Have you heard of the Surf Coast? Located southwest of Melbourne, the Surf Coast is where the world-famous Great Ocean Road begins. This area is chock-full of things to do with kids and it’s a popular holiday destination for families. Beyond the fabulous beaches, kids can have fun at adventure parks, on paddle boats, and tasting the delights at a chocolate factory. Here are the best 6 things to do with kids on the Surf Coast.
Learn The History of Surfing
Located right at the start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is said to be the surfing capital of Australia. So where else would you find the Australian Surfing Museum? One of the more educational places to visit in Torquay, the museum is a fun way to learn about the history of surfing in Australia and around the world. Within its walls there are interactive displays and extensive collections of surfboards, memorabilia, and videos and photographs from different eras. Kids love the graffiti covered surfboards with humorous messages to “Mum”, and missing pieces that are shaped like shark bites.
The Hall of Fame is dedicated to honouring Australia’s surfing champions, while the Board Room explores the progressive evolution of surfboard designs from around the world.
If you’re lucky you may be fortunate enough to see the in-house surfboard shaper crafting one of their desgings.
Indulge In Chocolate Delights
Let the kids (and grown-ups!) indulge in chocolate delights at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Nestled on 15 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, this destination is a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts, those with a sweet tooth and for families.
Explore the massive show room featuring thousands of irresistible chocolates, and if you find it hard to choose, complimentary taste tests are available. Next to the retail section, a large window provides entertainment for the kids as they watch the chocolates being made.
These is an onsite café serving casual meals and sweet treats and of course, the hot chocolate is amazing. If all that chocolate isn’t enough, an outdoor ice cream bar serves up generous scoops of deliciously creamy ice cream. After satisfying your taste buds, let the kids run wild on the lawns, explore the gardens, and play with the resident rabbits and guinea pigs.
Have Bouncing Fun At A Trampoline Park
A favourite stop for families on the Surf Coast, Jumpz is a trampoline playground where kids can literally bounce off the walls. Located in the grounds of the Great Ocean Road Resort the park is open to everyone, although a stay here is highly recommended.
Adults love this place as much as children do, as the venue includes an outdoor bar and kiosk, a sunken lounge with a firepit, and live music on weekends. Barbecue facilities are available for those who prefer to bring their own food, and for moments when the kids need a break from the trampolines, there are bocce courts and other games to keep them entertained.
Climb The High Wires At Live Wire Park
Live Wire Park is one of the best attractions in Lorne for families with kids. Both adults and children can take part in thrilling activities like zooming through the bush on high-speed ziplines, balancing on wires in the treetops, and bouncing on trampolines.
This eco-friendly park provides a variety of circuits catering to different abilities. The Super Circuit is a popular choice for adults and teenagers, while the Short Circuit is designed for children over 110 cm in height. These circuits have obstacle courses high in the trees, with swinging planks, ladders, ziplines, and other elements intended to challenge participants and build self-confidence, all while having fun!
The Spring Circuit is suitable for all ages but is mostly designed for younger kids, offering a series of elevated trampolines enclosed with nets, and equipped with balls and other toys for play.
A stand-out attraction at Live Wire Park is the Shockwave Zip Coaster, a 525 metre long zipline. Despite its height and speed, the Coaster is less intimidating than it appears, and it is accessible to kids from the age of 10 years.
Spot Kangaroos On A Golf Course Tour!
Delight the kids on a truly unique adventure in Anglesea with a kangaroo tour at the local golf course – an experience they won’t soon forget.
Anglesea Golf Course hosts a lively community of over 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos who have made the course their home, leisurely grazing on the fairways.
In the past, eager tourists would explore the grounds hoping to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures, often causing disturbances in the process. To address this, the club initiated Kangaroo Tours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and the kangaroos.
Tour participants are chauffeured in golf buggies making stops for photo opportunities. The kangaroos are surprisingly docile allowing the buggies to approach closely. Knowledgeable volunteer guides lead these tours sharing insights into the kangaroos’ needs and behaviours.
Keep a keen eye out for cute baby joeys peeking out of their mother’s pouch!
Explore The River On A Paddle Boat
For an enjoyable family outing that’s fun for everyone make your way to Anglesea Paddle Boats. Situated alongside Anglesea Bridge, the colourful boats are easily spotted along the riverbank and gliding across the water.
You can choose from a variety of watercraft ranging from paddle boats and canoes to aqua bikes and small motorboats. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy a delightful journey along the scenic river, passing under the bridge to Coogarah Park.
This family operated business welcomes visitors every day during the summer months, and on weekends throughout the winter.
After getting out on the water, exploring the river area on foot is highly recommended. The riverbank features a fantastic accessible path that’s perfect for prams, fishing jetties, and an excellent children’s playground.
Final Word
The Surf Coast offers a diverse range of kid friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family getaway. From exploring the rich history of Australian surfing and indulging in chocolate treats, to trampolining, high wire thrills, boating fun, and wildlife encounters, the Surf Coast has it all.
Guest post written by Audrey is the principal blogger behind Victoria Uncovered. A site that helps people get the most out of their visit to Victoria Australia. Book Lover | Breakfast Nut | Aussie Gal | She’s usually craving coffee.