Family Day Trips: Exploring Melbourne’s Surrounding Towns and Attractions

Melbourne is ideally situated among a number of family day trip destinations that boast rich cultural history, breathtaking sceneries and energetic people. If you would like to spend a relaxed day at the beach at the Mornington Peninsula, or have a close encounter with nature at Phillip Island or explore the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, there is always something fun to do with your family. In this article, we will take a look into a few Melbourne day trip locations that are most suitable for families with children.

When is the Best Time to Go Around Melbourne’s Areas

For Melbourne Day Trips, the best climate periods for families are from spring to autumn (September to May), where the temperature is comfortable and makes it possible to do most outdoor activities. The summer is ideal for going to the beach, enjoying scenic drives, and going to local vibrant festivals and celebrations. School holidays are also one of the prime periods for visiting attractions as most of them have additional featured programs & activities that focus on families which make it a great time to visit.

Yarra Valley: Nature And Adventure Comes Hand in Hand

Visiting Healesville Sanctuary

When it comes to learning about Australian animals, the Healesville Sanctuary is a great destination for any family. Situated in beautiful bushland, this sanctuary offers a great chance to see kangaroos, koalas and platypus visits them up close. This is a good place where children can particularly visit because of the body displays and education talk.

Healesville Sanctuary

Exploring Local Farms and Orchards

Yarra Valley is not only associated with wine, but it also features many kid-friendly farms & orchards. So do pick fruits or eat them fresh from the surrounding markets. Visit Balgownie Estate Bendigo and take the kids for a picnic in the vineyards, whilst the adults go for wine tasting, and the children have some run’ around time.

Balgownie Estate Bendigo
Yarra Valley wine tours

Scenic Drives and Picnic Spots

Drive along the Black Spur Drive that goes for reigning mountain ash trees as well as fern gullies. Merri View Gallery will be a good spot to feast on some fruits left over after canvassing local art, then one can have a picnic at any of the many available sites covered with tall trees as well as the wonderful sounds of nature.

Black Spur Drive
Merri View Gallery

Mornington Peninsula: Riviera, Region, and Labyrinths

Enchanted Adventure Garden

With lots of activities for all visitors in tow, it emphasizes that a day is not sufficient to properly explore the area. There are hedge mazes, tube slides, tree surfing and a lot more which everyone in the family can take part. Children can have fun in the kids’ oriented playgrounds while grownups stroll about in the picturesque botanical gardens.

Peninsula Hot Springs

For family members keen on enjoying the surroundings, Peninsula Hot Springs constitute relaxing places with public and private bathing. Mendoza and other mountain areas, including thermal valleys are relaxing as well thanks to the hot springs and various spa treatments enjoyed after a day’s excursion.

Peninsula Hot Springs tour

Coastal Walks and Beach Day Fun

Mornington Peninsula has more family oriented beaches such as Safety Beach and Sorrento Back Beach. When sunbathing or swimming becomes tedious, one can choose to go beachcombing or simply appreciating the beautiful scenery cascading over Port Phillip Bay. The place is also characterized by pretty seaside villages and makes it a great place for a 2 day break.

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Sorrento Back Beach

Phillip Island: Interaction with Animals and Action Parks

Penguin Parade

One of the signature highlights in Phillip Island is an event known as the Penguin Parade in which all family members witness the small – it isn’t larger than the palm of your hand – furry penguins walk up the beach to bed at the end of the day. It is an awesome experience both kids and adults will appreciate. Safeguard your place by reserving an arriving time, mostly in public and school holidays.

Penguin Parade

Koala Conservation Reserve

See up close these furry Australian marsupials in their natural environment. You can gaze at koalas hanging around the trees’ branches in the Koala Conservation Reserve’s sky ring at the end of the Conservation Reserve’s boardwalks and read how this kind of marsupial can be saved any further.

Koala Conservation Reserve

A Maze’N Things Adventure Park

If you are looking for a place to spend the whole day filled with fun and laughter, A Maze’N Things Adventure Park is the place to go. The place has interactive displays, adventurous mazes, and exciting rides making it an ideal place for the entire family. Facilities such as mini-golf and a sky trail are also available within the park guaranteeing that no one is left out from having a great time.

Dandenong Ranges: Mother Nature and Remembering the Past.

Puffing Billy Railway

Travel 30 years back in time riding the Puffing Billy Railway which is one of the steam railways that were built many years ago. Traveling through the Sherbrooke Forest on this scenic ride is not only magical for children but to adults as well. Rush to ride many families visiting Dandenong Ranges can be able to boarding the train since thankfully it opens the roof and sees the tall trees of the forest.

Puffing Billy Railway

A trip around the Dandenong Ranges National Park

The Dandenong Ranges National Park is rich in beautiful views and a variety of plants and animals for those who love the outdoors. There are paths like the 1000 Steps which pose a good family friendly challenge and the relatively peaceful ones that run through Sherbrooke Forest offer excellent relaxation in nature.

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Olinda and Sassafras Villages

These delightful villages are just perfect for a family outing. Stop by some lovely boutiques, have a snack in local cafes and appreciate the gorgeous botanic gardens. After all of this, take note of the beautiful Olinda Falls, which can be found through a short walk from the cascade.

Great Ocean Road: Coastal Adventures and Wildlife

Going to view[] the twelve apostles

The Great Ocean Drive which is about a road trip from Melbourne tops the list has stunning views of the ocean and the twelve apostles are amongst its best features. The site looks great at sunset as the limestone columns get golden glow from the sun set light. It is ideal for taking family pictures and as a perfect day trip destinations.

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Great Ocean Drive

Great Otway National Park

Delve into the beautiful scenery of Great Otway National Park that offers large amounts of rainforests beaches waterfalls and so on. The nature trails range from easy to difficult horizontally so sensitive sections will suit families too with an opportunity to view local animals like the koala and kookabura.

Great Otway National Park

Lorne and Apollo Bay

One can perfectly relax and be with the family at these coastal small towns. Lorne features both kid-friendly beaches and an active artistic atmosphere, while Apollo Bay is just at the door to the Otways. They posses good restaurants, swimming pools, playgrounds plus amazing coastal views.

Apollo Bay

Ballarat: Murder, Revenge and Ghosts

Sovereign Hill

This living history museum fells as if the gold rush of the 1850’s is nowhere far. Families are taken to go and pan for gold, they can witness live show as well as be part of costume photography. Sovereign Hill will let you feel the spirits of its historic past.

Sovereign Hill

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Interact with wombats, crocodiles and emus among other Australian wildlife creatures. The Ballarat Wildlife Park is well-known for its conservation practices, as well as offers hands on with some of the native Australian animals.

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Kryal Castle

Fight off the dragons and save the day face your inner hero when at Kryal Castle in Ballarat’s buzzy suburb. From jousting to exploring the castle dungeons, I can say it was a 1 of a kind experience, which made the medieval fantasy real.

Kryal Castle

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula: Coastal Fun and Culture

Geelong Waterfront

At the Geelong waterfront, a working carousel, pieces of art and cafes are the attractions. Children can walk on the esplanade or swim in the beautifully restored Eastern Beach pool.

Adventure Park Geelong

With families in mind, Adventure Park Geelong is the largest water park in Victoria that is filled with fun. With water slides, prepared wave pools, and even play areas, it is the best way to beat the heat on a hot sunny day. Get a Park pass to ride all the rides and see all the attractions.

Adventure Park Geelong

Bellarine Rail Trail

If a more relaxed day sounds appealing, consider taking in the sights of the Bellarine Peninsula on the more relaxing Bellarine Rail Trail. This easy trail is great for biking or just a casual walking and has breathtaking views of the landscape, countryside and even the coast.

Bellarine Rail Trail

Macedon Ranges: Gardens and Gourmet Delights

Hanging Rock

One of the best and most enjoyable sightseeing places for families with kids who are nature lovers and enjoy activities outdoors is the Hanging Rock. In addition, it has beautiful picnic areas and breathtaking scenery.

Hanging Rock

Mount Macedon

The Mount Macedon gardens are exquisitely manicured and boast plenty of seasonal flowering plants. The landscape is even more enchanting in the autumn as the green canopy is replaced by bursts of the fall colors.

Mount Macedon gardens

Woodend and Kyneton

These gorgeous towns also have a fantastic food hub as well as a vibrant community of artists. You can shop at the local markets, have lunch at the different family-oriented eateries, go for a walk and admire the beauty of the place.

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Tips for a Successful Family Day Trip

Planning and Packing Essentials

To be able to enjoy the day trip, everyone is required to put everything required in a sensible manner. Things to be included are water, biscuits, sun-screen, and hats. A picnic blanket and portable chairs should make your al fresco meals more pleasant. During winter, remember to carry an extra sweater because it can be cold all of a sudden.

Selecting a Destination

Take into account everyone’s interests and level of energy in the whole family. For instance, kids may be more fascinated by Werribee Zoo or Adventure Park Geelong, while adults may interest themselves more with historical attractions such as Sovereign Hill or Kryal Castle.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort

Make it a rule to carry a basic first-aid kit with you and to observe the environment around while in the wilderness. When going to the beaches or the national parks, do not ignore the safety rules and notice boards from Parks Victoria.

Conclusion

A remarkable aspect of history, culture and nature loving Melbourne is that every nook and corner reveals opportunities to enrich families. From historical walks in the Ballarat townships to beach days at the Mornington Peninsula to wild life at the Phillip Island the options for a day trip are beyond optimization with inspiration. With so many beautiful places around to visit within few hours drive has made me realize only a next family trip is left to be discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Yarra Valley wineries are suitable for families with children?

Many Yarra Valley wineries like Balgownie Estate Bendigo have friendly facilities including play areas and even animals for children to interact with, and so are more suitable for families.

What are the kids free activities, attractions and places in Melbourne?

Yes, a great number of attractions are without an entrance fee and among others of these are the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Geelong Waterfront and many beaches on the Mornington Peninsula.

What is the best time of year to visit Phillip Island with children?

Visiting during the summer months is the ideal time for the parents who would love to indulge in outdoor activities such as attending the Penguin Parade and visiting the Koala Conservation Reserve.

Is it possible to drive up the Great Ocean Road in a day out with small kids?

Yes, but it can be a long day. Be sure to include the Twelve Apostles among the main sights in your round and make stops in places like Lorne or Apollo Bay for a meal and a break.

What are the best picnic spots in the Dandenong Ranges for young families?

Wonderful picnic places are Grant’s Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke Forest and the area around Emerald Lake. All has great atmosphere and resources that can be used for a useful day away.

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