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MelbourneFamily-friendly activities

Our most recommended Melbourne Family-friendly activities

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

1. Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

Arrive at the station via car or public transport and prepare to travel on a historic locomotive through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. Built in 1900 and recognised as one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, Puffing Billy continues to travel on its original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, Puffing Billy offers traditional train journeys, first-class wine and dine experiences and so much more to explore off the tracks. Discover the new state-of-the-art facility set in the scenic surrounds of Emerald Lake Park. The new Lakeside Visitor Centre enhances the Puffing Billy experience, featuring a café, function room, significantly upgraded facilities, extensive retail, dining options, and interpretation spaces for you to enjoy.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

2. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

3. Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the scenic Emerald Lake then take a leisurely walk around the park. Then, explore the Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

4. Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

Experience an African adventure among beautiful natural surroundings at Werribee Open Range Zoo, just 30 minutes from Melbourne. Get onboard a complimentary guided safari across the unique open-range savannah and spot rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. Come face-to-face with a pride of lions, visit one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits, see cheeky monkeys at play, and discover a family of hippos in their wetland home. As you travel, keep your eyes open and spot kangaroos, emu, brolga, koalas, and other Australian animals on a beautiful walk through the Australian Journey grasslands.

Melbourne: Zoo 1-Day Entry Ticket

5. Melbourne: Zoo 1-Day Entry Ticket

With your general admission day ticket to the Melbourne Zoo you can become acquainted with over 320 animal species from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush Asian and African rainforests, where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. See eye-to-eye with the lion pride in a special exhibit at Lion Gorge and then continue on through to the Trail of the Elephants. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and emus in an Australian bush setting. Head into the underwater world to see Victoria’s iconic little penguins and Australian fur seals.

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

6. Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

Admire the rich diversity of Australia's wildlife on a guided bus tour to Phillip Island Nature Parks from Melbourne. Continue to Philip Island to watch the Penguin Parade and relax on the shores of Woolamai Beach. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in central Melbourne and hop aboard an airconditioned bus. Relax on your journey out through the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne to the small country town of Tooradin. Continue above the top of Westernport Bay and stop at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Get up close to local koalas in their natural bushland habitat. Take a short drive to Phillip Island to enjoy sweeping views of Cape Woolamai and Woolamai surf beach. Walk along the beach, dip your feet in the cool water, or unwind on the beach. Make your way to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take in views on the far western end of the island of Australia's stunning and dynamic coastline. See the remains of an ancient volcano called The Nobbies. Go along the coastline looking for wallabies in the wild on the way to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Settle yourself into the little penguin’s environment as you watch them come ashore for the night, waddling next to and underneath the boardwalks. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour.

Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket

7. Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is one of Melbourne’s top attractions for families. Discover a dazzling display of marine life for yourself with these great value tickets to the must-see aquarium. Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD on the banks of the Yarra River, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is home to thousands of sea critters spread across 12 different zones. See Antarctic Penguins slip and slide in their cozy exhibit and don’t miss out on the brand new ‘Ocean Invaders’ exhibit that will take you inside the mysterious world of jellyfish. Enjoy an attraction where fun and learning go hand in hand with daily animal presentations, shark and ray feedings. Extra activities such as the 4D cinema show, the hands-on touch pools and kids activities make it a great day out for all ages. In total, there are over 10,000 animals on display at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium making it a must-visit attraction in Melbourne. Be sure to grab your tickets online here today.

Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park - Entry Ticket

8. Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park - Entry Ticket

Melbourne's award-winning wildlife park invites you to explore 10 hectares of bush-land, feed kangaroos and wallabies, pet koalas and enjoy encounters with colorful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals, including endangered species. More than 60 species native to Australia reside at the Sanctuary, including about 80 kangaroos and wallabies that roam free in the bush, and others that are housed in large natural enclosures. Waterbirds populate the wetlands, and colorful parrots flit through the air, including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. The sanctuary also protects red-bellied pademelons, southern bettongs, spot tailed quolls, and Tasmanian devils. Moonlit Sanctuary is only 50 minutes south-east of central Melbourne, at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, and on the way to the Penguins on Phillip Island. Come visit the Sanctuary for a full day of presentations and animal shows that will be sure to entertain you and touch your heart!

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour

9. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour

Perfect for those with limited time in Melbourne, this express Phillip Island tour is sure to captivate you. Journey to Summerland Beach, home to Victoria's largest colony of penguins. Experience the awe-inspiring Penguin Parade as adorable penguins emerge from the sea and make their way across the beach. But that's not all! Along the way, we'll also take you to The Nobbies, where you can explore stunning coastal rock formations and soak in panoramic views. You might even be lucky enough to spot a member of one of the largest fur seal colonies in Australia! This tour promises a magical finale with the Penguin Parade, combined with the breathtaking beauty of Victoria's rugged coast.

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Penguin Paraade

10. From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Penguin Paraade

Spend a day of wildlife and nature on a day trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne. Ride the 100-year-old Puffing Billy Steam Train, pat koalas and kangaroos at a wildlife park, try locally made chocolates and see fairy penguins return from the sea at the Penguin Parade. Your first stop is the Puffing Billy Steam Train, Australia's oldest steam railway. Pass through the primitive forest as the train shuttles through the Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, giving you a sense of tranquillity and beauty. Continue to the Maru Koala and Animal Park (additional cost) where you can experience hand feeding and patting the koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, including rare albino animals. See animals like dingoes, Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, crocodiles, and nocturnal and reptile houses. Your next stop is Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (additional cost) where you can celebrate all things chocolate. Browse the unique attractions and interactive machines, try delicious chocolate, and see chocolatiers working away. If time permits, you can even make your own chocolate to take home. Continue your day tour to the western tip of Phillip Island to The Nobbies Centre, a rugged rocky outcrop with magnificent coastal views. See the largest colony of Australian fur seals as you look out over the colony as they languish and frolic on the rocks and in the water. As well as seals, the landscape surrounding the Nobbies Information Centre is full of colorful bird species. Many varieties nest and feed on the cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled. Inside the center, new-age screens display short presentations that dive into the life and habitat of Phillip Island. As the sun sets, head to Summerland Beach and grab a spot on the boardwalk. Observe hundreds of little penguins come ashore, making their way across the beach to their homes in the sand dunes. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy educational displays in the visitor center and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit.

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What people are saying about Melbourne

It was an excellent day out Peter the tour guide was on time picking us up, very informative and great fun. Puffing billys was excellent what a way to travel by train hanging your legs out the carriage. Healesville sanctury was good too and then stopped off for chocolate and ice cream at the chocolatier on the way back. Only improvements I would say is need a new tour bus and slightly longer at the train station when you get off the other end.

I had an amazing time looking at the koalas, wallabies and penguins. The guide was amazing: she was super nice, she knew everything about the place, and gave lots of interesting details. I totally recommend it.

Had great time on French Island, lovely afternoon tea. The penguin parade was great, well worth the wait. A big thankyou to our guides, Brooke and Hunter also Scott who was our guide on French Island.

Was our first experience with VR and it did not disappoint! We went as a family day activity, (kids aged 10 & 12) and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The staff were fabulous.

Loved this zoo! Different approach with taking a bus to the animals instead of everyone walking to find the animals!