Family Activities in Olinda
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Olinda, Victoria
📍 Olinda · east
storehouse roastery and espresso bar
The Storehouse, a renowned coffee expert in Mt Evelyn, has expanded to Olinda with a dedicated roastery and espresso bar. Here, you can sample their full range of coffee, including a tasting paddle to explore different flavors and brewing methods. Be prepared for a caffeine-packed experience!
📍 Olinda · east
the pig and whistle
The Pig and Whistle, Olinda has long been a family favourite—well, really a daddy favourite! With an entire bar lined with English beers on tap, you can see why. Mamma may not have been to the UK, but she can imagine the warmth of an English pub right here: a fire roasting in the corner, walls lined with souvenirs, generous servings of pies, steaks, parmas with mashed potato, or crispy fish and chips. Just walking in feels like a big warm hug from mum, and pigs are everywhere! Charm fills this pub in the hills, making it a family favourite, especially with the kids’ menu and, in warmer months, a playground complete with a sandpit.
📍 Olinda · east
mathias track
Mathias Track in the Dandenong Ranges is a lovely, relatively easy, and dog-friendly walking track, perfect for a family adventure. The full loop is around 8km return, though Mamma didn’t manage to complete it with little legs in tow. The walk is mostly flat and treats you to stunning views of the Dandenongs. On weekends, it can be popular with horse riders, cyclists, and dog walkers. The track is suitable for prams and little bikes, though it can be a bit bumpy with loose stones. Mamma’s 3-year-old enjoyed hopping out of the pram to explore giant trees, bark, and even a small creek bed along the way. You can start at either Falls Rd (just past the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens) or Silvan Rd. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy fresh air, get moving, and let little adventurers connect with nature.
📍 Olinda · east
chelsea australian garden @ dandenong ranges botanic gardens
Chelsea Australian Garden at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens in Olinda is an absolute showstopper. After winning Gold at the renowned Chelsea Flower Show in London, this replicated and expanded design now graces the Dandenongs. Wander downhill along the sweeping trail through 15,000 native plants and you’ll discover a picturesque pond with flowing waterfalls and lively frog sounds (though spotting them can be tricky!). Stroll across the water via the bridge or hop along stepping stones in the dry riverbed. The atmosphere here is serene and magical, and a QR code at the entrance lets you enjoy an audio guide while exploring. Mamma can’t wait to see how this breathtaking garden changes with the seasons.
📍 Olinda · east
pirianda garden
Pirianda Garden, Olinda is one of the most beautiful spots in the East during autumn, bursting with colour and blanketed in crunchy leaves that little feet will love stomping through. Mamma and her boys spotted a variety of trees, leaves, pine cones, flowers and even mushrooms (look but don’t touch!), with the scenery changing dramatically as you wander through lawns, ferns and rainforest-like pockets. There are designated pram-friendly paths, but be warned they are quite steep, so be prepared for a workout or do as Mamma did and ditch the pram to explore at a slower, kid-led pace. With plenty of benches for rest stops and loads of lush grass, it’s also a perfect place to roll, hide, explore and settle in for a relaxed picnic.
📍 Olinda · east
cloudehill garden and nursery
Cloudehill Garden in Olinda is a secret garden adventure that has quickly become one of Mamma’s favourites. Nestled on a hillside, it features stunning formal gardens, terraces, bluebell meadows, and the wild, mysterious Rangeview Woods. Wander the miles of pathways, discover hidden sculptures, smell the roses, and enjoy the seasonal transformations—from spring daffodils to autumnal reds and oranges. Trails are perfect for independent walkers and children confident on stairs, but prams won’t fit, so a baby carrier is a must for little ones. Wildlife adds to the magic, with kookaburras often making themselves at home among the art installations. It’s a dreamy spot to explore with curious kids and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
📍 Olinda · east
dragon forest @ r. j. hamer arboretum
Dragons Nests – R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Kallista is a magical forest full of dragon nests and bush cubbies. Hidden along Poplar Track, this whimsical area features round nests, arched homes, and pyramid-shaped cubbies, all crafted from natural materials. Perfect for imaginative play, hide-and-seek, and a family picnic amidst the enchanted woodland.
📍 Olinda · east
the dandenong ranges botanic gardens
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens (formerly The National Rhododendron Gardens) are a spectacular family-friendly spot in Olinda, offering more than just rhododendrons. Wander through colourful garden beds, cherry blossom fields, tranquil ponds, and rolling hillsides filled with proteas and towering gums. Kids will love the sensory garden, telephone boxes, and spotting wildlife like rosellas, lorikeets, lyrebirds, and even wallabies. No matter the season, there’s always something beautiful to see, with spring being peak bloom time.
📍 Olinda · east
olinda community pool
Olinda Community Pool – perfect for little kids in summer, this toddler-friendly pool features a wooden water slide, multiple water fountains, and jets of varying intensity for endless splashing fun. There’s also a nature play zone with a water pump and slow-flowing bubblers for the tiniest visitors, plus a lap pool for older kids, making it a full family-friendly aquatic adventure.