Where to Cool Down in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

There are plenty of amazing places to cool down in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Heading to the hills will help you feel instantly refreshed, but if getting your toes in the water appeals to you, here are some ideas for water play that make summer heat a breeze.

If you're looking for ways to stay cool when the temperature rises, check out these ideas.

RIDE THE RAPIDS OR PADDLE WITH THE DUCKS

The Yarra River has many areas that are suitable for water play which will be a hit with children of all ages (and adults too!).

Warburton is a great place to cool down with lots of spots to relax by the river, dip your toes in or float on a lilo or tyre tube down the Yarra River. The beautiful township is walking distance to the river and you'll enjoy shady trees to have a picnic beside and lots of delicious restaurants and cafes to explore.

Pictured below, Rock Steps (Thomas Ave) is a great place to swim. The addition of rock steps on the river bank has made this site an easy-to-access spot to take a dip or paddle with the ducks.

Warburton Adventure Company have you sorted for river sled and river tubing tours if you want to make your day extra special. There are a number of experiences to choose from including self-guided and guided adventures. We recommend booking these in advance especially on warm days and holidays.

Spoil the kids (and yourself!) with a milkshake or ice cream whilst adults can enjoy an amazing selection of alcoholic beverages at places like The Alpine Hotel Warburton plus you can extend your stay with their fantastic accommodation right in the heart of town.

DISCOVER GUMBUYA WORLD

Located in Tynong North, Gumbuya World Theme Park is the only theme park in Victoria boasting water slides, roller coasters, rides, live shows and wildlife all in one location.

Whether you’re taking the plunge on one of the eight epic water slides, soaking in the ambience, drifting along the 300 metre Lazy River, or getting deliriously drenched on Typhoon Island, Gumbuya World's Oasis Springs is bursting with fantastic fun. Relax in heated Rock Pools, catch the perfect wave at Surf’s Up and be sure to try the State’s most impressive family wave pool! For the ultimate splash of style, book your own luxury Cabana!

SPLASH PADS AND WATER PLAY

Awesome fun regardless of your age, the Splash Park is the best fun you can have on a summer's day. Here is a guide to our region's best splash parks. Entry is free, access is for everyone and you can stay as long as you like!

Seville Splash Park has plenty of shade and outdoor recreation facilities and is super close to the shops of Seville which have lots of yummy treats and drinks to add to the summer fun.

Located next to Seville Recreation Reserve, water jets operate daily during the summer months between September and April. There's also a free barbecue area available and lots of open space to enjoy a picnic.

Whether you're splashing in the water jets or wading through the water canals, kids of all ages love exploring this watery wonderland that's surrounded by native gardens and plenty of picnic areas.

Location: 20-28 Monbulk Seville Road, Seville 3139

Warburton Water World is our region's latest water park. Located adjacent to the Warburton Holiday Park on the banks of the Yarra River, this playspace and recreation area features not just the water play park with plenty of splash areas and a giant drenching bucket, but picnic facilities, bathroom facilities and more.

Warburton Water World is active from the end of September to the end of April.

Location: 20 Woods Point Road, Warburton 3799

Please be mindful that car parking is limited and the park may be busy on warm days. Please make sure to only park in designated parking areas as illegally parked cars impact local traffic safety and accessibility to the water park.

Lillydale Lake Playspace and Splash Pad is perfect for a warm day! There are BBQ facilities, shady spaces for a picnic, a playground with all the usual equipment kids adore and a water play park where the jets are on from 1 November to the March Labour Day holiday each year. The jets operate from 8:00am to 9:00pm each day so you can really get the most out of daylight savings!

There's lots of parking available here as well as two dog off-lead areas, one with access to a creek for the dogs to cool off too! Please note, dogs are not allowed near the playspace or splash pad.

The park also has bathrooms for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as spinal injuries, spina bifida, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis or acquired brain injury. It includes an accessible toilet, an automated changing bed and an automated ceiling hoist.

Location: 435 Swansea Rd, Lilydale 3140

Toddlers can enjoy the interactive paddle pool that's named after the Wurundjeri 'poorneet' tadpole season. The shallow creek bed offers cascading water for little ones to play in. There are cubbies for hiding and plenty of lawn space for play and snack breaks.

MORE PLACES TO EXPLORE

Big Peninsula Tunnel, East Warburton – Cross the river on the stepping stones and follow a short track to this man-made pool (a result of gold mining decades ago!). The pool area also features a natural spa-like pond and there’s plenty of space to stretch out on the grass and have a picnic.

Pound Bend, Warrandyte – for lilo lazy ‘sun’ days and a natural whirlpool, the swimming area at Pound Bend is a pleasant destination for families.

Warrandyte River Reserve – the best spot for swimming is on the upstream side of the Warrandyte bridge (Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd). A popular fishing spot, there are walking trails too, and it’s a dog-friendly destination too.

Laughing Waters Swimming Hole, Eltham – is a series of rock pools connected by small rapids. This popular spot is tucked away and perfect for lilo cruising and gets super popular in summer.

Griffith Park, Eltham ­– great for hanging out on the banks with a gentle incline into the river making it perfect for paddling. Parking and facilities are limited but a lovely natural setting for catching a cool breeze.

Tips for river swimming – please be aware that river swim spots are not manned by lifesavers. River conditions change frequently with falling trees, rainfall and other environmental factors affecting safety and water quality. Never swim alone and take precautions. Be aware of river currents, and wildlife in the area. Respect the natural environment and take rubbish with you. Swim at your own risk. Life vests may be suitable.

EPA Victoria's website provides up-to-date water quality forecasts.

Eltham North Adventure Playground
A complete kid paradise complete with water troughs. Just across the road from Edendale Community Farm, the Eltham North Adventure Playground provides a water play area as well as an incredible playground, picnic spots with BBQ facilities, a large shelter for shaded lunch spots, bike trails, cubby houses and an accessible liberty swing explicitly designed for wheelchair users.

Olinda Playspace
This super-sized play area offers heaps to explore in the Dandenong Ranges. In addition to a water play area, there's also a playground with a sandpit, slides, flying foxes, rope courses and spectacular views of Silvan Dam.

There are trampolines and cubby houses, and you'll often find a coffee caravan parked here for a little caffeinated go-go juice for the parents.

SWIMMING POOLS YOU'LL LOVE

Public swimming pools are located at Belgrave, Kilsyth, Lilydale, Healesville (and Jack Hort), Yarra Junction, Olinda and Aquarena in Lower Templestowe.

These centres offer a range of activities including (and not limited to) outdoor water play areas, waterslides, dive boards, indoor and outdoor pools and toddler pools. Some have fitness centres, cafes and other activities to enjoy.

Healesville's outdoor pool is open from December to March and is a local favourite for its shady spaces ideal for relaxing with good book or sneaking around the corner to grab lunch at Innocent Bystander or Beechworth Bakery.

Three pools accommodate all levels of swimming with a 50-metre swimming pool, 1-metre deep leisure pool, shaded toddlers pool as well as lawn areas, clean and comfortable change rooms for the whole family to come and enjoy.

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool (pictured below) is an excellent place to cool off. The heated 25-metre pool is shaded and offers a toddler splash and play area that's under a shaded structure as well as change rooms, a kiosk on-site BBQ facilities and a picnic area. Outdoor swimming season typically begins in early November and they're open daily with adult, child and family swim passes available. They can also host children's birthday parties, as well as offer swim lessons. Click here for more information.

COOL DOWN WITH AN ICE CREAM OR MILKSHAKE

What better way to cool down, relax, and indulge than with an ice-cream at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-Creamery. With a suite of hand-crafted, high quality artisan flavours churned daily by their talented team to choose from, ice-cream lovers need look no further.

We also recommend visiting Yarra Valley Dairy for a delicious milkshake with flavours like Choc Fig, Strawberry Jam, Choc Mint and Coffee. Yum! They also have an amazing selection of wine, beer and cider plus coffee and other beverages to choose from.