Noah, Eden, and Jonah have been traveling with me their entire lives. So far the three of them have been to at least 22 countries, 4 continents, and almost every state in the United States. Needless to say, when I ask them what the best family vacations were, they had more than a few opinions! 

They quickly fired off an assortment of places we have been. It was interesting to hear what they picked, some of them I knew, but other ones were a complete surprise. After some serious conversation with them, we’ve narrowed it down to 17!

Top 17 Family Vacations You will Never Forget!

1. Singapore

Singapore is in all of our top ten picks. My oldest, Noah considers Singapore to be a utopia because of its cleanliness and orderliness. Oddly enough, we were only in Singapore for two days, making it one of the shortest stays we have done anywhere. It only took one day for us to fall in love with this city. We recommend walking around Marina Bay where the architecture is insane and definitely visit some parts of the Marina Bay Gardens. I can assure you that your kids have never seen anything else like this! The kid’s favorite hotel here is the Fairmont Singapore. For more ideas on what to do and where to find the best milkshake see my article: Singapore Travel Guide.

2. Cancun

Cancun has so much going on, and don’t worry, it’s safe. We spent a week there and basically had a non-stop adventure! The entire area is set up well to accommodate any kind of family and literally any type of budget. Families will appreciate luxurious, all-inclusive resorts with kid’s clubs and teen clubs. While the kids are off doing their own thing parents can head to a spa or the bar. There isn’t a bad beach anywhere in the area, so plan to spend at least two full days beach bumming.  While you are there, be sure to see Mayan Ruins, swim in a cenote, eat lots of Mexican food, and go ATVing. 

For a list fun family things to do in Cancun check out this post: 12 Adventurous Things to do in Cancun. I recommend staying at The Grand in Cancun or at another one of the  11 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families.

If at some point you head over to Cozumel (you totally should), check out my post: 13 Things to do in Cozumel. I recommend staying at Allegro Cozumel.

3. Thailand

Thailand is absolutely incredible and I wasn’t surprised it landed in my kids top three places. You can basically go anywhere in Thailand and have an interesting experience. I recommend visiting at least these three places when you go: Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Although they each have some similarities they are completely different experiences.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s islands and it’s extremely kid friendly. My kids thought taking a Thai cooking class was cool and they loved going to the beaches and interacting with elephants and tigers. To find the elephants on the beach check out my post: Swimming with Elephants in Thailand. And for more help planning your trip to Phuket see my article: 5 Day Phuket Itinerary with Kids.

Bangkok

Bangkok is massive so there are loads and activities. The kids loved biking through the city despite the heavy traffic and they were thrilled when we stumbled across monstrous milkshakes. To read more about taking Bangkok to kids, check out my article: Two Days in Bangkok with Kids.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is an easy city to get around and it has tons to see and do. The city has an incredible night market where you and your kids could shop for hours. Here you will find interesting things to purchase like leather journals, bracelets, and tuk-tuks made out of soda cans. There is an elephant sanctuary where families can care for elephants and of course the food is outstanding! I recommend staying at the Shangri-la and taking a food and city tour by bike. Learn more about visiting Chiang Mai with kids in my article: 4 Things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.

4. New York City

New York City is currently Noah’s #1 and in Eden’s top 3 and in my top 15. The kids love the many dessert experiences here like Serendipity and  Black Tap. Both places have outrageous over-the-top desserts. They all enjoy hanging out in Central Park and Bryant Park, both parks have lots of free activities. At Bryant Park, kids can play kubb, while parents grab a drink at the little outdoor bar there. In Central Park, there are multiple playgrounds.

Visiting the 9/11 memorial is a must and if the kids are 10 or older tour the museum. Kids enjoy touring the Statue of Liberty, but not necessarily Ellis Island. If you do, go to Ellis Island to look for your family’s name on the wall. If you want to do a bus tour I recommend The Ride, especially if your kids are teens or tweens. I think going to a Broadway show is a must, but this is expensive and not worth it if your kids hate musicals or might possibly sleep through it. Good plays for kids are Wicked, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera.

Remember the further out you can plan a trip to New York the cheaper the trip will be. Here are 15 Ways to save money in NYC.

We’ve been to NYC more times than we can remember. Check out our New York City Travel Guide to help you plan your own epic NYC getaway!

5. Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is another place that all three kids agree on and Oahu is their top island followed by Kauai. On Oahu, their favorite thing to do is sit at the pool or sit on the beach.

The kids recommend hanging out at the beach on North Shore to check out the waves and do some shopping. While you are up there have shrimp from Giovani’s Shrimp truck and get shaved ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice. If you feel like getting active rent a paddleboard at Sea N Surf and paddle up the Anahulu River and look for sea turtles. The last time we went we saw five huge sea turtles.

Also, fun in Oahu is parasailing in Waikiki and hiking to the top of Diamond Head. When you get done hiking Diamond Head, stop by Shimazu Shave Ice for massive shaved ice.

For more help planning your family’s Oahu vacation read our Oahu Travel Guide. 

I highly recommend staying at Disney’s Aulani if possible. 

6. Orlando

Orlando would probably make any kid’s list. With it being home to Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios a family could spend a month and do something different every single day. Universal Orlando is a must once each kid is tall enough to ride all the roller coasters and the new water park, Volcano Bay is fantastic. Besides the theme parks, there are all sorts of other fun things to do like swamp tours through alligator-infested waters, knight tournaments at Medieval Times, and within a short drive lots of beaches.

7. London

London also made it high on the list of the kid’s favorite places. We visited during Thanksgiving a few years ago and everything we did was awesome. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a week or two here and never run out of activities. Some of their favorite things were seeing the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, eating at Borough Market, and doing the Tower of London tour. Both boy’s least favorite thing to do is the bus tours. I personally appreciated how many free things there were to do in London. For more London ideas and tips, see my article: London with Kids.

8. Negril, Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica is Jonah’s #1 pick, and if I was his age, I think this would possibly be my #1 too. We recommend staying at Beaches Negril. This is an all-inclusive resort geared specifically for families. Highlights of staying here include:

• Sesame Street parade and BBQ party where families can dance with the characters, DJs lead dances, flame throwers perform, and more.
• Ice Cream Machine – The kids loved the ice cream machine which they visited a minimum of three times a day. (Don’t judge me, it’s vacation!)
• Snuba – Even kids can snuba at Beaches Negril and they do not have to have any experience to do this. The instructors are fabulous and it’s an activity the kids will never forget.
• Multiple pools, a lazy river, a water playground, and hot tubs.
• Miniature golf
• Video game lounge
• Kid’s club

9. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is another destination that is enjoyable year-round. During the summer the kids enjoy biking around town, riding horses around the mountain, and visiting the Epic Discovery adventure park set up on the mountain. In the winter the skiing is excellent. My kids have skied since they were little and appreciate the extensive skiing found in Vail. If you do not ski, this is a great place to learn.  For more info, check out our Vail Travel Guide. 

10. Silvies Valley Ranch

Visiting a dude ranch is a completely unique vacation. You can have an experience as a family that just can’t be had unless you are on a working ranch. Here you can shoot guns, interact with baby goats, hit the spa, experience gourmet dining, participate in a cattle round-up, and much more. They even have four golf courses on the ranch. Golf lovers will flip out over the reversible golf course that’s right I said reversible! With a little bit of everything, your family is sure to have an incredible time. To get a feel of the overall ranch read about our Silvies Valley Ranch Experience.

11. Greece

Greece is an epic experience because let’s face it, there’s no other place on earth like it. It basically doesn’t matter what part of the country you visit, you will never have a bad meal, you will experience history and culture like never before. I can state this as a fact because we’ve traveled all over Greece and it’s all been wonderful. 

Athens

Chances are high that one way or another a Greek vacation is going to take you through Athens at some point. Plan to spend at least a day here so you can visit the Acropolis before heading out to the islands. At night during the sunset dine at Savvas, their rooftop overlooks the Acropolis. Hotels can be difficult to get for a family, you may want to stay in an Airbnb.

Mykonos

A one of a kind city and gorgeous beaches await you in Mykonos. Teens and parents alike will love Mykonos City full of white-washed buildings. Also, if you can get a sitter or if your kids are old enough to stay at the hotel alone plan to go out. Mykonos has one of the best nightlife experiences in the world.

• For more advice, check out my post: Mykonos with Kids

Santorini 

Here you will have the opportunity to see things you’ve never see before like Red Beach. Perissa, the black beach is also worth visiting if you’ve never seen one before. There are two towns built into the sides of the island, both of which are worth spending time in, Fira and Oia. In Oia, you will see one of the greatest sunsets in the world. 

• For more things to do and where to stay check out my post: Santorini on a Budget. 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is from biblical times and many of their historical sights have withstood the test of time. (Okay, I know what you are thinking. Yes, all of Greece is from biblical times.) They basically have ruins or a gorgeous church around every corner. The food scene is excellent here. For a list of things to see and do check out my post: Thessaloniki on a Budget. 

Kassandra

Can’t afford to splurge on the islands? Head here instead. Here you will be greeted with that famous aqua water and glorious beaches. Go shopping in Pefkochori and grab lunch at Agora Beach Bar. I highly recommend staying at Alexander the Great Beach Resort in this area. 

12. Australia

If you can get yourself to Australia, do it! Australia is just as fabulous as everyone says it is. There are so many varied experiences to be had throughout the country.  Try to plan a minimum of 9 days in the country. More than two weeks would be better. 

Whitsunday Islands

If swimming the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, then this should be your first stop. Whitehaven Beach should also be on your bucket list. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Melbourne

If you’ve got a family of foodies, Melbourne is sure to delight. They have the most over-the-top, whimsical food creations you’ve likely ever seen. In between beautiful meals stop by the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes and the graffiti alleys. The alleys in Melbourne are really cool. 

• Where to eat in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road 

One of the top road trips in the world is driving the Great Ocean Road. Along the way, you can stop at dozens of scenic overlooks and take in the magnificent rock formations like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles. You can enjoy one of the many nice beaches where kids can swim and play in the sand. Plus, there are animal encounters. Pull over to look for koalas in the trees and feed the birds at Kafe Koala. Be sure to stop at the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos. 

13. Texas

We are originally from Texas so it was no surprise that Texas made the list. The kids have been all over Texas and they recommend eating lots of Tex-Mex food and visiting the following cities: Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.

San Antonio

San Antonio has a ton of stuff for families to do. Here you will find a massive zoo, Fiesta Texas theme park, the famous San Antonio River Walk, and just outside of town is Schlitterbahn the #1 water park in the world. When visiting plan at least one full day at Schlitterbahn, half a day at the river walk, and float the Comal river. Our favorite restaurants in San Antonio currently are Ocho, Toro Kitchen + Bar, and Rita’s on the River. 

In San Antonio, I recommend staying at Hotel Emma.

Plan your entire trip with our San Antonio Travel Guide.

Dallas/Fort Worth

The Dallas, Fort Worth area is packed with stuff to do for families. Over in Fort Worth will love the rodeo at the stockyards. Be sure to go when they have bull riding. Also found in the stockyards is a fun maze and Texas-themed shopping. Plus, they do a daily cattle drive. Our favorite restaurants in Dallas include Meso Maya for dinner and El Jordan Cafe for breakfast. Just north of Dallas is Addison, TX which is jammed packed with great restaurants. 

14. Honduras

Honduras is easily one of our top vacations, according to me. Unfortunately, the kids remember very little of the trip. I recommend going to Roatan and Copan. These two places are no where near each other and two extremely different experiences. What they do have in common is affordability!

Roatan

Roatan is one of the Bay Islands and along the 2^nd best barrier reef in the world. The reef is near the shoreline making it extremely easy for kids to snorkel. Jonah was 4 when we visited and he was able to snorkel. Also fun here is zip lining and paddleboarding.

Copan

Copan is a Honduran city that borders Guatemala. Here you can go horseback riding up a mountain, go zip lining on one of the longest zip lines in the world, and visit an incredible hot spring.

15. Panama City Beach

Another family favorite in Florida is Panama City Beach. The beach has soft, powdery, white sand. It isn’t as big as many of the beach towns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do. Go mini-golfing and go-carting, spend the day at the beach, or shop around at Pier Park. Spend one day bopping around Scenic 30A, where you will find tiny beach towns like Seaside or Rosemary. Renting some bicycles is a perfect way to explore this area. Another interesting spot worth venturing out to is Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf. Here, families can indulge in boutique shopping, zip-lining, ropes courses, an arcade, and unique eateries.

Use our Panama City Beach travel guide to plan your entire vacation.

16. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is super cool country with a wide variety of things to do. The food was consistently good, the activities were exciting and the people were so nice. Whether rafting down a volcano’s raging rivers in a tube near La Fortuna to chilling at a beautiful beach on the Pacific or the Atlantic everyone is going to enjoy the country. Costa Rica Travel Guide

17. La Paz

La Paz features miles of white sand beaches and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure including paddle boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, SCUBA diving, whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, sportfishing, hiking, mountain biking, and much more. If you want your kids off their devices and outside doing stuff you will love it here. Plus, the food is unbelievably good. 

Plan your own trip with our La Paz Travel Guide for Families. Plus, Best Places to Stay in La Paz, Mexico and Best Beaches in La Paz.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, the best of the best family travel locations. There are hundreds of other places that could have made the list but didn’t. These were ones that just barely missed making our list: Las Vegas, Bavarian Alps in Germany, Paris, and house boating on Lake Shuswap in British Columbia. Like Honduras, my kids do not even remember house boating up in Canada, but if they did (well not Jonah, he had yet to be born), I am sure it would have made it onto the list.

Where are your favorite places to take your kids on vacation? We are always taking recommendations and planning our next family vacations. Yes, plural. Why take just one vacation? I think you should take as many as possible, big trips, weekend getaways, family reunions, you name it. These are all opportunities to have fun, spend time together and make the most memories possible. And don’t delay. Noah’s a high school senior and he’s about to move on with his life. (Oregon State University #Bragging) And y’all, I straight up ran out of time with him. You will run out of time, so make today count.

Read Next:

16 Insanely Awesome Girl’s Trips

11 Best Places to Snorkel with Kids Around the World

The post 17 Incredible Family Vacations appeared first on Mommy Travels.

So do we! That’s why we try milkshakes everywhere we go.

Have you ever sat and wondered, “Where can I find the best milkshake in the world?”.

I am assuming everyone sits around wondering this. I know I do, I mean, who doesn’t love a good milkshake?

In our family, a good milkshake is a good enough reason to go out of the way to eat somewhere and I mean totally and completely out of the way! This might be part of the reason I just can’t drive past a Sonic without pulling over!

Here are 26 of the best milkshakes in the world and where to find them including shakes in NYC, Orlando, Las Vegas, Brazil, Australia, Madrid, and many more! Originally this list only had 7 milkshakes, but we are happy to report that we keep finding more worth adding to the list!

Where to Find the 26 Best Milkshakes in the World

Black Tap

1. Black Tap in NYC is a burger and beer place with multiple locations in NYC and now one in Anaheim at Disneyland, Las Vegas and even in Dallas. But I must say it’s not really the beers and burgers I think people are going there for. Granted, their burgers are wonderful. Skip the salad burger, it wasn’t as good as just having a burger. Nowadays there is usually not a wait to eat here anymore, but sometimes the wait times can get bad. The milkshakes are not cheap but just look at them. Worth it! The kids and I all had burgers and split two milkshakes and dinner cost about $110.

Naughty Boy Cafe

2. Naughty Boy Cafe in Melbourne, Australia is open for breakfast and lunch. Their food looks really good, but honestly, I would just be going for their milkshakes.

Update: I finally got to eat here after salivating over their photos and it was slightly disappointing, my milkshake looked like a child had made it. It was so bad I may have to remove them from this list.

Garage 51

3. Garage 51 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a pork-free cafe with some wildly awesome milkshakes. Now, I do not know how many people are visiting Malaysia, but this definitely gives me another reason to try and make it over there!

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

4. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal City Walk in Orlando, Florida has incredible milkshakes. 3 – 4 people can split one of their milkshakes because they are so large and so rich. Their regular menu is full of good food too.

The Coffee Club

5. The Coffee Club in Bangkok, Thailand happens to be located in the lobby of the hotel we were staying in while we were in Bangkok. Imagine our surprise when we realized there little hotel cafe had these incredible shakes. We ended up eating here 3 times! (Yes, we are pigs. We don’t care.) Recently, during our trip to the Whitsunday Islands in Australia, I realized that they have other locations. There is one near the marina in Airlie Beach, Australia.

Mustang Sally’s Pub & Diner

6. Mustang Sally’s Pub & Diner in South Africa sets the standard for the great milkshakes. Known for their generous portions and imaginative flavors, each milkshake is a delightful blend of creamy, rich ice cream and top-tier ingredients. The diner’s nostalgic 1950s ambiance adds an extra layer of charm, making every sip a trip down memory lane. Mustang Sally’s combines traditional favorites with unique twists, ensuring a diverse menu that pleases every taste. With friendly service and a commitment to quality, their milkshakes are more than just a treat—they’re an experience that keeps you coming back for more. Located at 1319 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, South Africa, 0002.

Eis Cafe

7. Eis Cafe has multiple locations including Birmingham in the United Kingdom and in Dubai. All their shakes that look spectacular and massive. I recently looked at their Facebook page and see the milkshakes getting even bigger!

Creme Cakes and Shakes

8. Creme Cakes and Shakes in Southend-on-Sea (east of London) has your milkshake covered in cakes. I gotta say, great idea. Most people like cake too. Located at 1 Pier Arches ss91, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2EH England.

Cowfish a Burger Sushi Bar

9. Cowfish a Burger Sushi Bar in Orlando makes spectacular alcoholic milkshakes. They are not as over top as the others on this list, but they are just so good. I sucked my spiked milkshake down in a matter of minutes. All the food here is excellent. They also have locations in Charlotte and Raleigh.

Serendipity 3

10. Serendipity 3 is super famous already for their desserts and they should be. We couldn’t have a list without including their version of a milkshake: a frozen hot chocolate. You can find this at their NYC location or the Las Vegas location. If you could go to either go to both because they are completely different.

Legendairy Milkshake Bar

11. Legendairy Milkshake Bar in Nashville stands out as the ultimate destination for milkshake lovers worldwide. Renowned for their extravagant, over-the-top creations, each milkshake is a visual and culinary masterpiece. Their use of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients ensures that every sip is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With innovative flavors that push the boundaries of traditional milkshakes and toppings that range from decadent brownies to whole slices of cake, Legendairy Milkshake Bar transforms a simple treat into an unforgettable experience.

The Yard Milkshake Bar

12. The Yard Milkshake Bar in Panama City Beach have what my kids declared “The best milkshakes they have ever had!”. Considering the unreasonable amount of milkshakes we have all had I think they are experts and this cannot be ignored! I know that this place is expanding to other areas like the Alabama coast and Dallas, Texas.

Gulf Coast Burger Co.

13. Gulf Coast Burger Co., also in Panama City Beach has amazing shakes too, and they are slightly more affordable than most freakshakes we have had. They are gigantic. You will not have room for a burger and a shake here. I recommend ordering one burger and one shake per two people.

Cafe Hollywood

14. Cafe Hollywood located in Las Vegas inside of Planet Hollywood has some mighty tasty and good looking milkshakes!

12 Tastiest Milkshakes in Vegas

Ten One Ate

15. Ten One Ate is a little cafe in Melbourne, Australia and almost everything they serve is visually stunning.

JoJo’s Shake Bar

16. JoJo’s Shake Bar in Chicago has some might tasty creations including fun seasonal shakes. They also serve big hot chocolates with jumbo cookies. Located at 23 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654.

Mt. Kisco Coach Diner

17. Mt. Kisco Coach Diner is dishing up comfort food including ridiculous shakes! Some of their shakes are topped with a slice of cake! Located at 252 Main St, Mt. Kisco, New York.

Kings Dining and Entertainment

18. Kings Dining and Entertainment has lots of locations including Orlando, Boston, Raleigh, and more. Go bowling and pound shakes!

The Battlefield Country Store

19. The Battlefield Country Store in Virginia redefines the milkshake experience, earning its reputation for having the best milkshakes. Each milkshake is a handcrafted delight, featuring locally-sourced, premium ingredients that create a rich, velvety texture and unforgettable flavor. Their creative menu boasts a variety of options, from classic favorites to innovative combinations that surprise and delight. The rustic charm of the store, combined with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhances the indulgence of savoring these delicious treats. At The Battlefield Country Store, milkshakes are not just a drink—they’re a memorable experience that captures the essence of homemade goodness and Southern hospitality. Located at 6150 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407.

The Market Milkshake Bar

20. The Market Milkshake Bar is a food truck roaming the streets of Miami. The only thing they make are drool-worthy freak shakes. They even have vegan shakes. Find their Instagram page to find out where they are on any given day.

CREPESnSHAKES

21. CREPESnSHAKES has churro shakes. Need I say more? They are located in LA inside Tutti Frutti.

Gulla Burguer

22. Gulla Burguer down in Brazil has burgers, fries, and killer milkshakes. Located at R. Padre Pedro Pinto, 6300 – Paraúna (Venda Nova), Belo Horizonte – MG, 31615-310, Brazil.

Lara Grill

23. Lara Grill has burgers, nachos, tacos, and shakes which makes it one of the best places to eat in Madrid. Located in Barcelona and  Madrid, Spain with multiple locations.

Frostbite & Spiked Rich

24. Spiked Rich has alcohol infused, donut topped shakes in south Florida. You can get a shake without booze and without the donut. Located at 2125 S. University Dr., Davie, Florida 33324

Regrub

25. #Regrub has burgers and shakes. They’ve got all kinds of incredible milkshakes including vegan options. Harry Potter fans will love the POTTERHEAD a HOGSMEADE Shake infused with Butterscotch Topped with Sweet Spells

They have two locations in Alberta, Canada. 1) 625 11th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E1 and 2) 901 64th Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4.

Brainfreeze Sno-cones and Shakes

26. Brainfreeze Sno-cones and Shakes in Pasadena, California offers an unparalleled milkshake experience that earns it the title of having the best milkshakes in the world. Each milkshake is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, blending the finest ingredients to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Their innovative menu features a wide array of unique and creative concoctions, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate. With toppings that range from fresh fruits to indulgent candies, every milkshake is a delightful surprise. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service at Brainfreeze make each visit an exciting treat, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate destination for milkshake enthusiasts. Located at 2716 Preston Ave, Pasadena, Texas 77503.

Brownstone Pancake Factory

27. Brownstone Pancake Factory in New Jersey not far from New York City has insane shakes and pancakes. Located at 860 River Road Edgewater NJ. They have locations in Freehold, Edgewater, and Brick as well.

Final Thoughts

Y’all, I’m not going to lie, it’s flat-out amazing to me that I don’t weigh more. But I guess you can tell from this post why I am constantly on a diet when not traveling. I don’t exactly make healthy choices when I am eating out. I have gotten to the point I don’t order my own shake and instead share with the kids.

Where’s the best milkshake you have ever had and where can we find it? Drop your recommendation in the comments below!  My kids and I are always looking for some milkshake tips.

The post 27 Best Milkshakes in the World appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Almost the entire northern coastline of the Mornington Peninsula that encircles Port Phillip Bay has its own pristine beach, a handful of local cafes, and great dining options to choose from. 

To narrow it down for you, we’ve created the best list of the Top 5 beach towns to visit on the Mornington Peninsula, from locals who call the Peninsula home. 

If you’re from out of town or visiting the country for the first time then a trip to the Mornington Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Australia. 

Getting to the Mornington Peninsula

The route to the Peninsula from Melbourne CBD is straightforward and easy to find as it’s essentially one or two roads that take you the entire way down. 

You can take the inland route via Monash Freeway (M1) from the city center to join Eastlink which turns into Peninsula Link until you arrive in Frankston.

Or you could enjoy the scenery along the way by taking the coastal route along Beach Road that becomes Nepean Highway.

There are public bus routes and train lines that will take you into the Peninsula using the Myki system for around $10 AUD, but this is longer and generally takes just under two hours. 

Top 5 beach towns on the Mornington Peninsula

Go for a drive to Frankston

We know a lot about Frankston because we have called this ever-growing Peninsula metropolis home for 8 years so you’re in good hands. 

It’s the beginning of the Mornington Peninsula and the largest of all the towns here, which means it has a great coffee and food scene throughout the city. A day spent at Frankston foreshore is perfect because if you’re short on time it’s the prettiest and easiest beach to access from the main freeway. 

A long stretch of soft white sand nestled between a boat ramp at one end and a 307-metre-long pier at the other end where you could see a variety of fish life including puffer fish, crabs, and Stingrays. 

Go for a 30-minute walk up and down the wooden boardwalk that overlooks the ocean with all the locals walking their dogs and babies.

Where to get coffee

The best part about living in Frankston is that the absolute best coffee shop is on the beach, in a little caravan called Little Ollys Cafe. The team here serves a great selection of coffees for a loyal base of customers who make the early morning drive out here for a walk along the Frankston beach boardwalk. 

It’s even popular amongst the early swimmers who brave the cold frigid waters of the early morning for a cold plunge. 

Another coffee shop worth mentioning is Commonfolk on Main St., they have a larger sister store in Mornington further south complete with an outdoor dining area, coffee roastery, and co-working space.

Down the street deserves honorable mention for amazing coffee however they are a little further away from the beach (7-minute drive) but if you’re looking for a tucked-away, local go-to cafe this is it. 

Best place for food

Our go-to breakfast stop is only a 3-minute drive (12-minute walk) from the beach called Nutrition 6, serving a delicious breakfast including signature smoothie bowls, smashed avocado on toast, healthy smoothies, and of course, more great coffee. 

Another option for eating out in Frankston is literally across the street called Nature Cafe Bar, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant with a mix of takeaway and dine-in options. 

Stroll down the coast to Dromana

Almost as close as you will get to island paradise this side of the state, Dromana is one of the best beach towns on the Mornington Peninsula because it has so much to offer. 

The beach itself is incredibly clear and blue in the summertime, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, kayakers, and families with children to play in the shallow waters with very little to no currents.

The boat jetty on the eastern side normally sees a group of dolphins and large Smooth Rays who visit each night for their feed of the fisherman’s leftover catch.

There are also incredibly fun things to do around Dromana, nearby in neighboring Arthurs Seat is the Eagle cable car that takes you high above the hills and offers unparalleled views over the entire eastern coast of the Peninsula

A number of bathing boxes line the shore and make Dromana a very popular tourist destination in the summer.

There are also lots of BBQ facilities on the foreshore grassed area, as well as picnic tables and car spots to park close to the beach. 

Where to get coffee

Laneways Espresso can be found right next to the TAB and serve amazing coffee from their quaint and cute coffee shop. They serve a very large selection of coffees and teas, everything from your standard espresso or latte, through to a Liquorice tea and or Lemon Quencher.

Hot tip: Ask for a Magic, its Melbournes take on a double ristretto with a three-quarter flat white – a ton of caffeine that will keep you going all day long to explore the rest of the Mornington Peninsula.

Best place for food

Two Buoys restaurant offers a chilled afternoon vibe, somewhere to sit and enjoy a beer over lunch or dinner with views of Dromana beach directly in front of you. 

Their Mediterranean menu consists of a large range of Tapas style servings, local Peninsula seafood platters and wines also from around the region like Red Hill and Main Ridge.

Live like a local in Sorrento

Probably one of the most popular, chic beach towns along the Mornington Peninsula is Sorrento, tucked away in the far southern tip of the bay is this quaint, Italian-esque town complete with a gelateria and cafe by the way. 

Sorrento is unique in that it has two beaches; the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay on one end, and the rough and rugged ocean beach to the south. There are so many things to see and do here in Sorrento it’s one of our favorite weekend escapes. 

Sorrento also services the Sorrento to Queenscliff ferry passenger/vehicle ferry that takes you from the Peninsula to the Bellarine Peninsula where you can start your journey along the Great Ocean Road. Others simply ride it for the fun, the views and to maybe catch a glimpse of Bottlenose dolphins riding the wake. 

As you drive into town you will no doubt want to stop at Sorrento front beach to cool off before you go and explore the main street, Ocean Beach Road. The main road here is the busiest stretch of town lined with boutique retail stores Tommy Bahama or Viktoria and Woods.

An early morning or late afternoon trip down to Sorrento Pier and you might see a local pod of Dolphins swimming just offshore. You can also join the crew at Polperro dolphin swim at the same pier for a paid tour of the bay to swim with Dolphins.

Insider tip: There is a hidden ocean beach within a short walk of the car park called Diamond Bay Beach, enclosed by a small inlet with a shallow reef and protected from the rough waters at low tide that is another local treat. 

Just make sure to visit on low tide otherwise there won’t be any beach left to walk on.

Where to get coffee in Sorrento

You could easily meander around town for an hour or two and tick off great cafes like Itali.Co Sorrento for an authentic experience, or try Baked In Sorrento, these guys also do amazing sandwiches, savouries and sweets. 

Best place for food

And this leads us into where to get a great bite to eat..also at Baked In Sorrento. Seriously they have daily baked, fresh goods that make your mouth water. Each morning they restock the shelves with an assortment of baguettes, homemade sandwiches, smoothies and eat in meals. 

They also have another store in Portsea not all that far from here called Baked in Portsea. 

Join the rest of Melbourne in Rye

No article talking about the best beach towns on the Mornington Peninsula could ever overlook Rye, it’s the most popular beach for Melbournians to flock to year-round, just make sure you get here bright and early to secure your spot on the beach or you will miss out!

That’s right, people from as far as 1 hour and 45 minutes away make the annual pilgrimage to Rye, hook up the caravan at their sites for two weeks, and stay put for most of the summer. The beach is incredibly blue, clear, and runs for kilometres in either direction that have just as nice beaches.

Rye Pier is very popular amongst tourists and fishermen for the abundant marine life that live here. 

The main street of Rye, Point Nepan Road has tons of awesome ice cream shops, cafes and bars, restaurants, and retail stores you could walk all day long. 

Our favorite part of Rye though is the Peninsula Hot Springs, technically in Fingal but most people associate the springs with Rye and it’s less than 7 minutes drive from the centre of town. The Peninsula Hot Springs are incredibly relaxing, with a mix of private bathing,  public bath houses and the spa dreaming center, a trip here won’t disappoint. 

Best place to get coffee in Rye

Freaky Tiki cafe is just on Ozone st and is our go to coffee shop in Rye, but honestly, with such an Italian influence in this part of town, you’re hard-pressed to find a cafe that doesn’t do good coffee.

Wild bean cafe and Captain of Rye are great alternatives both on main street Rye within a few minutes walk of each other and to the beach. 

Best place for food in Rye

SisCO on the corner of Weeroona st and Point Nepean road is a perfect local italian pizza house that pair well with beautiful Mornington Peninsula wines of Red Hill or Tuerong. 

We personally love finishing off the night with a sunset walk down Rye Pier and stopping at a few of our go to gelato stores. Mubble Ice cream and Vulcano gelato store are literally opposite each other adjacent to the Rye Pier car park so it’s a great place to venture out with the night time crowds of Rye. 

Retreat to Mount Martha

To cap off our list of the best beach towns on the Mornington Peninsula we couldn’t overlook the quiet and picture postcard Mount Martha. Take a stroll along the beautiful sandy foreshore with colorful beach boxes in the morning or watch the kite surfers take advantage of a windy day.

In comparison to the other beaches here, it is definitely not as busy as the rest even during school holidays but this is a well-kept secret we intend on keeping “secret”.

There’s lots of parking to the right of the life-saving club and yacht club which is technically Mount Martha North beach in parking lots, or further back in the suburban streets that generally don’t have time limits so you can spend all day here without the fear of a parking ticket. 

If you love walking then you can join the boardwalk along the Esplanade from Mount Martha to the Rock Pools to the west.

Best place to get coffee

Luckily Mount Martha is a small beachside town and the best coffee spots are all within a block of each other, but to begin with, we recommend heading to Higher Ground cafe behind the main strip of shops in the Bay Road car park. Super friendly staff with a delicious takeaway and dine-in menu open 7 am to 2: 30 pm. 

On the corner of Lochiel and Watsons Avenue that overlooks the main street are two great coffee shops called Volpino & Milk Bar and Co. which both have outdoor seating, the perfect way to watch the waves go by.

Best place for food in Mount Martha

Most of the best foodie places are all located in the strip of shops on the Esplanade between Bay Road and Watson Road but our go-to place on the entire Mornington Peninsula has to be Mr.Curtis. 

On the second floor of Volpino is access to Mr.Curtis has a beautiful balcony that overlooks Mount Martha beach and stunning views over the coast. They serve amazing lunches and dinner here and we go to ABC almost every month to snack on our favorite mushroom arancini and grilled saganaki. 

The owner Maria, is delightful and very accommodating for her guests, be sure to give Mr.Curtis a visit. 

Where to Stay on the Mornington Peninsula

Final thoughts on the Top 5 beach towns on the Mornington Peninsula

Whether you’re coming from Melbourne city or taking the ferry from Queenscliff and you’re wondering what to do on the Peninsula, you will be amazed at the hidden beaches and delicious coffee scene the Peninsula offers, it’s the perfect blend of a relaxing weekend getaway that still has so many things to see and do. 

Guest Bio: We’re Chris and Laura Travels, your adventure travel and photography blog from Australia. A Canadian and Australian living the digital lifestyle, capturing engaging visual storytelling experiences from around the world. 

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However, Melbourne has a lot to offer tourists as well. So whether you’re visiting Melbourne as part of an Australia road trip, are here on a weekend break, or are thinking of settling down in the city, here are some of the best things to do in Melbourne, loved by locals and visitors alike. 

10 Things to do in Melbourne

State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne. It houses an impressive collection of the state’s books and is a popular spot for students and digital nomads who want to work. However, it also is home to the Latrobe Reading Room – a beautiful room designed with period decor. There are also various exhibitions about literature and the state’s history. And it’s all for free!

Federation Square and ACMI

Federation Square is the heart and soul of Melbourne. Especially popular in the summer when temperatures are high and the city moves outdoors, Fed Square often has pop up events. The ACMI, or ‘Australian Centre for the Moving Image’ is a celebration of Australian cinema and is a free museum. 

Close by is the historic Flinders Street Station, which is probably the most iconic station in Australia, with a cross between Victorian and Asian styled architecture. 

Explore the Northern Suburbs

Melbourne’s biggest charm is probably its suburbs; it’s got a lot of them, all with a distinct character. In the north, these suburbs are decidedly more ‘hipster’ than the CBD and south. Fitzroy has plenty of trendy cafes, vintage shops, and world food restaurants, and Northcote and Thornbury also have plenty to offer. 

Be sure to also check out Lentil As Anything, a restaurant with branches in Thornbury and Abbotsford. The Abbotsford branch is the original. It’s a ‘pay as you feel’ restaurant where you can pay depending on how much you think the meal was worth and your economic situation. It’s a great model that enables people who wouldn’t be able to afford to go out to eat otherwise to get a decent meal. Just be sure to pay what you can to keep the business going!

3 Amazing Melbourne Restaurants

Melbourne Street Art

Street art is synonymous with Melbourne. The city has a name for bright murals depicting everything from movements and political messages to characters and illustrations of people. Hoiser Lane is famous as the best place for street art in the city, but other popular spots include ACDC Lane (which is named after the band!), Caledonian Lane which was where St Jerome’s Laneway began, and Centre Place which is located between Collins Street and Flinders Lane. 

That being said, you’ll never have to walk far in Melbourne to find some street art, so wherever you go, bring your camera and keep a keen eye out for anything artsy!

St. Kilda Beach

For all Melbourne’s charms, it’s not blessed with the best beaches – however, St Kildas is still well worth checking out. It’s a small beach that’s packed in the summer months when Melbourne’s barometer can top 40 degrees celsius, but what makes St Kilda special is the atmosphere surrounding it. 

It has an old-school seaside feel, with historic buildings and plenty of ice cream shops as well as pastry shops where you can get a snot block! Kids and big kids alike will love Luna Park, which has attractions and rides and be sure to stick around until dusk for one of the best sunsets in the city.

Immigration Museum

Melbourne is a diverse, multinational place, and this is reflected in the Immigration Museum. Located in the old customs house, the museum tells the stories of migrants who have come to Australia, from the first European settlers to people who arrive in the country today. It’s somewhere to celebrate Australia’s diverse heritage and offers some important reminders about how similar we all are.

Penguin Sanctuary

The St Kilda penguin sanctuary is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne. A colony of penguins call this area home and return there nightly after swimming in the seas during the day, and anyone can visit them – the best time to do so is 30 minutes after sunset. The sanctuary is staffed by volunteers, many who are very knowledgeable about penguins and love to chat about them! Photography is permitted, but only without flash, as this can harm and irritate the penguins. 

Melbourne Museum

If you want to learn about the history of the city or want something to do in Melbourne in the rain, check out the Melbourne Museum. This impressive museum has exhibitions focused around the city and its heritage, from its Aboriginal roots to modern-day. There are also other exhibitions about topics like the flora and fauna of Victoria and Melbourne and more scientific exhibitions. 

Cafe Hopping

As well as street art, Melbourne is very famous for its coffee culture. Don’t get a Starbucks here – there are many cafes that serve up an amazing brew. Favorites include Higher Ground in the CBD, The Kettle Black in South Melbourne and Slowpoke Espresso in Fitzroy. However, wherever you turn you’ll find plenty of cafes that are perfect for grabbing a flat white (an Australian specialty) and an avo on toast and watching the day go by.

Melbourne Markets

Market culture is alive and kicking in Australia, and Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Markets are no exception. Whether you’re after fresh produce, handicrafts or artisan products, you’ll find something here – but it’s also a great place to just go and enjoy the atmosphere. You can even take foodie tours around the market to learn about it a little more! The markets are open Tuesday – Saturday 6 am until 3 or 4 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne is a fascinating, diverse, artsy city, and it’s easy to see why so many people love it and why it’s rated as such a liveable place. Come and see what the fuss is about, enjoy the best Melbourne attractions, but beware – you might never want to leave!

3 Whimsical Restaurants in Melbourne and One Delightful Dessert Cart

Things to do in Melbourne

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Ten One Ate

Last year I visited Ten One Ate for the first time and fell in love with their crazy unicorn milkshake. They are an excellent place for brunch or an afternoon freakshake. They change their menu seasonally, so if the items we had are not available they will have something similar and just as pretty.

I took my family here for brunch on our first morning in Melbourne, before we headed out on our Great Ocean Road road trip. And of course, we started the meal by splitting one $15 freakshake. Just one was plenty for the four of us to share! We had the “Do’Nut Judge me” a strawberry milkshake with strawberry ice cream, fairy floss, wafers, and more. That’s melted white chocolate on the jar, in case you are wondering. We may or may not have chipped it off and ate it too! It’s red, white, and pink so I think this would be a perfect treat to have for Valentine’s Day in Melbourne.

We basically made our food selections on we thought would be the best looking food. This may sound ridiculous, but it is so much fun to eat pretty food! Eden had the strawberry-apple French toast made with apple crumble ice cream, strawberry and apple compote, pistachios, meringues, and strawberry sauce.

I was trying to be healthy after eating a gigantic shake, so I went with their vegan, gluten free Acai Smoothie Bowl. The smoothie bowl had Almond milk, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, coconut, rhubarb, chia, fresh passion fruit, and pistachios. It looked better than it actually tasted.

Jonah went with the chocolate and raspberry waffles, which most of us agreed was the best of what we tried. His waffles had raspberries, chocolate mousse, raspberry sorbet, meringues, coulis, and chocolate shavings!

Noah went with the brunch burger made with eggs, bacon, smoked beet-root aioli, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.  My friend Erin, from Explore with Erin, had the Avo Smash made with avocado, Danish feta, hummus, pomegranate and black sesame seeds on sourdough topped with a poached egg.

A nice lady let us take a photo of her freak shake. I wish we had ordered this one! It’s “The Golden Boy” crazy shake. It’s a chocolate milkshake topped with chocolate ice cream, honeycomb pieces, Cadbury flakes, Golden Gaytime Ice-cream Sandwich & honeycomb cookie crumb!

Demazzi Stone Grill

Our last meal in town was burgers and dessert at Demazzi. They have steaks, but they are spendy so we stuck to the burgers. They do not have kids meals on the menu, but if you ask they have four or five choices for younger kids.

This time we did not start with a milkshake, because we heard about their dessert boards. Instead, we started with these monstrous burgers. Eden and I split the Modified Tower Burger. It’s a burger with 2 Wagyu Beef Patties, Pulled Pork, American Cheese, Smoked Maple Bacon, Southern Fried Chicken and Demazzi’s special sauces. It was SO GOOD! I don’t typically eat like this, but it was out last meal in Australia.  

Noah ordered the double classic burger and it was gigantic too. 

The Nutella Board is what wooed us into dining here. It came with a Nutella hamburger topped with fairy floss, Nutella jam donut, Nutella Mousse, a Nutella brownie, and Nutell drinking chocolate. We split everything into fours and demolished it within minutes. 

Brighton Soul

We had a lovely brunch at Brighton Soul during the week located right near Middle Brighton station. When you first walk it the place appears tiny, but they have a nice size back room.

We kicked off brunch with the Nutella and Oreo Crazy Shake. I had the waffles, which are named Donald Crumble. I assume this was going to be a crumble, because I do not pay attention to details when I get too hungry. They were made with apple pie filling, churro waffles, macadamia crumble, apple toffee sorbet, persian fairy floss, and berries. They were unbelievably delicious.

I also ordered the Red Velvet Latte, which I assumed was coffee base, it is not and has no caffeine. I have to have coffee. 

Eden had the Smoked Benny, served with slow-braised smoked ham hock, fennel & celery slaw and topped with Sriracha Hollandaise. The presentation on this dish was most impressive.

Noah ordered the Prawn Tacos. These tacos are filled with garlic prawns, guacamole, black beans, fried shallots, aioli & grilled lime. He devoured them in about a minute, so I have assumed they amazing.

Erin had the ‘Mad About Avo’ – Avo done three ways. Avo is short for avocado. I am unsure why they shorten words but I found out this is quite common in Australia.

One item I wish we had ordered was the french toast known as the Bird Cage. This is French toast soaked in Bailey’s and topped with dragon fruit sorbet, caramel nuts, white chocolate mascarpone, and berries.

Sweet Street Desserts

We grabbed a quick snack in our way back from the Great Ocean Road at Sweet Street Desserts. They have over the top funnel cakes and seemed to think since we are American we were funnel cake experts. I found this hysterical, but I suppose we are! We ordered two funnel cakes and unicorn cupcakes, all of which were outstanding! One was a unicorn funnel cake and the other was a Nutella and strawberry funnel cake. 

Naughty Boy Cafe

When I originally wrote this I left out Naughty Boy Cafe. I had breakfast here one morning by myself and although it was good, it was not epic as what I saw on Instagram. In fact, Explore with Erin even discouraged me from going here. Despite this, I’ve decided to go ahead and add them. Maybe I caught them on an off day. The milkshake was so stupid looking I am not even going to include it. 

The photo above is of their parfait. This next one is some sort of coffee creations that I cannot remember.

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See Native Australian Animals

Kids always enjoy spending time surrounded by animals, and Melbourne won’t leave you disappointed in this regard. Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary are great places to take your kids to. Not only will they get the chance to see some of the most exotic and cute animals, but the kids can also play and rest as the zoo is designed with family fun in mind. This is not all though. You can also take your kids to the children’s farms such as Collingwood Children’s Farm or the Bundoora farm where they can see interesting farm animals. Moreover, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is definitely something to look forward to as well.

Visit a Museum

You may think that museums are not all that fun for kids, but Melbourne Museum has a lot to offer to the little ones. There’s a special Children’s Gallery that features plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities. Kids can freely touch whatever they want and take part in various educational games. Aside from this, there’s also a science museum called Scienceworks that will truly amuse the little explorers. Just remember to equip yourself with Go Travel accessories, especially if you’ll be attempting to explore a couple of fun attractions in one day.

Enjoy the gardens

Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the most memorable attractions for both tourists and locals. And, luckily, the so-called Children’s Garden is also part of this attraction. As you can imagine, this is an area that’s specially designed for kids and families to enjoy. Lovely plants, waterways, interesting paths and statues, a kitchen garden and more await you all on this magical trip so don’t hesitate to spend some of your sightseeing family fun at this stop.

Go for a Ride

Fun parks are always enjoyable for kids, and luckily, Melbourne can provide them with just that. Starting with the Melbourne Star wheel, your family can enjoy views of the whole city. Then there’s the Wonderland Fun Park, where your kids can pick between a few different rides. There’s also the iconic Luna Park, which is a theme park with rides for children of all ages. And for the little train enthusiasts, there are several miniature railways around the city that kids can actually ride as well.

Jump with Joy

Trampoline parks are a very popular family outing choice in Melbourne. If your kids have some excess energy, this may be the right place to take them. After all, who doesn’t like to jump up and down on trampolines? Bounce Inc parks as well as Latitude Melbourne seem to be the best choices for families with children of all ages. There truly is something for everyone, even for preschool kids.

Kid-friendly ice bar

IceBar Melbourne is a fun place for both kids and adults. Kids are allowed Thursday to Monday from 11am – 7pm! Obviously, everything is made of ice and children will definitely enjoy this particular arrangement. As the adults get their drinks at the ice bar, kids can have their fun while playing and climbing in the ice. Also, warm gear is provided on the spot so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own. Located at 319 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

The Dinosaur Park

The Dinosaur Park in Melbourne may be small but that doesn’t make it any less fun for the children. With the tall dinosaur sculpture called Mimi the Muttaburrasaurus and its tail that is actually a slide, children will find their own unique ways to enjoy this installment. After all, the Dinosaur Park is considered to be one of the most popular playgrounds in the city.

Get Lost in the Graffiti Alleys

Cheap Things to Do in Melbourne

It’s not always easy to stick to a budget in a city, but visitors will find that Melbourne has plenty to offer those who are short on money but have some time to spare. For those short on time too just follow the cardinal rule of slow travel: don’t try to fit too much in. Take it easy and Melbourne’s engaging atmosphere will do the rest.

Ride the Trams Through Melbourne’s Neighborhoods

Trams are by far the best way to explore around Melbourne, and as they generally go from one side of the city to the other they’re a great way to see what a few different areas are like in one go.

Try the 112 to go from the pretty, affluent inner south to the grittier, offbeat streets of Fitzroy and multicultural Preston; the 8 to see the ritzy mansions and shopfronts of Toorak, Melbourne’s most expensive suburb, and the contrasting suburban landscapes of Coburg and Moreland; or the 72 for a journey from the university through a variety of different high streets to Camberwell, where the excellent Camberwell flea market is held every Sunday from 7am-12.30pm. Riding a tram from end to end will take an hour or more, depending on the length of the route.

Tickets can be bought at newsagents and other outlets or on the tram, but the machines on board only accept change. Two hour tickets cost $3.70 and daily ones $6.70, but for the best deal go on a Sunday (making sure to pre-buy a Sunday Saver ticket from a Metcard outlet) when a daily pass only costs $3.10.

Seek Out Melbourne’s Cheapest Meals

The gong for the best cheap meal in the city would have to go to Bimbo Deluxe in Brunswick St, Fitzroy, where the legendary $4 pizzas are available Sunday-Friday from noon-4pm and 7pm-11pm (excluding Friday nights). Lovers of Vietnamese food shouldn’t miss Victoria St in Richmond, where shop after shop serves up cheap, authentic food – go for the ones that are busy to avoid disappointment.

The Moroccan Soup Bar on St Georges Rd in North Fitzroy is an experience as much as a great meal, as anyone who has encountered its charismatic owner can tell you. Choose from the spoken menu (there’s no written one) or get the three-course vegetarian banquet for only $16.50 ñ it’s not the cheapest meal around but it would be hard to find better value anywhere.

Get Smiling at Melbourne’s Happy Hours

Like most cities Melbourne’s alcohol is not cheap, so it pays to know when pubs and bars have their specials. On Little Lonsdale St Horse Bazaar has $2.50 pots, $5 pints and $5 house wines from 4-7pm Mon-Fri as well as free wireless internet and digital art exhibitions; Hoo Haa in Windsor (105 Chapel St) has a spacious, stylish interior and a happy hour from 4-7pm on Fridays, with cocktails for $10, jugs for $9, pints for $4 and pots for $2; and Eurotrash on Corrs Lane in the city has half price drinks from 5-7pm, 8-9pm and 10-11pm on Thurdays, cheap dumplings on Tuesdays and various drinks specials on other nights too.

Of course, most venues serving alcohol will have specials at least one night a week, so it pays to have a look at their blackboards and other advertising. A few websites list happy hours and special deals in Melbourne, including My 24/7 and The Happiest Hour, but keep in mind that venues can change these regularly so they may not be up to date. And for anyone staying awhile, individual bar mailing lists can also be a good way to keep abreast of deals and promotions.

Browse Melbourne’s Unique Shops

Shopaholics should probably leave their wallets at home for this one, because Melbourne has many amazing designers and craftspeople who are very adept at separating people from their cash. Little Salon on Little Collins St is one of the cutest shops in town, with rows of adorable necklaces, earrings and brooches – think hummingbirds, bicycles and windswept trees – as well as a small but fine selection of clothing.

The two National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) bookstores ñ one in Federation Square and one on St Kilda Rd ñ are both wonderful, with many books on art, architecture and design as well as limited addition ceramics, beautifully crafted toys, children’s craft and activity sets, unique picture books, jewelery, notebooks and more.

For an atmosphere that’s more museum than place of business head to Wunderkammer on Lonsdale St. This ‘Chamber of Wonders’ specializes in, as they call it, scientific curiosities, including fossils, antique medical instruments and botanical prints, beetles, butterflies, maps, preserved animals and many other weird and wonderful objects.

Romantic Things to Do in Melbourne

In Melbourne we are almost spoiled for choice when it comes to the possibilities for romantic outings. We have some of the best restaurants and cafes, theatres and clubs, beaches and bushwalks, and galleries and gardens in Australia, and checking out what’s on in the city and suburbs for a romantic Valentine’s day event with the one you love is always an exciting experience.

See a Show

Going to the theatre together for Valentine’s Day is always a great date idea for something different to do: you get an eveningís entertainment, and plenty to talk about afterwards. Plus the Australian theatre scene is so diverse that thereís always something on to suit all tastes. Melbourne cabaret is particularly vibrant and exciting at the moment and thereís lots of unusual and entertaining options to choose from, plenty of artists are previewing shows around town for the upcoming Melbourne Comedy Festival at The Famous Spiegeltent and The Comicís Lounge, and musicals like Hairspray and Mary Poppins or plays like The Comedy of Errors are playing in the city centre.

Cinema Under the Stars

Melbourne is home to some wonderful and unusual movie venues, and this time of year the romantic outdoor cinemas are still running. If the weather is fun, hire lounge or deck chairs and enjoy a romantic movie for a balmy evening under the night sky at the Moonlight Cinema in the Botanical Gardens or the Rooftop Cinema in Swanston Street: there are some great films both the weekend before and the week of Valentineís Day to check out. If the weather is looking unkind, thereís always the grand old Astor Cinema that is a theatrical experience all its own, and has the best choc tops in town.

Dinner at a Winery

Taking a sunset drive to explore some of Melbourneís famous wineries is a lovely way to spend an evening: heading out on the freeway and zipping down to the Yarra Valley region or Mornington Peninsula to the beautiful vineyards and gourmet restaurants makes a special night a real event. Most of the best wineries like Yering Station or De Bortoli or charming little Kellybrook offer special Valentineís Day menus or events, and some places also have delightful accommodation options to make wining and dining into a romantic overnight getaway.

Picnic in the Park

Melbourne boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in Australia, and now is a wonderful time of year to see them. The Royal Botanic, Fitzoy, and Treasury Gardens in the CBD are all gorgeous to visit by day, relax in at sunset or wander through by moonlight, though most of the cityís inner suburbs boast some lovely greenery for romantic picnics and star-gazing. At Studley Park you can hire a rowboat for a romantic trip down the Yarra, or book in for dinner at the boathouse, or check out some of Yarra cruise boats that offer Valentineís Day specials.

Romantic Night In

Donít succumb to the pressure and commercialism of Valentineís Day! ñ as the examples above show, something special, intimate and different doesnít have to cost the earth or involve a lot of planning. Plus, a great night together doesnít need a lot of trappings or romantic glitz ñ ultimately a romantic evening should be about you and the one you love, not the other “stuff.” So sometimes the most romantic gesture can be organizing a quiet night to yourselves: a great bottle of wine and a home-cooked dinner, maybe a romantic movie or two, and just making time to spend with each other.

If you’re still looking for your family holiday destination, Melbourne should definitely be at the top of the list. Aside from the well-known attractions, there are always some interesting events happening that will definitely sit well with the youngsters. Of course, you should always try to create some type of itinerary in order to make the whole experience better organized and easier on yourself. But the fact of the matter is that your itinerary will definitely be full as there’s no way that your kids will be bored. And neither will you, for that matter.

10 Things to do in Melbourne

3 Whimsical Restaurants in Melbourne and One Delightful Dessert Cart

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