Where to Cool Down in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

There are plenty of cool places to cool down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges. Just heading to the hills, and the endless green of shady trees, will help you feel instantly refreshed but if getting your toes in the water appeals, here are some ideas for waterplay that make summer heat a breeze.

If you're looking for ways to stay cool when the temp rises, check out these kid-friendly ideas.

RIDE THE RAPIDS, OR PADDLE WITH THE DUCKS

The Yarra River has many areas that are suitable for waterplay.

Rock Steps (Thomas Ave), Warburton – 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. Try launching a lilo or tyre tube upstream (near the caravan park) and floating down to ‘the steps’.

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.

Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool (above) 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 and 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 too. Click here for more information.

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.

FREE TO SPLASH

Awesome fun regardless of your age, the Splash Park is the best fun you can have on a summer's day. Try the Seville Splash Park, which has plenty of shade and outdoor recreation facilities (and is super close to the shops of Seville) or head to Lilydale Lake Splash Pad. Entry is free, access is for everyone and you can stay as long as you like!

Seville Water Play Park (pictured above and below) is a great option for kids of all ages. As the Yarra Valley's first water play park, it's located next to Seville Recreation Reserve. Water jets operate daily during the summer months and there's a free barbecue area available.

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.

Or you can try the newly opened Warburton Water World splash park, located adjacent to the Warburton Holiday Park on the banks of the Yarra River. There are picnic and toilet facilities, and plenty of shade. Check out the drenching bucket and waterslides - loads of fun for all ages.

Lillydale Lake Playspace and Splash Pad (pictured above and below)
This one 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

SWIM LIKE AN OLYMPIAN

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

These centres offer a range of activities including (and not limited to) outdoor waterplay 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.

Warburton Water World

Pictured above and below, Warburton Water World is a great day out for families, 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.

Free for all, the water play park is located near Warburton Caravan Park at 20 Woods Point Road, Warburton.

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.

And what better way to cool down than with an ice cream?

Essential for a hot day! Make your way to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, or any one of the great gelati/ice cream shops dotted throughout the region!