Family-friendly Easter Weekend Getaways from Melbourne (2026 Guide)

Easter 2026 gives Melbourne families something rare: a four-day long weekend from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April. It is the perfect excuse to leave the city and explore Victoria’s countryside at a relaxed pace.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to travel in regional Victoria. Vineyards turn golden, farmers markets overflow with seasonal produce and many towns host Easter festivals and egg hunts for children.

For families looking for easy Easter weekend getaways from Melbourne, three regions stand out: Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges and Mornington Peninsula. All are within 90 minutes of Melbourne, making them ideal for a short road trip.

Parents can enjoy relaxed winery lunches and cellar door tastings while children explore wildlife parks, chocolate factories and adventure gardens along the way.

Best Easter Weekend Getaways from Melbourne for Families

The best Easter weekend getaways from Melbourne combine short travel times with memorable family attractions.

These three destinations offer a perfect mix of wildlife encounters, Easter events and regional food and wine.

These regions can easily be combined into a four-day Easter road trip itinerary from Melbourne.

At a Glance: A Relaxed 4-Day Easter Itinerary from Melbourne

A four-day Easter itinerary allows families to explore multiple wine regions without rushing. Each stop adds something different, from wildlife parks to coastal adventures.

Driving distances are short, making the itinerary manageable for families travelling with children.

Travellers planning their visit can also explore wine tasting near Melbourne or discover the best time for wine tasting in Victoria’s cool-climate regions.

Days 1–2: Explore the Yarra Valley with Kids

Travel time: about one hour from Melbourne CBD

The Yarra Valley is one of the most popular Easter weekend getaways from Melbourne. The region combines wildlife experiences, artisan food and relaxed vineyard dining.

Healesville Sanctuary
Address: 883 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC
Opening hours: 9am–5pm daily

Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia’s best wildlife parks for families. Children can see kangaroos, wombats and platypus in natural bushland habitats.

Popular activities include:

• Kangaroo feeding areas
• Platypus encounters
• Birds of prey demonstrations
• Bushland walking trails

After visiting the sanctuary, many families continue deeper into the valley to explore local food producers and wineries.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Address: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen VIC
Opening hours: 9am–5pm daily

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie egg hunt is one of the region’s most popular Easter activities.

Children under 12 can participate in the egg hunts while parents enjoy artisan chocolates or coffee overlooking the vineyards.

Easter Lunch at Balgownie Estate
Address: 337 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen

Balgownie Estate often hosts Easter celebrations that include:

• Easter egg hunts
• A small petting zoo
• Seasonal vineyard menus

Parents can enjoy cool-climate Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, while children explore the open lawn areas.

Other family-friendly wineries nearby include Tokar Estate and Zonzo Estate, both known for relaxed vineyard dining.

If you are planning to explore further, consider joining a Yarra Valley wine tour, sampling wine tasting experiences in the Yarra Valley, visiting several of the best cellar doors, or enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the region’s renowned winery restaurants in Yarra Valley.

Day 3: A Country Easter in the Macedon Ranges

Travel time: about one hour north of Melbourne

The Macedon Ranges offers a quieter countryside experience after the Yarra Valley. The region is known for forest walks, historic villages and cool-climate vineyards.

Hanging Rock Reserve
Address: South Rock Rd, Newham VIC
Opening hours: 9am–5pm daily

Hanging Rock is one of Victoria’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Family activities include:

• Scenic hiking trails
• Picnic areas surrounded by bushland
• Panoramic summit views

The short climb to the top rewards visitors with sweeping views across the Macedon countryside.

Marnong Estate Easter Festival
Address: 1154 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon VIC
Opening hours: 11am–5pm (Friday–Monday)

The Marnong Estate Easter event blends vineyard scenery with family entertainment.

Festival highlights include:

• Easter egg hunts between 11am and 3pm
• Age-group sessions for children
• Live music on the lawn
• Regional food stalls

Visitors can explore the region further on a Macedon Ranges wine tour or browse more things to do in Macedon Ranges.

Day 4: Coastal Adventures on the Mornington Peninsula

Travel time: about 1.5 hours from Melbourne

The final day of the itinerary takes families to the Mornington Peninsula, where coastal scenery meets vineyard dining.

Crittenden Estate Winery
Address: 25 Cook St, Dromana VIC
Opening hours: 11am–5pm daily

Crittenden Estate offers a relaxed environment that suits families.

Highlights include:

• Lawn games
• Wood-fired pizza
• Relaxed wine tastings

Parents can sample estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Pinot Gris while children enjoy the outdoor lawns.

Mornington Racecourse Easter Festival
Address: 320 The Parade, Mornington VIC
Time: Easter Sunday 11am–4pm

Festival attractions include:

• Free Easter egg hunts
• Children’s rides
• Food trucks and live entertainment

Arthurs Seat Eagle

This scenic gondola ride takes visitors above the forest canopy and offers spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay.

Enchanted Adventure Garden
Address: 25 McIlwrick St, Arthurs Seat VIC

Children can explore:

• Tree surfing courses
• Giant hedge mazes
• Tube slides and obstacle courses

Visitors exploring the peninsula can also enjoy a Mornington Peninsula wine tour or discover a winery lunch Mornington Peninsula experience.

Visiting Wineries with Kids in Victoria

Many families are surprised to discover that many wineries in Victoria are family-friendly.

Regions such as the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula have several estates with relaxed outdoor settings.

Features that make wineries suitable for families include:

• Large lawn areas
• Casual restaurants or pizza menus
• Outdoor seating with vineyard views
• Picnic areas and gardens

When travelling with children, it is best to choose wineries with restaurants rather than formal tasting rooms.

Families new to wine regions can read our tips on bringing kids to wineries to help make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Planning Tips for a Smooth Easter Road Trip

Easter is one of the busiest travel weekends in Victoria. Planning ahead can make the experience far more enjoyable.

Helpful tips include:

• Book Easter egg hunts and events early
• Reserve winery lunches in advance
• Pack sunscreen, hats and picnic blankets
• Choose wineries with outdoor space for children

Travellers planning their trip may also find it helpful to learn how long a wine tour takes or explore a wine tour cost guide before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Getaways from Melbourne

Where can families go for Easter weekend from Melbourne?

Popular Easter weekend getaways from Melbourne include Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges and Mornington Peninsula. These regions are all within 90 minutes of Melbourne and offer wildlife parks, Easter festivals and family-friendly wineries.

What are the best Easter egg hunts near Melbourne?

Well-known Easter egg hunts take place at:

• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• Marnong Estate in the Macedon Ranges
• Mornington Racecourse Easter Festival

Many events run multiple sessions throughout the Easter long weekend.

Is the Yarra Valley good for families?

Yes. The Yarra Valley offers several family attractions including Healesville Sanctuary, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and vineyard restaurants with outdoor spaces.

What is the easiest Easter day trip from Melbourne?

The Yarra Valley is often considered the easiest Easter day trip from Melbourne because it is only about one hour from the city and offers wildlife parks, chocolate factories and winery dining in one region.

Are wineries in Victoria family friendly?

Many wineries welcome families, particularly those with restaurants or outdoor gardens. Regions such as the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula offer several wineries suitable for visitors travelling with children.

Turn Your Easter Road Trip into a Relaxing Wine Tour

Easter is one of the most popular times to visit Victoria’s wine regions. Travelling with a guided tour can make the experience far more relaxing, especially during busy holiday weekends.

With Vinetrekker Wine Tours, guests travel comfortably from Melbourne CBD while experienced local guides handle the planning. Small-group tours include vineyard tastings, winery lunches and scenic stops along the way.

You can explore cool-climate vineyards on a Yarra Valley wine tour, enjoy coastal flavours on a Mornington Peninsula wine tour, or discover high-altitude wineries on a Macedon Ranges wine tour.

Book your Easter wine country experience at Vinetrekker and turn a simple long weekend into a memorable regional escape.