Key takeaways
- The Mildura Riverfront offers several activities in one outing, with playgrounds, walking paths, Lock 11 and the Water Play Park all close by.
- Younger children can enjoy opportunities to explore, play and discover at Orange World, SRS Benetook Farm, Woodsies Gem Shop and the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens.
- Museums and cultural attractions like Old Wentworth Gaol, Mildura Arts Centre and the Mildura Holden Motor Museum can turn a family day out into an exciting learning experience.
- Perry Sandhills and Mungo National Park offer memorable day trips where children can connect with nature, explore unique landscapes and learn about the Mildura region’s history and culture.
- Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor adventures, while Mildura’s museums and indoor activities provide plenty of options during hot or rainy weather.
- Most families can experience Mildura’s main attractions over three to four days, while a longer stay allows for slower days, extra playtime and a trip to Mungo National Park.
- Many attractions around central Mildura suit toddlers and prams, although a carrier or all-terrain pram can be helpful for sand, unsealed paths and outback day trips.
- Having a car makes it easier to enjoy family fun beyond the Mildura CBD, including Buronga, Wentworth, Perry Sandhills and Mungo National Park.
The best family-friendly activities in Mildura
1. Explore the Mildura Riverfront
Address: Hugh King Drive and Dockside Drive, Mildura VIC 3500
The Mildura Riverfront is a wonderful place to begin a family adventure. Children can ride their bikes, scoot, stroll beside the Murray River and stop along the way for playgrounds, picnic breaks and exciting sights such as Mildura Wharf and Lock 11.
Many of the shared paths are suitable for prams and young riders, although some sections are unsealed or close to roads, so adults should keep children nearby. Park near Hugh King Drive and explore several riverfront attractions on foot without having to move the car between each stop.
2. Take a cruise with Mildura Paddle Steamers
Hop aboard a Murray River cruise and take the whole family on a journey through Mildura’s paddleboat history. Children can watch the riverbanks drift by, spot wildlife along the water and see how boats travel through Lock 11.
The two-hour cruise heads downstream before returning to Mildura Wharf, with live commentary sharing interesting stories about the river, the surrounding environment and Mildura’s historic paddle vessels.
Cruise days and boats may change throughout the year, so check the latest timetable and book ahead before you visit.
3. Walk across Lock 11 to Lock Island
Address: Hugh King Drive, Mildura VIC 3500
Lock 11 turns a simple riverside walk into a fascinating family adventure. Children can watch boats rise and fall as the lock fills and empties, giving them a front-row look at how vessels move between different river levels.
Families can also walk across the lock chamber to Lock Island, making this a fun and memorable way to explore the Murray River.
Keep children close, follow all safety signs and check that public access is open before crossing.
4. Cool down at Mildura Water Play Park
Address: Lot 1 Hugh King Drive, Mildura VIC 3500
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm
Mildura Water Play Park is a free riverfront splash area designed for families looking to cool down on a warm day. Facilities include water-play features, shaded areas, seating, picnic tables, toilets and drinking fountains.
This park is unsupervised, and wet surfaces may be slippery, so children require active adult supervision. Pack towels, spare clothes, hats and sunscreen, particularly if you are combining it with the nearby playground or wharf.
5. Stop for a play at Nowingi Place
Address: Hugh King Drive, Mildura VIC 3500
Nowingi Place is a fun spot for children to stretch their legs, climb, play and burn off some energy beside the Mildura Riverfront. Families can enjoy the playground, relax at a shaded picnic table or spread out on the open grass for games and snacks.
It’s also close to Mildura Wharf and the Water Play Park, making it an easy stop before a paddle steamer cruise or between riverfront adventures.
Nowingi Place sometimes hosts festivals and community events, so it’s worth checking whether access will be affected before you visit.
6. Picnic and swim at Apex Park
Address: Cureton Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
Apex Park is a gorgeous place for children to run, explore and enjoy the Murray River. Build sandcastles on the sandy inland beach, follow the riverside walking tracks or settle in for a picnic under the shady trees. Barbecues, showers and public toilets make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours by the water.
On suitable days, children can also enjoy a swim, but the Murray River is a natural waterway, and conditions can change quickly.
Water depths, currents and hidden obstacles may vary, so always stay within arm’s reach of young children, check local conditions and remember that the swimming area may not be patrolled.
7. Ride the tractor train and nibble on tasty treats at Orange World
Address: 93 Link Road, Mourquong NSW 2739
Opening hours: 9.30am to 4pm
Orange World is a colourful 50-acre citrus farm where children can discover how oranges, mandarins, grapefruit and avocados grow from tree to table.
Climb aboard the tractor train for a fun ride through the orchards, where kids can spot different fruit trees, learn how citrus is picked and packed, and see how farmers care for the crops throughout the year.
Depending on the season, children might watch fruit being harvested, smell sweet orange blossoms in the air or see the trees covered in bright, juicy citrus.
Before heading home, visit the farm shop for fresh fruit, juice, preserves and locally made treats.
8. Meet the animals at Benetook Farm
Address: 1022 Benetook Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm
Benetook Farm is a relaxed, hands-on outing for younger children. Explore walking and cycling tracks, feed the animals, find your way through the maze and look at historic farm machinery together.
This farm is also home to chickens, rabbits, vegetable gardens and seasonal strawberry-picking areas for a sunny day out surrounded by Mother Nature!
9. Explore the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
Address: 1183 River Road, Buronga NSW 2739
Opening hours: 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday
Covering approximately 50 hectares, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens give families plenty of space to roam without a rigid itinerary.
This beautiful site showcases Australian and introduced plants, open lawns, walking areas, historic buildings and even a dedicated children’s garden.
Tractor-train tours and café hours may differ from the general garden opening times, so check what’s operating on the day of your visit.
10. See classic cars at the Mildura Holden Motor Museum
Address: 58 West Road, Buronga NSW 2739
Opening hours: 9.30am to 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday
The Mildura Holden Motor Museum displays a rotating collection of around 35 Holden vehicles, alongside an array of motoring memorabilia and historical displays.
Young car enthusiasts will love the variety of models and stories about Australian motoring history.
This museum is also close to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, so your family could combine both attractions in one Buronga itinerary.
11. Explore the cells at Old Wentworth Gaol
Address: Beverley Street, Wentworth NSW 2648
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm
Having operated from 1881 to 1927, Old Wentworth Gaol is now a heritage attraction where visitors can take a self-guided tour through the historic complex.
Families can inspect original cells and learn all about the building’s design, construction and role in the region’s justice system.
With a few enclosed spaces and spooky prison stories, this attraction is generally best suited to school-aged children and teenagers instead of very young visitors!
12. Tackle the maze at Woodsies Gem Shop
Address: 516 Cureton Avenue, Nichols Point VIC 3501
Opening hours: 9am to 5.30pm
Woodsies Gem Shop combines a large jewellery and gemstone showroom with several family attractions.
Children can explore Aladdin’s Cave, look at the Woods family’s private gemstone collection or test their navigation skills in the outdoor garden maze. And don’t forget to ask staff about its daily gem cutting demonstrations!
There’s also an onsite café for snacks and meals to keep tiny tummies from rumbling.
13. Climb the dunes at Perry Sandhills
Address: Old Renmark Road, Wentworth NSW 2648
Perry Sandhills is a striking landscape of red dunes formed by wind erosion near Wentworth. Children can climb the slopes, follow footprints along the ridgelines and experience a landscape that feels far removed from town.
These sand dunes have cultural and geological significance, and remains of prehistoric megafauna have been found in the area!
Shade and facilities are limited, so visit during the cooler part of the day and carry water, enclosed shoes and sun protection.
14. Take a day trip to Mungo National Park
Address: Mungo Visitor Centre, 3046 Turlee Leaghur Road, Mungo NSW 2715
Opening hours (visitor centre): 8.30am to 4.30pm
Home to Australia’s oldest known Indigenous remains, Mungo National Park is part of the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region.
You can be sure a family day trip here will be packed with natural beauty around every corner. See Mungo Woolshed, explore the self-guided driving route and marvel at formations known as the Walls of China from designated areas.
Note that access to restricted sections of the Mungo lunette requires an approved guided tour. Roads can also be unsafe after rain, so check alerts and carry extra food, drinking water and fuel.
15. Wander through Mildura Arts Centre
Address: 199 Cureton Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm
Mildura Arts Centre is a reliable indoor option when the weather takes a turn. This precinct includes five gallery spaces, Rio Vista Historic House, a sculpture park, café and performing arts theatre.
Exhibitions change throughout the year, while the theatre program includes a range of family performances, workshops and school holiday events. Check the current program to see what’s on for your children’s ages and interests.
16. Play mini-golf at Putt Putt Fun Centre
Address: 15–17 Orange Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, with hours varying by day
Putt Putt Fun Centre is a great indoor and evening activity for families young and old. Its attractions include an 18-hole themed putt-putt course, dodgem cars, air hockey, a pool table and more than 40 arcade and prize-redemption games.
Visitors can also choose between a structured round of mini-golf and shorter arcade activities. Allow some extra time if children plan to use both areas.
17. Skate, scoot or ride at Mildura Skate Park
Address: Hugh King Drive, Mildura VIC 3500
Mildura Skate Park is designed for skateboard, BMX and scooter riders and can be tacked on to a day at the riverfront. That said, younger or less confident riders might find quieter morning periods easier than busy afternoons.
Plus, the nearby Water Play Park and riverfront paths make it easy to plan several fun stops in the same area.
18. Book a Mildura school holiday activity
Address: Locations vary; many children’s sessions are held at Mildura Library, 180–190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
Opening hours: Dates and times change each Victorian school holiday period
Mildura Rural City Council runs free school holiday activities for ages 12 and up, with programs covering all kinds of social, creative, recreational and educational experiences! Meanwhile, Mildura Library provides school holiday sessions aimed at children aged five to 13.
Check both programs, as their age limits and locations differ. To take part in either, you’ll generally need to register online.
FAQs for parents
Here are quick answers to the most common questions parents ask when planning a family trip to Mildura.
When is the best time of year to visit Mildura with kids?
Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit Mildura with kids because the weather is more comfortable for riverfront walks, farm visits and day trips to Perry Sandhills or Mungo National Park.
Although summer is popular for water-based activities, temperatures can climb above 40°C, so plan outdoor outings for early morning or late afternoon and keep the hottest part of the day for indoor attractions.
Meanwhile, winter brings cold mornings and mild afternoons, making it a good time for museums, orchard tours and Murray River cruises without the summer heat.
How many days do we need in Mildura with kids?
Three to four days is enough for most families to experience Mildura’s main attractions without rushing.
This gives you ample time for the riverfront, a paddle steamer cruise, Orange World, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens and even a half-day trip to Wentworth and Perry Sandhills.
Stay for five to seven days when travelling with younger children or planning a full-day visit to Mungo National Park. A longer visit gives you room for rest days, swimming, and playground visits!
Is Mildura suitable for toddlers and prams?
Yes, lots of places in Mildura are suitable for toddlers and prams. For instance, the Water Play Park is listed as accessible, and parts of the Lock 11 and riverfront precinct include pram-accessible paths.
A standard pram should be suitable for paved paths, parks and indoor attractions. A carrier or all-terrain pram is more practical at Perry Sandhills, on uneven river tracks and during outdoor stops at Mungo National Park.
Also remember to take extra water, sun protection and a portable change mat when leaving town, as family facilities become more limited in remote areas.
Check directly with individual venues when step-free access or baby-change facilities are essential.
Do we need a car to enjoy Mildura with kids?
We highly recommend having a car for your family trip to Mildura. While you can easily explore the CBD and riverfront on foot, many of the best kid-friendly attractions are spread out across the region.
Having your own vehicle makes it easy to visit places like Orange World in Mourquong, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens in Buronga, Woodsies Gem Shop in Nichols Point, Wentworth, Perry Sandhills and the remote beauty of Mungo National Park.
Car hire is available at Mildura Airport, but always check that your rental allows travel on unsealed roads if you’re heading to Mungo.
Find play-based childcare near Mildura
With riverfront playgrounds, farm experiences, museums and memorable outback day trips, Mildura offers plenty of ways for families to explore, play and spend quality time together.
And for local parents looking for the same sense of discovery in their child’s everyday routine, Junior’s Journey provides a welcoming place to learn, grow and build confidence.
Through play-based learning, we encourage children to follow their curiosity, develop new skills and form meaningful relationships at their own pace.
Discover long daycare and a government-approved preschool program near Mildura, with care available Monday to Friday from 6 am to 6 pm.
Book a tour, enrol your child or speak with our team for more information.
