What To Do And Where To Stay In Melbourne For A Family Holiday
Here's our guide to planning your next holiday in this cultural melting pot
By Sandhya Mahadevan -
The coffee and sports capital of the world, and one that has been consistently rated as one of the most liveable cities on Earth — that’s Melbourne in a nutshell. That it is also a cultural melting pot with stunning architecture and a vibrant street arts scene, plus buzzing nightlife, great foodie haunts and verdant surroundings answers the question of “Why Melbourne for a holiday?” as well.
It no doubt has a lot to offer for couples and solo travellers alike. When you are a parent, especially of small children, you want a holiday to be as engaging and memorable for your little ones. The city ticks a few boxes in that category as well with cultural, sporting and entertainment options that cater to all age groups and dare we say, temperaments.
Here are some ways you can enjoy Melbourne with your family while still not missing out on all the things you have listed on your travel itinerary for this bustling and iconic Australian city.
There’s something nostalgic about a train ride along the countryside — it delivers a thrill like no other even for children who may have never been on anything slower than a metro.
This experience takes you away from the city to Melbourne’s southern foothills, but it is worth the 35km drive out, as the Puffing Billy Railway — the name itself is a dead giveaway on the experience — transports you to a different era. The century-old heritage railway takes you on a trip from Belgrave to Lakeside, tooting its way through dense forests, over bridges and streams. Here’s one place where parents will not be stopping their children from dangling their legs from a moving train. Why? Because that’s the Puffing Billy experience — it gives you a ringside view of Dandenong Ranges.
Add in a trip to the Menzies Creek Museum. It houses many rare operational steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and a rail tractor, as well as an operational boiler house that services steam engines, fluid pumps and 500 brake horsepower generators — a wonderland for kids obsessed with trains and locomotives.
Puffing Billy Railway operates daily, except on Christmas.Fares run from AUD 31
Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital city, is home to over 45 national parks. If you have time just for one, slot Phillip Island in — it’s a mere one-and-a-half drive away from the city. Known for its penguin population — the largest in the world — the island offers an eco-tourism experience like no other. As soon as the sun sets, the grounds of Summerland Beach transform into a stage and the air fills with the sounds of hundreds of little feet as the penguins waddle about in a race-like parade from the ocean to their burrows. You can watch this phenomenon from a viewing platform without getting in the way of nature.
The island also offers has a Koala Conservation Reserve that is worth visiting, as well as Antarctic Journey and Churchill Island Heritage Farm if you want to make a two-day getaway out of it.
Phillip Island National Park Penguin Parade opens at 4pm. Tickets run from AUD 15 for children under the age of 15 years to AUD 30 for adults for general viewing. They also offer other immersive experiences.
If you are travelling with a sports-enthusiastic tween, this tour will thrill them, despite the fact that it runs in the morning. The city hosts some of the world’s largest sporting events including the F1 Grand Prix, Australian Open and cricket matches. This tour covers the best of them with a professional guide at hand. You will visit the Flemington Race Course, which hosts Australia’s most popular horse race, the Melbourne Cup. Then you will drive through the Commonwealth Games athlete’s village and around Albert Park, on the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix Circuit. There will be a lot of walking and adrenaline hits, so dress comfortably.
Melbourne Sports Lovers Tour tickets are from AUD225 per person, including lunch. Not suitable for children under 8 years
The city is full of museums that cater to children and young minds — from an art museum to play and aviation and more in between. The Scienceworks Museum is a perfect way to get your children to learn about science. The museum has a lot of hands-on activities for the little ones across ages along with a sports zone, a lighting room and a planetarium. The ArtVo, a 3D art museum is the first of its kind in Australia — an immersive art gallery. With over 100 hand-painted 3D artworks, it’s the best way for your children to get introduced to art and have a lot of fun while doing it.
Scienceworks Museum is open all week from 10am to 4:30pm, while ArtVo is open from 10am to 4pm. Entrance tickets run from AUD15 for the former and from AUD20 for children 5 to 15 years
Have a chill-out day with family with a picnic in the garden. The Royal Botanic Gardens will not disappoint with its lush green spaces, walking paths and beautiful scenery. The designated children’s area Ian Potter Children’s Garden conducts educational tours for children conducted by indigenous Australians — a fun green classroom which allows them to explore nature and learn.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm
From top-tier luxury to family-friendly apart-hotels, Melbourne has it all. Here are our top picks:
Westin Melbourne, at the heart of the city’s central business district, is a cultural immersion into Melbourne’s iconic places. The interiors of the hotel pay homage to the location — Flinders Lane, where award-winning fine diners and boutique bars, contemporary galleries and local fashion labels flank each other. The signature luxury of the hotel brand takes it up a notch. The indulgent Heavenly Spa, and WestinWORKOUT Centre for adults and the Westin Kid's Club make the place a haven for adults and children alike. A Lobby Lounge, a Wine Room, and a daily high tea are perfect ways to wind down after a hectic day exploring Melbourne. Prices run from $458 for Deluxe King Room with External View which sleeps two to $545 for a Deluxe Twin Room with Two Double Beds and External View
The Langham, Melbourne is another classy stay in the city situated on the elegantly buzzy Southbank Promenade that is home to many hipster cafés, restaurants, and bars. Get pampered, and wind down and tone at Chuan Spa, swimming pool and fitness studio, respectively. The hotel has a few on-site restaurants as well as lounging spaces — children will enjoy Melba Restaurant's themed high tea. Parents who want some alone time can use the babysitting services. Prices run from $432 for a Deluxe River King room
Nesuto Docklands is in Melbourne near the Marvel Stadium and close to all the attractions in the Docklands. It is also just above the Market Lane shopping strip so parents can indulge in some retail therapy without stressing the children too much. The hotel may not have too many frills but does not fail to deliver when it comes to convenience, safety and comfort, which are top priorities when travelling with children. One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available, with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge areas. Prices run from $277 for an Executive One-Bedroom Apartment