Episode 010 Show Notes – Melbourne with Kids
With your hosts Keri & Marta from Little City Trips.
Melbourne is the perfect city for family fun and outdoor adventures. Co-host Marianne speaks with Katy from Untold Morsels to tell us more about her home city of Melbourne.
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We covered a community question “We are heading to Queensland next summer for around 3 weeks and want to try and fit in time to see Melbourne and Sydney too before we fly to Cairns. Would this be do-able in one week or should we just focus on one city?
- Keri explained the distances involved in travelling around Australia.
- In a week you could only see the highlights of Melbourne and Sydney, or spend a week in each to get a better feel.
- We talked to Seana back in episode 4 of the podcast about how to spend 3 days in Sydney.
You can ask your question in our City Travel with Kids community here and find the full Little City Trips Family Guide to Melbourne here.
[4.15] Melbourne with kids interview with Katy Clarke
Katy is a mum of twins from Melbourne, and blogger behind Untold Morsels. She has lived in London and travelled extensively around Europe, sharing particularly her love of Italy, but still calls Australia home.
[5.35] Important things to note about planning a trip to Melbourne
There is a great rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney, so why Melbourne?
Melbourne may not be as glamorous on the surface but there is a huge mix of activities in Melbourne that suits all types of families. From sporting to arts and culture, and has always been known for its food. There are always events and festivals happening for all age groups.
You don’t need to plan out too far in advance as there’s always something happening in Melbourne.
Important things to note about planning a trip to Melbourne:
- There are better times to visit. Winters can be brutal, it can feel colder than Europe, and the middle of summer can feel really hot!
- If you are on a budget, avoid times around major sporting events, the tennis, Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival and the Australian football finals – hotel prices jump for these events.
- The city centre is quite compact so it is quite walkable. In the city centre, all the trams are free for everyone and cover most of the major attractions. There’s also a free tourist tram that loops around the city.
- See our full guide for getting around Melbourne.
- With strollers, footpaths are wide and you shouldn’t have a problem.
- There are not great public transport connections to/from the airport, it’s best to use a taxi or private car.
- Melbourne has excellent family facilities across the city you will be able to find changing rooms, feeding areas.
[11.00] Melbourne 3-day family itinerary
You can view a detailed copy of Katy’s suggested 3 Day itinerary for Melbourne here.
Day 1 in Melbourne
- City Circle tram (free)
- State Library Victoria
- Melbourne’s Laneways
- Lunch at HuTong
- Eureka Tower
- Ian Potter Foundation Childrens’ Garden in the Royal Botanical Gardens
Day 2 in Melbourne
- Melbourne Museum
- Children’s Gallery
- Carlton Playground
- Restaurants and cafes around Carlton & Lygon Street
- Melbourne Aquarium
- Shark Dive Xtreme Experience
- Tour of the MCG
- Brunetti
Day 3 in Melbourne
- Queen Victoria Market
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- Hangman’s Night Tour – for 16 years+
- National Gallery of Victoria
- NGV Kids Corner
- Head to St Kilda – tram from Flinders Street Station
- St Kilda Penguins
- Luna Park St Kilda
- St Kilda has a very chilled vibe, lots of cafes and restaurants – see Katy’s guide.
[24.50] More attractions to visit if you have longer in Melbourne
Katy recommends you could add some day trips to this three-day itinerary;
- Yarra Valley (full day or stay 1-2 nights)
- Healesville Sanctuary
- Family Friendly wineries include:
- Yarra Valley Chocolateries & Ice Creamery
- Mornington Peninsula
- Drive the Great Ocean Road (best to allow 2-3 days)
[29.40] Best areas to stay in Melbourne and suggested hotels
- Staying in Melbourne’s CBD is the most convenient. Lots of parks, gardens and cafe’s all close by.
- Victoria Hotel on Little Collins Street
- A little more luxurious, head to the South Bank, lots of choices but also good for families.
- Crown Metropol (indoor infinity pool!)
- Quay West Suites the ultimate luxury pick with huge suites and great views!
Book early if you are coming for one of the major sporting events and expect to pay a lot more.
You can see our full selection of family-friendly Melbourne hotels for all budgets here
[33.30] Favourite places to eat in Melbourne with kids
- Brunetti
- HuTong
- Emporium Melbourne
- Freak Shake deserts are the in thing! Try Milk Cow
Where to go for the best coffee in Melbourne:
- Mr Tulk near the State Library
- The Journal Cafe which is in the City library.
- Brunetti
[36.45] Resources and items you’ll need to pack for Melbourne
- Temps can change quickly so always pack puffer jacket and sweater
- Melbourne’s weather can be brutal! Learn more about the weather here
- Bring a water bottle with you, places you can fill up around the city
- Keep Cup for your coffee!! Frank Green Travel Mug.
- Sunscreen and cover-up – the sun is so much stronger in Australia
- Mosquito repellent
- Grab your complete packing list for Melbourne here
[39.00] Our Fast 5 Questions on Melbourne
- Hidden Gem: Punting tour on the lack in the Botanical Gardens
- Splurge: Special events in town, eg a show
- Save: The Melbourne Star
- App: Open Table restaurants
- Playground: Carlton Gardens & Coffee from the Museum
See the full family guide to Melbourne
About our City Expert – Katy Clarke
Katy Clarke is a mum of twins and born and bred lover of all things Melbourne. She started travelling abroad as a teenager and has been planning her next trip ever since.
Katy started her travel blog Untold Morsels while her family lived in London with the goal to help families plan amazing adventures in Europe and beyond. Now back in Melbourne she loves still loves the thrill of discovering new experiences abroad but never tires of exploring her beloved home town.
Connect with Katy on social media
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