17 Sep School Holiday Survival Guide: Victoria
Victoria comes alive in spring, with blossoms, open-air adventures, and family days perfect for exploring.
Whether you’re riding a steam train through the Dandenongs, getting lost in a hedge maze, or enjoying Melbourne’s cultural treasures, the holidays are a great time to make new memories.
Here are some fun ideas across the city and beyond to spark inspiration for your family’s break.
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Melbourne Zoo & Werribee Open Range Zoo: Keeper talks and holiday programs.
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Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: Kids’ trails, picnics, and spring flowers.
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Scienceworks: Hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows.
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State Library of Victoria: Storytelling & creative holiday workshops.
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Phillip Island: Penguin Parade, nature parks, wildlife spotting.
Adventure-Style Outdoor Places
- Funfields (Whittlesea) — A combined wet + dry amusement park with water slides, rides, wave pools, etc. Wikipedia
- Adventure Park, Geelong — Victoria’s biggest water theme park; water slides + dry rides like a Ferris wheel and family rides. Wikipedia
- Fairy Park, Anakie — Fairytale theme / animatronics / model-train & story scenes — more gentle but very imaginative and different. Wikipedia
- Boneo Discovery Park (Fingal) Mornington Peninsula Highlights: Maze, mini-golf, café, natural bush setting; fun and relaxing.
- Mount Lofty Adventure Hub (SA-based but close enough for VIC folks wanting a trip) Highlights: High ropes, abseiling, mega swing, forest zipline, etc. Good for older kids.
- Puffing Billy Train (Dandenongs) Historic Railway in the beautiful mountain ranges just outside Melbourne.
- Enchanted Adventure Garden (Mornington Peninsula), Kryal Castle (Ballarat), Medieval Experience
- Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) Outdoor Museum. There is a range of immersive activities happening all the time at Sovereign Hill.
- Southern Adventure Hub (McLaren Vale, SA) Highlights: (Again, SA, for VIC travellers) Outdoor adventure with zipline, rock climbing tow.
Notes & Things to Check
- Opening Seasons / Hours: Many adventure or water parks are seasonal. Places like Jamberoo and WhiteWater World, for example, sometimes close in cooler months or for maintenance. Always check before planning.
- Age / Height / Skill requirements: High-ropes, zipline, etc, often have restrictions (min height, supervision). Good to make sure it’s suitable for your kids.
- Cost + Booking: Private ones often have higher entry fees + require bookings in advance (especially in peak holiday times).
- Distance / Travel Time: Some of these involve a drive; mix some local ones with “special day trip landmarks” so not every day means a big trip.
Tips / Reminders
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Weather check: Spring can be unpredictable. Plan at least one indoor backup plan per week.
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Book ahead: For workshops, shows, or special places, make bookings early (spots fill up).
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Variation: Mix free + paid, outdoors + indoors, high-energy + relaxed days. Keeps things balanced.
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Budget: parks, free events, and the local library can be great low-cost hits.
