dinosaur world, somerville
Dinosaur fans UNITE! Every kid Mamma knows loves dinosaurs, so add this to your to do list ASAP if you haven't already.
Every kid Mamma knows loves dinosaurs, so add this to your to do list ASAP if you haven't already. This is as close to the real thing as we are (hopefully) ever going to get, and yes they do look real - they also move and growl so some little ones may get a bit scared. NEW Dinos have now been added to an extra space out the back, including water Dinos AND a Dino Train that rattles around the new space every hour from 10 to 3.
There are over 20 dinosaurs to see and read about, plus if you're lucky you might get to meet Wilson the walking dino. Plus you can also experience being a paleontologist in the fossil dig. They have recently added a playground too for some more dino themed fun They also do birthday parties ROAR-some!
Mamma's special mention: The park is in a Christmas tree plantation and sometimes you can go for a carriage ride around the pines too, So much fun! Check out STORY TIME on Fridays.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - playground
Friday 10am - 3pm
Sat/Sun 10am–4pm
Public Holidays
(except Good Friday)
Every day in school holidays
*Dinosaur World is open every day over the June/July school holidays but will close for winter from July 15 and reopen 1st September*
Wanna know more? click here
phillip island chocolate factory, newhaven
Sweet Mamma chocolate dreams! Panny’s Chocolate Factory that rests beside the road as you head through the island is a coco-lover’s haven and the kids will be impressed too.
The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory in Newhaven is one of the first things you will see as you cross the bridge into Phillip Island, and for all those chocolate lovers - it is a must visit!
The factory is a shop, cafe and interactive museum all in one. Tours are self guided and take families through the entire process of chocolate making from bean to packaging. Your ticket is edible - a block of chocolate!
On the walkthrough, you will visit Dame Edna, the chocolate train, the 3D zoetrope all before hitting the side show ally (where you play games to win chocolate!), the chocolate waterfall (YES - A WHOLE WALL OF CHOCOLATE) and the penguin robots- distributing a chocolate pastille).
Finish up by making your own chocolate swirl and watch it slowly cross the conveyor belt where you can then grab and eat it!
Although there is not a lot to sample within the tour, you will be craving it once you finish! And as luck will have it - the cafe and shop is filled to the eyeballs with chocolatey goodness - Mamma can’t get enough of the chocolate caramels and freckles - YUM!
Note - on rainy days you will see this place practically overflowing with peeps, consider this a friendly warning!
the nitty gritty
Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, Phillip Island
OPEN
7 Days
10am - 5pm
last tour is at 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
There’s SO MUCH to do in Phillip Island - click here for Mamma’s MUST DO’s.
melbourne cable park, bangholme
This awesome park is split into FOUR sections: Ride (which is cable wakeboarding) Aqua Park (an inflatable obstacle course), Climb and NOW Mini Golf!
This awesome park is split into FOUR sections: Ride (which is cable wakeboarding) Aqua Park (an inflatable obstacle course), Climb and NOW Mini Golf!
.
The Climb is amazing - with 5 levels of high climbing, vertigo inducing FUN!
Adults and kids (aged 5+) can get harnessed up and challenge themselves on obstacles like; rock walls, tight-rope walking, zip-line, pedal cars, bucket climb and SO much more.
The lower level is solely for kids aged 5 - 10, with adults able to walk around the course to assist. The top 4 levels are for adults and kids 10+, and you have 1 hour to push yourself to the limit! You can purchase an extra hour if you really want to challenge yourself!
The mini golf is NEW - there are 18 holes, with obstacles, jumps and hazards. The course will take about 45-1hr to get through. Just grab your putter and ball from reception and head down. It’s got a great view of the wakeboarding too!
Mamma also just LOVES the Aqua Park in the summer months and will be hitting the wakeboarding next summer! So stay tuned!
the nitty gritty
5 River End Rd, Bangholme
Climb: Arrive 30 minutes before your session for harnessing and the safety briefing.
Wear runners. No thongs or Crocs.
Mamma's special mention
After all that physical activity, you may require a sugar hit. The awesome Gelato Unou isn’t far away!
panorama garden estate - wildlife sanctuary & secret gardens, boneo
This is truly an experience like no other. Where else will you find a family of Albino kangaroos hopping about?
Mamma cannot get over the awesome panoramic views at this gorgeous place on the Mornington Peninsula.
From up high you can see both Port Phillip and Western Port bays, surrounded by spectacular, sprawling, manicured gardens that are sprinkled with flowers, vegetables, waterfalls and gorgeous wildlife.
This wonderful, privately-owned 55 acres has 18 different gardens to walk through, and is truly an experience like no other. Where else will you find a miniature cow roaming freely munching on grass? Or a family of Albino kangaroos hopping about?
Not only is this wonderful place perfect for getting some exercise and fresh air whilst amongst amazing beauty - it is also a wildlife sanctuary and home to many animals such as; miniature cows, horses, goats, pigs, alpacas, kangaroos, donkeys, emus and many more. Special shout out to the big turkey, who takes it upon himself to be guardian of the property!
This is such a cool place with one of the most breathtaking views this Mamma has ever seen!
Mamma's special mention
Head up the road to enjoy some delicious food and a cheeky drink at the wonderful Green Olive Winery. Or stop and pick some strawberries at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm.
the nitty gritty
Open
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
10am - 2pm
The walk takes aprox 1.5 hours
not pram/wheelchair accessible
Cost
Adults - $30
Kids over 5 $20-
Kids under 5 - FREE
Wanna know more?
click here
Boneo
click here for more great family experiences in Melbourne's South
rain hayne and shine animal farm, balnarring
This wonderful farm has so many adorable animals to feed and cuddle. But you simply cannot go past the piglets.
One word. Piglets.
Mamma is in love. This wonderful farm has so many adorable animals to feed and cuddle. But you simply cannot go past the piglets. They steal Mamma's heart!
There are also calves, donkeys, ponies, lambs, goats, emus, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and more!
For smaller animals that you can cuddle, there's a separate shed that is home to many bunnies, guinea pigs and lots of chickens. If you are lucky there may even be some gorgeous chicks to look at, too.
There are also dozens of toy trucks and cars; as well as a sandpit. swing and slide the kids can play with, free tractor rides, pony rides and a small kiosk where you can get a coffee/drink and snack. But you are free to bring in your own food and picnic at one of the many picnic tables available.
There's lots of fun to be had and memories to be made at this farm!
the nitty gritty
490 Stumpy Gully Rd, Balnarring
Saturday - Wednesday
10am - 4pm
SUMMER SCHOOL HOLDAYS Open daily 10am – 5pm from 1st Jan to 29th Jan
(Last entry 4pm)
STORYTIME daily throughout school holidays 11am & 2pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Check out Benton Rise Farm on your way home to pick up your fresh produce, grab a coffee and feed some more animals!
the bramble farm, langwarrin
How good are ripe raspberries? Almost as good as fresh blackberries!
How good are ripe raspberries? Almost as good as fresh blackberries!
At this gorgeous farm, you can pick as many berry goodies as you like! With over 10,000 vines of brambleberries and 28,000 canes of raspberries - there are delicious berries for as far as your eyes can see!
This is such a gorgeous little farm, with beautiful gardens, a couple of ponies and even a little playground to entertain the kids!
If you are lucky, you may even sight some pretty pussycats roaming the farm, too!
Mamma's special mention
As well as picking your own fruit, you can also purchase delicious home-made preserves, toppings, marmalades and honey produced on the farm! You can even buy a coffee or cool drink as well!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
November to April
9am to 5pm 7 days a week
Minimum pick your own purchase $10
wanna know more?
click here
peninsula hot springs, fingal
Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids
What could be more relaxing than immersing yourself in hot water, surrounded by the green leafy tranquillity of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula? Not much!
The best part is, you can relax even with the kids! Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids!
There are separate tubs for the kids, family pools - and little areas where the kids can play in the shallow section whilst you soak in the deeper - jetted areas.
Mamma's favourite things are the little tubs that the kids can sit and play in - super cute and keeps them occupied (and happy!) for ages.
For the hot days, there are also cold plunge pools to refresh in, and pools of varying temperatures.
If you want to really indulge, there are spa treatments available, a sauna, massage chairs and a delicious on site cafe.
Mamma's special mention
Make the day truly memorable and pair it with a package that includes an Indigenous Cultural guided walk and meditation through Rye. This is AMAZING!
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday to Sunday
7am - 10pm
Cost
$25 – $55 per person
Click here for updated pricing
There are loads of spa treatments available as well!
wanna know more? click here
the red hill peony estate, red hill
Take some time out to stop and smell the.. peonies!
Ahhhh peonies - arguably the worlds most favourite flower.
These beauties only stick around for a few months from November, so are coveted and admired by many.
The Red Hill Peony Estate opened its lovely Turkish doors this year to the public, so we all get to experience this amazing place.
The property has been handed down to each generation since the 1880's and you can feel the love and passion the current sisters who run the place (and also live on the grounds) have.
Mamma came on the opening weekend when only a few blooms had decided to show their faces, so the ideal time to visit is late November.
But there are still plenty of gorgeous gardens to see and explore on the estate and the bubble man kept the kids entertained for ages. There was also a playground at the property but it was closed on the day Mamma went.
Don't forget to say hi to the chooks!
the nitty gritty
$12 entry for adults - no toilets - 800m walk to the peonies - pram friendly for the most part - purchase peonies at the cool store for $25 a bunch
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Don the gumboots and come back in the winter for the truffle hunt!
moonlit sanctuary, pearcedale
This AMAZING wildlife sanctuary is somewhere you absolutely have to add to your must-do list! Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabys, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats......... and more!
Want to cuddle a koala? Have a kangaroo eat out of your hand? See Tasmanian devils cuddling?
Well - does Mamma have the place for you!
This AMAZING wildlife sanctuary is somewhere you absolutely have to add to your must-do list!
There is so much to see here, and the sanctuary itself is simply stunning.
Set on a 25-acre biopark, in the heart of Mornington Peninsula, is this tree-filled, wildlife haven.
Kangaroos, wallabies, ducks and all-sorts of birds, freely roam the path, stopping at your feet to literally eat of your hands (bags of food are included in entry price).
For an extra fee, you can have the incredible encounter of cuddling a koala! This Mamma could not resist the opportunity to stroke its surprisingly soft fur, as he lazily munched on some leaves. This experience was super cool, and I highly recommend doing it if you can!
There are Tasmanian devils, seriously gorgeous wombats, owls, eagles, lizards, tortoise, snakes, spot tail quolls, dingoes - and lots of beautiful birds.
There's also an option to have a Night Tour, so you can see another perspective of this wonderful place.
the nitty gritty
550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd Pearcedale
OPEN
10am - 5pm every day except for Christmas Day
Night Tours - must be booked by 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
There are lots of tables and areas to have a picnic lunch, as well as a small cafe on site.
Mamma's tip - if you go in colder months - make sure to wear gumboots as it gets very muddy!
kids high tea on the high seas - searoad ferries
Treat the kids to a taste-bud tantalising High Tea on the high seas!
Sail the high seas in high style!
Crossing the bay has never been so much fun.
Kids can now experience their own lap of luxury with an indulgent High Tea treat!
Cookie monster cupcakes, macarons, caramel popcorn, lollies, scones, sausage rolls, sandwiches and fairy bread are just some of the things on offer on tiered plates.
Whist the taste-buds are being tantalised, take in the beautiful scenery as you cruise across the bay, you may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin swimming along side you!
There is also a beautiful fairy helping to keep the kids entertained with face painting fun!
Mamma says treat the kids to something special during the school holidays, they will love you for it!
Mamma's special mention
There is so much to do on board during the School Holidays.
For more info ion these activities, click here
Don't worry Mamma's- you don't miss out. Adults High Tea are just as exquisite, and even include a cheeky sparkling, too! For more info on regular Adult's High Tea - click here.
the nitty gritty
DATES
September 26
October 1st
Departing Sorrento at 2pm
Departing Queenscliff at 11am
PRICE
Adults - $55
Kids - $35
Kids 0- 3 $15
Kids must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Wanna know more?
click here.
Esplanade, Sorrento VIC
1 Wharf St East, Queenscliff
for more family experiences in melbourne's south, click here
penguin parade, summerlands beach
The Penguin Parade is a MUST DO for any trip down to the Island.
Waddle-waddle-waddle - a waddling we go! The Penguin Parade is a MUST DO for any trip down to the Island. Each night over 500 little penguins make their way up the beach to their burrows and we are lucky enough to watch and even get a front row seat to the action.
You have the choice of 3 sections to sit and view this daily waddle. The prized ticket is for an underground viewing - the best seats in the house. The groups of birds walking centimetres from the windows, pausing momentarily to stare right back at you! This intimate underground viewing room is capped at 70 people and is the perfect choice in the middle of winter when the weather is unpredictable.
The Penguins Plus option is another upgrade option that is well worth it as your little ones can really get a great view of the other little ones as they meander under and past the boardwalks. The other option is general viewing where you get a wonder vantage point of the shoreline and the penguins crossing the sand.
Regardless of your ticket option, you will get to see and hear the little penguins up close as many make their way home to bed up around the main boardwalks. Unfortunately no photos can be taken of the parade itself to share - I guess you will just have to take the family and see them for yourselves.
The brand new visitors centre is great too. Some great video displays let you get up close to the digital version of the birds - without having to get wet!
Mammas special mentions: The Mammas just love Phillip Island. For all the best things to do with the fam, check out Mamma Knows South’s guide to the Island HERE.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
the penguins arrive at around sunset so check local times closer to when you plan your trip
FOR MORE FUN IDEAS AT PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS CLICK HERE
wanna know more? click here
Ventnor Road, Summerlands, Phillip Island
click here for more great family experiences in Melbourne's south
koala conservation centre, rhyll
The Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island is quality eco-education - Koalas in their natural habitat with boardwalks allowing visitors to get a closer view.
Our furry friends the koala - or as in Mamma’s house - ko-arrr-la - are right at home in this eucalyptus haven. The Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island is quality eco-education. Visitors walk through the information centre and learn all about the ecosystems as well as the sights, sounds and smells that awaits. The feature of the centre are the natural habitats with tree top boardwalks, bringing visitors up a little closer to the fluffy little fellas. As it isn’t your typical zoo and exhibit type set up, you have to have your eyes peeled, voices low and a bit of patience up your sleeve. Rangers record each day how many koalas you are likely to spot on each walkway - very much like a game of eye-spy. Mamma found all on the first boardwalk, but only saw one out of four on the other. After you have found them all in the gum trees do take a stroll along the paths through the native bushland. You might even spot a wallaby or two.... maybe four.
Mamma’s special mention: The best way to see all the great nature parks that are on offer at Phillip Island is with a 3 Park Pass and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven, 500m as you arrive onto the Island. There are lots of options and can include the Penguin Parade, Arctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island.
Phillip Island Road, Phillip Island
churchill island, phillip island
An island off an island! Churchill Island is a must do if you have a family and kids learning all the different animal noises.
An island off an island. Churchill Island is a must do if you have a family and kids learning all the different animal noises! This historic island is a little oasis and wonderful little spot to spend the afternoon, learning about Australian farm life. The best time is the afternoon were the farm comes alive with whip cracking, cow milking, working dog demonstrations and sheep shearing. Although it is also the busiest time, there is plenty of room to see, especially sitting on nanny’s hip. There are your classic farm animals from the cows, sheep, a couple of pigs and chooks. Then of course, keep your eyes out for a turkey, some ferrets, peacock and don’t forget to sneak behind the shearing shed to spy some wallabies. The grounds of this farm are exquisite with stunning gardens surrounding the historical buildings and cottages. Here the family will learn about early European settler life in the original buildings on the property Weather you bring a picnic lunch or dine in the cafe, you are bound to have an enjoyable visit.
Mamma’s special mentions: The best way to see all the great nature parks that are on offer at Phillip Island is with a 3 Park Pass and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven, 500m as you arrive onto the Island. There are lots of options and can include the Penguin Parade, Arctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island.
Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island
garden world, braeside
There is something a little special about this collection of nurseries in Braeside. It is guarded by DINOSAURS. You really can’t miss them as you travel along Springvale Road and I’m pretty sure the kids won’t let you simply drive pass without begging you to stop.
There is something a little special about this collection of nurseries in Braeside. It is guarded by DINOSAURS. You really can’t miss them as you travel along Springvale Road and I’m pretty sure the kids won’t let you simply drive pass without begging you to stop. Gardenworld is set up as a collection of nurseries all specialising in something a little different such as lotus or succulents - pretty much all you need for your next garden project. What makes this an iconic East adventure are the dinosaurs that are tucked amongst the cacti, the triceratops watching over the water features and the enormous skeleton guarding the Collectors Corner. Garden World makes a great morning out and a great dinosaur hunting exercise. Even some other animals make an appearance towering over the tube stock. Now you don’t have to stress, they are certainly not real. Mamma checked and knocked on their backs to prove to Bubs that they were in fact pretend - however, they may be a little scary for the toddlers of the family.
Mamma’s special mention: With a cafe on site as well, best grab a coffee for the trip home! Or you could even pop over to the Estate over the road and search out Tarennet Reserve for some mega-bug discoveries!
Keep your eyes peeled on the events page on the Gardenworld website for some cool things to do with the kids - including these school holidays with the FREE Reptile Show!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
9am - 5pm
7 days
PRICE
FREE (apart from your nursery supplies)
wanna know more? click here
arthurs seat eagle, arthurs seat
Come aboard for the most peaceful ride to the peak of Arthurs Seat.
There is something incredibly peaceful and tranquil about the Arthurs Seat Skylift. It could be the reason it is called the eagle. You soar, slowly, up the hill without a sound. Mamma is tempted to whisper to the family as not to disturb the peace. The sound you are mostly to hear apart from the birds chirping, will the the gasp you will make at the view. It is stunning. From the Dandenong Ranges in the east, the mouth of the bay in the west and the entire front beaches of the Peninsula, you won't get a better view of the place we call home.
The gondolas are roomy with ability to take eight passengers and a small pram would fit nicely too.
Mamma's special mention: Once you take the 15 minute journey uphill it goes without saying - you have to have a sit on Arthur Seat, explore the lookout, check out the walking tracks and grab a snack from the cafe.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
Base Station - Arthurs Seat Rd, Arthurs Seat
luna park, st kilda
You can't mistake that iconic clown's smile that is synonymous with happiness!
Luna Park is an all-time favourite!!
You can't mistake that iconic clown's smile that is synonymous with happiness! Luna Park is an all-time favourite!!
The experience is always just a little bit magical, no matter how many times you visit. It brings back memories of that first time you screamed on the Ghost Train, of when your stomach dropped going down the huge descent on the Scenic Railway - and of the magical view of the South on top of the Ferris Wheel.
A visit here is a family treat and the joy on the kids faces is priceless - it truly is the land of happiness! Bring your own food to keep costs low, and if you live locally, consider an annual pass - it's exceptional value. Also if you are a RACV member, there are discounts available.
Oh Luna Park is situated smack bang in the middle of a foodies paradise, there is no shortage of dining options should you wish to eat before hand. Or go for a walk along the iconic St Kilda Pier
Special Mention
There’s always something fun happening here during the holidays! Check out their Winter Fun HERE
the nitty gritty
OPEN
For Opening Hours Click here
PRICES
Check website here for updated prices.
wanna know more? click here
caldermeade farm, caldermeade
Home to adorable goats, cows, chickens and bunnies. Horses and Llamas are scattered throughout the fields. In the middle of the farm is a large playground and old tractor.
Nestled along the South Gippsland Highway, south of Pakenham and Kooweerup, lies a truly unique experience.
Caldermeade Farm is an operational commercial dairy farm. Now it offers the opportunity for families to come and have a real country experience.
There are a few sheds that are home to adorable goats, cows, chickens and bunnies. Horses and Llamas are scattered throughout the fields. In the middle of the farm is a large playground and old tractor.
At the back of the farm is a cafe that has indoor and outdoor seating. The cafe has recently been updated and offers a varied menu including Devonshire tea and is also fully licensed.
Then there is the milking of the cows. Seeing 400 cows lining up in a row is definitely not a sight you see every day! You get to have a good view upstairs above the milking station, with floor to ceiling glass windows to look out of.
The whole farm is an amazing experience!
Mamma's special mention: Mamma strongly advises to make sure you and your children wear gumboots or shoes you don't mind getting dirty!
Check out their market on the 3rd Saturday of the month
4385 South Gippsland Hwy Caldermeade
