Victoria Australia is the second-most populous state in Australia. It has a plethora of amazing sites, mountains, mighty rivers and delicious food that will stay in your memory long after you have left.
That being said, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Victoria too. Attractions that you can visit with kids in Victoria range from animal parks, water parks, theme parks and so much more. While they are spread out over the amazing State, you will find some wonderful family holiday destinations in Victoria with kids.
- Fun things to do with kids in Victoria
- Kid-friendly places near me in Victoria – Kyabram Fauna Park
- Kids attractions near me – Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- The Otway Fly – fun things to do with kids in Victoria
- Sovereign Hill – family-friendly things in Victoria
- Fun places to go near me in Victoria – Kryal Castle
- Pioneer Settlement – family things to do in Victoria
- Walhalla – things to do in Victoria for families
- Places to visit with kids in Victoria – The Halls Gap Zoo
- Hiking in Grampians National Park
- Luna Park – things to do in Melbourne with kids
- Gumbuya World – Family Attractions Victoria
- Fun Fields theme park – Victoria family attractions
- Melbourne Zoo – family activities
- Puffing Billy – places to visit in Victoria.
- Enchanted Adventure Garden Tree Surfing
The best holiday destinations in Victoria for families have a great range of activities for kids and adults alike.
Fun things to do with kids in Victoria
Days out as a family are a great way to not only see more of our wonderful state but to experience what our state has to offer too. There are so many wonderfully fun things to do with kids in Victoria that will have you easily kept busy through the school holidays and beyond.
Kid-friendly places near me in Victoria – Kyabram Fauna Park
The Kyabram Fauna Park is a great place to go for families and groups of friends. There is a variety of Australian animals to see at this park, which includes kangaroos, koalas, and dingoes. An animal experience is a fun thing to do with kids. You can walk a Dingo, pat a Koala, feed a Cassowary and more.
The park also has a picnic area with BBQs available if you want to have lunch before or after your trip out. The Kyabram Fauna Park may not be as big as some other parks in Victoria but it’s one that everyone can enjoy together as a family. Kyabram Fauna is one of the best places to visit in regional Victoria for the whole family.
Where to stay in Kyabram
There is limited choice for accommodation in Kyabram. There are only a few hotels and rentals in town. The best place to stay would be Echuca, which is 30-45 minutes away with plenty of accommodation options when you holiday with kids in Victoria.
How to get to Kyabram Fauna Park
From the Melbourne area, the trip is around 200 kilometres, while from Echuca it’s only 40 kilometres.
See more of Victoria: All the best things to do in Echuca
Kids attractions near me – Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is on the southeastern coast of Australia and is one of the most popular Victorian family getaways. Phillip Island is less than an hour away from Melbourne. The island is home to over 40 different species of wildlife, including the iconic Penguin parade.
This island is a natural wonderland and is a great place for families with kids in Victoria and for visitors alike. The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park is one of the highlights of any trip to the island.
We recommend paying a little extra and sitting in the VIP area on your family holiday. Here you will see the Little Penguins walk straight under the viewing platform.
Where to stay on Phillip Island
There are numerous family-friendly hotels on the Island from family-friendly backpackers hostels to holiday parks, hotels, resorts, apartments and on and on. The Ramada Phillip Island resort is a firm favourite for families with kids in Victoria.
How to get to Phillip Island
Phillip Island can easily be reached from Melbourne in around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Melbourne via the Mornington Peninsula or the South Gippsland Highway. When you stay with kids in Victoria, a visit to Phillip Island to see the little penguins should be on your list.
Visit Phillip Island. The best-detailed guide on things to do on Phillip Island
The Otway Fly – fun things to do with kids in Victoria
Otway Fly on the Great Ocean Road is a zip line that takes you across the Otway Ranges, Victoria, Australia. It is one of the highest zip lines in the world with a total of 740 m of vertical descent. The ride takes about 30 minutes and offers beautiful views of forests, lakes, gorges and mountains.
The Otway Fly is great for children, families and couples looking for adventure on their vacation with kids in Victoria! Zip Line Tours and Tree Top Walk await thrill-seeking, adventurous families. You can book your Otway Fly tickets right here
Where to stay near the Otway Fly
The Otway Fly is not located in a town as such, so your best bet is to use the below map for apartment and hotel options when doing adventurous activities on the Great Ocean Road. Maybe a stay near the beautiful beaches of the area or at Apollo Bay would be a good choice.
How to get to the Otway Fly
The site can easily be reached from the Great Ocean Road around 200 kilometres from Melbourne through Colac.
Book your Otway Fly tickets today
Experience the GOR: Don’t miss the best sites on the Great Ocean Road
Sovereign Hill – family-friendly things in Victoria
This museum brings to life the story of Victoria’s pioneers and the gold rush. It offers a glimpse into the old times with a range of vintage shops, vehicles, and workers in costume to give you a taste of life in those days.
Sovereign Hill houses many life-sized exhibits that teach visitors about gold mining, how people lived back then, and what happened when gold was discovered in Victoria. This is the only place in Australia where you can experience this slice of history.
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as horse and cart rides, panning for gold or a journey into an underground gold mine. In addition to historical buildings and structures, there is an award-winning restaurant featuring local produce from regional Victorian farms and producers as well. Book your Sovereign Hill Entry Tickets!
Where to stay near Sovereign Hill
There are a number of hotels and holiday parks located within walking distance. The pick of the bunch is the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre which is located just over the road.
A great affordable option on the edge of the Ballarat CBD is the Bakery Hill Hotel. Ballarat is one of Victoria’s favourite holiday destinations in regional Victoria.
How to get to Sovereign Hill
Follow the Western Highway from Melbourne to Ballarat in around 1 hour. You can catch a V-Line train from Melbourne through to Ballarat for kids’ holidays in Victoria.
Klook.comFun places to go near me in Victoria – Kryal Castle
If you’re looking for different things to do for families in Victoria, then Kryal Castle may tick the box. Kryal Castle is a medieval-themed castle, located near Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
The Castle opened as a tourist attraction in 1974 and has welcomed a whole generation of Victorian families since. The castle has been used as a film set and the location for numerous weddings and events over the years.
Kryal Castle is open to the public and visitors can make a day trip or stay overnight in the onsite rooms. There are also many fun activities at Kryal Castle such as jousting, archery, the Maze and catching a show at the Jesters theatre. During the year there are medieval-themed banquets and murder mystery nights which add a fun twist to your visit.
Where to stay near Kryal Castle
You can actually stay inside the walls of the castle, which is a brilliant experience for kids in Victoria, alternatively, you can stay in Ballarat which is only 5 minutes down the road.
Book your stay at Kryal Castle ↗
How to get to Kryal Castle
Follow the Western Highway from Melbourne towards Ballarat.
Planning to explore Victoria more? Here are 11 fun-filled day trips from Melbourne
Pioneer Settlement – family things to do in Victoria
Swan Hill is a quaint town and perfect for family getaways in Victoria with kids. The town has a long history and was built by the pioneers in 1849. This town offers recreational activities for the whole family. One of the most popular attractions is the Pioneer Settlement.
The Pioneer Settlement is home to many buildings that are authentic replicas of pioneer buildings from all over Victoria.
It offers classes for families to experience life as it was back then through cooking, gardening and even crafts like weaving, woodworking and quilting. It also offers laser light shows on Friday evenings, river cruises on Saturday afternoons, bush walks on Sunday mornings and heritage talks throughout the year so you can learn about the history of this historic settlement.
Where to stay near Pioneer Settlement
There is a number of hotels, apartments, tourist parks and Airbnb options in Swan Hill close to Pioneer Settlement. The Burke and Wills Motor Inn are one of the town’s top picks for visiting families. Search all the best places to stay in Swan Hill with Trip Advisor
How to get to Pioneer Settlement
Swan Hill is 330 kilometres from Melbourne on the border with New South Wales. From Melbourne travel via Bendigo and the Loddon Valley Highway to reach Swan Hill.
Do you love Victorian beaches? Here are the very best Victorian beaches
Walhalla – things to do in Victoria for families
Walhalla is a small township in the Gippsland region of Victoria. It’s popular for its rich mining history and heritage tourism attractions. The town has now turned into a heritage site with many preserved buildings, shops, restaurants and gardens to explore.
This town is home to the Long Tunnel Mine, which was once the largest underground gold mine in the world.
Visitors to Walhalla can take tours through this spectacular derelict mine, or explore Walhalla’s many other attractions like ghost tours, gold panning and more! The Walhalla Goldfields Railway offers trips on historic steam trains over some of the same tracks as the pioneering railway that was built in 1861.
Anyone can take this train journey on weekends, with kids under 12 years old riding for free! It is one of the finest preserved steam railways in Victoria Australia. This is a brilliant day out and one of the fun things to do in Victoria with kids.
Where to stay at Walhalla
There are a number of apartments, Airbnb locations, camping and 1 hotel in Walhalla. Some places in regional Victoria like Walhalla have limited accommodation options.
How to get to Walhalla
Walhalla is located 185 kilometres from Melbourne via Moe on the Princes Highway.
Looking for a holiday in Gippsland? The Gippsland Lakes are the perfect destination
Places to visit with kids in Victoria – The Halls Gap Zoo
In regional Victoria, Halls Gap Zoo is a perfect place for families to go on day trips. There are lots of giraffes, meerkats, koalas, snakes and other animals to see. The Zoo is one of the Grampians region’s most popular family fun attractions. It’s perfect for families looking for a day trip or holiday fun with kids in Victoria.
With over 100 different animal species to see, there are plenty of enjoyable animal experiences with children and adults alike. The giraffe family is one of the most popular attractions at the zoo thanks to its size.
For a few extra dollars, you can do family-friendly activities such as feeding the Giraffes. The Zoo is the largest regional zoo in Victoria, with over 160 different species on display.
Where to stay near Halls Gap Zoo
Halls Gap has a lot of accommodation options for a small town, you will find hotels, holiday parks, hostels, apartments and properties. For an affordable alternative, we highly recommend the YHA Grampians eco-lodge. The Grampians National Park is one of the more popular Victoria holiday destinations for families and offers walking trails as well.
How to get to Halls Gap Zoo
Halls Gap is 3 hours west of Melbourne. Follow the Western Highway through Ballarat and Ararat, then follow the signs to Halls Gap via C222
Planning to explore Victoria more? Here are the best things to do in Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians!
Hiking in Grampians National Park
Families visiting Victoria can embark on various exciting adventures in the Grampians National Park. There are hikes and walking trails to suit all ages and abilities, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
- Boroka Lookout: A short, easy walk to Boroka Lookout offers panoramic views of Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. It’s perfect for capturing family photos with a stunning backdrop.
- The Balconies: This walk takes you to a unique rock formation resembling two balconies. It’s a short and well-maintained trail, making it suitable for kids. The reward at the end is a fantastic view.
- MacKenzie Falls: While a bit longer, the walk to MacKenzie Falls is family-friendly. You can choose to go to the base of the falls (which involves some stairs) or take the easier path to the lookout. The sight of the waterfall is truly awe-inspiring and worth the effort.
- Reed Lookout and The Balconies: This hike combines two rewarding experiences into one. The first part leads to Reed Lookout, which offers breathtaking views. Then, it continues to The Balconies for another fascinating formation.
- Silverband Falls: A short, easy walk suitable for all ages. The waterfall is especially beautiful after rainfall and provides a serene setting for a family picnic.
- Venus Baths Loop: This gentle loop walk is perfect for kids. It leads to lovely rock pools where children can safely play and explore.
- Fyans Creek Loop: Another easy loop trail ideal for families. It’s a short, pleasant walk along Fyans Creek, surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
- Lake Bellfield Nature Walk: This leisurely walk offers families the chance to explore the serene shores of Lake Bellfield. It’s a peaceful spot for birdwatching and picnicking.
With these family-friendly hikes in the Grampians National Park, Victoria provides a fantastic opportunity for kids and adults alike to connect with nature while enjoying this region’s stunning landscapes.
Keep an eye out for wild animals such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats and more on the hiking trails in the National Park. Seeing wild animals on the hiking trails is a real thrill for kids.
Luna Park – things to do in Melbourne with kids
Luna Park is where you can go for family-friendly fun activities near Melbourne. It’s located close to the centre of Melbourne, in the Bayside suburb of St Kilda. There are many different rides, activities and food stalls making it one of the family fun places to go in Victoria.
Klook.comRides include a vintage carousel, The scenic railway (a wooden roller coaster), dodgem cars, ghost trains and many more. There is also an amusement arcade with games to suit all tastes. The park is open at least every weekend throughout the year. Luna Park has been one of the fun things to do with kids in Victoria for over 100 years.
Where to stay near Luna Park
Being near the city centre there numerous choices, we recommend the family rooms at the Cosmopolitan Hotel or the Novotel St Kilda for your stay in St Kilda with kids.
Find your place to stay in St Kilda ↗
How to get to Luna Park
Luna Park is only 10 minutes from the Melbourne CDB at St Kilda. St Kilda can easily be accessed by car or tram.
Gumbuya World – Family Attractions Victoria
Gumbuya Park is a perfect place to take your family and spend a day at any time of year. It’s a great place to go with kids in Victoria, as there are a lot of fun family activities. The park is located east of Melbourne and separated into 3 sections: Fauna Park, Water Park and Theme Park sections.
For many young Victorian kids, going to Gumbuya World may be a Victorian kid’s first experience on a roller coaster.
You can often see the scared but excited looks on kids’ faces. The water park section features a lazy river, wave pool, waterslides and family-sized cabanas. A stroll through the fauna park will allow you to feed the Kangaroos and see many other native animals of Australia. Gumbuya World is a must-have location for fun things to do in Victoria with kids.
Where to stay near Gumbuya World
There are no hotels situated in the area. The nearest big towns are Warragul and Pakenham, with Melbourne just an hour away.
Book entry tickets for Gumbuya World ↗
How to get to Gumbuya Park
The park is located at Tynong, 1 hour east of Melbourne, on the Princes Highway
Discover hidden gems: All the best things to do in winter in Victoria
Fun Fields theme park – Victoria family attractions
Funfields is a theme park in Whittlesea near Melbourne, Australia. It has some of Victoria’s best family-friendly attractions for kids and adults.
The park’s best feature is its water playground, which has a wave pool, an interactive water slide, and a toboggan ride.
It also has two roller coasters – one that goes high up in the sky and another that goes through a dark forest with many twists and turns.
The park features several water rides, such as the Gravity Wave, Kraken Racer and Typhoon, which all hold world records. A fun day out with kids in Victoria is a certainty at Funfields.
Where to stay near Funfields
There are a limited number of hotels in Whittlesea, so you would be better off staying in Melbourne.
How to get to Funfields
The theme park is 57 kilometres from Melbourne via state Route 57.
Melbourne Zoo – family activities
The Melbourne Zoo is a great place for young kids to see various animals. One of the things that makes the Zoo in Melbourne special is its focus on conservation and education. There are over 300 different species of animals at the zoo, including native wildlife and many that are rare or endangered.
The zoo has some exhibits and activities that help visitors learn about these animals and the importance of protecting them.
Some of the most popular animals at the Zoo include lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and gorillas. There’s also a large Australian animal exhibit where visitors can see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native species.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the Melbourne Zoo has several other attractions for visitors. There’s a playground for kids, a Wild Sea exhibit that showcases marine life, and a “Keeper Kids” program where children can learn what it’s like to work with animals.
Where to stay near the Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is close enough to stay in the city centre of Melbourne. You can easily stay in a hotel or apartment.
How to get to the Melbourne Zoo
Trains run from Flinders Street Station on the Upfield line every day, stopping at Royal Park Station – just across the road from the Zoo’s rail gate entrance.
Puffing Billy – places to visit in Victoria.
Puffing Billy is a heritage steam train in the Dandenong Ranges, just outside of Melbourne. It’s a popular tourist attraction, especially for families with children. The train ride takes you through the beautiful forests and hills of the region, offering scenic views and a nostalgic experience.
The train was originally built in the early 1900s to transport goods and passengers in the area. Today, it has been preserved and restored for tourists to enjoy. The train runs on a narrow-gauge track, which adds to its charm and uniqueness.
One of the highlights of the Puffing Billy experience is the opportunity to sit on the open-sided carriages, where you can feel the wind in your hair and get up close to the scenery. It’s also a fun chance to spot wildlife like birds, wallabies, and even the occasional koala. Book your Puffing Billy tickets today.
Where to stay near Puffing Billy
There are a number of choices of places in the Dandenong Rangers and the Yarra Valley which are close to Puffing Billy. Towns like Belgrave and Olinda have hotels, apartments and tourist parks.
How to get to Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy is located 46 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, The best way to get there is by car or if you’re a visitor to Melbourne you can go on an organised tour.
Enchanted Adventure Garden Tree Surfing
The Mornington Peninsula offers one of the best places to visit in Victoria with kids. Nestled in the lush forest of the Enchanted Adventure Garden, Tree Surfing is a thrilling family experience.
Here, you’ll find a treetop obstacle course like no other. Kids and adults alike can navigate suspended bridges, swing from high ropes, and conquer wobbly obstacles—all while safely harnessed.
This attraction is designed for family fun and suitable for all ages, making it a perfect choice for a memorable day out. Book your tree surfing today.
Where to stay on the Mornington Peninsula:
You will find any number of hotels, apartments and holiday parks to stay near the Enchanted Adventure Garden. Some of the top choices for families are near beautiful beaches on the bay. We recommend RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Portsea Village Resort, Sorrento Beach Motel and the Bayview Motel Rosebud
How to get to Enchanted Adventure Garden:
Located at Arthurs Seat on the hill above Dromana, it is easy to find if you follow the signs leading to the Eagle Chairlift station and walking trails. The official address to put in your GPS is 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
We hope this article has inspired you to find fun things to do with kids in Victoria. Victoria is such a big state, there is always some family fun in Victoria with kids to be had wherever you choose to visit with kids.
The team here at Explore Victoria Australia strive to provide you with first-hand knowledge of all the very best things to do in Victoria.
We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular caravan parks and pristine beaches to drives along the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of Melbourne, Victoria, with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat, or the autumn colours of Bright and Northern Victoria, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.
Even if you love exploring Gippsland or driving the Great Alpine Road, Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to visit in Melbourne or more travel in Victoria destinations, Explore Victoria has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience.
If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at contact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com.
More explore Victoria’s inspiration
Author Bio
Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.