Itinerary
Take a fun-filled city break with the family this summer season in Melbourne. Savour spectacular city views, hang ten at a family-friendly surf park, or travel across the earth's continents during one amazing, interactive experience.
Summer is sport central in Melbourne, so align your visit to coincide with one of our landmark sporting events. Catch Australia squaring off with Pakistan in the Boxing Day Cricket Test at the MCG, or get courtside at Melbourne Park to see the world's best tennis players in action at the Australian Open.
Day 1
Start off on the right foot in Centre Place, one of the city's famous laneways, for lunch at one of the many cafes. Stroll the bluestone cobbles, and check out the ever-changing stencil art and graffiti. Full to the brim, get tactile at the Australian Sports Museum, where kids can explore through touch screens and take part in sporting challenges.
Wander along to Federation Square for tasty Lebanese street-food wraps from zero carbon Atiyah. Head over to ACMI to check out interactive exhibition The Story of the Moving Image or walk just across the road to the NGV for the extensive Triennial showcase. Alternatively, check out GlowGolf in Docklands where all 18 mini golf holes are played in the dark, with UV lights illuminating fluorescent paints.
If sun and surf beckons, grab a taxi or rideshare out to Australia's first urban surf park, URBNSURF in Tullamarine. Generating up to 600 perfectly formed waves an hour, and with lessons available for all skill levels, it's an ideal afternoon activity for the entire family.
Back in the city, let the kids select their menu from the touch screen at China Red, where your dumplings may arrive in the shape of marine animals and the noodles are plentiful.
Day 2
First stop is to fuel up with a brekkie of bagels at Manchester Press, tucked away down colourful Rankins Lane.
Next, wander along Southbank and up to Melbourne Skydeck for sweeping views across the city. Live life on the edge – literally – and step out on 'The Edge', where you're suspended 300 metres above Melbourne in a glass cube.
Or fly high at iFLY Melbourne. Jump into their indoor vertical wind tunnel to experience skydiving, without having to jump out of a plane.
Back in the city, head to Melbourne's iconic Chinatown for yum cha, where you can select all your fave dishes.
It's fun for the whole fam at MONOPOLY DREAMS, an interactive experience based on the beloved board game. Or head to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the BBC Earth Experience, an immersive event that puts the whole world on show, narrated by the venerable David Attenborough.
Cap off the day with mouthwatering burgers, chips and sundaes at Royal Stacks on Collins Street.
Day 3
Start the day at Queen Victoria Markets (QVM). Grab some breakfast to go, and wander around various stalls selling food, clothing, homewares, books, produce and trinkets.
Head on over to Melbourne Museum. Check out the latest exhibition and permanent collection, or jump on a guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Building's Dome Promenade.
Journey back into the city for a relaxing stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, or travel behind the scenes of the MCG with a tour.
Settle in for a family feast at Fonda on Flinders Lane. Hungry little mouths can fill up on quesadillas, nachos and grilled corn, while grown-ups are sorted for a fiesta of tacos, guacamole and margaritas.
