Australia is packed with rich history, making it a brilliant destination for educational trips for kids. Families looking to mix fun with learning will find plenty of opportunities across Victoria, New South Wales' South Coast, and Tasmania — all offering unique insights into Australia’s past through hands-on experiences and immersive adventures.
Start your family heritage journey in Victoria, where Ballarat’s Eureka Centre tells the story of the 1854 Eureka Stockade — a key event in Australia's path to democracy. Just nearby, Sovereign Hill, while not on our official list, pairs perfectly with a visit to Kryal Castle, where kids can step back into medieval times, complete with knights, jesters, and castle walls.
In Bendigo, don’t miss the Central Deborah Gold Mine and Golden Dragon Museum. The mine offers underground tours that show what life was like for gold rush miners, while the museum celebrates the region’s rich Chinese-Australian heritage. Bendigo Pottery also offers hands-on clay workshops, letting kids get creative while learning about one of Australia's oldest working potteries.
On Phillip Island, families can enjoy quirky attractions like A Maze’N Things, which offers a delightful mix of optical illusions, puzzles, and mini-golf. While it’s not strictly historical, it makes for an entertaining stop between visits to more traditional heritage sites. Close by is the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, offering a sobering and respectful insight into Australia’s military involvement in the Vietnam War — ideal for older kids and teens.
Tasmania is a goldmine for family heritage tours. The Richmond Gaol, Australia’s oldest intact jail, gives children a glimpse into convict life, while the Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross brings the island’s rural heritage to life through interactive displays.
For something truly memorable, the Ship That Never Was in Strahan is a live performance based on real convict history. Over in Launceston, Penny Royal Adventures offers thrilling rope bridges and historical boat rides inspired by 19th-century explorers.
Also in Tasmania, don’t skip Brickendon Estate — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site where kids can meet farm animals, explore heritage gardens, and see colonial buildings firsthand.
Heading to New South Wales’ South Coast, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum offers interactive exhibits that introduce young explorers to local maritime history. Hop on a cruise from Innes Boatshed & Merinda Cruises and learn about the region's seafaring past from the water.From colonial jails and gold mines to castles and convict tales, exploring historical places in Australia with kids is not only educational — it's downright exciting.
These family heritage tours promise laughter and learning across some of the country’s most fascinating regions. So pack your bags and get ready to travel through time, Aussie-style!
