Melbourne
Never mind the right-angled uniformity of its streets, Melbourne is anything but conservative and monotonous − you feel the creative energy of its different districts right away. Each with its own personality, they integrate perfectly within the town. The mix of ancient and modern architecture, the presence of superb parks and gardens and the charm of its cosmopolitan population, make Melbourne a very pleasant town to visit. With its beach, mountain and river outdoor activities, sporting activities such as the Australia Open, the Formula 1 Grand Prix or cultural activities such as the National Victoria Gallery and the International Flower & Garden Show, the biggest port in Australia awaits you with open arms!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Melbourne.
Novotel Melbourne On Collins
40
It only takes 40 seconds for the lift of the Rialto tower to reach the 55th floor and the observation platform. Or you can take the 1254 steps…
130
The Victoria region has the most varied population in Australia. There are more than 100 nationalities there, and more than 130 foreign languages are spoken.
1928
The first traffic lights in Australia were installed in Melbourne in 1928 at the intersection of Collins Street and Swanston Street.
Museums & Exhibitions
Melbourne Museum
Housing the Children’s Museum, the Melbourne Museum offers many entertaining and educational activities for all the family. Here you can enter the set of one of the best known television series in Australia, touch a dinosaur bone, discover the history of Melbourne and its indigenous culture, learn how to limit your water consumption, approach the oldest computer in the world or learn how plants, animals and humans have evolved over the centuries.
11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Melbourne – Tel.: (+61) 3 83417777
Every day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Scienceworks and Planetarium
Use its arms and its brain … it’s the vast programme offered by Scienceworks to all the family. The Planetarium is the opportunity for children and parents alike to experience a fabulous voyage through our galaxy while the museum makes it possible to discover the sporting profile of children, educate the public on water pollution, learn about the science behind household appliances and much more! An interactive and playful visit.
2 Booker Street, Spotswood, Melbourne – Tel.: (+61) 3 93924800
Every day from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Melbourne 360 – Rialto Tower
The children will be particularly impressed by the panoramic view of Melbourne from the top of the tower. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km and with the 11 pairs of binoculars available, children can observe the details of their choice. All the family can then continue to discover Melbourne thanks to the 20-minute film dedicated to the town and its region. For enthusiasts of thrilling sensations, the Eureka tower is higher than the Rialto tower, and its glass platform propels you 3 metres up the walls of the tower!
525 Collins Street, Melbourne – Tel.: (+61) 3 96298222
Every day from 10.00 am to10.00 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Melbourne Aquarium
Observe the thousands of creatures that populate our oceans. The glass tunnels and basins make it possible to observe sharks, tortoises, and rays close up, without getting wet! The Aquarium offers a certain number of educational activities such as an introduction to the classification of animals or an understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Welcome to the silent and colourful world of the inhabitants of the seas.
Flinders Street, Melbourne – Tel.: (+61) 3 96200222
Every day from 9.30 am to,6.30 pm.
Royal Melbourne Zoo
On the tracks of the elephants, the orangutan sanctuary, the butterfly house … so many evocative names highlight the different attractions of the zoo. Australian animals such as kangaroos and koalas are of course the stars of this oldest zoo in Australia. Children and parents alike can learn in detail about the life of the animals during presentation sessions organised by the zoo-keepers.
Elliot Avenue, Parktown – Tel.: (+61) 3 92859300
Every day from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (9.30 pm certain evenings in summer).
Queen Victoria Market
The oldest and biggest market of the southern hemisphere is an institution for the inhabitants of Melbourne, a historic curiosity and a tourist attraction for visitors. The market is first and foremost the place for unique memories: street musicians, friendly vendors and regional products make up this attraction that has to be seen as a family. On Sundays, Queen Street is closed and becomes an immense café terrace with fairground rides for the children.
513 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne – Tel.: (+61) 3 93205822
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.00 am to2.00 pm, Fridays from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm, Saturdays from 6.00 am to 3.00 pm and Sundays from 9.00 am to4.00 pm.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Werribee Open Range Zoo
All on board for a Safari! All the family can observe the animals of the plains of Africa, Asia, North America and Australia roaming in total freedom in their natural environments. Much more than a zoo, the park is particularly well designed for the family and children. The kids will love the abandoned jeep − at the steering wheel of a Jeep cut in two by a glass wall, they will be amazed to see the lions climb onto the bonnet of the vehicle. By the hippopotamus sector, they can dig in an archaeological site or play in the water around sculptures of life-sized hippopotamuses.
K Road, Werribee – Tel.: (+61) 3 97319600
Every day from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Arthur’s Seat Maze
Come and get lost in this park of hedge mazes, each one more beautiful than the next. Original, entertaining and challenging, this attraction is ideal for the family. The different mazes are designed for parents and children. The children’s maze is inhabited by three fairies and a Loch Ness monster, while to spice up the maze path for parents, they have to find five buddhas. A nice place to take a rest or have a picnic, the park is decorated with surprising sculptures like these faces sculpted in the trunk of the cypress trees.
55 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat – Tel.: (+61) 3 59818449
Every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
City Circle Tramway
With its red and gold colours and its ancient style, this is the ‘City Circle’ tram. Hop on and off, and on again … there’s no better way to discover the major attractions and buildings of Melbourne. It’s even free, and a tape recording commenting on every tourist location is available! Pleasant, flexible, topical … why not start the discovery of Melbourne as a family on board the Circle City Tram?
Flinderts Street, Spring Street, Latrobe Street and Spencer Street, Melbourne
Every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (9.00 pm Thursdays and Saturdays in summer).
Good places for a family meal
TJs Tastebuds Courtyard & Café Restaurant
Ideal for the family, this restaurant serves the youngest first and offers a glass-enclosed play area as well as a wide choice on its kids’ menu. The cuisine is Australian.
735 Heidelberg Road, Alphington – Tel.: (+61) 3 94991273
From Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30 am.
YUM CHA Dragon Chinese BBQ & Restaurant
Asian decor, Chinese cooking and views of the port… all the family will benefit from a good meal in this restaurant that offers a kids’ menu.
14, 427 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands – Tel.: (+61) 3 9329 6868
Sunday to Thursday from 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm (11.00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
Bistro Vue
The menu has a French accent in this annexe to the very luxurious Vue de Monde restaurant. The restaurant offers a menu for children.
430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne – Tel.: (+61) 3 96913838
Monday to Saturday, 12.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Melbourne.