Welcome families! In this article, we will share the top 10 things to do in Melbourne, the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. Known for its vivacious mix of modern architecture, diverse cultural landscape, and extensive range of kids’ attractions in Melbourne, Australia, it’s without a doubt, an excellent choice for families seeking both adventure and learning experiences. Let’s delve into the heart of this city and beyond to showcase why Melbourne ranks high on the itinerary of many family travellers.
1. Sea Life Melbourne: Penguins, Sharks, Turtles
Cruise your way to the heart of the city and find the awe-inspiring Sea Life Melbourne. Housing over 10,000 different species including adorable penguins, fearsome sharks, and age-old sea turtles, it’s perfect for a daylong aquatic adventure. Make your way to ‘Penguin Playground’ where you can watch these waddly creatures move around their icy home, perhaps teaching your own little ones a thing or two about adaptability.
| Main Attractions at Sea Life Melbourne |
|---|
| 1. ‘Penguin Playground’ |
| 2. ‘Sharkwalk’ |
| 3. Interactive ‘Turtle Shelter’ |
Speaking of special events, one might ask: “When does Phantom of the Opera finish in Melbourne?” Keep an eye on the local event schedules as this exquisite theatrical performance is another great option for families to enjoy.
2. Melbourne Zoo: Australian Species, Safari Tour
Nestled just a few kilometres from the city center, Melbourne Zoo is just the location for fun things to do in Melbourne for 12-year-olds. It’s a must-visit destination that is home to over 320 species from around the world. It’s the perfect chance to educate kids about wildlife and conservation. The highlights include the ‘Australian Bush’ section where you can see Kangaroos and Koalas, and the ‘Wild Sea’ display which offers astonishing views of Australian Fur Seals and Little Penguins.
- Australian Bush
- Wild Sea
- Butterfly House
Notably, If you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne this weekend for free, consider visiting Melbourne’s many parks and public spaces. Children can spend hours of fun just exploring the natural beauty and urban art installations that are scattered throughout the city.
3. Melbourne Museum: Milarri Garden, Dinosaur Walk
Boasting as one of Australia’s top cultural destinations, Melbourne Museum is an immersive, multi-dimensional journey through time and life. For families who are interested, the museum offers areas specifically designed to engage children including the interactive ‘Children’s Gallery’. Perfect for children up to 5 years old, this area is designed to promote interaction and engagement with both natural and social environments. Also, the ‘Milarri Garden Trail’, which celebrates Melbourne’s indigenous roots, and the ‘Dinosaur Walk’, can take visitors back millions of years to meet the titanic inhabitants of prehistoric periods.
| Essential Stops at Melbourne Museum |
|---|
| 1. Children’s Gallery |
| 2. Milarri Garden Trail |
| 3. Dinosaur Walk |
So far, the first four attractions presented give plenty of diverse options for an exciting, pleasurable, and educational family experience in Melbourne. But the journey’s not over, so keep reading!
4. Royal Botanic Gardens: Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Miniature Village
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, head to the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens. Covering 94-acres with more than 8,500 plant species, these gardens are not just about peace and tranquillity but also a fantastic way to learn about botany and the environment. Younger kids will absolutely love ‘The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden’ which is packed with plants, streams, and pathways to explore. You can embark on an ‘Aboriginal Heritage Walk’ to gain insights into the rich, millenia-old culture of Australia’s indigenous people. One must not miss the enchanting ‘Victoria’s Miniature Garden’, home to the famous ‘miniature tudor village’.
- The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
- Aboriginal Heritage Walk
- Victoria’s Miniature Garden
5. Luna Park: Scary Ghost Train, Family Thrill Rides
This list would be incomplete without Melbourne’s historic amusing Luna Park. This classic amusement park, with its welcoming giant-mouth entrance, has been invariably entertaining families for over a century. From the nerve-wracking ‘Scary Ghost Train’ to the high-speed ‘Pharaoh’s Curse’, there are numerous rides and attractions sure to elicit exhilarating screams from your children. The park’s flagship ‘Great Scenic Railway’ coaster, a favorite of both kids and adults, offers unmatched views of the city’s skyline.
- Scary Ghost Train
- Pharaoh’s Curse
- Great Scenic Railway
6. Artvo: Interactive 3D Art, Tricking your eyes
Next on our list is Artvo, an immersive gallery that’s the first of its kind in Australia. With 11 themed zones and over 100 3D, reality-defying artworks, the kid’s and their parents will find themselves lost in a world of imagination and discovery. From swimming with the fishes to fighting dragons, this immersive ‘trick art’ gallery will serve as a memorable family bonding experience that’s also a feast for the eyes.
7. Eureka Skydeck: Viewing Melbourne from Heights, Gold Plated windows
The penultimate stop is Eureka Skydeck, that stands as the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere! Gaze at Melbourne’s sprawling cityscape, the surrounding parks, and even as far as the Dandenong mountain ranges. From Eureka’s top, one can fathom why Melbourne is really ranked as one of the most liveable cities globally.
8. Puffing Billy Railway: Joyful Journey, Box Hill Town
Last but not the least, take a ride on the heritage Puffing Billy Railway. The century-old steam railway winds its way through the beautiful landscape of the Dandenong Ranges, ending in the scenic village of Emerald. The children will enjoy the scenic experience, while parents can appreciate the historical significance and the picturesque view.
9. Phillip Island Penguin parade tour
To witness an extraordinary penguin parade, you need to visit Phillip Island, located 140 km from Melbourne (1.5-2 hours by car). This small nature reserve island (26 km long and 9 km wide) is included in Australia’s National Heritage List and is a world leader in eco-tourism, so what is penguin parade tour?Every year millions of tourists from all over the world come to see the natural wonder that is the friendly parade of pygmy penguins. Every evening, right on schedule, the world’s smallest penguins, no more than 40 cm tall, march disciplined from the ocean to their haulout in the dunes. The western part of Phillip Island is home to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies (over 16,000 individuals).The island is home to a unique koala sanctuary, where these animals live in the wild and are easily accessible to visitors.
Conclusion: Summarising Melbourne’s Top Attractions
Melbourne, with all its vivacity and diversity, really packs some unforgettable family-friendly experiences. From meeting kangaroos at the Melbourne Zoo to gazing at the city’s skyline from the Eureka Skydeck – there’s plenty to do, see, and discover. So if you’re looking for a city trip jam-packed with activities and rich learning experiences for your children, Melbourne might just be the destination for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family activities in Melbourne?
Sea Life Melbourne, Melbourne Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Luna Park are all excellent choices.
Is Melbourne kid-friendly?
Absolutely, with a variety of parks, zoos, museums, and interactive attractions, Melbourne is very kid-friendly.
Where can children and families eat in Melbourne?
Melbourne offers many family-friendly dining venues, such as St. Kilda’s Adventure Playground and the Urban Junior Kids Cafe.
What activities are free for families to do in Melbourne?
Visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, exploring the city’s parks and public spaces, and beach visits are all free activities.
Can you recommend any indoor family activities for rainy days in Melbourne?
The Melbourne Museum, Sea Life Melbourne, or Artvo would be perfect for a fun-filled indoor day.
Can you recommend any tour operator for all this activities?
Sure. one of the best to see all those attractions on Melbourne tours by one of the largest tour operator Wildlife tours Australia. https://wildlifetours.com.au/tours/melbourne/
