With a couple of weeks left of school holidays, The Express has compiled a list of fun places to visit in and around the Latrobe Valley with the kids.
Check them out or share with us on Facebook what your favourite holiday activity is.
Cowwarr Weir
Take your dog, your pets and swimming gear and spend the day at Cowwarr Weir, or if you’ve got a self-contained camping vehicle, spend the night.
Not far from the Toongabbie or Cowwarr townships, the weir is a nearby recreational attraction with barbecue and picnic facilities available.
Phone Southern Rural Water on 5139 3100 to check the weir’s camping area is open before visiting.
Latrobe Regional Gallery
One of regional Victoria’s largest public galleries that boasts several spaces and a sculpture courtyard, Latrobe Regional Gallery features contemporary art and design.
Exhibitions, events and workshops are regularly held at the gallery, with staff inviting the public to enjoy or take part in.
Meander through the gallery’s spaces and introduce yourself, and your children, to the latest touring exhibition, experimental practices or curated collections of note.
Open Monday to Friday from 10am until 5pm and 11am until 4pm on the weekend, head to 138 Commercial Road, Morwell to check it out.
arc Yinnar
Contemporary arts, music and dance feature in Yinnar’s own gallery, where a group of qualified artists hosts regular workshops and various exhibitions are held.
Visit www.arcyinnar.org.au for the latest exhibition or event, or head to Yinnar’s Main Street and surprise yourself.
The office is open from noon until 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 11am until 3pm on Saturdays, reopening 19 January.
Latrobe City Library – Morwell, Traralgon, Churchill or Moe
Instead of spending a lazy day at home, try visiting a library nearby and introduce your children to a literary world of wonders.
From novels, e-books to non-fiction delights, either borrow a couple of paperback copies or take part in the holiday activities on offer.
Visit www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/library/home to see what’s on.
Beach trip – Lakes Entrance, Cape Patterson, Inverloch or Phillip Island
Pack your car with sunscreen, hats, loose clothing and a body board or two and spend a day at a beach town with the kids.
Latrobe Valley sits within two hours to several beaches, with the chance to explore the towns of Leongatha, Mirboo North or Bairnsdale before you arrive.
Take a picnic lunch or cook up a barbecue and remember to stay sun smart while swimming between the flags.
Morwell River Falls
Reopened in 2013 after almost a decade of closure, the Morwell River Falls is a popular scenic attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Visit the nearby towns of Yinnar and Boolarra before heading to the falls, where walking tracks and picnic areas are on offer.
Enter the Morwell River Falls Reserve entrance along Morwell River Road, Boolarra South, 500 metres north of the intersection with Olsens Road.
Walhalla day trip
From walking tracks through bushland, an historic railway line still in use and organised ghost tours at night, the Walhalla township has plenty to offer.
About an hour’s car trip from Latrobe Valley and you can immerse yourself in the Mountain Rivers region, with the option to stay the night in town or camp out bush.
Take a look at the website, www.visitwalhalla.com to plan your trip with the family.
Old Gippstown – Gippsland’s Heritage Park
In the heart of Latrobe Valley sits eight acres of land featuring a collection of historic buildings and farm equipment from the 1800s to the early 1900s.
Walk through Gippsland’s Heritage Park to peruse the antique furniture, vintage vehicles and artefacts on display.
Open daily from 10am until 4pm, and host to community events and a monthly market, Old Gippstown is sure to be a family favourite.
Head to 211 Lloyd Street, Moe or visit www.gippslandheritagepark.com.au for more information.
