Things To Do With Kids
Kids, whether they are babies, toddlers, schoolkids, or teenagers, are notoriously difficult to please. Kids want action, adventure, and fun. Kids want ice-cream, fish and chips, and other treats. And most kids don’t like to travel far to get where they want to go. In fact, kids want it all.
Luckily, the Great Ocean Road has it all!
Beaches For Kids
Taking the kids to the beach can be a wonderful way to spend the day. Kids love getting buried in sand, building sandcastles, looking for shells, paddling in the sea, and finding small marine creatures in rock pools!
Along the Great Ocean Road, there are two beaches geared for kids and families. One is located at Anglesea and the other at Barwon Heads (13th Beach). Both these beaches offer shallow water with little or no strong undercurrents, wading pool areas in the sand, eating facilities, toilets, and safety.
Please do remember that the Australian sun is very strong. Make sure your kids are well-covered with sunscreen, hats, and suitable swimwear/clothes and drink lots of fluids during the day.
Adventure Activities For Kids
Spending days at the beach is great fun, but what if the weather is no good? Or maybe you just want to have a break from the sand, sea, and sun? There are lots of other activities for kids to do:
- A Maze ‘n Games, Wallington, The Bellarine
- Adventure Park Waterpark with “Tiny Tots Splash Zone”, Wallington, The Bellarine
- Helicopter ride, Waterfront, Geelong
- Tiger Moth World Adventure Park, Torquay
- Platypus Spotting at Lake Elizabeth, Forrest (Otway Eco Tours)
Historical/Educational Activities For Kids
- Maritime Museum, Queenscliff
- Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet
- The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, Great Ocean Road off Lavers Hill or off Skene’s Creek-Colac Road via Turtan’s Track (unsealed road)
- Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary, Barwon Heads
- SurfWorld Museum, Torquay
- Vintage Steam Train, Queenscliff
Events & Cultural Activities For Kids
Eating Out With Kids
Cafes, restaurants, and snack outlets along the Great Ocean Road are well-aware that many of their customers are families, so you will find most have a high-chair on hand. They serve a range of healthy international food, though the traditional fast-food options of pies, sausage rolls, and freshly-made sandwiches are never hard to find. Fish and chips are easy to find in all of the main towns along the Great Ocean Road. We think they taste much nicer when you eat them by the sea!
Popular ice-creamery outlets are located in many of the coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road, including Apollo Bay, Lorne, Geelong, Queenscliff, and Torquay.
Where to Stay With Kids
Finding suitable accommodation when you have kids is important. Without compromising your budget, you need somewhere that will cater to their needs as well as yours.