Gippsland is the largest regional area in Victoria, spanning across the West Gippsland towns of Drouin and Warragul, Bass Coast towns of Inverloch and Kilcunda, South Gippsland towns including Foster and Fish Creek, all the way to Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland.
There are countless kid-friendly weekend getaways in Victoria, and Gippsland has incredible activities and sights for all ages.
In this list, I have highlighted some of the lesser-known attractions throughout each shire of Gippsland. From mini-golf to modern-day playgroup, there is something for everyone.
The large span of Gippsland is very diverse, and I have broken the area down into each region below.
Here’s my list of the best things to do in Gippsland with kids!
East Gippsland
East Gippsland includes the main towns of Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, Bairnsdale, Paynesville, and Raymond Island.
The best thing to do in Lakes Entrance with kids is, of course, the beach. The surf beach has lifeguards throughout summer, and there is also a fun-filled water park and mini golf in Lakes Entrance, most suitable for older kids.
Raymond Island has a Koala Trail not to be missed by kids who love nature and wildlife. There are so many koalas on Raymond Island, you are bound to see at least a few on this free walk.
Wellington
Wellington Shire includes the towns Maffra, Sale, Newry, Coonguylla, and Yarram.
The Maffra Motor Museum (Gippsland Vehicle Collection) has a wide range of cars, motorbikes, and a selection of collectibles to view for motor enthusiasts of all ages.
The Swing Bridge in Sale was the first movable bridge built in Victoria, and is great viewing for kids.
The bridge is open on weekends between 3-4pm and swings to 90 degrees for river traffic to pass through.
Baw Baw
Consisting of Longwarry, Drouin, Warragul, Neerim South, Yarragon and Trafalgar, there are a lot of young families in Baw Baw Shire, meaning plenty of events and activities for kids. From Pop Up Playgroup, to kid-friendly cafes, there is something to do with kids almost every weekday in these areas, especially for the younger ones.
Pop Up Playgroup is a fun initiative run by the Baw Baw shire. This event is held in various locations in Drouin, Longwarry, Warragul, Yarragon, and Trafalgar, starting at 10:30am on Tuesdays or Fridays.
These playgroups have endless, fun activities for babies and pre-schoolers, including water play, large building blocks, bubble machines, music, painting, and toddler-style kitchen play.
Kings Cafe is a popular cafe for kids in Warragul. Kings host events for pre-schoolers such as Music Mondays and Messy Play on Wednesdays. They also provide events like free or low-cost family movies on school holidays in their theatre space.
The main cafe is set up for kids with indoor and outdoor play areas, including a sandpit, swings, and importantly, plenty of tables for parents to have a coffee or snack.
The West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul is very popular in this regional area of Victoria and presents some great family shows and events on school holidays.
Latrobe
Latrobe Shire includes the towns Moe, Morwell, Traralgon, Newborough and Glengarry.
Parkys Play Traralgon has the ultimate adventure indoor playground, laser tag, and mini golf, which is perfect for kids of all ages.
Traralgon also has Newman Park which is a large, quiet outdoor park, with a modern kids’ playground and a pretty creek nearby.
South Gippsland
South Gippsland includes Korumburra, Leongatha, Meeniyan, Foster, Fish Creek, and Mirboo North.
Coal Creek in Korumburra is a fun place for kids to visit and discover the mining history in South Gippsland.
The Burra Brewery in Korumburra not only has delicious pizzas, but is also family-friendly with games for kids in the casual indoor seated area.
Tidal River is the highlight of South Gippsland. Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Tidal River is the perfect place to camp with families. The wildlife and warm rock pools are great for kids of all ages.
Bass Coast
Bass Coast includes the towns of Archies Creek, Cape Paterson, Cape Woolamai, Cowes, Kilcunda, Kongwak, Lang Lang and Loch.
Kongwak Market in Kongwak is the ultimate market experience for families, showcasing a diverse variety of stalls, coffee, and delicious curry puffs!
The Bass Coast Rail Trail scenic hike runs from Woolamai to Wonthaggi, and is suited for all levels and ages, including kids in prams, walkers, and cyclists. The trail runs for 23 kms and can be hiked in sections.
There are countless kid-friendly weekend getaways in Victoria, particularly in the large regional area of Gippsland. In the summer, most people like to maximize beach time, as Gippsland has some of the most stunning beaches suitable for kids and families, like Sandy Point, Wilsons Promontory, or Cape Paterson.
Gippsland is also very pretty in the cooler seasons, with lots of wildlife, nature walks, and fun activities, not too far from Melbourne for a day trip or a longer stay.
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