Shire of Yarra Ranges
The Yarra Ranges, a beautiful region located in Victoria, Australia, offers an idyllic escape for families. An easy hour’s drive from Melbourne, the region is also a place for all seasons with a variety of accommodation available for your stay and terrific places to eat. Offering incredible natural beauty and a multitude of ways to access it you can do as much or as little as you like. Attractions that are designed to satisfy the needs of children of all ages abound.
Yarra Ranges National Park
At the heart of this region lies the Yarra Ranges National Park, a sprawling wonderland encompassing over 76,000 hectares. Explore its diverse landscapes – from cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests to diverse wildlife. Kids will be thrilled to spot kangaroos, wallabies, and a myriad of bird species in their natural habitat.
The park offers a range of activities suitable for all abilities. Go on a family-friendly bush walk or hike along trails like the Rainforest Gallery Walk or the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk, which boasts towering Mountain Ash trees, some of the tallest in the world. Feeling adventurous? Tackle the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail for a more challenging adventure, following the path of a historic water channel built in the 1880s.
For guaranteed wildlife encounters, visit the Healesville Sanctuary, a haven for Australian animals. Witness iconic creatures like koalas, wombats, dingoes, and platypuses up close and learn about their conservation. Nature lovers can even camp amidst the park’s scenic beauty at designated campgrounds like Sherbrooke Forest Campground or spend a night in a glamping tent for a luxurious take on outdoor living. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch surrounded by nature’s embrace at scenic spots like Echo Point or visit the Olinda Information Centre for park maps, recommendations, and local insights.
Family Fun
Beyond the National Park, the Yarra Ranges boasts a plethora of family-friendly attractions. Take a ride on the iconic Puffing Billy Railway. This historic steam train chugs through the Dandenong Ranges, offering captivating views of fern gullies, towering trees, and charming villages. Children will be mesmerised by the sight of the billowing steam and the rhythmic chug of the engine. They might even get a chance to sit in the driver’s seat for a memorable photo!
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. This delightful spot offers complimentary chocolate tastings, a playground with slides, swings, and climbing structures for energetic youngsters, and a tempting array of ice cream flavours. Witness the magic of chocolate-making firsthand during daily demonstrations, where chocolatiers craft delicious treats from bean to bar.
Yarra Ranges Accommodation
Finding the perfect Yarra Ranges accommodation is a breeze. Choose from luxurious resorts like the Yarra Valley Lodge, offering spacious rooms, a golf course, a swimming pool, and a kids’ club for supervised fun with activities and games.
For a budget-conscious option, consider the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park. This park provides various accommodation options like cabins with full kitchens and verandas, caravan sites, and camping grounds. It also features a swimming pool, playground, and engaging activities for children, such as movie nights, craft sessions, and jumping pillows.
Looking for something unique? Explore self-contained cottages nestled amidst the natural beauty, offering a cosy and private retreat. Stay at a working farm and experience rural life firsthand, helping with chores like feeding animals or collecting eggs. Many Yarra Ranges accommodation options cater specifically to families, providing amenities like babysitting services, children’s menus with healthy and delicious options, and dedicated play areas for indoor and outdoor entertainment.
