One of the most important aspects of planning a family weekend trip is choosing where to stay. Fortunately, Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. For those who want to be in the heart of the action, there are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments located in the CBD. These areas provide easy access to major tourist attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants.
On the other hand, families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere can opt for suburban areas such as St Kilda or Docklands. These neighbourhoods offer a quieter environment while still providing ample opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Families travelling with kids may also want to consider booking an apartment or house rental as this provides more space and flexibility compared to traditional hotel rooms.
Ultimately, deciding where to stay depends on various factors such as budget, proximity to attractions, size of your group, and preferred activities. It’s worth doing some research beforehand so you can select accommodation that meets all your needs and ensures a comfortable stay for everyone in your family.
What to Do:
1. Visit the Melbourne Zoo: A family weekend in Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world-renowned zoo. With over 320 animal species and multiple exhibits, it’s an experience your kids won’t forget anytime soon.
2. Explore Queen Victoria Market: Queen Victoria Market is a hub of activity, offering a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to explore the market culture while enjoying some delicious food.
3. Take a stroll in Royal Botanic Gardens: The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Melbourne. It features stunning landscapes, rare plants, and serene lakes that provide peaceful surroundings for families to relax and unwind.
4. Visit Scienceworks Museum: For science enthusiasts, Scienceworks is the perfect place to learn and have fun at the same time! This museum offers interactive experiences with more than 200 exhibits that showcase various concepts related to science and technology.
5. Enjoy some outdoor activities at St Kilda Beach: St Kilda Beach is one of Melbourne’s iconic attractions with plenty of things to do for families like kite-flying, cycling or rollerblading along its scenic seaside promenade or just soaking up some sun on the beach itself.
Eating Out:
Eating out is one of the best ways to experience Melbourne’s food culture and immerse yourself in the city. With so many great options, it can be hard to choose where to go, especially when you’re with family. For breakfast, a visit to Higher Ground or Hardware Societe is a must for their delicious coffee and mouth-watering dishes such as smashed avocado and eggs benedict.
Lunchtime calls for some relaxed dining, making The Boatbuilders Yard an ideal spot with its riverside views and kid-friendly atmosphere. Alternatively, head down to Queen Victoria Market for some street food-style eats from one of the many vendors offering everything from Turkish kebabs to Chinese dumplings.
For dinner, try Chin Chin if you’re after something funky and modern with a Southeast Asian twist or Mamasita for some traditional Mexican fare that will transport your taste buds south of the border. Regardless of where you choose to eat out in Melbourne, there’s surely something for everyone in this vibrant city, from delicious asian cuisine to roman style pizza and more.
Shopping:
Shopping in Melbourne is a must-do activity for any family spending a weekend in the city. The city offers many shopping options ranging from high-end boutiques to local markets and everything in between. For those looking for designer brands, Collins Street is the place to be with its luxury fashion stores such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
For those interested in unique finds or supporting local businesses, Queen Victoria Market is a great destination. This historic market has been around since the late 1800s and offers fresh produce, souvenirs, clothing, and much more. In addition to the market stalls, there are also several food vendors offering delicious meals.
Finally, Chadstone Shopping Centre is another popular shopping destination for families visiting Melbourne. It’s one of Australia’s largest shopping centres with over 500 stores ranging from designer boutiques to department stores like Myer and David Jones. There are also plenty of dining options available including fast food outlets, cafes, and restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world.
Sightseeing:
Sightseeing in Melbourne is a must-do activity for any family visiting the city on a weekend. The city has a range of iconic landmarks and attractions that are perfect for families to explore. One such attraction is the Royal Botanic Gardens. It covers an area of 38 hectares and offers visitors the opportunity to see more than 50,000 plants from around the world.
Another popular sightseeing destination is Federation Square, located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. The square features modern architecture blended with historic buildings and hosts a range of events throughout the year. Families can enjoy free exhibitions at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia or catch a movie at ACMI (Australian Centre for Moving Image).
For animal-loving families, Melbourne Zoo is one of the best places to visit in town. Located just five minutes from the city center, it houses more than 320 animal species from all over the world. Kids will love seeing their favourite animals up close and personal while learning about conservation efforts being made by zookeepers globally.
Consider going further out of Melbourne, and visit Gippsland farmers markets, country towns, rural art galleries, winery regions and more.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a family weekend in Melbourne can be a perfect way to bond with your loved ones and explore the city. You can visit various attractions such as the Melbourne Zoo, Scienceworks, or SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Each of these places offers a unique experience that you and your family will enjoy.
Moreover, Melbourne is known for its diverse food culture. You can try different cuisines at various restaurants around the city and indulge in some mouth-watering dishes. From brunch spots to fine-dining options, there is something for everyone.
Lastly, after a fun-filled day exploring the city, you can relax in one of the many parks or gardens around Melbourne. Take a picnic blanket and watch the sunset over the skyline while enjoying some snacks. Spending quality time with your family is essential for creating memories that will last forever, and Melbourne has everything you need to make it happen!
