Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale Family

Families in Bairnsdale can find plenty of practical ways to spend time together, build skills and seek support. Children can enjoy swimming, stories and indoor play, while teenagers can contribute to local decisions. Parents and carers can also access early-years guidance, education and specialist family services.

🏊 Play, learn and connect

Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre – Learn to Swim

Children from six months through to secondary-school age can join term-based swimming and water-safety lessons. Qualified instructors teach small groups across infant, kinder and school-age levels. Families need to enrol using the Swim Lesson Enrolment Form.

East Gippsland Libraries – Children and Youth Programs

Bairnsdale Library runs Rhymetime for babies and toddlers aged 0–2 on Wednesdays, Storytime for children aged 2–5 on Tuesdays, and an after-school LEGO Club on Tuesdays. Younger siblings are welcome at Rhymetime and Storytime.

Benchelo’s Indoor Play Centre and Cafe

Families can visit for indoor play or arrange a children’s party. Children must wear socks and remain actively supervised by a responsible adult over 18; staff provide general supervision only. Contact the centre in advance for party bookings.

🌟 Youth participation and early learning

East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors

Young people aged 12–25 who live, work or study in East Gippsland can contribute to local projects and Council decision-making. Monthly meetings are held in Bairnsdale, with an online participation option.

Bairnsdale Childcare & Kinder

Families can access long day care and Victorian Government-funded three- and four-year-old kindergarten. Care groups extend from infancy to school age, while qualified teachers deliver the kindergarten programs through play-based learning.

💛 Parenting, family and carer support

Gippsland Lakes Complete Health – Maternal and Child Health

Free support is available to families with children aged 0–6, including regular health checks, information and advice. First-time parents can attend New Parents Group sessions, while Sleep and Settle workshops are offered in Bairnsdale, at home via Zoom or by appointment through outreach support.

Gippsland Lakes Complete Health – Family Services

Families with children up to 18 can seek practical support, information and advice when dealing with parenting challenges, financial hardship, family conflict, social isolation or relationship difficulties. Access is through the GLCH Intake Worker, with services available in Bairnsdale and other East Gippsland locations.

Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative – Family Support Services

GEGAC supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, parents and families with children across East Gippsland. Families may refer themselves, while referrals can also come from relatives, schools, professionals or Child Protection. Enquiries are directed to Family Support Services Intake via main reception.

Uniting Vic.Tas – Bairnsdale Community Services

The Bairnsdale access point covers child, family and parenting supports, youth services, carer support, kinship care and related assistance. It also identifies The Orange Door as a free, no-referral service for adults, children and young people affected by family violence, and families needing extra help with children. Some specialist family services are accessed through Uniting’s Sale office.

📌 Before you go

• Check current session dates and age requirements before attending.
• Ask whether bookings, enrolment forms or intake discussions are required.
• Confirm current fees for paid activities, childcare and kindergarten.
• Discuss accessibility, cultural safety or participation needs directly with the provider.
• Check adult-supervision requirements, particularly for play activities.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, program or community group serving Bairnsdale or the surrounding region, you are warmly invited to add your offering or update your existing listing.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on bairnsdale.city.