Exploring Victoria with children in tow can be as entertaining as it is memorable. Within just a short drive of Melbourne, parents will find numerous day-trip options packed with adventure, wildlife encounters, and engaging activities. Whether it’s feeding kangaroos, spotting penguins at sunset, or exploring sprawling gardens, these family-friendly escapes offer exciting, affordable experiences just beyond the city limits. Here’s a guide to some of the most engaging day trips from Melbourne, Australia, with something to enchant kids and adults alike. Melbourne Bus and Coach hosted this travel experience, making the journey as seamless as possible.
Discover the Magic of Phillip Island’s Wildlife
Phillip Island, about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, is a wildlife wonderland that brings children up close with some of Australia’s iconic animals. Known for its Penguin Parade, Phillip Island offers kids the unforgettable experience of watching little penguins waddle ashore at sunset after a day spent at sea. This nightly event is designed with young families in mind, providing seating areas and educational talks that prepare visitors for a truly unique sight. Families can also explore the Koala Conservation Reserve, where elevated boardwalks take them through eucalyptus trees to spot sleepy koalas in their natural habitat.
Phillip Island has even more to offer, from Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where children can try milking cows and learn about farming, to the Nobbies Centre, an eco-tourism attraction featuring views of the rugged coast and opportunities to see fur seals. For families who enjoy marine life, the island’s Antarctic Journey offers an immersive experience with multimedia displays and interactive exhibits about the Southern Ocean’s fascinating ecosystems. Overall, Phillip Island is an exceptional day trip from Melbourne, Australia, that kids will remember for years to come.
Werribee Open Range Zoo: A Safari Experience Near the City
Only 30 minutes from Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a safari-style experience that transports families to the plains of Africa without ever leaving Victoria. This zoo is unlike others, as it is designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats, allowing kids and adults to observe free-roaming giraffes, zebras, and rhinos up close. The highlight of any visit is the Safari Tour, where visitors climb aboard an open vehicle that winds through the grasslands, providing an almost-in-the-wild experience. The tour guide shares fascinating details about the animals, making the adventure as educational as it is exciting.
For younger children, the zoo’s indoor play area and discovery zones let them explore in a hands-on, safe environment. The Zoo’s “Keepers for a Day” program allows older kids to experience a day in the life of a zookeeper, feeding animals and learning about conservation. Other family-friendly stops include the Australian Trail, where kangaroos, emus, and koalas roam freely, and the hippo enclosure, where kids can marvel at these massive, water-loving creatures. After a day of exploration, families can relax at one of the zoo’s many picnic spots, making the Werribee Open Range Zoo an ideal spot for a day trip with kids.
Enchanted Adventure Garden: Outdoor Fun on the Mornington Peninsula
Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Enchanted Adventure Garden is a fantastic destination for children. It combines lush gardens with playful attractions like tube slides, mazes, and treetop walks. About an hour from Melbourne, this outdoor adventure park is designed to engage children’s imagination and energy with activities for all ages. The hedge mazes are always a hit, giving families a chance to navigate intricate pathways to hidden garden treasures, while the canopy walkways and zip lines offer a gentle taste of adventure that older children especially enjoy.
The Tube Slides are among the park’s most popular attractions, allowing kids to glide down hills in inflated tubes, which is as thrilling as it is safe. For families who want a bit more adrenaline, the Tree Surfing courses provide climbing, balancing, and zip-lining challenges up in the treetops. Nature walks around the Enchanted Lake add a more peaceful aspect to the visit, where families can stroll through gardens filled with sculptures and whimsical decorations. Additionally, on-site picnic areas and food kiosks allow parents to relax while kids continue their adventures. As one of Melbourne, Australia’s most versatile day trips, Enchanted Adventure Garden on the Mornington Peninsula offers an action-packed day that the whole family can enjoy.
With Melbourne Bus and Coach hosting your travel experience, the journey to each destination was as enjoyable as the time spent exploring. These family-friendly destinations bring entertainment and education, allowing parents and children to experience Australia’s natural beauty and vibrant wildlife without extensive travel. From penguins and koalas to safari-style animal sightings and outdoor adventures, each of these day trips from Melbourne promises memories that will last well beyond the day.
Published By: Aize Perez
