haggis supper

Probably taking a couple of weeks off in January and rather than go away have decided to have a number of 2/3 day breaks with the kids. Would appreciate suggestions on places to visit - we'll be driving.

Have been thinking about taking a few days to do the Great Ocean Road loop, perhaps the Grampians and maybe even over to Sydney. Need places that will interest a 3 year old and a 5 year old !

All suggestions gratefully appreciated.

Cheers,
Col

avroncotton

We recently had our THIRD trip to Healesville Sanctuary and it is really good and they have done a lot recently that is new.

We live in East Gippsland and a trip down to Lakes Entrance is good, however it's just getting into the silly season so better get some accom!

Pootle

Have you been to Phillip Island? Excellent for 2/3 nights. Can visit the penguins/koalas/amaz'n things etc. Grampians very good aswell but some walks you may need to carry your little one (as my hubby will tell you!) We are going to try out Lakes Entrance - the beach looks good!
Ruth

Pomster

Willy's prom is great although if you want to stay on the Prom you will have to camp as the cabins will have been booked out a year ago!

The beaches are amazing and there is a river which I think you can fish in. Lots of kids, wombats, wildlife abound, so the kids are unlikely to be bored.

(Call ahead to Parks Vic as the campsites do book out quickly and it will be heaving in Jan)

OzTennis

Hmm 2/3 nights:

Great Ocean Road
Grampians
Gippsland Lakes
Wilsons Prom
Goldfields tour - Ballarat, Bendigo etc
Spa Country - Daylesford, Hepburn
River Murray - Echuca, Swan Hill
Dandenongs and Yarra Valley
Mildura, Sunraysia
Bright, Buffalo, High Country

OzTennis

haggis supper

Cheers for the suggestions, appreciated.

ljj

Can really recommend this motel http://www.ballarat.com/menzies/ If you phone and speak to them they can normally do you a nice deal. It is walking distance to the centre of Ballarrat. The rooms are great for a family: kids sleep in bunkbeds with 1/2 ensuite, lounge, kitchen with breakfast included in your room, lovely king size bed and spa ensuite upstairs to relax and unwind at the end of the day
The couple that own it love Scotland and have a Westie named after someone from the Monarch of the Glen. They couldn't do enough for us and the wife even made me take her warm coat to the Eureka Blood on the Southern Cross - boy was I glad (this was August).

Lovely place if you decide to go there.

Louise

minimal

we (2adults & 3 kids) have just stayed in a beautiful new 2 bedroom cabin just outside the park gates - Prom Vista Cabins - can thoroughly recommend them.

Auspom

Hi Oz Tennis has pretty much named all the place's to go,Me being Aussie and live in Melbourne and visited all those spots it's hard to pin point the best.
To be honest doing to Great Ocean road could be a tad boring for the kids as the drive can be a bit long ,i would say healsville mainly because on the wildlife,nice bush walks that u can do.On the other hand Wilson's prom is top notice as well for walks wildlife and your right on the beach,the only problem could be your Accommodation would say try staying a little out of town it mite be easier that way.
I'm sure if u do ample research you will choose the right place.
if u go the Great Ocean rd i would suggest u stop off at the Anglesea golf course where u can see Kangaroo's laying in the open while they watch people try and play golf....

Auspom

This is for every1 who is planing a trip please research your port of call properly as there can be festivals,bike or car shows ect on that are not advertised.
Example:Echuca is a beautiful place on the N.S.W-Vic border,nice and quite during the year BUT in the first weekend of February every year there is a massive Ski race on the Murray,which u will get a few hundred boats and about 30,000 people in a town of normally 3000.Now this is ok if u like it but if u hate noise Stay away... just a little advise other wise enjoy

hevs

You will need way longer than 2/3 days if you drive to Sydney. The best time we have done it in is 91/2 hours, driving constantly through the night, but the adverage time is 12 hours cos of frequent stops for the kids. (its funny how theres a maccas every 2 hours )

Remember Vic is the size of the UK so for day trips i'd stick to what the others have said.

If you decide to go to Echuca and (like us!) if you are bored of the Hume highway, try going up the road past Healsville and Maroondah. It takes you through the Blackspur and then up through a massive contrast of scenery in the Strathbogie ranges, its stunning!