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Must-See Easter Events in Melbourne and Regional Victoria 2026

Must-See Easter Events in Melbourne and Regional Victoria 2026

The Easter long weekend in Melbourne 2026 runs from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2026, making it the perfect opportunity to plan family outings, day trips, festivals, and Easter activities with kids. Whether you are searching for Easter events Melbourne 2026, family-friendly festivals Victoria, or things to do Easter school holidays Melbourne, there are plenty of options across the city and regional areas.

From free community celebrations and markets to major festivals and iconic regional events, this guide covers the best Easter events in Melbourne and regional Victoria for families in 2026.

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Easter Events in Melbourne 2026

What's on in Melbourne Easter long weekend 2019
Image credit: Good Friday Appeal 2018

Kids Day Out – Good Friday Appeal

Melbourne’s favourite Family Fun Day returns on Friday 3 April 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, transforming the venue into a huge indoor festival packed with activities for kids of all ages. 

Families can enjoy carnival rides, arts and crafts, sports activities, live performances and interactive zones, along with the popular Teddy Bear Hospital where children can bring their soft toys for a check-up with volunteer “teddy doctors” from The University of Melbourne.

Highlights include the Bunnings Sports Zone with Auskick, Little Athletics, karate and Special Olympics activities, the Woolworths Festival Stage featuring music, dance and children’s entertainers, plus a classic car display, family craft zone, and the chance to meet local community heroes from the CFA, SES and St John Ambulance.

Date: Friday 3 April 2026
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Entry: Free (some activities $5 – $20 or gold coin donation)

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Must-See Easter Events in Melbourne and Regional Victoria 2026

Berwick Easter Fair 2026

Celebrate the Easter long weekend at the Berwick Easter Fair, running from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2026 at Akoonah Park. This four-day family festival brings together rides, entertainment, food and one of Melbourne’s biggest Easter egg hunts. 

A highlight of the event is Melbourne’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt, running across all four days. Kids can search the fairgrounds for colourful eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, creating a fun and memorable experience for young hunters.

Families can also enjoy kids rides, major thrill rides, inflatables, carnival games, camel rides, bungee trampolines, face painting, food trucks, market stalls and showbags. Free family activities include an animal farm, mini golf, trackless train rides and outdoor yard games.

The event proudly supports the Good Friday Appeal, with visitors encouraged to bring a gold coin donation to help raise funds for children’s medical services across Victoria.

Dates: 3 – 6 April 2026
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Location: Akoonah Park (Berwick Showgrounds), Berwick
Price: $4 – $109 + BF

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Must-See Easter Events in Melbourne and Regional Victoria 2026

Easter Day Family Day Out at Rippon Lea Estate

Hop along to Rippon Lea Estate this Easter for a fun-filled family day out on Sunday 5 April 2026, 10 am – 5 pm. Explore the Maker’s Market on the main lawn, take part in The Great Rippon Lea Egg & Spoon Race, enjoy pony rides, and don’t miss a visit from the Easter Bunny!

The Great Egg & Spoon Race runs at 11 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm. Open to children 5 – 16 years, divided into age groups (5 – 8, 9 – 12, 13 – 16). Participants receive a spoon and miniature chocolate egg, with prizes for winners. Spots are limited, advance registration is recommended.

Date: 5 April 2026
Opening & Activity Times
Estate Open: 10 am – 5 pm
Markets Open: 10 am – 3 pm
Egg & Spoon Races: 11 am, 12 pm & 2 pm
Mansion Open: 11 am – 12.30 pm & 1 pm – 2.30 pm
Tickets & Entry
Estate entry: gold coin per person (includes National Trust Members and City of Glen Eira & Port Phillip cardholders)
Egg & Spoon Race participation: free (register in advance)
Mansion entry: $10, purchase at the door
Location: Rippon Lea Estate

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Easter Festivals and Events in Regional Victoria 2026

Must-See Easter Events in Melbourne and Regional Victoria 2026
Image: Bendigo Easter Festival

Bendigo Easter Festival 2026

The Bendigo Easter Festival returns from 3 – 6 April 2026 in Bendigo, with four days of vibrant parades, cultural performances, markets and family entertainment across the city. Run by the City of Greater Bendigo, this year’s festival also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, the volunteer organisation that has helped guide the event since 1926. A special exhibition marking the centenary will be on display at the Bendigo Visitor Centre, while the iconic six-metre-tall Kewpie doll “Violet” will return to Rosalind Park.

Family highlights include the Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday, with more than 100,000 eggs; the Rotary Easter Markets with over 200 stalls; and a packed entertainment program in Rosalind Park featuring live music, cultural performances, the Easter Bunny stage show, The Mik Maks, and family activities such as gold panning. 

The festival also features the Awakening of the Dragon lion and dragon dances, the La Trobe University Torchlight Procession and fireworks on Saturday night, and the spectacular Sherridon Homes Gala Parade on Easter Sunday, where the famous Imperial Dragon Dai Gum Loong from the Golden Dragon Museum makes a rare appearance.

Across the weekend, visitors can also explore Carnival Central rides, the Bull Street Music Festival, markets, augmented reality experiences and community events throughout the Bendigo CBD, making the Bendigo Easter Festival one of Victoria’s biggest Easter celebrations.

Date: 3 – 6 April 2026
Location: Various venues across Bendigo, Victoria
Entry: Many free events (some ticketed activities)

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Maldon Easter Fair 2026

Step back in time this Easter at the Maldon Easter Fair, a much-loved country celebration held across the historic goldfields town of Maldon. Running from 2 April to 6 April 2026, the festival features markets, parades, live music, community events and family-friendly activities throughout the town.

The festivities begin on Thursday evening with The Great Aussie Scone Bake Competition, the lighting of the tower, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny at the Maldon Hotel.

Across the weekend, families can explore the Beehive Chimney Easter Market Day, enjoy concerts by the Maldon Brass Band, watch working displays at the Vintage Engine Rally at Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum, or join community events including the Torchlight Parade and Dancing in the Street on Saturday night.

Easter Monday is the highlight of the fair, featuring street entertainment, the 148th Maldon Easter Fair Grand Procession through Main Street, an egg toss with the Maldon Fire Brigade, lion dancers and the Grand Raffle draw.

Dates: 2 – 6 April 2026
Location: Various locations across Maldon, Victoria
Entry: Many free events (Vintage Engine Rally: Adults $5, children free)

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Family Guide to Easter Egg Hunts in Melbourne 2026
Image: Campbells Wines Easter Picnic

Campbells Wines Easter Picnic

Celebrate Easter weekend with family, wine, and sunshine at Campbells Wines, where Easter eggs, face painting, and giant lawn games will keep the kids entertained while adults relax with live music, delicious regional food, and a glass of wine under the shady oaks.

Running Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April 2026 from 10am to 4pm at the winery in Rutherglen, tickets are $15 per adult pre-purchase (or $20 on the day) and include event entry plus a Campbells picnic wine glass to take home. Children and designated drivers receive free entry (ticket still required), making this a relaxed and family-friendly Easter day out in the country.

Date: 4 and 5 April 2026
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Campbells Wines, 4603 Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen

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Port Albert Easter Family Fun Day 2026

Celebrate Easter at the Port Albert Easter Family Fun Day, part of the Tarra Festival, on Sunday 5 April 2026, 4 pm – 8 pm at Rutters Park, Bay Street, Port Albert. This family-friendly event features live music, free kids’ activities, food trucks, and the Remembrance Lantern Festival, where floating lanterns are launched on the water at dusk. Bring your picnic rug or chairs and enjoy the open-air foreshore setting while the Easter Bunny arrives from 5 pm with free Easter eggs and photo opportunities for the kids.

Activities include live music by The Badgers, laser tag and a rock climbing wall, face painting, an art show and curios, food trucks, and more. 

Date: 5 April 2026
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Location: Rutters Park, Bay Street, Port Albert
Price: Entry is by gold coin donation

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What's on Easter long weekend in Regional Victoria 2019
Image credit: Bellarine Railway Facebook page

Easter Weekend Steam Trains – Queenscliff

All aboard for a festive Easter Weekend at Queenscliff! Enjoy scenic steam train journeys and family-friendly fun along Swan Bay from 3 – 6 April 2026. Whether supporting the Good Friday Appeal or meeting the Easter Bunny, there’s something for the whole family.

Good Friday Trips – 3 April 2026
Trains depart Queenscliff at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm. Take a 45-minute scenic steam train ride, including a 15-minute stop at Lakers Siding. Chat with the train crew, enjoy photo opportunities, and support the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Easter Specials – 4 & 5 April 2026
Trains depart at 10.30 am, 12 pm, 1.45 pm & 3.15 pm. Hop on a 60-minute return journey to Lakers Siding, where the Easter Bunny will greet families for photos. Children are encouraged to wear Easter bonnets, and each participant receives a chocolate egg and a certificate if wearing a bonnet.

Swan Bay Express – 6 April 2026
Trains depart at 11 am, 12 pm, 2.15 pm & 3.15 pm. Enjoy a 45-minute return trip with enclosed heritage carriages, a 15-minute stopover at Lakers Siding, and a Spotto activity sheet for the kids. Chat with the train crew and capture photos along the way.

Ticket Prices
Good Friday Fares:
Adult: $18 | Concession: $16 | Child (4-17yrs): $14 | Lap Child (0-3yrs): Free
Family1 (2 Adults & 2 Children): $58 | Family2 (2 Adults & 3 Children): $68

Easter Specials Fares:
Adult: $21 | Concession: $19 | Child (3-17yrs): $17 | Lap Child (0-2yrs): Free
Family1 (2 Adults & 2 Children): $70 | Family2 (2 Adults & 3 Children): $83

Swan Bay Express Fares:
Adult: $18 | Concession: $16 | Child (4-17yrs): $14 | Lap Child (0-3yrs): Free
Family1 (2 Adults & 2 Children): $58 | Family2 (2 Adults & 3 Children): $68

Location: Queenscliff Station

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Planning Your Easter Long Weekend in Melbourne 2026

If you are planning things to do Easter Melbourne 2026 with kids, here are some helpful tips:

• Book ticketed events early, many sell out weeks in advance

• Check regional festivals if you are planning a weekend getaway

• Look for free community events to balance your budget

• Consider weather-friendly indoor options as backups

More Easter Ideas for Families

You may also be searching for:

• Easter Egg Hunts Melbourne 2026

• Easter School Holiday Activities Melbourne

• Best Playgrounds in Melbourne

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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.

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