When the big kids are back at school, it's a great time to escape with the littlies for a few days of fun and relaxation. Take advantage of off-peak deals and see the sights without the crowds.
There's plenty to do with pre-schoolers in our family friendly park with our shaded, solar heated swimming pool, playgrounds, giant jumping pillow and pedal karts. And if you can be bothered leaving the park, we've collated a list of wonderful family attractions and activities for you to explore in and around Bendigo.
Discovery Centre Bendigo 7 Railway Place, Bendigo (03) 5444 4400
With over 100 interactive exhibits to explore, you won't know what to try first at Discovery. Be sure to look out for the whacky mirrors that make you look really strange, or the echoing chamber that repeats your words a thousand times over, and don't forget to play a tune on the thong-a-phone!
Some popular Discovery favourites also include:
Vintage Talking Tram 1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo (03) 5442 2821
Share a little of 'the olden days' with your children on a special Vintage Tram Tour.
Bendigo Tramways has been in operation since June 1890. Initially operating as public transport until 1972, Bendigo Tramways now operates as a tourist service. There is no better way to see the sights of Bendigo than aboard a beautifully refurbished Vintage Talking Tram. A Vintage Talking Tram Tour is the quickest way to get your bearings and see the city's key landmarks and monuments.
Take your time to discover the city by hopping on and off the tram to explore the many parks, attractions, shopping and dining facilities that are within walking distance of each tram stop. The friendly tram drivers and conductors are always happy to chat and give you some "insider" tips on what to do during your Bendigo break.
Each tour includes a stop at Australia’s oldest operating tram depot ... home to the heritage tram fleet. We highly recommend staying a bit longer to enjoy the free self-guided tour and to meet Birney, Bendigo Tramway's famous cat!
Your tram ticket includes the Anzac Centenary Tram (Tues, Thurs, Sat) and/or the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) which run at 10:00 am on their allocated days.
Book your tickets online.
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Playspace 16 Scott Street White Hills, Bendigo 03 5434 6000
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this award-winning playspace features garden rooms enclosed by hedges that provide creative and imaginative play opportunities. In the Secret Garden, children will discover treasures such as the hidden mirror and special child-size mushroom table and chairs.
On the roly-poly lawn, kids can play croquet or enjoy rolling around on the grassy slopes. They can also climb to the top of the fort and look over the gardens and pretend to be the king or queen in the oversize throne chair.
There are BBQs, picnic tables and a drinking fountain. You can park on Scott Street for easy access.
Splash Park Fun!
The Long Gully/Eaglehawk Splash Park 14-38 Creeth St, Long Gully, Bendigo 03 5434 6000
A free, zero depth water splash park with a dry play area. It is a family-friendly park with shaded seating, BBQs and extra all season play areas.
Swimming season
The splash park is to open early October to the last Sunday in March, subject to forecasted conditions.
Facilities
Opening hours
September - November: 10am-6pm
December - March: 9am-8pm
Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre 9 Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo (03) 4431 1400
Bendigo's newest and premier aquatic and fitness centre with a large gym, 3 group fitness studios, warm water pool, indoor 50m pool, aquatic adventure play and splash park, learn to swim and cafe facilities. There's even occasional childminding available if you fancy a solo swim or gym workout.
Open daily.
Weekdays 6 am - 9 pm
Weekends 6 am- 7 pm
Awesome Playgrounds
Lake Weeroona Adventure Playspace 300 A300 Bendigo (next to Lake Weeroona) 03 5434 6000
The children's adventure play space offers swings and a large timber fort for climbing, exploring, crawling on and looking through. It is fully fenced and includes seating for parents and guardians.
The play space is on the banks of Lake Weeroona and has a bike or walking track around its perimeter.
Lake Weeroona is known for its beautiful lakeside walks and magnificent treed landscape. There's a great family-friendly cafe on the boardwalk too.
Eaglehawk Playspace Napier Street, Eaglehawk, Bendigo
Located on the shores of Lake Neangar, this contemporary playspace is also near to the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre, Canterbury Park Oval and Sports Precinct, Canterbury Park Gardens, the McKern Skate Park and the Mulga Bill bike trail.
Shaped like a giant eagle hawk, the new play space caters to children of all ages. The play space is multi-zoned with both passive and active areas for children with various skill and abilities. It features custom designed play equipment inspired by the famous Banjo Patterson poem Mulga Bill’s Bicycle which starts with the line “Twas Mulga Bill from Eaglehawk” and a butterfly themed junior play area called Where Angels Play to celebrate the life of baby Zayden Veal Whitting.
The play space includes equipment for swinging, spinning and sliding with adventure and movement play, a series of pathways, extensive tree planting, landscaping and picnic and barbecue facilities for the whole family to enjoy.
