The September school holidays are here. But if you\u2019re wondering how\u00a0to keep the kids amused amuse the kids for the next couple of weeks, don’t despair! There are plenty of free, low-cost child-friendly events and activities happening within easy reach of Ashbury, guaranteed to entertain the whole family!
\nSo why not explore the Geelong and Bellarine region, and beyond, and discover a kids’ wonderland, full of seaside playgrounds and adventure parks, beaches and bushland and rambling gardens, where you can spend time together and make precious memories with fun activities for the whole family.
\nWater, fairies and fun for all
\nWaterslides, magic castles, trampolines and mazes \u2013 there’s no end of fun for kids and grownups alike.<\/p>\n
Cruise down to the spectacular waterfront in Geelong and spend the day strolling around landscaped gardens, public artworks and seaside boardwalks. Grab an ice cream with the kids, ride the historic carousel or take a refreshing dip in the lagoon \u2013 weather permitting!
\nSpend a day reliving the legends of old amid the castles and gardens of Anakie\u2019s Fairy Park.
\nHit the slides and go karts or have a shot at archery at Adventure Park in Wallington.<\/p>\n
See the Seaside <\/p>\n
Hit the water on an eco-tour and discover amazing wildlife in Port Phillip Bay. Enjoy a picnic on a deserted island, visit bird sanctuaries and wetlands, and get up close to bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals and local birdlife as they go about their day.
\nHistory buffs will enjoy a tour of the South Channel Fort in Port Phillip Bay, which was once a secret military base.
\nGot a thirst for knowledge? Become versed in marine sustainability and conservation at Queenscliff’s Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre. Spend some time in the centre’s aquarium and student labs to learn all about the plants and animals of this coastal region.<\/p>\n
Great outdoors<\/p>\n
Learn to surf or catch some waves at Ocean Grove and the Bellarine Peninsula coastline.
\nHop on a boat tour to watch dolphins, seals and local birdlife as they go about their day.
\nChoose a sunny day and take the kids on a ride along the Bellarine Rail Trail or hit the coastal drive from Portarlington to St Leonards for sweeping views of the bay and Melbourne’s city skyline off in the distance.
\nHead down to \u00a0Thirteenth Beach\u00a0at Barwon Heads for a beach stroll and beautiful coastal views.
\nEnjoy a hit of golf at the award-winning\u00a013th Beach Golf Links.
\nExplore the\u00a0Bellarine Taste Trail, a culinary journey through the region’s best food and wine.<\/p>\n
Further Afield. <\/p>\n
Pack your walking shoes, head to Lorne on the Great Ocean Road and take a scenic hike through lush rainforest to reach the stunning\u00a0Erskine Falls. While you\u2019re there, enjoy breathtaking views from the incredible\u00a0Teddy’s Lookout.
\nIf you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, check out Totti\u2019s at Lorne, a bright, trattoria-style restaurant that offers all the Italian classics.
\nExplore\u00a0the Great Otway National Park. Stretching from Torquay, along the Great Ocean Road and up through the Otway\u2019s hinterland, it covers over 103,000 hectares and is famed for its lush, diverse vegetation, unique wildlife and spectacular waterfalls.
\nTake a day trip up the Geelong Road and visit Victoria\u2019s only open range zoo, the Werribee Open Range Zoo, home to an array of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, lions, cheetahs and more. Make sure to go on the\u00a0Deluxe Safari Adventure, where you\u2019ll have the opportunity to see the animals in a natural, open environment.
\nWhile you\u2019re there, pack a picnic lunch and head next door to\u00a0Werribee Park Mansion, where you\u2019ll be mesmerised by the beautiful, historic gardens and stunning architecture.<\/p>\n
Other top picks.<\/p>\n
Bellarine Adventure Golf, Wallington, $5 – $25
\nMoPA: Museum of Play and Art – Geelong Children\u2019s Museum
\nFort Queenscliff Museum, Queenscliff, $9 – $45
\nBellarine Railway, Queenscliff
\nGeelong Gaol Museum, Geelong, $12 – $20
\nBook a paddle board lesson at Paddle Life, Barwon Heads, $75 per person.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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