The Top Family Activities and Playgrounds in the Murrindindi Shire Council Region
The Murrindindi Shire region stretches from Kinglake and Toolangi to Marysville, Alexandra, Eildon and Yea. Depending on your destination, allow roughly one to two hours to drive from Melbourne. Families can combine forest walks and waterfalls with playgrounds, bike rides, fishing, swimming and small-town attractions.
Access update (September 2026): Lake Mountain Alpine Resort and the surrounding national park are closed to the public through September and are scheduled to reopen on 5 October 2026. Part of the Cumberland Circuit at Cambarville is closed, and the Cambarville toilets are closed until further notice. Check Parks Victoria's current conditions before travelling to these areas.
Waterfalls and Forest Walks
Steavenson Falls, near Marysville, descends 84 metres over five cascades. A short walk leads from the car park to the lower viewing area, while a steeper track climbs to the top. The falls are floodlit at night.
From Marysville, Lady Talbot Drive leads to forest walks and waterfalls, including Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls. Check road and track conditions before setting out, particularly outside summer.
At Cambarville, families can explore the former sawmilling settlement, see the Big Tree and walk towards Cumberland Falls and Cora Lynn Falls. Part of the Cumberland Circuit is currently closed, so check the permitted route before visiting.
Kinglake National Park has picnic spots and walks of varying lengths. Waterfall outings include Wombelano Falls and Masons Falls. Near Toolangi, the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk is a short rainforest outing.
The Toolangi Sculpture Trail pairs a forest walk with artworks.
For a gentle walk in Yea, follow the boardwalks through the Yea Wetlands and visit the Y Water Discovery Centre. Families looking for a longer ride or walk can explore a section of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, including the historic Cheviot Tunnel near Yea.
Other natural places to explore include:
- Snobs Creek Falls
- Lake Eildon National Park near Eildon
- Murrindindi Cascades, a short walk from the car park, and Wilhelmina Falls, a much longer and more demanding walk
- Rubicon Falls and Cathedral Range State Park
- Strath Creek Falls, the Strath Creek Walking Trail and the Strath Creek driving trail
- Jacks Falls, Caveat Cascades and the Granite Canyon near Caveat
Family Activities
Marysville's Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden is filled with imaginative characters and sculptures.
At Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm, families can try catching a fish. Check each attraction's opening days and booking arrangements before travelling.
The Alexandra Timber Tramway displays local timber and railway history and runs heritage train rides on selected operating days. Kerrisdale Mountain Railway & Museum offers another railway outing; check its operating calendar before visiting.
Lake Mountain offers snow play and cross-country skiing in season, with walking and mountain biking at other times. The resort is closed through September 2026 and is scheduled to reopen on 5 October. A section of the Summit Loop walking trail is also closed until further notice.
Seasonal outings include picking raspberries at Kinglake Raspberries and blueberries at Summerberries in Glenburn. Harvest dates and picking availability vary, so check with the farms before leaving home. You can also browse the regular markets across Murrindindi Shire.
For a guided fishing outing, the Goulburn Valley Fly Fishing Centre offers fly-fishing lessons and guided trips by arrangement. Its former Alexandra shop has closed; arrange your activity and meeting point directly with the operator.
Playgrounds and Water Play
These playgrounds make useful destinations or stops on a longer trip:
- Bollygum Adventure Playground, Kinglake is a large, imaginative play space inspired by Garry Fleming's Bollygum, with themed structures, climbing, sand play and a flying fox. The skatepark is nearby.
- Murchison Street Play Space, Marysville is an adventure playground which has climbing, swings, music, flying fox and water play beside the creek.
- Buxton Recreation Reserve Playground combines a shaded playground with picnic facilities and a small bike skills area.
- Strath Creek Pioneer Reserve Playground has play equipment, picnic facilities and the reserve's restored waterwheel.
- Railway Playground, Yea has train-themed play beside the former station and the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
- Alexandra Rotary Park Playground has play areas for different ages, including a fenced area and water play, close to the skatepark and pump track.
- Baanh ba Djila Playground, Eildon is part of the upgraded Walter Moore Reserve, alongside the seasonal Baanh ba Djila Water Splash Park.
Skateparks and Bike Riding
Families can visit the Marysville, Kinglake, Yea, Alexandra, Flowerdale and Eildon skateparks. The Alexandra Pump Track is another option for riders. For mountain biking, look at Buxton Mountain Bike Park and Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area; check trail difficulty before choosing a route with children.
Outdoor Swimming Pools
Murrindindi Shire's outdoor pools are seasonal. There are pools in Alexandra, Eildon, Marysville and Yea. Council advises that the 2026–27 outdoor swimming season is scheduled to run from 14 November 2026 to 8 March 2027, with opening subject to weather conditions. Check current pool information before visiting.
Web Links
→ www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au
