Best Family Activities in Melbourne: Zoo, Museums and Kids' Attractions

Melbourne is exceptionally well-equipped for families, with a concentration of world-class zoos, museums, science centres and participatory attractions that make it one of Australia's best family-trip destinations. Melbourne Zoo on Elliott Avenue in Parkville is Australia's oldest zoo and one of the world's finest, with a comprehensive collection and ongoing habitat development. The zoo is accessible by tram from the CBD. Scienceworks in Williamstown is the Museum Victoria's science and technology museum, particularly popular with school-age children for its hands-on exhibits and the Lightning Room electricity shows. The Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building has the Phar Lap display, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and a children's gallery. The Melbourne Star observation wheel at Docklands provides 360-degree city views. Luna Park St Kilda on the foreshore has been a Melbourne family institution since 1912, with heritage rides including the Scenic Railway, the world's oldest continuously operating wooden rollercoaster. Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley, 45 minutes east, is a specialist native wildlife sanctuary with platypus viewing, echidna feeding and excellent raptor demonstrations.