There’s something about Albury Wodonga that makes family getaways feel easy.
Maybe it’s the wide-open spaces and slow-moving river. Or the way kids can run free in playgrounds shaded by giant gums, while parents kick back on a picnic rug nearby. Whether you and your kids are up for an outdoor adventure, a cultural experience or some exhilarating indoor game play, this is your ultimate playground.
Parks, Picnics and Fun on the Water
Kick things off with the perfect picnic spots for some sunshine, snacks and somewhere to play. Try Noreuil Park along the riverbank or Oddies Creek Adventure Playspace for some gliding on the 30-metre flying fox. Both playgrounds are fully enclosed with activities for various age groups, and Oddies has a five-metre-high timber structure with wheelchair-accessible ramps.
For a touch of magic, shake out your picnic rug in the Children’s Garden at Albury Botanic Gardens, where a giant dinosaur will greet you at the entrance and fairy temples hide in the shrubbery, awaiting squeals of delight. Over in Wodonga, Kookaburra Point offers calm water for fishing and paddling, while Huon Hill Parklands serves up panoramic views that make any picnic feel extra special.
Fresh Air Fun
If your kids need room to burn off energy, Belvoir Park Playground in Wodonga will provide plenty of entertainment with a community woodfired oven, a 4-metre-high twisted slide and a ninja warrior adventure obstacle course. If you’ve got a board or bike handy, Willow Park and Albury Skate Park are ready for shredding.
To change the pace, head for the river. Grab a paddle with Canoe the Murray and float through gentle bends, with soothing birdsong in surround sound.
Culture for Curious Kids
When it’s time for a breather indoors, let imaginations run wild at Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery, where books and art live under one very cool roof. Upstairs, you’ll find inventive, interactive exhibitions to spark tiny imaginations. Over in Albury, the MAMA Kids Gallery hosts exciting activities, where art and awe keep kids entertained.
For story-lovers, step inside Albury LibraryMuseum, or head to Bonegilla Migrant Experience to walk through one of Australia’s most important heritage sites. A short drive takes you to the Jindera Pioneer Museum, where cobbled laneways and vintage tools take you back in time.
Whatever the Weather
Rain or chilly out? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do indoors. Catch a film at Regent Cinemas, followed by some friendly competition at Intencity Albury arcade. Unleash your inner detective and crack the code at Escape Room Albury. Or test your reflexes at Sneaky Cat Pickleball, a beginner-friendly sport that everyone seems to be talking about.
For something imaginative and interactive, explore Worlds Beyond – a VR experience that transports you to other worlds through cutting-edge virtual reality, story-driven quests and immersive digital play. There’s something for all ages here.
When Hunger Strikes
After all that action, you’ll need a good feed. Families are warmly welcomed at Soden’s Hotel and the SS&A Club, both offering generous menus and kids’ zones – if they’ve still got energy in the tank. Pizza lovers can head to Downtown Pizzeria for fresh flavours and low fuss. At the border’s edge, The Lincoln offers space for kids to run and play, plus a range of kid-friendly food options.
For something a little different, Retro Lane Café (just off QEII Square) is a favourite with young locals, featuring bean bags, a pool table and space to unwind. And don’t skip Topolino Gelateria, where the handcrafted sorbet and gelato are top notch, and your kids can debate over who chose the better flavour.
Or if you’re after a bite in the outdoors and you’ve come prepared, Noreuil Park has BBQs and plenty of picnic tables with a view, or try the AlburyCity Wood Fire Ovens in the warmer months for DIY pizzas. Check times here.
Stay and Play
Need space to spread out? Quest Wodonga offers comfy, self-contained apartments with everything you need close by. Or go all in at Quality Resort Siesta, where the kids can bounce between mini golf, swimming pools, a games room and more – leaving you time to relax (or join in). For camping or cabins, try Discovery Parks – Lake Hume NSW and Discovery Parks – Lake Hume Victoria for a quiet, restorative sleep in a lakeside location.
By the end of the day, shoes are off, yawns are wide, and the kids are already asking to come back – proof that Albury Wodonga really is one big backyard for families.