Best Family Days Out

Kid-tested, parent-approved adventures

Make a day of it with these family favourites — wide-open parks, hands-on culture and beaches where the little ones can roam.

The four places below suit different moods and different weather. Two are bush and wildlife on the Lara side of Geelong, one is a cultural centre on the road towards the Surf Coast, and one is a patrol-friendly town beach in Torquay. Each is listed below with what to expect, and the details come from our own checked place pages.

1. You Yangs Regional Park

Easy bushwalks with big views. You Yangs Regional Park is a Parks Victoria reserve of granite peaks rising from the plains between Geelong and Melbourne. Flinders Peak and Big Rock give the wide views, and there are walking tracks, horse riding routes, birdwatching and more than 50 km of mountain bike trails. It is listed as free to enter and open daily, including public holidays.

2. Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Learn about Wadawurrung culture together. Narana is an Aboriginal cultural centre on the Surf Coast Highway at Grovedale, on the road towards Torquay. It offers cultural education programs, a gallery of Indigenous art, a shop with locally made goods and gardens with walking paths. The native-ingredient cafe on site was changing over when we last checked, so confirm what is open before you go.

3. Torquay Front Beach

Calm water and a great playground. Torquay Front Beach is the main town beach, right beside the town centre and within walking distance of cafes and accommodation. The sandy-bottomed water has gentle waves suited to families and beginners, and surf schools run lessons here. Cosy Corner, a small sheltered cove, sits at the southern end.

4. Serendip Sanctuary

Spot kangaroos and emus in the wild. Serendip Sanctuary is a Parks Victoria wildlife area at the foot of the You Yangs, about 22 km north of Geelong. You can see kangaroos, wallabies, emus and more than 150 bird species from bird hides and walking trails, and there is a Sensory Garden and education programs. Dogs are not permitted.

Putting a day together

Two natural pairs fall out of the map. Serendip Sanctuary sits at the foot of the You Yangs, so you can do a bushwalk in the morning and the wildlife trails after lunch without much driving. Narana is on the way towards Torquay, which makes a cultural stop on the way to a beach afternoon.

Parks Victoria sites can close or restrict access in extreme weather and fire danger, so check the Parks Victoria website or call 13 19 63 before you leave. Bring water and sun protection to the You Yangs and Serendip.