Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on March 13, 2023
Melbourne is one of the most exciting travel destinations in Australia. It has a vast variety of attractions that will appeal to almost everyone, especially families. Here is a list of the best attractions and activities to experience in Melbourne with kids without boring the grown-ups. To help us create this shortlist, we got help from Traveloris, a Melbourne travel planner that works with locals to find the best attractions.
1. Otway Fly Zipline
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It’s a 2.5 hr drive from Melbourne which isn’t exactly close, but it’s worth it. This is the worlds longest treetop walk and includes an array of ziplines that soar 30 meters above the ground giving you a birds-eye view of nature and wildlife below.
2. ScienceWorks
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Trying to get kids interested in Museums is a challenge on its own, but that’s where ScienceWorks is different! An interactive museum focused on discovering the mysteries of the universe as well as Anatomy, you can easily spend a few hours here and kids of all ages will find something to evoke their curiosity.
3. McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park
Something a bit more sophisticated! Visit this sculpture park promoting Australian modern and contemporary art pieces, if the kids get bored you can simply let them run wild and burn some energy.
4. Old Melbourne Gaol
Dive into some Australian Culture, the Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800s and is where some of Australia’s most infamous criminals were held, including bushranger Ned Kelly. This destination is informative, interactive, a bit spooky but definitely worth a visit.
5. Phillip Island
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More of a day trip destination than an attraction. Phillip Island is home to a colony of adorable Fairy Penguins, the Penguin Parade at sunset will be the highlight of your trip! This island is also the location of the immersive Antarctic Journey museum, the historical gold rush town of Sovereign Hill, as well as the Koala Conservation Centre where you can walk along tree top boardwalks to get up close to Koalas in their natural habitat. Phillip Island with all its attractions is a must visit family destination.
6. Animal Conservation Centres
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Melbourne is extremely pro-animal protection, conservation, and education. To see Australian animals in their natural habitats your best choices are Healesville Sanctuary and the Moonlight Sanctuary. For a unique experience, visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo, a wildlife safari home to a variety of animals from Australia, Africa and Asia. For something closer to home, Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo and located in the beautiful Melbourne Royal Park.
7. Sherbrooke Falls Trail
Melbourne is famous for its surrounding nature and hikes, however, most of them take several hours and can be tough. If you want to experience some authentic Australian Nature without having to trek for hours, the Sherbrook Falls Trail is perfect. It’s a 45-minute walk through a forest that is home to a spectacular waterfall, lush ferns, and the tallest flowering hardwood in the world, the Mountain Ash. With a bit of luck, you will also come across a variety of Australian wildlife.
8. ArtVo
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An immersive ‘trick-art’ gallery where you jump into 3D art for priceless photos. It’s hard to argue that this isn’t a bit mainstream and kitsch, but don’t be fooled, it’s fun! And what’s wrong with being a typical tourist occasionally?
9. SEALife Melbourne Aquarium
Easy to get to and very well done! They have a large collection of animals, and fortunately their animal health is their top priority, or else this attraction would not have made the list. They host talks all throughout the day discussing interesting animal facts as well as educating visitors on animal welfare.
10. Eureka Skydeck 88
For a great view of Melbourne and surrounds, you can’t look past the Eureka Skydeck, it’s Among Australia’s tallest buildings and standing so high up is quite exhilarating and memorable!
11. Family Fun Experiences
For something a bit different and wild, there are two attractions that pop out. Bounce Inc is a trampoline park that will make everyone feel like a kid again, it’s a blast! But be warned, it’s exhausting, and your kids will probably last longer than you! Also, Luna Park in St Kilda is a famous carnival style theme park with flair, it will easily keep the whole family entertained for a few hours.
12. Fitzroy Gardens
If you’re looking for a nice city park that will keep kids interested, make your way to Fitzroy Gardens. Not only is it a nice park, it has several fun little attractions within it including, a conservatory, the famous Cook’s Cottage, a model Tudor village, sculptures, fountains and more. Another nice park with plenty to see is the Royal Botanical Garden just opposite Fitzroy Gardens. Both are good choices with plenty of space to let kids run wild.
13. The Famous Puffing Billy Railway
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Jump on board this famous steam-train that takes you over timber trestle bridges and through the incredibly stunning and picturesque Dandenong Ranges. This really is one of the best family-friendly attractions Melbourne has to offer!
14. Legoland Discovery Centre
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Who doesn’t love Lego? Every adult will use their kid as an excuse to visit this interactive and fun destination! Featuring 2 rides, 11 Lego build zones, a 4D cinema and more… It might not have Melbourne written all over it, but it’s hard not to mention an attraction that manages to bring out the kid in everyone.
15. Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
There’s a lot waiting for you at this 25-acre highly-acclaimed garden. The Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens is home to Australia’s oldest and most famous hedge maze, a beautiful circular rose maze, and the year-round flowering Lavender Labyrinth. This destination will definitely have your kids running around while you enjoy some fresh air.
It’s difficult to find a city in Australia that offers as much for families as Melbourne does. It’s guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained and engaged for the whole trip! You won’t find a dull moment.
