Best Winter Getaways for Families Near Melbourne
- Family
Sure summer road trips are awesome - the sun is shining, the wind in your hair... but Victoria has some of the best, cosiest, most dramatic and fun getaways so close to Melbourne just perfect for the special brand of winter we get down here! You could go an hour in any direction and have the absolute time of your life! Wood fires, heated pools, cosy games rooms and other winter adventures await!
Galwiji Homestead, Ballarat
For a big, private homestead with plenty of space, there's one right in Ballarat! Previously a permanent home to sheep and cattle, Galwiji Homestead now provides a substantial plantation of sugar gums with periodic visits from farm animals. There/s a fully-equipped kitchen in the homestead and two barbecues outside.
Other amenities include:
- A dedicated games room with table tennis, table soccer, TV/DVD, musical instruments and a wood heater for cooler days/nights
- A DVD library with titles for all ages, as well as an extensive kids’ book collection and a range of books for adults
- Plenty of outdoor activities (kid-friendly) including 2 swing sets, sand pit, and camp fire for toasting marshmallows (subject to fire restrictions)
- Bush walking with a mapped plantation walk and boundary walk, bird watching (40 species identified so far), and mountain biking (BYO bikes).
Ballarat can get very chilly so you'll be glad of that wood heater! Plenty here to keep the kids occupied if the weather does turn.
- Where: Pryors Rd Scotsburn
- Book: 0424 750 555 or info@galwijihomestead.com
- Website: here.
Image Credit: Galwiji Homestead
Tower Motel, Marysville
Perfect for when you want to play in the snow! The Tower Hotel even has Snow Play packages on offer - two nights' stay for four with snow outfits and equipment hire included.
The Tower Motel has family rooms with huge bathrooms (including double showers) and the King suites have gorgeous deep baths. The bar/lounge also has a roaring fireplace all during winter - your cosy après snow nights are assured!
Kanasta Caravan Park, Rye
If you're headed down Mornington Peninsula way, why not stay a few nights at Kanasta Caravan Park? The price is easy on the wallet, there's a great kids playground, paved roads save for bikes and scooters, baby bathroom and a great friendly vibe. If you're looking for something different, they even have a cute retro glamping van you can rent!
Only 5 minutes walk from the Rye boat launching ramp, cafes, shops, restaurants, pubs/clubs and safe swimming beaches of Rye’s Port Phillip Bay, you are right near the action when it's time to get out and about.
- Where: 1-9 Sinclair Avenue, Rye
- Book: 03 5985 2638 or sales@kanastacaravanpark.com.au
- Website: here.
Kookaburra Cottages, Apollo Bay
If it's the Great Ocean Road you're headed down, stop in at Kookaburra Cottages for a true beachfront experience - local wildlife included! This B&B on a 280-acre organic farm is something totally out of the ordinary.
Family-friendly fully self-contained cottages are directly across a secluded beach with the comfort of wood fire warmth plus reverse cycle air con and spas. Onsite they have BBQ areas, salt water solar heated outdoor pool, gym, kids playgound with safety trampoline, and cubby house.
You could go fishing, or check out any number of wildlife and nature adventures nearby.
- Where: 5750 Great Ocean Road, Petticoat Creek
- Book: (03) 3523 76825 or kookaburracottages3233@gmail.com
- Website: Their Facebook page is here.
Rydges Atura, Dandenong
A great family-friendly option only an hour out of the city, Rydges Atura, which often has fun kid-focused retreat rates with lucky dips and free breakfasts for young'uns - you can keep an eye on when offers are coming up here.
There's free WiFi in all public areas, free internet access & coffee pod machines in the rooms & suites and bathroom amenities from New York’s Malin + Goetz. Cots, high chairs and extra rollaways available for the younger crowd.
- Where: 5-17 Doveton Avenue, Dandenong
- Book: +61 3 9771 6000
- Website: here.
What are you waiting for? Go pack your bags!
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