School holidays are the perfect opportunity for families to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend some quality time together. At King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre, we offer a range of fun filled activities that will keep the kids entertained all day long. But the adventure doesn’t stop here! The Otways is packed with family-friendly experiences that will make your holiday truly unforgettable.
Here’s our guide to keeping the kids busy both at King Parrot and while exploring the wider Otway region:
1. Fun at King Parrot Cottages
Start your holiday by immersing the kids in nature at King Parrot. They’ll love meeting our farm animals, including our horses, miniature donkeys, highland cows and black Suffolk sheep. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some lambs frolicking around.
During the early mornings and late afternoons, take a peaceful walk down to the expansive KP paddock, where you’re likely to spot groups of kangaroos grazing in their natural habitat.
2. Bushwalks and Yabbying
King Parrot’s 200 acres of pristine Otway forest are perfect for kids to explore. Take them yabbying by the dam for a bit of outdoor fun or head off on one of our bushwalks. The trails lead to a creek, hidden waterfall, and scenic views over Pennyroyal Valley. While walking our waterfall track, you can also enjoy spotting and photographing the diverse fungi that thrive in the area—a fun and immersive activity for nature lovers! Please note that our bushwalking trails are not for the faint-hearted! Expect uneven terrain, steep inclines, and descents, with some log hopping and slippery creek crossings along the way. It’s all part of the adventure and perfect for active families ready for a challenge.
3. Games Room and Pool Time at King Parrot
When you’re back at King Parrot after a day of exploring, there’s still plenty to do. Head to our games room for table tennis or foosball, or challenge the kids to an air hockey game. And if the weather’s warm, everyone can cool off in our saltwater swimming pool orparents relax in the infrared sauna. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventures.
4. Visit Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Just a short drive from King Parrot, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is a must for families. This eco-adventure park features a treetop walk that takes you 25 meters above the ground, giving a bird’s-eye view of the lush rainforest. If your kids are thrill-seekers, they’ll love the Zipline Tour, which allows them to soar through the treetops, high above the forest floor. It’s a great way to combine adventure and education as they learn about the unique Otway ecosystem.
5. Explore the Great Ocean Road & Beaches
The Otways are nestled just inland from the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most iconic coastal routes. Take a day trip to explore the region’s stunning beaches. Popular spots like Lorne and Apollo Bay offer kid-friendly activities like swimming, building sandcastles, or rock-pooling. Along the way, stop by lookout points to spot whales, or venture into the ocean for a family surf lesson!
6. Hopetoun Falls & Beauchamp Falls
Waterfalls are one of the Otways’ great natural wonders, and the kids will love exploring the trails that lead to these stunning sites. Hopetoun Falls, located just over an hours scenic drive from King Parrot, is a picturesque spot for a short walk that’s doable for younger kids. A little further, Beauchamp Falls is another family-friendly hike where the reward is a breathtaking view of cascading water. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
7. Mountain Biking in Forrest
Forrest is a premier destination for mountain biking in the Otways, offering trails suitable for all abilities—from family-friendly routes to more advanced, challenging tracks. You can rent high-quality bikes at Forrest MTB Hire or bring your own gear.
For a seamless day of riding, we recommend downloading the Trailforks app and exploring the official Forrest MTB trail maps, available at rideforrest.com.au .
8. Explore the Otway Harvest Trail
For a taste of the region, consider following the Otway Harvest Trail. While it’s more geared towards food lovers, there are plenty of family-friendly stops along the way where kids can see how local produce is grown and taste farm-fresh treats. Visit local berry farms (seasonal) for some pick-your-own fun, or stop by a cheese factory where they can see the cheese-making process in action.
9. Lorne Live Wire Park
For those seeking even more excitement, a visit to Lorne’s Live Wire Park is a must! This high-flying adventure park features zip lines and treetop challenges that will thrill kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to test your courage and get the adrenaline pumping during your stay.
10. Family Time Around the Fire
Back at King Parrot, the evenings are a great time to gather the family around the cosy indoor wood fire in your cottage, it’s a peaceful way to wind down and reflect on the day’s adventures.