Heading to Bali from Christchurch with a 7-hour layover in Melbourne? Here’s how we’re planning to tackle it as a family—with specific comfort food, realistic travel strategies, and minimal stress. Think of this as our go-to game plan for a short Melbourne layover with kids.
Quick Layover Context
- Flight In: JQ172 Christchurch (CHC) to Melbourne (MEL), arriving 10:05 AM
- Flight Out: JQ35 Melbourne (MEL) to Bali (DPS), departing 5:40 PM
- Total Layover: ~7.5 hours
- Who: Family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Kids) from NZ
This is our first family taste of Australia, happening right before our bigger adventure. You can read about our full 18-night Bali family holiday itinerary here, but first, we need to conquer this layover! With only a 7.5-hour Melbourne layover, we’re laser-focused on our priorities: a much-missed heritage meal, easy logistics, and keeping stress low.
Quick Layover Context
- Flight In: JQ172 Christchurch (CHC) to Melbourne (MEL), arriving 10:05 AM
- Flight Out: JQ35 Melbourne (MEL) to Bali (DPS), departing 5:40 PM
- Total Layover: ~7.5 hours
- Who: Family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Kids) from NZ
This is our first family taste of Australia. With only a 7.5-hour Melbourne layover, we’re laser-focused on our priorities: a much-missed heritage meal, easy logistics, and keeping stress low.
Our 7-Hour Melbourne Layover Strategy (At a Glance)
Here’s our family-friendly Melbourne layover itinerary:
- 10:05–11:00 AM: Land, Clear Immigration/Customs, Activate eSIM, Find Skybus.
- 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: SkyBus Ride to Southern Cross Station.
- 12:00 PM–12:20 PM: Walk/Free Tram to Little Bourke St area.
- 12:20 PM–1:45 PM: 🍽️ Main Event! Lunch at our chosen heritage food spot.
- 1:45 PM–2:45 PM: 👟 Quick walk nearby (Bourke St Mall/Hardware Lane vicinity) + Buffer time.
- 2:45 PM–3:05 PM: Walk/Free Tram back to Southern Cross Station.
- 3:05 PM–4:00 PM: SkyBus back to MEL Airport.
- 4:00 PM onwards: Back at Airport for security & gate for 5:40 PM flight.
Why this plan works for us:
- Focused goal (specific lunch) dictates location.
- Uses efficient transport (discounted Skybus).
- Relies on walking/Free Tram Zone near Southern Cross.
- Prioritizes our specific food craving & realistic city glimpse.
- Builds in buffer time (crucial!).
The Layover Non-Negotiables: Visas, Luggage & Getting Connected
Before dreaming of city explorations during any Melbourne layover, sort these essentials:
- Luggage: CRITICAL! Your checked bags must be tagged through to your final destination (Bali). If you need to collect bags at MEL, this city trip is likely impossible time-wise. We confirmed with Jetstar for our flights. Double-check yours!
- Visas/ETAs: As non-Aussies, we needed Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs). We used the official AustralianETA app – applied, paid AUD 20 per Person(80 total), approved in minutes. We paid for our Australian ETAs using our Wise card, which made things super easy—just converted some NZD to AUD in the app and paid instantly. No hidden fees, no fuss. If you’re curious why we love using Wise while traveling, check out our full breakdown here: Wise Card vs Traditional Cards: Which One Is Better? Do this weeks early! Don’t risk entry denial on your Melbourne layover.
- Connectivity: Avoid hefty NZ roaming! Our plan: Activate the Optus free trial eSIM upon arrival (using airport WiFi if needed). Essential for maps, tram info, and staying connected during the Melbourne layover.
Melbourne Airport to City: Our Transport Choice
We researched options (Uber/Taxi vs. Skybus). For our family of 4 on this Melbourne layover, Skybus won. Here’s why:
- Direct & Frequent: Runs straight to Southern Cross Station often. Check the latest schedule on the official SkyBus website.
- Value: Standard family return AUD 94.40 was okay, but we found deal on Agoda for AUD 73.06(Non-refundable). Saved AUD 20.
- Easy Boarding: Just scan the Agoda QR code – no ticket exchange needed.
- Luggage Space: Easy storage onboard for carry-ons.
✅ Tip: Search 3rd party sites like Agoda for potential Skybus discounts, but check terms carefully!
Our #1 Priority: The Food Mission
Forget generic food courts. The main goal of this Melbourne layover is to eat specific comfort food from our heritage that we deeply miss and can’t easily find in Christchurch.
- The Plan: Head to our pre-researched restaurant on Little Bourke Street.
- Why This Spot: Known for authentic flavours we crave, good reviews, and crucially, accessible from Southern Cross Station via a short walk/free tram.
- Prep: We’ve checked opening hours but will double-check closer to the date.
Dad note: This specific meal is the anchor that makes leaving the airport feel worthwhile for our family during this Melbourne layover.
Quick Walk Options Before Heading Back
If lunch finishes on time (~1:45 PM), we’ll have roughly an hour for a quick stretch and glimpse of the city near the restaurant:
- Bourke Street Mall: Pedestrian/tram mall, department stores, city buzz.
- Hardware Lane / Nearby Arcades: Check out the atmosphere, maybe grab a quick photo of the architecture (like the Royal Arcade if close).
- Key: Keep it brief and stay close to easily return to Southern Cross.
Timing Matters: Our Layover Buffer Plan
We’re aiming to be back at MEL Airport by 4:00 PM for our 5:40 PM international flight.
Why the ~1h 40m buffer at the airport?
- Potential SkyBus return traffic.
- Navigating T2 (International departures).
- Allows time for security/immigration without rushing.
- Avoids the sweaty, stressed family sprint to the gate! 😅
✅ Plan B: Significant flight delay on arrival = stay at the airport (maybe try Brunetti or ST. ALi there). Restaurant closed = pivot to a backup casual spot near Southern Cross or eat at the station.
Final Thoughts: Is a 7-Hour Melbourne Layover Worth Leaving the Airport?
For us, planning around our specific goal – yes, fingers crossed! If it’s your first, brief Melbourne layover:
- Focus on ONE achievable thing (like a meal).
- Pick something easily accessible from airport transport hubs.
- Manage your time ruthlessly.
- Prioritize getting back to the airport early.
It’s not about ticking off sights; it’s about adding a small, meaningful experience (and hopefully delicious food!) to the journey.
Fast FAQ for Families on a Melbourne Layover
- Can you explore Melbourne with a 7-hour layover?
- Yes, if well-planned and focused. Realistically gives you ~3-4 hours in the city centre if near Southern Cross.
- What’s the fastest way from Melbourne Airport to the CBD?
- SkyBus is direct, frequent, and was the best value/time combo for us.
- Is there enough time to eat in Melbourne and come back?
- Yes, if you choose somewhere easily accessible from Southern Cross, like our planned spot in the CBD. Don’t plan a fine dining marathon!
- Should you book SkyBus tickets in advance?
- Recommended, especially if you find a non-refundable deal like we did on Agoda. Saves time & potentially money.
- What if you don’t want to leave the airport?
- MEL has decent food (Brunetti, ST. ALi mentioned often) and shops. Relaxing airside is always the safest option if unsure.
Coming Soon: Our Actual Melbourne Layover Story
This is the plan! We’ll share how our 7.5-hour Melbourne layover actually went – the successes, the challenges, and the verdict on the food – after we land in Bali and start our bigger family adventure.
Follow us on The Herinian for real travel stories from a Kiwi dad’s point of view.
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