Melbourne, charmingly British-accented with an air of distinction, is an awesome destination for families. Solidly rooted in Australian tradition, there’s a non-stop celebration of art, culture and good living happening here.

For a great introduction to the area, check out the 20-minute sights and sounds extravaganza, “Melbourne the Living City,” at Rialto Towers, once the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere.  After viewing the short film, take the elevator to the 55th floor where you can soak in 360 degree views of the city and environs from the Melbourne Observation Deck. 

Change the pace with a short drive to trendy St. Kilda, Melbourne’s playground on the bay where you can swim, stroll and picnic.  You’ll never forget the fun you’ll have together at historic Luna Park, the symbol of the area with its famous laughing face entrance.  Ride for free and catch the golden ring at the beautifully crafted carousel, or a thrilling ride on the heritage roller coaster.  Entertainment and good food round out the day.

Major Attractions

Queen Victoria Market, an historic landmark and shopping Mecca, is a good place to mingle with the locals.  The stalls feature everything from exotic produce to authentic Aborigine boomerangs and didgeridoo, an aboriginal wind instrument. Stroll the Magnificent Seven City Arcades, favorites for browsing with unusual shopping opportunities in over 260 boutiques and specialty stores. Even if you aren’t in the market to buy anything, they are worth seeing for their design details including the Block Arcade (built in 1891) with its Italian mosaic floors, and the Royal Arcade (dating from 1869).

Before the feet wear out, pause and relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants.  All are located off Little Collins Street between Swanston and Elizabeth.

For family fun, hire a set of rollerblades or bikes and explore the trails that run along the Yarra River.  You can also climb onboard the River Shuttle to enjoy marvelous views of the riverside and promenade, and use it to aid your sightseeing by jumping on and off at any of the stops along the way, including Federation Square, Victoria Harbor, the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and five other locations.

Arts & Culture

Since opening in 2002, Federation Square, has become the heartbeat of the city, and the place where locals and visitors gather.  This fascinating complex demonstrates the fusion of fine arts, bold architecture and culture that includes The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the world's first museum of its kind, a home dedicated to Australian art in all media, ACMI Australian Center for the Moving Image, exploring the history of cinema from its inception through the digital age, and the Melbourne Visitor Centre.  There are many restaurants and cafes within this cultural complex, as well as galleries and shops where you are sure to find something to bring home as a reminder of your trip.

Tour the Immigration Museum, located in the Old Customs House and learn about the history and role immigration has played in the development of Australia.  Arranged into four categories: "Leavings," "Settlings," "Journeys" and "Getting In," you will meet the nine million or so people who migrated to Australia from 1800 to the present. 

You’ll be amazed at the Melbourne Museum’s uniquely Australian exhibits including Aboriginal weapons and ceremonial objects at this museum which focuses on science, history, technology and indigenous arts and artifacts.

Australia's Natural Wonders

The Melbourne Aquarium will dazzle and mesmerize your entire family, as you discover together the creatures of the Southern Ocean such as sea-dragons cuttlefish, moray eels, Stingrays and Port Jackson Sharks.  Tackle the high energy “Icerun Ride,” the ultimate underwater experience. 

For a great family adventure, visit the Melbourne Zoo for a class encounter of the wild kind. Follow the clever "Wild Clues" around the zoo and discover the many weird and wonderful animals that call Melbourne Zoo home.

Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony.  During the daytime, you can feed kangaroos, wallabies and a host of farm animals. Stroll along the elevated boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre to view these cuddly creatures high in the treetops. 

Then it’s off to the star attraction at Summerland Beach to take your place on a special viewing platform for the enchanting procession of hundreds of fairy penguins, the world's smallest species.  At dusk, after fishing at sea, they catch the surf waves onto shore, and chirp and waddle across the sand to settle into their burrows.  The Gray Line Penguin Parade Tours offer an informative, well run trip.
 

Details, Details

How to get there:  Air Tahiti Nui (877/824-4846), the airline of choice, provides excellent service and comfort.  Planes depart on time and baggage is handled expeditiously.  Flight crews keep you comfortable and well fed the entire flight.

Getting around: Melbourne is planned in a grid-like system, which makes city exploring easy and enjoyable. Local transportation includes an extensive tram system, underground train loop and bus service.

Where to stay: A wonderful home base for the whole family is the beautiful Langham Hotel Melbourne located at 1 Southgate Avenue.  With 387 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, the hotel offers every facility including a state of the art Fitness Center with an extensive gym.  In the hotel’s Chuan Spa, the grown ups can enjoy the ultimate indulgence of replenishing treatments, facials, and a vast menu of massages.  All day family dining is available in the Melba Brasserie, and the Tisane Lounge.

Where to dine:  A unique dining experience and a city tour can be enjoyed on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Melbourne’s oldest trams which date back to 1927 are elegantly refurbished in Pullman style décor. Glazed windows allow the whole family to privately enjoy the passing scenery while dining. 

For further information, visit the Tourism Victoria website.