Some of our favourite picture books that explore Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula & regional Victoria
Sometimes the best way to get kids excited about a place - whether you’re holidaying there, visiting for the day, or simply exploring your own backyard - is through a beautiful picture book. Stories have a way of grounding children, helping them recognise landmarks, wildlife and adventures long before you even hop in the car.
We’ve pulled together some of our favourite picture books that explore Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and regional Victoria. These are the titles we reach for when planning school holiday outings, road trips, and family adventures, and many of them also make wonderful gifts for loved ones near and far.
Hello Melbourne by Megan McKean
If your school holidays involve a trip into the city, Hello Melbourne! is a brilliant way to spark excitement. The story follows six little magpies on a look-and-find adventure through 15 iconic Melbourne locations - from colourful laneways and heritage buildings to the river, sporting grounds and even theme parks. Megan McKean’s detailed, vintage-style illustrations are full of hidden clues and fun facts, making it just as engaging for grown-ups as it is for kids. Playful, educational and wonderfully Melbourne, it’s the perfect companion for curious children wanting to explore (or remember) the city. You can buy a copy here.
The Littlest Penguin and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade by Jedda Robaard
Holidaying on Phillip Island? This gentle story is a lovely way to prepare children for the magic of the Penguin Parade. Jedda Robaard captures that “first time seeing the little penguins waddle in” feeling beautifully - a perfect bedtime read the night before your visit. Grab a copy here
Gone Exploring in Melbourne’s West by Gumnut Trails
If you’re looking for some school holiday adventure inspiration in Melbourne’s west, this little guide is a gem. Think playgrounds, water spots, bush trails and family-friendly outdoor moments you might never have thought to explore. Ideal for local families or anyone wanting to discover a new pocket of the city. You can purchase here.
Mornington Peninsula Spring Activity Book by Ninch Kids
Created right here on the Peninsula, this activity book is perfect for families spending time in the region — or locals wanting an excuse to get outside. It encourages kids to slow down and notice the little things: blossoms, birds, beaches, insects and bushland. Great for the car, café stops, holiday homes or nature walks. Grab your copy via our shop and download instantly.
Little Explorer's Guide to Victorian National Parks by Chloe Butterfield
Planning day trips or nature-based school holiday adventures? This beautifully illustrated guide introduces children to some of Victoria’s most remarkable national parks — from Budj Bim and Croajingolong to French Island (right near the Ninch), the Grampians, Great Otway, Kinglake, Little Desert, Mount Buffalo, Murray-Sunset and Wilsons Prom. Packed with fun facts, animals to spot and stunning landscapes, it’s a wonderful way to inspire kids to notice more on every walk and appreciate the wild places around them. Grab your copy here
Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure by Lyndall Underwood
If you’re thinking about sending a little piece of home overseas - especially for Christmas - this has become a favourite with families. Our very own Mornington Peninsula ABC has travelled to Hong Kong, Finland, London, Austria, Singapore and New Zealand… so it’s racking up more frequent flyer points than we are!
With its gentle rhymes and recognisable beaches, lookouts, landmarks and wildlife, it’s a beautiful way to show children where their favourite aunty, grandparents or family friends live and explore. Also perfect for local little adventurers, holidaymakers and Christmas stockings. Grab a copy from us here or from one of our lovely local stockists.
Summer in Ballarat by Liv Lorkin
Heading out regional these holidays, or simply want children to see what summer looks like beyond Melbourne? This cute-as-a-button picture book captures the warmth and charm of a Ballarat summer - lakeside days, local wildlife and regional magic. You can buy a copy here.
When You Go to Melbourne by Maree Coote
If your kids are new to big cities, this nonsense romp around the city is a fun first step. Take a walk around Melbourne… Can you find the golden whale? Can you find the giants and their clock? Join the author as she relives childhood trips to town that bring the city to life with wonder and fun. You can grab a copy from the Melbourne Museum shop.
River to Bay by Carole Wilkinson
For families exploring the Yarra or planning a riverside walk, River to Bay gives kids a beautiful sense of how Melbourne grew around its waterways. It’s a gentle, rhythmic introduction to the city’s geography and history, seen through the lens of the river itself. Head to Antipodes in Sorrento to grab a copy or order online here.
Where I Live: Frankston by Khia Pledger
Perfect for local Peninsula families or visitors staying beachside. This story highlights what makes Frankston special, helping kids connect with the areas they’re exploring - from parks to foreshore favourites. Grab your copy here.
Bundjil Creation Story by Carolyn Briggs
A grounding, essential story from Boonwurrung elder Aunty Carolyn Briggs AM. Families travelling on Bunurong Country (including Melbourne and the Peninsula) often appreciate reading this with children as an introduction to the land they’re visiting. Farrells Bookshop have copies, or you can grab a copy via this link here.
Melbourne Word by Word by Michael McMahon
A children’s picture book exploring all things iconically Melbourne. From coffee shops tucked away down our city's renowned graffiti-covered alleyways to trams dinging along Bourke Street and all the way to cornerstore milkbars in the suburbs. Retro style and eclectic language explore the city in an interesting, adventurous way. You can order a copy via Readings.
Found in Melbourne by Joanne O’Callaghan
A beautiful counting book that guides little readers through our glorious city. Kids will love counting trams, koalas, magpies, clocks and butterflies as they learn about Melbourne and its iconic landmarks and attractions. The book ventures beyond the city as well to the likes of Phillip Island, the Dandenong Ranges and The Great Ocean Road. It’s a brilliant “read before you go” book that encourages curious eyes once you arrive and a fabulous memento of your city adventures. Grab a copy from the iconic Hill of Content bookshop.
Friends of the Museum: Melbourne Museum Colouring Book by Kim Haines
Perfect for rainy days, hotel downtime or the drive home from Melbourne Museum. This colouring book brings fossils, artefacts, animals and cultural treasures to life in a calm, creative way. Grab your copy from the Museum store.
Flipper and Finnegan by Sophie Cunningham
If you’re planning a trip to Phillip Island, this book is such a great way to immerse yourself and your little ones in a true story about caring for these cuddly creatures. It introduces children to the local wildlife and community care in such an engaging way. You can find copies online here.
River Exploring in Melbourne’s North by Gumnut Trails
Perfect for families based in, or travelling through, Melbourne’s northern suburbs. This guide encourages slow-paced outdoor exploration — rivers, creeks, bush pockets and nature trails you may never have known were there. Grab a copy here.
Happy Exploring
Whether you’re planning a trip to Melbourne, exploring the coastlines and bush trails of the Mornington Peninsula, or venturing further into regional Victoria, these picture books bring each place to life in a way that sparks curiosity and connection. They make beautiful additions to bookshelves, Christmas stockings, holiday backpacks, as well as being a thoughtful way to share a little piece of home with loved ones overseas.
Wherever your family wanders next, we hope these stories help your little explorers see Melbourne, Victoria and our special corner of the world - the Ninch - with fresh eyes and eager imaginations.