12 Family Friendly Places to Stay in the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is an incredible playground for families – close to Melbourne (so no ‘are we there yets?' on the drive), but far enough away to feel like you’ve truly got away.

And you’re spoilt for choice for family friendly accommodation, each offering a little extra something to delight children and provide parents with a little more relax time. Sounds good, doesn’t it!

Here are the top accommodation options for family midweek and weekend stays in the Yarra Valley.

1. BIG 4 YARRA VALLEY PARK LANE CARAVAN PARK, HEALESVILLE

Camp or caravan alongside a natural playground or amazing spaces playground including an exciting new waterplay park. ‘Drop your anchor’ in a peaceful bushland setting with the bonus of close proximity to the township of Healesville. Enjoy the creekside location and plenty of activities for kids, including a communal campfire in the evenings. Pack extra marshmallows for your new friends!

2. ALPACA RIDGE FARMSTAY, HEALESVILLE

10 acre Alpaca Ridge Farmstay with mountain views, yabbies in the dam, plenty of delightful picnic spots or you can BBQ up a feast on the paved patio. Kids will run free on what feels like endless expanses of green grass. Natural bush walks and more in a rustic self-contained half house or studio on an Alpaca farm.

3. YARRA VALLEY NOCTURNAL ZOO, MT EVELYN

Ever imagined living in a zoo? Did you know that most zoos close just when the animals are starting to come alive. The Yarra Valley Nocturnal Zoo provides plenty of accommodation options for wildlife loving families to ‘stay-over’ right onsite at the zoo. Enjoy a guided night time tour and wake up to the sound of wildlife right outside the front door!

4. LAVENDER FARM, BADGER CREEK

Set yourself up in a secluded rustic farmhouse where you can sit on wrap around verandah all day and watch the kids play. There’s a ‘full to the brim’ veggie patch so you can pick your own herbs for dinner, and pluck fresh citrus for your juice (or cocktail!) Spend time beside the dam or swim in the solar heated pool. Even the family dog can come along and enjoy farm life too.

5. MARYSVILLE CARAVAN AND HOLIDAY PARK, MARYSVILLE

A tranquil retreat by the Steavenson River, with cabins for families or the feeling of free range camping if you have your own set up. The kids get to experience the great outdoors with plenty of playgrounds to keep them occupied and places to ride bikes and be free. Close to Lake Mountain for year round outdoors fun including green season over summer!

6. DIXIEGLEN FARM COTTAGES, YARRA GLEN

Located close to everything, these family friendly cottages provide ready access to all the Valley’s attractions and make a perfect base for your stay. And they can even provide babysitting so parents can sneak away and enjoy the ‘grown-up’ benefits the Yarra Valley does so well!

7. WIGGLEY BOTTOM FARM, BADGER CREEK

Paddocks, verandahs, sunsets (and for grownups, wine!). Wiggley Bottom Farm is pet friendly, family style accommodation (no need to leave anyone at home) where nothing is too much trouble.

8. REX’S YARRA VALLEY HOUSE, BADGER CREEK

A large 5-bedroom home that is all yours. With a billiards room and children’s toy nook, and ferny gardens there’s every chance you won’t leave! But if you do, you’re in close proximity to all the good things Healesville has to offer.

9. VIBE HOTEL, MARYSVILLE

A contemporary hotel with terrific access to Lake Mountain and activities in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Fabulous pool or take a discovery walk by the river. Nestled in the heart of Marysville township, you’ll be spoilt for dining choices and activities.

10. HAZELWOOD COTTAGE, EAST WARBURTON

Retreat-like, self-contained accommodation for families with special or high/low care needs. Accessible, wheelchair friendly, easy and picturesque with extended gardens and bush setting.

11. SANCTUARY PARK COTTAGES, HEALESVILLE

Private rural accommodation next to a spring fed lake that attracts abundant wildlife. The garden surroundings offer a solar heated undercover pool, BBQ area & children's playground. Set on 20 acres of getaway! There’s no such thing as busy.

12. YERING GORGE COTTAGES, YERING

With 1-4 bedroom cottages to choose from, families are well taken care of at Yering Gorge Cottages. There’s loads of activities to enjoy including golf, tennis, bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing and Segways on this 120 acre nature reserve, home to over 200 Eastern Grey kangaroos, deer, platypus, echidna, wombats and more than 200 species of native bird life.

And what will light the kids up even more while your holidaying in the Yarra Valley? One word (well two actually) – Theme Parks!

Check out:

• Gumbuya World, Tynong North

And don’t miss:

• Puffing Billy Railway, Belgrave
• Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville