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Last summer, our clan was so fortunate to take three weeks to head to Hawaii. My husband had a month-sabbatical and to be honest, Australia was the original destination for this adventure. Last summer, with a four and seven year old, who had never ventured further than the Caribbean, we knew it wasn’t our time to go down under.
Oh but a trip to Oz is always on my mind. And we will get there someday! I want to dip my feet in the Indian Ocean, experience the Outback and lay on the beaches of the Gold Coast. And no trip to Australia would be complete without venturing to the big cities! Since I still haven’t been, Claire (Australian native) is sharing with us her top 3 reasons to visit Melbourne with kids.
Photo credit: 3B’s via Visualhunt / CC BY
3 Reasons to Visit Melbourne With Kids
Photo by Tomas Vyšniauskas on Unsplash
If Australia has always been on your bucket list, but you couldn’t really decide what to visit first, don’t worry – we’re here to help you out! We know that organizing family trips can be a bit tricky, since there are so many things you need to take care of, but the truth is that you can do it like a pro without any troubles. Melbourne is one of the cities you simply have to visit, so stay with us and find out why!
Melbourne with Kids: Entertainment
Photo by Tomas Vyšniauskas on Unsplash
There are a lot of places in Melbourne that were designed with kids in mind, which is exactly why this city is one of the most amazing sources of entertainment in Australia. First of all, there’s Luna Park your children will absolutely adore – especially a walk through the well-known giant mouth at the entrance. You simply have to go for the classic Scenic Railway Roller Coaster that’ll take you around the entire park, since that’s a completely authentic experience you mustn’t miss.
Apart from this place, there’s also Fairy Park which is a theme park that features numerous castles, cottages, and caves. Over 22 animated, hand-crafted scenes will come to life after pushing the button, so if you’re up for some Victorian era vibes, be sure not to skip this place!
Melbourne with Kids: Unique Sea Life
Photo by Mike Wilson on Unsplash
On the other hand, if your kids are interested in exploring sea life and its beauties, you should definitely visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. You’ll find a lot of interactive and educational exhibits for all ages across 12 themed zones that feature the most exciting aquatic animals, and one thing is sure – your little ones will adore this place! This place is also a home to Australia’s largest seahorse population found at Seahorse Pier. There is also Mermaid Garden, the Coral Caves, Rainforest Adventure, and many more. However, if you’re more for some classic action, you shouldn’t miss the stingrays and the jellyfish flying over your heads while you’re taking a walk through tunnels of this marvelous place. Besides these, you should know that there are also daily feeding times and presentations, as well as kids’ birthday party packages, so check times before you go.
Melbourne with Kids: Shopping & Dining
Photo by Mike Wilson on Unsplash
If retail therapy is the only kind of therapy you admit as a legitimate one, you’ll surely enjoy your trip to Melbourne more than you can possibly imagine. A wide range of shopping centers are here to prove this claim, so make sure not to miss them if you want to enjoy the beauties of exclusive stores. So, if you’re up for a shopping spree, you should visit Emporium Melbourne. This center is focused on high-end shopping and features brands like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, and many others, which is what you should go for to satisfy your need for some luxurious garments. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a shopping center that offers mind-blowing dining experiences as well, then 670 Chapel shopping centre in South Yarra should be your go-to place. From over-the-top sushi at Shuji Sushi, to delicious burgers at BEN’S Supernatural – you can have anything you like at this place. Once you’re done with your perfect meal, take your kids to a yummy frozen yogurt at Frozen by a Thousand Blessings – they’ll absolutely adore it!
As you can see, Melbourne is an extremely popular family trip destination you really have to visit sooner or later. The fact that it has so much to offer both to you and to your kids makes it truly authentic and worth exploring, so be sure to take it into consideration while planning for your next family vacation. You definitely won’t regret it!
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I would love to visit there too! Looks like fun!
Australia is on our bucket list! We’ll be moving to Asia next year and we’re only a short flight away. I’m so excited to go here!
much closer than the east coast of the US!
Wow – I would LOVE to visit Melbourne. You’ve found such great activities! I have a friend from Oz who now lives in the states, and I am always tempted to travel with her when she visits home 🙂
you should! go!
Looks amazing! I’d love to visit Melbourne with or without kids lol.
It’s always been my dream to visit Australia. Now I want to see it even more! Oh and that photo of sea aquarium is brilliant!!! I already pictured my daughter having so much fun in that place…
I know! I think in like 3 years will be our time!
My husband and I have been talking about taking a trip to Australia. It looks like it would be such a wonderful place to visit. We would definitely like to see Melbourne. The aquarium would be a highlight, for sure!
Wow, this places looks like a ton of fun! I love your photos.
Looks like an amazing trip! I definitely want to get there at some point – but I think I want our son (2.5) to be a bit older before we tackle that kind of long flight.
I don’t have kids, but I would visit Melbourne in a a heartbeat. Have heard so many good things about the city.
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Australia is on my bucket list, for sure, and these are great tips! My problem with getting there is that my longer amount of time falls in their winter and I want to do outdoor activities without being freezing.
I’ve thought about Australia many times before, but never Melbourne!!! But it seems like it would be a mistake to take a trip to Australia and NOT make time for this fun city!
Australia looks awesome, its on the bucket list for the family. I’ll be sure to save this post for when we start planning.
This sounds like fun! That aquarium sounds amazing!
Wow, I have never been but I would def take the kids! Looks like a blast!
Melbourne is always going to my bucket list. I have never been at there but after watching your post I definitely going there. Thank you.