13 Best Places to Visit in Victoria For Families | Regional Holiday Guide
There are so many beautiful holiday destinations in Victoria for families or any type of travellers. From the beautiful seaside towns on the southern coast, to destinations in the mountains or forest, here are our top 10 best places to visit in Victoria.
Victoria Holiday Destinations
Planning a holiday in regional Victoria? Well, you are spoiled for choice. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway to somewhere close to Melbourne, or planning a longer trip further out towards the border, we have rounded up the best Victorian holiday destinations you should consider. Here are the best places to visit in Victoria for families.
1. Phillip Island
One of the most popular holiday destinations in Victoria is Phillip Island. Depending on where you are based in Melbourne, you can reach Phillip Island within a 2-3hrs so it makes a great weekend getaway for families.
There are plenty of family friendly hotels and Air bnb’s, as well as a holiday park for campers too.
The penguin parade is the main attraction and it is amazing being able to watch the penguins returning to the shore. Other things to do include a visit to the koala conservation park, the seal wildlife boat tours, Phillip Island Go Karts, A Maze’n Things, and of course the walking trails and the beautiful beaches.
Read More: Things to do Phillip Island
2. The Grampians
The Grampians National Park is around three hours west from Melbourne, and if you love hiking and staying close to nature, it is one of the perfect places to visit in Victoria.
The most popular base is Halls Gap where you will be able to visit a number of natural attractions within walking distance or a short drive. Other places such as Fyans Creek are also really nice. There are a couple of holiday parks if you like to camp, otherwise Air bnb’s are everywhere and if you go off peak, accommodation is quite inexpensive.
For families, you can walk to the Venice Baths or around the Fyans Loop, both leaving from Halls Gap. For adventure hikes check out MacKenzie Falls, and the Pinnacle.
Read More: Things to do in the Grampians
3. Warrnambool
The last stop along the Great Ocean Road is Warnambool, a beautiful historical town, known as the shipwreck coast. It is just under 3 hours south west of Melbourne if you drive inland directly there.
However, the more scenic route is along the Great Ocean Road where you can take a road trip and stop off at different places along the way. It will take you just over five hours to get there along the coast, but with stops that include the Great Otway National Park and the famous Twelve Apostles you can make a day of it.
Once you get there, you will find something for everyone. From stunning beaches, to whale watching tours and historical museums, this quiet picturesque town will certainly impress.
Read More: Things to do in Warrnambool
4. Bright
Bright, in the Alpine Valley northern Victoria is a great regional holiday for a family holiday all year round, especially for those who love the outdoors. There are plenty of walking and cycling tracks for all abilities, a cinema, and lots of cafes and restaurants for foodies.
During the winter it is an affordable ski holiday destination offering lots of family accommodation where you can stay to explore Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.
In the Summer there is Ovens River where the kids can take a dip to cool off.
5. Ballarat
Ballarat is filled with family friendly activities and is only an hour and a half from Melbourne out west.
You can visit the wildlife park and feed the kangaroos. Head to Sovereign Hill where you are transformed back in time to the days of the gold rush and can dig for gold.
At Kryal Castle, the kids will love to get lost in the maze, watch the “royal joust”, or try their best at a game or archery. In the warmer weather, there I also the outdoor pool.
Read More: Things to do in Ballarat
6. Marysville
In the east of Melbourne, about an hour and half from the city, you can find the gorgeous little town of Marysville with a famous bakery serving up delicious pastries.
At the foot of Lake Mountain, it makes a great winter holiday destination in regional Victoria for families especially as it is easy to get to the snow for the day. It is also a great spot to explore the Yarra Valley.
Read More: Things to do Yarra Valley
7. Echuca
Echuca is one of the most laid back places to visit in Victoria any time of the year. Set on the Murray River, this historical town is rich in history and there are so many things to do in Echuca that you will want to come back over and over.
The paddle steamers are by far the most iconic attraction where you can glide down the Murray river. There are also various water sports opportunities, boat and jetski hire and more.
If you are a foodie or love wine, there are plenty of wineries to visit, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Echuca is a great spot to getaway from the hustle and bustle and if you don’t feel like doing anything, you can just relax on the river and enjoy the sound of nature.
8. Gippsland
Gippsland is the largest region in Victoria and a beautiful spot for a regional family holiday. There are lots of small country towns, national parks and coastal villages with a range of accommodation options.
The biggest town to visit is Lakes Entrance, which is famous for the stunning 90-mile beach. You can spend your days swimming in the pristine waters, explore the rockpools, or even try your luck at fishing. In the cooler weather you can go for a bike ride or family walk, there are plenty of different trails.
Whether you are looking for a family beach holiday, outdoor sports, or a quiet getaway, there is something to please everyone.
9. Lorne
Towards the start of the Great Ocean Road, the beautiful seaside town of Lorne makes a great regional holiday destination in Victoria. Just a 2 hour drive from Melbourne, Lorne is famous for the epic views from Teddy’s Lookout, the friendly koalas, and the numerous waterfalls all within a short drive of the town.
Lorne is perfect for a family beach getaway. The main beach is the perfect place to let kids run free or paddle in the waves as there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months. It is also one of the safest places along the Great Ocean Road to learn to surf.
In the cooler months, check out Live Wire Park for a day out where you can zipline through the trees. Or head to Erskin Falls which is one of the best waterfalls in Lorne for a family walk ending with gorgeous views.
Read More: Things to do in Lorne
10. Wilsons Prom
Nature and beach lovers will love Wilson’s Promontory, or “The Prom” as we in Victoria call it. This national park on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, about 3.5hrs east of Melbourne
It is the perfect place to visit in Victoria for those who love to walk, hike, hit the beach, or just sit by a campfire.
There are plenty of accommodation options nearby, but you can actually stay inside the national park surrounded by stunning views and filled with wildlife such as wombats, kangaroos, possums, and more.
Spend your days swimming in the nearby beaches Whiskey bay and the famous Squeeky beach. Or hike one of the nearby peaks, Mount Oberon or Mount Bishop.
11. Mallacoota
Mallacoota is a pretty little coastal holiday destination in Victoria’s East, just before the border of New South Wales. Just over six hours away from Melbourne, it makes a great road trip for families who want to get away for a long period rather than just a weekend getaway.
Mallacoota is blessed with Victoria’s warmest winters, and sizzling summers, so it is a popular place to visit any time of the year. There is plenty to do, whether you are up for some adventurous activities like snorkelling or boating, or just want to lie one of the beautiful beaches and enjoy the stunning sunsets.
12. Apollo Bay
Situated 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne, Apollo Bay offers something for everyone. This stunning coastal town is one of the best holiday destinations in Regional Victoria as it is blessed with both the nearby Great Otway National Park, and the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road.
There are so many things to do nearby that you are spoiled for choice. Whether you want to go hiking in the picturesque Otway Ranges, sleeping under the koalas at Bimbi Park, walking the treetops at the Otway Fly, photograph the iconic 12 Apostles, admire the thriving wildlife, or just relax on the beach, it makes a great trip for the whole family.
Read More: Things to do in Apollo Bay
13. Yarrawonga
Just under 3 hours from Melbourne along the northern border of New South Wales, is Yarrawonga. If you love life by the water, this is the perfect holiday in regional Victoria.
There is plenty of things to do for families including boating, fishing, water skiing, or wake boarding. The walking trails throughout the Yarrawonga Regional Park are stunning, and you can spend hours exploring the red gum forest.
If you are a foodie or wine lover, head to the vineyards to sip on local wine and taste some of the local produce such as olives, and cheese.
There is plenty of different types of accommodation and plenty of spots to camp if you like to get out in nature.
Things to do in Victoria, Australia
Hopefully this list of holiday destinations in regional Victoria has inspired you to get out and explore our state. There are so many things to do in Victoria, you just need to get out and explore it to enjoy it!
Looking for family fun in Melbourne? Take a look at our Melbourne For Kids page, Follow Mum’s Little Explorers on Facebook, or join our Facebook Community Group What’s on Melbourne for Kids
