Physical activity
Physical activity consists of active recreation and active travel. Any physical activity done for exercise or enjoyment is active recreation – like going for a bike ride, swimming, dancing, or doing yoga. Walking or riding to and from school is active travel.
The Victorian Government works with partners to deliver programs and initiatives that align with:
- Victoria's priorities for physical activity as outlined in Active Victoria
- Victorian Water Safety Strategy
- Victoria’s Youth Strategy
- Active schools
- Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
Programs and initiatives
VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program
The VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program provides low-cost swimming and water safety lessons at locations across the state
For children aged 4 to 12 years old.
For more information, visit our VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program page.
Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program
The Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program helps young people qualify to teach swimming and water safety.
For young people aged 16 to 25 years old.
For more information, see the Youth Aquatic Accreditation Program page.
Kids Active Travel Program
Kids Active Travel Program encourages primary school aged children to choose active travel options when traveling to and from school.
For more information, see our Kids Active Travel Program page.
Get Active Victoria
Get Active Victoria is the Victorian Government’s flagship physical activity initiative. The program aims to support Victorians to move more, every day.
For more information, visit the Get Active Victoria page.
Research
Infrastructure – lighting of sports facilities
Research to explore if and how lighting public outdoor sports facilities could encourage more Victorians to be physically active.
For a summary of the research findings and key insights see Will lighting outdoor sports facilities help Victorians to be more active?
Infrastructure – outdoor walking paths and outdoor fitness equipment
Research into the use of walking paths and outdoor fitness equipment. The research explores the needs, expectations, barriers and motivators for inactive Victorians.
A presentation with insights from this research is available on the Get Active Victoria website. Scroll down to the Presentations section and look for the Designing active recreation infrastructure for inactive Victorians presentation.
Economic impacts
Research to quantify the contribution of active recreation to the Victorian economy as direct and indirect revenue and employment. It includes an analysis of potential return on investment.
To view the final report, see Economic impacts of active recreation in Victoria.
Resources
Lighting Outdoor Sports Facilities for Active Recreation – Implementation Guide
Visit our resources section for the Lighting Outdoor Sports Facilities for Active Recreation – Implementation Guide.
Guidelines for creating outdoor spaces that help more people to be active
Visit our resources section for guidelines for planning, installing and activating outdoor fitness equipment.