Melbourne’s first family tour company has taken flight thanks to the dream of a Yarraville couple.
Lauren Owens said I Heart Melbourne Tours, which she has started with her tour guide husband James, may be Australia’s first specialised family tour provider.
Families with children of any age can take guided tours of Melbourne and further afield, with itineraries specifically aimed at pleasing the whole family.
Ms Owens, an avid traveller, said the idea for the “just turn up” approach came after trying to take in sights after the birth of their son, Harrison.
“A lot of things really aren’t possible when you are travelling with children,’’ she said.
‘‘We thought this was a gap and it’s something we are both passionate about.”
They have since devised a range of child-friendly itineraries and stocked up on items parents might need on a big day out, including baby capsules and booster seats.
“Everything needed for a day out, from strollers and bottle warmers, to toys and kites to fly on one of Victoria’s spectacular beaches, is on board,” Ms Owens said.
Offering family tours to major destinations such as the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Puffing Billy and the Dandenongs, Ms Owens expects demand from interstate and overseas families but also sees potential interest from Melbourne families wanting to enjoy a hassle-free day.
For more details on the tours on offer visit www.iheartmelbournetours.com.au
