Meet the Morrisons
Kristie, Chris, Airlie, Bowen and Iluka are a family of five who love exploring Victoria’s amazing outdoor playground. With their camper van as their home on wheels, they embark on exciting road trips, discovering hidden gems and creating unforgettable memories together. From camping under starry skies to soaking up the sunshine, they are always up for a new adventure. Their Instagram, Meet the Morrisons, showcases their fun-filled experiences and inspires families like yours to pack your bags and hit the road.
What made you choose Tropical North Victoria as a destination for your family holiday?
We were eager to discover the wonders of our own backyard, and Tropical North Victoria was the perfect choice for a family adventure. With countless kid-friendly activities, it was a no-brainer. Plus, driving there meant we could bring everything we needed, making it a more relaxed and affordable holiday for our family of five. And who doesn’t love soaking up the sun and escaping the chilly Melbourne weather? Mildura’s extra 500+ hours of sunshine per year than the Sunshine State was the cherry on top.
What is the most rewarding thing about road-tripping with kids?
The best part of a family road trip is watching our kids rediscover the simple joys of childhood, like ours (Kristie and Chris) in the 90s’ – no screens, just endless bike rides, family games and enjoying the beauty of the open road. It’s a chance for us to slow down, unplug and create lasting memories together.
What are some of the top kids’ experiences you’ve discovered in our region?
There were some real gems that we found during our stay. One of the biggest surprises was Woodsies Gem Shop. The kids loved exploring the enormous collection of gems on show and getting lost in the maze. We had a great time at Orange World. Mario the owner took us on a hilarious tour of the orchard. He told us about all about oranges and even got us to taste some freshly squeezed OJ – it was zesty and tasty. And who could forget SRS Benetook Farm? The kids loved feeding the friendly animals and exploring the farm – the tram reminded us of being back home in Melbourne.
For a change of pace, we went on a scenic cruise aboard the PS Rothbury with Mildura Paddle Steamers. It was a relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful river views and soak up the peaceful surroundings. And for some hands-on fun, we hired a pontoon from Dockside Café and Boat Hire. It was a blast steering the boat ourselves and soaking up the sunshine. These are just a few of the fantastic family-friendly activities that are worth visiting while you’re here.
Were there any family-friendly dining options or restaurants that you’d recommend?
We loved grabbing a quick lunch at Sunraysia Bread and Butter Bakery. Their vanilla slice is a must-try, a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy any craving. For a more substantial meal, the Mildura Working Man’s Club is a great choice. They have delicious food, amazing value and a fantastic kids’ play area to keep the little ones entertained. Right now, they’re offering an incredible deal: two adult meals, two kids’ meals, drinks and dessert for just $60. It’s the perfect place to treat the whole family to a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
What were some of the unexpected highlights or surprises of your holiday?
We were amazed by just how much there was to see and do in Tropical North Victoria. We packed our days with exciting adventures, from exploring stunning natural wonders to visiting family-friendly attractions. One of the best things about Mildura is its family-friendly atmosphere. Everything is so easy to get to and there are countless activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. We also loved taking it easy by the pool and let the kids run wild at All Seasons Holiday Park’s Splash Water Park – it’s even heated, so you can use it all year round!
How do you manage the kids’ boredom on the long drive between Melbourne and Mildura?
Road trips with kids can be a challenge, but we’ve found a winning formula – frequent stops. There’s so much to see and do along the way that the journey becomes just as exciting as the destination. One of our favourite stops was Lake Tyrell, Victoria’s largest salt lake. The otherworldly landscape is simply breathtaking. We loved discovering the small quirky country towns, colourful murals and the enormous silo art along the way.
What are your top tips for escaping the crowds during school holidays?
We travelled to Mildura during the busy school holidays and didn’t find it too crowded. However, to ensure you don’t miss out on popular attractions like the Paddle Steamer or boat hire, we recommend booking in advance. It’s a great way to secure your spot and avoid any disappointment.
How helpful did you find the Mildura Visitor Information Centre in planning your trip to our region?
Our first stop when we arrived was the Mildura Visitor Information Centre. The friendly staff were a wealth of knowledge, providing us with insider tips and must-visit recommendations. While we were there, the kids were entertained with fun activity packs. The gift shop was a delightful surprise, filled with unique local products that made perfect souvenirs. We picked up some handcrafted goodies and tasty treats to enjoy during our stay.
What advice would you give to families planning a trip to Tropical North Victoria?
Make sure you do your research and plan before visiting. Mildura.com is a great resource to help you, providing detailed information on accommodation, dining, experiences and lots more. While it’s always helpful to have a loose itinerary outlining key attractions and desired activities, we found that leaving room for exploration and unexpected adventures made our family holiday in Mildura truly unforgettable. And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen – Tropical North Victoria boasts beautiful sunny weather year-round!
You can see more of Meet the Morrisons’ adventures via @meetthemorrisons on Instagram.
Images courtesy of Hawkeye Photography – Aaron Hawkins: Photographic Artist, Teagan Jane Collective, Mildura Working Man’s Club and All Seasons Holiday Park.
