Family Friendly Places to Stay in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are incredible playgrounds for families and there are plenty of kid-friendly accommodation options too. It's close to Melbourne, eliminating the ‘Are we there yet?' questions, but far enough away to feel like you went away.

And you’re spoilt for choice for family-friendly accommodation, offering a little extra something to delight children and provide parents with a little more relaxing time.

Here are some fabulous kid-friendly accommodation options for family midweek and weekend stays in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

BIG 4 YARRA VALLEY PARK LANE HOLIDAY PARK, HEALESVILLE

Forget the dated campground you probably remember from your childhood. At the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday ParkBig4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park you'll find luxury cabins ideal for families, glamping pods (pictured above) and tiny house options as well as traditional camping and caravanning options.

They're all located amid a huge range of playgrounds, a skate park, a swimming pool, a games room and the ever-popular jumping cushion.

Enjoy a family barbecue or have a picnic down by the picturesque Lake Piccaninny or spend the day at nearby Healesville Sanctuary or a nostalgic trip with Puffing Billy.

‘Drop your anchor’ in a peaceful bushland setting with the bonus of 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!

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.

And then there are the alpacas themselves - kids just adore them!

The self-contained rustic-style half-house has a large family room and kitchen, a large bedroom sleeping four people (queen bed and two singles), bathroom with spa in bath, laundry, and a paved patio area with BBQ. Wood heater in family room.

The self-contained studio has two bedrooms (queen and two singles), kitchen, dining and lounge area, and bathroom.

Full breakfast provisions are included. Please note Victorian Public Holidays and long weekends a two-night minimum applies.

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.

On your farm stay, you'll be welcomed by resident geese right from the driveway. During your stay, wander through the paddocks and meet the mini goats and horses. You may even get to meet the resident pooches who love showing guests around.

REX’S YARRA VALLEY HOUSE, BADGER CREEK

A large 5-bedroom home that is all yours. Items like port-a-cots, a high chair and folding single beds can be requested as well.

With a billiards room, children’s toy nook, and ferny gardens, there’s every chance you won’t leave! But if you do, you’re near all the good things Healesville offers.

The property is also often visited by native wildlife including kangaroos, wombats and kookaburras.

PEPPERS, MARYSVILLE

A contemporary hotel with terrific access to Lake Mountain and activities in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Kids can enjoy a splash in the heated 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.

YERING GORGE COTTAGES, YERING

With 1-4 bedroom cottages to choose from, families are well taken care of at Yering Gorge Cottages. There are 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.

HAZELWOOD COTTAGE, EAST WARBURTON

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

GINGERS ON THE HILL, WARBURTON

This luxury self-contained accommodation is ideal for families, couples and small groups with two accommodations (the entire house of four bedrooms and two bathrooms for up to nine guests (six adults maximum plus children) or a more intimate option for couples (maximum of two guests) with a beautiful master bedroom, lux linen, double spa ensuite as well as all living, dining, and kitchen spaces made available.

Tucked away at the end of a country lane it has mountain views and is only 300m to the iconic Yarra River and Warburton Village Main Street, it's cosy and open with a fully equipped kitchen and a kid's nature play space along with unique fairy houses hidden away.