Top 5 Summer Activities for Every Age and Interest

Discover the top things to do in Victoria this summer! Explore historic mansions, family-friendly activities, heritage farms, and scenic road trips with the National Trust.

Looking for the best summer activities in Victoria? Whether you’re planning family outings, romantic escapes, or solo adventures, the National Trust has something for everyone. From historic mansions and vibrant gardens to thrilling tours and scenic road trips, dive into Victoria’s rich heritage and create unforgettable summer memories.

Explore our top five recommendations for summer adventures and experiences across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

1. Dine with a Side of History

 

Combine culinary excellence with history at North & Common, located in the iconic Pentridge Prison. Enjoy a two-course chef’s selection in a modern restaurant housed in the former Prison Mess Hall, then explore the dark past of the prison’s H-Division on a guided Thursday Dinner and Night Tour or Saturday Lunch and Tour. This unique experience is perfect for foodies and history enthusiasts alike.

For a more tranquil setting, indulge in the Lunch Package at Rippon Lea Food & Wine. Begin with a delicious meal before strolling through the lush, heritage-listed gardens of Rippon Lea Estate. It’s a serene escape in the heart of Melbourne, combining culinary delights with natural beauty.

 

2. Family-Friendly Detective Adventures

 

Turn your family outing into an exciting adventure! At Old Melbourne Gaol, kids can channel their inner detectives with Crime Busters: Forensic Investigators, solving captivating mysteries while exploring the history of this iconic site.

For more thrills, head to Pentridge Prison Tours and try the Time Travellers Scavenger Hunt. Follow the clues, uncover hidden secrets, and immerse yourself in Pentridge’s intriguing past. For the ultimate adventure, grab a Prison Explorers Pass, which combines the PrisonBreak Explorers Tour and Old Melbourne Gaol experience for one great price.

Looking for more family-friendly activities? Check out our complete list of school holiday events here.

 

3. Step Back in Time at a Heritage Farm

 

Experience the charm and challenges of 19th-century farming life at Gulf Station, a beautifully preserved historic farm in the Yarra Valley. Wander through the homestead, old schoolhouse, and barns, imagining life as it was for Victoria’s pioneering families.

Meet friendly Clydesdales, visit the sheep, and enjoy a picnic on the scenic lawns. This extraordinary property celebrates self-sufficiency and resilience, offering a perfect day out for history lovers and families alike. Gulf Station is open on the first Thursday and last Sunday of each month—don’t miss your chance to explore this fascinating slice of Victoria’s farming heritage.

 

4. Explore Historic Mansions and Gardens

 

Victoria’s iconic historic homes are a must-see this summer. With the Twice the Mansion Magic Pass, you can visit both Rippon Lea Estate and Como House, exploring their elegant architecture, lush gardens, and captivating stories of the past.

For an extra dose of opulence, don’t miss Labassa Mansion on Sunday, 19 January. This rare survivor of 19th-century grandeur is a treasure trove of intricate Japanese wallpapers, ornate stained glass, and a stunning trompe l’oeil ceiling. Young visitors will also enjoy hunting for the hidden critters that still “live” in the mansion’s beautiful interiors.

 

5. Take a Heritage-Filled Road Trip

Barwon Park Mansion

 

Hit the road this summer and uncover Victoria’s rich heritage. Follow the Melbourne to Otways Trail, where National Trust-preserved properties meet contemporary food and wine experiences. For those heading along the Great Ocean Road, stop by Mott’s Cottage and Mills Cottage in Port Fairy, open every Saturday in January and February.

Closer to Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula Driving Trail offers a treasure trove of historic sites. Visit Mulberry Hill, the former home of Joan Lindsay, author of Picnic at Hanging Rock, or explore the historic charm of McCrae Homestead, one of Victoria’s oldest surviving homes. Each stop along the trail offers a unique window into the past.

 

Plan Your Year-Round Adventure with National Trust Membership

Why limit the fun to summer? With a National Trust Membership, you’ll enjoy year-round access to stunning historic properties, exclusive discounts on events, and so much more. Whether it’s summer adventures or winter escapes, your membership supports the preservation of Victoria’s heritage while unlocking a world of discovery.

Join today and start exploring: Become a Member!

Guest writers

Author

Guest writers

Writers from the National Trust community share their stories and expertise.

Share