A good question.
A local answer.

Compare the total walk from a legal parking area with a public transport trip from your base. Free spaces may fill despite a weekday visit.

Check entry time, weather policy and transport home before booking. An evening event is more enjoyable when you can arrive unhurried and leave without a difficult connection.

Keep one or two attractions per day and allow time for transfers. A taxi for an awkward final leg can be a sensible supplement without renting a car for the whole visit.

Break the Melbourne drive at a practical town if your family prefers shorter days. Choose a stop for meals and rest rather than adding a large detour just to tick off another sight.

Compare total prices across weekdays and weekends, then check transport from each hotel to the event. Moving one night may save more than choosing a faraway room.

On another day, pair one child-friendly hands-on attraction with a short outdoor break. Check current programmes at Questacon, the National Museum and other places rather than assuming an older forum itinerary still fits your child's interests.

For Floriade itself, check the current free shuttle and parking map before renting a car just for the festival. The 2026 shuttle links the city, National Triangle and Commonwealth Park, while nearby roadworks affect some access routes.