Keeping an active body and mind as you enter the senior years helps you maintain independence, reduces the risk of disease, and increases emotional wellbeing. Whether you love to explore the great outdoors, get your fill of delicious foods, or want to spend more time with the grandchildren, there’s no shortage of things to do in the suburbs of West Melbourne. While some activities do cost a small fee, many are completely free.
Get together with a group of friends or spend a day with the family and check out our suggestions below on activities for the elderly.
Payne Orchards, Bacchus Marsh
For the green thumbs, you can pick fruit at Paynes Orchards in Bacchus Marsh. Depending on the season, you can pick fresh apples, cherries, and stone fruits (such as apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums). All you need is a set of hands to carry back your delicious bounty. This is an event that the whole family can get involved in.
Price: $5 per person 12+ years / $2 children 3-11 years
Altona Miniature Railway
Looking for school holiday activities in Melbourne’s West? You’ve heard of Puffing Billy – but do you know Puffing Jilly? Get to meet her at the Altona Miniature Railway. Fun for the whole family, hitch a ride and whiz around the tracks and through tunnels.
Price: $4 for a single ride
Take a tour at Overnewton Castle
Right in the heart of Keilor, discover the old world grace and charm of a Scottish Baronial-style Homestead, built in 1849. Spend the day exploring four acres of immaculate gardens and learn the history of Overnewton Castle. Alternatively, you can enjoy a High Tea any day of the week. On Sundays, you can sit back on the green and experience “Sunday Sessions”, which is live music and woodfire pizza.
Price:
Tour: Free
High Tea: $70 per person
Sunday Sessions: $30
Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve
This one’s more for the grandkids: spend a day at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve and have a picnic while the young ones play on the play equipment. Take a walk and surround yourselves in nature – this is one of the cheapest West Melbourne activities you’ll find around the area.
Price: Free
Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
Keep active, fit and connect with the community at this state-of-the-art centre. Participate in an aquatics class, treat yourself to a casual spa and steam, or take on small group training and your own pace in the gymnasium – there’s so much to do.
Price: Casual entry prices start at $7.90 a week
Visit a local library
Imagine, explore, discover and connect: there’s so much to do when you visit Keilor Library or Sydenham Library. Beyond the books (and DVDs!) that you can read and borrow for up to three weeks, the events calendar is full of activities that you can get involved in. Just some of them include Keyboard and Mouse Skills, Book Clubs, Practicing Your English, and even Toddler Storytime for some grandkid-grandparent bonding.
Price: Free!
Explore a range of activities from your new home in Western Villages
Make your new postcode 3037, 3023 or 3036 when you move into any of Centennial Living’s Western Villages. With a range of independent living retirement village units and apartments in Keilor, Taylors Lakes, and Burnside for seniors, you can be close to all of the action. You’ll never have to ask, “What recreational activities for the elderly are near me?” anymore! In our charming villages, you can become a part of your very own active retirement community in West Melbourne. Best of all, our residences are surprisingly affordable, and come complete with superb facilities should you wish to spend one day in your own company.
From energy-efficient air conditioning and heating to built-in robes and pet-friendly spaces, everything you would need for the ultimate peace and comfort is right here. Discover more about the Centennial Living experience, or contact us today to speak to our friendly team about scheduling a visit.
