Short visit to Melbourne - accommodation and 'must do' activities?

[HighFibreDiet]

Dp has a work do early Dec and we thought we'd all go down there. There are six of us altogether, although a lot of the time I don't declare 3mo dd as she will sleep with me and dp anyway. Any good places we could stay?

We won't have a huge amount of time there so, I was thinking of missing out the attractions that are similar to what we have in Sydney (e.g. the zoo and Botanic Gardens) and trying to focus on what is essentially Melbourne. I think Puffing Billy would be a hit, and maybe Scienceworks and Phillip Island. What do you all think?

Scienceworks is great - my kids love it. It really caters for a wide range of age groups.

Puffing Billy is fab too but is quite a trek out of the city. I think they also do Thomas the Tank engine train rides in Dec with replica engines too.

We have been to Phillip Island twice and it is great too. The penguin parade is wonderful!!

Sorry I have no accomodation advice.

Try serviced apartments in the CBD. Can't remember any right now, but used these when on a hol in Melbourne.

Rickett's Point for lovely shallow sea and place to eat.

You don't say the age of DCs.

Luna Park -then ice cream at Trampoline and burger at Grill'd, lovely beach at St Kilda.

Healesville wildlife sanctuary is out of town but is fabulous for kids to get up close with Australian animals.
The Melbourne museum is great too and has an outside area for kids filled with games and toys.

And the aquarium has real antarctic penguins in a snowfilled enclosure. I would also suggest a walk around the Shrine ( the war memorial) on St Kilda Rd. Moving and interesting.

Thanks all, it sounds like there will be loads for us to do!

The boys are 9, 7 and 3.

We went to see the penguins. It was OK but bloody cold. That was in August.

We initially stayed in Quay West Suites in Melbourne. Serviced apartments, lovely quiet pool (great for kids), very helpful staff and very central (right by river and right by food court).

Then we moved out to suburbs and stayed in Elwood which was great. Try these people www.boutiquestays.com.au/ They have a whole range of nice places and were v helpful.

I can't offer any advice really as I haven't been to Australia.....yet! Flying out on Friday though in to Sydney (can't wait) and then we drive to Melbourne. We are staying in Mantra on the Park while we are in Melbourne itself, looks nice! I am making notes of your tips on here as DCs are 8 6 & 2. We are also staying 2 nights on Philip Island and plan to see the Penguin Parade (DH has a job interview there too!!)