Family-Friendly things to do in Victoria
Embarking on a family road trip holiday is a special experience, and when it comes to family-friendly places to visit in Victoria, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re a family of nature lovers, foodies, adventure seekers or cultural seekers, Victoria has something for everyone to enjoy.
This guide will provide the top 10 family-friendly things to do in Victoria to make your holiday travel itinerary planning a little easier. When you rent a van to travel in with the kids, you’ll add an extra layer of adventure to the trip, all of which are sure to create long-lasting family memories. So if you’ve been dreaming of an Australia road trip with the family but have been wondering what are the things to do in Victoria for families, then this is the blog for you.
What’s Victoria known for?
Victoria is a state known for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, and family-friendly activities. With a diverse landscape that ranges from stunning coastal towns to vibrant cities, Victoria is a wonderful place to embark on a campervan road trip. Some of the best family activities in Victoria to enjoy on an Australian holiday road trip include checking out the iconic Great Ocean Road, the cultural hub of Melbourne, and the picturesque Yarra Valley.
Victoria also offers a wide range of other family-friendly activities, including wildlife encounters, amusement parks, and outdoor adventures. There is something for everyone, as well as some of the best family day trips in Victoria, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the best that Australia has to offer.
What’s the best way to explore Victoria with your family?
While there are many ways to explore Victoria, one of the best ways to do so with your family is in an Apollo campervan hire. There are so many reasons why hiring a motorhome is the best way to see Australia. With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore the state at your own pace, without being tied down to specific locations or schedules.
Visit Victoria's many natural wonders, including the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park, and experience its vibrant cities, such as Melbourne and Geelong. With van travel, you have all the comforts of home, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making it a great option for families with kids. Plus, save money on accommodation and dining out, as you'll have everything you need right in the campervan.
Family-friendly things to do in Victoria
There are so many things to do in Victoria with the family, but to make travel itinerary planning a little easier, we’ve put our top 10 below.
1. Great Ocean Road Adventure
Victoria is home to many family-friendly activities, and the Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular. This scenic coastal drive stretches over 240 kilometres, showcasing stunning views of the ocean, beaches, cliffs, and rainforests. It’s the perfect destination for families who enjoy exploring nature and the outdoors.
There are plenty of things to do from hiking and camping to surfing and swimming. Visit the iconic Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising from the ocean. Plus the kids will love seeing the wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and whales during their migration season.
2. Melbourne Zoo Safari
Taking a trip to the Melbourne Zoo is always a hit with the whole family. Situated in the heart of the city, this zoo is home to over 300 species of animals from around the world. The zoo offers a range of experiences, including close-up encounters with the animals, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive activities for the kids.
One of the most popular experiences is the open-air safari, where visitors can ride in a specially designed-vehicle to see the animals up close. Melbourne Zoo is perfect for families who want to learn more about animals and conservation while having fun.
3. Puffing Billy Steam Train
Next up on our list of family-friendly things to do in Victoria is a trip to Puffing Billy Steam Train. This historic train is over 100 years old and runs through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. The train ride is a unique experience in itself, with the sound of the whistle and the steam engine making for an unforgettable journey.
Families can enjoy the scenic ride while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding forest and countryside. Kids will love seeing the train go over the famous trestle bridge and through the historic tunnels. There are also opportunities to get off the train and explore the area by foot, including walking trails and picnic areas.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a beautiful space that the whole family is bound to love exploring. The gardens are located in the heart of Melbourne and are the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. The gardens are home to over 8,500 plant species from around the world, including rare and endangered plants.
Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife, before enjoying a picnic lunch in nature. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to learn and explore, including interactive displays, guided tours, and workshops.
5. Phillip Island Penguin Parade
One unforgettable adventure to go on with the family is to take a trip to Phillip Island to check out the Penguin Parade. The Penguin Parade is a nightly ritual where visitors can witness hundreds of little penguins waddling up the beach to their burrows. The penguins are the smallest species of penguin in the world and are a must-see for families visiting Victoria.
Families can enjoy the spectacle of the penguins returning to their burrows after a day of fishing in the ocean. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn about the penguins and their habitat, including interactive exhibits and guided tours.
6. Grampians National Park
Next up on our list is a trip to the Grampians National Park, a great destination for outdoor adventures with the family. The park is located in western Victoria and is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state. There are a range of activities for families, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting.
There are also plenty of family-friendly walking trails, such as the Pinnacle Walk, where families can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. While discovering the park be sure to keep an eye out for the range of native wildlife that can make the park home including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus.
7. Scienceworks in Melbourne
There are so many family-friendly activities in Victoria, and Scienceworks in Melbourne is one of the most exciting. Scienceworks is an interactive museum that showcases science and technology in fun and engaging ways.
The museum offers a range of activities for families, including hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and live science shows. Kids can explore the wonders of science through exhibits like the Sportsworks, where they can test their skills in a range of sports, or the Lightning Room, where they can learn about electricity. Scienceworks is a great way for families to learn and have fun together, making it an ideal destination for a day out on your road trip.
8. Ballarat Wildlife Park
A trip to the Ballarat Wildlife Park is next on our list as a great day trip in Victoria for families on a road trip. The park is located in Ballarat, about an hour and a half's drive from Melbourne and is home to a range of native Australian animals. Families can see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, and many other animals during their visit.
The park offers a range of experiences, including animal encounters and guided tours. Kids can also enjoy the playground and picnic area, making it a great place for the whole family.
9. Melbourne Skydeck
The Melbourne Skydeck is a great way to experience the city in a unique and thrilling way, making it an ideal destination for families visiting the area on a road trip. The Skydeck is located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower in Melbourne and offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Families can enjoy the breathtaking views while standing on the glass platform, which extends out from the building. The Skydeck also offers a range of interactive experiences, including a virtual reality experience and a green screen photo booth. Kids can learn about the history and architecture of Melbourne through interactive displays and guided tours.
10. Adventure Park Geelong
The Adventure Park Geelong is a great way to cool off and have fun with the family, making it an ideal destination for those on a campervan road trip. The whole family will love the park, located about an hour's drive from Melbourne. It’s home to a range of thrilling water rides and attractions.
Families can enjoy the wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river, making it a perfect destination for a hot summer's day. The park also offers a range of activities for kids, including a mini-golf course, a playground, and a jumping castle.
Where to stay in Victoria
There are some wonderful family-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Victoria, perfect for those travelling in a campervan hire. From the Great Ocean Road Tourist Park and Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park, to the Geelong Surfcoast Highway Holiday Park and Lakes Entrance Tourist Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice for picturesque places to park your camper.
Ready to explore Victoria?
As you can probably tell, there are so many wonderful things to do in Victoria for families in a campervan. With the Apollo Melbourne branch conveniently located within easy reach of the city and airport, Apollo makes family travel easy. If you’ve read enough and are now ready to embark on a family road trip, then book your Apollo campervan hire today either online or in a branch.