family day trip ideas for fun in the south
The South and Southeast are full of amazing family-friendly destinations!
Keep this page handy for your next family road trip or day trip adventure – whether you’re looking for a quick 1-hour drive or a fun 4-hour journey, Mamma’s got the best family activities and attractions covered. Start planning your next family adventure today!

The South and Southeast are full of amazing family-friendly destinations!
Keep this page handy for your next family road trip or day trip adventure – whether you’re looking for a quick 1-hour drive or a fun 4-hour journey, Mamma’s got the best family activities and attractions covered. There’s even a few options for accommodation incase you’re having too much fun to leave!
Start planning your next family adventure today!
THE BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCES
Best Friend Holiday Retreat in Tarra Valley is pure heaven for dogs, and it’s pretty spectacular for humans, too!
Everywhere you look the view here is breathtaking, with a playground and an onsite cafe - it’s the perfect way to spend the day!
Did you know that in the beautiful lakeside Gippsland town of Paynesville, you can catch a free ferry to a tiny island full of koalas, kangaroos and wombats?
If you haven’t been before, you really should add it to your list - and bring the family! This interactive war museum is home to incredible war memorabilia from all around the world, and is just brimming with Australian history.
Perched high up on a hill in the Strzelecki Ranges, amidst a beautiful tree rainforest and the most spectacular views, you will find South Gippsland Tank Adventures.
You may have driven past the giant koala sign or seen the big pirate ship on your way to Phillip Island, but Maru Koala & Animal Park in Grantville is a destination in itself!
Going in a camping trip with the family is one of the great Aussie traditions. It gets us out and into the outdoors, allowing us to explore nature and spend time making great memories with family. You can do all of this in the stunning Point Nepean National Park at the historic Quarantine Station.
You never need to worry about traffic getting onto the Island again!
Now THIS is the only way this Mamma will go camping ever again! Luxury Glamping at its finest!
All Mamma can say is - wow! What an experience the wonderful Funky Farm is. Where else can you cuddle a wombat? Walk with emus? Wander amongst the wallabies and wonder at the prehistoric likeness of the saltwater crocodiles?
A theme park that is SUPER fun for the whole family. It’s an animal park, has rollercoasters and thrill rides, and Mamma’s favourite place to cool off at the GIANT water park. You'll find this theme park on the way to Gippsland and is a summer hit!
Sweet Mamma chocolate dreams! Panny’s Chocolate Factory that rests beside the road as you head through the island is a coco-lover’s haven and the kids will be impressed too.
Old Macdonald had a farm, and on that farm he had STRAWBERRIES! Lots and lots of large, juicy strawberries!
Take a hot lap around the Phillip Island Circuit track, and take in those incredible views!
Life cant get much better than a night at this luxurious family home by the beach!
All the Aussie animals you can think of, behind the one gate.
We are talking, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, echidnas, wombats, bats, tassie devils, dingos, snakes, eagles, cockatoos, lizards, kookaburras, pelicans and more!
Take a journey to the Antarctic and learn all about the amazing wildlife and their habitat.
There are doors and entrance ways that lead to different themed rooms, each one more spectacular and kooky than the next.
When 12pm approaches, these guys slowly gather around the foreshore and wait patiently for their lunch to arrive.
Packed with fun for the family and completely affordable, with different options for all budgets.
This 18 round course offers some whacky obstacles like giant spinning tops and tyres, and has an assortment of crazy decorations scattered around.
Here's a great way to spend a day - sail across the bay! You may be lucky and have dolphins swim beside you!
Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids
The Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island is quality eco-education - Koalas in their natural habitat with boardwalks allowing visitors to get a closer view.
An island off an island! Churchill Island is a must do if you have a family and kids learning all the different animal noises.
THE BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Feeling like some outdoor adventure with the kiddos? Well, Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve is the perfect place for you!
This unsuspecting waterfall is the perfect family friendly destination, as the walk to the viewing point is only 200m from the carpark! Perfect for those little legs!
With heritage buildings, most still in their original condition, the vast openness sprinkled with the most majestic old trees, and surrounded by the bay - it is pure tranquility.
No words or pictures can fully explain the sheer beauty of this spot. The scenery in every direction and the rich Australian history you’re walking amongst, is pretty spectacular. Fort Nepean on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is the site of the first shot of the British Empire in WWII - as well as the last know location of Prime Minster Harold Holt before he disappeared!
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a weekend picnic with INCREDIBLE views, you simply cannot go past the STUNNING Seawinds Gardens in Arthurs Seat.
Here’s the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages, with absolutely stunning scenery surrounding you in every direction.
Here’s a great, quiet family beach! Perfect for swimming, fishing and rock pooling!
Here is the perfect location for your next family beach road trip!
Mamma is going to call it - THIS is the most stunning stretch of beach in the South!
Mushroom Reef Sanctuary is the perfect spot to discover some fossils, collect pretty shells and just take in the sheer magnificence of the Mornington Peninsula.
This is the perfect family walk! It will only take you 20 minutes to follow the trail - there and back - so it’s perfect for those little legs. It’s also pram friendly, too!
There really is something so magical here. It’s a mixture of the white sand, the red caves and those huge cliffs - accompanied by the sound of the crashing waves - pure HEAVEN.
The Nobbies sit at the southern tip of the fabulous Phillip Island but you feel like you could be at the edge of the earth.
Mamma says when the tide is out on a hot summer's day you can't beat these pristine rock pools for a delicious refreshing swim.
THE BEST PLACES TO EAT
Holy moly folks, Miller’s Bread Kitchen in Dromana is so delicious, Mamma thinks you need to add it to your ‘must visit’ list!
This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.
2 Waters Cafe in Longwarry welcomes families, not only with their indoor play area - but also with a trolley full of games and colouring; plastic plates, cups and utensils; room for prams and a change table.
Wow folks, St. Andrew’s Beach Brewery is the perfect location for your next family get together - good food, drinks and a great atmosphere, what more could you ask for!
Hidden away down a little dusty court, you will find Flinders Sourdough Bakery, home to the yummiest sourdough bread, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and pastries.
Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!
In the middle of the pine tree lined street, a top of the lavender fields in Main Ridge, you will find the sweetest little Red Hill Lavender Farm Cafe.
If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family Sunday brunch - or any day really - then you have found it here!
Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery is a great family friendly spot that place that the whole family will love!
How could you not love a restaurant that has a cute little kids corner with cubby and kids corner, has impeccable service by the most friendly staff, stunning location, AMAZING food and is doggo friendly too?!
Make sure you add the family and dog-friendly The Store in Ventnor Phillip to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little rustic cafe that’s just perfect for a laid back family meal!
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!
With an open fire place, live music, pool table and extensive cocktail list - it has everyone covered.
Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant
Located directly opposite a bushy reserve, offering views of beautiful trees and a sound track of kookaburras laughter, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh, colourful and delicious vegan food and smoothies.
Did you know that there’s a VODKA DISTILLERY in the South? This Mamma did NOT, and WOW, this place is amazing!
Nestled underneath shady trees, just opposite the walking trail and across the road from views of the stunning Merricks Beach, lies Merricks General store.
Hidden away in an industrial street, you will find this little unassuming cheese factory that packs a huge punch!
Wow - Mamma has stumbled across a gem here! Feed some farm animals, have a coffee AND grab fresh produce onboard a 1910 red rattler train carriage!
This may just be one of your new favourite spots to eat on the Peninsula!
It’s laid back, has an amazing vibe, uses fresh, locally produced products and the staff are friendly, attentive and extremely accommodating. Oh, and they make KILLER cocktails!
The cafe is on a homestead surrounded by beautiful bush scenery, even offering small bushwalk trails. The rainforest room is phenomenal!
If you like your meal with a view - you are going to LOVE this absolutely magical spot.
Mamma’s giving you a heads up - with over 30 flavours of scrumptious ice-cream to choose from here, you may have a hard time making a decision!
Looking for a cool spot to chill out with an ice-cold beer, to warm yourself over the open fire, and where the kids are welcome? You’ve found it!
Mamma loves a winery lunch outing with the family. Gorgeous open spaces, great food and a drop or two of wine. The Phillip Island Winery is definitely one of Mamma’s favourites. Grab a seat in the cozy indoor spaces with sheepskin adorning the chairs, or the outside tables where the kids can run around on the grass.
The aroma fills your lungs as soon as you step through the door. Chocolate; sweet, sweet chocolate!
best water play fun in the south
There are SO many AMAZING places for water fun in the South!
The BEST beaches, water parks and playgrounds with water play.

There are SO many AMAZING places for water fun in the South!
The BEST beaches, water parks and playgrounds with water play.
Here are the TOP places for water play in the South featuring family friendly beaches, playgrounds with varying levels of water play from little pumps to large fountains!
This playground’s name doesn’t evoke a sense of awe or wonder but Mamma’s 5 year old likes to call it “The Secret Place” which is a much more fitting name for this magic little (fully fenced!!) oasis.
Mamma’s got another fully fenced playground to add to the list! Elsternwick Park Playground (North) is a wonderful little oasis on the Bent Avenue end of the park.
Words cannot describe the scale of this incredible park here. Mamma has never seen play equipment like this before!
North Road Foreshore Playground has it all - the beach, water play, a beautiful city view and coffee, just a stone's throw away.
Pack up the kiddos and sunscreen, because Booran Reserve in Glen Huntly is where it's at! This award-winning park, part of Glen Eira Council, is an absolute gem especially in the warmer Melbourne months.
What could be more perfect than a newly upgraded nautical-themed playground with water play right on the foreshore of the beautiful Mordialloc beach?
This adventure park in Clyde North is AWESOME. It has water play, swings, climbing structures and a half basketball court.
Mamma loves when a park is updated, but still maintains the things that make it great - but the extra additions to make it truly awesome!
This freshie is a beauty, folks! A wide open playground that is split into different areas creating plenty space for the kids to play!
You really can’t beat the location of Point Ormond Reserve, it’s right next to the beach, Beacon Hill and the bay trail - but you’ll be hard pressed to get your children past the new playground!
This is BRAND NEW playground is one for the brave! Check out that skywalk!
With the golden sandy beach below you, bay views all the way out to the city surrounding you, lush trees to shelter under and this newly updated awesome play equipment - everyone wins!
Be prepared to be blown away by this INCREDIBLE updated playground!
This amazing playground has it ALL! Fully fenced - toilets - water play and more!
What a terrific space this is! At the back of Springvale Library and nestled between Springvale Town Hall is this wonderful NEW playground.
This place is playground GOLD! It’s fully fenced with all abilities accessible equipment, a public toilet with change table facilities, BBQ facilities and undercover tables, a sandpit and a basketball court!
Hold on to your dragonflies good people - there is a BRAND NEW PARK and it is BRILLIANT - with a capital B!
You've gotta love an upgraded park!
This one was one of Mamma's favourites before it got an upgrade; now it is simply spectacular!
Mamma loves a beach playground especially one that has some awesome water play!
The stunning cliffs, intricate rockpools and vast expanse of deep swimming water, make this such a magical spot.
Here is a wonderful family friendly beach!
Calm water, views all the way out to The Nobbies and if you pick the tide timings right, rockpools to explore!
Here’s a great, quiet family beach! Perfect for swimming, fishing and rock pooling!
Here is the perfect location for your next family beach road trip!
Mothers beach is named as such - as it’s the perfect beach for family fun!
There is always something going on at the square - story time - live music - water fountain splashing!
This marine sanctuary is home to many waterbirds - even ducks and swans at times - starfish, crabs, fish and pelicans!
Mamma says when the tide is out on a hot summer's day you can't beat these pristine rock pools for a delicious refreshing swim.
The Australian Garden as part of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne is a stunning destination to the explore with the entire family. Pack a towel - you will certainly want to have a paddle!
Mammas! Drop what you’re doing, grab the kids, pop on the togs and head straight down to Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer!
A theme park that is SUPER fun for the whole family. It’s an animal park, has rollercoasters and thrill rides, and Mamma’s favourite place to cool off at the GIANT water park. You'll find this theme park on the way to Gippsland and is a summer hit!
Jump off the diving boards, slide down the water slide, splash in the shallow pool with bubble fountains and get swept away in the wave pool!
64 top places for family fun in the south
There are SO many AMAZING places for family fun in the South!
Mamma’s found some of the best family fun ideas in Melbourne’s South East and added them in one handy spot! There’s playcentres, animal farm fun, arty play, messy play, mini golf, arcade fun and LOTS more!
So sit back and peruse our TOP 64 places for family fun in Melbourne’s South East!

There are SO many AMAZING places for family fun in the South!
Mamma’s found some of the best family fun ideas in Melbourne’s South East and added them in one handy spot! There’s playcentres, animal farm fun, arty play, messy play, mini golf, arcade fun and LOTS more!
So sit back and peruse our TOP 64 places for family fun in Melbourne’s South East!
Welcome to Azure on Panorama! This stunning 55-acre property is located in Boneo on the Mornington Peninsula. The views here are breathtaking, stretching across the countryside, hills, and the bay.
It is easy to see why this little hidden oasis has been named, Marina Magical Getaways in Patterson Lakes! Here is your chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate relaxing getaway - in the middle of the suburbs!
Step back in time and jump on board your booth carriage of the Mornington Heritage Tourist Railway. Open up the windows and let the fresh peninsula air refresh your face as you watch the scenery zoom past.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is kicking off the festive season with a bang. From now through to Christmas Eve, you’ll find billowing circus tents taking over Caulfield Racecourse.
If trains are your child’s obsession of choice then this Mamma has some great news for all southsiders. Located within the natural bush setting of Springvale South’s Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, the Springvale Live Steamers offer miniature train rides for the young and young at heart.
Hand on heart, this experience is THE best thing this Mamma has EVER done with Master 12.
Home to largest dino-themed obstacle course in Australia, you’ll bounce and jump over the 5000 square foot inflatable course - with over 25 twist and turns!
Everywhere you look the view here is breathtaking, with a playground and an onsite cafe - it’s the perfect way to spend the day!
Like almost all of Melbourne, Mamma and the crew love a footy match. The excitement of the game, the passion from the supporters and the thrill of seeing the skills on the field. All is on offer when heading to an AFLW match at Casey Fields to watch the mighty Melbourne Football Club.
Did you know that in the beautiful lakeside Gippsland town of Paynesville, you can catch a free ferry to a tiny island full of koalas, kangaroos and wombats?
Every second Saturday, the lovely chocolatiers at Only Mine in Cranbourne, open up their factory for tours and tastings!
Here’s a great place to play as a team with the family as your work your way out of a lolly shop!
If you haven’t been before, you really should add it to your list - and bring the family! This interactive war museum is home to incredible war memorabilia from all around the world, and is just brimming with Australian history.
The Australian National Aviation Museum (say that three times quickly) is a true surprise and delight. Located within the Moorabbin Airport district the planes are both on the ground and constantly flying overhead
Perched high up on a hill in the Strzelecki Ranges, amidst a beautiful tree rainforest and the most spectacular views, you will find South Gippsland Tank Adventures.
Dinosaur fans UNITE! Every kid Mamma knows loves dinosaurs, so add this to your to do list ASAP if you haven't already.
This is one jam-packed adventure garden! The fun just keeps on coming.
What a perfect adventure – a penguin-watching experience at the St Kilda Breakwater wall, where around 1400 Little Penguins make their way to shore at sunset, and the knowledgeable staff are great with kids and questions!
Now THIS is the only way this Mamma will go camping ever again! Luxury Glamping at its finest!
All Mamma can say is - wow! What an experience the wonderful Funky Farm is. Where else can you cuddle a wombat? Walk with emus? Wander amongst the wallabies and wonder at the prehistoric likeness of the saltwater crocodiles?
Rows amongst rows of gorgeous lavender, set amongst the hills of beautiful Main Ridge, it’s simply the most picturesque spot,
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer!
A theme park that is SUPER fun for the whole family. It’s an animal park, has rollercoasters and thrill rides, and Mamma’s favourite place to cool off at the GIANT water park. You'll find this theme park on the way to Gippsland and is a summer hit!
It’s time to go an adventure and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit - and there is NO better place to do just that, than at The Christmas Tree Farm!
You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case.
Take a hot lap around the Phillip Island Circuit track, and take in those incredible views!
Take a journey to the Antarctic and learn all about the amazing wildlife and their habitat.
This wonderful farm has so many adorable animals to feed and cuddle. But you simply cannot go past the piglets.
This AMAZING wildlife sanctuary is somewhere you absolutely have to add to your must-do list! Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabys, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats......... and more!
Here at Royal Pickle Club in Carrum Downs, you can hire a Pickleball court to challenge your family, burn off some energy and enjoy meal and fully licensed bar!
Indoor playcentres are a godsend when the weather is less than ideal, and Clayton’s Crocs is no exception. With play zones for all age groups and a Muffin Break cafe for the grown ups, it’s the perfect place to escape the elements and entertain the kids for a few hours.
WARNING: This is not your average play centre. Be prepared to be lost in the jungle for a few hours, as you have a safari good time and this incredible indoor play centre.
Where else can you burn off excess energy on over 180 trampolines, multi-level laser tag area and a toddler indoor play zone? Gravity Zone is in a league of its own!
If, like this Mamma, you have a jumping castle enthusiast in the house, Space Jump at Springvale Indoor Sports is definitely one to pop on the list.
The Deck Kids perfectly combines the fun filled aspects of a children’s play space with the mouth watering qualities of Melbourne’s cafe culture - this Mammas idea of heaven.
There’s a library, laundry, nursery, cubby-house/backyard, kitchen, shop (complete with an ATM) and a construction zone. Guaranteed perfection for toddler indoor play!
Everything really is AWESOME down at Legoland - indoor play perfection!
Knock down some pins with their multi-lane Ten Pin Bowling, test your skills in the HUGE arcade arena, putt-loose in the 19 hole mini-golf course and fight your way through a Virtual Reality world at Zero Latency.
This sensory gym offers open play sessions of up to two hours, where kids can play in an environment that is far more calm than regular play centres.
This all-weather indoor park boasts a range of facilities aimed at bike users from 3-13 years old such as a glow in the dark pump track, mountain bike track and a toddler mini track.
Here’s a spot the whole family will love! Painting, pizza, pastries and play are all on offer.
Feel like smashing, crashing or splashing out some rage? Then THIS is the place you NEED to visit!
This spot is a little family treasure! With a multi-level play centre and a 5D movie ride!
Not only can you make a work of art here; but there’s a toddler indoor play area AND a cafe!
Mamma has a bubbly feeling your children are going to have a fizzing good time here these school holidays!
Putt loose on this awesome glow in the dark indoor mini golf!
Here’s an awesome experience that will linger for months to come!
You’re going to LOVE this BRAND NEW museum!! Bookings are ESSENTIAL as it is sure to be very popular!
You’re in for a HOLE lot of fun at this great spot!
Whether your’re bringing your kids for a family fun day or heading out on a date night - you are sure to find this eclectic place above par.
Here you can roam the store looking at hundreds of pottery creations - waiting for the right one to jump out at you.
If you’re looking for some awesome family fun - you have found it!
Here you can make a full day of adventure. Choose from one or all of the activities on offer.
You NEED to check out this place - its’s SO much fun! It’s like Hot Wheels on steroids!
Milestone Party and Play Centre not only has ALL the great play features we love, with huge multi story play structures, racing slides, ball pits and a gated 0-3 area - they also offer sensory sessions!
This incredible new Twisted Science centre is the latest and GREATEST family fun in the South!
As if Funtopia wasn’t already paradise for kids, they have added ANOTHER element to captivate and entertain the little ones!
Designed solely for ages up to 4, there are heaps of little activities that are going to entertain and challenge them.
BOUNCE has EVERYTHING to keep all ages happy! The perfect rainy day play activity.
With a dedicated, fenced in toddler area; huge slides, air hockey table, drawing boards, ball pit, ride-on bikes - and SO much more, there is something for all ages! The perfect indoor play activity.
Jump into some fun and bounce off some excess energy!
This is the perfect all-weather energy burning paradise.
This wonderful farm has so many adorable animals to feed and cuddle. But you simply cannot go past the piglets.