What to do with 2yo toddler in Melbourne, Australia
MOUNT HOTHAM
We stayed about 6 days at Bright, taking a daily drive of about 1.5hrs to Mount Hotham on ski days. On non-ski days, we hike on the trails behind our friend’s holiday home and played at parks and green spaces. The baby suit was on rental from a ski shop in Bright. There’s wasn’t much activities for 2yo toddlers except for tobogganing and snow playing at Wire Plain. That would still take half a day, climbing up the slopes, making snow man and snow angels etc. Go early to park near the ski slopes for adults and take the bus down to Wire Plain. You can rent a toboggan from the hut at the bus stop which also serves some light bites and hot beverages.
DIAMOND VALLEY RAILWAY INC
We were not able to get tickets for Puffing Billy Railway so we went to Diamond Valley Railway Inc., a miniature railway located in Eltham Lower Park. It offers train rides on Sundays and public holidays, and each ticket costs only AUD4. The railway features scaled-down steam and diesel engines, as well as various carriages for passengers to ride in. The volunteers who operate the railway are passionate about trains. It is extremely value for money as the train ride was rather long and very enjoyable for a 2yo and even adults like myself! We rode twice and sat once on the first carriage and the other on the last carriage and the first is better for pictures and experience - you get to have small chats with the train master too!
Address: Eltham Lower Park, 570 Main Rd, Eltham VIC 3095, Australia
Opening Hours: Sunday 11am - 5pm
Tickets: AUD4
Website: https://www.dvr.com.au/
MUSEUM OF PLAY AND ART (MOPA)
Please go! I was rather hesitant about this museum but as I stepped into MOPA, I was greeted by colourful and creative exhibits that spark imagination and curiosity. From hands-on art installations to imaginative play areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Children can unleash their creativity through various activities such as painting, sculpting, and storytelling, while adults can appreciate the skill and talent behind each piece on display. There was a real car right in there, for the kids to paint on, dancing session and so on! I would say I enjoyed it as much as my daughter.
Address: 51 Mckillop Street, Geelong
Opening Hours: Weekdays 9.30am -4pm; Weekends 9am - 5pm
Tickets: AUD11
Website: https://www.museumofplayandart.com.au/
SEA LIFE MELBOURNE
Located in the heart of Melbourne, this aquatic wonderland offers a unique opportunity to come face to face with a diverse range of marine life from graceful seahorses and dazzling jellyfish to majestic sharks and playful penguins. They have interactive exhibits, exciting feeding session and jellyfish labs etc. This is a good option for wet days.
Address: King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm
Tickets: Adult - AUD49.50; Child - AUD36; Child <2 - Free
Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/melbourne/
BIG GOOSE FARM
As they say, this isn’t your everyday animal farm. Big Goose Farm is a charming destination located just outside of Melbourne, perfect for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a working farm and in my personal opinion, one of the best I’ve ever been. Kangaroos and wallabies roam about freely in their enclosure where we can buy the animal feeds for AUD3 a bag to feed them. Toddlers can safely play with rabbits and guinea pigs at their barn and visit the enclosures for the geese, chickens and ducks. They have sheep dog and reptile shows and wombat feeding times and during which, you’ll get to learn more about their habitats and nature.
There were kids playground, mini golf, sand pits with excavators, tyre maze to exhaust the kid’s energy and the highlight was the tractor ride that took us round the expansive farm to look at horses, emus, alpaca, sheeps, cows and more.
Address: 233 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc VIC 3933
Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm everyday during school holidays
Tickets: Adult - AUD27.5; Child - AUD21.5; Child <2 - Free
Website: https://thebiggoose.com.au/
COLLINGWOOD FARM
It is way smaller than Big Goose Farm and didn’t have much activities but if you’re pressed for time and can’t travel too far from Melbourne City, this will be the best farm to bring your toddler to for a couple of hours. There is a cafe right outside the farm for food, if you fancy.
Address: 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Tickets: Adult - AUD17; Child - AUD8; Child <2 - Free
Website: https://www.farm.org.au/
MARINA BAY PLAYGROUND, ST KILDA BEACH
Right by the sea, a new, clean and spacious playground with flying fox, pirate ship themed ropes and slides. You can have picnic by the green field or play games like frisbee boomerang alike, with the view of city’s skyline along the beach and easily spend 2-3 very relaxing hours here.
Address: Near St Kilda Beach
Opening Hours: All day every day
Tickets: Free