From botanic gardens to railways, there are a range of experiences to be had across Victoria’s regions during the school holidays.
Bellarine Railway
Take a trip on the Bellarine Railway, which offers a range of experiences following the completion of track upgrades.
With improved ride quality, the Bellarine Railway heritage tours run between Queenscliff and Drysdale.
The railway also offers dining and live music experiences through the Q Train and the Blues Train offerings.
For more information, visit:
Romsey Ecotherapy Park
Enjoy a stroll through Romsey Ecotherapy Park – a superb outdoor destination with plenty of space for kids to play.
The park includes a playground featuring an accessible sandpit, a ropes course and a climbing net.
Visitors can recharge with the healing ability of the sensory garden or stay for a picnic or a barbeque.
Visit the park at 140 Main St, Romsey
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens
The historic Bendigo Botanic Gardens offers a deeper connection to nature in regional Victoria, with a an array of interesting plants, garden beds, pathways and open spaces.
Established in 1857, the gardens also offer space for barbecues and picnics.
The Larni Garingilang precinct opened last year with over 15,000 Indigenous plants and trees.
Visit the gardens at 557-559 Napier St, White Hills.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery
Fresh from its reopening in March, step into the iconic Central Goldfields Art Gallery to be immersed in exhibitions such as Hidden in plain sight by Christopher Orr, which portrays Maryborough icons in a way not normally seen.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
For more information, visit Central Goldfields Art Gallery.
Bendigo Planetarium
Bendigo’s redesigned planetarium allows stargazers to traverse the universe from regional Victoria!
Located at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, visitors can enjoy a range of entertaining and educational experiences.
Explore the universe in the new dome theatre with high-res laser projections of planets and the cosmos. Or immerse yourself in outer space by watching footage and images displayed by a 360-degree projector.
For more information visit The new Bendigo Planetarium.
Hammon Park Trailhead and Bike Park
Grab your bikes and head bush!
Hammon Park is home to the trailhead of the larger Creswick Trails Project which, when complete, will see 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails through surrounding bushland.
Designed for all ages, the trailhead is covered in bitumen for a smoother and faster riding surface, and includes cycling jumps to complement the existing pump track and a learn-to-ride track.
Other highlights in the revamped reserve include a children’s play space, bike wash and repair station, electric bike chargers and barbecue and picnic areas.
For more information, visit Creswick Trails Network.
Cranbourne Gardens
Calling all nature lovers! The upgraded nature-based playground at the gardens’ popular Woodland Picnic Area includes natural wonders for children to explore and play.
Climb a fallen tree and giant logs or search for wombat tracks in the new sandpit.
Made from recycled and locally sourced materials, the playground merges with the surrounding bushland.
While looking out for wildlife in the trees, kids can safely test their skills and abilities while connecting to the natural environment.
For more information, visit Royal Botanic Garden Victoria – Cranbourne Gardens.
Metung Hot Springs
Victoria’s newest wellness destination opened last year and offers a hot springs glamping experience while soaking up the sweeping views of Gippsland Lakes.
Immerse yourself in thermal bathing pools and tubs, where the mineral-rich geothermal waters are sourced from a well 500 metres below ground.
Massaging thermal showers, reflexology walk, relaxation viewing lounges, a day spa, nature walks around the 12-acre grounds and safari glamping tents complete the experience.
For more information, visit Metung Hot Springs.
