Unforgettable Premium Family Experiences in Melbourne!
Sometimes the most extraordinary family memories come from those special splurge experiences that take your breath away. Melbourne offers some truly spectacular premium activities that, while costing over $50, deliver once-in-a-lifetime adventures that you and your kids will treasure forever.
From soaring above the city in a hot air balloon to mastering artificial waves, these premium experiences offer exceptional value through their uniqueness, professional instruction, and memories that last a lifetime. When you’re ready to treat your family to something truly special, these 10 activities deliver unforgettable adventures worth every dollar! 🎆
🎈 1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride – Sky-High Magic
The Experience: Float silently above Melbourne’s skyline at sunrise, watching the city wake up below while enjoying spectacular 360-degree views from 1,000 feet above. This peaceful, magical experience includes champagne breakfast and certificates for the kids.
Why It’s Worth It: There’s nothing quite like the silence and serenity of floating above Melbourne as the sun rises. Kids are amazed by the bird’s-eye view of their city, and the experience often becomes a treasured family milestone.
Perfect for: Special occasions, bucket list experiences, kids 6+
Cost: From $450 per adult, $350 for kids
Duration: 4-5 hours total including breakfast
Best season: Year-round, weather dependent
Includes: Flight, champagne breakfast, certificate
🏄 2. Join a Surfing Lesson at URBNSURF – Artificial Wave Perfection
The Experience: Learn to surf on perfect, consistent waves at the world’s most advanced wave pool facility. Professional instructors provide personalized coaching in a safe, controlled environment where every wave is perfect for learning.
Unique Features: Australia’s first surf park uses cutting-edge technology to create perfect waves every 8-10 seconds. Different zones cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced surfers.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, surf enthusiasts, active families
Cost: From $85 for 1-hour beginner sessions
Duration: 1-2 hour sessions
Age requirement: 7+ years for lessons
Location: Tullamarine, includes equipment and instruction
🪂 3. Experience iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Defy Gravity
The Experience: Experience the thrill of freefall in a safe, controlled environment with state-of-the-art wind tunnel technology. Professional instructors guide you through the experience, making it safe for kids as young as 3.
Safety and Fun: All equipment provided, comprehensive safety briefing, and one-on-one instruction ensure everyone has an amazing time. The feeling of flying is indescribable and creates instant family memories.
Perfect for: Thrill seekers, unique experiences, overcoming fears
Cost: From $89 for first-time flyer packages
Duration: 1.5 hours total, including training and flying
Age range: 3+ years with restrictions for under 18s
Location: Penrith (accessible from Melbourne)
🏡 4. Attend a Day Camp – Full-Day Adventure Programs
The Experience: Professional day camps offer full-day programs combining multiple activities like rock climbing, archery, team building, and outdoor adventures. Kids develop new skills while making friends in a structured, safe environment.
Educational Value: These programs focus on building confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills while having fun. Many camps include specialist activities like mountain biking, abseiling, or wildlife education.
Perfect for: Skill development, social interaction, school holidays
Cost: From $85-150 per day depending on activities
Duration: Full days (typically 9am-4pm)
Age range: Usually 6-16 years, grouped by age
Popular providers: YMCA camps, Adventure Camps Australia
🎢 5. Visit Gumbuya World Theme Park – All-Day Adventure
The Experience: Victoria’s largest theme park combines thrilling rides, water attractions, and wildlife encounters in one incredible destination. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to relaxing lazy rivers, there’s something for every family member.
Value Package: Entry includes access to all rides, water park, wildlife sanctuary, and shows. The park regularly hosts special events and seasonal celebrations that add extra value to your visit.
Perfect for: Full-day family adventures, thrill seekers, all ages
Cost: From $55 adults, $45 kids (4-13), under 4s free
Duration: Full day recommended
Includes: All rides, water park, wildlife sanctuary
Location: Dixons Creek, 1 hour from Melbourne
🐎 6. Take a Horse Riding Lesson – Equestrian Adventure
The Experience: Professional horse riding lessons at scenic Melbourne venues offer kids the chance to learn proper horsemanship, build confidence, and connect with these magnificent animals under expert supervision.
Skill Development: Lessons cover safety, basic riding techniques, and horse care. Many venues offer trail rides through beautiful Australian countryside, providing a peaceful escape from city life.
Perfect for: Animal lovers, confidence building, outdoor adventures
Cost: From $70-120 per lesson depending on duration
Duration: 1-2 hours including instruction and riding
Age range: Usually 5+ years depending on venue
Popular locations: Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges
📷 7. Join a Photography Workshop – Creative Skill Building
The Experience: Professional photography workshops teach kids and families the art of capturing amazing images while exploring Melbourne’s most photogenic locations. Learn composition, lighting, and technical skills from expert photographers.
Hands-On Learning: Workshops typically include equipment loan, location tours, editing basics, and take-home prints. Many focus on specific themes like wildlife, street art, or landscape photography.
Perfect for: Creative development, technical skills, artistic families
Cost: From $85-200 per person depending on duration
Duration: Half-day to full-day options
Age range: Usually 10+ years for technical workshops
Includes: Equipment, instruction, digital images
🤖 8. Participate in a Robotics Camp – STEM Innovation
The Experience: Multi-day robotics programs teach kids coding, engineering, and problem-solving through hands-on robot building and programming. Professional instructors guide students through real-world STEM challenges.
Future Skills: These intensive programs cover programming languages, mechanical engineering, and teamwork skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s world. Kids often continue their interest long after the camp ends.
Perfect for: STEM enthusiasts, future engineers, problem solvers
Cost: From $200-500 for multi-day programs
Duration: 2-5 day intensives
Age range: 8-16 years, grouped by experience level
Includes: All materials, take-home projects, certificates
💃 9. Attend a Dance Intensive Workshop – Movement and Expression
The Experience: Professional dance intensives offer focused training in various styles from ballet and jazz to hip-hop and contemporary. Students work with professional dancers and choreographers to develop technique and artistry.
Performance Opportunities: Many intensives culminate in performances for families, giving kids the chance to showcase their new skills and build confidence on stage.
Perfect for: Dance enthusiasts, performance arts, fitness and creativity
Cost: From $150-400 for multi-day intensives
Duration: 2-5 day programs
Age range: 6-18 years, often divided by skill level
Popular venues: Victorian College of the Arts, local dance schools
🌍 10. Enroll in a Language Immersion Program – Cultural Adventure
The Experience: Short-term language immersion programs combine language learning with cultural activities, games, and authentic experiences. Kids learn through play, music, cooking, and cultural exploration rather than traditional classroom methods.
Cultural Connection: Programs often include cooking traditional foods, learning cultural songs and dances, and understanding different ways of life, making language learning an exciting cultural adventure.
Perfect for: Cultural education, language development, global awareness
Cost: From $200-600 for week-long programs
Duration: 3-10 day intensives
Age range: 5-16 years depending on program
Popular languages: Mandarin, Japanese, French, Spanish
Is Premium Worth It? Understanding Value
What Makes Premium Activities Worth the Investment:
- Unique experiences – Activities not available elsewhere or rarely experienced
- Professional instruction – Expert guidance ensures safety and skill development
- Lasting memories – These often become family stories told for years
- Skill development – Kids gain new abilities and confidence
- Small group sizes – More personalized attention and better experiences
- High-quality equipment – Professional-grade materials and facilities
- Safety standards – Rigorous safety protocols and insurance coverage
When to Splurge on Premium Experiences
Perfect Occasions for Premium Activities:
- Birthday celebrations – Create unforgettable birthday memories
- School achievement rewards – Celebrate academic or personal milestones
- Family reunions – Activities that bring extended family together
- Visitor experiences – Show interstate or international guests something special
- Overcoming fears – Professional environments help kids face challenges safely
- Developing passions – Intensive programs can spark lifelong interests
- Creating traditions – Annual special activities that become family traditions
Money-Saving Tips for Premium Activities
Make Premium More Affordable:
- Group bookings – Many providers offer discounts for groups of 4-6 people
- Off-peak pricing – Weekday and off-season rates are often significantly lower
- Package deals – Combining activities can reduce per-person costs
- Early bird discounts – Book months ahead for the best pricing
- Gift vouchers – Ask family for experience gifts instead of toys
- Annual memberships – If you plan multiple visits, memberships often provide savings
- Newsletter subscriptions – Providers often send exclusive discount codes
Safety Considerations for Premium Activities
What to Look for in Premium Providers:
- Professional certifications – Instructors should have relevant qualifications
- Insurance coverage – Comprehensive public liability and professional indemnity
- Safety equipment – Well-maintained, professional-grade gear
- Emergency procedures – Clear protocols and trained first aid staff
- Age-appropriate programs – Activities designed specifically for children’s abilities
- Good reviews – Positive feedback from other families
- Transparent pricing – Clear information about what’s included
Planning Your Premium Family Adventure
Before You Book:
- Read terms and conditions – Understand cancellation policies and weather contingencies
- Check age and fitness requirements – Ensure all family members can participate
- Ask about photography – Many providers offer professional photos for an additional fee
- Plan transportation – Some premium activities are located outside Melbourne
- Consider timing – Some activities are better in certain seasons or weather
- Prepare kids mentally – Explain what to expect to reduce anxiety
- Book accommodations if needed – Some experiences require overnight stays
Creating Lasting Memories from Premium Experiences
Maximize the Memory Value:
- Take photos and videos – Document the experience from start to finish
- Create a scrapbook – Combine photos, tickets, and certificates
- Share stories – Encourage kids to tell others about their experience
- Follow up with learning – Research more about activities that sparked interest
- Plan related activities – Build on the experience with similar adventures
- Display certificates – Show off achievements in kids’ rooms
- Write thank you notes – Help kids express gratitude to instructors
Investment in Extraordinary Family Memories
Premium family activities represent an investment in extraordinary memories that appreciate in value over time. While the initial cost may seem high, these experiences often become the stories your family tells for decades, the adventures that spark lifelong passions, and the moments that bring you closer together.
Whether it’s the thrill of floating above Melbourne in a hot air balloon, the pride of mastering your first wave, or the confidence gained from learning a new skill, these premium experiences offer value that extends far beyond their price tag. They create connections, build confidence, and provide adventures that become treasured family legends.
What premium experience is on your family’s bucket list? These adventures might cost more upfront, but the memories they create are truly priceless!
Prices vary by season and provider. Always confirm current pricing, safety requirements, and booking conditions before purchasing. Many providers offer gift vouchers that make excellent presents for special occasions.
