Melbourne for the kids

Description:

Melbourne's once much-maligned Yarra River has been undergoing a facelift in recent years and is now an excellent way to get a different perspective on the city. Melbourne River Cruises is one of the tour operators now making the most of the waterway. Its fleet of six sleek vessels are specially designed for sightseeing with large windows and sundecks. They are also low enough to pass under the many bridges that straddle the Yarra. The captain provides a commentary on the sights you pass by and there are refreshments available on board. There are three cruises to choose from.

Description:

The new Melbourne Museum tags itself as a museum for the 21st century and reflects a move to merge major museums and galleries under one roof. Three particular focal points of the Melbourne Museum are: Bunjilaka, providing a focus for Aboriginal activity in Victoria; the Children's Museum, in the form of a tilted cube, and the open-air Gallery of Life, exhibiting Victoria's flora and fauna. Improved Internet access is also a key feature, providing better public access to superb collections, research, exhibitions and educational packages. Three theme café/restaurants provide refreshments.

Our Local Expert Says:

More than a seaside suburb, St Kilda is a cultural hub with far too many cafés, bars and restaurants to choose from. Best take a tram so you can really enjoy your wine when watching the sunset over the bay.

Description:

The seaside suburb of St Kilda sparkles with pretty young things that make like its summer, despite the cruelties of a Melbourne winter. The current popularity of St Kilda's main drag owes its infamy to the 1950s when St Kilda was known for its illicit drug deals and prostitution. The smut allowed for the creatives to move in, an artistic history that still resonates with the creative, laid back vibe of St Kilda today.

A café strip, the street is turned inside out with outdoor dining and drinking favoured. The seaside rests quietly behind the hustle of Acland Street and the giant mouth of the Luna Park fun park, and is best enjoyed with an ice-cream and stroll along the boardwalk at dusk.

Start with brunch at Il Fornaio at No. 1 Acland Street before heading up to Linden Centre for Contemporary Art at No. 26. Take your time meandering Acland and Gray Streets for fashion and fine coffee before enjoying an afternoon beverage in the sun at the iconic Vineyard. For unbeatable sea views, dinner at The Stokehouse on the water's edge is the easiest way to ensure your fish is fresh.

St Kilda is best accessed by tram. Take the number 96 or the 112.

Our Local Expert Says:

The city penguins are a great alternative to Phillip Island.

Description:

While most visitors head to Phillip Island to see the cute little critters, most would not realize that Penguins can be viewed just 4km from the mouth of the Yarra, close to the CBD. While their location remains a secret to protect their surrounds, Captain Noel Butcher (Port Phillip Bay Environment Study) established Penguin Waters Cruises and gained sole permission (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, City of Port Phillip) to show the colony. Unlike Phillip Island, flash photography is also allowed. The cruise goes for 2 hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

We recommend the buffalo bratwurst sausages.

Description:

This is something specials for the kids, especially the ones who live in the city and haven't experienced farm life. Located just five minutes from the CBD but you wouldn't know it such is the serenity of the surrounds, the farm holds horses, pigs, chickens, cows, goats, sheep, peacocks and ducks. Most of the animals can be touched and there kids can partake in daily milking sessions twice daily at 10am and 4pm. There is an excellent cafe on the premises that is known for their hearty breakfasts and on the second Saturday of each month, a farmers market is held, bringing 70 Victorian producers direct to the public.

Description:

Melbourne's Zoo, conveniently located just minutes from the CBD, is the third oldest in the world and one of the city's most popular attractions. Cages are rarely used as most of the animals are in large open compounds, and the botanic garden type setting make it an relaxing stroll for families in particular. There are over 320 species on view, including iconic Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, platypuses as well as those from further afield such as gorillas, elephants and lions. Animals lovers should try the "behind the scenes" encounters where they can assist in feeding and cleaning animals. A special highlight and ideal for a BYO picnic is that in the summer months from January to March live music performances are held on the zoo grounds.