Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, sits on Australia’s southeastern coast, where the Yarra River meets Port Phillip Bay. The city boasts a rich history with Victorian architecture, lively street art, and a welcoming multicultural mix. December brings warm summer days, perfect for exploring parks, sandy beaches, and outdoor festivals.
Families can enjoy free attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens, picnic at Federation Square, or wander the scenic laneways. With plenty of playgrounds, public transport, and festive events, Melbourne offers memorable experiences for families on any budget.
Melbourne · December 2025
Viewing Day 1 · Sat 27 Dec. Numbered pins match today's itinerary stops; purple markers are recommended experiences. Click a pin for details.Pins match today's stops. Purple pins are experiences.
Recommended experience
MCG Tour & Australian Sports Museum
4.7 (291 reviews)
Experience the tradition and heritage of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and experience where legends play by taking a guided MCG tour! The Australian Sports Museum isn’t your typical museum. It’s an exciting, interactive and ever-changing experience where the latest technology has been used to create immersive exhibits and galleries. It’s a place to explore, discover and play. This is no ordinary museum.
From $50 AUD
per person
Location
Victoria, Australia
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Religion
Christianity (dominant); diverse
Population
5,135,000
Language
English (primary), others
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, Type I
Time zone
UTCAEST/AEDT (UTC+10)
Country code
+61
Internet access
Excellent, fast, widespread, affordable
Climate
Temperate, variable, mild winters, warm summers
Melbourne is easily accessible by air, with direct international and domestic flights arriving at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), about 22 km from the city centre. For families on a budget, SkyBus offers a convenient and affordable shuttle service to downtown. Regional trains and long-distance buses also connect Melbourne to other Australian cities, such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra.
If you’re traveling from within Victoria, trains via V/Line and coaches are budget-friendly and comfortable options. Note that travel around late December can be busier due to holiday crowds, and summer weather may cause occasional delays. While ferries operate to Tasmania, there are no direct boat routes from other Australian states to Melbourne. Plan ahead to secure the best prices during the festive season.
Melbourne has a temperate climate, known for its “four seasons in one day” reputation. Summers (December to February) are warm to hot, with average highs of 25–30°C (77–86°F), while winters are cool and damp. Rain can occur year-round, but thunderstorms are more common in spring and summer.
From December 26 to December 31, expect warm temperatures with possible heatwaves or sudden cool changes. Occasional thunderstorms or strong winds may occur, but extreme weather is uncommon during this period. It’s a great time to enjoy Melbourne’s vibrant arts-and-culture festivals or family-friendly activities indoors or outdoors.
Melbourne is famous for its vibrant, multicultural food scene. Popular dishes include flat whites, meat pies, fish and chips, and modern Asian fusion cuisine. Lygon Street offers Italian favorites, while Queen Victoria Market is perfect for sampling Aussie street food and fresh produce. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are widely available.
For budget-friendly, family-friendly meals, try cafes like Hardware Société or restaurants in Chinatown and Fitzroy for affordable Asian eats. Grab delicious coffee from local spots like Proud Mary or St. Ali. Most bars and eateries are welcoming to families, and there’s no obligation to tip—service is already included, though small tips are appreciated for excellent service.
Melbourne is known for its coffee culture; don’t miss exploring laneway cafes. Many venues cater to dietary restrictions, so just ask if you have allergies or preferences. Remember, the best places often get busy, so making a booking is a good idea, especially on weekends.
Pavlova
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and...
Vegemite on Toast
Vegemite on Toast is a classic Australian breakfast or snack, featuring toasted bread spread with a thin layer...
Meat Pie
Meat Pie is a beloved savory pastry filled with minced meat, gravy, and often accompanied by onions, cooked...
Barramundi
Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is a delicious and versatile fish often grilled, barbecued, or pan-seared...
Lamington
Lamington is a traditional Australian dessert made from squares of sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate...
For family-friendly, budget hotel stays in Melbourne, consider great neighborhoods like the central CBD, Southbank, or Docklands, which offer easy access to major attractions and public transport. Popular options include ibis Budget Melbourne CBD, Holiday Inn Express Southbank, and the Atlantis Hotel. Book these hotels on Hotels.com for reliable deals and free cancellation flexibility.
If you’d like to stay further out, St Kilda offers a relaxed beach vibe with affordable hotels such as Crest on Barkly. December 26 to December 31 is peak season, so book early as prices rise and rooms fill up quickly. Look for family rooms, free breakfast, and proximity to public transport for extra savings and convenience.
Private Great Ocean Road - The Ultimate Aussie Adventure
An unmissable Australian adventure that belongs at the top of every visitor’s list. The two-day option is even better. The breath-taking Twelve Apostles are a must on any Australian adventure. A day spent journeying down the Great Ocean Road is the perfect chance to get back to nature. See wild kangaroos and koalas and stroll through charming coastal towns, national parks and native forests. This is a big, brilliant day out the whole family will love. Lets be honest, you're probably only ever going to do this once and it's best not to leave it to chance. We don't cut corners on quality and our hosts are all exceptional company so you are guranteed a truly first-class, authentic experience.
From $1,120 AUD
4 Hour Private Tour of Melbourne's Iconic Highlights with Guide
4 Hour Tour Tour includes: • Local Melbourne Tour Guide • Private luxury vehicle • Complimentary bottled water • Custom and private tour for up to 7 passengers
From $1,499 AUD
3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour
Join us for an exciting 3-day adventure, including a stunning Great Ocean Road tour, a memorable day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, and a complimentary city tour! Enjoy a personalised and informative experience with expert guides on small group tours of up to 24 guests, enhanced by a multilingual audio guide application available in 16 languages, including German, Italian, French, Russian, Spanish, and more.
From $334 AUD
Mornington Peninsula Hike and Hot Springs Day Tour - Small Group
Time to hit the highway with our small group (4 - 11 guests) and make our way to the idyllic Mornington Peninsula. Our first stop is the summit of Arthur’s Seat where we’ll share panoramic ocean views and a bite of morning tea. This is just a taste of things to come. We move onto Bushrangers Bay for a 5km return hike featuring unreal coastal scenery, rocky bays, wild oceans and one picturesque lighthouse. Spot local kangaroos and listen to the songs of native birds as we wander along the undulating path. After we return from our first hike, we will head to Cape Schanck for a smaller walk in the lighthouse precinct. To refuel, we stop at one of Mornington Peninsula's award winning cafes (and we can see why) Our final stop, Peninsula Hot Springs which is an award-winning natural hot springs and outdoor day spa destination. It’s the perfect way to end a great date with nature! (Bathing time 2h)
From $279 AUD
Mornington Peninsula Day Tour. Your Day Your Way. Your group only
Includes time flexibility for cruise ship passengers. Discover Melbourne’s stunning Mornington Peninsula with a personal guide and your own private group of 2-6 people. Explore world class beaches, historical fishing villages, cosmopolitan townships, coastal walking trails, spectacular national parks, and a million photo opportunities. We are flexible to your personal preferences, so let us know if you would like to include additional sights or stay a bit longer at a particular location. It is your private and personalised tour. Times are flexible for cruise ship clients.
From $269 AUD
Yarra Valley Wine & Wildlife - Private Regional Tour
A charming countryside adventure for lovers of fine wine and fine food, rolling hills, nature and wildlife. Nestled among many of Victoria’s best loved mountain ranges is the quiet, sprawling Yarra Valley region. It’s number one for wine touring and can boast of one of Australia’s best wildlife sanctuaries. Add this to a host of talented local farmers, winemakers, distillers, brewers and restauranteurs and you have one exceptional region for touring and a day out with something for everyone.
From $1,120 AUD
Mornington Peninsula Wine Region Tour
Grape Explorations Australia specialise in private, small group wine region tours. We tailor the day to suit any group dynamic or special occasion, supporting local winemakers and artisan producers of the region. Get on board with us and let us show you a day to remember When you step into Estella, our luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Lil'Pip, Our Mercedes-Benz Valente, you'll know that you are going to be treated to an exceptional day. This is not just a wine tour: it’s a relaxed and sophisticated journey into the gloriousness of our region’s wineries: the countryside, the characters and, of course, the wine. Our hosts have a unique combination of interests and experience and we combine it all to make your day unique. Local knowledge is not all we bring to the mix: Our hosts have also worked in the retail and entertainment industry so we know how to keep clients happy. Take a Grape Explorations Australia tour and experience the region in a way you won't forget. You deserve it.
From $350 AUD
Full Day Private Custom Tour of Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles
Badge of Excellence 5 star trip advisor rating. 12 Hour Tour to the Great Ocean Rd. Tour includes: • Local Melbourne Tour Guide • Private luxury vehicle • Complimentary bottled water • Custom and private tour for up to 7 passenger
From $2,799 AUD
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Yarra Valley + Breakfast
Embark on an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure over the beautiful landscape of the Yarra Valley. Our expert pilots select optimal launch sites based on wind direction to deliver breathtaking sunrise views daily. At Liberty Balloon Flights, we offer Australia’s premier ballooning experience, unrivalled in quality. A one-hour flight with pilots navigating wind layers to select the perfect landing spot. Complete experience lasting 3 to 5 hours. Return to Rochford Wines for a continental breakfast. Passengers over 130kg are encouraged to contact your office for personalised booking support. For those choosing to book your shuttle transport from Melbourne CBD, meeting times are even earlier and must be pre-booked.
From $480 AUD
Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne
mChauffeur stands out as your premier choice for Limo Service and Airport Transfers due to our unwavering commitment to excellence. We offer: 24/7 Availability: Our chauffeurs are at your service around the clock, convenience and flexibility for all traveler. Meet & Greet Excellence: Our chauffeurs welcome you with personalised name signs, ensuring a stress-free arrival experience at Melbourne Airport Personalised Service: Your comfort, safety , preferences are paramount throughout the journey Exceptional Customer Service: We prioritise outstanding customer experiences and actively seek and value your feedback to continually enhance our services Safety Compliance: We strictly adhere to Melbourne Airport regulations, ensuring your safety is never compromised Environmental Responsibility: Contributing to sustainability, we utilize fuel-efficient vehicles, promoting eco-conscious travel Experience the best in Limo Service and Airport Transfers with mChauffeur today
From $151 AUD
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