Complete 14-day guide to Melbourne & Brisbane, Australia with Top attractions and For kids in Melbourne VIC (2026)

Day 1 starts at Federation Square (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore its cultural attractions. Walk 10 minutes to Melbourne Museum for a 2-hour visit at 11 AM. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely 5-minute tram ride (around $3 AUD) to Royal Botanic Gardens at 1:30 PM, where you can unwind for 3 hours.

Attractions

Fed Square

A vibrant public space in the heart of Melbourne, home to galleries, museums, and restaurants. Perfect for families to explore and enjoy cultural events.

Melbourne Museum

Dive into the rich history and culture of Victoria at this expansive museum, featuring interactive exhibits that are fantastic for kids.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

A beautiful oasis of nature in the city, offering stunning landscapes, diverse plant species, and a tranquil setting perfect for families.

Day 2 starts at Melbourne Zoo at 9 AM - allow 3 hours for animal exhibits and enclosures. Take a 20-minute tram ride to Melbourne Skydeck (approx. $5 AUD), arriving by 12:30 PM for stunning views (allow 1.5 hours). Finally, take a 10-minute tram ride to the National Gallery of Victoria (approx. $5 AUD) by 2:30 PM - spend 2 hours exploring the art collections.

Attractions

Melbourne Zoo

This historic zoo is home to a diverse range of animals and offers engaging experiences for kids and families, including close animal encounters.

Melbourne Skydeck

Experience breathtaking views of Melbourne from one of the highest observation decks in the Southern Hemisphere. A must-see for spectacular photos.

National Gallery of Victoria

Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, offering a captivating collection of art from around the world and child-friendly programs.

Start Day 3 at Queen Victoria Market (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for exploring local produce and crafts. Take a 15-minute tram ride (~$5 AUD) to Scienceworks at 11:30 AM for 3 hours of interactive exhibits. Conclude your day at St Kilda Beach at 3 PM, a 20-minute tram ride (~$5 AUD) to relax by the waterfront. Enjoy a balanced mix of activities and leisure!

Attractions

Queen Victoria Market

As the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers fresh produce, unique goods, and delicious street food, ideal for family exploration.

Scienceworks (Museums Victoria)

An interactive science museum that sparks curiosity and learning in kids with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and planetarium shows.

St Kilda beach

Enjoy a day at the beach with leisure activities, cafes, and stunning sunsets. A perfect getaway for families wanting sand and sun.

Day 4 starts at Luna Park Melbourne at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to enjoy rides and attractions. Travel 30 minutes by tram (about $5 AUD) to Melbourne Zoo for 2.5 hours of animal experiences, arriving by 12:30 PM. Afterward, take a 15-minute tram ride (approximately $5 AUD) to Fitzroy Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll - spend 2 hours here, wrapping up by 5 PM.

Attractions

Luna Park Melbourne

A historic amusement park with nostalgic rides and attractions, ideal for a fun-filled day with the family.

Melbourne Zoo

With incredible animal displays and conservation programs, the Royal Melbourne Zoo is fun and engaging for children and adults alike.

Fitzroy Gardens

A serene park in the city with beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, and a delightful model village perfect for kids to explore.

Day 5 starts at Melbourne Star Observation Wheel at 9 AM - allow 1 hour for stunning views. Travel to City Rd/Clarendon St, a quick 10-minute tram ride (~$4 AUD). Enjoy a leisurely lunch from 10:30 AM for 1 hour. At noon, head to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, just a 5-minute walk away, for 2 hours of marine exploration.

Attractions

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

This giant observation wheel offers stunning panoramic views of Melbourne, making it an exciting experience for families of all ages.

City Rd/Clarendon St

A free tram service that circles the city, allowing families to explore Melbourne's attractions while enjoying the ride. Perfect introduction to the city.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

A magical underwater experience showcasing marine life from Australian waters, with interactive exhibits that fascinate kids and adults alike.

Day 6 starts at St Kilda Pier at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for scenic views and strolls. Take a 30-minute tram ride (approximately $6 AUD) to the Shrine of Remembrance for a visit at 11 AM (90 minutes). Finally, enjoy a 15-minute tram ride (around $6 AUD) to The Block Arcade at 1 PM for shopping and dining (90 minutes).

Attractions

St Kilda Pier

A picturesque pier that offers stunning views of the city skyline and the bay, perfect for an evening stroll with the family.

Shrine of Remembrance

A memorial that honors those who served in war, offering stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, providing a reflective space for visitors.

The Block Arcade

A beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade featuring boutique shops and a food court, perfect for a leisurely day of shopping with kids.

Day 7 starts at Collingwood Children's Farm at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the farm. Take a 25-minute tram ride (~$4 AUD) to Brighton Beach, arriving around 11:30 AM, and enjoy 3 hours relaxing by the beach. At 3 PM, head to ACMI via a 30-minute train ride (~$5 AUD) to conclude your day with 2 hours of interactive exhibits.

Attractions

Collingwood Children's Farm

A working farm that allows kids to engage with farm animals, feed them and learn about farm life in an interactive environment.

Brighton beach

Known for its iconic bathing boxes and sandy shores, Brighton Beach is perfect for a family day of sunbathing and swimming.

ACMI

An engaging museum dedicated to the moving image, featuring interactive exhibits that are exciting and educational for kids and adults alike.

Day 8 starts at Crown Melbourne (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 4 hours to explore the complex. Take a 5-minute walk to Southbank Promenade at 1:30 PM - enjoy 1.5 hours by the riverside. Wrap up your day at the Royal Exhibition Building (3:30 PM) - plan for 3 hours of history and architecture. Travel from Southbank to the Royal Exhibition Building via a 20-minute tram ride (~$4 AUD).

Attractions

Crown Melbourne

This iconic entertainment complex offers luxury shopping, dining options, and fun activities, including a cinema and arcade, perfect for family entertainment.

Southbank Promenade

A beautiful promenade along the Yarra River, offering scenic views, dining options, and family-friendly activities, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Royal Exhibition Building

Explore fascinating exhibits detailing Australia’s natural history and cultural heritage in this stunning museum and adjoining World Heritage-listed building.

Day 9 starts at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore its Australian art collections. Travel 5 minutes by tram (~$5 AUD) to the Melbourne City Baths for a refreshing swim, arriving at 11:30 AM. After 2 hours of leisure, head to the Melbourne Planetarium at 2 PM, a short 10-minute tram ride (~$5 AUD) for a fascinating afternoon of space exploration.

Attractions

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Offering a collection of Australian art within a stunning architectural setting, it's perfect for families looking to explore local talent.

Melbourne City Baths

An impressive facility offering swimming lessons and family pool sessions, ideal for relaxing and having fun with kids.

Melbourne Planetarium (Museums Victoria)

Experience the wonders of the universe through stunning visuals and engaging presentations in this state-of-the-art planetarium.

Start at Calder Park Motorsport Complex at 9 AM - allow 3 hours for motorsport action. Travel 35 minutes by taxi (~$50 AUD) to reach Melbourne Zoo by 12:30 PM - enjoy the wildlife for 1.5 hours. Then, take a 20-minute taxi ride (~$25 AUD) to Scienceworks at 2:30 PM - spend 2 hours exploring interactive exhibits before concluding your day.

Attractions

Calder Park Motorsport Complex

Enjoy thrilling car racing events and family-friendly activities at this popular motorsport venue.

Melbourne Zoo

Get up close and personal with llamas and learn about their habits during this interactive experience.

Scienceworks (Museums Victoria)

Engage in fun and interactive science exhibits that focus on sports and physical movements.

Start Day 11 at The Mystery Rooms - Melbourne at 9 AM, allow 60 minutes. Travel 15 minutes by tram (~$5 AUD) to Fitzroy Swimming Pool for a 10:30 AM visit, enjoy 2 hours of leisure swimming. At 1 PM, take a 25-minute tram to Luna Park Melbourne (~$5 AUD) and spend 3 hours enjoying the rides and atmosphere.

Attractions

The Mystery Rooms - Melbourne

Challenge your family to solve puzzles and escape from themed rooms in a fun and engaging setting.

Fitzroy Swimming Pool

A fun place for kids and families to enjoy swimming and leisure activities.

Luna Park Melbourne

Classic amusement park experience with rides and games that are great for kids and families.

Start Day 12 at RACV City Club at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for breakfast and relaxation. Travel to O'Brien Icehouse (11:30 AM) via a 15-minute taxi (~$15 AUD). Enjoy ice skating for 2 hours. At 2 PM, head to Yarra River Cruises, a quick 10-minute taxi ride (~$10 AUD) for 90 minutes of scenic river views. Perfect mix of leisure and fun!

Attractions

RACV City Club

Enjoy a range of family-friendly activities and facilities, including pools and play areas.

O'Brien Icehouse

Experience ice skating year-round in this large indoor rink, ideal for families and kids.

Yarra River Cruises

Enjoy stunning views of Melbourne from the water while cruising along the Yarra River.

Day 1 starts at South Bank Parklands (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for a leisurely stroll. Take a 10-minute ferry ride to Queensland Museum Kurilpa at 11:30 AM (around $5 AUD) and spend 2.5 hours exploring. Wrap up your day at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at 2:30 PM - a 35-minute bus ride (~$15 AUD), allowing 3 hours to enjoy the wildlife.

Attractions

South Bank Parklands

A vibrant riverside park featuring lush gardens, a lagoon, and numerous playgrounds, perfect for families looking to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.

Queensland Museum Kurilpa

Explore fascinating exhibits ranging from natural history to science, making it an educational yet fun experience for all ages, especially kids.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to over 100 koalas and other native animals, offering a close-up look at Australia's wildlife in a family-friendly environment.

Day 2 starts at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the beautiful flora. Take a 20-minute taxi ride (~$25 AUD) to reach City Botanic Gardens by 11:30 AM, where you can enjoy a 90-minute stroll. Finally, enjoy lunch at Eat Street Northshore at 1:30 PM, a 15-minute ride (~$15 AUD), allowing 2 hours for food and relaxation.

Attractions

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

A stunning collection of native and exotic plants, enhancing learning opportunities for children while offering serene picnic spots and walking trails for families.

City Botanic Gardens

Located near the river, this peaceful garden offers beautiful walking paths and playgrounds, providing a delightful escape in the heart of Brisbane for families.

Eat Street Northshore

A bustling market where food lovers can explore a variety of cuisines, perfect for families to enjoy a casual dining experience in a lively atmosphere.

Complete 14-day guide to Melbourne & Brisbane, Australia with Top attractions and For kids

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

Fed Square

Melbourne Museum

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14