Australia

Melbourne

Melbourne punches above its weight for families: the aquarium, Luna Park, and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium provide reliable full days, while the laneways, coffee culture, and Fitzroy's independent shops give parents something to engage with too. Beatrix Bakery in North Melbourne is the kind of neighborhood gem that regulars are quietly possessive of. The Great Ocean Road, stretching southwest from the city, is one of Australia's truly unmissable family drives. FamiVentura's Melbourne guides cover the city's excellent food scene, family attractions, and day trips out through the Dandenong Ranges and Great Ocean Road.

10 activities3 free 15 food spots3 free 10 excursions3 free 10 hidden gems3 free 5 neighbourhoods1 free 1 Itinerarie0 free

Activities

The best things to do with kids

Taronga Zoo Melbourne

The zoo has enough ground that different family members can set their own pace and meet at fixed points. The treetop walkway serves as a natural anchor in the middle of the day, all ages converge there without friction. Book wildlife encounter sessions ahead if you want them; they fill quickly in school holidays and work across the full age range.

Address: Burrard Road, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Price: $25.95 adults, $15.95 children (4-15), under 4 free
Duration: 4-5 hours
Booking required: No

Tips

Wildlife encounter sessions need advance booking, particularly in school holidays
Agree on a meeting point at the start — the main entrance lake is the obvious one
Pack sunscreen; most exhibits are outdoors and Melbourne summer sun is stronger than it looks

AnimalsOutdoorEducationFamily

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

One of Melbourne's most straightforward family outings: entirely indoors, climate-controlled, stroller-friendly, and well-paced for a mixed group. The penguin gallery and touch pools work for the youngest; the main shark tank and dive show work for everyone. Buy tickets online before arriving to avoid the entry queue, which regularly backs up at opening time during school holidays and weekends.

Address: King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Price: $34 adults, $23 children (3-15), under 3 free
Duration: 2-3 hours
Booking required: No

Tips

Online ticket purchase saves 10–15 minutes at the entry queue
Dive show runs at fixed times — check the board at the entrance as you walk in
Plan 2–3 hours minimum; rushing through misses the tunnel and touch pools

Marine lifeIndoorInteractiveFamily

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Luna Park Melbourne

Luna Park's heritage setting makes it a worthwhile visit even if not every family member rides everything. The iconic entrance, the compact layout, and the surrounding St Kilda beach strip mean there's enough to do regardless of age. Toddlers and kids handle the rides; teens and adults engage with the broader location. The All Rides Pass for the riders saves money if you're planning to stay for more than an hour of rides.

Address: 40 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Hours: 11:00 AM to late (seasonal variations)
Price: Free entry, rides $8-18 or All Rides Pass $59.99
Duration: 3-5 hours
Booking required: No

Tips

Free entry — you only pay for rides, which makes it easy to see how the day shapes up before committing
Parking along the Esplanade fills quickly on weekends — public tram is the easier option
The park is compact; it's easier to manage as a group than large modern theme parks

Theme parkBeachRidesFamily

Activities

The best things to do with kids

Taronga Zoo Melbourne

Address: Burrard Road, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Price: $25.95 adults, $15.95 children (4-15), under 4 free
Duration: 4-5 hours
Booking required: No

Tips

Wildlife encounter sessions need advance booking, particularly in school holidays
Agree on a meeting point at the start — the main entrance lake is the obvious one
Pack sunscreen; most exhibits are outdoors and Melbourne summer sun is stronger than it looks

AnimalsOutdoorEducationFamily

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Address: King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Price: $34 adults, $23 children (3-15), under 3 free
Duration: 2-3 hours
Booking required: No

Tips

Online ticket purchase saves 10–15 minutes at the entry queue
Dive show runs at fixed times — check the board at the entrance as you walk in
Plan 2–3 hours minimum; rushing through misses the tunnel and touch pools

Marine lifeIndoorInteractiveFamily

Find the best picks for your family

Select your children's ages and we'll personalize Melbourne for you

Tap an age group, then select your children's ages

Luna Park Melbourne

Address: 40 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Hours: 11:00 AM to late (seasonal variations)
Price: Free entry, rides $8-18 or All Rides Pass $59.99
Duration: 3-5 hours
Booking required: No

Tips

Free entry — you only pay for rides, which makes it easy to see how the day shapes up before committing
Parking along the Esplanade fills quickly on weekends — public tram is the easier option
The park is compact; it's easier to manage as a group than large modern theme parks

Theme parkBeachRidesFamily