Joanna James
The vibrant, multicultural city full of hidden laneways and lush green parks, lying in the heart of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is home to an incredible array of family-friendly attractions. A visit to this dynamic Australian metropolis is sure to entertain not just the kids but your entire family.
Make your way through the enormous mouth of "Mr. Moon Face" to enter a world of excitement, set on the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay in St Kilda. Featuring 20 or so different rides, Luna Park makes for the best amusement park in Melbourne for everyone, from little munchkins to adrenaline junkies to spend a day packed with fun and excitement. While you certainly have a wide selection of rides, the most exhilarating of all is whizzing down the scenic railway roller coaster running around the park.
Take a short 4-kilometer drive to the north of the city centre to arrive at the Melbourne Zoo, where you could get up close to over 300 species of native and exotic animals. From snuggly Australian koalas to little Victorian penguins and majestic Asian elephants, Melbourne Zoo is home to a diverse species of animals from around the world. The animals are set in various artfully created ecosystems, such as Australian bushlands, Asian rainforests, and an underworld sea to provide visitors with a natural wildlife viewing experience.
Offer your kids a one-of-a-kind experience by taking them on an old-fashioned, miniature train ride. Nestled in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway houses a one and a quarter kilometre railway track and a collection of steam, diesel, and solar-powered trains. Choose a carriage of your choice and enjoy a 5-minute ride through the picturesque Elgar Park. If you find this part of the city to your liking, a Box Hill hotel, including the likes of Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences, would be a great accommodation choice for your Melbourne family vacation.
Hop onto one of the 21 pods of this gigantic Ferris wheel and go for a fantastic 30-minute ride, soaring above the glimmering skyline of Melbourne. Located in the Docklands area of Melbourne, the 120-meter high Melbourne Star Observation Wheel promises awe-inspiring 360 views of the cityscape. Consider riding the wheel in the evening to see the dazzling city lights.
ArtVo is a one-of-a-kind 3D art gallery where you are encouraged to touch and interact with artworks. The 1900-square foot gallery houses over 100 immersive paintings, offering plenty of photo opportunities by allowing you to get among the numerous scenes to become a part of the artwork. It is an unusual and exciting way to get your kids involved in art.
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