best place to takes kids for one night way-close to melbourne

[LionsandBears]

lol we'd be tucked up safetly in bed come nighttime!

in which case there's the Aquarium. Warmer than a beach in the middle of Winter and they have penguins. The kids are probably too small for the old melbourne gaol. It creeps me out but I'm a sook. There's the childrens garden at botanic gardens or Scienceworks. Or the childrens farm at Abbotsford convent. Or boating at Studley park.

[diva det]

we did a farm stay down at phillip island when the twins were 3 years old and it was awesome. it was in winter as well. the farm owners were great and let the kids collect and use the eggs for breaky, and showed them around the farm. we had our own cottage as well so it was great for a family. whilst down there we did the penguins etc a really good quick get away.
we have also done a weekend down queenscliff- not much around but a nice place and we did one down at warnabool as well
have a look on take a break to see what is around for a last minute deal
definately recommend a farmstay if you get the chance!!!

[Miss.September]

We went to Phillip Island over Queen's Birthday - DD loved it. There's a nature park there where you can feed the animals, there are a stack of kangaroos and wallabies that you just wander around with. DD is still asking if she can go and play with the "Kanaroos" At San Remo there's pelican feeding daily and a great fish and chip shop. We were busy the entire trip (4 nights) and we didn't even go to the Penguin Parade.

I'm pretty sure the Big4 Bellarine one won the best caravan park in the state at some point too. Been to the sound and light show at Sovereign Hill, but without DD, and it's awesome. But noticed that Sovereign Hill is getting pricey too ($42 for an adult ticket!). As far as the city goes, you could do a river cruise, or jump on the free city circle tram, even the zoo.

Have fun!