School Holiday Fun On The Surf Coast And A Little Bit Beyond!

With one week of Victorian school holidays to go, you may need a little help with some local activity ideas and adventures for the kids. We have listed a few of our favourite places to visit and things to do on the Surf Coast and some excursions that are very close by.

For the creative kids venture to Geelong for a visit to Boom Gallery. This hub for the arts hosts a number of colourful children’s art workshops for ages five years and up. There is portrait painting, paper mache, mask making and more. Visit Boom online for more details and make a booking. The Geelong Art Gallery is exhibiting ‘The Who's who portrait prize’. A student exhibition that celebrates local Geelong identities. This annual exhibition of selected works by young students honours Jules François Archibald (the man behind Australia’s oldest portrait prize) and his close connection to Geelong. Open until October 19^th.

If your little ones adore animals then you can't miss a visit to Jirralinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a hospital for injured wildlife. Experience Australian wildlife up close including kangaroos, adorable koalas, reptiles and more. Take a picnic or grab a snack at the kiosk. Located at Taits Rd Barwon Heads, Phone: 5254 2484. Take a drive to go horse riding at Blazing Saddles, Aireys Inlet. They provide kids pony rides, a private lesson, bush rides, beach rides and group rides. Pony rides are suitable for ages 2 - 7 years, phone 5289 7322.  Outdoor sports are popular along the coast so head out for a day of bike riding at the Anglesea Bike Park (80 Camp Road) or go skateboarding at the Lorne foreshore, Anglesea and Torquay Skate Parks.

If you catch yourself wondering aimlessly through the surf retail stores again, then why not enter the Surf City Plaza to discover the world-class Surfworld Museum and Torquay Library (Beach Road Torquay). Enjoy wonderful books, story time and holiday activities for the kids.

With the forecast looking good, gather the kids and hit a different playground each day. Venture along to Bellbrae Playground, Bellbrae with BBQ and picnic facilities all adjacent to a great Sports oval and play equipment. Also Bob Pettit Reserve, Jan Juc (Sunset strip) with soccer oval and playground for bigger and little kids plus mini skate park and BBQ. In town visit Whites Beach (opposite Lochard Drive on the Esplanade). This playground features a flying fox, climbing nets and a hammock swing. Take a stroll to see the Sundial Of Human Involvement (Analemmatic Sundial) at Fisherman’s Beach.

If your looking to make a day trip then hop aboard the SeaRoad Ferry for a journey across to the East Coast and some holiday fun on board. Check out the great kids entertainment program online.

 With a little inspiration you can map out the entire weeks activities to exhaust the kids and have a tonne of fun.

Your neighbour.

Pics courtesy: Geelong Art Gallery, Blazing Saddles & Jirralinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary.