'I'm planning a Melbourne trip with my 4-year-old. Here's our no-fuss itinerary.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Visit Melbourne

When you think of taking your kids on holiday, I bet you have one of two reactions. 

It either conjures up feelings of excitement for new adventures as a family… or the thought of packing and trying to keep them entertained fills you with dread. (Or maybe it's a bit of both.)

So allow me to convince you I have cracked the code for a genuinely fun, stress-free family holiday that doesn't involve entertaining a toddler on a 10-hour flight. 

Enter: Melbourne. 

I have been visiting this beautiful city for years to visit close friends and family who are lucky enough to live there, and I really believe it has everything you could possibly want without needing to leave the country. 

One of my favourite things about family trips there is how simple it is to get around. 

When I took my daughter last year, we simply rolled straight out of the terminal with her pram and onto the SkyBus — no faffing around with taxis. Once we were in the city, getting around was a breeze thanks to the trams (which are free in the CBD and Docklands) and the trains that whisked us wherever we wanted to go.

Melbourne is a bit like New York in that walking is part of the fun too, letting you stumble across hidden laneways, cute coffee shops and little parks or artworks scattered throughout the city.

I'm currently planning our next Melbourne escape with my four-year-old, and I've got an itinerary that is all about maximising the fun while minimising the fuss (so no indoor play centres involved). 

Where to stay.

When travelling with kids, location is everything. You want to be close to the action, but also have space to breathe (and nap). Serviced apartments or a hotel with a pool are non-negotiable for me.

My top pick for this trip is the Novotel Melbourne on Collins. It's right in the heart of the CBD, which means we can hop straight onto the free city tram loop to get almost anywhere.

They've got an indoor pool and spa — perfect for rainy afternoons or when you just need to tire them out before bed — plus family suite options, so you don't have to hide in the bathroom once your little one's asleep.

If you're feeling a bit fancy, the Movenpick Hotel is another great option. They have modern family rooms with personality and a heated pool and hot tub.

But the biggest drawcard might just be their complimentary daily "Chocolate Hour". Yes, you read that right. Free chocolate daily from 2-3pm. If that doesn't get your kids moving, I don't know what will. 

Image: Instagram/@movenpickmelbourne.

What to do in Melbourne.  

With kids, you know that the worst thing you can do is overload your itinerary with stuffy activities they have no interest in doing. So I've pulled together one that leaves plenty of room for all the little side quests you'll find yourself on throughout the city, but still enough structure that you'll feel like you made the most of your time. 

Day 1: Underwater worlds and high views.

For the first day, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is always a winner. The penguin exhibit is spectacular, and the underwater tunnels will blow the minds of kids of any age. 

It's also in a great spot close to the Yarra River, so afterwards you'll be able to stroll up to Arbory Bar & Eatery for lunch with a view. They do great burgers and shared bites (I LOVED the pumpkin arancini balls), plus great options the kids can enjoy while you sip on an Aperol Spritz and watch the boats go by. 

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If you're still peckish afterwards (or just want to stockpile some for later), you need to wander up to Lune Croissanterie for one of the most delicious baked treats you will ever taste.

Last time I got the lemon curd cruffin and I will dream about it until the end of my days. Dramatic? Yes. Factual? Absolutely.

Image: Supplied.

Then nothing resets the toddler brain like a change of perspective, so it's time to head up to the Melbourne Skydeck in the early evening.

It's the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere (I'm talking nearly 300 metres up) with 360-degree views of the city. You'll absolutely love it and the sheer novelty of being able to look down through the floor that high up makes it a must-do for any family. 

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Day 2: Foodie markets and green spaces.

Once you're fuelled up on coffee at one of the many great options in the CBD (you'd be hard-pressed to find bad coffee in Melbourne), make your way to the Queen Victoria Market. This iconic spot has been running for more than 140 years, so you just know the food is going to be incredible.

You can explore at your own pace or join one of the foodie tours, which kick off at 10am, to taste your way through the market and learn about its rich history. Kids will love collecting stamps in their own market passports as you wander — it's a fun (and delicious) outing that'll keep the whole family entertained.

With bellies full, head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a slower afternoon. Make a beeline for the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden — an absolute haven for little ones, complete with tunnels, sandpits and water play (just check the seasonal opening times). It's nature-filled fun with enough structure to keep kids engaged — and off screens — for a while.

Image: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

If you're feeling a bit peckish, wander up to The Observatory and grab an afternoon treat at the on-site cafe. Sit back under the yellow umbrellas or pick up something to enjoy picnic-style in the gardens.

After some much-needed time outdoors, make your way back into the CBD for dinner or dessert at il Mercato Centrale. This Melbourne institution spans three floors, housing 23 artisan stores brimming with Italian flavours, an authentic restaurant and a traditional Napoletana pizzeria — a little slice of Italy right in the heart of the city.

Day 3: Animals and adventures.

You could stay in the Melbourne CBD for weeks and not get bored, but if you want to take a little adventure outside the city, Werribee Open Range Zoo is only a 30-minute drive and you'll feel like you're worlds away. You can experience a wildlife safari adventure as rhinos and giraffes roam freely, and they've just opened a new elephant enclosure which is a must-see.

Image: Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Or if you're looking for a day trip that doubles as some much-needed relaxation, I highly recommend Peninsula Hot Springs. It's about a 90-minute drive from the city, but worth it for this family-friendly bathhouse.

You can unwind while the kids splash around in the shallower, cooler pools, heated barrels and the family pool with a shallow area. (And if you can sneak off to enjoy one of the mineral spas on your own, then that's a bonus!) 

Once you're back in the city, Royal Stacks is a great spot for freshly made burgers and shakes to refuel after your day of sightseeing. 

Day 4: Arts and crafts.

For the first stop of the day, head to ArtVo Docklands. This is a brilliant interactive 3D "trick-art" gallery where you want the kids to climb, pose and touch everything. It's pure, silly fun and will be the source of your next six months' worth of Instagram photos. And it's free for kids under five. 

Then for lunch, I recommend Moon Dog in Docklands. It's a huge brewery with plenty of space, a family-friendly vibe and good food for everyone. 

Melbourne is a city that gets it. It understands that a successful family holiday is all about low-stress travel, high-quality fun and an abundance of great snacks. Pack your comfy shoes and get ready to fall in love with everything this city has to offer. 

You can thank me later.

Check out Visit Melbourne to plan your next family getaway.

Feature Image: Supplied.

If you're looking for a family holiday that keeps the whole family entertained, head to Melbourne for a trip that is every bit different. Start planning your trip at visitmelbourne.com.