Six Family-Friendly Long Weekend Getaways Near Melbourne On A Budget
- Family
They say a change is as good as a holiday, but sometimes a holiday paid for with change is even better!
We love a long-weekend getaway and thankfully they don't have to cost a fortune - there's something in this fabulous state for every price-savvy traveller.
Fom a completely free, BYO campsite to a Family Mezzanine that's a little more lux, here are six of yhe best family-friendly long weekend getaways near Melbourne on a budget.
1. BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park
BIG4 Bellarine is a big hit with families whether they have tight purse strings or not. It is consistently one of the top spots families go-to for laid-back vacations with just about everything you could want in one place.
As you've come to expect at Big4s across the country, the accommodation is spacious and clean, powered and unpowered sites a good size, there are sandpits and pools to hang out in, playgrounds for expending all that energy (and for making new friends!), BBQs, and there's also a Kids club, gym, basketball court, movies, toy room, tennis court, water playground, and more board games than you will know what to do with.
Where:1801 Bellarine Highway, Marcus Hill
2. Camp Firth Park, Wombat State Forest
For a fantastic free campsite not that far from Melbourne, Camp Firth Park in the Wombat State Forest is one of our top picks. Just this side of Woodend, in the Great Dividing Range, you'll spend less time getting there and more time having fun.
Surrounded by shady heritage trees in a beautiful green campground, set up your home away from home and settle in for the duration. A couple of long-drop toilets are yours, and non-potable water is sometimes available, but it’s better to bring your own. Bring firewood too for the six barbecues available on site, or check the local fire restrictions and build your own if it’s safe.
You can also explore the nearby ultra-cute country town of Trentham, peek at the Lyonville Mineral Spring or the Trentham Falls, hike the Lederberg River Heritage Walk, fish in the lake on-site or explore the old horse-drawn timber tram on its banks.
Where: Firth Rd, off the Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Rd, Trentham East
3. RACV Torquay
Right near the family-friendly Torquay and Jan Juc beaches, RACV Torquay Resort offers a range of facilities including a family-friendly restaurant and bar, day spa, indoor pool, children's playground, and plenty of fun activities to do in the area with the kids. Kids are especially welcome and Gaia organic baby wash packs, baby baths, cots and microwaves are all available complimentary on request when staying.
Families are well-catered for with facilities too, thanks to a six-metre-high spider net for climbing, rockers, a slide and a giant jumping pillow along with separate play equipment for younger and older children, a games room with a variety of table and interactive arcade games, an indoor 25-metre pool, recreation area, and children's wading pool.
In the area, you'll find scenic walks through the town foreshore through thick forests filled with native animals, shops and colourful cafes, galleries, fishing and scenic tours along the coast.
Where: 1 Great Ocean Rd, Torquay
4. Sanctuary House Resort Motel
Among a serene 10 acres in Healesville sits Sanctuary House Resort Motel, only minutes from the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary and a short drive to the Yarra Valley wineries.
All rooms have ensuites, free Foxtel and free Wi-Fi, plus you can keep everyone entertained with an outdoor solar heated swimming pool, indoor games room with table tennis, outdoor gazebo barbecue area, children's adventure playground, spa rooms, fully licenced restaurant, and tranquil bushwalk on site.
Nearby you will find Healesville Sanctuary, the Tarrawarra Art Museum featuring local artists and handicrafts, Puffing Billy, Hedgend Maze, eco-tours and adventures, hot air ballooning, and the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort for you to keep in mind when it's snow time!
Where: 326 Badger Creek Rd, Healesville
5. Best Western Olde Maritime
If you're headed out Warrnambool way, the Best Western Olde Maritime is a great kid-friendly spot for a long weekend. Right near the beach, super facilities, and great service earned it a place on our list today!
All rooms are equipped with premium quality beds, free WiFi, LCD TV, air-conditioning and mini bar, the Clovelly Bar and Restaurant is relaxed, and family-friendly (love that Chesterfield/cosy fire combo), and the location is pretty top-notch. You'll love Flagstaff Hill if you haven't been before (or even if you have!) and it is right next door.
Warrnambool city centre is a short stroll away, where you will find shops, cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds galore. But if you've come for the natural wonders, you're spoiled for choice: the area offers a range of activities and great scenery such as Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery, Maritime Adventure & Boardwalk and the scenic Breakwater, Lake Pertobe, swimming beaches, breathtaking boardwalks, the Twelve Apostles, and all the best things to see along the Great Ocean Road only minutes away.
Where: 108-116 Merri St, Warrnambool
6. Alzburg Resort
In a small town in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, this former convent is ideally located for exploring the Victorian high country, with the Delatite Winery and Mansfield Zoo close by. All 44 rooms at Alzburg Resort come with free Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players and amenities include a restaurant, a bar and a picnic area with BBQs. There's also a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and a sauna.
Alzburg Resort is the perfect place for a family ski holiday in winter, or as a base to enjoy the fresh alpine air and outdoor activities in summer, in the ultimate adventure playground. they offer both traditional suites and modern studios, as well as family rooms. The grand old building that was Lady of Mercy Convent is one of the resorts unique and charming features.
With an authentic mountain resort feel, you can uwind in the pool or sauna, catchup on a movie, or prepare a family meal together. There are also tennis courts, a children’s playground, a basketball 1/2 court and a games room with pool table, plus board games and puzzles, and sporting equipment.
Where: 39 Malcolm Street, 3722 Mansfield
Book your stay NOW via Booking.com
Other Family Adventures Near Melbourne
Take A Sunday Drive To The Yarra Valley
Falls Creek Alpine Resort
The Best Holiday Parks For Kids Near Melbourne
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!
Reviews