28 incredible things to do in Gippsland with kids

Gippsland is a brilliant family travel destination in Australia full of nature, museums, fun, history and excitement for the whole family. Planning a family holiday to Gippsland will be a rewarding experience with all that it has to offer and here we have all the very best things to do in Gippsland with kids.

So, you may be asking how do you know where all the very best things for kids in Gippsland are? Well, we can tell you after raising two kids in the area and living here all our lives we know some of the very best family activities Gippsland has to offer.

Things to do in Gippsland for families

There are so many things to do in Gippsland for families and with Gippsland being such a large area it is hard to see them all. Here we have listed some of the most popular family activities in Gippsland. If you are planning a trip to Gippsland then look at the area and you will find some amazing things to do in Gippsland with kids.

Fun things to do in Gippsland with kids

There are so many fun things to do in Gippsland with kids but these would have to be the perfect ones for the whole family as well.

A’maze n things Phillip Island

This has to be one of the most popular tourist attractions on Phillip Island for families and rightly so. You can spend a whole day here in the weird and wonderful world of illusions.

There are activities for the whole family and all different ages too. There is also a café on-site if you want to sit in for lunch or a snack.

Search for dinosaurs at Inverloch

Between Inverloch and Cape Paterson is the Flat Rocks dig site where dinosaur fossils have been found. This would be a great activity for kids in Gippsland especially for the ones who love dinosaurs.

You can also drive the Bunurong Coastal drive From Inverloch to Cape Paterson with plenty of places to have a look down on the beach. A stay near the beach is always fun, why not book a few nights in Inverloch

Wyncity Morwell

A small entertainment centre in the Latrobe Valley that is brilliant for a fun family afternoon of fun. There is mini-golf, laser tag dodgem cars, 10 pin bowling and arcade games, it is a great activity in Gippsland for families.

Gumbya World

Located in Tynong just off the Princes Highway you will find Gumbya World. What used to be a wildlife park with some rides (most locals will have driven past the large bird out the front many times) has had a major overhaul and is now a top Gippsland attraction for families.

Gumbya World is now home to rides, wildlife sanctuaries and a water park. There is ample parking on-site and plenty of food and drink options.

Jump and Climb Traralgon

If you need to burn off some steam then Jump and Climb Traralgon is for you! There are plenty of trampolines, climbing activities and fun to be had here.

Jump and climb also help with planning parties if you need somewhere to celebrate a birthday or special occasion in Gippsland.

All abilities playground Bairnsdale

As the name says this is a brilliant all abilities playground that caters for every child. There is a large, safe playground with ample parking and toilet facilities.

You can also have a BBQ here with plenty of seating undercover.

Bairnsdale Adventure Fun Park

Located just out of Bairnsdale towards Lakes Entrance you will find the Bairnsdale Adventure Fun Park. Packed with amazing fun like go-karts, mini-golf, driving range, skittles, bungee trampoline and laser tag you are bound to find something to entertain everyone here.

Ride a Segway along the 90 mile beach

What a brilliant way to see the 90-mile beach and one of the most unique activities in Gippsland for kids. Kids must be 12 years old to ride the Segway and you must follow the rules when you do.

You will find the Segway’s right next to the footbridge.

Go on a cruise around the Gippsland Lakes

There are some amazing things to see on a cruise of the Gippsland Lakes and Skipper Pete from Lakes Explorer can take you. A brilliant way to see local wildlife as well as the native dolphins that are only found in the Lakes system you will definitely have a brilliant time cruising the Gippsland Lakes.

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Historical activities in Gippsland for kids

There are so many historic towns in Gippsland that you will find a spot to go back in time. The best thing is that many of these historical places are also fantastic free things to do in Gippsland with kids.

Visit the historical town of Walhalla

Nestled in the mountains you can easily do a magnificent day trip to Walhalla and never want to leave. Not only are there amazing turn of the century shops and homes in the town there is also the Walhalla Railway, The Long Mine Gold Mine and the cemetery located on the side of a hill.

You can take food to have a BBQ at the free BBQ area in the main street or you can have some food from one of the shops on the main street. Why not plan a weekend away in Walhalla, search Walhalla accommodation options

Go back in time at Coal Creek Historical Park

Another brilliant free activity in Gippsland for kids. You can wander the park and see how life was lived back in the early days of Australia with farm animals and homes that have to be seen to believed.

A brilliant learning experience as well as being free, Coal Creek historical park should be on your Gippsland itinerary with kids.

Find a shipwreck in Gippsland

There are 3 shipwrecks in Gippsland and they are all in places that take a little to get to but getting there is most of the fun. These are also great free activities in Gippsland with kids.

The S.S Speke is located on Phillip Island on Kitty Millers Bay. A lovely secluded beach leads you to the wreck on the black rocks. You can walk the beach and then over a rocky area to get to the wreck or you can walk over the grassy dunes to see the wreck.

This is a low tide activity and it may be tricky to get to with smaller children.

The Amazon is the final shipwreck in Gippsland and is probably the one hardest to see. Not much is left of the ship and weather will make a huge part in what you actually see. Located on the Inverloch Surf Beach this Gippsland shipwreck needs to be seen at low tide. If there have been strong winds you may find you can see less of the wreck.

The Trinculo is wrecked on the 90-mile beach in between the towns of Golden Beach and Seaspray. Easily accessible from a small car park you can see what is left of the hull sticking out like a skeleton from the sand

Find a relic from the past

There are 3 mighty relics of the past in the Aussie bush. Trestle Bridges were the life kine of running the railway through some of the thickest bush in Gippsland. These mighty relics are still there to see and experience yourself and they are a great activity in Gippsland for kids.

The Noojee Trestle Bridge is located just out of the Noojee township on the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road. Another amazing wooden trestle bridge rising from the thick Aussie bush, the Noojee Trestle bridge is the oldest in Victoria. Unfortunately at this time, there are no toilet or BBQ facilities at the site. Spend a weekend and the surrounding area, plan your stay in Noojee today

The Stony Creek Trestle Bridge rises from the bush in the Colquhoun State Forest. You can have a BBQ there in the BBQ area but unfortunately walking on the bridge is no longer possible due to the age and structure being unsafe.

The Kilcunda Trestle Bridge is located just out of Kilcunda. While not in the bush it is very close to the ocean. It is easily accessed from the small car park. You can either walk on the bridge or walk onto the beach to see it.

Visit Nyerimilang Park located between Lakes Entrance and Metung. The Heritage Park at Nyerimilang today has areas for picnics, walking trails, tourist information and a fishing jetty for the public to use. The walks range from a few hundred meters to a few kilometers return

Visit a light house in Gippsland

For some reason visiting a lighthouse seems to bring out the child in everyone. These lighthouses in Gippsland will be an amazing experience for the whole family.

Cape Liptrap Lighthouse: Cape Liptrap Lighthouse is located on the South Gippsland Coast near the entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park. This octagonal-shaped lighthouse was built in 1951 to warn ships of the rocks and rough seas below

Point Hicks lighthouse: Located close to the New South Wales border in far East Gippsland is the Point Hicks Lighthouse. The lighthouse serves as a warning beacon for vessels in the Tasman Sea, and the northeastern section of the Bass Strait. Fancy spending a night in a lighthouse? The keepers’ cottages are today let as holiday houses.  At 37 metres tall this is the tallest lighthouse on Australia’s mainland

Gabo Island Lighthouse: Gabo Island and the lighthouse can be visited as a day trip from Mallacotta by boat. The keeper’s cottages on the island can be rented out for a night stay. The lighthouse is Australia’s second tallest. and the island itself provides amazing views.

Museums in Gippsland for kids

While museums may not be the first activity that comes to mind for kids there are museums in Gippsland that are for all.

Powerworks

Powerworks museum is a place where kids visiting Gippsland can learn about coal mining in the area and what impact it has had on the area and the environment.

The museum is small but very educational and you can also see the coal pit that is close to the museum.

Gippsland Armed Forces Museum

This entire museum is curated around Gippsland’s involvement in the wars. Many of the items are donated by families from the area or are on loan. The volunteers that are here have done some amazing research on servicemen and women from Gippsland.

This museum is located in Fulham which is just out of Sale on the highway

Gippsland Vehicle Collection

The Gippsland vehicle collection is located in Maffra and is an absolute treasure. The museum is curated around people who donate their own vehicles to the museum to display. It makes the collection a classic.

The volunteers try to pair the cars on display with other items like music and clothing from the time of the cars.

Things to do in summer in Gippsland with kids

Gippsland comes to life in summer and people flock to the seaside towns to get their fill of fun and sun. Summer in Gippsland with kids is a great time but it can also be extremely busy.

Summer carnival in Cowes

If you plan on having a holiday on Phillip Island then a visit to the Cowes Summer Carnival is a must. You will find the carnival located near the centre of town featuring rides and sideshow amusements to keep the kids very happy.

Offshore surf school – Inverloch

Ever dreamed of learning how to surf? Operating out of Inverloch but also with lessons available at Sandy Point. An experienced instructor will teach you how to surf the waves of Gippsland. You can participate in a small group lesson or get 1:1 tuition. Offshore Surf School also offers paddleboard and snorkelling lessons.

Swim the 90-mile beach in Lakes Entrance

Many people flock to Lakes Entrance to get their fill of fun in the sun and the 90-mile beach just over the Footbridge in Lakes is the place to do that.

You will find this section of the beach patrolled by the lakes Entrance surf life-saving club do it is a great place to have a swim on the 90-mile beach. Remember to swim between the flags and obey all directions from the Surf Lifesavers.

Summer carnival in Lakes entrance

Another great summer activity in Gippsland for families. The Lakes Entrance summer carnival is held in the grassed area on the Esplanade and is a great place to let the kids have some fun in Lakes Entrance.

You will find some rides and some sideshow amusements for you to enjoy.

Animal encounters in Gippsland for families

There are so many amazing places to visit in Gippsland with kids that that plenty of unique Australian animals call home. Some of these places are free to visit in Gippsland and some others are paid activities in Gippsland but wherever you go to see these amazing animals you will have a wonderful experience.

Penguin Parade Phillip Island

This has to be one of the biggest Phillip Island attractions for families and rightly so. Watching these amazing little penguins wander up the beach at dusk is an amazing experience and one not to be missed on your holiday in Gippsland.

If you are visiting Gippsland with kids then the penguin parade at Phillip Island should be on your list of top things to do in Gippsland.

See seals with Wildlife Coast cruises

Going on a cruise with kids can be a great experience and seeing the seals at Seal Rock is fantastic. The crew at Wildlife Coast Cruise make the journey a brilliant experience and easy for parents travelling with kids. There is plenty of seating inside and out of the boat so your comfort is always assured.

There are toilets on board as well as a small snack bar that sells basic snacks and drinks. Book your Seal watching tour today!

Ride a horse at the Coonawarra Farm resort

Riding a horse is at the top of many top things to do list, and having a day out riding a horse through the Australian bush is perfect.

The Coonawarra Farm resort is located in Glenaladale and caters for riders of all skill levels. You can do a ride of only a few hours or take up the opportunity to camp overnight.

Find Koalas in the wild on Raymond Island

Not only will you get to see the beloved Koalas on Raymond Island if you take the ferry over to the Island on foot it is a completely free activity in Gippsland.

You can wander the Koala walk on Raymond Island looking for these amazing creatures. There are no shops on the Island though so you will need to take snacks and drinks for your stay on Raymond Island.

Walks and rides suitable for kids in Gippsland

Gippsland is blessed with plenty of safe walks and rides that are suitable for kids. With the Rail Trails located all through the area, they are brilliant ways to have the kids riding or walking off the roads.

Ride one of the rail trails through amazing scenery

There are many Rail Trails located through Gippsland. Some are extensive but most are linked between towns. These have been developed from the old Train lines that used to run through the area and are well maintained.

The Gippsland Rail Trails will take you through some amazing scenery and to some amazing places that are well off the beaten track. The most common Rail Trails in Gippsland are:

East Gippsland Rail Trail

The East Gippsland Rail Trail is a rail-trail located in East Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. The trail is a popular cycling route, beginning in Bairnsdale and finishing in Orbost. The route follows the former Orbost railway line and takes in bridges at Nicholson and the impressive Stony Creek trestle bridge

Bass Coast Rail Trail

The Bass Coast Rail Trail is a Rail trail located in the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. The trail runs along a section of the former Wonthaggi line. The trail starts at the former Anderson station and finishes near the Wonthaggi Station. The trail takes in some dramatic coastal views and the impressive Kilkunda rail bridge.

The Entrance walk

The Entrance Walk is located in Lakes Entrance and is a great walk to do with older kids if you are holidaying in Lakes. You can either choose to walk along the 90-mile beachside or Cunninghame Arm. The path or the beach will lead you to where the man-made entrance is built to allow water into the Lakes system.

If you walk along the Cunningham Arm side you may see the Bunerong Dolphin swimming in the Lakes. They are native to the Gippsland Lakes and you can only find them there.

You can also see seals lounging on the rocks at the Entrance.

Camping in Gippsland with kids

There are so many amazing places to camp in Gippsland. There are many areas where you can free camp to get away from it all but if you do not have the set up for that there are also places that have cabins and sites if you are travelling in Gippsland with a caravan,

Some free camping areas

There are so many free camping areas in Gippsland. Some have brilliant facilities like fire pits, drop toilets and cleared areas that can handle either tents or caravans.

Read more about camping in Gippsland: 5 excellent spots for free camping in Gippsland

Off-grid camping areas

Towns with great camping options for families

Lakes Entrance is the capital of the Gippsland Lakes. The town has many caravan parks with tent sites available. Lakes has a large number of activities to keep you happy such as fishing, surfing, walking, mini golf, cinema, aquatic centre and more

Foster Prom Central Caravan Park has a grassy tent site close to the centre of town. Foster is the gateway to the Wilson Promontory National Park and is close to the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool and the Cape Liptrap Lighthouse.

Cowes is the capital of Phillip Island, home to a lively tourist scene with cafes, shops and a beautiful beachfront. There is mini-golf and boating, while summer holidays see a carnival operate in town. There are numerous caravan parks in the town area for a camping holiday.

Things to do in winter in Gippsland with kids

For many families holidays in Gippsland are for the sun and the beaches but there are still so many options for holidays in Gippsland with kids in winter.

Ski the snowfields at Mt Baw Baw

Baw Baw is Gippslands premier ski resort. Located in West Mt Baw Baw. Mt Baw Baw is a short 1-hour drive from the heart of Gippsland, 2 1/2 hours from Melbourne and 3 hours from the Mornington Peninsula. Plan ahead and drive safely. Mount Baw Baw kids ski programs offer small groups only.

The size is limited daily so get in early and book your lessons. Small groups are great for getting a more personalized lesson and instructions for your kids in the Victorian snowfields.

Alpine Trout Farm

Located in the hill of West Gippsland at Noojee is the Alpine Trout Farm. No surer way to catch a fish than right here in Gippsland. Catch a Trout or Salmon and have it cooked onsite to eat. The farm supplies the rod and the bait and you pay for whatever you catch and keep. This is a great opportunity to introduce kids to the excitement of fishing.

We hope this article from us here at Travels in Gippsland has you inspired to visit Gippsland. There are so many amazing activities in Gippsland that will keep kids wanting to come back.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click through to our Best of Gippsland page for more brilliant inspiration.

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More travel inspiration for your trip to Gippsland

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