Best things for families to do on the Great Ocean Road
Whether you're travelling from Melbourne for the weekend or visiting from other states or overseas, you're sure to fall in love with Victoria by visiting the stunning coastline we call the Great Ocean Road.
Head to the Great Ocean Road day trip, where we will find the best itinerary for families to enjoy this incredible stretch of coastline.
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Here are activities suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next Great Ocean Road holiday.
Surf schools, Torquay
Torquay in Australia is known as the surfing capital and offers a range of options for surfers of all levels. Beginners can check out Torquay Back Beach for ideal conditions, while experienced surfers can challenge themselves at Bells Beach during winter. Several surf operators, such as Go Ride A Wave and Torquay Surf Academy, are available for lessons, making it an excellent destination for the whole family.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Bellbrae
The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery offers coffee, pastries, chocolate, and ice cream. Parents can take breaks while kids play on the lawns or in the sand play area. Kids aged 6 to 12 can attend Junior Chocolatier classes. Families can also enjoy family high tea at the Pod Cafe.
Great Ocean Road Mini Golf, Aireys Inlet
The Aireys Inlet mini golf course offers a variety of options for players of all ages, with replicas of local landmarks and native gardens on the Shipwreck Coast Course, as well as an indoor virtual golf course for those who prefer digital play.
Anglesea Paddle Boat and Canoe Hire in Anglesea
Visitors can enjoy various water activities on the Anglesea River, taking in the scenic surroundings of estuarine wetlands and patches of woodland. The river passes through the Coogoorah Park nature reserve.
The Anglesea River is surrounded by swamp gums and shrubs, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. It is a habitat for over 60 bird species, including superb fairy-wrens, New Holland honeyeaters, and grey fantails. Visitors may also see eastern grey kangaroos and short-beaked echidnas in the area.
Following that, children can play at the riverside playground or wade in the water, then enjoy a family lunch at one of the picnic tables by the river.
Anglesea Bike Park, Anglesea
Anglesea Bike Park in Victoria, Australia, is a professionally designed mountain cross-track near the town centre. It caters to riders of all skill levels, with features like rollers and jumps up to 1.8 meters high, set in a scenic environment of tall pine trees.
The countryside around Anglesea provides numerous biking opportunities. Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours offers bike rentals, guided rides for families, and more advanced mountain biking trails on the Great Ocean Road.
Live Wire Park, Lorne
Live Wire Park in the Otways offers a treetop adventure experience for kids seeking high-energy activities. Their Shockwave Zip Coaster is known as the most extreme zipline in Australia, taking riders on a 525-meter corkscrew circuit through native blue gums. With no age restrictions, riders must weigh at least 30 kilograms to participate.
The adventure park offers a variety of activities suitable for children, including an elevated trampolining net park and ropes courses. The mid-intensity short circuit was specifically designed for kids and tweens.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and Treetops Adventure Yeodene offer similar experiences for those seeking outdoor fun.
Wildlife Wonders, Apollo Bay
Visitors can enjoy spotting animals and exploring the forest at the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Sanctuary. Guided tours at Wildlife Wonders may lead you to see koalas, long-nosed potoroos, and swamp wallabies. A conservationist will teach you about the ecology of the Otway Ranges as you walk through the lush landscapes. Your visit lets you enjoy nature and supports conservation projects across the region. This Apollo Bay attraction is a social enterprise that uses all profits for conservation efforts.
Fishing off Lorne Pier
Lorne Pier is an excellent spot for a budget-friendly activity, offering offshore fishing with the chance to catch barracuda, bream, snapper, garfish, salmon, or squid. Don't forget to get a recreational fishing license at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village in Warrnambool
The Warrnambool Museum offers a nightly light and sound show called Tales of the Shipwreck Coast. The show is projected onto a nine-metre wall of water and covers Australia's whaling past, the dangers of the Southern Ocean, and local Aboriginal stories. The museum has a rich collection of shipwreck artefacts and offers guided tours led by guides in full costume.
Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground in Warrnambool
Warrnambool's Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground is a sizeable eight-hectare space with various attractions for children, including giant slides, flying foxes, a maze, and boat rides. In addition to the playground, families can also explore the area by taking a walk around the lake, having a picnic, playing mini golf, or visiting the skatepark.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve in Tower Hill
Visitors to this national park can experience encounters with wild animals, gain insights into the culture of the land's traditional custodians, and enjoy panoramic views over volcanic landscapes. A two-hour tour of Tower Hill may include sightings of emus, grey kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and echidnas. Additionally, visitors can learn how to throw a boomerang and identify native plants used for food and medicine.
Australian Kelpie Centre, Casterton
Casterton, located near the border of South Australia, is known as the birthplace of the kelpie. To honour this heritage, the town now houses the Australian Kelpie Centre, which is dedicated to the Australian sheepdog breed. Opened in 2018, the centre features an interpretative display of the history of the working dog, a visitor information centre, and information on Casterton's history as the first inland European settlement in Victoria.