HOT: Fairy Park, Anakie

Fairy Park is Australia’s oldest theme park, located in Anakie about an hour west of Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong.

Since 1959, Fairy Park Anakie has brought fairy tales and mythical creatures to life for children. The theme park features hand-crafted moving displays set over 22 acres of landscaped gardens.

You can't miss the entrance, with a giant Gulliver statue beckoning you into the Anakie Fairy Park. Generally, you buy tickets on arrival with cash or credit card (surcharges apply) so it's good to arrive early before a potential queue of cars.

The Fairy Park a unique half-day trip with under 5s as 2-3 hours is sufficient time to see everything, including a visit to the adventure playground and lunch.

Set your expectations appropriately because Disneyland it is not. But it’s also about the 10th of the price of Disneyland!

Adults will probably think Fairy Park Geelong is daggy and dated. However, 4-year-old Lady AB is the perfect age for it. She is able to walk independently up the very steep paths and is excited to recognise the fairy tale characters such as Cinderella and Goldilocks – but still young enough not to be cynical about the unsophisticated animatronics.

She is quite enthralled by the hand-crafted displays and wants to hear the end of every story, not just content to push the button once to watch the moving parts.

Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Fairy Park Anakie

At 2 years old Baby 2.0 is too young for it. We have to keep him strapped to the pram because of the steep paths (he’s a fearless bolter) which means he doesn't have much patience for looking at the dioramas. He is really frightened of the giant dragon too whereas Lady AB relishes the opportunity to dress up!

I reckon older kids who are used to more whizz-bang animatronics and techn0logy may find Fairy Park Melbourne a bit junior for their tastes.

There are some really lovely landscaped gardens and the view from the summit is spectacular (though cold!).

Train enthusiasts will enjoy the large model train set and the tiny model train museum.

Both kids enjoy climbing around the Castle Kids room (mostly to shelter from the icy winds I suspect) and the Camelot Adventure Playground. The playground has a unique medieval theme with structures featuring castles and creatures.

Make the playground the last stop as it's at the bottom of the hill, and it's much easier winding your way down the hill than heading up.

We finish off our visit with a packed lunch under Ye Olde Shelter by the carpark. In terms of catering BYO is the best bet as there is only a kiosk with hot food on certain days only. There are 10 coin-operated BBQs on site that you cannot book, so it's first in best dressed.

The toilets are nearby and clean, with a change table for babies. There are other picnic areas and barbecues available throughout the park.

Fairy Park Victoria is a throwback from the past, before CGI, 3D and touch screens. It’s old-fashioned entertainment that will particularly enchant preschoolers and is a memorable half-day adventure for all of us.

More things to do in Geelong with kids

My reviews of Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland

My review of Universal Studios Hollywood

I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Get my awesome weekly newsletter in your inbox every week to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!