Best things to do with kids in the Latrobe Valley

The Latrobe Valley is a regional centre in the Gippsland region in Victoria, Australia. The Latrobe Valley Victoria region lies east of Melbourne along the Princes Highway. There are some great things to do in the Latrobe Valley.

The Valley, as it is known locally, has three major centres: Moe, Morwell, and Traralgon. These three bigger towns are supported by smaller towns such as Churchill, Yinnar, Glengarry, and Tyers. The population of the Latrobe Valley is approximately 125,000.

The Latrobe Valley is usually a resting stop for people travelling from Melbourne to Walhalla, The Gippsland Lakes, and beyond, sometimes all the way to New South Wales. The major towns of the Latrobe Valley often host regional events that draw families in for weekends.

Traditionally, the Latrobe Valley has had a rather poor reputation as the home of some of Australia’s dirtiest coal power stations. These power stations employ a large portion of the population.

This has been slowly changing, with Hazelwood Power Station closing down and the others slated to close towards the middle of this century. Some great attractions for kids are popping up in the area.

Have you stopped in the Latrobe Valley?

We at Wyld Family Travel regularly pass through the Latrobe Valley on our way to Melbourne. Traralgon is also a shopping destination for people east of the Valley. From the next 400-odd kilometres, Traralgon is the largest town along Highway 1. There are some great educational and fun things to do in Gippsland, located in the Latrobe Valley.

Powerworks Museum – Morwell

As mentioned earlier, the Latrobe Valley has a long history associated with coal mining and power generation. PowerWorks was officially opened in November 1994 by the State Energy Commission of Victoria on the edge of the Morwell open-cut mine.

Powerworks was created to ensure broad community awareness of the Victorian power industry’s history, operations and policy initiatives. Today, PowerWorks acts more as an education and conservation centre for all things related to Latrobe Valley Coal.

It’s run by ex-workers who are happy to run tours through the centre, explaining both the broader history and their own in the industry. You will see a short film describing how rich in coal the Latrobe Valley is and where it can be found.

You will see old pictures and operating machinery taken from the old decommissioned stations, as well as scale models of diggers that worked the coal fields. It was a real eye-opener to see pictures of the first miners living in tents in paddocks as the coal mines were being established.

The number 21 dredger on display at Power Works is Victorian heritage, listed as an example of an early bucketwheel excavator. It was made in Germany in the early 50’s and worked till the mid-90s. This machine is huge and weighs 750 tonnes. My first thought was it’s a transformer in hiding! There are some interactive electricity displays and much more.

We visited earlier this year and loved it. The guys who volunteer there are amazing and answered all the questions our kids put to them. This was an excellent learning experience for both adults and kids. This is one of the best things for families to do in Morwell.

For more information, check the PowerWorks website

When is PowerWorks open: 

PowerWorks is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. It’s best to contact them as they are open in school holidays and other times of the year.

Where is PowerWorks: 

Ridge Rd, Morwell VIC 3840. Follow the exit signs of the M1 bypass of Morwell.

Things to do in Morwell – visit Lake Kernott

Latrobe City Council, along with Fisheries Victoria, stock Kernot Lake with fish every year to make your Latrobe Valley holidays fun. Kernot Lake is a great place to take the kids fishing in the middle of Morwell. Morwell Lakes is a popular destination with anglers from Traralgon and the Latrobe Valley. The Lake has BBQ facilities and toilets for your use.

There is a Gippsland Heritage Walk that takes you around the lake and explains the history of Gippsland for you. The Gippsland Heritage Walk is not to be missed for combining a little learning with fun things to do in your Latrobe Valley holidays, such as fishing. You can order your fishing gear at BCF online and pick it up at Traralgon store

For those that are happy to go and see a movie, the Village Cinemas Morwell is an 8 screen complex that is located at the Mid Valley Shopping Centre. The Village Cinemas Morwell shows the latest blockbusters for the whole family. If you have a few spare hours, a trip to Walhalla or the Tarra Bulga National Park would be well worth it. We hope you have a great time in the Latrobe Valley.

Morwell 10 Pin Bowling – Wynn City Entertainment Centre

More of an all-around entertainment centre than just a bowling alley. Wyncity is a standout fun centre for people looking for things to do in Gippsland. The Morwell Bowling Alley features 16 bowling lanes for family fun.

All lanes have side bumpers to make it more fun for the small kids. Send the kids on a mission to far away land with Space-age laser tag. Make your way through the laser lights and smoke and score the most hits to win.

At Morwell 10 Pin, you will also find indoor mini golf, bumper cars, arcade games, and pool tables. I have found the prices to be pretty reasonable here. Morwell 10 Pins generally has some sort of multi-activity pass that suits you, where you can combine 2 or 3 of the attractions for one price.

There is a café onsite that sells kid’s favourites such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs and similar fare, you know the type, something to suit everyone at Morwell ten-pin bowling.

For more information, check the WYNCITY website

When is Morwell 10 pin bowling open: 

Monday – Thursday 9-10pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am – 11 pm, Sunday 9 am – 8.30pm

Where is WYNCITY Morwell:

 44- 48 Chickerell St, Morwell, Victoria

Things to do in Latrobe Valley – Morwell River Falls

The Morwell River Falls are a short drive from Morwell towards Boolara. A walking trail from the car park leads you to a small picnic area where you can enjoy a picnic before continuing onto the falls.

It is an easy walk through some stunning native forests. Be mindful that the track can be quite wet and slippery in parts, with stairs that need to be descended to the river. The trail will take you past several small but impressive waterfalls on the Morwell River.

Things to do in Moe – Old Gippstown

Old Gippstown has been around for what seems like forever. I remember first visiting it when I was in primary school. This would have been around 35 years ago. My daughters are now in primary school and have visited Old Gippstown in the last few years on school excursions. It is one of the oldest Gippsland attractions.

Old Gippstown is exactly what it says it is—a collection of authentic buildings from Gippsland dating back from the 1840s through to the 1930s. The site covers an area of 8 acres and features several National Trust-classified buildings.

The minute you walk into Old Gippstown it is like being taken back in time, I half expected to see a horse-drawn cart coming up the street!

One of the most prominent buildings in the park is the Bushy Park Homestead. The homestead belonged to Angus Mcmillian, an infamous explorer and pioneer pastoralist from Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

Today, McMillan is more known for his slaughter of the local indigenous people. Rhodes Cobb & Co Inn once serviced the needs of drivers and passengers of the once thriving stagecoach transport business.

The inn was once located in Pakenham on the east line that transported passengers and mail towards Gippsland. The police station was of the utmost interest to us as it is located in our hometown of Maffra.

You will find old fire trucks and tractors on display and an old town store selling goodies. Old Gippstown Moe is an excellent display of what life was once like in this region of Australia.

For more information, check the Old Gippstown website

When is Old Gippstown open:

Open 7 Days a week, 10 am till 4 pm, except on important days like Christmas Day.

Where is Old Gippstown: 

211 Lloyd Street Moe, 3825 Victoria, Australia. If coming from Melbourne, take the exit off the Princes Highway at the McDonald, and Old Gippstown is next door.

Fun things to do in Traralgon – Jump and Climb

The newest Traralgon attractions on the map in Latrobe Valley are Jump and Climb. Boasting the most giant trampoline in Australia, measuring 5 meters long by 5 meters wide. In all, Jump and Climb has over 50 trampolines for your enjoyment.

They are set up for tramp basketball and slam dunks. This can be great fun, and one can live all their Jordon and Lebron dreams. Another favourite was the airbag jump and dodgeball. Launch yourself like a stuntman. For kids from 4 years up, there is the clip and climb. 16 different climbs will challenge everyone during the 1-hour sessions available.

Before starting, you are given a safety brief and strapped into your harness to avoid any accidents. It is then off to challenge yourself and the walls at Jump and Climb Traralgon. This place was mega fun. If you were like my children and me, you would have grown up with a trampoline.

This gives you a chance to relive the fun and build some great memories during your Latrobe Valley visit. If you’re looking for things to do in Traralgon, look no further.

For more information, check the Jump and Climb website

When is Jump and Climb Traralgon opened: 

Monday: 10am-5pm, Tuesday: 10am-6pm, Wednesday: 10am-6pm                 Thursday:10am-6pm, Friday:10am-7pm, Saturday:10am-6pm, Sunday:10am-5pm               

Public holidays: 10 am-3 pm (please note, some public holidays we may close)

Where is Jump and Climb Traralgon: 

62 Eastern Road, Traralgon 3844 Victoria

The Butter factory 10 pin bowling – Traralgon

New to Traralgon in late 2021 if the Butter factory bar and bistro. Besides being a great place to eat and drink, the Butterfactory has a 4 lane 10 Pin Bowling alleys in the back. This funky establishment in Traralgon has neon lighting, seating, and access to the Butterfactory bar.

Where is the Butterfactory: 192 Franklin St, Traralgon, Victoria 3844

When is the Butterfactory opened: Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm and Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10pm

Things to do around Traralgon – Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre

This huge indoor and outdoor facility at Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre features 3 indoor pools, one outdoor pool, gym, spa, sauna and steam rooms. The fun things for kids is the aqua indoor play area with climbing, frames, tip buckets and small water slides. For the more adventurous kids, there are 2 full-sized waterslides for fun and excitement in Traralgon, Gippsland.

Where is the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre: 49 Breed St Traralgon 3844

When is the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre Opened: Different facilities are opened at different times during the week, you are best to check out the opening hours on the website here.

Things to do near Traralgon – Parkys Fun Park

Parkys is not quite in Traralgon and not quite in Morwell. It lies between both cities on the Princes Highway. It’s one of the things to do around Traralgon. Parkys Fun Park in Traralgon now consists of 4 different play facilities.

These include our 18-hole mini golf, Parky’s Putt Putt, Parky’s Adventure Rope Course, Parky’s Laser Tag and of course, everyone’s favourite Parky’s Wonderland Indoor Play Centre.

Parky Fun Park is part of the Big 4 Caravan Park. You can stay at Parky Big 4 Tourist Park and receive a discount on your entry fee. This multi-activity fun park is one of the best things to do in Gippsland with kids.

Where is Parkys Wonderland: 5353 Princes Highway, Traralgon VIC 3844

Where to eat in the Latrobe Valley:

The Kitchen at Traralgon RSL:  The onsite Bistro operates 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day) for both lunch and dinner service, with a selection of great value meals there is sure to be something for everybody. I have eaten here many times for Lunch and always had a great meal. Prices start from $12 for lunch

Address: 116/109 Grey St, Traralgon VIC 3844

Emilio’s Bistro Italian Australian Club Morwell: Emilio’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. The bistro has a large menu containing all the favourites you’d expect, plus modern and exciting additions by Chef Antonio. A games room for the kids is great to keep them occupied while the adults enjoy a relaxing meal in the bistro.

Address: 499-501 Princes Dr, Morwell VIC 3840

For takeaway options, we recommend Traralgon Charcol Chickens for the best chicken and salad in the Latrobe Valley. In Morwell, Marino European Deli sells a great range of European small goods, such as meats and cheeses. The usual suspects, McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jacks, can be found in all the Latrobe Valley Gippsland towns.

For more great eating option you can check out TRIP ADVISORS recommendations.

Things to do near Traralgon

The Gippsland Plains Rail trail starts just on the edge of Traralgon on the Traralgon – Maffra road. The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail extends 63km from Traralgon to Stratford in Central Gippsland, Victoria.

The first section from Traralgon to Glengarry is a manageable 12 Kilometre return trip. At Glengarry, you will find a skate park and BMX track. The Rail Trail is a great Traralgon things to do option if you have kids who need to burn off some energy and enjoy bike riding.

Where to stay in the Latrobe Valley:

Traralgon Accommodation:

• Traralgon has accommodation options for every budget from Hostels, to apartments and hotels rooms.
• Budget Traralgon accommodation can be found at Big 4 Park Lane Traralgon. Check prices here
• You can search Airbnb for Iceland’s offerings. If you have never used Airbnb before, get yourself a $50 credit by signing and booking a stay right HERE
• Hotels accommodation in Traralgon generally starts from 98$ a night says google
• You can compare and book your stay on Agoda

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Gippsland and stay in the Latrobe Valley. There are so many things to do in the Latrobe Valley with kids that will have you entertained for your families whole stay. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click through to our Australia destination page for more brilliant inspiration.

• Some of the images are courtesy of the Old Gippstown Website, Wyncity website and Jump and climb Traralgon Website

---