Visit Victoria By Julia Swift
L
et’s inject some much needed tourism dollars into our amazing state of Victoria.
While international travel is off the cards and domestic borders open and shut like a kids nursey rhyme, our backyard is screaming out for us to jump in our car and check it out. Victoria is bursting with so much to offer, you’ll have yourself thinking ‘Why have I never been here before’ So come with us, as we take you around Victoria.
Warrnambool Our first stop is Warrnambool, which lies three hours south-west of Melbourne, or four hours from the Mornington Peninsula and is a great place to spend a three day weekend. Lying at the far end of the Great Ocean Road, this seaside town with its rugged coastline has a lot to offer. From Caravan Parks and Motels, to beautifully spacious Air BnB’s and a couple of luxury accommodation options, you’ll be sure to find something that meets your needs and budget. We stayed at the Comfort Inn Warrnambool International in a Family Spa room with a queen and two single beds. Whilst nothing flash, it was clean, comfy and well located. After settling into our room, and the kids opening and closing every cupboard and draw (kids right) we headed out by car to grab dinner and explore the town.
On offer After dinner we headed towards the water, but as we drove the kids' eyes were caught by a playground at Lake Pertobe. It was busy, but we found a carpark easily enough and thought that after our long drive to get to Warrnambool it was actually a perfect place to let them have a run around. The area around Lake Pertobe it beautiful and we caught the evening glow reflecting off the lake. After watching a swan wreak havoc and break up what looked to be a lovely dinner picnic, we headed toward the first playground area. The playground is broken up around the lake with a main play area with some swings, a climbing net and smaller equipment. Further around you’ll find a maze and towards the back, a couple of epic flying foxes. Stroll around the lake or be adventurous and hire one of the motor boats. The next morning, we headed out to Thunder Point. This vantage point offers a great view out over the water and if you are lucky and visit at the right time of the year (May-September) you may even spot whales off the coast. From here you can take a 1km stroll down to Shelly and Levys beaches, admire the cliff faces and explore the rockpools. We spent the rest of the morning at Stingray Bay which has an easily accessible beach, with shallow parts for younger kids to wade in the water and waves for the older kids with boogie boards. (Note this is not a patrolled swimming beach)
Warrnambool
38 Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2021