Melbourne Self-Guided Tour for Kids and Families in English

Melbourne , Australia

Melbourne Self-Guided Tour for Kids and Families in English

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Packed with challenges, quizzes and fantastic facts, this is a unique, self-guided tour especially designed to keep kids 8-15 excited and the whole family having fun as you discover the diverse and colourful centre of Melbourne.

Our Heart of Melbourne route starts at the Old Melbourne Gaol (easily reached by train, tram or taxi) and leads you on a discovery tour of the iconic sites and hidden jewels of central Melbourne. Follow the interactive map to carefully selected locations, have fun as a family with challenges that bring each site to life, and learn the story of Melbourne from its colonial origin to the present day.

You simply download our app, sign up, and your tour will be waiting for you with full instructions!

Do the tour at your own pace, take a break if you want, and you can even come back another day to complete it. The perfect way to keep kids excited and parents happy as you explore the vibrant heart of Melbourne.

Available options

Melbourne Self-Guided Tour for Kids and Families in English

What's included

All information and directions to have a great tour are included on the app

The tour can be done offline (no need for mobile data) once it has been downloaded on the app

Written Guide/App in English

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your tour at the Old Melbourne Gaol, one of Melbourne's earliest buildings, and follow our clues to discover who lived here before the British founded the city.

Stop 2

Explore the surprising State Library of Victoria and use your detective skills to find the armour of Australia's most notorious bandit

Stop 3

Step inside a shopping centre topped with the world's largest glass cone and discover a tower soaring within it.

Explore the oldest Chinatown outside Asia and complete your challenges to find out why it was created.

Discover the 'kilometre zero' from which all road distances to Melbourne are measured and see if you can beat our challenge on a street bench that looks surprisingly like something entirely different!

Stop 6

Enter the oldest shopping arcade in Melbourne, the height of sophistication in its time, and use your detective skills to find two mythical creatures that are hidden inside.

Stop 7

Follow the route to the Block Arcade, the quintessence of 'Marvellous Melbourne', and complete our challenges on its iconic mosaics

Stop 8

Stop outside Melbourne's renowned town hall, and in the extraordinary building opposite, discover the secrets of a society whose story is carved in stone.

Stop 9

Explore the hubbub of Degraves Street, most famous of the 'lanes' of Melbourne - if you're hungry, stop for a bite at one of its many eateries.

Stop 10

Stop under the clocks of of Melbourne's iconic Flinders Street station and follow our clues to discover an amazing set of creatures that most Melbournians never see.

End your tour at Federation Square, the place where Melbourne gathers to celebrate its triumphs, and complete your last challenges on the banks of the Yarra river.

What's not included

Other languages - Tour suitable only if you and your children are comfortable reading English

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Do not purchase this tour if you and your children cannot comfortably read English

Meeting point

When you're near the starting point (Old Melbourne Gaol), open the route on the app and our interactive map will show you exactly where to go!

Once you're there, all information and directions will be on the app!

You don't need to meet anyone or present a ticket.

Important notes

You do not need to meet anyone or show a ticket at the starting point. All information and directions are on the app!

Get going in 3 simple steps!

1. Open the email we sent you via Viator (don't forget to look in your Junk folder if you don't see our email)

2. Download the TripMonsters app from the App Store or Google Play (the link in our email will take you there, or search TripMonsters on the app store)

3. Sign up to the app with the individual customer email address that Viator has created for you - it's shown in the email we sent you (you have to sign up with this email address so we know it's you)

Once you've signed up, just follow the prompt on the app to download the Heart of Melbourne tour.

When you're near the starting point (Old Melbourne Gaol), open the tour on the app and our interactive map will show you exactly where to go!

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes