News The 12 Best Summer Activities With Kids

Tynong North

This amusement park on Melbourne’s southeast fringe has 4 worlds to explore – Wildlife Park, Outback Explorers, Oz Adventures and – our pick for summer – Oasis Springs.

This water park has water slides, tube rides, a wave pool and splash play equipment.

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Walhalla

Head to the mountains where temperatures are a little cooler and take the scenic tourist train from Walhalla to Thomson Station. The one-hour journey takes you through shady forest, alongside Stringers Creek, over trestle bridges and the impressive Thomson River Bridge. Extra trips are running over summer.

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Take an underground adventure on a guided tour through the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine to see the large quartz reef and learn about the town's gold mining heritage.

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Lakes Entrance

The water-loving town of Lakes Entrance has welcomed its newest lakeside venture, the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park, a 1400 square metre inflatable water park. Put your ninja warrior skills to the test on a string of obstacles, including climbing features, giant slides and balance sections... but watch out – that water makes things a bit slippery. With the annual Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival currently in full swing (until 26 Jan), there’s a festive vibe in this much-loved holiday town.

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort

Throughout summer, you can take a guided walk through the beautiful alpine environment with a friendly dingo by your side. This is the perfect school holiday family experience and includes coffee & cake.

While you’re there, check out Bounce-zone for in-ground trampolines or get the family together for a round of laser tag (bookings in advance required).

At 1500m altitude, the mountain is about 10 degrees cooler than sea level, making for mild summer temperatures.

Buchan

Venture into the coolness underground and see one of Australia’s most enchanting systems of limestone formations, with still pools and a mesmerising latticework of towers.

Two caves are open for show: Royal Cave is known for its glassy calcite-rimmed pools and Fairy Cave is laced with intricate stalactites and stalagmites, replete with ornate chambers. Guided tours to both caves run daily and bookings must be made more than 24 hours in advance.

Lakes Entrance

Glide by the edge of the shimmering lakes or zoom along the sand of Ninety Mile Beach (really - your vessel is fitted with off-road tyres!). Step 1: Learn how to tame your beast with some segway technique training. Step 2: Whoosh!

This one’s for big kids only - children must be over 12.

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Gippsland Lakes

Get the wind blowing through your hair on an eco-cruise with Lonsdale Eco Cruises or Sea Safari on Lakes Explorer, both providing expert commentary, and Peels Cruises offer general sightseeing cruises (all departing Lakes Entrance).

H2O Tours & Adventures (departing Paynesville) running tours through the canals, to Metung, Raymond Island and Ninety Mile Beach.

Take the river journey between Port of Sale and the Swing Bridge aboard a charming wooden boat with Port of Sale Heritage Cruises (departing Sale).

Paynesville

Expect to find all your favourite furry, feathered and spiky friends across the island, best known for its koala population. You can spot these fuzzy locals on the Koala Walk. BYO bikes or hire from Ride the Koalas for an easy ride around the island.

The five minute ferry to Raymond Island departs Paynesville regularly and is free for pedestrians or those arriving by bike.

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Grantville

Maru Koala and Animal Park offers plenty of friendly, furry native Australian wildlife to see. You can pat koalas, dingoes, pythons and joeys on a Close Encounter experience. Round out your visit with a spot of highly competitive mini golf next door at Pirate Pete’s Mini Golf.

Throughout the holidays they are also running a kids “keeper for a day” program where children can work closely with park rangers to care for the animals.

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Wilsons Promontory

Wildlife Coast Cruises offer a full day Wilsons Prom Tour, only available during the warmer months. Discover hidden coves, untouched islands and monolithic rock formations as well as a range of marine life.

See Wilsons Promontory from a different perspective aboard the yellow ecoboats with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and be propelled into adventure as you explore rarely-seen glimpses of the magical marine national park. The 2.5 hour Wilsons Promontory Cruise departs from Tidal River and takes you around the rugged coastline, hard-to-access beaches and remote islands.

Trafalgar

A solid wet-weather option, this quirky museum celebrates Australia's Holden heritage from the 1850s. It's not just a love affair with cars - there are saddles, military artefacts, golf carts and aero engines. But if you are a petrol head, Peter Brock's cars are currently on display.

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Korumburra

Step back in time to the life of a coal miner in South Gippsland in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Coal Creek is Gippsland’s largest open air heritage village. Walk amongst the village of 53 authentic buildings including courthouse, school house, general store and miners cottage.

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