Best Winter Getaways for Families Near Melbourne

Sure summer road trips are awesome, but did you know that Victoria has some of the cosiest and most fun getaways not far from Melbourne that are just perfect for the special brand of winter on offer in Victoria?

You could go an hour in any direction and soak up a winter wonderland. Wood fires, heated pools, cosy games rooms, and other winter adventures await! These are the best winter getaways with kids near Melbourne.

The Best Winter Getaways With Kids Near Melbourne.

1. Tower Motel, Marysville

There are three types of suites available at Tower Motel in Marysville—including a Family King Deluxe Suite, which makes for a versatile choice. The combination of 1 King bed and 1 single bed, 1 single foldout bed, establishes separate sleeping areas within the one shared space—perfect for families! The Motel itself boasts great facilities, including a rooftop garden, a courtyard, a retail shop, and more.

Tower Motel is perfectly suited to all that the region has to offer—including biking, fishing, golfing, waterfalls, wineries, Black Spur forest, and of course, the ultra-popular Lake Mountain Alpine Resort for an awesome family snow season experience! 

Location: 33 Murchison St, Marysville

2. Kanasta Caravan Park, Rye

If you're headed down Mornington Peninsula way, why not stay a few nights at Kanasta Caravan Park? The price is easy on the wallet, there's a great kids' playground, paved roads save for bikes and scooters, a baby bathroom, and a great friendly vibe. If you're looking for something different, they even have a cute retro glamping van you can rent! 

Only a 5-minute walk from the Rye boat launching ramp, cafes, shops, restaurants, pubs/clubs, and safe swimming beaches of Rye’s Port Phillip Bay, you are right near the action when it's time to get out and about!

Location: 1/9 Sinclair Ave, Rye

3. Atura Hotel, Dandenong 

A great family-friendly option only an hour out of the city, Atura Dandenong, has fun kid-focused retreat rates with lucky dips and free breakfasts for young'uns. There's free WiFi in all public areas, free internet access, coffee pod machines in the rooms and suites, plus cots and highchairs available on request.

Dandenong Ranges is the perfect winter getaway near Melbourne, thanks to its endless amounts of brisk mountain air to fill your lungs! Be charmed by cosy cafes and restaurants, and whether you're eager to embark on breathtaking mountain walking trails, discover enchanting gardens, indulge in a satisfying fireside lunch, or hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

What are you waiting for? Go pack your bags!

Location: 5-17 Doveton Ave, Eumemmerring

4. NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park, Ballarat

NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park is bursting with things to do for families—making it a great pick for a winter getaway with kids near Melbourne in our book! Hit up the outdoor tennis court and don't miss the chance to relax in the inviting hot tub. Take a cruise around the holiday park on a pedal go-kart, cook up a feast in the camp kitchen, or unwind in the solar-heated pool. And if you do feel like leaving? Head out into town and discover the incredible history of Ballarat.

NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park is situated just a stone's throw from all that the region has to offer. Sovereign Hill is on its doorstep—and the area's beloved Winter Wonderlights festival offers the perfect excuse to book a trip! The Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Ballarat Wildlife Park are other great picks for things to do. 

Location: 108 Clayton St, Golden Point

5. Daylesford Holiday Park, Daylesford

Daylesford Holiday Park is an expansive and serene tourist park nestled amidst majestic Western Redwood trees, just a quick stroll away from the picturesque town of Daylesford, renowned as the spa capital of Australia.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience of Daylesford Holiday Park, the perfect home base for exploring the abundant spa retreats, mouthwatering restaurants, charming cafes, captivating galleries, and unique speciality shops that make Daylesford truly special. If you're interested in the spa scene, expand your horizons to Hepburn Bathhouse, where a wealth of health and rejuvenation awaits.

Location: 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford 

6. Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island

Prepare for an incredible adventure at Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island, whether you're here to witness the world's largest Little Penguin colony or enjoy a delightful family getaway along Victoria's stunning southern coastline. Little ones are covered at the park, with a range of things to do such as a jumping pillow, adventure playground, basketball rings, and a well-equipped games room.

Phillip Island is a year-round playground of fun—where families can take in breathtaking winter walks like Cape Woolamai and The Nobbies, plus don't miss the incredible nightly Penguin Parade that never fails to amaze the kids.

When you're in the mood to warm up, the charming township of Cowes is the place to be. Treat yourself to heavenly hot chocolates or locally caught fish and chips. And if the weather gets a bit wild, indoor attractions like the Chocolate Factory are guaranteed to be a hit, offering sweet delights and a cosy respite.

Location: 24 Old Bridge Drive, Newhaven 

7. All Seasons, Bendigo

Get ready to be warmly welcomed at All Seasons Bendigo, the ultimate destination for premium accommodation and all-inclusive amenities in regional Victoria, complete with indoor heated swimming pool, indoor playground, onsite dining options and live music venue. Basically, it's perfect for families!

Bendigo is renowned as one of the top spots for unforgettable winter family getaways, so bundle up and encourage the kids to embrace the great outdoors as they uncover hidden gems in the form of parks, playgrounds, and scenic riding trails. For a touch of nostalgia and excitement, hop aboard the vintage trams and embark on a journey to some of the fantastic kid-friendly attractions in town. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Botanical Gardens or venture deep into the Central Deborah Gold Mine for a thrilling and educational experience.

Location: 171-183 McIvor Hwy, Bendigo

8. RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort

Tucked away in the picturesque Yarra Valley, just a short drive from Melbourne, RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort beckons with a serene retreat from the daily grind. Indulge your taste buds with epic onsite cuisine and wines, tee off for a round of golf and let the little ones run wild in the playground – there's excitement for everyone!

Winter is the perfect chance to seize the opportunity to explore the region's renowned wineries and restaurants, stroll through charming gardens, and hike along picturesque trails that can be enjoyed at every age and stage. Race you! 

Location: 122 Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Healesville

9. Sunnymead Hotel, Aireys Inlet 

Step into the vibrant world of Sunnymead Hotel – where every corner is bursting with energy, colour, and charm! Nestled in the heart of Aireys Inlet, a quaint coastal town beloved by food enthusiasts, families and nature lovers alike, Sunnymead Hotel is a classic motel along the Great Ocean Road that has been transformed into a lively haven of sunshine and cheer.

The solar-heated pool, day spa, bathhouse and modern onsite restaurant make this a memorable winter getaway option for Melbourne families. 

Location: 64 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet

10. Halls Haven Holiday Units

Picture waking up to the chirping of birds and the crisp mountain air, followed by a morning ritual of feeding friendly animals at 8:30 am. Well, this is the reality of a getaway to Halls Haven Holiday Units.

These cosy units and charming cottages, accommodating two to five guests, boast private patios overlooking the majestic Grampians mountains and serene lake gardens. There are nightly bonfires (weather permitting) and plenty of barbecue facilities, perfect for those crisp winter nights. 

Whether you're travelling as a family or a group, winter getaways with kids near Melbourne don't come much better than this! 

Location: 2103 Grampians, Halls Gap

More Travel Inspo Here

Get Off The Beaten Track In New Caledonia
Where To Go Skiing In Australia
Escape The Cold This Winter

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!