When it comes to family holidays that have a bit of everything, Victoria is a great option. From the rolling countryside to the vibrant city, planning a family-friendly holiday in Melbourne has something to suit everyone’s taste. 

One of the best ways to start a family road trip in Victoria is in the urban centre, Melbourne. With so many exciting activities and experiences on offer, family travel in Melbourne won’t disappoint. 

Camping with the family can take a lot of planning, from your family camping checklist to finding the best campgrounds and holiday parks. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best caravan parks in Melbourne and the surrounding areas to make your travel planning all the easier.

What’s Melbourne known for?

Melbourne is a city well-known for its amazing arts, culture, and culinary scene, as well as incredible architecture. The city pulsates with a dynamic energy, encapsulating a thriving arts scene that embraces both traditional and contemporary expressions, as well as laneways, adorned with street art and hidden gems which add a unique charm to its cultural landscape. 

The city is also Australia’s global hub for coffee enthusiasts and foodies, boasting an array of trendy coffee shops, eateries and restaurants. You could walk around the city all day and find something incredible to see or do at every turn. All in all, Melbourne is a beautiful mix of experiences, activities and attractions that make a holiday here one to remember.

What’s the best way to explore Melbourne?

The best way to explore Melbourne and its surroundings is through the freedom and flexibility of an Apollo Camper. Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighbourhoods, and picturesque landscapes, which all become easily accessible to explore with the convenience of a campervan. 

Whether you're cruising along the iconic Great Ocean Road, discovering hidden gems in the city's suburbs, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of nearby national parks, an Apollo campervan provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and flexibility. With the ability to set your own pace, choose your destinations, and enjoy the spontaneity of the journey, a campervan hire becomes not just a mode of transportation, but a home on wheels. 

Plus with a range of vehicles to choose from, and branches conveniently located around Australia, hiring an Apollo Camper to explore Melbourne is a must-do.

Image: Visit Victoria

Our top family-friendly holiday park picks in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to some great family-friendly holiday parks. To make your road trip travel planning a little easier, this guide has top holiday parks in Melbourne.
 

1. BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park

Located just a short drive from the heart of Melbourne, BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park is the first family-friendly holiday park on this list. The BIG4 Holiday Park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and proximity to city life. Families will appreciate the spacious and well-maintained grounds, providing a safe environment for children to play. The park's amenities include a pool, playgrounds, and barbecue facilities, ensuring there's never a dull moment. 

Nearby you’ll find the iconic Melbourne Zoo, where kids can marvel at a diverse range of wildlife, as well as the picturesque Royal Park which is a perfect place for a picnic with the family.
 

2. Discovery Parks Melbourne

Discovery Parks Melbourne, with its prime location, spacious campsites and modern amenities, is a great base for your family holiday in Melbourne. Plus, with excellent facilities including a swimming pool, playgrounds, and barbecue areas, the park caters to the whole family. 

Travellers can easily head into town to experience all that is on offer, such as the Queen Victoria Market which has a diverse variety of fresh quality produce, speciality shopping and gourmet bites for the whole family.
 

3. Crystal Brook Tourist Park

The Crystal Brook Tourist Park is definitely worth considering. Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, this holiday park boasts a range of great facilities and activities for kids and adults alike. The park offers spacious powered sites, a swimming pool, a jumping castle, a playground, and a games room on-site to keep the kids entertained. 

When you want to venture out, several nearby attractions such as the State Library of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family.
 

4. BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park

Another great campground option for families visiting Melbourne on a campervan road trip is the BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park. Located just 30 minutes from the city, this park is situated in a peaceful and picturesque location. For kids, there are plenty of activities like a playground, a jumping castle, a games room, and a swimming pool. The park also has a fully-equipped camp kitchen, BBQ facilities, and a kiosk adding further comfort to your stay. 

Nearby attractions include the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy Railway, and the beautiful beaches of the Mornington Peninsula, all wonderful family activities that are easily accessible in your campervan hire.
 

5. BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park

The BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park is a great option to consider as it’s located just an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD. This holiday park is perfect for families as it offers a range of fun activities and facilities for kids, including a water park, mini golf course, games room, and playground. While parents will appreciate the spacious campsites, lush green surrounds and modern amenities. 

It's easily accessible in your camper and within easy reach of all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. Nearby attractions include the Enchanted Adventure Garden tree-surfing experience, Arthurs Seat Eagle to get a panoramic view of the area, and the Peninsula Hot Springs, making it the ideal base for adventurous families exploring the region.
 

6. Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley, an easy 45 minute drive from the city of Melbourne. One of the main reasons why Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is such a great option for families is because of the facilities and activities on offer. There's a swimming pool, playground, basketball court, and games room to keep the kids entertained, as well as plenty of space to run around and explore. 

It’s also a great base for wonderful family adventures throughout the Yarra Valley as the area is home to a number of wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Also nearby you’ll find the famous Healesville Sanctuary where you can see Australian wildlife up close. For families who love the great outdoors, there are also numerous hiking and cycling trails to explore in the area.

Image: Visit Victoria

Looking for things to do with your family in Melbourne?

So now you’ve got all the best family-friendly places to stay in Melbourne, it’s time to plan all the fun and exciting activities to do in Melbourne.

For nature enthusiasts, you’ll want to check out the Melbourne Zoo and Royal Botanical Gardens. History lovers will want to stop by the Australia Sports Museum and Captain Cook’s Home. Foodies will be in awe with all the incredible eateries, cafes and restaurants on offer, and for a little adrenaline rush the iconic Luna Park is a must-visit.

Ready to book your Melbourne family road trip?

If this all sounds too good not to do, then be sure to book your Apollo Camper today. We’re sure you’ll find so many other great things to do with the family while in Melbourne, and the beauty of van travel is that you can enjoy it all at your own pace, find hidden gems along the way, and create life-long memories as you go.