Bourke Street Mall (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Bourke Street Mall?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Children like buskers, free tram rides, Myer toy floors and colourful laneway art on flat car-free pavement. Absence of playground equipment and heavy crowds mean parents must supervise constantly.
![Exploring Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne || [4K] Ambient Walk](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fBrYma8pAn4/hqdefault.jpg)
![MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 [4K] Bourke Street Mall — Walking Tour](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4mUZM-Hvvus/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Pedestrian-only mall: Safe space for kids to walk and explore.
- Free tram zone: Easy, zero-cost transport around the CBD.
- Indoor arcades: Covered walkways for shopping and weather breaks.
Challenges:
- Peak-time crowds: Weekends and holidays get busy, limiting stroller space.
- Limited seating: Benches and cafe seats fill up fast at lunch.
What is Bourke Street Mall?
- A pedestrian- and tram-only thoroughfare through Melbourne’s central business district
- A retail precinct anchored by the Myer and David Jones department stores and lined with specialty boutiques and heritage arcades
- An urban streetscape featuring historic architecture, glass-roofed arcades and embedded tram tracks
What is so special about Bourke Street Mall for with kids?
- Wide pedestrian area with live street shows that entertain kids.
- Free tram rides along Bourke Street keep transport fun and easy.
- Colorful laneway art walk provides a kid-friendly treasure hunt.
- Royal Arcade's Gaunt’s Clock delights children with moving figures each hour.
- MyKids Emporium and food court offer toys and meals for all ages.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets you see street performers, explore shops, and enjoy a food break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Bourke Street Mall
Watch street performers:
Live music, magic shows, and dance acts on the pedestrian mall.
Tip: Arrive mid-morning near Swanston Street for best performances.
Street-art treasure hunt:
Follow colorful lane murals in nearby Hosier and Union lanes.
Tip: Pick up a free art map at the Visitor Booth on the mall.
Visit Royal Arcade & Gaunt’s Clock:
See clock’s carved figures strike the hour in this heritage arcade.
Tip: Stand by just before the hour to catch all the moving characters.
Ride free trams:
Board city trams running on Bourke Street within the Free Tram Zone.
Tip: Hop on at any tram stop on the mall; no ticket needed in the CBD.
Browse Myer MyKids Emporium:
Explore kids’ toys and games at Myer Level 3 window displays.
Tip: Walk past with the kids to spot their favorite characters.
Eat at Emporium Food Court:
Choice of kid-friendly meals like burgers, noodles, and sushi.
Tip: Visit around 11am to find a table before the lunch rush.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bourke Street Mall
- Arrive early: Get to the mall by 10am to avoid crowds and find seats.
- Use Visitor Booth: Grab free art maps and event listings from the booth.
- Plan hour for clock show: Head into Royal Arcade just before the hour for the full Gaunt’s Clock display.
Reviews of Bourke Street Mall
Nick M
Lately, a lot of shops have been closing down but you still have the big shopping centres that have a great variety. Public transport is easy and the best way to visit the mall.
Harshada Patil
Bourke Street Mall is the heart of Melbourne and my personal favorite spot in the city. The vibes here are unmatched, with stunning city views and constant energy. Easily accessible by trams, it’s well-connected, though parking can be tricky. There’s always something happening—live musicians, street performers, and festive events keep the place lively. During Christmas, the Myer windows add a magi...
Hansel. S
Bourke Street Mall – A Vibrant Night in Melbourne I recently had an unforgettable night exploring Bourke Street Mall, and if you’re planning to visit Melbourne, this spot is a must. My friend and I kicked off our adventure in Chinatown, then made our way to Bourke Street Mall around 9:13 PM on a Saturday. The atmosphere was buzzing – the trams were packed, and the streets were filled with people....
Shabana Parveen
Great place for shopping. In Christmas and new year its having amazing lighting and theme display being loved by kids.
Bob Elliott
Broke street mall is vibrant, busy bustling site. A good mix of shops and new and old buildings. Trams go through the mall in steady procession. Also emergency vehicles use the team lanes to take short cuts through the city. There was an excellent busker named Cam Nicholson who performed an amazing show with his violin and acustica music accompanying him. A great entertainer
When is the best time to visit Bourke Street Mall (Melbourne, Australia)?
Summer: bring hats, sunscreen, and water. Winter: wear layers and carry raincoats. Use covered arcades if weather changes.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Emporium food court lunch (4) | AUD 55 |
| Snacks & drinks | AUD 20 |
| Souvenir toy at Myer | AUD 25 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Bourke Street Mall
Address: Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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About Bourke Street Mall
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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