Melbourne with a toddler

DH is attending a conference in Melbourne in a couple of weeks so DD (18mo) and I are going to fly down and meet him there then we'll all stay for the weekend. We'll be staying in his pre-arranged accommodation on Wed/Thur nights and the looking for our own for Fri/Sat nights. We're thinking a 1 room apartment or suite will be better so we don't have to creep around when DD is asleep. Any suggestions of where? He said his conference is around the docklands area.

Also, DD and I will be arriving in the middle of the afternoon - what's the best way to get into the city from the airport? I'll have a stroller and a case.

Also, final question... any suggestions of what not to miss on the weekend? DH and I have been to Melbourne before, but that was pre-kids. She's usually pretty easy going but we'll probably need to incorporate a couple of fun toddler friendly activities in our weekend too.

We've stayed at some apartments in the docklands before. They were really nice. There are lots of options down there. I'll see if I can find the name.

From airport to docklands, either sky bus to southern cross and tram or taxi. Taxi obviously easier but a little more $$$$


Lots to do, aquarium, zoo, there is a playcentre in the factory outlet shopping centre behind docklands.

Thanks Junglemum! DH said he's just seen mantra on sale so it looks like we might be staying there - I'll have a look at it once I finish putting DD to bed. If you do come across the details of where you stayed this evening though, that'd be great.

Thanks for the info on getting into the city - I was hoping to avoid a taxi so the other option you mentioned sounds good, and I've always got the taxi as a fall-back option if need be.

I remember that factory outlet centre - good to know there's a playcentre there, especially if ends up being a rainy weekend. When I googled scienceworks kept coming up - anyone know if it's any good for 18mo?

Monkey mania at docklands is good!
Zoo
Aquarium
Museum (has a kids area can touch things and climb and run)
Scienceworks has an area for 3 - 5 year olds that younger kids still enjoy
Botanical gardens (childrens garden area)
Werribee open range zoo

Will you have a car?

Will try and think of more!

I wouldn't really recommend it for 18 month olds. It's ok, but i wouldn't make a special trip unless i had older kids.

Skybus and tram, is pretty easy. You catch the bus out the front, it will drop you at southern cross then just ask for directions. You can even walk, it's only about a 5-10 walk. Not sure how'd you go with toddler and bag. But if you had a carrier and a wheelable bag it would be easily do-able.

We stayed at apartments @ docklands. If you check out wotif, there are actually a few places with apartments down there. Where we stayed is half privately owned and half rented out. It was quiet, well equipped and had a lovely view.

There is an expo type thing near the docklands, DINOSAURS :p I'm such a kid, DF and I are going on the weekend :) Google 'dinosaurs docklands' and you'll find it :) It goes until the 8th of May.

Thanks for all your suggestions :) I've just booked us into Oaks on Lonsdale as I got a good deal, and we will be over the other side of the city on the nights we're staying in DH's 'work' hotel.

Feeb - that's a great list! Is monkey mania a playcentre? No car, we're just going to go for public transport.

Junglemum - I'll have to take the stroller - DD got so grumpy the last couple of times I put her in the ergo, I don't want to risk it being my only option the whole time we're there. But I am quite experienced in pushing stroller/pulling case as more often than not DD and i fly and meet DH places etc, so I'm not too worried about it. I'm going to give the majority of our stuff to DH to take the day before anyway ;)

PZ - we went to the Australian Museum a couple of weeks ago and DD quite liked the dinosaurs so that could be a good one too

ETA - just in case anyone else is using this for their info - I just looked on the skybus website and they have mini buses that link to your hotel included in the price :)

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Thanks for all your suggestions :) I've just booked us into Oaks on Lonsdale as I got a good deal, and we will be over the other side of the city on the nights we're staying in DH's 'work' hotel.

Feeb - that's a great list! Is monkey mania a playcentre? No car, we're just going to go for public transport.

Junglemum - I'll have to take the stroller - DD got so grumpy the last couple of times I put her in the ergo, I don't want to risk it being my only option the whole time we're there. But I am quite experienced in pushing stroller/pulling case as more often than not DD and i fly and meet DH places etc, so I'm not too worried about it. I'm going to give the majority of our stuff to DH to take the day before anyway ;)

PZ - we went to the Australian Museum a couple of weeks ago and DD quite liked the dinosaurs so that could be a good one too

ETA - just in case anyone else is using this for their info - I just looked on the skybus website and they have mini buses that link to your hotel included in the price :)

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Monkey mania is play centre that JM mentioned, its ok for something diff not a huge area for 18 month old unless they are an adventurous one who climbs well and is ok with hights! They have a small toddler area and bouncy castle.
With no car scienceworks would be a train from city to spotswood then a 10 - 15 min walk.
Zoo is train from city or tram

Let me know if you need any info on places or getting there