4 Things Families with Adult Children Should Do in Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road 

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most remarkable destinations in Australia, known for its spectacular views, wildlife experience and awesome surf. The road stretches between Torquay and Allansford and is 244 kilometers long. Although you can drive The Great Ocean Road, it is recommended you book a bus tour with a local. The guide will let you know about all of the off-the-beaten-path sights and landmarks.

Photo: Julie Haupin

Wildlife Tours Australia is an award-winning company that offers one- to four-day tours by bus. The two-day tour, Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, takes travelers on an extensive itinerary through the 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, a wildlife park, the Nobbies, surfer beaches and the penguin parade on Phillip’s Island, which will leave you speechless.

Phillips Island, Australia. Photo: Julie Haupin

Hidden Laneway Bars

When traveling with older children, you must talk to some of the locals and find out where Melbourne’s hidden bars are. Some are behind blocked walls, in between alleyways and even behind dumpsters. These bars are hard to find and tourists typically do not flock to them, therefore if you stumble upon one, you are getting the authentic Australian experience in the “hipster capital of the world.”

Sister Bella is a true laneway bar nestled behind a few smelly trashcans. The bar is covered in eclectic antiques and knick-knacks that give the bar an intimate and unique feel.

Hosier Lane, Australia. Julie Haupin

The Croft Institute is another hidden bar tucked behind the main streets of Melbourne’s Chinatown. It might take you a bit of time to find it, but that is part of the overall experience. The bar is one of a kind, and set up as an old-fashioned laboratory. Some drinks are sold in test tubes, and there is even a creepy hospital bed in the bathroom.

Hosier Lane

Although street art decorates Melbourne’s entirety, Hosier Lane is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and aerosol artists from all around the world. Just a short walk from Federation Square, the lane is completely covered with beautiful designs, political cartoons, portraits and quotes. Hosier Lane is one of the only areas where street art is legal and tolerated in the city, and it typically remains off limits from destruction.

Hosier Lane, Australia. Photo: Julie Haupin

If you get lucky, you may see wedding pictures taking place, live music and even street artists creating and updating the walls s. One of the most spectacular aspects of the lane is the artwork is constantly changing and developing. If your family visits Hosier Lane before lunch, it is not guaranteed your favorite part of the wall won’t be completely transformed by early afternoon.

Queen Victoria Market

You haven’t been to Melbourne until you have fully experienced the Queen Victoria Market. Whether you are looking for produce, souvenirs, meat, cheese, clothes, aboriginal art, footy apparel or flowers, Queen Vic’s is the place to be.

The market is known for its fresh food and great prices. Depending on the season, there is usually a night market on Wednesdays. It is a bustling hot spot in the city 5–10 p.m. with street food, entertainment and shopping that everyone should experience at least once with their mates and families on Hump Day.