mornington tourist railway, moorooduc
Step back in time and jump on board your booth carriage of the Mornington Heritage Tourist Railway. Open up the windows and let the fresh peninsula air refresh your face as you watch the scenery zoom past.
All aboard for some train fun!
This is SUCH a fun day out. Step back in time and jump on board your booth carriage, on the Mornington Tourist Railway! Open up the windows and let the peninsula air refresh your face as you watch the scenery zoom past.
Listen out for the toot and don’t forget to wave to the people you pass by.
The journey from Moorooduc station to Mornington is about 15 minutes - or 30 minutes return. The perfect amount of time to keep the little ones happy.
When you disembark from the train at the halfway mark, you can watch the captain (in full uniform) hop off and direct the carriage back into position, ready for the journey home.
Once back to Moorooduc you have the chance to board the drivers cabin and have a chat to the driver.
There are a few days a year where the train offers themed days - like Easter Bunny, Superheroes, Teddy Bear Picnic etc.
This is a day out that the kids will remember!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Every Sunday 4 sessions
10.30am, 12pm, 1.45pm, 3pm
(More trains operate during school holidays)
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Right next to the station is the cute little Mt Eliza Regional Park Playground.
mama and me camp, mornington peninsula
Hand on heart, this experience is THE best thing this Mamma has EVER done with Master 12.
Hand on heart, this experience is THE best thing this Mamma has EVER done with Master 12.
It’s not often - if at all - that you get to totally immerse yourself in uninterrupted one-on-one time with your child. A time where you can be fully present and not have to worry about anything other than connection. Getting to know your child all over again, but more importantly - your child getting to know you as a person, not just as a nagging mum!
How often are we mums the ones who miss out on the fun because we are too busy organising everyone else, being behind the camera, watching from the sidelines?
The Mama and Me camps hosted by Mindful Mamas, are the perfect opportunity to just press pause on everything else and focus on your child, yourself and your connection. All of your meals are cooked for you - you don’t even have to do the washing up! There’s no washing to fold, places to drive to, nowhere to be - except present.
On this particular camp, at Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza, it was all about action! Mamma and crew put fear aside and partook in Tree Rolling, Archery, Zip Line, Flying fox and even the GIANT SWING! Now this took a LOT of courage from everyone, but the rewards of seeing how proud all the kids were of their mamas - their looks of awe and shouts of encouragement - there’s nothing like it! It’s mums chance to be the cool, fun parent!
There’s time for reflection with ‘circle time’ where mums and sons can speak about their favourite part of the day and what they want to take away from the experience - and it’s so interesting to hear from the kids perspective.
These camps also run with mamas and daughters - and there is even a MAMA’S ONLY camp happening next year!
Again, Mamma cannot recommend this experience enough - if it’s something you have been thinking about, DO IT! You won’t regret it!!
the nitty gritty
Activities are based on kids aged 5 - 13.
The camp Mamma attended was held at Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza - locations vary
There are payment plans that start early so you can budget for the camp with plenty of time
Options:
Mama and Son Camp
Mama and Daughter Camp
Mama Camp
Mamma's special mention
Why not make a it a full treat weekend and head to the wonderful Peninsula Hot Springs as well?
boneo discovery park, fingal
This place has all the magic ingredients for a perfect family day out!
This is one of Mamma's all time happy places. There is just so much to do, and everywhere you look there is so much natural beauty!
Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, taking in the beautiful indigenous flora and fauna - perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot some frogs and water birds along your way. One thing you will be guaranteed to see are the giant animal-lanterns spread throughout the wetlands.
Follow the path to lead you to the games area. Here you can play with giant games like chess, jenga and connect four. Get lost in two mazes -one hedge and one wooden; climb up the lookout to get a wonderful birds-eye view. And take a ride on Mamma's absolute favourite - an exquisite old-style carousel! The detail on this beauty is extraordinary.
Follow the path back to the great little licensed cafe serving delicious food; complete with a pool table, chalk-table, board games and plenty of colouring in tools! And on school holidays they have additional activities for the kids like arts and crafts, and guided workshops!
Walk down to the lake's edge and look for frogs, or relax on one of the lounges on the deck. Cross over the lake for the adventure zone. Here you will be able to test your skills on the climbing wall, bungy trampolines or explore King Lake on the pedal boats. (Extra cost for these).
There is also a high ropes course, with a zip liner! For the littler ones there is a tadpole harness climb.
And of course, the fabulous mini-golf. Perfect for all ages as the littler ones can tee-off from the red flags, while adults and older kids start from the blue flag. On the other side of the fence you can watch lambs frolic in their paddock, making for gorgeous scenery everywhere you look.
This place has all the magic ingredients for a perfect family day out!
Mamma's special mention
Why not make a day of it and head to the wonderful Peninsula Hot Springs as well?
ashcombe maze and lavender gardens, shoreham
Everywhere you look the view here is breathtaking, with a playground and an onsite cafe - it’s the perfect way to spend the day!
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens in Shoreham, is absolutely stunning!
Everywhere you look the view is breathtaking in any season. Autumn is a great time to visit with the gorgeous multi-coloured leaves scattered all over the ground. Perfect for making leaf-angels!
There’s a brand new playground showcasing wooden cubby houses, climbing walls, tunnels, slides and even a sandpit! Alongside jumbo garden games and a gorgeous little fairy garden (made by Steph the Fairy Maker).
There are 3 different mazes to challenge yourself with; hedge, rose, and lavender. Not to mention the amazing gardens with features like; lily ponds, water fountains, a lake and the most amazing trees.
There’s also a fairy garden to explore with some wooden cuts out - inviting the perfect selfie opportunity.
The best bit - upon entry, grab your clipboard with names of 9 fairies and 9 gnomes that are hidden amongst the gardens and set out on a challenge to find them all! Not an easy feat, as they are very well hidden! Once complete, take your entry back to reception to claim a prize!
There’s a cafe onsite - or bring your own picnic - it is a perfect way to spend the day!
the nitty gritty
15 Red Hill -Shoreham Rd, Shoreham
OPEN
9am - 5pm
7 days
Picnics allowed
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Treat yourself and head down the road to the delicious Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, or checkout the stunning Flinders Blowhole.
harry potter: a forbidden forest experience, mount martha
Experience the enchanted illuminated forest filled with all the wizardry wonder and muggle madness you'd expect from Harry Potter!
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Mount Martha is a truly unique experience that Harry Potter fans are simply going to adore.
Experience the enchanted forest filled with all the wizardry wonder and muggle madness you'd expect from Harry Potter!
Mamma's crew were mesmerised by this mystical, slighty spooky and spectacular experience. The highlights had to be casting a patronus - the crew managed to produce a bunny, wolf and weasel!
The walk through the illuminated forest takes you on a journey - both visual and audial, through scenes from the Harry Potter story. Amazing effects will show Harry confronting Dementors, unicorns timidly walking through the forest, the enchanted Ford Anglia crashed amongst the trees, Aragog coming out of his nest and SO much more.
The walk will take between an hour to an hour and a half - depending on how much you stop and interact. There’s a little Hogsmeade replica for you to sit and enjoy some Butterbeer, hot chocolate and a variety of hot food. You can even toast some marshmallows!
Whilst this experience isn’t exactly a cheap one, it is definitely a unique one - that will leave a lasting memory!
the nitty gritty
The Briars Community Forest, 442 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha, 3934
OPENS
6th April 2024
Mondays-Sundays,
5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. (Sunday - Thursday last entry at 9:45 p.m.) (Friday- Saturday last entry at 10:15 p.m.)
Duration: approx. 60-90 minutes (the walking trail takes approx 45-75 minutes)
Tickets from $49
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Fuel up on some yummy burgers and chips at Loosies Diner before your adventure!
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
enchanted adventure, arthurs seat
This is one jam-packed adventure garden! The fun just keeps on coming.
This is one jam-packed adventure garden! The fun just keeps on coming.
Mamma’s crew can't decide which thrilling adventure was the highlight! Torn between the epic tube slide, the tree surfing and the Sky Scramble - a giant ball pit suspended in a net in the treetops - it was all AMAZING!
You can opt to include the Grand Tree Surfing/Nippers Tree Surfing or simply get a general admission ticket. The tree-climbing is available for kids as young as 4 if they dare - with a separate ‘Nippers” area.
Both of these experiences are high amongst the trees, where they can test their strength and skills climbing up nets, through tunnels, along bridges and zip-lining down to the ground.
One of the newest additions is the Sky Scramble - an awesome aerial playground - set high up in the sky you can walk on wobbly bridges, climb through tunnels, bounce in the giant ball pit and disembark down huge slides! This is for kids under 135cm only. But older kids can still enjoy walking in the Treetop canopy along a wobbly bridge!
There’s also a Pirate ship kids can jump onboard - go under the deck and pretend to steer!
Then, of course, there's the awesomely fast and twisty tube-slides. There are 6 straight slides, 1 twisty slide and the kids slide. Watch out, when they say fast - they mean it! So. Much. Fun.
There are 5 different mazes spread throughout the gardens. All challenging and great fun.
You can refresh in the cafe with a cool drink - or a delicious hot chocolate and hot chips for those cooler days. Yum.
There is SO much to do here, be prepared to stay and play the day away!
the nitty gritty
Opening hours are 9am to 5pm every day of the year except closed Christmas Day.
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's Special Mention
Keep the good times rolling and check out the spectacular view at The Eagle Skylift
locked in escape rooms, mornington
Get ready for the perfect amount of adrenalin pumping, brain stimulating, challenging fun!
Get ready for the perfect amount of adrenalin pumping, brain stimulating, challenging fun!
Locked in Escape Rooms in Mornington are a must if you’re looking for a fun family outing. It’s a great opportunity to work together and have a few laughs along the way!
Mamma’s crew attempted the Wizard’s Lair room - with a difficulty level of 3 and recommended for first timers and families.
In this room, you are apprentice wizards/witches who have been chained to the wall of an evil wizard’s lair and you have 60 minutes to escape before he returns and transforms you into a toad!
Mamma wont give anything away, but you will work your way through all sorts of riddles and puzzles and will need your thinking caps (or witches hats) on! The terrific staff play their role superbly and remain in character throughout. You will need to put your phones in a locker, so no cheating!
Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult and is advised for ages 7+. Miss 9 did get a little intimidated by the chains and darkness at the very start - but warmed to it and loved it in the end. There are also rooms specifically for kids 7 - 12 here as well!
Mamma’s crew cannot wait to go back and try a harder room next time! It really is a fantastic idea for some family fun!
the nitty gritty
2/2A Carbine Way
Mornington, VIC
Open
Wed & Sun
10:30am–4:30pm
Thu, Fri, & Sat
10:30am–8:30pm
Wanna know more?
Click here
Mamma’s Special Mention
Head down the road for a meal at Loosie’s Diner after you escape!
point nepean discovery tents @ quarantine station precinct, portsea
Going in a camping trip with the family is one of the great Aussie traditions. It gets us out and into the outdoors, allowing us to explore nature and spend time making great memories with family. You can do all of this in the stunning Point Nepean National Park at the historic Quarantine Station.
Going on a camping trip with the family is one of the great Aussie traditions. It gets us out and into the outdoors, allowing us to explore nature and spend time making great memories with family. You can do all of this at the STUNNING Point Nepean National Park located on Bunurong Country, at the historic Quarantine Station.
Parks Victoria have an amazing setup here, right on the tip of Mornington Peninsula. At the NEW Discovery Tent area, you can hire a two or four person tent that is all set up for your before you arrive. Each tent is on its own platform, has storage inside and stretcher beds - all you have to bring is some bedding, a head torch or two, some camp chairs and sense of adventure. This is the perfect introduction to family camping and all without having to bring everything - or more importantly - how to get a tent back into the bag at the end!
The park is fully equiped with showers, toilets, kitchen, phone charging station and cooking facilities - they even have all the cutlery and cookery you need, you just bring the food. The office has trolleys that will help you unload your gear from the car as you arrive and once you are set up, the fun begins.
From the park, you can explore the Quarantine Station, grab an iPod for a self guided audio tour of the area, catch the bus to Fort Nepean for the most stunning views or you can even hire a bike and ride if you wish. The beach is a stones throw away from the camping - it’s not recommended for swimming here because of unstable conditions, but paddling in the shallows is perfect and there is plenty of sand for castle building.
There is so much history and interesting things to see during your stay. Keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, blue tongues, snakes and the forever elusive dolphin.
Mamma’s special mentions:
Make sure you have a light with enough battery to stay on overnight because it is dark inside the tents.
Bring a barbecue dinner and enjoy on the communal picnic tables.
Pop a soccer ball or some cricket stumps in the car. There is heaps of outdoor space to enjoy or even bring the kite. Bikes are great too - plenty of flat areas to ride.
The coffee van is up near the information centre and do a mean latte and icy poles.
the nitty gritty
Coleman Rd, Portsea
Wanna know more?
Click here
Mamma Knows Melbourne and Parks Victoria worked in collaboration to bring you this south side adventure.
the funky farm, hastings
All Mamma can say is - wow! What an experience the wonderful Funky Farm is. Where else can you cuddle a wombat? Walk with emus? Wander amongst the wallabies and wonder at the prehistoric likeness of the saltwater crocodiles?
All Mamma can say is - wow! What an experience this wonderful place is. Where else can you cuddle a wombat? Walk with emus? Wander amongst the wallabies and wonder at the prehistoric likeness of the saltwater crocodiles? All included in your admission price - no added on fees to feed or pat ANY incredible animal here. AND, the whole farm is wheelchair accessible - even incorporating perspex fencing so viewing these magnificent animals is always possible.
Included in your ticket is a guided tour, with a fantastic, passionate - very knowledgeable guide, in small groups. So you will have a chance to learn, pat and have a photo with all of the animals.
Mamma can’t help but to have a particular love for the giant, cheeky wombats. There are a couple living here, and they are super friendly and a little bit naughty. You can get right up close, pat and if you’re lucky - you may even get a cuddle from these beautiful creatures.
Then there are the placid dingoes, who love a pat (and may even give your hands a little lick.) Loads of reptiles - lizards of all sizes and even a few huge snakes! You’ll also get to check out some crocodiles!
You’ll also be able to hand feed some kangaroos, wallabies and emus and have a chat to some magnificent coloured birds, some may even chat back to you!
This has to be one of Mamma’s crews all time favourite spots. The lovely owners have some fantastic plans in store to create some shows, and are always adding great new experiences. They’re extremely passionate about inclusiveness and have even created a whole separate section for a pathways program. Check out more about their Mornington Peninsula Wildlife Project here.
All animals at this wildlife sanctuary are rescue animals and they are very much loved members of The Funky Farm family.
*note - You will need to book in advance. No walk ins. The Farm can also come to you! School groups, parties and more.
Mamma’s special mention:
Keep the animal fun going and head down the road for a coffee and feed the animals at the stunning Benton Rise Farm
pure peninsula honey farm, moorooduc
The Peninsula Honey Farm offers kids a chance to watch bees work in a glass beehive; make their own bees wax candle and sample dozens of locally made honey!
Now here’s a tasty experience the whole family can enjoy!
The Peninsula Honey Farm offers kids a chance to watch bees work in a glass beehive; make their own bees wax candle (with the most delightful honey scent) and sample dozens of locally made honey!
Grown ups will also enjoy sampling flavours like orange blossom, eucalyptus, and creamed honey with cinnamon and lemon. Also available for tasting (and purchase) is the most delicious honey and ginger cider, made with Pure Peninsula Honey and made locally.
At the shop you can purchase all things honey and bee related - from soft teddies, umbrellas and gumboots through to honeycomb, honey pops, honey and macadamia ice-cream and, of course - buckets of honey!
There’s outdoor seating so you can sit outside and enjoy your ice-cream! It’s a great day out!
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the produce coming and head down the road to the incredible Benton Rise Farm
rocky creek strawberry farm, main ridge
From November to April you can visit this beautiful strawberry farm and fill your punnet to the brim.
There is nothing more tasty than a huge, ripe, sweet strawberry - and nothing compares to picking your own!
From November to April you can visit this beautiful strawberry farm in Main Ridge and fill your punnet to the brim. It can get a bit muddy, but never fear - they supply some gorgeous blue bootie covers to protect your shoes!
You can take your time strolling through dozens of rows in the strawberry patch, in search of the biggest and best ones!
Then, once you have as many as you can fit in your container - you can head to the cafe and enjoy some strawberry ice cream, scones with fresh jam and cream - OR indulge in Mamma’s favourite - the Strawberry fondue, combining delicious melted Belgian chocolate and big juicy strawberries. This also comes in a kids size - yum! You can also purchase other delights like freeze-dried berries, honey, strawberry wine - and more, from the shop.
Depending how the season goes, you can also pick blueberries and blackberries as well.
With the little kids easily able to pick their own - this is an experience the whole family will love!
the nitty gritty
Strawberry picking season is from mid November - April
Open every day 9am - 5pm (last picking is at 4.30pm)
Cafe and shop open May - October
Fri - Sun 11am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
All that picking is sure to build up thirst! Why not check out the incredibly family friendly Green Olive Winery not too far away?!
zayak sea sled @ reef board hire, mornington
Kids can check out what’s on the bottom of the ocean, without having to even get their faces wet!
Now THIS is a very cool experience!
Kids can check out what’s on the bottom of the ocean, without having to even get their faces wet!
These boards look like a mix between a kayak and a massage table, offering a neoprene ‘mask’ of sorts, where you look through a glass bottom. It’s like snorkeling without the need to be immersed in water - or breathe through a tube - so much easier for kids!
You can hire a zayak sea sled by the hour and explore the bay, cruising leisurely around the peaceful - and flat - shores of Schnapper Point in Mornington.
The boards come with straps so the little ones can be pulled along, providing the perfect viewing point to check out what lays beneath - coral, fish - Mamma’s crew even saw a starfish or two!
Older kids and adults can paddle along themselves, perhaps with flippers, but they’re not essential.
At the boat shed you can also hire kayaks, paddle boards and boats! Bookings are essential.
the nitty gritty
Boatshed 7 Scout Beach, Schnapper Point Dr, Mornington VIC 3931
Bookings are essential
From $15 per hour
Kids aged 3+ (supervised obviously)
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
The boatshed is right next to Mornington Park Playground and opposite the delicious Okay Lucy Gelateria
dino sand sculpting @ boneo discovery park, fingal
Dino Sand Sculpting has arrived at Boneo Discovery Park this summer!
Dino Sand Sculpting has arrived at Boneo Discovery Park this summer!
Go on a prehistoric journey taking in incredible works of art, from some of Australia’s best sand artists. There are dozens of dinos to spy, some are even roaring and moving animatronic ones, too!
The is one the whole family will enjoy! You can also create your own sand art.
There’s lots to do while at Boneo Discovery Park -play some mini golf, enjoy the garden mazes and giant lawn games, BRAND NEW tree surfing and more!
the nitty gritty
Opening 3rd December
Entry to sandsculpting is in addition to entry of Boneo Discovery Park admission
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
There’s also a BRAND NEW tree surfing activity - this includes a high rope climbing course with a zip liner - and a tadpole course for the littler ones! Find out more about the fun at Boneo Discovery Park!
red hill trail co, arthurs seat
Looking for adventure? Well, get your motor running and experience the Red Hill Trail on an e-bike!
Looking for adventure? Well, get your motor running!
Or your e-bike riding, actually!
What is an e-bike you may ask? It is just like your regular mountain bike, except it is electric and makes going uphill (almost) seamless. You will still need to pedal, but it takes most of the effort out of the pedalling - basically, it is like you are riding a flat path, even when going up a super steep hill. So it is the perfect way to explore the rugged trails and the stunningly spectacular views of Arthurs Seat and the Red Hill area.
With the super lovely and helpful Father/Son team of Chris and Finn, you are in great hands to help guide you along this 2-3 hour track. They will explain how the e-bike works, and make sure you are in the right gears throughout the different terrain you will encounter.
The track will take you from the top of Arthurs Seat, down through Red Hill and culminate at Merricks, with lots of stops to take in the beauty - and coffee! - along the way.
Now Mamma was totally out of her comfort zone here, having not ridden a bike for over 20 years! So, it may have been a little ambitious! However, thanks to guidance of the lovely operators and encouragement of the crew - made it all the way.
These tours are family friendly, with kids over 8 able to join in! They are also a perfect day trip to have with your friends. There are also different tracks for the more adventurous.
Some little tips and advice:
- make sure you are a confident rider, you don’t need to be super fit, as the e-bike does help - but knowing how to balance and steer are a bonus!!
- E-bikes are a lot different to normal bikes- they are extremely heavy too - so make sure you listen properly to the instructions and get used to the gears before you take off. (You will have a few warm up laps at the carpark to get comfortable before you head off). And if you feel unsure about any part of the trail, just hop off and walk your bike through it.
- Make sure you stop heaps to take in the stunning views, as it really is an amazing ride! ENJOY
Mamma's special mention
There’s lots to see and do while you’re in this gorgeous area - if you want some lunch - check out Red Gum BBQ, if you want to keep the outdoor exercise up - go on the Endeavour Fern gully Rainforest track walk - or for more ideas check out our Mamma Loves Red Hill page.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
9am - 4pm
Bookings are essential
Enter code - MAMMAKNOWSSOUTH2022 for a 10% discount
the big goose, moorooduc
You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case.
You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case. Yes, it is a farm. Yes, it does have animals. But it is so much more.
There are so many animals of every variety. Gaggles of geese, calves, baby goats and sheep - everywhere you turn there are more babies
Inside, the kids get to cuddle bunnies, guinea pigs and reptiles.
Stroll out to the farm and see geese waddling along freely, making quite a racket. Enter the wildlife area and see dingoes, wombats, wallabies, camels and deer. Pass by brightly coloured birds, llamas, donkeys, cows, and so many more animals.
Take a ride on the tractor. With the kids legs dangling off the side, take a 10 minute drive around the farm. From this prime position you can view the beauty of this place, as well us have up-close encounters with all of the animals.
PLUS if you visit on a day above 25 degrees, you can splash around in the awesome splash park!
Then there's the magnificent, multi-level playground. Fun for all ages, having a smaller sandpit area for the young ones, and more adventurous offerings for older kids. There’s even mini golf!
This really is such an amazing place, the whole family will love it. The staff are so kind and welcoming and really go out of their way to make it a special experience for everyone.
Mamma's special mention
Big Goose also run daily sheep dog shows, and reptile shows!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Every day during School Holidays!
10am – 4pm
Term Times:
Summer: Wednesday – Sunday
Winter: Thursday – Sunday
wanna know more?
click here
hawkes farm, boneo
There’s nothing as good as eating a huge, ripe, juicy strawberry, freshly picked by your own hands! Except, of course, if you have travelled on a tractor ride to the strawberry patch, to pick that juicy strawberry, that is!
There’s nothing as good as eating a huge, ripe, juicy strawberry, freshly picked by your own hands! Except, of course, if you have travelled on a tractor ride to the strawberry patch, to pick that juicy strawberry, that is!
Hawkes farm offers your family the chance to jump on board their multi-carriage tractor, to travel across the bumpy terrain and fill up your punnet with their delicious strawberries. Not only that, you also have the opportunity to dig up your own carrots - Peter Rabbit style! There are dozens of rows of carrot patches that the little ones will just love to get their hands all dirty to pull out.
Each tractor ride goes for about 45 minutes - giving you ample time to pick (and sample!) these yummy, fresh morsels.
Once you have filled up your bags, you can also buy some of Hawkes Farms famous scrumptious - thrice cooked - hot chips!
The farmgate also stocks heaps of fresh produce and has a small cafe offering coffee, cold drinks and some snacks.
Loads of yummy family fun!
Mamma's special mention
Feel like more adventure? Head down the road to the awesome Boneo Discovery Park
the nitty gritty
Open
Tractor rides only operate on Saturdays at this stage
Farmgate open everyday
8am - 5pm
searoad ferries - foot passenger, sorrento - queenscliff
Here's a great way to spend a day - sail across the bay! You may be lucky and have dolphins swim beside you!
Here's a great way to spend a day - sail across the bay! If you are lucky, you may even see dolphins frolicking alongside you!
Searoad ferries offer travel from either Sorrento to Queenscliff or the reverse.
This Mamma and crew had a very indulgent Saturday recently and partook in the delightful sail to lunch package. We boarded from the South and travelled out West, leaving our car and traffic behind us. The kids had a ball on board - with a little playground to keep them busy. When we arrived at Queenscliff, we had lunch literally a stones throw away from the golden sand. The kids could play by the seaside whilst this Mamma enjoyed a sneaky sav and succulent fish n chips!
The views are amazing and it is such a beautiful and relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Mamma's special mention
Jump onboard during school holidays to participate in awesome activities. Such as crafts, robot workshops, dolphin fun - and more
the nitty gritty
DETAILS ON LOTTERY!
Click HERE!
Hours
Operates every hour between 7am to 6pm from both ends
wanna know more?
click here
Sorrento - Esplanade, Sorrento
Queenscliff -1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff
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!
