Victoria is glorious. There’s so much to see and do for families, from ‘lake life’ and cycling adventures through to Melbourne’s intergenerational favourite, the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

The trick is to choose things to do in Victoria that suit your clan, so read on and let’s see if we can help.

1. Melbourne

All roads lead to Melbourne. It’s the sporting capital of Australia (sorry Sydney), so much so that the MCG has a museum dedicated to Australian sport, as well as tours. In case you missed the memo, MCG stands for Melbourne Cricket Ground and it’s a modern colosseum. If there’s an AFL or cricket match on, you can enjoy a great day/night out—and let’s not forget the Australian Open, which captivates Australia and turns the whole country into tennis fans each year in January.

_{Australian Open. Image credit: Visit Victoria}

When the weather improves later in the year, it’s time for the Melbourne Fringe Festival to kick up its heels in October. The festival features numerous family-friendly shows and interactive events, from engaging children’s theatre and family comedy to creative workshops.

Staying nearby allows families to comfortably attend multiple events and take advantage of the festival’s full range of activities, and Discovery Parks – Melbourne puts you right in the heart of the action. It’s just a short drive or public transport ride from the festival venues. 

After a day of festival fun, your family can return to the comfortable and spacious Deluxe 3-Bedroom Apartments at Discovery Parks – Melbourne. With separate bedrooms, a spacious living area, and a fully equipped kitchen, these apartments provide the perfect home-away-from-home experience.

Tourist attractions in Melbourne cater for everyone, so if festivals and sport are not your fancy, check out the Royal Botanic Gardens or pop into the Queen Victoria Market, which features a night market with a Euro flavour from time to time.

For unparalleled views of the city, head 300 metres up to the Melbourne Skydeck, which is the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. It’s the immersive Voyager Theatre that your children will love the most, closely followed by a virtual reality ‘walk the plank’ experience, and The Edge, which is a suspended glass cubicle. 

But Melbourne is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to see and do in Victoria. Now, it’s time to explore further afield.

_{Deluxe 3-Bedroom Apartment at Discovery Parks - Melbourne}

2. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is, well, great! Your social media accounts will be going off like a rocket as you post photos of scenic towns such as Port Fairy, Torquay, Apollo Bay, Portland, and Lorne. The beaches beckon, but so too does chocolate in the form of a 45-minute, sticky-fingers Junior Chocolatier class at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Kids and ice cream are a perfect flavour match, and Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream will have them in hysterics as they try to choose between Vegemite ice cream or the taste of unicorn poo. Wildlife parks, national parks, and heritage attractions will ensure they learn something after the sugar hit subsides. The ideal place to stay is Discovery Parks – Warrnambool, with its pool, pedal karts, and dog-friendly accommodation.

It’s close to local beaches and attractions, including the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, a historical village displaying the life of a 19th century port and town. Children are provided with a bag of feed for the farm animals you’ll encounter as you explore the 10-hectare property and the Sea Chest Challenge Trail. Stay after dark for the impressive Sound and Light Show Experience. Other attractions include a 400-metre BMX track, mini golf, walking trails, and an adventure park.

_{Twelve Apostles. Image Credit: Visit Victoria.}

3. Twelve Apostles

Part of the Great Ocean Road, but worth mentioning on its own, is the Twelve Apostles, because it is the #1 attraction. The boardwalk and viewing areas – decked out in the colours of local cockatoos – are modern and accessible. Kids will love the tunnel that goes under the Great Ocean Road to get to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre. The kiosk will fend off hunger pangs until you can get to nearby Port Campbell, where there is a lively restaurant scene.

_{Twelve Apostles. Image Credit: Visit Victoria}

4. Nagambie 

Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes is a water activity haven for families. Whether you’re paddling across the lake, fishing, or cruising down the Goulburn River, the park offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and create lasting family memories. It’s ideally located on the the serene shores of Lake Nagambie and has its own boat ramp, perfect for fishing and water activities. There’s really no need to leave Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes, with its entertainment options including a bouncing pillow, swimming pool, tennis court, playground, games room, and regular activities.

_{Fishing at Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes.}

5. Murray River

The Murray River region in Victoria is a prime destination for families looking to blend outdoor adventure with relaxation. Discovery Parks – Echuca is an ideal base for exploring all that the Murray River has to offer. A key benefit of your stay will be direct access to the river for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Echuca is famous for its historic paddle steamers, offering families a unique chance to step back in time, as does the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, which is a family favourite. The area is also renowned for its peaceful riverside strolls, which won’t cost you a cent. The park is designed for families, with a resort-style pool, playgrounds, and spacious cabins. 

_{Paddle Steamers at Echuca Wharf. Image Credit: Visit Victoria}

6. Victorian High Country 

You’ll be in good company if you choose a cycling-inspired holiday in this area, with the gorgeous town of Bright, a mecca for cyclists (and runners). While there are some gruelling rides, such as up Mount Buffalo, the Victorian High Country has many scenic bike trails that are perfect for families staying at Discovery Parks – Bright and Discovery Parks – Mount Buffalo. Here are our three suggestions for the top family-friendly bike trails near Bright and Mount Buffalo:

• Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: A 100km rail trail, but you can easily do shorter sections. It’s a relatively flat and smooth trail, so it’s great for riders of all ages and abilities.
• Mount Buffalo National Park: From introductory trails that offer breathtaking views without being too strenuous, to some gnarly old beasts, this national park has it all.
• Bright to Wandiligong Trail: This short, family-friendly trail runs between Bright and the historic village of Wandiligong. It’s an easy ride that follows Morses Creek, offering a peaceful and scenic journey through the countryside.

_{Bike trail at Discovery Parks - Bright}

7. Lake Hume

The fun is 50 percent lake activities and 50 percent park activities. Stay at Discovery Parks – Lake Hume and you can hire kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal karts from reception. Activities over the year include pancake mornings (perfect before you venture into the Rutherglen Wine Region or the Bandiana Army Museum), sausage sizzles, movie nights, a camp fire evening, and so much more. Don’t forget to take a dip in the Hume Dam.

_{Trentham Estate Winery. Image Credit: Visit Victoria}

9. Geelong

The home of the mighty Cats (Geelong Football Club), Geelong is also close to the Great Ocean Road, and the Museum of Play and Art, which is a children’s museum. Ride the ferris wheel at Eastern Beach Reserve, check out the old-time carousel at The Carousel Pavilion, and learn about First Nation’s history at the award winning Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Then, head back to Discovery Parks – Geelong, have a quick swim, a meal in the café, and then settle in to watch a rerun of the 2022 AFL grand final.

_{Narana Aboriginal Culture Centre. Image Credit: Visit Victoria}

10. Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Discover amazing walks, views, rock art paintings, water activities, and Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre. 

_{Grampians Peaks Trail. Image Credit: Parks Victoria}

11. Ballarat

A highlight of this historic goldfields town is panning for gold at Sovereign Hill. Then, there’s the Ballarat Wildlife Park, the Eureka Centre, Kryal Castle (open on weekends), and animatronic dinosaurs at Ballarat Bird World. 

_{Soverign Hill. Image Credit: Visit Victoria}

There's so much to see and do in Victoria!

The Garden State is bursting with unique attractions and activities, from the cosmopolitan but kid-friendly city of Melbourne to the scenic beauty of the Victorian High Country.

Discovery Parks are not just situated in prime locations to enable an experience-packed holiday, but they also offer a range of a fantastic, family-friendly accommodation options for your next holiday.

Now it’s over to you to start the fun.

Book your escape today