Easter is almost here, and we can taste chocolate in the air. If you’re over hunting for chocolate in your pantry, and you’d like to mix things up a little, there’s heaps of wonderful Easter egg hunts happening across both Melbourne and Victoria. Take your family, and go exploring around some iconic theme parks, or through some gorgeous farms. Some of these are free to attend, but others require a booking. Let’s hop to it!
1. Luna Park
The Annual Great Easter Egg Hunt is returning to Luna Park this year, and “great” might be underselling the event a little bit. A whopping 30, 000 eggs will be hidden around the park, with back-to-back hunts happening across Saturday April 16 and Sunday April 17. The egg hunts are split into age groups of 0-3, 3-12 and 13 plus, with limited spots in each section.
After the hunt, check out the Easter bunny acrobats, bouncing their way around the park, as well as the cool rides and carnival treats. Learn more here.
2. NGV International
Celebrate Easter early with a morning egg hunt at NGV. Find hidden chocolate inside NGV Garden on Thursday April 14. The hunt will start at 10am, and will last for about an hour, or until all the chocolate eggs are found. After the Easter egg hunt, stick around and visit the free kids exhibition, The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu and Her Sister.
3. Melbourne Zoo
If you’re a member at Melbourne Zoo, you’re welcome to join in on a fun Easter treasure hunt. In this self-lead adventure, you’ll use a treasure map to explore the zoo and find different hidden nests. At each nest, you’ll be challenged with simple multiple-choice questions.
Pick up your map at the Zoo members desk and answer the questions on the treasure hunt for your chance to win one of four hampers. You can try out the treasure hunt any time between Friday April 15 and Monday April 18. The hunt is free with the price of admission, and tickets must be booked in advance. Find more info here.
4. Preston Market
The annual Easter egg hunt is back at Preston Market. Start at Centre Management Office, receive a list of clues and your first Easter egg, and embark on a journey around the market. You will need to bring your own basket, and a pen or pencil.
This Easter egg hunt will take place on Thursday April 14, from 2pm to 4pm. See more here.
5. South Melbourne Market
Go searching for chocolate eggs hidden around seven stalls at South Melbourne Market. You can pick up a map from the Market Office, or download it in advance. Eggs are limited, and the hunt is for children under the age of 12. There’s also other Easter activities around the market this year, including a visit from the Easter Bunny and face painting.
The Easter egg hunt will take place on Saturday April 16, from 11am to 1pm. Learn more here.
6. Gumbaya World
Rush over to Gumbaya World for the Ultimate Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday April 17. There’s 50, 000 eggs to be found across the park, as well as rides, water slides and wildlife. Age groups are split into four sections, from those under 3 to those over 14.
Registration is required. Learn more here.
7. Blue Lotus Water Garden
Escape to Blue Lotus Water Garden this Easter, and go on a hunt while surrounded by magical garden views. From Saturday April 16 to Monday April 18, the Easter Bunny and his friends will be in the Flower Fairy Garden, conducting their egg hunts.
Search for artificial eggs and carrots, and give them to the Easter Bunny, who will swap them for three hen-sized chocolate eggs. These egg hunts will run from 11am to 1pm. Bookings are essential. Find more info here.
8. Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Head to this gorgeous chocolaterie on the Great Ocean Road, and search for clues in the 500 fruit tree orchard. Bring four clues to the Easter Bunny, and receive a special Easter Gift Box, filled with two chocolate eggs, two mini bunnies and three mini solid eggs.
Easter Egg hunts will take place at 10am and 11:30am on Friday April 15, Saturday April 16 and Sunday April 17. Tickets are extremely limited, and have already sold out at their sister store in the Yarra Valley, so you better move fast! Book your session here.
9. Warratina Lavender Farm
Escape to this beautiful lavender farm over the Easter weekend and take part in their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Each child will be handed a map of the farm, and there are four egg tokens to discover. Once all the tokens are found, the child will receive a bunch of delicious chocolate eggs. This event is suited for those aged 11 and under.
Adults can enjoy their day at the farm by trying some delicious lavender scones and ice cream. Dogs are welcome to come too, as long as they are on a lead.
Bookings are required. Click here for more information.
10. Mt Buller
Going on a road trip over the long weekend? Why don’t you head over to Mt Buller for their massive Easter celebration? They’re hiding 10, 000 eggs on Easter Sunday, and the hunt is completely free to attend. The search will start at 11:30am.
Meanwhile, Mt Buller Village Square is turning into a massive Easter market on Sunday, with live entertainment, local produce, hula hoop workshops and more. Find the full schedule here.