Five Modern Family Holidays in Victoria That Will Save You From Resort Kids Clubs
Get away, go feral and have fun — together.
In partnership with 
We all need some time off with a poolside cocktail every now and then. Or just to hold on to the dream of getting it one day. But in reality, do we want to pass our whole holidays like that, while our children are off making a completely different set of memories? Not so much.
A lot of family holidays aim for segregation: massages and mud baths for the big people; predictable 'kids clubs' for their offspring. But for those who are in the mood to get imaginative and adventurous, we've teamed up with Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove, to round up five getaways to gratify you.
If you want to share memorable — and, quite possibly, educational — experiences with your kids, then read on to find five of the best contemporary regional holiday ideas for families wanting to clear out of the city and have fun. Together.
PHILLIP ISLAND
Phillip Island isn't all about the penguins – although, of Phillip Island's many delights, these sand-dune waddlers will light up your kids' eyes most. It's a place of natural beauty that's made to be explored on foot. The tribe can witness koalas and fur seals in their natural habitat, and run barefoot on untouched white-sand beaches. If all that sounds a bit tranquil, you can unleash your inner rev-head at the go-kart track – a replica of the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
2 hours' drive south of Melbourne via the Monash Freeway
YARRAWONGA AND LAKE MULWALA
Water sports, live music and country charm: it's hard not to enjoy yourself at Yarrawonga. Lake Mulwala pulls waterskiing enthusiasts from across the country and is a great spot to introduce your kids to the sport. Afterwards, the Ski Club is one of country Victoria's best sports venues in terms of space, views, food and drink, and live music for the whole family to get down to. Bushwalkers can take their pick of forest tracks, many of which end with the reward of a river swim, while the Bundalong Tavern, 10 minutes east of Yarrawonga, makes for a memorable country pub experience.
3 hours' drive north of Melbourne via the Hume Highway
KYNETON BUSHLAND RESORT
The phrase "going bush" often conjures up images of long and lonely northward drives to lands of silos, scrub and Kingswood utes. Not so in the case of Kyneton Bushland Resort, which brings the full outback experience to Melbourne's doorstep. After checking into your self-contained villa (the resort has 55 individual villas spread across 50 hectares of bushland), you can mingle with the abundant wildlife before a spot of canoeing, fishing or swimming in the lake. Unwind or go wild: it's your choice.
1 hour's drive northeast of Melbourne via the Calder Freeway
BALLARAT AND SOVEREIGN HILL
On the surface, it's just another city, but Ballarat comes with a rich history – literally, given it's the centre of the Victorian goldfields. A trip to Sovereign Hill, a stunningly recreated 1850s Gold Rush town, will cost the average family $140, but it's an unforgettable experience. The sound and light show, which tells the story of the Eureka Stockade, runs nightly, while Winter Wonderlights' Christmas in July is an immersive treat. Lake Wendouree, meanwhile, is very pleasant for a picnic.
1.5 hours' drive east of Melbourne via the Western Highway
INVERLOCH AND BUNURONG MARINE PARK
One beach tends to meld into another unless you're prepared to go off the beaten track. Cue Bunurong Marine Park: many of its suite of breathtaking beaches are only accessible via long sets of steps. Not great for prams, then — but therein lies the adventure! The area is also great for fishing, observing marine life, snorkelling, rockpooling and fishing. Inverloch, meanwhile, is your base, with its vibrant centre and seasonal produce-laden cafes — the Black Sheep Tapas and Wine Bar is a good starting point.
2 hours' drive southwest of Melbourne via the Monash Freeway
Drive your family on adventures in and outside of town in the Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove. Find out more on the Holden website.
