Travel Diaries: Melbourne, Australia

It was about this time two months ago, the four of us were returning from one of the best travel decisions we've made thus far. We took the girls to Australia for a little over two weeks during the Thanksgiving holidays, my absolute favorite time to travel. To me, traveling over Thanksgiving with just the four of us sets the tone for the holiday season, where we have quality time together before the hurried schedules during the magical holiday season. Australia was one of the best vacations we've EVER taken and just writing this makes me want to go back! If you have aspirations of traveling to Australia with children, I highlighted our favorite stops in Melbourne and will highlight Sydney next week.

THE MELBOURNE ZOO

ARTVO

(INTERACTIVE ART GALLERY LOCATED IN DOCKLANDS)

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

SOHO RESTAURANT AND BAR

(a few of these came highly recommended from a friend of a friend)

YARRA RIVER CRUISE, CITY OF MELBOURNE

THE MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL

(DOCKLANDS AREA OF MELBOURNE)

SHOPPING, GELATO, AND HOTEL

THE LANGHAM HOTEL

We love the Langham Hotels, and this one in Melbourne definitely did not disappoint. We would highly recommend The Langham Melbourne. The rooftop pool was perfect with kids after a long day of exploring, the breakfast was beyond extravagant, and the location on the Yarra River was perfect for walking to restaurants and shops.

FAVORITE SHOPS:

(Picture taken in David Jones and taken from David Jones Instagram)

PENGUIN TOUR ON PHILLIP ISLAND

We hoped on a tour bus at Federation Square and rode two hours out to Summerland Beach. The four of us ate a quick dinner once we arrived, then went down to the education center to get ready for the viewing of the penguins. We did the Penguins Plus tour, which was worth every penny. We went into a glass area to watch the penguins waddle up to to their burrows as they came out of the ocean. Matthew and I will never forget the look on Caroline and Sarah's sweet faces as the penguins waddled their way up from the ocean. We could not take pictures, but this will always be one of our most unforgettable family travel experiences.

(photo from penguins.org.au)

I know we did not see everything this beautiful city has to offer, but it's always fun to leave a little for the next trip. We loved Australia and cannot wait to go back!!