With a world turned upside down, and everything a little topsy turvy right now, there’s nowhere we’d rather be right now than Down Under. Australia has been regularly lauded for its handling of the coronavirus crisis and for keeping cases relatively under control, and its citizens are now reaping the benefits, with the country’s return to normality on the not too distant horizon.
Whether you’re planning a trip here once borders reopen, or you’re fortunate enough to already be in the country, you’re bound to find something to suit your family’s unique tastes in Australia.
Of course, the country is vast, and should you be looking to narrow down your itinerary somewhat, then Australia’s second smallest state, home to Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley, could well be for you. Whatever your style, from surfing and skiing to foodie tours and theme parks, Victoria has it all.
Indeed, for tourists, there are plenty of things to do here. However, if you’re travelling with kids and want some inspiration on planning a stress free trip, some foresight and preparation is essential. Look no further; here are 7 of the best things to do with kids in Victoria, Australia.
SAY G’DAY TO A KANGAROO AT MELBOURNE ZOO
There’s no doubt that zoos are a perennially popular choice with families, and Australia just happens to have some of the most cuddly, exciting animals around.
Melbourne Zoo is a wonderful place to see the country’s native animals and, of course, a few big hitters from across the globe, all in one place. Set aside a whole day for your trip here, since there’s loads to see and do! The largest exhibit here is the Wild Sea, where you can see penguins and seals frolic around. The Trail of the Elephants is an absolute highlight, too, housed within the immersive Asian Village.
But you’re here for the native animals, right? Rest assured, Melbourne Zoo is packed with them. To make the stay extra special, consider making your zoo visit even more memorable by booking an exclusive animal encounter with a Kangaroo. In this unique experience, the keepers will guide you and the kids through the kangaroo exhibit and allow you to get up close and personal with Australia’s national animal. They also offer a roar ‘n’ snore nighttime camp where you can sleep overnight in the historic elephant exhibit. Wow!
An important aspect of Melbourne Zoo is the conservation work that happens here, offering an insight for both adults and children into the important work they do, from fighting extinction threats, conserving habitats and saving wildlife, all the way to raising awareness of palm oils found in supermarket products that contribute to environmental destruction. Ideal for educating the little ones on how to tread a little more carefully on this beautiful planet, don’t you think?
ABORIGINAL HERITAGE WALK @ ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Take your kids on a journey into the ancestral lands of the local Kulin Nation at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, which is a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation.
While of course you can explore solo, the Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a truly unique experience, enriched by an Indigenous Australian guide who will help you gain a deeper understanding of Melbourne’s past and the Wadawurrung culture which informs the city and region’s identity so comprehensively.
The tour begins with a traditional smoke ceremony. Afterwards, you’ll be introduced to the plants which contribute to the traditional medicine and food of Australia’s First Nations People; you’ll even get to taste some bush foods! There’ll also be insights into how indigenous Australians used native plants and flora to fashion tools. A fantastic glimpse for all the family into a rich history, this one.
After that, spend the day picnicking or having lunch in the café or try punting on the lake – bonus points for friendly dogs which are also welcome on board.
Kids under 7 years are free.
Read: 5 adventure activities to experience on your holiday to Queensland, Australia
GUMBUYA WORLD
‘’Go big or go home’’, as they say, and after such a long flight, it’s probably best to go BIG rather than be banished back to Blighty.
If you’re after a truly epic day, then look no further than Gumbuya World, in Tynong. Just an hour’s drive south east from Melbourne, here you can experience the best of Australian wildlife, get your carnival ride on, or head to the waterpark that has 8 slides and a bunch of other water based attractions, too. Phew!
We’re big fans of the waterpark’s private cabanas, which are available for hire and offer shade, privacy and a fridge to stash your cold drinks and snacks. Refreshingly, Gumbuya Park is a well-thought-out space designed to make the most of existing, established greenery and a good change from many of the more concrete-clad theme parks out there.
A PICNIC IN EMERALD LAKE PARK
“Paddle boat rides, model railway display, barbecue facilities, Puffing Billy, walking tracks, seasonal wading pool, fishing” – Emerald Lake Park has it all. Just an hour west of Melbourne and set in the middle of the Dandenong Ranges, in the warmer months, many Melburnians head here to beat the heat of the city and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
You can book picnic shelters – either boatshed, lakeside or poolside – and a barbecue in advance, which is a wise move since this is a popular spot for a relaxing day. Bliss!
GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRIP
If you’re looking for a longer, more expansive kind of trip, then why not take your kids on an epic adventure; the Great Ocean Road Trip. This legendary road trip encompasses a 250-kilometre stretch of road that wraps along the southwestern coastline of Victoria, from Torquay through to Allansford, and takes in some of the country’s most iconic sites along the way.
Along the way, you’ll find untouched beaches and unkempt cliff edges aplenty, as well as perhaps the world’s premier surfing mecca, the seaside resort of Torquay. Whilst on this drive, you’ll be able to take in The Twelve Apostles, an incredible collection of rock formations in the ocean which are surely a contender for the most striking natural wonder in the world. Set aside three or four days to truly appreciate this one.
The early part of the Great Ocean has particular importance since the road runs through Wadawurrung country, known as the You Yangs, and as such, holds deep spiritual connections to Australia’s Aboriginal ancestors. The You Yangs is hugely important for Indigenous Australian culture in the Melbourne region because this is where, in Australian mythology, the Bunjil, who is the creation ancestor of the wider Melbourne region, first created the Wadawurrung people. Stop off and learn about this history and culture in more detail at Brisbane Ranges National Park.
Should you be keen to take things further, check out or 7 IDEAL stops on your Australian road trip from Melbourne to Sydney.
SAND & SURF AT MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Looking for a beach break? Mornington Peninsula, an hour south of Melbourne, has great bay beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing, booger boarding and exploring rockpools. At the BoNEO Discovery Park on Morning Peninsula, you’ll find ‘Animalia in Sand’ – the world’s first Sand Sculpting Exhibition with augmented reality technology. Wowzers.
A recreation of Graeme Base’s famous alliterative alphabet book beloved of kids (and adults!) across Australia, the sand sculpture uses over 3’500 tonnes of sand to show the characters from the book in a whole different light. Talk about a fun way to learn your A, B, Cs.
SNOWY ACTIVITIES IN LAKE MOUNTAIN
Sand sculptures? Why not some snow sculptures instead? Because Australia isn’t all about baking heat and gorgeous beaches. Yep, you’ll find snow here, too. In fact, snow season in Victoria usually runs from June to October, and during this time, there’s a whole host of activities hosted on snow for the kids to enjoy.
When it comes to skiing and other snowy activities perfect for the family, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The choice of where to ski within the region essentially comes down to the age of your kids and your budget. Mount Hotham offers free skiing for kids under five and has a kid’s club too while Falls Creek offers some great cross country skiing and is also the ideal site for beginners. Ski lessons start from age 3 here, so if you have a little one too young for skiing, there is on-site childcare available here.
Lake Mountain is another firm favourite if you’re looking for a day trip, with seven child friendly toboggan runs making it a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We hope you’ve found inspiration for all the family above, and we can’t wait to hear about your adventures in Victoria, Australia!
Psssst. Are your kids budding foodies? Then check out our article on 5 IDEAL foodie things to do in Melbourne.