1. Family accommodation in Melbourne South Wharf
Why: In need of a two-bedroom studio in the heart of the city? Pick a Studio for fully-equipped kitchen with plenty of room to store snacks or whip up a feast, and lots of sun-kissed space so your family will feel right at home.
Location: In Melbourne’s new South Wharf lifestyle precinct, you can’t get much closer to the Yarra River than this. Which means you can ditch the car and use public transport during your stay. Kids will love riding trams around the city.
For little foodies: Housed in a historic cargo shed right on the water, The Boatbuilders Yard comes with plenty of attractions for the whole family. Enjoy a game of bocce then let the kids order from a menu just for them – toasties and pizzas steal the show.
Where to find fun: You’re within easy reach of the Melbourne Skydeck, featuring the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck - the ever-changing views over the city are truly dazzling, and kids will love pointing out places they have been (or would like to go)!
2. Family accommodation in Melbourne CBD
Where: Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Why: Book the Family Suite for two bedrooms and free breakfast for up to 2 kids per family under the age of 16. Plus, there's a heated indoor pool that you can splash about in at the end of the day.
Location: Sports fanatics in the family? You can walk to Rod Laver Arena to catch Australian Open tennis matches or the MCG to watch the summer cricket sizzle.
For little foodies: Wattleseed, lilly pilly, quandong, saltbush, kangaroo tail… Big Esso – Mabu Mabu is the ultimate place to introduce your kids to native Australian flavours.
Where to find fun: There are museums, and then there’s ACMI in Federation Square, a space celebrating films and the moving image. Check out the flicks just for kids, as well as special activities hosted during school holidays.
3. Family accommodation in central Melbourne
Where: Pullman Melbourne on Swanston
Why: Location, location, location. You’re in the thick of it when you check in here. Book a room with two queen beds, then get out and explore.
Location: Step out and you’re in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, with public transport and restaurants galore on your doorstep.
For little foodies: Crepes with Nutella are cooked on demand at Le Petite Creperie, a kiosk on Swanston Street, which means you can grab a treat and keep exploring. Come dinner, reserve a table at Din Tai Fung to watch chefs prepare dumplings while you wait.
Where to find fun: Make the most of your location and sign the family up for a street-art tour through Melbourne’s twisty alleys. You’re also within easy reach of District Docklands, where entertainment offerings include GlowGolf and the Cartoon Museum.
4. Family accommodation in Melbourne near the MCG
Why: The split-level William Clarke Sky Villa has plenty of space for that special family occassion – there’s a lounge, King bedroom, dining area, kitchenette and study. The outdoor pool is the ultimate place to cool off after a day of exploring.
Location: You can see the MCG from the tub in your bathroom, and Rod Laver Arena is a short walk away – if you want to watch live sport, this is the ultimate place to check in with the fam.
For little foodies: When a restaurant has the name Chocolate Buddha, you know your family is in for a good time. Head to Federation Square for bountiful bento boxes, ocean-fresh sushi and oh-so-slurpable udon noodles. Bonus - there’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to kids.
Where to find fun: If you’re not watching the tennis or the cricket, make the short commute to Collingwood Children’s Farm to meet horses, pigs, sheep and goats.
5. Family accommodation in Melbourne Chadstone
Why: The pool on level 12 of this stunner is the only reason you need to check in. While the kids splash about, you can watch the world go by outside.
Location: Shopaholics, rejoice! Your base is part of Chadstone Mall, Australia’s largest retail mecca, with a staggering number of stores and restaurants on your doorstep.
For little foodies: From quick bites to casual dining, Chinese to Italian, your dining options inside Chadstone are endless. Begin at Betty’s Burgers, and end at Black Star Pastry – the sweet treats here are the most Instagrammed in the world.
Where to find fun: The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre will keep every member of your family entertained for hours – there are two million LEGO bricks to discover across 13 attractions, including rides and a 4D cinema.
6. Family accommodation in Melbourne South Yarra
Why: Budding artists will love being surrounded by the lyrical works of Aussie painter Dr John Olsen. There are two-bed and two-bedroom suites, and all accommodation comes with a kitchenette so you can whip up a feast at any hour of the day. Be sure to take a dip in the ‘billabong’ (aka the pool).
Location: Your base is in the heart of South Yarra, with the shops and restaurants of Toorak Road and Chapel Street on your doorstep. It’s also an easy stroll to the Yarra River – a great place to start the day.
For little foodies: Channel your inner rockabilly at Soda Rock Diner, where the menu is dedicated to American diner favourites like hot dogs with all the toppings, bulging burgers and decadent milkshakes. And then there are the desserts…
Where to find fun: Prahran Market is the ideal venue to immerse budding gourmands in the best of Melbourne’s produce. As an added bonus, there’s free face painting, a playground, chess tables and live entertainment. Pick up produce to enjoy on a picnic in Prahran Square.
7. Family accommodation in Melbourne Southbank
Why: If you can tear your kids away from the pool – replete with lounges ‘floating’ over the water – we’ll be surprised. There are plenty of two-bedroom apartments to choose from, each with dining and lounge areas as well as kitchen facilities.
Location: You’re steps from Southbank and the Yarra River, but far enough removed to enjoy the quiet residential feel of South Melbourne.
For little foodies: You can’t go past Hopscotch, which comes with a dedicated menu for kids - think falafel nuggets, burgers and battered fish. Mum and dad will love the creative cocktails.
Where to find fun: Wander up to the National Gallery of Victoria to give your kids a dose of culture. Over the summer months, Australia’s premium gallery regularly hosts blockbuster shows.
8. Family accommodation in Melbourne CBD
Why: Hello daily 'Chocolate Hour' and unlimited free ice-cream for kids under 12! Indulgences aside, this slick hotel offers classy room with pops of colour. Book the Deluxe King Room, which comes with space to sleep three in comfort.
Location: You're right in the heart of things at this hotel, within walking distance of fabulous restaurants, art-filled alleys, museums and galleries, and the Yarra River. Little legs will thank you.
For little foodies: Look no further than the hotel itself, where free chocolate-themed sweets are dished up between 4:30pm and 5:30pm every day. Serious chocolate lovers can upgrade their experience with the hotel's signature ice-cream chocolate parfait, which sees decadent ice-cream topped with the likes of chocolate macarons, double-chocolate walnut brownies, chili-chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows. Throughout your stay, kids under 12 get unlimited free ice-cream as well. Now that's cool...
Where to find fun: Stroll down to the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where budding marine biologists can take a deep dive into the world's most fascinating underwater ecosystems.
