Winter school holidays are the perfect time to explore a different side of Victoria. From snow play near Melbourne and wildlife encounters on the Gippsland Lakes to coastal adventures on the Bellarine Peninsula, there are plenty of ways to make family memories during the cooler months.

Looking for winter school holiday ideas in Victoria? The Yarra Valley, Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Lakes Entrance are among the state's best family-friendly destinations, offering everything from snow play and Winter Glow to wildlife cruises, bike trails and coastal adventures.

Best of all, many of these experiences are just a short drive from Melbourne, making them ideal for a family winter escape.

Yarra Valley

If your family is dreaming of snow play, forest adventures and cosy country-town charm this winter, the Yarra Valley is one of Victoria's best school holiday destinations.

Located just over an hour from Melbourne, the region offers an easy escape from the city without the long drive often associated with winter getaways. It's also home to one of the closest places to experience snow play in Victoria, making it a popular choice for families wanting to build snowmen, throw snowballs and enjoy a day in the snow.

Beyond the snow, you'll find towering forests, scenic rivers, wildlife encounters and plenty of family-friendly places to warm up with a hot chocolate afterwards. Whether you're chasing outdoor adventures or looking for family-friendly accommodation close to Melbourne, the Yarra Valley has plenty to offer during the winter school holidays.

Warburton Holiday Park

Best for: Snow play, forest adventures and family fun

Warburton Holiday Park is one of the best bases for families wanting to experience a winter escape without venturing too far from Melbourne.

A short drive from the park, Mount Donna Buang becomes a popular snow play destination during the colder months. Families can enjoy tobogganing, building snowmen and taking in spectacular mountain views. Unlike Victoria's alpine resorts, Mount Donna Buang is focused on snow play rather than skiing, making it an ideal option for younger children and first-time snow adventurers. Back in town, there are plenty of ways to continue the adventure. Wander through the stunning Warburton Rainforest Gallery, explore the towering Californian Redwoods or enjoy a riverside walk along the Yarra River. Winter is also a fantastic time to discover more of the Yarra Valley, with scenic drives, family-friendly cafés and local attractions all within easy reach. If the weather turns, there are plenty of indoor and all-weather options nearby. Spend a day meeting native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary or warm up with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where kids can watch chocolatiers at work and sample delicious treats.

Family-friendly accommodation in the Yarra Valley

Warburton Holiday Park offers family-friendly cabins, caravan sites and camping sites, providing a comfortable base for exploring the Yarra Valley and enjoying some of Victoria's most accessible winter adventures.

Geelong

Geelong is one of Victoria's most family-friendly winter destinations, combining waterfront attractions, hands-on museums, outdoor adventures and some of the state's most popular seasonal events.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, it's an easy winter escape that offers plenty to do regardless of the weather. Families can spend their mornings exploring the waterfront, afternoons discovering museums and galleries, and evenings enjoying one of Victoria's biggest winter events.

For parents looking for a destination with plenty of variety, Geelong delivers.

Geelong Holiday Park

Best for: Winter Glow, cycling and walking trails, family-friendly attractions

Geelong Holiday Park combines family-friendly accommodation with easy access to some of Victoria's best winter experiences, making it an ideal base for families during the school holidays.

Start with a stroll along the Geelong Waterfront, where kids can ride the iconic Carousel, explore the foreshore playgrounds and enjoy scenic bayside walks. Geelong's relatively flat terrain and extensive network of cycling paths make Geelong a great destination to explore by bike. Bring your own bikes or take advantage of the e-bike hire options available at the park, then set off to discover the waterfront, local parks and nearby attractions at your own pace.

When the weather cools down, Geelong really comes into its own. MoPA (Museum of Play and Art) is a favourite with younger children, while the National Wool Museum offers interactive exhibits that bring the region's history to life. Geelong Gallery is another great option for a rainy afternoon.

One of the biggest drawcards during winter school holidays is Adventure Park's Winter Glow. Featuring spectacular light displays, winter-themed entertainment, rides and ice-skating, it's become one of Victoria's most popular winter family events and is well worth adding to your holiday itinerary.

Geelong is also a fantastic launchpad for exploring the wider Bellarine Peninsula, with Ocean Grove, Portarlington and Queenscliff all within easy reach for day trips.

Family-friendly accommodation in Geelong

Geelong Holiday Park offers a range of family-friendly accommodation options, including cabins, villas, caravan sites and camping sites. Its central location makes it easy to explore both Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula during your winter getaway.

Bellarine Peninsula

If your family loves beach walks, bike rides, playgrounds and discovering new places, the Bellarine Peninsula is hard to beat during the winter school holidays.

Located within easy reach of Melbourne and Geelong, the Bellarine offers a relaxed pace of travel, charming coastal villages and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Winter is one of the best times to explore, with fewer crowds, crisp coastal walks and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.

Whether you're cycling sections of the Bellarine Rail Trail, climbing to the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse lookout, exploring local beaches or enjoying family attractions like Adventure Park's Winter Glow, there's plenty to keep kids entertained throughout the holidays.

The Bellarine is also home to two fantastic holiday parks, giving families the flexibility to choose the style of getaway that suits them best.

Dylene Holiday Park

Best for: Coastal adventures, cycling and family road trips

Located in Portarlington, Dylene Holiday Park is a fantastic base for families who love exploring at their own pace.

One of the region's biggest drawcards is the Bellarine Rail Trail, which connects several towns across the peninsula and offers a great way for families to get outdoors together. Portarlington's foreshore is perfect for winter walks, while local fishing spots provide plenty of opportunities to cast a line and see what you can catch.

Families can also explore nearby Queenscliff, discover beaches and lookouts throughout the region or visit the iconic Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. For something a little different, hop aboard the Port Phillip Ferry and enjoy a unique perspective of Port Phillip Bay.

The combination of family-friendly accommodation, scenic drives and easy access to some of the Bellarine's most popular attractions makes Dylene Holiday Park an excellent winter base.

Family-friendly accommodation in Portarlington

Dylene Holiday Park offers family-friendly cabins, caravan sites and camping sites, providing a comfortable base for exploring Portarlington and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Collendina Caravan Park

Best for: Beachside, laidback family adventures

Located in Ocean Grove, Collendina Caravan Park is ideal for families looking for a classic coastal holiday with plenty of activities nearby.

The area is packed with family-friendly attractions. Kingston Park is a favourite with local families, featuring giant slides, climbing towers, ropes courses and plenty of room for kids to burn off energy. Nearby, Bellarine Adventure Golf offers award-winning mini golf courses that are just as popular with parents as they are with children.

Nature-loving families can explore the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, enjoy a walk around Blue Waters Lake Reserve or head to Barwon Heads and visit the much-loved Pirate Park. Winter is also a great time to visit Adventure Park Geelong's Winter Glow, one of Victoria's most popular seasonal events.

When the weather isn't ideal, there are plenty of indoor options nearby. The Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre offers heated pools and splash areas, while The Range at Curlewis features X-Golf simulators and family-friendly mini golf.

Family-friendly caravan and camping sites in Ocean Grove

Collendina Caravan Park offers a range of family-friendly accommodation options, including caravan sites and camping sites, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed Ocean Grove getaway.

Gippsland Lakes

For families who love wildlife, boating, nature and outdoor adventures, the Gippsland Lakes offer one of Victoria's most rewarding winter escapes.

While it sits a little further from Melbourne than some of the other destinations on this list, the journey is well worth it. Winter brings crisp mornings, fewer crowds and plenty of opportunities to explore one of Australia's largest inland waterway systems.

From spotting dolphins and seals on a wildlife cruise to exploring spectacular caves and soaking in natural hot springs, there is no shortage of family-friendly experiences to enjoy throughout the winter school holidays.

Waters Edge Holiday Park

Best for: Wildlife, hot springs and Gippsland Lakes adventures

Families looking for family-friendly accommodation near Lakes Entrance will find plenty to love about Waters Edge Holiday Park.

Located close to the Gippsland Lakes and many of East Gippsland's most popular attractions, it's a fantastic base for exploring the region during winter. Join a wildlife cruise to spot local seals and dolphins, cycle sections of the East Gippsland Rail Trail or take the scenic walk to The Entrance, where the lakes meet the ocean.

When the weather isn't ideal, there are plenty of family-friendly options nearby. Explore the fascinating Griffiths Sea Shell Museum, enjoy a swim at the heated Lakes Entrance Aquadome or challenge the family to a round of mini golf.

For something truly memorable, take a day trip to the spectacular Buchan Caves or unwind at the nearby Metung Hot Springs. Together, they make Lakes Entrance one of Victoria's most rewarding winter destinations for families.

Family-friendly accommodation

Waters Edge Holiday Park offers family-friendly cabins, villas, caravan sites and camping options, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable winter getaway while staying close to the best attractions in Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes region.

Ready to plan your winter escape?

Some of the best family memories are made in the cooler months. Snowball fights at Mount Donna Buang, spotting seals along the Gippsland coast, discovering hidden beaches on the Bellarine Peninsula or watching the lights of Winter Glow come to life.

Winter is a chance to slow down, explore somewhere new and spend quality time together away from the usual routine.

Whether you're planning a weekend away or a longer school holiday adventure, these Victorian holiday parks make it easy to get out and explore.

This winter, rug up, hit the road and discover a different side of Victoria with the people who matter most.

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