Known as one of the most livable cities, Melbourne certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to stunning backdrops for family photography. There are numerous idyllic gardens scattered around Melbourne and along its stunning coastline, you will also find several stunning beaches.
But sometimes too many options can leave us a little bit overwhelmed. A quick online search on the best Melbourne family photography locations will easily lead to ten and thousands results but unfortunately you will none of them helping. Now if you are still searching for the best family photo locations and stumbled across this blog, congrats because you are finally in the right place!
In this blog, I’ll review the best 10 Melbourne family photography locations that I have been to as well as achieved great results. Followed by the list you will find detailed guide on the good spot within for nice photos as well as if there is a permit fee required to get access.
Lastly, who am I to write this list? Well, I am a lifestyle Melbourne family photographer who has been doing this for quite a while, you may find me in Melbourne CBD, Dandenong, Bayside Mornington or wherever love and laughter happens.
Table of content:
1. R.J. Hamer Arboretum
Located on the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, the R.J. Hamer Arboretum is paradise for stunning Melbourne family photography. Walking into this Melbourne family photography location, you will be greeted with rich tapestry of natural beauty and diverse landscape. The tall tree lines in the center cleverly divide the arboretum into two parts, where the part closer to the car park is a stunning downhill with lawns and petals, the other side of the hill features stunning views of the mountains lines as well as the entire Yarra Valley.
The reason why R.J. Hamer Arboretum is such a popular spot for Melbourne family photography is simple: offering a large open ground with natural greenery, R.J. Hamer Arboretum is kids friendly as they can have fun and run around, ideal for family photographer to capture those candid moments. Secondly, R.J. Hamer Arboretum offers endless opportunities for stunning family photography, whether you are after some natural and candid shots with the lawns and gardens, or you prefer dramatic landscape shot with panoramic Yarra Valley view, R.J. Hamer Arboretum has got you all covered.
Detailed Info of R.J. Hamer Arboretum
- Address: 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
- Hours: 24/7
- Phone: 13 19 63
- Entry fee: free
2. Gum Gully Farm
If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind Melbourne family photography location with a unique feature that kids will love, look no further than Gum Gully Farm. Located just 45 minutes from Melbourne, this working farm offers a stunning backdrop for your family photos, with its rolling hills, rustic buildings, and charming animals.
But in a Melbourne family photographer’s point of view, what really sets Gum Gully Farm apart are its resident deer. Kids and adults will delight in getting up close and personal with these gentle creatures, who roam freely around the property. You can pose for photos with the deer, feed them from your hand, or simply enjoy their graceful presence in the background of your shots.
Another great feature of Gum Gully Farm is the stunning sunset views. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky lights up with a fiery array of colors, creating a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop for your family photos. Whether you're capturing a group family photo or candid outdoor maternity session, the sunset at Gum Gully Farm will add a touch of magic to your images.
Lastly, as Gum Gully Farm is a private working farm that is not opened to the public, this means a booking fee of $250 is required to get access to the property for photos and playing. The price tag is a bit hefty but as a Melbourne family photographer, I think it is worth the investment as you will get exclusive access to the farm and the animals for stunning family photos without worrying other people running into your photo background.
Detailed Info of Gum Gully Farm
- Address: 9 Eleanor Dr, Silvan VIC 3795
- Phone: (03) 9737 9719
- Entry fee: $250
3. Half Moon Bay
If you are looking for an ocean backdrop family photography location near Melbourne CBD, then Half Moon Bay is definitely one of the beaches that is worth going to. Located just 20 kilometers from the Melbourne CBD, Half Moon Bay is the perfect beach for family photos, offering a stunning ocean view, rugged cliffs, and a spectacular golden hour sunset.
As a Melbourne family photographer, what I love about Half Moon Bay is its breathtaking views and natural beauty of this beach creates a unique backdrop that is ideal for capturing cherished moments with your loved ones. Whether you prefer a casual or formal setting, the cliff rocks and serene waters of Half Moon Bay provide a picturesque environment that is perfect for family photography.
Detailed Info of Half Moon Bay
- Address: 46 Beach Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193
- Entry fee: free
4. Dog Rocks, Bateford
Dog Rocks in Batesford is an ideal location for stunning family photography if you're located near Geelong. This beautiful location features open ground and interesting-looking rocks, making it an excellent place for capturing sunset photos. As a Melbourne family photographer who has recently just been there for a family photo session , I highly recommend this location for families looking for unique and stunning backgrounds for their family photos.
The open ground in Dog Rocks provides a perfect setting for candid and playful family photography. The spacious and unobstructed area is ideal for capturing the natural movement of kids and families, this location also is perfect if you have a four-legged friend coming together to shoot as they love having a good run there. The setting also allows for creative shots and different perspectives that will make your photos stand out.
The rocks at Dog Rocks provide a unique and interesting backdrop for your family photos. The rugged and natural-looking rocks add a touch of raw beauty and texture to your pictures, making them more dynamic and visually appealing. As a Melbourne family photographer, I find that the rocks also provide a great opportunity for creative framing and composition.
Detailed Info of Dog Rocks
- Address: Dog Rocks Rd, Batesford VIC 3213
- Entry fee: free
5. Montsalvat
Montsalvat in Eltham is a charming and unique Melbourne family photography location that offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and architecture backdrops. This old castle, with its beautiful trees and veranda, rolling hills, and manicured lawns, is sure to provide a picturesque setting that will make your family photos truly memorable.
Located in the leafy suburb of Eltham, Montsalvat is a popular destination for Melbourne family photographers to capture stunning family photos. The castle's grand architecture, with its arches and towers, creates a fairytale-like atmosphere that will add a touch of magic to your Melbourne family photography. The veranda and balconies overlooking the gardens offer a perfect vantage point for capturing your family's special moments.
As a Melborune family photographer who’s capture photos at this Melborne photo location regularly, one of the best things about Montsalvat is the diversity of its landscapes. From the grandeur of the castle's exterior to the serene beauty of the surrounding gardens, there's something for every family to enjoy. The rolling hills and manicured lawns provide ample space for kids to play and run around, while the ancient trees and lush vegetation create a peaceful and serene atmosphere that will make your family feel at ease.
Detailed Info of Montsalvat
- Address: 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham VIC 3095
- Phone: (03)94397712
- Entry fee: $16pp
6. Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens is one of the most iconic and popular parks in Melbourne CBD, offering a beautiful natural garden style backdrop for beautiful Melbourne family photography. As a Melbourne based family photographer, I love shooting at Carlton Gardens, the historic buildings, lush lawns, and tall tree lines provide an ideal setting for Melbourne family photographers to capture special moments of your family.
One of the best things about Carlton Gardens is the abundance of tall trees that provide ample shade, making it an ideal location for family photoshoots during the day. As the shade also helps to prevent harsh sunlight, which can cause overexposure in your family photos. The tall tree lines also create a stunning visual effect, providing a beautiful natural frame for your family photos.
However, the popularity of the park also means that it can get quite crowded. As a Melbourne family photographer, I’d always advice my clients to be mindful of potentially having people running into the background of family photos. Nonetheless, this is a small price to pay for the beauty of the location.
Detailed Info of Carlton Gardens
- Address: 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Phone: (03) 9658 9658
- Entry fee: free
7. Collingwood Children's Farm
The Collingwood Children's Farm is a great place for family photos because of its natural surroundings. The farm is surrounded by lots of greenery, wildlife, and farm animals, making it an ideal backdrop for family portraits. Kids love the farm because they can interact with the animals, feed them, and even go for pony rides, while the Melbourne family photographer can capture those candid moments.
Another advantage of this location is that it is conveniently located next to the Abbotsford Convent. The convent is known for its chic and stylish buildings that provide a perfect contrast to the natural setting of the farm. The convent's architecture offers a unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing stylish and elegant family photos.
As a Melbourne family photographer, you can take advantage of this location by using the natural surroundings of the farm as well as the beautiful architecture of the Abbotsford Convent. You can capture the kids feeding the farm animals, playing in the fields, or even enjoying a pony ride. You can also take advantage of the convent's beautiful buildings to capture more formal family portraits.
Detailed Info of Carlton Gardens
- Address: 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- Phone: (03) 9417 5806
- Entry fee: from $7pp
8. Royal Botanic Gardens
Located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a vast garden spanning over 38 hectares, offering a variety of landscapes and settings, making this garden one of the perfect locations for stunning family photos in Melbourne.
One of the highlights of the Royal Botanic Gardens is its lake view. The lake is a perfect location for family portraits, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. The lake provides a perfect mirror-like reflection that adds depth and beauty to your Melbourne family photos. Whether it’s a candid short walk near the lake or sitting down on the lawns to take a short break, as a Melbourne family photographer, I've found that this location is perfect for capturing candid and spontaneous moments between families.
Apart from the lake, the Royal Botanic Gardens also features a conservatory greenhouse, which offers an interesting and unique setting for Melbourne family photography. The greenhouse has a variety of plant species, and the lighting inside is perfect for capturing stunning photos. As a Melbourne family photographer, I've found that the greenhouse adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to family portraits.
Detailed Info of Royal Botanic Gardens
- Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
- Phone: (03) 9252 2300
- Entry fee: free
9. Cairn Beach, Flinders
If you're looking for a stunning location to capture family photography near the bayside area, then the Cairn Beach in Flinders is a must-visit. Located on the Mornington Peninsula coastline, Cairn Beach offers a beautiful sandy beach and breathtaking scenery that provides the perfect backdrop for family photos. As a Melbourne family photographer, I highly recommend this location for families with kids.
The drive to Cairn Beach is a bit long, but the scenic route makes it well worth the journey. The road to Cairn Beach takes you through beautiful landscapes, from rolling hills to charming seaside towns, providing a picturesque view that makes for great photo opportunities along the way.
Once you arrive at Cairn Beach, you'll find a stunning sandy beach with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and other beach activities. The beach provides a beautiful natural setting that is perfect for family photos. The sand and the ocean provide a calming and relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to capture natural and candid moments between family members.
The Mornington Peninsula coastline is also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Victoria. The rugged cliffs and rock formations provide a dramatic backdrop for family photos, while the crystal-clear waters create a serene and tranquil atmosphere that's perfect for capturing beautiful family moments.
Detailed Info of Cairn Beach
- Address: Flinders VIC 3929
- Entry fee: free
10. Your home
You might be surprised but your own home is indeed an excellent location for family photography, and it's often overlooked by many families who think that they need to go out to capture beautiful and memorable photos. As a Melbourne family photographer, I find that capturing family photos at home allows for a more relaxed and personal experience, and it's often the little moments and details that make the most beautiful and meaningful photos.
Your home is a place filled with memories and personal touches that can make for a unique and intimate backdrop for your Melbourne family photography. As a Melbourne family photographer, I find that capturing family photos at home can be a wonderful way to document the everyday moments that make up a family's life.
One of the benefits of capturing family photography at home is that kids are more likely to feel comfortable and at ease. Being in a familiar environment can help them relax and be themselves, leading to more natural and authentic photos. It's also an opportunity to capture your family in their everyday environment, surrounded by the things that make your home unique.
To ensure the best possible family photography at home, it's important to prepare the space prior to your Melbourne family photographer’s arrival. Make sure everything is clean and tidy and try to declutter any distracting elements in the background. Also, make sure that there is abundant ambient light as natural light is the preferred lighting source for most family photographers. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible and avoid using overhead lights that can create harsh shadows.
In conclusion, Melbourne has many beautiful locations that make for stunning backdrops for stunning family photography. From the Royal Botanic Gardens to Cairn Beach, Dog Rocks, and even your own home, there are many options to choose from when it comes to capturing beautiful family memories.
As a Melbourne family photographer, I highly recommend considering these top 10 locations when planning your next family photo session. Whether you're looking for a stunning garden setting, a beautiful beach location, or a unique and intimate backdrop at home, there is something for every family.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your next family photo session today and capture the beautiful memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.
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