6 Epic Adventure Parks Worth the Drive from Melbourne for Thrill-Seeking Families

We know the feeling: you need an outing big enough to exhaust the kids and create genuine, screen-free family memories. For Australian parents, the sweet spot lies just outside the city—where the fresh air meets the fun, and the reward of the journey pays off ten-fold.

If you’re hunting for adventure parks worth the drive from Melbourne this October, we've curated six Victorian gems that offer everything from thrilling rides and massive water slides to immersive history and close-up wildlife. Pack the car, plan your road trip playlist, and get ready for a memorable fun day trip VIC.

This destination is the largest theme park in Victoria, offering four distinct 'worlds' in one location: thrill rides, a dedicated kids' zone, a sprawling wildlife trail, and seasonal water attractions. It’s perfect for families with a wide range of ages (5–15).

Why You’ll Love It 

The sheer variety guarantees a full day of excitement. Older kids love the rollercoasters and major slides, while little ones have the Outback Explorers area all to themselves. It truly caters to every age, making it an ideal adventure parks Victoria option.

• Street Address: 2425 Princes Hwy, Tynong North VIC 3813

• Dates: Open most weekends and daily during school holidays (check website for seasonal water park opening- Oasis Springs).

• Ticket Information: Purchase day tickets or an annual pass online for the best value. Family passes are available.

• Family Tips Arrive before opening to head straight to the most popular thrill rides or water slides before the queues build up. The park is very pram friendly.

Located near Geelong, this coastal favourite seamlessly blends thrilling dry rides with an enormous water park section. It’s a must-do fun day trip VIC during the warmer months, offering epic slides, family rides, and themed attractions.

Why You’ll Love It 

It boasts Victoria's first triple-funnel waterslide, the Tsunami, and the action is perfectly contained. It's clean, well-organised, and offers excellent value when considering the number of attractions available for one entry price.

• Street Address: 155 Swanston Rd, Wallington VIC 3222

• Dates: Generally open from late spring through to autumn. Check the website for the exact seasonal calendar.

• Ticket Information: Tickets are required, and pre-booking online is highly recommended, especially for summer weekends.

• Website:  www.adventurepark.com.au

Family Tips Pack a picnic to enjoy the grassy areas outside the food outlets, saving you some budget. The park is generally Pram Friendly and has excellent shade in the water play areas.

While not a traditional ride park, this is the ultimate immersive adventure for kids aged 5 to 12, transporting them to the 1850s gold rush era. It’s the perfect blend of history, education, and active play.

Why You’ll Love It 

Kids can pan for real gold, watch a cannon fire, see traditional trades, and even go on an underground mine tour. It's a massive, outdoor, hands-on learning experience that feels like a fantasy world. It’s one of the best family parks Melbourne outskirts for an enriching day.

• Street Address: Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350

• Dates: Open daily, 10am–5pm (except Christmas Day). Special events and Winter programs run during school holidays.

• Ticket Information: Family passes are the most economical option. Pre-book online to skip the lines.

• Family Tips Plan your day around the public shows and demonstrations, especially the gold pour. Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll cover a lot of ground.

This park takes adventure high into the trees, offering amazing ropes courses, thrilling ziplines, and a giant tube slide park. It’s ideal for active kids aged 4 and up who love a physical challenge and empowering themselves through play.

Why You’ll Love It 

It’s a different kind of adventure park—one that focuses on skill, balance, and conquering heights. The multiple maze gardens and tube slides below cater to all energy levels, offering a full day of fun in a beautiful bush setting.

• Street Address: 35 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936

• Dates: Open daily, year-round, but times vary seasonally. Always Pre Book.

• Ticket Information: Different packages are available for mazes only, tube slides, or the full adventure course. Pre Book online is essential.

• Family Tips The ropes course has height and age restrictions, so check these before booking, especially for younger children. Bring water and gloves (or buy them onsite) for the rope courses!

Just a short drive from the city, this highly-rated wildlife conservation park offers genuinely close-up encounters with Australian native animals, making it an essential fun day trip VIC for all ages, especially toddlers (Age 2–5).

Why You’ll Love It 

You can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, see koalas up close, and witness nocturnal animals during daylight hours. It’s incredibly intimate, educational, and focused on conservation—a feel-good experience for parents.

• Street Address: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC 3912

• Dates: Open daily 9:30am–4:00pm (except Christmas Day). Check for special night tour bookings.

• Ticket Information: Very accessible prices. Consider a family pass. Kids under 4 are often free.

• Family Tips Buy a bag of animal food at the entrance—it’s the highlight for the kids! Attend one of the keeper talks for fascinating facts. The park is Pram Friendly.

For the child (Age 6–12) who dreams of dragons, knights, and princesses, this medieval-themed adventure park near Ballarat delivers. It’s a unique, theatrical experience that encourages imaginative play and historical appreciation.

Why You’ll Love It 

It’s a totally different type of park with live shows, sword-fighting demonstrations, a Dragon’s Labyrinth, and even opportunities for archery. It’s dramatic, exciting, and offers a fully immersive fantasy world far from the city grind.

• Street Address: 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352

• Dates: Open weekends and daily during school holidays (check website for specific seasonal schedule).

• Ticket Information: Tickets are required for entry to the castle grounds and events. Family passes are available.

• Family Tips Check the daily schedule before you arrive and plan to be at the arena for the jousting or sword fight show—it's epic! The cafe offers Kid Friendly Cafes options.