Whether it’s exploring the Great Ocean Road, relaxing at Gippsland Lakes or visiting the cosmopolitan cool of Melbourne, Victoria can offer wonderful family holidays to suit all tastes and budgets. Click here to discover the best things to do in Victoria, use the icons to explore specific areas or read on for some inspiration.
The ‘Slumber Safari’ at Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a truly memorable overnight experience for families. An Out of Africa escape, just 30 minutes from the heart of Melbourne, it is the ideal getaway for families, couples and groups.
Join in a free Ranger-led Junior Ranger activity to learn about Victoria’s wonderful plants, wildlife and amazing natural and cultural heritage.
Junior Rangers will get their hands dirty playing games, creating masterpieces, exploring streams, catching bugs and rummaging around the beach or bush.
Check out the events program here.
Cost: free but bookings are essential
Puffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The railway travels for 25 kilometres through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges. Located in Belgrave and only one hour east of Melbourne, Puffing Billy opearates every day of the year except Christmas Day.
BOUNCE is an adrenaline playground packed with awesome adventure challenge experiences for free spirits of any age and skill level. From young children to action sports junkies, BOUNCE is about inspiring everyone to forget the serious stuff for a while and get immersed in an atmosphere of high-energy fun. Check out their sessions and book in with an Awesome 4some Super Pass!
The first of its kind in Australia, ArtVo is an immersive 3D ‘trick art’ gallery that has transformed Melbourne’s Docklands into a visual playground with artwork painted directly on the walls and floors.
Stepping into a world of optical illusions, the larger than life murals allow kids to come face-to-face with wild animals, scale rocky crevasses and surf the ultimate pipelines. ArtVo gives visitors the chance to step beyond the red velvet rope and get up close and personal with some of the world’s most mind-bending artwork.
A climbing wall meets a theme park – Clip ‘n Climb Berwick is THE place for all ages to enjoy healthy, challenging fun with an extra dose of adrenaline. Enjoy an abundance of climbs for all ages and skill levels; they’re as amazing to look at as they are thrilling to climb!
Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island Nature Parks provides unique wildlife encounters. Get up close and personal with adorable koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre, or stopover at Churchill Island to witness the magical sunset waddle of the Little Penguins at the Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will drop your jaw and dazzle your eyes. This is your chance to experience the iconic venue in the flesh. Let rip in a go kart on our replica Grand Prix track, or buckle in for the real deal.
The IMAX Theatre Melbourne is home to the world’s largest 3D cinema screen – eight storeys high. With films in 2D and incredibly life-like 3D you’ll want to see and experience IMAX again and again.
View historic Portland’s scenic coastline and harbour aboard a fully restored 19th century cable tram. Jump aboard and learn all about Portland’s history from passionate volunteers, hopping on and off at your leisure to visit attractions including the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, Powerhouse Museum, World War II Memorial lookout, Portland Botanic Gardens and a museum which is home to model trains and the largest private gemstone collection in the southern hemisphere.
Located on the Murray River and packed with things for kids. A river cruise on the paddlesteamer is a must and the historic port is a great place to wander, while the town’s thriving food and wine industries make for a pleasant stay for adults too.
Try canoeing on Lake Fyans, horseriding or bushwalking. In the state’s north-east you can paddle along the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. You can cruise a section of the 94-kilometre trail or ride the entire route, which takes about four days.
Kryal Castle is, in truth, only a 40 year old theme park, but it is a well-executed one following a multi-million dollar redevelopment. Reopened in March 2013 as Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort, it is Australia only medieval adventure park, and recreates a legendary land of myths and medieval adventure with knights, dragons, wizards, kings, queens, princesses and fairies.
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