The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Gippsland, Victoria

Offering an inexpensive day trip for the whole family, the State Coal Mine is an historic Gippsland attraction that fosters an understanding of Australia's cultural heritage with an authentic underground experience. Entry to the site is free above ground where you can follow the heritage walk among historic buildings. ake the family on a journey back in time at the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi. This unique attraction in Gippsland is the only historic coal mine experience in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore underground tunnels as you walk in the footsteps of the hard-working men who drilled and chipped for coal in the 1900s. See their mining tools and equipment still in place, as if the mine has been running up until this day. Take a guided tour led by Parks Victoria staff and volunteers who have a personal connection with the mine, including a special few who are retired miners. Hear stories of mining days gone by and learn the methods used by miners to extract black gold.

Gurneys' Cidery overlooks Corner Inlet and the wilderness of Wilsons Promontory National Park. We are situated on 70 acres of farmland and have around 6000 heritage cider apple trees. Gurneys specialise in producing traditional dry ciders and serve local cheeses and meats. Gurneys is a must visit on the way to the Prom. We are a working farm, unfortunately this means that no pets are allowed.

Wilsons Promontory National Park is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Walk remote coastal bushland trails and swim at pristine beaches dominated by granite tors. Camp in comfort at family-friendly Tidal River or hike to a more secluded campsite. Either way, the local wombats, kangaroos and emus are waiting to meet you. Swim at Norman Beach or one of The Prom's more secluded beaches. Go snorkelling for a unique underwater view of Victoria's largest marine national park. Scale the granite peaks of Mount Bishop or Mount Oberon for panoramic views, or enjoy an overnight hike. In the north there's a remote and rugged wilderness to explore, while the south is home to the historic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and Sealers Cove.

Discover a honeycomb of spectacular limestone formations carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago at Buchan Caves. Tour the largest cave system in Victoria and marvel at the magnificent stalactite and stalagmite forms, pillars, shawls and rim pools, as well as cave sediment and a flowing stream. Come with a picnic basket in tow and enjoy a picnic with friends and family in the scenic heritage-listed landscape. Keep an eye out for native wildlife. Kangaroos lay about the campground and visitor centre while native birds can be seen perched among the trees. Camp a night under the stars at Buchan Caves and choose from powered or unpowered campsites, or stay a night at the unique Wilderness Retreats or cabins.

The Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum Port Albert is located in Gippsland's first port, Port Albert, discovered in 1841 by the survivors of the wreck of the steamer Clonmel on the Ninety Mile Beach. The Museum has an extensive collection of historic artifacts, photos and documents housed in the heritage listed Bank of Victoria built in 1861 to store gold from the Gippsland Gold Rush. The Museum houses an extensive library and archive which is available for research and there is a comprehensive education kit of student activities. The landscaped grounds contain the fishing boat 'Morning Star', 'Suzy' and the Cliffy Island workboat. There is a Trotman's anchor from the steam tug and trawler 'Wybia', two large sailing ship anchors, the restored Citadel Light, channel markers and beacons and an offshore oil/gas drill bit. There is a large timber deck where groups can sit and have tea and coffee. The museum is open 10:00am to 4pm daily Sept- May. Weekends & school hols Jun-Aug.