It’s time to dust off those winter woolies and put a spring in your step as the days grow longer, the sun warmer and evenings balmy to have some family fun in Victoria.
Magical Melbourne
What better place to start than the grand old lady herself?
Highlights include
- The Galactic Circus
- Melbourne Zoo
- Fairy Park (perfect for little princes and princesses)
- Science Works
- Melbourne Aquarium
- The Queen Victoria Markets
- Cooks Cottage
- Federation Square
- Melbourne Trams
For more information visit
www.whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/placestogo/attractions/familyfun/pages/familyfun
If it’s something more laid back you’re after, then why not take a picnic to the gorgeous Royal Botanical Gardens. A good place to start is the Visitor Centre which is on Birdwood Avenue, where you can get maps and information on how to spend your time.
Once there I recommend a visit to the Children’s Garden, a fantastic spot for children who love to get their hands dirty!
It has been designed specifically to help teach and excite children about the importance of conservation and caring for the environment.
Other highlights include
- Guilfoyle’s Volcano
- Lakes and Islands
- Canna Bed Rain Garden
- The Melbourne Observatory
For more information visit
Accommodation
Like all cities, Melbourne has a plenty of accommodation, and apartments tend to be the most popular for families.
For more information visit
Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley
What a wonderful place to visit. So much to do! The Dandenongs and Yarra Valley are home to a multitude of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Highlights include
- Hedgend Maze Healesville
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery Yarra Glen
- Yarra Valley Dairy in Coldstream
- William Ricketts Sanctuary Park
- Binjarra Cultural Centre
- Healesville Sanctuary
- SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Restaurant and Attractions
For more information visit
Puffing Billy Steam Train
For all the little (and big!) train lovers out there Puffing Billy is a must. This well-loved steam train is over 100 years old and runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the beautiful forests and gullies of the Dandenongs.
.For more information visit
Trees Adventure Glen Harrow Park
Fancy an amazing adventure? Ever felt like walking through the treetops? Then this is for you! Anyone from the age of four and above can enjoy this. Bookings are essential.
For more information visit
www.treesadventure.com.au/glen-harrow-park
Top Tip
We all love a good playground, so see the link below for a great list of playgrounds and parks!
www.visitdandenongranges.com.au/things-to-do/picnics-playgrounds
Wineries
Where to start? You could spend months exploring them! Several places are family friendly and offer playgrounds and other activities.
Accommodation
- Big4 Dandenong Tourist Park
- Quest Dandenong
For more information on wineries and accommodation visit
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges
If you thought the snow fields were just for winter, you’d be wrong!
Mt Hotham
- Horse Riding
- Bushwalking
- White Water Rafting on the Mitta Mitta River
- Mountain Biking
- Visit the Onsen Retreat and Spa at Dinner Plain
Accommodation
- Davenport village in Hotham.
- Dinner Plain, 10kms away, is a good alternative.
For more information visit
Falls Creek
- Canoe on Rocky Valley Lake
- Horse Riding
- Ride the Trails
- Segway Tours
- Golf
- Wineries
- Gliding
For more information visit
Mt Buller
An easy three hour drive from Melbourne, Mt Buller offers a perfect summer escape.
Highlights include
- Mountain Biking
- Bush Walking
- Horse Riding
- Chairlift Rides
- Four-wheel Driving
Accommodation
Arlberg Hotel – Has a kids stay free offer and a kids area with a pool table and x-box. It also has a kids ‘chill zone’ with bean bags, meals and movies
For more information visit
Mt Baw Baw
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Bush Walking
Accommodation
For something different, why not try ‘Glamping?’
For more information visit
www.mountbawbaw.com.au/glamping
The Great Ocean Road
This is one of the most stunning ocean drives I’ve ever been on. Some of the amazing things on offer include:
- Bells Beach
- Apollo Bay
- Kennett River Koala Walk
- Cape Otway
- Port Campbell National Park
- The Twelve Apostles
- Tiger Moth World, Torquay (Lots of fun!)
If you feel like a swim then head to the famous Bells Beach or take a stroll along the Surf Coast walk.
For more information visit
www.travelvictoria.com.au/regions/greatoceanroad/
Accommodation
There are plenty of choices on this route, from caravan/holiday parks, B&B’s, apartments and resorts.
For more information visit
The Grampians
The Grampians have much to offer families, from camping, scenic walks, animals and more.
Highlights include
- Little Desert National Park.
- Grampians National Park
- Mt Arapiles
- McKenzie Falls.
- The Stawell Gift at Easter
For more Information visit
Halls Gap Zoo
Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria’s largest regional zoo. It has a, giraffe, water buffalo, meerkats, rainbow lorikeet and more. Why not consider ‘adopting’ one of their beautiful animals? How awesome would that be!
Accommodation
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. Here you can camp, stay in a cabin or rent a house!
For more information visit
Phillip Island
What a gorgeous spot with lots of things to do. With everything close together you don’t have to spend ages in the car going from place to place.
Highlights include
- Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Yum yum!
- A Maze’n’Things
- Antarctic Journey
- Churchill Island Heritage Farm
- Wildlife Coast Cruises
- Caldermeade Farm and Café
Penguin Parade
Who doesn’t love a cute penguin? Every day at sunset the penguins arrive and strut their stuff while waddling over to their burrows. Truly awesome.
Top Tip
During peak times, pre-book tickets to avoid missing out.
Accommodation
- A Maze’n’Things Holiday Park
- The Waves Apartments
For more information visit
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for being a popular holiday destination with lots to do.
Highlights include
- Diving, fishing
- Swimming with dolphins
- The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park
- Wineries
- Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
- The Big Goose
- Visit village markets
- The Enchanted Maze
- Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Museum
For more information visit
www.thebellarinerailway.com.au
www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
Top Tip
Follow the link below for a comprehensive list of food and wineries in the Mornington Peninsula.
www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/foodandwine
Accommodation
- Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats (Some of these are even pet friendly)
- Trumans Cottages (Mostly pet friendly)
For more information visit
www.familyfriendlyaccommodation.com.au/mornington_peninsula
Victorian Goldfields
Gold was discovered over 160 years ago…will you be the one to make the next big find??
Highlights include
- Ballarat – See the Lal Lal Falls
- Bendigo – Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram Tours
- Castlemaine – Old Castlemaine Gaol
- Heathcote – O’Keefe Rail Trail,
- Maldon – The Maldon Lolly Shop. An old time shop filled with sweet treats galore!
For more information visit
www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Goldfields
Sovereign Hill
Pan for gold at Sovereign Hill! Sovereign Hill is a living museum with working exhibits. It’s home to shops, schools, gold digging, underground mines and more. It’s been named Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ three times.
For more information visit
Accommodation
For something different why not stay at Kryal Castle? It’s located approximately 8km’s east of Ballarat. Kryal Castle is a replica medieval castle with plenty of shows and attractions.
For more information visit
The Murray Region
The Murray River is Australia’s longest river and a great place to visit. It’s home to wonderful wineries and gourmet food as well as many other exciting things.
Highlights include
- Fishing
- Watersports
- Paddle steamers
- Houseboats
- River Cruises
- Port of Echuca Discovery Centre
Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement
Swan Hill is a town that carries a rich pioneer heritage. The Pioneer Settlement will really help you to embrace Australian history. You can chat to people from a bygone era while cruising the Murray on the PS Pyap. In the evening, enjoy a light and laser show.
For more information visit
House Boating
Hire a houseboat and be your own captain! Kids and captains alike will love an adventure like this. You might just have to stop at one of the many wineries though!
Accommodation
Lots to choice! Houseboats, tourist parks, resorts, camping and more.
For more information visit
www.murrayriverhouseboats.com.au
www.visitthemurray.com.au
