What to do with the kids in and around Ashbury this School Holidays.
What to do with the kids in and around Ashbury this School Holidays.
The September school holidays are here. But if you’re wondering how to keep the kids amused amuse the kids for the next couple of weeks, don't despair! There are plenty of free, low-cost child-friendly events and activities happening within easy reach of Ashbury, guaranteed to entertain the whole family!
So why not explore the Geelong and Bellarine region, and beyond, and discover a kids' wonderland, full of seaside playgrounds and adventure parks, beaches and bushland and rambling gardens, where you can spend time together and make precious memories with fun activities for the whole family.
Water, fairies and fun for all
Waterslides, magic castles, trampolines and mazes – there's no end of fun for kids and grownups alike.
- Cruise down to the spectacular waterfront in Geelong and spend the day strolling around landscaped gardens, public artworks and seaside boardwalks. Grab an ice cream with the kids, ride the historic carousel or take a refreshing dip in the lagoon – weather permitting!
- Spend a day reliving the legends of old amid the castles and gardens of Anakie’s Fairy Park.
- Hit the slides and go karts or have a shot at archery at Adventure Park in Wallington.
See the Seaside
- Hit the water on an eco-tour and discover amazing wildlife in Port Phillip Bay. Enjoy a picnic on a deserted island, visit bird sanctuaries and wetlands, and get up close to bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals and local birdlife as they go about their day.
- History buffs will enjoy a tour of the South Channel Fort in Port Phillip Bay, which was once a secret military base.
- Got a thirst for knowledge? Become versed in marine sustainability and conservation at Queenscliff's Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre. Spend some time in the centre's aquarium and student labs to learn all about the plants and animals of this coastal region.
Great outdoors
- Learn to surf or catch some waves at Ocean Grove and the Bellarine Peninsula coastline.
- Hop on a boat tour to watch dolphins, seals and local birdlife as they go about their day.
- Choose a sunny day and take the kids on a ride along the Bellarine Rail Trail or hit the coastal drive from Portarlington to St Leonards for sweeping views of the bay and Melbourne's city skyline off in the distance.
- Head down to Thirteenth Beach at Barwon Heads for a beach stroll and beautiful coastal views.
- Enjoy a hit of golf at the award-winning 13th Beach Golf Links.
- Explore the Bellarine Taste Trail, a culinary journey through the region's best food and wine.
Further Afield.
- Pack your walking shoes, head to Lorne on the Great Ocean Road and take a scenic hike through lush rainforest to reach the stunning Erskine Falls. While you’re there, enjoy breathtaking views from the incredible Teddy's Lookout.
- If you're in the mood for a bite to eat, check out Totti’s at Lorne, a bright, trattoria-style restaurant that offers all the Italian classics.
- Explore the Great Otway National Park. Stretching from Torquay, along the Great Ocean Road and up through the Otway’s hinterland, it covers over 103,000 hectares and is famed for its lush, diverse vegetation, unique wildlife and spectacular waterfalls.
- Take a day trip up the Geelong Road and visit Victoria’s only open range zoo, the Werribee Open Range Zoo, home to an array of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, lions, cheetahs and more. Make sure to go on the Deluxe Safari Adventure, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the animals in a natural, open environment.
- While you’re there, pack a picnic lunch and head next door to Werribee Park Mansion, where you’ll be mesmerised by the beautiful, historic gardens and stunning architecture.
Other top picks.
- Bellarine Adventure Golf, Wallington, $5 - $25
- MoPA: Museum of Play and Art - Geelong Children’s Museum
- Fort Queenscliff Museum, Queenscliff, $9 - $45
- Bellarine Railway, Queenscliff
- Geelong Gaol Museum, Geelong, $12 - $20
- Book a paddle board lesson at Paddle Life, Barwon Heads, $75 per person.