While at Docklands, catch a magic show at the Spiegeltent nearby or take a spin on the dodgems at Wonderland Fun Park. Docklands also has the Aqua Donuts for a barbecue floating on the harbour and the delicious Mill & Bakery along the centre pier has its own flour mill on site.
To become even more grounded after the high life, go to the Library at the Dock where there's a large children's section and a modern interactive children's playground beside it.
The Eureka Sky Deck offers the best views of Melbourne. Photo / Supplied
KID-FRIENDLY SHOPPING
Melbourne has great laneway shopping and special finds such as the world's oldest children's bookstore, The Little Bookroom in Degraves St (with Little Cupcakes across the road). But, if you have preschoolers, it's more relaxing to go to the big shopping centres such as the opulent Chadstone (look out for the groups shopping with bodyguards at the Gucci end of the mall) or Myers in Bourke St, where you'll find endless rows of toys, plus interactive elements such as Lego sculptures and drawing stations.
If you have access to a car, set aside a morning to visit one of the two Ikea stores on the outskirts of town (in Richmond or Springvale). They have a supervised children's play area where you can leave your children for half an hour, or take them with you through the store, where they can be like Goldilocks and try out every bed and chair set up in real rooms. Stop at the cafe for a children's meal deal for under $5.
If you're visiting during school holidays, check with The Langham Melbourne to see what children's tiffins (high teas) they have planned for a child-friendly, yet opulent, break from the shops.
The Langham Melbourne serves 4000 high teas a month, so they know a thing or two about serving tea and have special events for children, (such as Barbie- or rock star-themed tiffins) as well as a perfectly brewed cup of tea in the finest rose-patterned Wedgwood.
Afterwards, walk across the Southbank Bridge and let the kids discover the lovelocks attached to the barriers - everything from silly to romantic sentiments written on the sentimental locks.
WONDERFUL WILDLIFE
If you're staying longer than a weekend, plan to take your children on day-trips out of the city for a break. Two of the best are Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
An open-range zoo 35km from Melbourne's CBD, Werribee has everything from an overnight glamping area to a new Village Kids playground, a baby hippo cuddling with its mum in a watering hole to Gelani the friendly Kiwi-born giraffe - who will eat a carrot out of your hand on one of the off-road family safari tours.
Another option is Phillip Island's famous penguin parade on an afternoon eco-tour with Bunyip Tours. Before the main event, you'll get to visit a conservation park to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and visit Panny's Chocolate Factory - straight out of Roald Dahl.
Fight your way on to a seat at the viewing platforms along the beach (remember to bring a blanket to sit on) and wait, and wait. Eventually, groups of penguins will waddle past. Don't wait until the bitter end, the best viewing is along the boardwalks on the way back to the bus where you'll see the penguins close up as they head to their burrows.
TOURIST TRAMS
Look out for the free City Circle tram service that operates around the CBD. It's the old-fashioned looking tram with the No. 35 on the front. As well as getting you around town, and providing a thrill for the kids, it also provides an interesting commentary on the history and landmarks of the city, from the Greek and Italian heritage to the history of the trams. It runs both directions around the city about every 12 minutes during the day.
The No. 35 tram runs a loop around the CBD. Photo / Supplied
CHECKLIST
Getting there: Air New Zealand flies daily to Melbourne from Auckland; one-way "seat" fares start from $206 (including taxes).
Accommodation: Quality Hotel's Batman's Hill on Collins is centrally located at 623 Collins St, handy to Southern Cross train station.
Further information: See visitmelbourne.com.
In Melbourne, the writer stayed as a guest of Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins.
