This is a 3-day trip to Melbourne and another 3-day at the Snowy Mountains, where the kids will experience snow for the first time during the Australian winter in August. This travel diary covers the first three days in and around Melbourne.
Our plane landed in Melbourne at approximately 7a.m. after a rather tiring flight. However, our spirits were high, and the kids were bursting with excitement for their very first trip to Australia.
Destination
1. Queen Victoria Market
Before heading to Luna Park, we wanted to explore the Melbourne CBD. The first stop was the Queen Victoria Market. Rather than looking for food, our main focus was on the souvenir stores around the market. The kids were not disappointed — they found their souvenirs straight away.
2. Rain Hayne & Shine Farmland
The drive from our hostel in Doncaster took around one hour, and it was well worth it. The farm is located on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. After doing some research beforehand, I knew it was designed for kids — and we were not disappointed. Note: The farm is closed on Thursdays and Fridays. The entry fee was very reasonable at AU$17 per person, or AU$65 for a family of four. It was the first time the kids had seen farm animals up close, and they were thrilled — especially when feeding the goats and pigs. Click this link for more details in their official website.
We were impressed by how clean the entire farm was kept, and it was a very pleasant experience even when we went inside the rabbit and guinea pig huts.
3. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
This was probably the highlight of the day. The Park is only about 20-minute drive from the farm, south of Cranbourne. We would have loved to stay longer, but unfortunately the park closed at 4 p.m. and we arrived around 2 p.m. Still, it was enough time for the kids to enjoy more excitement — meeting Wallabies up close and feeding them. At the time of our visit, entry fees were AU$37 for adults and AU$19 per child. A family pass for a family of four cost AU$99.
We firstly spent around 30 minutes meeting the Koalas, listening to the presentation on Owl and Dingo. The rest of the time the kids focused on feeding Wallabies.
We would have loved to stroll through the entire park if there had been enough time. Our kids were so excited to meet the wallabies that they ignored most of the other attractions around the park. I am sure we will try to arrive earlier if we get the chance to visit again.
4. Enchanted Adventure Garden
This place is also located on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s a beautiful spot for kids, especially the maze. The entry fee was AU$42 for adults and AU$32 per child (for garden entry and tree surfing only), but it was definitely worthwhile. If you want to take some gorgeous photos, play around in the maze, and experience the thrill of tree-surfing, this is the perfect place to do it.
Tree surfing was definitely one of the highlights. I strongly recommend doing it in winter rather than summer. Pulling the tube up the slope takes quite a bit of energy, and in winter the temperature was just right — we stayed comfortable without working up too much sweat. There are several slides for everyone to have a crack, depending on how much excitement you need. For more information click on this link to their official website.
5. Enchanted Adventure Tree Top Course
Across the garden, you can see the Tree Top Course. The entry fee was AU$84 for adults and AU$74 per child (this includes garden entry and tree surfing). We decided to let one of our kids (aged 8) give it a crack, and she was more than up to the challenge. For more information just on the Tree Top Course, click on the link to their official website.
6. Warrook Farm
Warrook Farm is situated about a one-hour drive southeast of Melbourne, just north of Lang Lang. It offers a farm tour that gives kids a great insight into everyday life on a working farm. The visit was well worth the journey. It was the first time the kids had seen how farmers shear the wool from sheep and milk cows. For more information, visit their website via this link.
