17 Sep School Holiday Survival Guide: Victoria
Victoria comes alive in summer, with lots of sport and concerts, 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.
Outdoor & Water Adventures
⭐ Puffing Billy Railway (Dandenong Ranges)
What it is: Australia’s most iconic steam train experience through lush forest and mountain scenery. Kids can sit on the open carriage sills (legs in!) and enjoy the breeze.
Best for: All ages (toddlers to teens).
Accessibility:
- Carriages with wheelchair spaces available on selected services (booking recommended).
- Sensory-friendly: open-air carriages provide airflow and lower noise impact than enclosed trains.
- Great option for autistic children who enjoy movement and predictable routines.
Link: Puffing Billy Railway
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⭐ Adventure Park Geelong
What it is: Victoria’s largest water theme park with epic slides, splash zones, family pools, and carnival rides.
Best for: Ages 4+; Tweens and Teens especially.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair access around park; some rides have mobility restrictions.
- Shaded quiet zones available, helpful for sensory breaks.
- Noise + crowds = high stimulation.
Link: Adventure Park Geelong
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⭐ Funfields (Whittlesea)
What it is: A massive adventure park with world-class water slides, thrill rides, and kid-friendly splash areas.
Best for: Ages 5+; Teens will love thrill rides.
Accessibility:
- Most walkways accessible; specific ride restrictions posted online.
- Not ideal for wheelchair users to enter pools/slides.
- Sensory note: can be loud; early-morning entry recommended.
Link: Funfields
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⭐ Enchanted Adventure Garden (Mornington Peninsula)
What it is: Hedge mazes, tube slides, treetop zipline courses, puzzles, and gardens.
Best for: Ages 3+ (mazes and slides). Zipline: 8+.
Accessibility:
- Some areas have stairs/steep pathways.
- Zipline course not wheelchair accessible.
- Mazes can be overwhelming for sensory-sensitive kids; quieter in mornings.
Link: Enchanted Adventure Garden
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⭐ Peninsula Hot Springs – Family Zone
What it is: Natural hot springs with shallow pools suitable for children, shaded areas, and family-friendly sessions.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Good wheelchair accessibility in family zones.
- Warm water can be calming for neurodiverse children.
- Quiet morning sessions recommended.
Link: Peninsula Hot Springs
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⭐ Great Ocean Road: Lorne, Apollo Bay, Anglesea
What it is: A collection of beaches, rockpools, forest walks and summer coastal towns.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Anglesea and Lorne both offer wheelchair beach mats during summer lifeguard hours.
- Excellent sensory experience for children who love water/sand/space; can be overwhelming when crowded.
Link: Great Ocean Road
Nature & Free Play
⭐ Collingwood Children’s Farm
What it is: Hands-on farm experience with animals, gardens, and gentle outdoor play.
Best for: Toddlers to Tweens.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible paths and toilets.
- Calm, predictable environment ideal for neurodiverse children.
Link: Collingwood Children’s Farm
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⭐ Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Melbourne & Cranbourne)
What it is: Beautiful gardens with lakes, lawns, play areas, and children’s discovery activities.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Excellent wheelchair access; mobility-friendly shuttle at Cranbourne.
- Quiet sensory-friendly spaces abound.
Link: Botanic Gardens
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⭐ CherryHill Orchards – Cherry Picking
What it is: A summer-timed orchard where families pick cherries fresh from the trees.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Flat areas accessible, but some orchard rows uneven.
- Sensory-friendly earlier in the day (sunlight, crowds, noise increase by midday).
Link: CherryHill Orchards
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⭐ Fairy Park (Anakie)
What it is: A fairytale-themed outdoor park with animated displays, medieval towers, and gentle rides.
Best for: Toddlers to young children (2–10).
Accessibility:
- Many pathways stroller-friendly but steep in places.
- Good for sensory-seeking kids who enjoy imaginative play; avoid peak heat.
Link: Fairy Park
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Rainy-Day / Heatwave Ideas
⭐ Scienceworks (Spotswood)
What it is: Hands-on science exhibits, planetarium, robotics, engineering displays.
Best for: Ages 3+ to teens.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible.
- Sensory-friendly times occasionally offered.
- Planetarium can be overwhelming for some children.
Link: Scienceworks
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⭐ ArtVo Immersive Gallery
What it is: A trick-art gallery where kids step inside 3D fantasy scenes and interact with murals.
Best for: Ages 5+ and photo-loving teens.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Medium sensory load (visual stimulation but low noise).
Link: ArtVo Immersive Gallery
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⭐ O’Brien Icehouse (Docklands)
What it is: Indoor ice skating rink with public sessions and family lessons.
Best for: Ages 4+ (rent small skates).
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-friendly ice sessions sometimes available.
- Sensory note: cold can be calming for some autistic children, but loud music may overwhelm.
Link: O’Brien Icehouse
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⭐ Melbourne Museum
What it is: Dinosaurs, First Peoples’ exhibition, Bugs Alive, IMAX next door.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible.
- Quiet spaces available; excellent for autistic children needing structured environments.
Link: Melbourne Museum
Unique Summer Experiences
⭐ Moonlight Cinema (Royal Botanic Gardens)
What it is: Outdoor movies on balmy nights; BYO picnic.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Flat grass areas; wheelchair friendly.
- Very sensory-friendly: relaxed, open environment.
Link: Moonlight Cinema
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⭐ Kayak Melbourne – Yarra River Tours
What it is: Guided family kayaking tours past Melbourne landmarks.
Best for: Ages 8+.
Accessibility:
- Not suitable for mobility-restricted participants.
- Great for sensory seekers who enjoy movement + water.
Link Kayak Melbourne
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⭐ Phillip Island Penguin Parade
What it is: Evening penguin return to shore — magical for kids.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Excellent wheelchair access in viewing platforms.
- Sensory-friendly: wildlife + soft natural sound; however, crowds can be large.
Link: Penguin Parade
Notes & Things to Check
- Opening Seasons / Hours: Many adventure or water parks are seasonal. 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
- Weather check: Spring can be unpredictable. Plan at least one indoor backup plan per week.
- Book ahead: For workshops, shows, or special places, make bookings early (spots fill up).
- Variation: Mix free + paid, outdoors + indoors, high-energy + relaxed days. Keeps things balanced.
- Budget: parks, free events, and the local library can be great low-cost hits.
See also general ideas here
