Female with microphone, holding a puppet animal.

Spend Easter school holidays in Geelong and The Bellarine

Friday 29 March – Sunday 14 April

It really is an egg-citing time spending the school holidays in Geelong and The Bellarine. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, enjoy a buffet feast, or a wild pyjama party – there’s something for everyone!

Easter craft at Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)

Monday 25 and Sunday 31 March

Hop into MoPA this long weekend for some magically fluffy Easter celebrations!

They’ve also built an epic booklist full of Easter magic, and the chicken dance might even make an appearance at MoPA’s famous dance parties.

All the activities at MoPA are included in the ticket prices, but the Museum does sell out so be sure to jump online to book ahead!

For more info and to book head here.

Two young children sit at a table making Easter craft at MoPA.

Good Friday Appeal Trips

Friday 29 March

Embark on a journey through Swan Bay while supporting a great cause – The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. The Bellarine Railway will generously donate all proceeds collected on the day.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the booking office on the day unless sold out prior. Trains depart Queenscliff: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Find out more

The Bellarine Railway: Good Friday Appeal Trips

Easter at Austin’s

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 March

Get ready for a weekend of Easter fun at Austin’s! From egg hunts for all to wine hunts for the adults, and the ever-popular visit from the Easter Bunny!

Don’t miss out on the delicious food by Nama and family entertainment.

Tickets are selling fast, so hop to it!

Find out more and book here

A family stand next to the vineyards and Easter Bunny at Austin's Wines
Easter at Austin's Wines

Easter Fun at Portarlington Miniature Railway

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 March

Bring the family down to the Portarlington Miniature Railway on Easter Saturday and Sunday for fun for the whole family.

On Saturday, enjoy everything for just $2 – from train rides to snacks and drinks. Sunday promises more excitement with hourly lucky draws and, of course, Easter eggs galore!

Find out more

A family sit on a mini train at Portarlington Miniature Railway.
Portarlington Miniature Railway

Easter Sunday buffet lunch at Tempo

Sunday 31 March

Celebrate Easter with your family and loved ones at Tempo Kitchen & Bar on Geelong’s waterfront.

Indulge in a special Easter Sunday buffet lunch with all the holiday favourites with seafood, roast chicken, a carving station, cakes, slices and more plus plenty of Easter eggs and bunnies to enjoy!

Find out more and book here.

A waitress drops off a dish for two people dining at Tempo Kitchen and Bar.
Tempo Kitchen and Bar

Dinos at the Zoo

Friday 29 March – Sunday 14 July

Get up close to large dinosaurs in a setting like no other

Let your imagination run wild as you explore a new trail of 14 animatronic dinosaurs coming to life before your eyes for a limited time only.

There’s plenty to keep both big and little dino-lovers entertained.

– Become a palaeontologist at the Dino Dig and brush away sand and uncover hidden treasures – dinosaur bones!
– Navigate around the volcanoes and lava stream
– Delight your taste buds with our exclusive menu featuring dino-themed kid’s lunch pack and Ben & Jerry’s dino-themed ice cream
– Visit the Zoo Shop for a prehistoric souvenir
– Plus, check out all the play spaces located around the zoo for extra play time

Please note that Werribee Open Range Zoo will have a quiet hour from 9am to 10am daily for a low sensory experience with no dinosaurs moving or making noises.

Find out more

T-Rex Dinosaur in bush area
Dinos at the Zoo

Bellarine Railway: Easter Special

Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 March

Experience the charm of Queenscliff Station as you embark on a scenic journey. The Easter Bunny awaits with treats and photo opportunities for the little ones. With multiple sessions throughout the day, it’s a delightful adventure for the whole family.

Find out more and book here

Train with Easter bunny decal on the front, with 2 children posing for photo with Mum taking photo
Bellarine Railway: Easter Special

Marine and Freshwater Discover Centre

Tuesday 2 – Thursday 11 April

Let the kids indulge their curiosity these school holidays and discover some of the world’s most wonderful aquatic creatures at the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff.

The Centre offers a unique place to visit, with an aquarium displaying both saltwater and freshwater Victorian species, as well as a rockpool where you can get up close to the animals (and even touch some!).

Find out more and book here

Children surround a touch tank with marine life at the Queenscliff Marine and Freshwater Discovery.
Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre

Dolphin Discovery – Queenscliff

Wednesday 3 – Wednesday 10 April

Join Searoad Ferries for an educational and interactive workshop all about Port Phillips’ unique dolphins and marine life. Departing from Queenscliff, it’s a chance to learn, play games, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Bella Burrunan, the dolphin!

Find out more and book here

Two dolphins swimming in front of the boat.
Dolphin Discovery - Queenscliff

Krazy Koala Puppet Show – Queenscliff

Thursday 4 – Tuesday 9 April

Set sail for laughter and fun aboard Searoad Ferries with the Krazy Koala Puppet Show. Sing along to catchy tunes, join in on slapstick comedy, and watch as charismatic puppets entertain the whole family.

Departures at 11 am and 1 pm daily.

Find out more and book here

Male holding fluffy monster puppet
Krazy Koala Puppet Show

Face painting and glitter tattoo by The Party Girl – Queenscliff

Friday 5 – Thursday 11 April

Join the team on board Searoad Ferries for The Party Girl’s magical face painting and glitter tattoos! Transform into your favourite characters and shimmer with temporary glitter tattoos. Let the fun begin!

Departing Queenscliff 11am and 1pm.

Find out more and book here

Young blonde girl having fact painted
Face painting and glitter tattoo by The Party Girl

Day Out With Thomas – Queenscliff

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 April

All aboard for a day of fun with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends! Enjoy unlimited Troublesome Truck rides, a scenic train trip along Swan Bay, and even Dr. Hubble’s roving mini bubble shows. It’s a must-visit for Thomas fans of all ages!

Find out more and book here

Thomas the Tank Engine train with spectators and families having photos
A Day with Thomas

The Magic Possum

Friday 12 April

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production comes to the Geelong Arts Centre. Based on the book by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas. Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare and Sandie Eldridge.

Featuring spellbinding magic, puppetry and original music, Monkey Baa’s award-winning team has turned the whimsical world of the book into an exciting live experience for audiences aged three-eight and their families.

Find out more here

Illustration of Mother possum with baby possums
The Magic Possum

Wild Night Pyjama Party at the National Wool Museum

Saturday 6 April

Get dressed up in your best animal inspired pyjamas or onesie and bring your friends and family to this after-hours event.⁠

Be mesmerised by the amazing Trash Puppets and the stories, songs and jokes they share. Then take a torchlit scavenger hunt through the Museum, make your own animal inspired trash puppet or listen to bedtime stories by candlelight and much more.⁠

Find out more

Female holding puppet with 2 childen playing with bin puppets
Wild Night Pyjama Party

Grab your Hot Cross Buns from Ket Baker

Indulge this Easter and head to Ket Baker for some of the best hot cross buns in the region! Is there anything better than waking up to the smell of delicious hot cross buns on Easter morning?

Did we mention they’re vegan?

Bun-appetit!

Basket filled with hot cross buns
Ket Baker Hot Cross Buns

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023

Now until 19 May

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the much-anticipated photography event of the summer returns to the National Wool Museum, Geelong.
Come face to face with species at risk of extinction as well as those brought back from the brink. See first-hand how human activities, both good and bad, are shaping the natural world.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 55 years.

Find out more here

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 - photo of Leopard
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023

Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre – Autumn Holiday Program

Tuesday 2 April – Thursday 11 April 

Indulge your curiosity these school holidays and discover some of the world’s most wonderful aquatic creatures at the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff. Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre – located on the shores of Swan Bay as you enter the township of Queenscliff.

The Centre offers a unique place to visit, with an aquarium displaying both saltwater and freshwater Victorian species, as well as a rockpool where you can get up close to the animals (touch tank).

Find out more here

Children and adults playing in touch tank
Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre

Kids Holiday Class with Hazy Tales

Tuesday 2 April

Make a star wars figure, a car, a bowl, an animal, bird or any other creature you can think of. If you have been before and prefer to work on something else you may do so.

Your piece will then be dried out for at least two weeks and bisque fired in the kiln. The next step is to have a clear glaze added and be kiln fired a further time. It will be ready to collect within approximately six weeks.

Find out more and book your spot!

Young girl with paintbrush and pottery
Kids Holiday Class with Hazy Tales

Enjoy your road trip this weekend – stay safe and pause often. Take a break at one of the TAC Visitor Information Centres, grab a coffee or a pie.

For a Pause Stop here

Stay up to date

Get the latest info on openings, special events, deals and competitions.

    More articles

    Eat and Drink

    Make the most of Ironman 70.3 Geelong

    Ironman 70.3 Geelong is set to return to the waterfront on Sunday 24 March. A multi-looped fast course, triathletes will...

    Events

    What’s on this Easter in Geelong and The Bellarine

    From special themed heritage train rides for the kids to an adults wine hunt among the vines, here's what's on...

    Eat and Drink

    Valentine’s Day 2024

    Whether it’s Valentine’s or Galentines, check out some of the best ways to celebrate the day!La Cachette Enjoy a beautiful...

    Eat and Drink

    Geelong’s best restaurants for that special occasion

    Just a quick drive or ferry ride from Melbourne, Geelong is making strides in the wining and dining scene, becoming...

    Stay up to date

    Get the latest info on openings, special events, deals and competitions.

      Visit Geelong & The Bellarine