There’s nothing quite like a family road trip for spending quality time together and creating long-lasting memories. Car travel provides a great chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and hit the open road, full of adventure, possibilities and laughs. While exploring these top spots in Victoria, you’ll also get to spend quality time with your loved ones and make memories that you’ll relive for years to come.
Winter’s cooler temps make it the ideal time to take a road trip. You don’t need to turn up the air conditioning to full blast and you can explore Victoria’s gorgeous natural wonders without sweating up a storm. Ready to hit the road? Here are some of the best family-friendly road trips to take this weekend, offering something for all ages.
Melbourne to Belgrave
Driving just an hour east of the city will land you in Belgrave, where you can make unforgettable family memories with a ride aboard Melbourne’s historic steam engine, Puffing Billy. Suddenly all of life’s stresses and worries will melt away as the train chugs through the picturesque forest, rolling hills and lush farmland. Made all the better as your legs dangle over the sides. And the train ride’s not the only fun on offer. Once you land in Emerald Lake Park, you can enjoy a walk in nature or let the kids play while you relax and set up a picnic.
Melbourne to Healesville
Animals are always a sure-fire way to keep the kids entertained on holidays, and one of the top places to see them is Healesville Sanctuary. You’ll see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, snakes and native birds while exploring the grounds, which you need at least two to three hours to traverse. There’s an entire program of shows during the day offering something for everyone, with plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the wildlife. Then, stop for a sweet treat at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can indulge in gourmet ice creams and sample different chocolates. While you’re in the Yarra, why not make a weekend out of it and let the adults relax at the wineries?
Melbourne to Ballarat
Experience the excitement of the 1850s gold rush with a visit to the Sovereign Hill outdoor museum. You’ll give your kids an education on a pivotal moment in Australian history while having plenty of fun. Try your luck and pan for gold in just the same way as they did in the time of the rush – finder’s keepers!
Sovereign Hill feels like walking through a town that’s been frozen in time. There’s plenty for the family to explore, with the streets filled with horse carriages, old-timey shops and staff dressed in period costumes. Also, don’t miss out on the Winter Festival, which brings a Christmas in July feel to Ballarat.
Ready to hit the road? Make sure you’ve got the right set of wheels to transport your family to all the sights in comfort and safety. GWM Haval has a range of suitable options, including the mid-sized Haval H6 SUV. It handles all road conditions like a dream, and thanks to the smooth ride and heated seating, the kids can snooze in the back while the parents enjoy a more peaceful driving experience. Top-class fuel efficiency means you can visit all the hot spots and save at the pump at the same time, while intelligent tech will give you plenty of safety features and worry-free travel. That way you can focus on the important things, like which cafe to stop at for your next hot chocolate fix.
Brought to you by GWM Haval. Hit the road in style, with a range of stylish car models to suit your needs.
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