Recommendations to Meet up with a Visiting Family in Melbourne

Hi Everyone,

Last year, during our trip to Thailand, we became friends with a lovely Korean family. We met during our stay, and their two kids (aged between 7 and 11) and ours became great friends, playing together every day.

Now, they’re coming to Melbourne for a couple of days in January and messaged us to catch up. We’re excited to see them again! They have a packed itinerary with most days booked for sightseeing, so we’ll only have a few hours or half a day to spend together.

They asked if we could recommend a place like a park, beach, riverside, or some place else for the meet-up. Ideally, we’d like somewhere the kids can interact and play while the parents can relax and chat over coffee.

I was initially thinking of Williamstown Beach because it has a great mix of restaurants and a nice beach atmosphere. However, the weather here in Melbourne can be unpredictable, so I’m also considering other options.

A friend mentioned Super Park at Highpoint, a large indoor play centre for younger and older kids, but I’m not sure if it’s the right choice.

Does anyone have other suggestions for family-friendly places in Melbourne that would fit the bill? Parks, riverside spots, or even indoor options in case of bad weather would be great!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Comments

  • +3

    Museum is always a good spot, or NGV

  • +5

    I know Williamstown Botanic Garden and Williamstown Beach. It's nice for family too but not as big as Royal Botanic Gardens.

    Check the photos and locations from Google Maps. How far do you want to go?

    Indoor where kids can play maybe Legoland in Chadstone Shopping Center, Timezone, Scienceworks, Planetarium, etc. It's summer in January. Outdoor maybe Luna Park. All is not free.

    Indoor:
    * RAAF Museum (airplane museum). It's free when I was there years ago. Check the opening time from google maps.
    * Moorabin Air Museum. I paid $10 years ago.

    Outdoor:
    * Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
    * Carlton Garden + Melbourne Museum (indoor) + Treasury Gardens + Fitzroy Gardens (they are nearby anyway).
    * Melbourne Zoo (not free)
    * St. Kilda Botanical Gardens
    * Victoria State Rose Garden + Werribee Park Mansion (both free) + Werribee Zoo (paid) if you want and have time.
    * Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
    * Wilson Botanic Park
    * Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
    * Puffing Billy railway (not free) + Emerald Lake Park
    * Blue Lotus Water Garden (not free). I paid $17 years ago. Very nice for family or couple too. Walk around there and have picnic. They have cafe too.

    Maybe too far for them:
    * Ballarat Botanic Gardens + Lake Wendouree
    * Geelong beach + Geelong Botanic Gardens.

    • Thank you, great suggestions!

  • -2

    Costco

  • Studly Park Boathouse? Don't take them to Highpoint, shocking recommendation.

    • what's at studly park boathouse for the kids? I've never been

  • +1

    Plan for two options, one to suit good weather (eg your Williamstown Beach), and a backup indoor venue for bad weather, making sure your friends will be able to easily get to both. If they have transport, visiting your home may be an interesting experience for them. And (obviously), be sure to use very clear language in your communications to avoid confusion.

  • https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/article/free-things-to-…

    However, it all depends on what the kids are really into.

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