Spotswood – a family day out
True story - a movie called 'Spotswood' (actually set in the suburb) was released in 1992. It stars Anthony Hopkins, Russell Crowe and Toni Collette, making her feature film debut.
This curious little pocket of a suburb is often-overlooked by the Melbourne natives in favour of trendier, more well-known suburbs. But if you look closer, Spotswood can provide you with an unbeatable, fun, family day-out.
With its more famous neighbour Williamstown just around the corner, you could be forgiven for not knowing a great deal about little old Spotswood. Fear ye not, BRITlist is here to highlight this underdog suburb with three fantastic activities you could make into a top-notch family day out.
The Westgate Punt - also known simply as 'The Punt'.
Let’s start with actually getting to Spotswood. Sure, you could drive or go via the usual public transport methods but why not try something a little different - ‘The Westgate Punt’. This is a small, 20-person passenger ferry for pedestrians and cyclists that runs across the Yarra River from Port Melbourne to Spotswood (and return). The journey takes no more than 5 minutes and is only $3 per crossing on weekdays, $5 per crossing at the weekend.
Once you arrive at the jetty in Spotswood you are quite literally on the doorstep of our next recommendation - Scienceworks.
You could easily spend all day in Scienceworks and the kids would never get bored. So much to explore!
Scienceworks is a science and technology museum that is super interactive and a big hit with kids and adults alike. Open 10am-4:30pm every day, Scienceworks is a truly hands-on experience that makes science both fun and engaging.
What’s really refreshing about Scienceworks is that it is one of the most cost-efficient family attractions in Melbourne. Tickets are a mere $15 for adults ($10 for seniors) and kids get in for free. That’s right - FREE! That allows you to save some money for our final recommendation…
If there's a type of food you're hankering for, chances are it is available at one of the many vendors at Grazeland.
With all that cycling/pedestrianing from the Westgate Punt and then the interacting/engaging at Scienceworks, you’ll be ready for a hearty feed. And where better to visit than Grazeland - the food metropolis of Melbourne.
Billed as a ‘playground for foodies’, Grazeland is a sheltered, outdoor dining experience that brings you the best of Melbourne’s food scene. More food stands than you can shake a stick at (over 50 of them) and an impressive selection of bars for those that like to unwind with a drink.
The place has a family festival feel to it, which is further accentuated by the scheduled muscial acts and resident DJ’s on the two live music stages.
At various times of the year, Grazeland puts on special, seasonal events and there’s always something on hand to keep the kids occupied, including face painting and a play area.
Spotswood, VIC 3015.