The Great Ocean Road is the perfect destination for your next family holiday as the beautiful region stretches over 242 kilometres and has something on offer for everyone–young and old. Families can explore the many kid-friendly beaches along the Great Ocean Road coastline as well as natural attractions and local history whilst enjoying outstanding food and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
When planning a vacation with children, it’s always wise to come prepared with an itinerary of adventure activities around the Great Ocean Road to occupy little legs. Explore our stunning region on the many family-friendly bike and scooter trails and support the small communities along the way.
Family-friendly bike and scooter trails along the Great Ocean Road
Did you know that the Great Ocean Road is famous for its mountain bike trails? This region of rugged beauty and natural landscapes is a haven for cycling enthusiasts, but you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy a bike ride here.
Explore this beautiful scenery on two wheels whilst travelling–even with your little ones. Riding a bike, trike or scooter along the many sealed coastal trails is fun for the whole family. You get to see more and have fun as a family, whilst exploring the many activities to do in Great Ocean Road by bike.
To help you plan your next adventure, we have collated a list of bike and scooter-friendly things to do with kids along the Great Ocean Road.
1. Torquay esplanade
Enjoy Victoria’s stunning coastline while having a wheely good time! The Torquay esplanade is a great riding location for anything with wheels, whether prams, scooters, bikes or roller skates.
2. Anglesea Bike Park
Built in 2006, this was Victoria’s first professionally designed Mountain Cross track suitable for all ages and experience levels. The park offers various features, including mounds, jumps, rolls and a dirt jump area to suit multiple skill levels. This fantastic bike facility is located only one kilometre from town and has toilets, shelter and picnic areas.
3. Spring Valley Bike Park
This is a fantastic place to stop when you are looking for things to do in Torquay for families. This BMX park has three levels of track, clean play areas for toddlers and older children, plus great BBQ facilities.
4. Warrnambool Promenade
Stretching over five kilometres, this concrete path goes all the way from the breakwater to the whale platform. It passes two cafes, the beach access, a playground and the Hopkins River mouth. An excellent track for bikes, scooters and walkers of all ages and abilities, plus you can jump off whenever you like.
5. Apollo Bay Foreshore Reserve
If you are looking for an easy track for trikes, scooters and small bikes, this is a great trail and a wonderful thing to do in Apollo Bay for families. You will find plenty of good seafood restaurants and toilet stops along the way and the kids can go on a treasure hunt on their ride. Playing spot the seagull, find a big boat or pick your favourite ice-cream shop is always a hit with the children.
6. Ride to Griffith Island (Port Fairy Lighthouse)
A fantastic, easy-riding track of 1.2 kilometres allows all ages to visit Griffith Island and the Port Fairy Lighthouse. Plenty of wildlife can be spotted, so this path is also very popular with nature photographers.
7. Ride Forrest bike trails
Located in the stunning scenery of the Great Otway National Park, you can find the ‘Ride Forrest’ mountain bike trails. With over 65 kilometres of singletrack trails through native bush, magical ferns and tall gum trees, there is a track for everyone and every skill level, offering diversity and fun for the whole family.
Tip: Easy circuits like the Forrest Loop and the mini pump track at the Southern Loop car park are fun for every age, even the tiny legs.
8. Barham Paradise Scenic Reserve
Only seven kilometres from Apollo Bay, this is a popular spot for a bike ride and picnic with the family. Following the Barham River, this gentle uphill ride is not too challenging and one of the lovely things to do in Apollo Bay for families.
9. Casterton Kelpie Trail
Casterton, known as the birthplace of the Australian Kelpie, offers a fantastic and easy 2.7-kilometre walking and riding track around the township. Along the way, you will find five unique sculptures telling the fascinating life and times of the Kelpie.
10. Rail trails of the Great Ocean Road
Rail trails are historic and disused rail corridors that have been converted to paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The Great Ocean Road has its fair share of Victoria’s many rail trails, ranging from leisurely to challenging.
