12 fun-filled day trips from Melbourne for families - Explore Victoria (2024)

Melbourne is a great place to visit with the whole family. It has a lot of cool activities for all ages and is a home city to the sporting teams for most major sports in Australia.

With pristine beaches, a rich history and culture, and a vibrant food scene, this city has something for everyone, but day trips from Melbourne for families are also a great idea.

Within a few hours of driving, there are many short family fun day trips from Melbourne where you can get out of the city and do some pretty exciting things with your family.

While we recommend these day trips from Melbourne CBD for families, anyone can go on a road trip to the amazing Victorian destinations and have a wonderful time. So, how many of these awesome day trips from Melbourne can you add to your must-do Melbourne itinerary list?

The best day trips from Melbourne for families

Getting out and about as a family is so important in these times and many of us parents are looking for the perfect activities in Victoria for families.

Finding something that everyone will like and for every budget is the hardest part so luckily we have this awesome guide for you to help you plan some of your most memorable day trips from Melbourne for families.

Fun Day trips in Victoria – Gumbuya World

Gumbuya World or as many people could remember it as Gumbuya Park is a brilliant day trip from Melbourne for families. It’s the perfect place to spend a hot summer’s day.

With water slides, wave pools and cabanas to shade you from the heat, you can easily spend an entire day at Gumbuya World. On-site you will also find a small amusem*nt park and a wildlife sanctuary.

Gumbuya World opening times

Opening times do differ during the seasons and for the separate sections of the park. The timetable is at times difficult to read on the website but you should allow time from 10 am is to 4 pm for all the sections.

Gumbuya World entry prices

Below are the Gumbuya World Entry prices as of November 2021

GA = 120cm+ JA = 90cm – 120cm TA = below 90cm SA = 60+ years

Distance from Melbourne to Gumbuya World

Gumbuya World is located at 2705 Princes Highway Tynong, Victoria 3813 making it an easy family day trip. You can easily drive to Gumbuya World via the M1 and allow approximately an hour drive to get there for exhilarating water slide fun.

Tips for visiting Gumbuya World with kids

• Gumbuya World is NOT a BYO venue
• You can purchase snacks, food and drinks at the shops on site
• Lockers are available for hire to store your valuables
• Get there early to secure a lounge by the water. First in best dressed.

How much time do I need at Gumbuya World?

With the price of the tickets, I would plan to spend all day at Gumbuya World. If it is a hot day I would also consider spending the extra money on a cabana for the day which will make it an easy day trip from Melbourne for families and especially parents!

BOOK YOUR GUMBUYA WORLD TICKETS TODAY

Echuca

This border town packs a punch and there are so many things to do in Echuca for families. You can easily spend the day here or if you have more time a perfect getaway from Melbourne. Echuca is the perfect place for day trips from Melbourne for families.

Things to do in Echuca for families

There are so many things to do we have put together a list of the most popular activities in Echuca on your day trips from Melbourne for families list.

• Echuca Paddlesteamers run cruises on the river at 10.15 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 2.45 pm 7 days a week
• Twisted Science runs 3 sessions 10 -11:30am, 12:30 – 2pm and 2:30 – 4pm. Open days are school term opening hours– Wednesday to Sunday.School holidays opening hours– Monday to Sunday.

Places to eat in Echuca for families

There are some brilliant places to eat in Echuca for families as they wrap up their day trips from Melbourne.

• The Moama Bakery for a great pie or pasty
• The Curry Club
• Moama Bowling Club

Distance from Melbourne to Echuca

The drive from Melbourne to Echuca is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes along the Calder Freeway (M79).

Parking around the Port of Echuca is free but has a 2-hour limit

How much time do I need at Echuca?

Being only 2 hours 45 minutes from Melbourne you can easily plan a wonderful day in Echuca with plenty of the activities mentioned. I would plan to start your day with the 11.30 am river cruise and then pop in the activities you would like to do from there.

Finish with an early dinner at one of the restaurants in town and head home down the highway on your day trips from Melbourne for families.

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Places to visit near Melbourne by car – Sovereign Hill

The award-winning Sovereign Hill is one place kids and adults alike fall in love with and is one of the best day trips from Melbourne for families all year round. A completely immersive experience from the gold rush era where you can pan for gold, see old gold mines and wander streets from a forgotten era.

Take a walk around and see people dressed in period costumes, get photos and go on a horse and cart ride.

Located in Ballarat, a family day trip to Sovereign Hill is an epic day trip from Melbourne for families. If you have more time, stay in Ballarat and enjoy a weekend getaway.

Sovereign Hill opening times

Sovereign Hill is open on Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

Sovereign Hill entry prices

Here are the entry prices to Sovereign Hill valid as of November 2021

• For concession to be given a valid concession card must be used
• Prices are for entry, it does not include extra activities like mine tours or carriage rides
• For a brilliant addition, there is also Aura at Sovereign Hill which is a nighttime activity.

Distance from Melbourne to Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne along the Western Freeway.

Parking at Sovereign Hill is free and there is a short walk to the entry if it is busy.

How much time do I need at Sovereign Hill?

For anyone that wants a great day out, I would plan on arriving at around 11 am from Melbourne. This will give you time to do mine tours, have some old-time photos taken together, pan for your wealth in gold, have some lunch, rider the carriage, have some lunch and wander the grounds easily.

If you leave at around 5 you can pick up some dinner in Ballarat and be home for bed before 9 with memories of the perfect day trips from Melbourne for families.

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Places to visit around Melbourne – Kryal Castle

Step back into the medieval past at Kryal Castle. This one is definitely one of the best day trips from Melbourne for families of younger kids. For some Aussie kids, they have not seen a castle so this is a great opportunity for them to experience one.

Many people think that Kryal castle is a real castle but unfortunately, this is a theme park and there are no medieval castles in Australia, however, it does provide good family entertainment.

Kryal Castle opening times

The family-friendly Kryal Castle park is open 10 am-4 pm (last entry at 3 pm) every weekend and daily during the school holidays.

Kryal Castle entry prices

Entry prices to Kyral Castle are correct as of November 2021

Tips for visiting Kryal Castle with kids

• There are activities like jousting, potion making and axe throwing throughout the day. Get a timetable and plan to see them when they are on
• Kids’ birthday parties can be organised in advance
• There are Murder Mystery Nights held throughout the year. While aimed at adults, older kids may find these brilliant to experience

Distance from Melbourne

Kryal Castle is an easy day trip from Melbourne and takes approximately 1 hour to arrive along the Western Freeway towards Ballarat.

How much time do I need at Kryal Castle?

I would aim to arrive around 10 am at the opening. This will give you time to plan out your day and organise what themed shows you would like to see while you are at Kryal Castle. I would expect to be there for around 4 hours with a lunch break in there too. You can also easily visit Ballarat while at Kyral Castle.

Book Kryal Castle entry tickets

Drives from Melbourne – Puffing Billy

A Victorian institution that not many older kids missed out on as they were growing up. It was the place to go at least once in your life and now it is time to pass it on to the next generation on your day trips from Melbourne for families.

So much fun is to be had on Puffing Billy this old steam train can bring new life to old, memories and make new family ones.

Puffing Billy’s opening times

While there are technically no opening times for Puffing Billy we have included the running times.

Puffing Billy departs Belgrave Station at 10 am. Your ticket will tell you what time you will depart and arrive at your chosen destination. Allow 4 hours for the full Belgrave to Gembrook journey with a short stopover.

Puffing Billy entry prices

Below are the Puffing Billy prices as of November 2021

Tips for Puffing Billy for families:

• Tickets must be pre-booked
• Children under 4 ride free
• A valid concession card must be held to receive the discount price
• Tickets are set for return journeys. You must ride on the time your ticket is booked to leave each station

Distance from Melbourne to Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy is one of the best short trips from Melbourne, located in the Dandenong Ranges approximately 1 hour from Melbourne via the M1 freeway.

How much time do I need at Puffing Billy?

You should allow at least 5 hours for the full experience of Puffing Billy. If you are short of time you are able to book shorter rides on Puffing Billy.

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Day trips in Victoria – Healesville Sanctuary

One of the best day trips from Melbourne for families who love animals, The Healesville Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit with kids. You can find so many animals to see here and you may even be able to have an animal experience if your budget allows.

Healesville Sanctuary opening times

Healesville Sanctuary is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm

Healesville Sanctuary entry prices

Healesville Sanctuary prices as of November 2021

Tips for visiting Healesville Sanctuary

• Tickets can be booked 30 days in advance
• ALL VISITORS MUST HAVE A PRE-BOOKED TICKET TO ENTER, even infants
• Children under 16 receive FREE entry on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays
• Discounts are available to child disability concession card holders, an Australian pensioner concession card, a full-time student card, a healthcare card, a disability concession card, a DVA Gold Card, to a carer accompanying a person with a disability who is a holder of a child disability allowance health care card, or a disability pension card.
• Valid concession cards must be presented on entry

Distance from Melbourne to Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne vis the M3 freeway and the Maroondah Highway.

How much time do I need at Healesville Sanctuary?

The Healesville Sanctuary day trips from Melbourne for families can take you all day. If you decide to do an animal experience or see the Ranger talks you need to make sure you have enough time to experience the whole park.

Short drives from Melbourne – Werribee Open Range Zoo

Why head to the Savannah when you can visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo. With all the top African animals on display, you can visit the Werribee open range Zoo to get your safari fix! This is one of the best day trips from Melbourne ideas for families.

Werribee Open Range Zoo opening times

The Werribee Zoo opening times are 9 am – 5 pm daily with the last entry at 3.30 pm

Werribee Open Range entry prices

Werribee Zoo entry prices are correct as of November 2021

Tips for visiting Werribee Zoo for families:

• ALL VISITORS MUST HAVE A PRE-BOOKED TICKET TO ENTER, even infants
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at the zoo
• Children under 16 receive FREE entry on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays
• Discounts are available to child disability concession card holders, an Australian pensioner concession card, a full-time student card, a healthcare card, a disability concession card, a DVA Gold Card, to a carer accompanying a person with a disability who is a holder of a child disability allowance health care card, or a disability pension card.
• Valid concession cards must be presented on entry

Distance from Melbourne to the Werribee Open Range Zoo

The Werribee Open Range Zoo is a short road trip from Melbourne, located approximately 45 minutes from Melbourne via the M1. You will get a great view of the animals.

How much time do I need at the Werribee Zoo?

To have one of the best day trips from Melbourne for families at the Werribee Zoo you should set aside 5 hours.

The Mornington Peninsula – family day trips

A day trip to the extremely popular and stunning region of the Mornington Peninsula for families is a fun way to spend a day.

Start your day by exploring the breathtaking Port Phillip Bay, where you can enjoy various water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, or even hiring a paddleboard or kayak.

Next, head over to the enchanting Enchanted Adventure Garden at Arthurs Seat, where a thrilling Flying Fox awaits. Zip through the lush treetops and marvel at the panoramic views of the Peninsula. For some relaxing family time, visit the family-friendly beaches scattered along the coastline.

Sorrento Back Beach and Safety Beach are perfect options for outdoor activities, offering calm waters and picturesque surroundings. Build sandcastles, have a picnic, and soak up the sun while creating precious memories with your loved ones.

The mineral springs at Peninsula Hot springs provide a unique experience, or take a walk at Point Nepean National Park.

A day trip to the Mornington Peninsula promises endless fun, natural beauty, and quality time for the entire family.

Great Ocean Road

One of the most iconic places in Victoria that everyone should witness at least once in their life. People travel for hours from near and far to witness this natural breathtaking masterpiece along the Great Ocean Road and it’s on our back doorstep! This has to be one of the most scenic day trips from Melbourne for families.

Places to visit along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road has many stops along the way, so we will only focus on the larger ones, the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibsons Steps, for our day trips from Melbourne for families post.

Opening times

These areas are all managed by Parks Victoria, and being part of the natural environment, there are no such opening and closing times. In saying that, there would be no use going after dark as you would not see any of these amazing natural attractions on your day trips from Melbourne for families.

Entry prices

There are no entry fees into the Great Ocean Road attraction near Melbourne.

Distance from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road

The 12 Apostles Visitors Centre is 226 kilometres from Melbourne.

How much time do I need at each of these Great Ocean Road attractions?

Depending on how much time you want to stare in awe, the 12 Apostles can be done in 30 minutes, while Gibsons Steps and Loch Ard Gorge will take longer if you want to walk down the cliffs (paths provided by Parks Victoria) to the actual beach area of these sites.

At Loch Ard Gorge, you also have the bonus of being able to see the famous blowhole. You could see all 3 and drive the short distance between them in around 3 hours.

This is an epic day trip from Melbourne for families, so take the whole day, stopping at gorgeous towns along the way!

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Places to see around Melbourne – Phillip Island

This little island is famous for its Little Penguins that call Phillip Island home, but there is so much more to do there. From Australian native wildlife such as Koalas to Chocolate factories, you can find so much to do on Phillip Island that you actually may find this a day trip from Melbourne for a family destination that needs so much more time. There are no more popular attractions near Melbourne for family day trips.

Things to do on Phillip Island for families

There are so many things to do on Phillip Island for families that your whole day can easily be spent having a wonderful time.

Tips for visiting Phillip Island with family:

• There are different viewing sections at the penguin parade. Rug up as it can get cold
• Purchasing a 4 park pass when you visit Phillip Island will save you on entries to Phillip Island attractions
• The 4 Park Pass includes Arctic Journey, Penguin Parade, Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation reserve
• Entry to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Cafe and Shop is free but you must pay for a tour of the Chocolate factory

Free things to do on Phillip Island with kids

There are so many wonderful free things to do on Phillip Island that can be incorporated into your day there. A mix of these free and paid Phillip Island activities will give you a great budget-friendly trip to Phillip Island.

• Watch the feeding of the Pelicans at the San Remo jetty at noon daily
• Spend some time watching the huge stingrays glide through the water at the San Remo jetty
• Find the shipwreck S.S Speke at Kitty Millers Bay
• If the day is warm take a swim at Kitty Millers Bay too
• Walkthrough amazing Aussie bush and look for wallabies at the Oswin Roberts Reserve
• Wander the local markets and maybe even take some local produce home

Places to eat on Phillip Island

There are some great places to eat with kids on Phillip Island and just off the Island too. Here are some of the ones we have checked out over our time there.

• Fresh fish and chips at the San Remo co-op
• The Haven Wave Cafe
• The Spicy Duck

Distance from Melbourne to Phillip Island

Phillip Island is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne via the M1

How much time do I need on Phillip Island?

Depending on what you choose to do while you are visiting Phillip Island with family your should really try to spend the whole day there. Phillip Island is absolutely perfect for day trips from Melbourne for families.

You can buy a 4 Park Pass for entry to Phillip Island nature parks

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Adventure Park Geelong (Geelong Water Park)

Adventure Park is the biggest water park in Victoria and is on top of day trips from Melbourne for families list in the summer! Featuring water slides and water playgrounds this is a brilliant family day trip in Victoria.

Geelong Water Park opening times

At this time the park is not due to open till the summer and the times have not been released.

Geelong Water Park entry prices

Entry prices to the family-friendly Adventure Park are correct as of November 2021.

Top tips for visiting Adventure Park with family:

• Children under 90 cm tall are free
• ID and valid concession cards must be presented on entry
• All rides are included in the entry price
• You are able to bring your own food to Adventure Park Geelong

Distance from Melbourne to the Geelong Water Park

Adventure Park Geelong is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Melbourne via the M1.

How much time do I need at the Geelong Water Park?

Day trips from Melbourne for families to Geelong Water Park should be a full-day experience.

Family day trips – The Grampians

If you love nature, then a trip to the Grampians has to be one of the top of your day trips from Melbourne for families list! To get the best out of your day, I would base myself in the amazing town of Halls Gap and plan your activities from there.

There is also a great number of activities for families in Halls Gap, so if you tire out of the hiking and pure scenic beauty you can do some of the top-rated activities in Halls Gap.

Things to do in Halls Gap

There are so many wonderful things to do in Halls Gap for families. Day trips from Melbourne for families to Halls Gap will become a regular occurrence.

Free things to do in Halls Gap

Being one of the biggest nature hubs in Victoria there are so many free things to do in Halls Gap with kids. Some are nature-based and some are visiting places where you chose if you spend money or not.

Distance from Melbourne to Halls Gap

Melbourne to Halls Gap is approximately 3 hours via the National Highway M8

How much time do I need at Halls Gap?

For all of the amazing activities in Halls Gap, you should expect to spend around 5 hours in total on your day trips from Melbourne for families to the Grampians.

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Day trips from Melbourne for families are a great way to get out and visit Victoria. There are so many wonderful day trips from Melbourne for families in both the summer and winter months and they all will make lasting memories of your time together.

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popularcaravan parksandpristine beachesto drives along theGreat Ocean Road. Enjoyweekendsaway on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm ofMelbourne, 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 ofBrightandNorthern Victoria, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you loveexploring Gippslandor driving theGreat 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 tovisit in Melbourneor more travel in Victoria destinations,Explore Victoriahas 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 atcontact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com.

More Explore Victoria’s inspiration

Author Bio

Bec Wyld is the creative force behind the words, blending Explore Victora with a touch of wanderlust. With an innate ability to tell a story that resonates, Bec invites readers on a journey through her home of Victoria Australia. Beyond the keyboard, Bec works in Aged Care helping people to live a better life. With a pen in one hand and on the road in front Bec is on a quest to inspire those looking to explore Victoria through words, images and lifestyle