Melbourne is one of the funkiest cities in Australia, regularly rating as one of the world’s best places to live. A melting pot, where people from all around the world come to settle or just visit. From its cool architecture to its robust art scene with trendy cafés and music, Melbourne is often considered the culture capital of Australia. There is plenty to see and do in Melbourne with kids, here are some of our favourites.
1. RIDE A TRAM
Melbourne’s tram network is the largest in the world. The tram system with its perfectly maintained antique carriages is both efficient and atmospheric. It is a great way to travel and mingle with locals. We loved riding the trams in the centre of the city, particularly as they are free. They are a great way to get around.
2. CRICKET AT THE MCG
The MCG (the Melbourne Cricket Ground) was created in 1853 as a cricket ground and has hosted major national and international matches during the summer ever since. We were lucky enough to visit the MCG for a Boxing Day test between Australia and Pakistan. Watching the cricket in such a magnificent stadium was a fantastic experience, especially for the boys who are all cricketers.
3. ENJOY THE CAFES
The café culture in this city is part of its soul. Everyone here loves to have a coffee or tea while doing some work or catching up in some arty café. This is a must while in Melbourne. There are even coffee tours in the city to learn more about why Melbournians love their cafés so much.
For a great guide to Melbourne’s cafes read Best Coffee in Melbourne – Thrifty Family Travels
4. RIDE THE MELBOURNE STAR
The Melbourne Star is a giant observation wheel, similar to the London Eye. It is one of only four observation wheels in the world. The Star was built in 2008, but after a series of unfortunate events, the wheel developed huge cracks in its supports, the entire Star was dismantled and rebuilt. It permanently opened in December 2013. The Melbourne Star is located in the Docklands area of the city. It is away from the city centre but there are definite advantages to its location. There were no queues here. During our thirty-minute revolution we had a pod all to ourselves. Also, with its remote location, we had great views of the Melbourne skyline. We took a ride on the Star in the early evening, on a beautifully sunny day, and the views were fantastic.
5. EVER CHANGING GRAFFITI
In many cities, graffiti covers the poorer sections of cities, often found on bridges, in subways and along railway lines. In Melbourne, graffiti decorates the city centre. Most of the graffiti is found on Hosier Lane, a pedestrian area that is made up of several small streets. An area where graffiti is not only present but encouraged. It is an area where freedom of expression is allowed on the walls. Some of the art has no real meaning, but some of it does send a message. This space is now a living outdoor art gallery.
6. VISIT THE EUREKA SKYDECK 88
The Eureka Skydeck gives 360-degree views of Melbourne from the 88th floor observation deck of the Eureka Tower. Here you’ll find ‘The Edge’, a glass cube that projects out of the building with you suspended in the air above the city. As we had already ridden the Melbourne Star we didn’t visit the Eureka Skydeck but we heard great things about it.
A walking tour is the perfect way to explore Melbourne as much of the city is compact. Read what Wandermust Family learnt on a free Melbourne walking tour.
7. WATCH SOME AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL
Australian Rules Football, Aussie Rules or the footy, as it is known, is a major passion for Melbournians. Unfortunately for us we were here in the off season so we were unable to watch any Aussie Rules. Everyone we met in Melbourne supported one of the many teams and talked a lot about the footy. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the number one place to watch a footy match and regularly holds 80,000 people. This is a hallowed ground for Australians. Aussie rules is a mix between rugby and Gaelic with an odd shaped oval ball. If you have never seen this game it will take your breath away with its speed and acrobatics.
8. A VISIT TO ARTY ST KILDA
St Kilda is all about fun. It has a seedy history and was once a playground full of dance halls, a fun park, an ice skating rink, theatres and sea baths. Now its art deco apartments are much in demand. On weekends the volume is turned up and the street party atmosphere sets in. We wandered through St Kilda stopping at a wonderful cake shop and admiring the beach huts on Brighton Beach.
9. TOURING THE WINERIES OF THE YARRA VALLEY
There are many great wineries around Melbourne. Both the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley are well known for their wine. We chose to visit the Yarra Valley just one hour from central Melbourne. On our day trip to the Yarra Valley we visited four wineries and a chocolaterie. Our favourite was Chandon, the champagne house associated with Moet and Chandon. Chandon flies the flag as the only Australian sparkling specialists with genuine French heritage.
We also visited Rochdale, Oakridge and Yerring Station wineries, all offering tastings and sales.
Read Also: Exploring the Cape Winelands with Children
The chocolaterie and ice creamery was a firm favourite with the children. Here we sampled free chocolate, ate enormous ice creams and bought several chocolate delights. Chocolate covered strawberries were my favourite.
10. SEE THE PENGUINS ON PHILLIP ISLAND
Located a few hours from the city, Phillip Island is a weekend hot spot for locals looking to enjoy some beach time. The island is renowned for the nightly penguin parade when thousands of penguins return from the sea to nest. There is also a koala sanctuary and a huge seal colony that lives offshore. The island can be visited as a day trip, but is best enjoyed by staying overnight.
For more information read Phillip Island Attractions for Families by Thrifty Family Travels.
There is plenty to do in Melbourne with kids. We spent nine days in the city over Christmas but you should probably spend a minimum of three days.
Also in Australia: Top 8 Things To Do In Sydney
14 Comments.
I’d love to go to Melbourne someday. The Eureka Skydeck sounds like the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago. You can also walk out and see the city below. I haven’t worked up the courage to do it, yet. But it’s a goal of mine. #FarawayFiles
Oh, that beach looks really lovely. I have a thing for coloured beach huts 🙂
#farawayfiles
Me too.
The photos are wonderful! Melbourne is definitely on my list of places to visit! #farawayfiles
Melbourne looks and sounds like such a cool city. I think I’d really like it. I do love the sound of some of the spots outside the main city though – St Kilda and Phillip Island look particularly attractive. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
Melbourne and Sydney are both fab cities in Australia. Loved them both.
I always hear about Melbourne but don’t actually know that much about it. For instance, I didn’t know the cafe culture is as big as it is. Sounds like such a cool city with a lot going on. #farawayfiles
Isn’t Melbourne fantastic? I’m sometimes tempted to go home and not tell any of my family/friends in Sydney and just go to Melbourne instead. There’s so many great things to do and you’ve picked some of the best. #FarawayFiles
Thank you. It’s a fab city. Love Sydney though too.
Yay Melbourne! It’s my home town and I think it’s fabulous for kids.. which is why we are moving back there in a couple of weeks. I’ve never been on the Star.. they put it in a strange place, so I am glad you had some great views. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
We loved Melbourne. The Star is in a funny place, away from town, but great views nevertheless. Good luck with the move.
D was born in Melbourne, so we really should visit soon. Sunshine, wineries, chocolate, ice cream….I think my desire to visit is increasing by the minute! #citytripping
It’s a fab city…you must get back.
Melbourne has always sounded such a tempting place to visit (and wander and drink coffee) but this is so useful to see the range of things to do, as well as some near the city. One day I will get here! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping