With kids back in regular schooling, the school holidays are a very exciting time to look forward to rather than being stuck at home. While it can be a difficult time for working parents it is a fantastic time to spend quality time with the Family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some of the best activities to experience these school holidays in the Dandenong Ranges.
1.Trees Adventure – Belgrave
If you are a family that enjoys thrill & adrenaline this is the perfect activity for you. Move through the branches on an array of ziplines, tight ropes and tunnels. As you climb through the canopies you will encounter some of the rarest trees in the world. Book here!
2. Australian Rainbow Trout Farm – Macclesfield
A perfect spot to take the family to catch your own fresh fish, situated in a picturesque location. There are many ponds to fish out of depending on if you want to take a challenge or not! There is also a kiosk, barbeques areas (where you can cook up your fresh catch) picnic grounds and a large playground. Find out more here.
3. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – Yarra Glen
This is a well-known spot that offers gourmet chocolates, ice cream & has a kitchen serving breakfast and lunch. Located in an absolutely beautiful spot with scenic views. There are a number of classes being held throughout the School Holidays at the venue. You don’t want to miss them! What's on? View here.
4. Belgrave Lake Park – Belgrave
Belgrave Lake Park has an amazing new play space for everyone to enjoy. Majority of the features are made from wood, the “smooth” glider (accessible to all), dry creek bed equipped with a water pump, large viking swing, basket swing, ropes course, basketball half court, BBQ’s and much more. The perfect location to spend time with friends & family.
5. Emerald Lake Park – Emerald
Ride the paddleboats, walk the beautiful walking tracks, see puffing billy, the model railway exhibition & visit the lakeside visitors’ centre. There is so much to do at Emerald lake park it’s the perfect day out to enjoy the picturesque scenery while doing fun activities.
6. Healesville Sanctuary – Healesville
A fantastic place to check out the full range of unique Australian animals in one compact place. The sanctuary is set in a typical Australian Landscape and offers people the chance to get up close and personal with the amazing animals. Find out more here Find out more here.
7. Puffing Billy – Belgrave to Gembrook
The Puffing Billy Steam Train is an incredible experience you do not want to miss out on. Along the way you will pass through spectacular scenery, consisting of indigenous eucalyptus forests featuring the magnificent mountain ash trees, over incredible historic trestle bridges and stop at some lovely villages all while breathing the fresh air with the open air carriages. Book here.
8. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk – Upper Ferntree Gully
If you are up for a challenge, head to the 1000 steps and get a glimpse of the physical efforts taken by Australian Soldiers during 1942 on the real Kokoda Trail.There are areas to enjoy a picnic or even grab a bite to eat at the 1000 steps café, you’ve earned it!
9. Tessellar Tulip Festival – Silvan
With over a million spring flowering bulbs on show and over 900,000 tulips this is a festival you do not want to miss out on. Including live entertainment, delicious foods, dutch fun, tractor train & sooo much more. See here.
10. SkyHigh – Mount Dandenong
Spectacular by day, stunning by night. SkyHigh is an amazing venue to have lunch, dinner, a picnic, grab a coffee etc. With majestic views over the Melbourne skyline this is a place you must visit. With different attractions such as SkyHigh Gardens and SkyHigh Maze (perfect to keep the kids amused). Check it out here.
The above are some of many different activities to do in the Dandenong Ranges. Use these school holidays to get out there, and make some memories with family and friends!