Family Fun In Australia

Whatever the day, time or season, Melbourne is always alive with action!  Here's a list of fun outings in and around Melbourne, Australia - 10 things both YOU and the kids will enjoy!

Collingwood Childrens Farm - where visitors can milk the cow, bottle feed young lambs (seasonal), help with farm chores, go into the paddocks with the sheep and goats, cuddle a guinea pig, waddle with the ducks, feed the chooks, look for eggs or sit and eat at The Farm Cafe. Open all year round! Check website for weekend market dates.

Chadstone Shopping Centre - Whoever said it is just about the kids?! All the best fashion stores Melbourne has to offer and plenty of convenient fun for the kids; play equipment, cinemas, children's shows, bowling, cafes, baby change rooms and more...

MSAC - Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre has indoor and outdoor pools as well as toddler pool, water slide and wave pool. And just outside the complex is Albert Park Lake where you can feed the ducks or have a picnic. Around the lake are several Melbourne-chic and family-friendly eateries; Carousel Cafe on the water and Mart (with wooden maze and play equipment next door).

Phillip Island Penguin Parade - Phillip Island is about 1.5 hrs from Melbourne and the Penguins don't march until sunset. So make a day of it and buy a 3-Parks-Pass (including the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and The Nobbies Centre).

Luna Park and The Esplanade Sunday Market - Amusement Park by the beach and an artists market with over 150 stalls. There is a great vibe around here so just stroll around the shops and drop into a cafe like The Vineyard for afternoon brews and a park next door.

Healesville Wildlife Park and the Yarra Valley - Head 1 hour out of town to get up close and personal with over 200 native Australian species at the Sancutary. Then head to one of the local wineries or into Healsville town (award winning eateries Giant Steps and The Healesville Hotel are both located in town). Check out what is on in the area before you visit at http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/

Puffing Billy and The Dandenongs - go for an historic steam train ride through the mountain district followed by some scenic nature walks, enjoy a picnic in Sherbrooke Forest or spend time at the local cafes or antique shops in Sassafras - simply stunning!

Arthurs Seat Maze and the beach - A beautifully manicured maze with plenty of variety for the whole family - really! Then head to the coast for a splash in the bay - no waves and plenty of shade - and if time permits head all the way to Sorrento for some fine dining.

Queens Victoria Market - This entertainment mecca is located in the heart of Melbourne. Head in on a Sunday for the best array of stalls, rides, activities and open-air cafes.

Very Melbourne very kid-friendly Restaurants/Cafes - Cowderoy Dairy, Family Life, Ceres Cafe, Kanteen, Belgium Beer Cafe just to name a few...


Visit ThatsMelbourne.com.au for daily event guide!