Family Favourites

Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods Family Favourites

The holidays can seem endless, especially when you’ve run out of activity ideas. Luckily, we have a few.

Open Rangers

Get up early and join the keepers at Werribee Open Range Zoo before the zoo opens. During the Early Morning Savannah Experience, you’ll accompany them on their rounds, help prep food for the animals and observe a training session. Then head off in the safari vehicle to watch the animals start their day. +zoo.org.au

Blooming Lovely

Hopefully, you’ve loaded the esky in the car – otherwise, grab some takeaway from one of Werribee’s fab cafes – because lunch is at the Victoria State Rose Garden. Many of the more than 5,000 flowers are in full bloom right now and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic. +vicstaterosegarden.com.au

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Afternoon Fun

Another thing you’ll want in the car? Swimsuits and towels, so you can cool off at Werribee Outdoor Pool. There’s plenty of lawn with shady trees, so you can relax with a book while they splash. +werribeeoutdoorpool.

wynactive.com.au

Museum of Play and Art

Fun Lessons

Take the kids to the new Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) at Sandringham and they’ll be so busy having fun with the activities and exhibitions, they won’t realise the whole experience is about learning. It’s best for kids aged one to 10. +museumofplayandart.com.au

Como House & Garden Anthony Basheer Luna Park

Picnic Places

Melbourne has a wonderful selection of historic homes, and their gardens are perfect for exploring and a picnic lunch. A couple of favourites are Como House & Garden and Rippon Lea Estate, where the seven-hectare gardens include an orchard of historically significant fruit varieties, a lake, fernery and rose gardens. +nationaltrust.org.au

Riding High

A day at St Kilda can include a walk on the sand, gelato on Acland Street and loads of laughs at Luna Park. It’s been entertaining Melburnians and visitors for more than a hundred years, and there are rides and games for all ages, from toddlers – known as Little Lunies – to teenage thrill seekers. +lunapark.com.au

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Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods Shop Till You Drop

Head to the suburbs to discover shopping experiences far removed from those you’ll find on the streets of the CBD.

High Street Northcote

There’s no better way to support Melbourne business than by spending your money with them. Head away from the big multinationals and find what you need in the city’s unique neighbourhoods. You’re never far from a great shopping strip, whether it’s part of a creative suburb in the inner north or a village that has its own distinct character. Make a day of it – have lunch in a local cafe and go for a stroll around the neighbourhood park. You never know what treasures you’ll discover.

North Star

Those seeking out local designers and independent boutiques should take a stroll along High Street, Northcote. At Before March, shop the house brand, Sunshine Symbol, and the work of designers committed to slow fashion and sustainability.

Give your home a spruce with the gorgeous pieces at The Phoenix & The Turtle. There’s also loads of cool cafes and bars for recharging. +highstreetnorthcote.com.au

Village Life

It’s only about 18 kilometres northeast of the CBD but Montmorency Village on Were Street feels like a country town. There are no chain stores along here – instead you’ll discover unique local traders, including jeweller Precious Sentiment and kids’ clothing exchange Little Angels. +montyvillage.com.au

The Fashion Capital

With more than 550 stores, you’ll be able to browse the day away at Chadstone. Most of the luxury brands, including Kenzo and Longchamp, can be found here under the one roof, so prepare to splurge. It’s also the only place in Melbourne where you can visit Alexander McQueen and Tod’s stores. When you’re done shopping, there’s a number of dining precincts as well as options for entertainment. Treat the kids to a visit to Legoland or take a load off at Hoyts cinemas. +chadstone.com.au