places to go in melbourne's west
So much to do in Melbourne’s West. So many places to go! Everything is covered here in Mamma Knows West's 'places to go' From Williamstown to Footscray, Melton to Geelong we have family fun covered. Take your time and have a browse through some of these fab places to go - you'll find heaps of inspiration.
You can search here for places to go in Melbourne's West by your suburb or playground here or browse away
It’s a blend of augmented reality and go karting so the track and games are projected on to the floor - as are the oil patches or glue - don’t get stuck! There are also bonuses to collect and flames to shoot!
Here at the Seaworks Maritime Museum, some of that history has been preserved so that our generation get to appreciate it. There are plenty of amazing artefacts, and ship models to see - but the most interesting thing are the tales that the men who run this museum tell.
Experience Rainbow Buddies, an exhilarating 'in real life' space mission game for kids! Navigate the space station, rescue Rainbow Buddies, and evade lasers. Enjoy some in real-life fun with your friends.
It’s the perfect blend of technology and adventure!
Little Buddies Toy Libraries are SO GREAT! Such an awesome outing where the kids can have a little play with toys before selecting what they want to take home! Just like a library, borrow the toys for 2-4 weeks then replace them with new toys! Economically and environmentally savvy, and Mamma loves it here!
Introducing Kindred Souls Collective. Best described as a day spa for the soul founder and amazing vibe queen Kelly has created such a stunning space like no other. Spending time here, is a truly beautiful and effortless way to relax and rejuvenate, body, mind and soul.
Your kiddies will have a blast here - they’ll be able to play in the massive ball pit area, mega slides, rock climbing walls, LEGO table, basketball hoops, trampolines, carousels and so much more! There’s also a really super cute play area for your infants to enjoy.
Kids Go FREE these School Holidays! Port Phillip Ferries have been jetting people up and down the bay for many years now. A great way to avoid the traffic and head down to Portarlington and Geelong, and back up to Docklands.
In this exhibition she joins the stage with another incredible artist Lisa Gorman (of Gorman label fame). And centres around the 2016 and 2018 GORMAN X Mirka collaborations, showcasing some of the iconic garments.
No this is not just another play centre! There are so many fun things to do at SuperPark - and plenty of things Mamma has not seen before in indoor fun!
Mamma has been wanting to visit here for so long and it did not disappoint. Deep Blue Hot Springs is more than just some hot pools. It’s a sanctuary of health and well-being and you will come out of it feeling rested and rejuvenated. You CAN bring the whole family here like Mamma, and of course you can just come with your partner or mates.
Flip Out in Braybrook is not just trampolines! This is heaven for active kids. They can run free to bounce, jump, climb, spin, slide and explore.
The Air Playground is back at Scienceworks for the Summer. This is a great interactive exhibition and worth checking out with the family.
This is the PERFECT place to visit in the warmer months so the little ones can splash in the rock pools while the bigger ones scramble up the impressive rock surfaces. Venus Baths is the destination point to a picturesque and leisurely walk that will have your kiddos skipping over bridges, running down paths, darting around boulders before finally dipping their toes in cool fresh water. How satisfying!
Walking tours now open! This gorgeous farm sits on 200 hectares of land and is dedicated to rehabilitating all kinds of farm animals but particularly horses. Found neglected, discarded after racing or aged and unwell, Horse Shepherd takes them on, provides them vet care and allows them to happily live out their days with the rest of the menagerie at the farm.
What a perfect adventure – a beautiful and fun ferry ride across the bay with stunning city views, followed by a penguin-watching experience at the St Kilda Breakwater wall, where around 1400 Little Penguins make their way to shore at sunset, and the knowledgeable staff are great with kids and questions!
For all you Friends aficionados out there, get ready to immerse yourself in a true-to-scale experience where no detail has been spared.
Welcome to the FUN ZONE! Timezone and Zone Bowling is NOW OPEN at Central West Shopping Centre!
If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls, jumping off the back on the couch and scaling the bookshelves then you need to gather them up and head down to Mick’s Jump n’ Play in Melton!
Open on Saturdays 12-5pm. This Museum has a rich history of Australian trains on display, plus a fantastic vintage model railway. Locomotives come here to retire and there are some real beauties to admire. There is plenty of space for kiddos to run around too!
Mamma’s kids have practically grown up at Scienceworks and they still absolutely love it. Now they can also check out the new Science is a Superpower STEM workshops!
Saboteurs is an experience full of excitement and fun and chaos! This space themed game is based on the popular online game Among Us, but in real life! - now, if you don’t know what is, that’s ok- it’s likely your kids do though! Mamma says Saboteurs is a great family and friends adventure! Are you the imposter?
Experience the thrill of climbing at Cliffhanger Climbing, Australia's tallest gym in the West! Renovated and reopened, this facility offers a unique climbing experience. Test your skills on practice walls and enjoy amazing coffee breaks. Perfect for climbers of all levels at Cliffhanger Climbing, where adventure awaits!
These popular kayak tours on the Werribee River sell out fast so you have to be quick to get in when the bookings come up. Hosted by the Werribee River Association in conjunction with Paddle Victoria, this is a cruisey journey along the banks of the Werribee River with a guided discussion on the flora and fauna in the area.
There are HEAPS of walks all around the Werribee Gorge State Park for all different levels and experience so it is a good idea to do plenty of research on this place before setting off with the kids in tow.
Have a swim, a steam and a workout while the kiddos are well looked after in childcare - then have a play at the indoor water playground!
The new state of the art Keilor East Leisure Centre is a one stop shop for fun AND wellness!
Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo is a great family experience. Open from Jan 13
It is impossible to find words for the amazing experience we had with the Sea All Dolphin Tours.
If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls, jumping off the back on the couch and scaling the bookshelves then you need to gather them up and head down to Mick’s Jump n’ Play in Melton!
Open on Saturdays 12-5pm. This Museum has a rich history of Australian trains on display, plus a fantastic vintage model railway. Locomotives come here to retire and there are some real beauties to admire. There is plenty of space for kiddos to run around too!
What a fantastic family destination and all in the wonderful West! Even before the kiddos came along a visit here was a must and now we pop in as often as we can. The open safari bus tour is always a highlight, spotting new animals every time and the self guided walking tours are a great way to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace.
The amazing Fairy Park was built in 1959 when the displays were predominantly made by hand and despite being updated it still holds its magical kitschy qualities. Fairy Park is the ultimate in family fun.
Mamma LOVES a good family picnic spot and The Victorian State Rose garden is up there with the best in Melbourne.
What a gem of a place! Maze House just outside of Daylesford is a magical place to visit.
Spend an hour here, or the whole day - you can tailor your fun and do as much or as little as your family can manage.
Scienceworks does such a great job at catering for all ages - The Ground Up exhibition is perfect for the under 5’s.
Holy MAMMA kids - this is going to be your next favourite playcentre to get mum and dad to take you!
Let's PLAY! This is a busy playcentre - that is because it’s good!
Back as of November 6! Husband and wife team Damian and Genevieve have done a fantastic job fitting out their indoor space here and Mamma KNOWS you are going to want to have a kids birthday party here once you see the facilities.
Fun is a bargain at this playcentre. Bumble Beez in Werribee is a great little playcentre for the little ones!
Did someone say FRESH?! Fruit doesn't get any fresher than this. Mamma and the fam have a ball picking fresh cherries, apples and stonefruits at this 'pick your own' fruit farm. It's a fun activity that the whole family can get involved in - well you'll need every available set of hands to carry back your booty!
You WILL need good, solid, comfortable footwear that grips, you WILL need to bring some water bottles, you WILL DEFINITELY need your camera
The Organ Pipes themselves are beautiful huge rock columns formed by the cooling and cracking of molten lava from over a million years ago and are the feature of the park.
Third Sunday of the month Now Mamma has a secret – if you have a train fanatic in your fam Bulla Hill Miniature Railway is a fantastic way to hang out on a Sunday or how about a birthday party?
Each Saturday during school terms. How cool is traffic school? Pretty darn cool! This is a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning. The traffic school has a neat little set up happening with pedestrian crossings, busy intersections with operating traffic lights, round-a-bouts, train crossings and even a petrol station.
On the first Sunday of the Month. Love a tuned Mustang? Or how about polished up Monaro? The Men's Shed of Altona put on a mini car show on the first Sunday of every month at their home on Queen Street Altona. It's grass roots simple, Car Torque is all about cars plus a bit of a BBQ and it really doesn't need to be anything else.
This is a very exciting facility with an Aqua Playground, shallow pools, lap pools, kids party packages, swimming classes and YES THOSE WATER SLIDES!
This is possibly the West's best kept indoor play secret. If it's too chilly for outdoor play then trust Mamma - this is an excellent option. There are comfy chairs for you to plonk on and plenty of parents to chat to as your kiddo has some seriously cool pretend play fun.
Animal Land has so much to see and do - kiddies get a Pony ride plus visit the animal nursery and then you can feed the ducks on the pond, feed the donkeys and cows and chickens too! A visit to Animal Land Farm is a great family fun day.
Inflatable World is a magical world full of more jumping, sliding, sticking, jousting, running and bouncing than you can poke a stick at!
Visit Wyndham Harbour this Sunday (Sep 25th) from 11am to 4pm for Free Family Fun Day! Live music, Water Sports, Movie Screenings, Food Trucks and lots more!
Inflatable World is 'jaw dropping' WOW as soon as you enter the building. There is more jumping, sliding, sticking, jousting, running and bouncing than you could even imagine.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the RAAF base in Point Cook was strictly off limits to us regular folk, but in fact we are all welcome to pop in and view the amazing museum they have created. It has only recently reopened and there is even more to see than before.
Did you know we have a castle here in the West? Well, we do and Overnewton Castle is lovely! It's not hard to sell the idea of going to a real life castle but Mamma says, make sure you check out their High Tea and Tours - so interesting…and delicious
Have you heard of Puffing Jilly? No? Well, be sure to come and meet her and all of her convoy each month at the Altona Miniature Railway!
Have a swim, a steam and a workout while the kiddos are well looked after in childcare - then have a play at the indoor water playground!
The new state of the art Keilor East Leisure Centre is a one stop shop for fun AND wellness!
The Planetarium at Scienceworks is the perfect place to entertain the kids on a rainy day, a hot day or any day really!
Anunforgettable adventure at Tuki Trout Farm—a genuine Pond to Plate Experience! Mamma says: it's not just a great outing; it's an incredibly memorable journey for the kids.
✨ REVISIT ✨ Vjunior is still incredible! The whole adventure however, starts before the opening credits. The foyer of Vjunior is fully equipped with blocks, colouring in stations and car tracks. Snacks are able to be ordered in the cinema with special choices like ice cream sundaes available.
Factor in some extra play time next time you book in a movie sesh! Intencity takes up half of the foyer at Village Cinemas Sunshine but is almost a destination on its own. There are lots of arcade games to choose from, without the frantic crowds that normally buzz around the bigger game places.
Within the Aquatic Centre you’ll find an indoor 50 metre pool, learn to swim area, kids splash park and slides, a warm water pool, spa, and a massive water slide (only for those over 120 cm in height) - everything your little one could dream of!
Mamma loves a good hidden adventure discovery, and the Fyansford Paper Mills was one of those. This is an art, food, culture and beverage precinct in amongst what remains of the old paper mill.
Who knew smashing up #^%$ was so much fun! This is the place to come to have a smashing good time, and turns out it’s a little therapeutic too! Welcome to The Smash Room.
A combination of technology and art creates magical unique auroras over Lake Daylesford. BOREALIS on the lake is back for 2023 and we are excited! Borealis is Happening from July 20 - September 3 it is not to be missed.
Discover Roraima Nursery in Lara, home to exotic plants, stunning sculptures, and even dinosaurs! Our top-pick attraction is a must-visit for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers. Don't miss out – plan your visit today and experience the crowd-pleasing beauty of Roraima Nursery.
**NOTE: Due to vandalism and fire damage Rabbit HOle Play Centre is currently closed. Check their socials and website for updates. - April 2024 WOW! The playcentre is huge! Mamma has never seen so many different kinds of slides, unique climbing equipment and fun all in the one spot. Rabbit Hole is Playcentre indoor fun heaven.
Climb West is the only bouldering gym in the west. Located in Altona this amazing space is dedicated to all things climbing.
The Nook will make you feel as if you’ve stopped to rest at a quaint country town. A 20 minute walk from the centre of Sunbury, it features Jacksons Creek waterhole and a beautiful, natural open space.
What a magical and truly unique family experience! The Hanging Rock Llama treks is wonderful.
Truly a breathtaking place to take the family. The Grampians is one of our families favourite places to go in Victoria.
Turn up, suit up, buckle up and ZOOM UP at the super cool Ifly! Indoor skydiving in Melbourne.
Mamma loves nature, country pubs and hiking! Halls Gap is lovely little country town nestled in the mountains of the beautiful Grampians National Park. Truly a spectacular place to take the family.
Strolling along Gem Pier in Williamstown has always been one of Mamma’s fave family adventures. It is always bustling with people, boats coming and going and those city views!
You gotta BOUNCE baby! Bounce Inc in Essendon Fields is a HUGE trampoline park and it is home to the Super Tramp and giant 5m x 5m trampoline - perfect for learning those new tricks and jumps!
Mamma LOVES a hedge maze, there is just something magical and mysterious about them. Barrabool Maze Estate is NO EXCEPTION. And kids of all ages seem to love getting lost in the never ending pathways.
Beyond Perception at Scienceworks is the new permanent exhibition and is now open - entry included with general admission. This exhibition is pitched at 11 year olds and over - it is worth checking out with younger kids though - It is FREE (with general admission) and quite an engaging experience.
Add some FUN to your shopping list and spend a few hours sliding, jumping, climbing and playing at this fab playcentre!
Mamma says you cannot go to Daylesford or Hepburn Springs without tasting the nectar of the earth - the mineral spring water. Central Springs Reserve is nestled next to the Daylesford Lake and the site of the old swimming pool and my my my it is pretty.
Everything is so well done at Sovereign Hill from the authentic looking town complete with horse and carts, soundscapes, shows and activities - it's quite surreal wandering around. Mamma says this is an excellent adventure for famiies.
As soon as you step into this magical place you could be forgiven for thinking you've somehow stumbled into the European countryside. Mamma has loved this place for many years and the love affair is still going strong.
This is a fantastic place for the little ones to get close to the animals and learn about their environment..
It’s a blend of augmented reality and go karting so the track and games are projected on to the floor - as are the oil patches or glue - don’t get stuck! There are also bonuses to collect and flames to shoot!
Here at the Seaworks Maritime Museum, some of that history has been preserved so that our generation get to appreciate it. There are plenty of amazing artefacts, and ship models to see - but the most interesting thing are the tales that the men who run this museum tell.
The Air Playground is back at Scienceworks for the Summer. This is a great interactive exhibition and worth checking out with the family.
There are HEAPS of walks all around the Werribee Gorge State Park for all different levels and experience so it is a good idea to do plenty of research on this place before setting off with the kids in tow.
The Queens Park Outdoor Pools should be high on your family 'to check out list' this summer. With a 50m solar heated pool, a 20m junior pool, a shaded kiddlet pool and plenty of shaded grassy areas scattered about the large complex - this place will excite everyone in your entourage.
Looking for outdoor summer fun that doesn't cost the earth and is all in the one 'hassle free' spot? Mamma has found it!
If you have an animal lover and lets face it most kids are - this is an excellent place to get up close with some of Australia's most loved animals, and Maneki and Satu the Sumatran tigers.
The Victorian Goldfields Railway is such a great family outing, to experience the joy of riding in an old steam train and getting a glimpse into life in another time. Hop on to the train at either Maldon or Castlemaine and coast along for about 45-50 minutes through lovely bushland and along trails.
Walking tours now open! This gorgeous farm sits on 200 hectares of land and is dedicated to rehabilitating all kinds of farm animals but particularly horses. Found neglected, discarded after racing or aged and unwell, Horse Shepherd takes them on, provides them vet care and allows them to happily live out their days with the rest of the menagerie at the farm.
What a perfect adventure – a beautiful and fun ferry ride across the bay with stunning city views, followed by a penguin-watching experience at the St Kilda Breakwater wall, where around 1400 Little Penguins make their way to shore at sunset, and the knowledgeable staff are great with kids and questions!
One berry, two berry, pick me a blueberry! This is a place for blueberries lovers, but will also convert those who are on the fence - nothing is as sweet as a blueberry picked fresh from the bush!
This gold mine themed course is so much fun, with 18 easy holes to manoeuvre your little ball into. It’s great for the littlies as it’s all close together and not too many obstacles on the greens. There are two courses here - outdoor and the spookier but really cool Lost Worlds themed course indoors so chose your own adventure.
A fantastic space for the Arts and a magnificent venue for events, the Substation is a cultural hub attracting some big name international performers as well as local artists.
Mamma thinks this is more like a massive waterpark than just a swim centre, and the perfect place to dive in for some indoor aquatic FUN! With a 50 metre pool, learn to swim pool, warm water pool for exercise, toddlers pool, spa and sauna, two massive 12.5 metre high water slide, a water adventure park and a kids splash pad (phew!), you’re going to have a hard time getting the kids to leave!
Strawberry fields forever! Well, until the end of the season anyway! Mamma and co love hunting in these fields of joy for the perfect strawberry - and there are plenty! Surf Coast Strawberries is a great family adventure.
When you go through as many blueberries as Mamma’s family, seeing row upon row of these little delicious gems is a sight to see! Otway Blueberries has been around since the 90’s and they provide blueberries all around the Otways and surf coast. You can, of course, pick your own stash here though too - and Mamma sure does LOVE pickin’!!
This little adventure couldn’t be more perfect! The boat ride across the bay is beautiful, stress free, swift, exciting and most of all fun. Your St Kilda destination is gorgeous, arriving at St Kilda pier, immersed in the beachside vibes - it truly feels like you are on a little holiday and now doing penguin tours from Williamstown
Mamma LOVES her mini golf and with a swing like hers - doing it in the dark is a bonus!
The Reading Corner is FREE for everyone to come and enjoy.
Mamma loves pulling on some wheels and taking the kids for a spin at the local skate rink and this is certainly the perfect spot for doing just that.
Ok, so when it comes to parties - Mamma LOVES this place for a fuss free and seriously fantastic kids birthday venue
Mamma is berry berry excited to be able to pick both strawberries and blueberries in one place!
The berry-nice Tuckerberry Hill Berry Farm and café is the perfect place to get your berry fix.
Batter batter schaWING batter! First and foremost the Melbourne Ball Park is right here in the west.
Treat the kids to a taste-bud tantalising High Tea on the high seas!
An icon of the West, immortalised in the old TV show Round the Twist and more recently Masterchef. Dubbed 'the white queen', she sure is majestic.
Got a bouncing kiddo? Of course you do! Check out this place for an great indoors option.
This is a great all year around kind of fun for the crew - once they get the hang of you'll find it hard to get them off the rink and the smile off their faces.
SPLASHPAD is part of the Waterworld complex in Norlane and well, Mamma says this is one epic water play park.
This new free splash park (open Summer 2016/17) is great for the kids to cool off.
A few tips were required and a few unorthodox plays were exhibited ...maybe a few holes skipped but overall a great time was had. The Bellarine Adventure golf is old school and cool with lush greenery, and timber structures and lots of secret passage ways and fun places for the ball to travel.
Sssshhhhh....Mamma has a little secret. On the odd occasion after school drop off, Mamma sneaks out along the freeway and heads to Werribee Mansion Spa...
The Gardens of St Erthe are great to discover at any time of year and the seasons dictate which beautiful blooms come next. Nestled next to the Wombat State Forest - these gardens and cafe are a must!
Introducing the amazing new party space from Little Ginger
Melton Wave Pool is THE only Leisure Centre in Melbourne’s West with a wave pool! This is a great facility and something a little different than the run of the mill pool action...the wave pool is great fun.
Mamma feels like the family has struck gold with this place. It's just fantastic and only an hour away from the West - you could easily spend a couple of hours or more here and guaranteed some great fun in this swim centre.
Wow, someone put some thought and effort into this brand new playcentre. It's spacious, clean, full of the tried and true play centre equipment plus some added extra fun!
Playcentre heaven! Got some kiddos with a little too much energy in the afternoon? Or your little babe needs a something else to clamber up instead of your furniture?