ones let loose navigating the labyrinths, zip-lining through the trees, and riding on the tube slides. The entrance fee may be a little pricey at $33 per adult and $25 for kids, but you can guarantee that it’ll fill your day with fun and adventure.

Fruit picking at various farms

Afterwards, visit one of the local farms for a hands-on fruit picking experience. Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm is a favourite spot where you can pick your own strawberries straight from the fields. 

After filling your punnet, be sure to indulge in some of their delicious strawberry desserts and fresh berry ice cream at the farm café. Since fruit picking is seasonal, it’s a good idea to check ahead to see what fruits are available during your visit.

As at time of writing, the farm is closed for the winter season and will re-open in October. 

Day 5 — Alternative itinerary: Puffing Billy Railway

Be warned — it’s incredibly hard to snag tickets for the Puffing Billy Railway unless you book well in advance. 

This historic steam train winds through the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges and is a truly iconic experience, especially for families and train enthusiasts. What makes this journey so appealing is not just the charming open carriages, but also the scenic walking trails you can explore at different stops along the route.

Most people start at the Belgrave Station and ride through to Lakeside, passing through picturesque towns and leafy landscapes. You can hop off at stops like Emerald Lake Park and enjoy trails that weave through gardens, forests, and beside tranquil lakes — perfect for stretching your legs, letting the kids run wild, or even having a picnic. The full round-trip journey typically takes around 3 hours, so it’s easily a half-day adventure.

As for pricing, standard tickets are about AUD$64 (S$54) per adult and AUS$32 (S$27) per child. There’s also a family package for AUD$160 (S$134) for two adults and two children. This covers your train ride and access to the stops. It’s a charming, nostalgic way to see the Victorian countryside, and once you’re aboard, you’ll understand why it’s worth planning and booking ahead!

Day 6 — Head back to Melbourne CBD

After your adventurous road trip, it’s time to return to Melbourne CBD for the final stretch of your getaway. For these last couple of days, we settled into the Pegasus Apartment Hotel — a value-for-money crashpad with a spacious two-room apartment that we paid just $175 per night.

One thing to note if you’re driving — paying for parking is pretty much the norm at all city hotels here (unlike Singapore!). Pegasus provides secure parking for a daily fee at AUD$30 (S$25)

The hotel’s location makes exploring super easy: you’re within walking distance to Queen Victoria Market, a must-visit for its fresh produce, local eats, and lively atmosphere.

There’s plenty more to check out nearby, including the Flagstaff Gardens for a bit of greenery, and the bustling laneways filled with coffee shops, hidden bars, and street art. 

Melbourne Central and Emporium are also close and offer endless options for shopping, from international brands to local designers, plus great food courts for midday recharging. If luxury shopping is on the agenda, wander over to Collins Street for flagship boutiques and iconic Australian brands.

If you’re sick of driving, Melbourne has a fantastic network of free city trams that loop around the CBD, making it super convenient to reach all major attractions without worrying about traffic or parking. Hop on the City Circle tram for a scenic city ride, or use the regular free trams for quick trips between shopping districts, museums, and galleries.

Day 7 — Bye bye Melbourne!

On your last day in Melbourne before heading off to catch your flight back to Singapore (I recommend taking the latest Scoot flight at 10.30pm if you want to maximise your time), you might want to treat the family to one last shopping adventure — especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Westfield Airport West is a top spot to consider. It’s conveniently located near Melbourne Airport and filled with stores and activities to keep little ones happy right up to departure time. 

The mall has all the big names kids love, like Kmart and Target for affordable toys, clothes, art supplies, and more. Coles and Woolworths are great for grabbing Aussie snacks or treats for the plane. There’s also a DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) where you’ll often find bargains on kids’ shoes and sportswear, and Priceline Pharmacy in case you need any last-minute travel essentials. 

For entertainment, the mall’s play areas and occasional pop-up activities can help burn off some energy before your flight. And if shopping works up an appetite, there are plenty of food options — grab a bite at the food court, cool down with ice cream, or relax at one of the cafes. 

Because Westfield Airport West is so close to the airport, your whole family can enjoy shopping and fun without feeling rushed or stressed about getting to your gate.

Kids will leave with new treasures, full tummies, and a smile — just in time to board your flight home to Singapore!