Melbourne Family Wildlife and Steam Train
Stay in Southbank and take the kids to the aquarium, zoo and museum, then ride the steam train and see the penguins.
Planned around children's stamina, with only one main activity a day. Stay in Southbank, where the aquarium and observation deck are within walking distance. The zoo and the museum each take a half day. On day three, join a tour on the Puffing Billy steam train from Dandenong, then visit Phillip Island to see the little penguins come ashore. You'll be back late. On the last day, relax in the Botanic Gardens before leaving. The museum is free for under-16s, and children visit the zoo free on weekends and during school holidays.
The penguin island gets windy and cold at night, so pack a warm jacket even in summer.
Day by day
Day 1 · Aquarium and Observation Deck
Melbourne（SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium、Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Tower)）
SkyBus to Southern Cross Station takes about 30 minutes. Take a taxi to Southbank, where the aquarium and observation deck are within walking distance.
The aquarium is fully indoors, so it's a good option on rainy days.
Stay: Southbank
Day 2 · Zoo and Melbourne Museum
Melbourne（Melbourne Zoo、Melbourne Museum）
Take tram 58 to the zoo, about 25 minutes. In the afternoon, take the tram to Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens.
Stay: Southbank
Day 3 · Steam Train and Penguin Parade
Melbourne（Puffing Billy Railway） → Phillip Island（Koala Conservation Reserve、Phillip Island Penguin Parade）
Join a day tour. In the morning, ride the Puffing Billy steam train from Dandenong. In the afternoon, visit Phillip Island. Return to the city around 10 p.m.
Book the morning steam train and penguin tickets in advance.
Stay: Southbank
Day 4 · Botanic Garden Stroll and Departure
Melbourne（Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria、Flinders Street Station & Federation Square）
Sleep in a bit. Walk from Southbank to the Botanic Gardens in about 15 minutes, then on to Federation Square. In the afternoon, head to the airport.