Exploring Adelaide

We went to Adelaide years ago and loved it! Its a relatively quiet town (compared to Melbourne) that gives you the sense of cozy & peaceful…

Melbourne to Adelaide (Inland Route)

Ballarat

Ballarat is a good stop over place to break your trip if needed. You can stroll around Ballarat Botanical Garden, which is also where the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is located. For dining in, Griller’s Mark Cafe, Burger Bar & Grill, which opens daily from 8 AM to 9 PM is highly recommended.

Ararat

If you need a stop over break in Ararat, Alexandra Garden park is a good stop over place as it has Japanese themed garden & playground.

For a bite to eat, you can try Khoon Thai Ararat which opens for lunch Wed – Friday from 12 PM to 2 PM. It opens for dinner Tue – Sun from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Horsham

Once you have past Horsham, you will only encountered smaller town with limited places to eat. So best to time your trip so that you can stop over at Horsham for getting a bite to eat.

If you stop over at Horsham for lunch, you can either go to Horsham Sports & Community Club which opens Mon – Sun from 9.30 AM (Lunch can be ordered from 11.30 AM) or Cheeky Fox which opens Mon – Fri from 6.30 AM to 2 PM.

Alternatively, if you happened to stop over at Horsham around dinner time, you could get a bite at Bonnie & Clyde which is said to serve yummy pizza. Bonnie & Clyde opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Pink Lake Dimboola

Pink Lake Dimboola is about 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne which serves as a good stopover place with a view.

White Kangaroos Wildlife Park

The Wildlife Park at Bordertown is famous for its white Kangaroo, that are a genetic strain from Western Australia, not Albino. While visitors are not allowed to enter the park, they can walk/drive around the park.

Tintinara Recreation Reserve

Tintinara Recreation Reserve is located about an hour drive from White Kangaroo Wildlife park.

Heywood Park Unley Ninja

This playground has 2 separate play areas, toilet facilities, as well as an awesome Mini Ninja course designed for ages 10 – 14.

The ninja course is designed to get people following a course of obstacles to run, jump, crawl or move any other way possible through the challenges to the Finish line. It’s a great challenge and certainly something that will keep the older kids enjoying for quite a while.

Melbourne to Adelaide (Via Mount Gambier)

Tantanoola Caves Park

Tantanoola Caves Park is known for its scenic beauty and is one of the most visited place in Adelaide. It is about 5 hours drive from Melbourne or about 30 minutes drive from Mount Gambier. Tantantoola Cave in South Australia that is the only cave that is wheelchair & Pram friendly.

Entry ticket to Tantanoola Caves can be purchased through https://naracoortecaves.rezdy.com/429791/tantanoola-cave-entry. Bookings can be made up to 2 hours before the scheduled entry time. Visitors will need to arrive 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled entry time.

Blue Lake

The Blue Lake/Warwar in Mount Gambier occupies one of the craters of the extinct volcano after which the city has been named. December to March is the best time to explore Mount Gambier. This is when the lake is at its most beautiful as the warm weather transforms the water into an amazing cobalt blue colour.

Cave Garden/Thugi

Situated in the centre of the city, the Cave Garden/Thugi features a sinkhole that was the original source of water for the early settlers. Its beauty and significance is best to be appreciated at evening from the viewing platforms which hang dramatically over the sinkhole.

Every evening a spectacular Evening Light Show tells our Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. Best viewed down in the cave, times vary due to season and daylight savings. In Summertime, the show is likely to start at around 7.30 PM. For information about the lightshow, best to call (08) 8724 9750 or email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au.

Waterfall at Cave Garden Thugi during wet weather

Umpherston Sinkhole

Umpherston Sinkhole was once a cave formed by dissolved limestone, but the roof of the cave collapsed, and a sinkhole was formed. Topsoil has created the perfect environment for the sunken garden, which was founded by James Umpherston in the mid-1860’s.

Now, the sunken garden is an unusually green and beautiful space with fountains, rows and terraces of perfectly matched flowers and greenery covering its floor. Operating as a public park, the Umpherston Sinkhole is perfect for picnics and barbecues. The best time to visit Umpherston Sinkhole is during summer time as the hydrangeas are in full bloom.

Naracoorte National Caves Park

There are multiple caves & walking trails at Naracoorte National Caves Park, some are self guided. Victoria Fossil Cave is one of the famouse one. Its megafauna experience provides a highly immersive, memorable and accessible learning experience.

The fossil bed in Victoria Fossil Cave has been of significant interest to researchers and the highlight of a visit for tourists since its discovery over 50 years ago. The new audio visual experience builds upon the scientific understandings available and along with our guides creates a much more intensive learning experience for visitors.

Naracoorte National Caves Park opens daily from 9 AM yo 5 PM. You can book tours to the caves online up to 2 hours prior to the tour starting time. It is especially good to visit Naracoorte National Caves Park in a hot day as it is very cool inside the caves. Cafe is also available on site.

Naracoorte National Park Information Center

Adelaide to Hahndorf

Waterfall Gully

There are six waterfalls along the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike. This is a popular hike.

The First Falls are the most spectacular, and accessible from the carpark. The Second Falls are just 500 metres along the trail (about 40 minutes walk). Half of the walking path to the second fall is relatively steep but it is still worth to do as you can get very close to the waterfall.

Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park allows visitors to engage with Australia’s unique and curious wildlife including hand feed the Kangaroos.

Cleland Wildlife Park is one of only a few places in the world where visitors can hold a koala.

Entry to the park is $30/Adult and $15/child (4 years +). It opens daily from 9 AM to 5.30 PM with last entry at 4.30 PM.

Hahndorf German Town

Hahndorf is a small town in South Australia. Settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food. It is best to visit Hahndorf in the morning as it can get pretty crowded.

Most street parking around Hahndorf is a 3P parking. If you don’t mind to do a bit of walking, you can park at Carl Nitschke Public Car Park which is an all day parking lot, located about 10 minutes walk from the German Village.

Browse & appreciate the fine quality of German folk art at Hahndorf Candlemaker shop

Small playground at Alec Johnson Park (not too far fromHahndorf Fudge shop)

Beerenberg Strawberry farm shops various jams & sauces in different sizes

One of the waffle desert at Beerenberg Strawberry Farm

Adelaide CBD

Marshmallow Playground

This playground is located very close to Himeji Garden. It offers a perfect mix of traditional play equipment and nature play. It is great for both older and younger kids and also has toilet facility.

Adelaide Himeji Garden

The Garden, as the name suggest, presents features that represent Japanese culture. It blends two classic styles, the ‘senzui’ (lake and mountain garden) and the ‘kare senzui’ (dry garden). The garden is open daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm.

South Australia Space Industry Centre

The Australian Space Discovery Centre will be open to public starting May 2021. It is aim to to inspire the next generation of the space workforce with stories of innovation, curiosity and technology. You can also learn about Australia’s role in expanding national and international space activities.

Popeye River Cruise

Popeye Sightseeing cruise has a maximum capacity of 30 people so it is best to book in advance for a guaranteed space. The cruise started at Elder Park for a duration of 45 minutes. Earliest time for the cruise to start is 10 AM. It cost $24/ adult and $15/child above 2 years old.

You can choose the option to disembark nearing the end of the cruise if you want to go to Adelaide Zoo or Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Captain Jolleys Paddle Boat

Another alternative to explore the Torrens River is by hiring a pedal powered boat on the day of your choosing. It cost $20 for 30 minutes and one paddle boat can fit 2 people.

Bonython Park Playground

This park has flying fox, swings, and toilet facilities. You can also see passing trains on the small river bridge (a short walk from the park). The park is also on a flight path so kids can also have fun doing plane spotting.

Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo opens daily from 9.30 AM to 5 PM. Adelaide Zoo’s free walking tours depart on the hour from 10 am until 3 pm at our Tour Meeting Point, adjacent the main entrance.

Animals in the Children’s Zoo may be fed from the exterior with zoo animal food that is available for purchase for $2 (cash only and subject to availability). There is a total feeding ban in all other areas.

For schedule of free animal show, please refer to: https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/meet-the-keeper/

Barossa Valley

Whistler Wines

Whistler wines opens daily from 10.30 Am to 5 PM. It is one of the best wineries to visit in the Barossa with the kids is Whistler Wines.

The winery has kids area, which had various swings, ride ons and cubby house. There is also a cricket pitch, treasure hunt and rescue kangaroos.

Inside the cellar door is another play area with toys better suited to younger children and of course the wine tasting area. It also serves delicious lunch menu.

If the kids need to expend some extra energy Whistler Wines have a number of short onsite walks to go on, from 10-30 minutes.

Pindarie Winery

Pindarie Winery opens daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. It is one of the most picturesque wineries in the Barossa region and one of the best wineries in the Barossa to visit with the kids as it has a wide lawn space as well as the small outdoor play area complete with cubby house, sand pit and hay bale stack to climb.

The cellar door is located in gorgeous restored 1860s stables and is set high on a top of a hill providing 180 degree views across the Pindarie vineyards.

St Hugo Wines

St Hugo Wines has a restaurant with a beautiful and cozy settings that you can dine in at. Review for the restaurant is relatively high too

Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

The chocolate store opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. At the store, you can also watch the chocolatiers hard at work through viewing windows. The Barossa Valley Chocolate Company also sells Gelato ice cream and has a dedicated space on-site to offer chocolate making classes.

Port Adelaide

Hart’s Mill Playground

This playground has 3 story tower with metal slide as the centrepiece. The playground is suited for kids above 3 yeas of age and it also has a sitting flying fox.

The slide is a huge hit. It’s faster than the ‘usual’ metal slides and you’ll need that 3 meter flat section at the end to be sure you don’t slide off the end so take care with younger kids until they are comfortable. Public toilet is also nearby.

South Australia Maritime Museum

The museum is located in the historic Port Adelaide precinct. It preserves, explores and celebrates the human history of our oceans and rivers. The museum has three floors of exhibitions, the Port Adelaide Lighthouse from South Neptune Island, and the much-loved steam tug, Yelta.

The museum opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Ticket is $15/Adult, $6/Child, or $34.50/Family.

National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide has more than 100 exhibits within two huge pavilions and an 1870’s heritage listed goods shed.

Visitors can also take the family on a ride around the Museum site on our free small train ride, included in price of Museum admission. Trains generally run once every half hour.

The museum opens daily from 10 AM to 4.30 PM. Ticket is $15/Adult and $5/children 5-15 years old.

Port Noarlunga & Surrounds

Hallet Cove

The walks around Hallet Cove gives you not only a magnificent view of the ocean but also a view to one of Australia’s amazing geological site, an evidence of Australia’s Ice Age from about 280 million years ago. The walk will take around 1 hour to complete.

Car park & Public Toilet are located at Boatshed Cafe at Herron Way. You can start your walk from here, and walk towards The Sugarloaf.

The name “Sugarloaf” was apparently given due to its resemblance to hard refined sugar mass. Due to the discovery of this place, geologist was able to conclude that around 600 million years ago, part of SA was under water and was covered by ice about 280 million years go which melted about 270 million years ago.

From Sugarloaf, continue the walk towards Hallet Cove Broadwalk which is a clifftop broadwalk, offering a magnificent view of the ocean.

Herron Way Reserve

Once you are back from your Hallet Cove walk you can stop by at Herron Way Reserve, located about 5 minutes walk from Boadshed Cafe. It has a great new playground with amazing views over the ocean and has 5-way swing, tunnel slide, water and sand play, nature play, fitness equipment, shade sales, toilet, seating, shelter and BBQ facilities.

Port Noarlunga

Port Noarlunga is a seaside village, located about 30 minutes drive from Adelaide CBD and about 15 minutes drive from Hallet Cove. It is a good place for safe swimming (patrolled by Port Noarlunga Surf Lifesaving Club).

Easy Kayak Rentals

If you are up for a bit of water adventure, Easy Kayak Rentals is just about 2 minutes drive from Port Noarlunga beach. You can rent either single kayak ($25 for first hour) or family kayak ($35 for first hour). During Dec 27th to Jan 20th Easy Kayak Rentals is open from 9AM to 5 PM.

Onkaparinga River Mouth View Point

Onkaparinga River Mouth View Point offers stunning view of where the Onkaparinga river meet the sea. It is even more stunning during sunset

Aldinga Beach & Surrounds

Port Willunga Beach Caves & Jetty Pylons

Port Willunga Beach Caves is about 45 minutes drive from Adelaide CBD. The unique caves located inside a rock wall and were once used to store fisherman boats. Now, they are an ideal spot to have a picnic on a sunny day.

The jetty pylons, located near the caves, are a relic of a time from when the beach at Port Willunga was a major fishing hub. Under the calm sea water of Port Willunga there are actually a number of shipwrecks.

One of the shipwrecks buried beneath Port Willunga water is the Star of Greece, which is one of the most catastrophic disaster as it sinks just merely 200 meters from Port Willunga. Huge seas and ferocious winds that would make it impossible to swim to shore. Seas were reported to be 16 metres high and winds of up to 129 kilometres per hour. Some sailors were lucky enough to cling to debris from the ship and float to shore. They were taken to the nearby hotel in the scrub to recover (the ruins of the hotel are visible from the car park), however at least 18 people perished that night.

Aldinga & Sellicks Beach

Aldinga beach, Silver Sand beach, Moana beach, Sellicks beach are located a short drive from Port Willunga Beach Caves. They are one of the few beaches in Australia where cars are permitted to drive on sections of the broad sands if you’ve purchased a beach pass. Beach Pass cost $8/car.

For information about purchasing the beach pass, visit https://www.onkaparingacity.com/Services/Permits/Cars-on-beach-permit

Carrickalinga Beach & Lookout (Optional)

Ingalalla (Optional)

The walking trail to Ingalalla falls is a family friendly walk as it has mostly flat terrain. The walk takes about 45 minutes return.

The trail starts at the picnic area, following the creek upstream for 250 metres to reach the rock pool & waterfall. There are several picnic areas along the way.

Second Valley Jetty & Beach

The second Valley Jetty & Beach is about 50 minutes drive from Port Willunga Beach Caves. It is one of the most instagramable place as it offers stunning views of the coastline and unique geological formations.

Rapid Bay Cove Cave

Rapid Bay Cove Cave is about 15 minutes drive from Second Valley Jetty & Beach. The beach has a blend of sands and stones with cliffs and caves to explore.

Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island

Cape Jervis

Cape Jervis is about 20 minutes drive from Rapid Bay Cove Cave. This is also where you can take the ferry that goes to Kangaroo Island (about 45 minutes ride).

Sealink Ferry

The ferry return tickets from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo island is $98/adult, $50/child (3-14 years old), $196/passenger car. The ferry departs at 9 am, 10 am, and 6 pm daily from Cape Jervis. The ferry ride from Cape Jervis ended at Penneshaw at Kangaroo Island.

From Kangaroo Island, it departs 8.30 am, 10.30 am, and 7.30 pm daily.

You will need to board the ferry at least 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. If you are also bringing your car to the ferry, you will need to get one person to go to the terminal to check in and get the boarding pass. Each passenger will get his/her boarding pass (including children). The driver will receive a different boarding pass.

Car passengers will need to board the ferry via the walk or boarding ramp while the driver will need to remain in the car to drive the car into the ferry. Complimentary Wifi is available on board the ferry.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a haven of wildlife all year round, however, during the winter months, you’ll get to see the animals come to life. During the winter months, the resident mammals come out to play, including the kangaroos, wallabies, and koala joeys as winter months are normally the time when they start to emerge from their Mother’s pouch.

Winter also marks the perfect time to do some whale watching as it is normally the time for Majestic Southern right whales visit on their annual migration from Antarctic water. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Southern Right Whales as they breach just off the shoreline.

An advantage of travelling to Kangaroo Island during winter months is, you will be relatively free to explore the island without too much crowds, countryside is still lush and green, and the rivers flows strongly.

Additionally, the great thing about the island is that, it maintains a consistent temperature. It is never too hot or too cold, on average is around 15. Winter runs from June to August, and the island is mild and wet during this time. August tends to be the coolest month of the year, while July usually sees the most rain.

That said, the wind during winter months can be quite strong so packing a winter jacket that can resist the wind is a must.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse

The lighthouse was built in 1852 and is the oldest light house in South Australia. You can also opt to do the Heritage hike which begins and ends at the visitor centre and has some moderate inclines, irregular surfaces with loose & uneven base.

The walk is one of the 13 walks in Kangaroo Island that are not impacted by the 2020 bushfire. It takes around 1 hour to complete (allow a bit more to allow yourself to enjoy the view and wildlife encounters). It costs $3 per person.

The Visitor Centre is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. When the Visitor Centre is closed, you can still undertake the Heritage Hike by placing the $3 fee in the fee box.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is about 29 minutes drive from Sea Link Ferry terminal.

Pelican Lagoon

Pelican Lagoon is a seawater lagoon, located about 30 minutes drive from the Cape Willoughby lighthouse. It is one of the oldest marine protected area in South Australia as it started back in 1914. Since 1971, the entire lagoon was part of a marine protected area known as the American River Aquatic Reserve (abolished 2016), where all fishing and the collection of marine organisms is prohibited.

Salt Lagoon

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Seal Bay Conservation Park is about 50 minutes drive from Pelican Lagoon. It opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. You have the option to join the Seal Bay Guided Tour, which runs for 45 minutes and cost $90 per family.

During the tour, you will be taken into the heart of the colony where the experienced guides will teach you about the Australian sea lion. There is nowhere else in the world where you can listen to an expert give you their unique insight into how these endangered animals hunt, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory.

This is a 45 minute walking tour which you’ll need to follow a boardwalk through the dune system to the beach, and on the way you will have breathtaking views of the colony and the majestic coastline.

Tour times: 9:15am, 10:00am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1:15pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm

Little Sahara Adventure Centre

Little Sahara is a naturally occurring inland dunefield, located 15 minutes away from Pelican Lagoon. The site today is around 2.5 square kilometres large, approximately 4km from the coast, with the tallest dune being 70 metres above sea level. This unusual privately owned site was classed as a Significant Australian Heritage Geological Monument in 1979. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

At Little Sahara Adventure Centre you can choose to either do a 2 hours or 1 hour buggy tour. You also have the option to hire a toboggan to experience the thrill of tobogganing the sand dunes of The Little Sahara.

The two hours buggy tour cost $147/Adult & $97/Child (3-13 years). The one hour buggy tour costs $97/Adult and $77/child (3-13 years). You can hire the toboggan (including helmet) for $37/hour, and the second hour is free.

The 2 hour buggy adventure takes you to wild places totally inaccessible to anyone else. After admiring koalas in the 500 year old gum trees along the banks of the Eleanor river, your experienced Guide will take you to the edge of the Earth! At the coast you’ll marvel at the beauty of the rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and huge swell. You’ll get to go to a pristine remote beach where there will be nothing between you and Antarctica besides the vast Southern Ocean. Finish off, of course, with a ride through the desert-like landscape of Little Sahara’s epic inland sand dunes.

The 1 hour tour will begin in the natural scrub along the banks of the Eleanor River, looking up into the 500 year old South Australian blue gums for koalas. It will finish off with a ride through the desert-like landscape of Little Sahara’s epic inland sand dunes.

Remarkable Rocks

Remarkable Rocks is located about an hour drive from Little Sahara Adventure Centre. The walking trail is a relatively short and is wheelchair/pram accessible.

The walk takes about 15 minutes return and you can enjoy the view of the granite boulders appearing as artistic sculptures scattered across a larger granite dome.

Due to the 2020 bushfire, a lot of the walks in Kangaroo Island are closed. Best to check with the visitor centre at closer date to get confirmation whether or not this walk is open.

Admirals Arch

Admirals Arch is only 10 minutes away from Remarkable Rocks. It only requires a short stroll from the lower carpark down the headland to reveal Admirals Arch. The first 3/4 of the walk is wheelchair/pram accessible. Afterwards the path descends down the set of stairs to the Arch, offering the stunning view of the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean.

As you walk down, watch out for long nosed fur seals basking in the sun on the rocks. The boardwalk descends stairs down into a bay before emerging in Admirals Arch, where viewing platforms allow you to watch the seals closer.

Due to the 2020 bushfire, a lot of the walks in Kangaroo Island are closed. Best to check with the visitor centre at closer date to get confirmation whether or not this walk is open.

Cape Borda Lighthouse

There were more than 50 shipwrecks around Kangaroo Island since the first settlement in 1836 which prompted the establishments of lighthouses, starting with Cape Willoughby, which was built in 1852.

Cape Borda Lighthouse, which was uniquely square designed lighthouse was built in 1858. There are two more lighthouses built after that, Cape St Albans (1908) and Cape du Couedic (1909).

Cape Jervis to Victor Harbour

Deep Creek Conservation Park

Fleurieu Peninsula

South Australian Whale Centre

The South Australian Whale Centre Education Service offers a range of programs and activities for school and community groups in a unique marine experience. It is temporarily close due to renovations. It is schedule to re open on Friday, 5th June 2021.

The South Australia Whale Centre opens daily from 10.30 am to 5 pm. Admission ticket is $10/adult, $5/child (4 years and above), $27/family (2 adults & 2 child).

The Big Duck Boat Tour

This boat tour is located near the South Australian Whale Centre. They offered two options, the first one is the Seal Island Tour which runs for 45 minutes. This tour cost $40/Adult, $25/Child (2-15 years old), $115/family. It operates all year around and departs daily at 1 PM. This tour will brings you to see seals, sea lions, a

The second tour option is the Southern Ocean Adventure, which is a 90 minute tour. It cost $65/Adult, $50/child (2-15 years old), $200/family. It operates on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 11 am. This tour will bring you to see seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales (during winter season).

You can choose your seatings depending your tolerance of the rough sea. The front seat tend to get more of the rough sea impact. The back seat is for those who wants to get a calmer impact (especially if tou are family with toung children

Map that shows the different route coverage between Seal Island Tour VS. Southern Ocean Adventure

The Cockle Train

SteamRanger Heritage Railway operates a number of different heritage steam and diesel hauled tourist trains. One of the route operates between Goolwa & Victor Harbour. Train departs Goolwa station at 10 AM, 12.15 PM, and 2.45 PM. It departs Victor Harbour at 11 AM, 1.30 PM, and 3.45 PM. The Goolwa to Victor Harbour route cost $32.50/Adult, $16.50/Child, $77/family

Aside from Goolwa to Victor Harbour route, it also offers two different route from Mt Barker

Victor Harbour Tramway

Being from Melbourne, we are very used to hopping on to a tram. Victor Harbour Tramway, however, offers a totally different experience as it is a horse drawn Tram.

The horse drawn tramway operates daily from 10 AM to 3: 20 PM. One way ticket cost $15/ adults or $20/adult for a return. Children is free if with a paying adult.

The horse drawn tram goes along the way the Granite Island Causeway which is the only link between Granite Island and the mainland at Victoria Harbour.

Granite Island Recreation Park

Another option to get to Granite Island Recreation Park, other than by riding the horse drawn tram is by walking along the Granite Island Causeway which roughly takes 45 minute one way.

At the recreation park, you can also do more walk, the Kaiki walk which is a loop walk around the island (approximately 45 mins).

Map of the walk from Victor Harbour to Granite Island Recreation Park & Kaiki Loop Walk

One of the view from Granite Island Recreation Park

Victor Harbour to Melbourne

Woodlane Reserve Playground

Don Moseley Park

Weir Park & Adventure Island Playground

Yorkdale Estate Playground

Creswick Splash Park

Long Gully Splash Park

Long Gully Splash Park

Hadfield Park

Warburton Water World

Places to visit in Macedon Ranges during Winter/Spring

This area is only about an hour drive from Mebourne CBD. It is a good area to visits for a day trip.

Turpins Falls

Turpins Falls is a large billabong and the pool itself is larger than an Olympic swimming pool. The recent rains caused the steps that leads to Turpins Falls to deteriorate hence it is currently closed (as at Dec 2020) until further notice. Please check http://www.parks.vic.gov.au for updates.

Trentham Falls

Trentham Falls can be accessed from Trentham Scenic Reserve Road. However, for the best views of the falls, take the easy walk from the carpark to the viewing area. (There is no access to the top or base of the falls, due to unstable and steep cliffs).

You may also wants to pack a basket and enjoy the picnic area in bush surroundings, a short walk from the carpark and viewing area.

The Cascade Metcalfe

The Cascade is located on the Coliban River near Metcalfe at the end of a 1 Km dirt road (off the Kyneton to Metcalfe Road). It is easily accessible a short distance from the small parking area. The best time to visit is during Winter/Spring, especially after rainy days.

Summer/Autumn in Macedon Ranges

This area is only about an hour drive from Mebourne CBD. Below, I’ve listed some of the places in Macedon ranges that are good to visit during either summer/autumn

The Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock is a rare example of a volcanic feature known as a mamelon and was formed six million years ago when a particularly stiff type of lava formed a rounded pile of layers on the surface as it was squeezed through a narrow vent in the earth.

This walk starts at the walking track located behind the building complex housing the cafe and Discovery Centre. There is a circuit walk around the base of the rocks and another track that takes you to the top of the formations (Summit Walk).

The summit walk will is about 2 km and can be completed quite quickly but typically allow for an hour return to allow time to enjoy the views.

There is an excellent brochure available at Hanging Rock Reserve at information boards and the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre (but not online). It includes a map of the walking track and you should pick up a copy prior to commencing the walk.

This is how mist of the walking path to the Summit looks like however there are some sections that are quite steep

Woodend’s Children Park

This park is always a good stop over for whenever we are in the area. It has hughe playground with variety of pay structures, track for scooter/bike ride and lots of shaded sitting areas for parents.

Blackhill Reserve

The Reserve is accessed by following Edgecombe Road, north from Kyneton for approximately 5 kilometres and turning right into Ennis Road. Ennis Road is a gravel road and follow this for around 500 meters to the entrance to the Reserve where parking is available.

There are number of walks available from this reserve.

Circuit Track

A gentle 3.9 km walk with only a few inclines. You might find it easier to walk in a counter clockwise direction, which seems easier. Allow a good hour for this walk, more if you spend time enjoying the views or a picnic.

Ridge Track

A more strenuous 2.7 km walk with some steep sections and well over 250 steps along the way. Going clockwise you will have a short steep climb between points ‘I’ and ‘J’ shown on the map, then an enjoyable stroll along the ridge. Going counter clockwise, there is a longer more gentle climb between points ‘B’ and ‘K’. You will encounter lots of rock formations, huge granite boulders sculpted by erosion, particularly around Cave Rocks and the Eastern Lookout.

Revegetated Area Track

An easy 1.7 km walk through an area where 17,000+ trees have been planted. This planting has restored an area quarried for gravel back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This is a popular area for kangaroos seeking shade in hot weather.

Malmsbury Botanical Garden

One of my favorite botanical garden in Melbourne. It offeres you a serene view, and if you walk further into the garden, you can also see the viaduct. And if you are lucky, you will get to see the train passing through on the viaduct.

Public toilet is available at the entrance of the park, and it also has a small gated playground. You can also bring some oats to feed the ducks at the pond.

Bayswater & Dandenong

Bayswater Traffic Park

Always been a good playground to visit. For full information on this playground please go to Marie Wallace Bayswater Park

Unique Cafe Experience

Visit The Hatter & The Hare Cafe for a unique cafe experience. They have interesting drink, food and sweets menu all beautifully decorated

Alfred Nichols Garden

Alfred Nicholas Garden is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Christmas Day, days of Total Fire Ban, Severe Weather events and major works

National Rhododendron Garden

The National Rhododenron Garden opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Entry to the garden is free.

Cloudehill Garden

Cloudehill Garden opens 7 days from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission fee is $10/Adult and no charge for kids.

Baw Baw Shire & Surrounds

Oaks Park Playground

This is a relatively new playground in Clyde North and is a good place to give the kids a bit of break from the long drive if you need one.

Noojee Trestle Bridge

Noojee Trestle Bridge is the tallest surviving wooden trestle bridge in Victoria. Parking at the base of the bridge allows a great opportunity for photography. If you are just coming to look at the bridge there is only a short walk up a set of stairs to get to the top. Alternatively, there is also a 3 km return walking trail that you can complete. The walk is a relatively easy one so it is suitable for all fitness level.

Toorongo Falls Reserve

The Toorongo Falls Reserve is a picturesque area of 16 hectares beside the Toorongo and little Toorongo Rivers in tall mountain forest. It’s got great walking tracks and stunning scenery.

There is a circular track through the Toorongo Falls Reserve that goes to the spectacular viewing platforms for Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls. This walks is a pretty easy one and takes about 1/2 hour one way.

Ada Tree Walk

This walk is a relatively easy one as it is mostly through a hardened gravel or compacted surface although there may be some areas with soft surface and a bit of steps. The walk takes you through myrtle beech rainforest to the Ada Tree, which is also one of the largest known flowering trees in the world. It is Estimated to be at least 300 years old, it is about 76 metres tall with a circumference of 15 metres.

The walk started from the picnic area (follow the Island Creek) and is about 3.2 km return and will take approximately 1.5 hour to complete.

Redwood Forest

Redwood Forest is a 1.5 kilometre loop trail located which features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels, including kids. The loop trail will take you to the River at Cement Creek before heading back to the forest entrance.

Warburton Water World

If you still need a stop over to let the kids to do more burnt out before heading home, try stopping by at the Warburton Water World. It has both playground & water play area for warmer months.

Autumn in Bright

We went to Bright in mid March as I was hoping to still get the autumn sceneries but also warm weather so we can do some water play for the kids. And we got just that! The weather was perfect! We got to see some early autumn sceneries & it was still warm enough for a water play too!

Stop over options between Melbourne & Bright

Some stop over options to allow kids to burn out in between the relatively long drive to Bright

Hadfield Park

This park offers a great playground complete with the water play area for warmer weather.

Army Tank Museum

Located on the working Puckapunyal Military Base, the Australian Army Tank Museum is home to over 70 armoured fighting vehicles, making it one of the largest armour museums in Australia. The Army tank museum is about 40 minutes drive from Hadfield Park.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM

Kidstown Shepparton

This is a great stop over options for kids as it has a huge playground areas. Entry to the playground is by gold coin donations.

Shepparton Mooving Art

Moooving Art is an ever changing public art exhibition of life sized 3D cows. Fibreglass bovines are scattered throughout Shepparton and surrounding towns in public gardens, playgrounds and businesses and are full of colour, spunk and personality.

Benalla Adventure Playground

If you need a place to stop over to let kids burn some steam off, this is a pretty good place to let them loose. It has a play space for toddler, rocket ship climbing frame for older kids, and some nature themed play area. It also has toilet facility & shaded picnic tables and BBQ area.

That Dude and His Wok

If you are looking for a place to eat while in Benalla, you might want yo pop in to this restaurant. Their pop corn chicken is super yummy! Way better than their pho.

Goorambat Silo Art

Goorambat was painted in March 2018 and was the 16th to be included in the Australian Silo Art Trail (ASAT).

Devenish Silo Art

Devenish Stage one was completed in April 2018 and was the 19th silos to be included in the Australian Silo Art Trail (ASAT).

Devenish stage two was completed in April 2019.

Exploring Bright & Wandiligong

Canyon Walk

This is one of the popular loop walk in Bright. It is about 3 km returned and will take roughly 1.5 hours to complete. This walk is a family friendly trail and will suit all ages.

Starting from Howitt Park, keep walking towards Riverside Avenue. Keep walking along the Oven River. This path (often referred as the Southern Path) is relatively easy path.

Keep walking until you see the first bridge. If you are pressed of time, you can cross this bridge and follow the path to walk back towards Star Road and doing so will allow you to complete a shorter loop (about 1/2 hour return)

Alternatively keep walking the path without crossing the first bridge until you get to the second suspension bridge. This time cross the bridge and walk back towards Star Road and soon you will see the canyon, which is the best part of the walk.

You can choose to walk back on the river’s edge but please beware, the river current may be quite strong, so if you do this, you will need to be extra mindful.

Howitt Playground & Bright Splash Park

The start of canyon loop walking trail is located very close to both Howitt Playground & Bright Splash park. So what better way of finishing the walk with letting the kids blow some steam off at Howitt Playground and if it turns out to be warm enough, let them have some water play at Bright Splash Park which also has some steps to allow kids to go into the river for some splashing around

Katsu

On our last day at Bright, we wanted to do a picnic lunch by Oven river however have mot got any foods with us. So what we did was, buy some takeaways from Katsu, a Japanese restaurant nearby and ate it by the river. It was a good decision. All the dishes we ordered were very yummy!

Oriental Bridge

Accessible through Sangsters Lane, which is just off Centenary Ave

Morses Creek

Morses Creek is an ideal spot to cool off in the summer months. Kids can splash about while the adultd can enjoy the scenery.

Nightingale Bros Apple Orchard

The Nightingale family has been growing crisp, juicy apples in the Wandiligong Valley and alpine surrounds for over 60 years.
The cool, elevated conditions in these regions concentrate the flavours to produce sweet, juicy apples.

While you cannot pick your own apples, but you can buy apples from their shop. The type of apples they have available are Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and some others.

Mountain Fresh Trout & Salmon Farm

Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm is located about 20 minutes drive from Bright. It is a free entry, baits & rods are provided. Once you catched the fish, they will also clean your fish for you. You only need to pay for what you catch

While you won’t be able to cook youe fish onsite, they will however clean the fish for you. Kids will also be able to feed the fish using the foods that will be provided. You will not be able to cook your fish onsite.

Mermaid Pool & Rock Pool Walk, Mount Beauty

This walk is relatively easy one. It does not require any bushwalking experiences and can be completed in around 20 minutes.

Exploring Hotham Heights

Hotham heights is about an hour drive from Bright. It was a drive that is so worth it! There are quite a few lookouts you can stop by and each offers a beautiful view of the mountains.

Danny’s Lookout

Razorback Hiking Trailhead

Dargo Lookout

You will need to do a short walk from the car park to get to this lookout. It is however an easy walk. Our group includes a two year old girl and she was able to walk by herself with no problems.

Exploring Mount Buffalo, Eurobin and Porepunkah River

Mount Buffalo National Park is about 1 hour drive from Bright. It has lots of short walks to choose from. On the way back to Bright you can have the option to stop by at The Red Stag Deer & Emu farm before stopping over Porepunkah River area.

Lake Catani

Lake Catani is an idyllic area located on the Mount Buffalo Plateau, surrounded by the iconic alpine ash and snow gum forests. During warmer months, it is a popular destination for swimming.

Chalwell Galleries Walking Track

The Chalwell Galleries is a short walking track around Lake Catani (around 45 minutes return). There is no bushwalking experience required for this walk as it is mostly consists of well formed track. The walk will take you through a granite rocks, forming an impressive passage with magnificent views of the Buckland valley and out towards Mt Bogong, which is the highest mountain in Victoria as well as the NSW Alps.

This walk begins near the Lake Catani Day Visitors Area. Please use caution as there are some tight squeezes through the galleries which do require some scrambling.

Eurobin Falls & Ladies Bath Falls Walking track, Mount Buffalo National Park

This track climbs past the pretty Ladies Bath Falls, still popular for a dip on a warm day, and onto Lower Eurobin Falls. A steeper track continues up to the base of the Upper Falls.

The walk to the Ladies Bath Falls, which is the first waterfall you will encounter on this track is just 400 metres from the car park. It does not require any bushwalking experience as it has mostly formed track.

If you choose to continue to the Upper Eurobin falls then you will encounter a bit more obstacles such as steep hills and many steps.

Walking Track Map of Eurobin Falls/Ladies Bath Falls

The Horn Lookout

Just a short walk from the end of the road,the views are impressive at any time of the day, but particulalry breathtaking at sunset. Enjoy a light supper as you watch the sun dip behind the many glorious peaks of the High Country. Picnic tables and chairs are provided but equally do-able is your own picnic rug spread – perfect for lounging. If you are up for some activity then you can complete the Horn Track (about 1.5 km, 45 minutes return) is a perfect post picnic walk and leads to a lookout with superb 360 degree views of the plateau and Australian.

The Red Stag Deer & Emu Farm

The entry to this farm is free as it is part of the Red Stag Restaurant. You can buy a bucket of the foods to feed the animals at the farm. While there is a playground within the farm, it is a very tiny one.

Porepunkah Recreation Reserve

Porepunkah is a laidback village 6km from Bright on the Great Alpine Road (about 15 minutes drive). When the river streams run slowly this is a favourite place for families offering a riverpool with lifeguards and a toddlers pool with safe areas to splash, swim, float in a tyre.

Alternatively, you can do the Porepunkah River Walk (around 45 minutes returned) as shown on the map below.

Exploring Beechworth

Beechworth is a well preserved historical town and located only about 50 minutes drive from Bright.

Mayday Hills Garden

The gardens cover an area of 27 acres. They were planted in the late 19th century as a botanical setting of exotic trees and shrubs, donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. The gardens are set against a backdrop of magnificent native trees, most notably Brittle Gums.

Lake Sambell

Lake Sambell is a short stroll from the centre of Beechworth, and is a picturesque recreation reserve and a popular venue for water and boating activities. Recent extensive work has been undertaken to provide walking trails throughout the reserve along with an adventure playground for children at the Sandy Beach swimming area.

Kids can swim to cool off during warm weather

Burke Museum

The Burke Museum is Australia’s oldest regional museum. Once the government centre for a vast goldfields region, this collection of nationally significant buildings tells the story of how Australia grew and prospered.

The adjacent Historic Precinct contains the old Beechworth courthouse, telegraph station and treasury buildings. Here you can stand in the dock where Ned Kelly stood, visit the famous Ned Kelly vault museum or send a telegram to anywhere in the world from the telegraph station.

Beechworth Discovery Centre

Discover the world of honeybees and gain a deeper appreciation of their importance to pollination, natural environment and our food. There are free talks, demonstrations and tastings of food and drink using Beethworth’s honey including nougat, chocolate and even alcoholic mead.

You can dress up like a beekeeper or bee and learn about the life of a beekeeper. There’s also a live working honeybee colony on display in the Bee Garden.

Beechworth Historical walk

This walk typically include the Telegraph Station, Ned Kelly Vault Museum, and Beechworth Historic Courthouse

Old Beechworth Gaol

The Old Beechworth Gaol is one of Australia’s most significant post-European cultural sites. Its role in the chain of events that led to the execution of Ned Kelly is significant as it housed Ned’s mother, Ellen Kelly, many of the Kelly sympathisers and Ned himself, alongside his brother Dan and the rest of the Kelly gang.