Australia is a country known for its natural beauty, and Victoria is no exception. The state is home to world-famous landmarks such as the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, but there are many lesser-known vacation spots worth adding to your family itinerary. Here’s what you need to know about some of the best family holiday spots so you can have some travel ideas and enjoy your weekend getaways in Victoria.
- Gippsland
Gippsland is a region in the state of Victoria, Australia. The second largest region in Australia, it covers an area of 39,000 square kilometres (15,000 sq mi) and spans from East Gippsland to the Bass Strait. It includes the mainland state’s easternmost point at Wilsons Promontory National Park and parts of the Snowy Mountains which rise high above sea level.
Gippsland is also known as Victoria’s Natural Region because it has more than 10 million hectares of protected parks and reserves that are home to many native species such as koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. There are also many beaches throughout this part of Victoria where you can enjoy water activities such as swimming or boating during your family holiday at any time during the year.
- Phillip Island Wildlife Parks
Phillip Island is home to a number of wildlife parks and nature attractions, including the Nobbies Centre, Seal Rocks and Maru Koala & Animal Park. The Nobbies Centre has a wide range of native Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos and emus. It also offers guided tours through its rainforest walkways where you can spot local wildlife up close.
Seal Rocks is an iconic rock formation that was once home to thousands of seals but it now attracts hundreds of tourists every day who come to look at them in their natural habitat. You’ll find this attraction on the way to Maru Koala & Animal Park which is one of Victoria’s best zoos with over 100 animals from all over the world.
The Penguin Parade is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Victoria, Australia. The penguins are native to Australia and are one of the country’s main attractions. They are cute and fun to watch, but they can also be dangerous if you get too close to them or their nests.
- The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic drive along the coast of Victoria, Australia. It is one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations, and one of the best road trips in Australia. The Great Ocean Road winds through some of Victoria’s most beautiful landscapes and offers plenty to see and do along the way.
The main attraction on the Great Ocean Road is its many beaches. Some of these include Torquay Beach and Bells Beach, home to surfing competitions year-round. Visitors can also enjoy whale watching off Point Addis in Port Campbell National Park. However, if you want an even more adventurous experience with nature there are hikes that take you up Mount Defiance (1,024 meters) or along The Twelve Apostles (twelve huge rock stacks). You can also see native wildlife such as koalas at Koala Sanctuaries or go on small boat tours around Port Fairy Harbour where dolphins have been spotted playing by themselves near shorelines.
- Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are two of the most family-friendly locations in Victoria, Australia. They’re easily accessible by car, train or bus and there’s something for everyone at each to do once you get there. The Yarra Valley is known as one of the most beautiful wine regions in Australia thanks to its lush vineyards and rolling hillsides that provide perfect conditions for growing grapes. It’s also where many wineries like De Bortoli Wines can be found.
Meanwhile, Dandenong Ranges National Park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking through forests filled with towering eucalyptus trees and even more breathtaking views from their tops. If you’re feeling adventurous with your kids, then this park might be just what you’ve been looking for.
- Puffing Billy Steam Train
Puffing Billy is a beautiful steam train that runs along the Yarra Valley. It is perfect for families and groups, as you can take it from Belgrave to Gembrook in about an hour. The ride is relaxing and very enjoyable. You get to see the area, learn about its history, and enjoy the views at your own pace. It’s a great way to get around this gorgeous area of Victoria.
- Wilson’s Promontory National Park
One of the best family holiday spots in Victoria is Wilson’s Promontory, a national park and nature reserve that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the south-eastern corner of the Australian state, it is one of Australia’s largest natural attractions. The park comprises over 100 islands and 1,000 miles (1,600km) of coastline along the Bass Strait. It also features mountains, rainforests and river valleys with many walking tracks through them. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing or bird watching as well as canoeing on Lake Wilsons Promontory.
This area is also well known for its Aboriginal heritage. You can visit the Tjoritja Cultural Centre to learn more about this fascinating culture and you will be fascinated by how much Aboriginal art can tell you about their history.
- A Maze ‘N’ Things Adventure Park and Puzzle Centre
A Maze ‘N’ Things is a maze and puzzle centre in Victoria, Australia. The park has three mazes: the adult maze, the family maze and the children’s maze. It also has a puzzle centre where you can test your brain power with over 100 different puzzles. You can also grab a bite to eat at the cafe while you’re there.
If you’re going to be visiting Victoria anytime soon, A Maze ‘N’ Things should definitely be on your list of things to do.
Conclusion
The family holiday spots mentioned above are just a few of the many excellent and affordable options available to you in Victoria. Hope this article has provided some inspiration for your next family holiday, but there are so many more places to explore and enjoy. So, don’t forget to book your flight before it’s too late.