best friend holiday retreat, tarra valley
Best Friend Holiday Retreat in Tarra Valley is pure heaven for dogs, and it’s pretty spectacular for humans, too!
Perched picturesquely in a valley between majestic fern trees and a cascading river with a small waterfall; you will find this absolutely amazing camping ground for all family members - especially the furry kind!
Best Friend Holiday Retreat in Tarra Valley is pure heaven for dogs, and it’s pretty spectacular for humans, too! With a range of different accommodation styles from unpowered tent sites through to deluxe cabins - all with individual fencing to keep your best friend safe and secure. Plus - all doggos are allowed inside and on furniture - infact, they MUST sleep indoors!
On site you will also find 6 HUGE fully fenced off leash play areas, loaded up with balls and ball projectors - plus one that even has giant gym balls to roll down the hills (Mamma’s not sure if the kids love this more than the doggo!).
Mamma is more a cabin kind of camper - and these cabins have everything you need - even the budget ones! Full kitchen, air con, bathroom and BBQ covered deck with spectacular views!
Right next to the site you will find a path down to the creek and waterfall. Here you can fish and even swim (if you are braver than Mamma!).
There’s also a little shop onsite to buy the essentials - and doggy treats - and the staff are so lovely and helpful.
This really is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the absolute serenity of the Tarra Valley!
the nitty gritty
1720 Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley 3971
OPEN
Cabins available all year round, camping grounds closed between June - September
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention
Head down the road to the Tarra Bulga National Park - which hosts one of the most beautiful cool temperate rainforests in Victoria
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.
raymond island, gippsland lakes
Did you know that in the beautiful lakeside Gippsland town of Paynesville, you can catch a free ferry to a tiny island full of koalas, kangaroos and wombats?
Did you know that in the beautiful lakeside Gippsland town of Paynesville, you can catch a free ferry to a tiny island full of koalas, kangaroos and wombats?
Raymond Island is a nature lovers paradise. This Mamma would love to live in one of the few hundred houses scattered across the island! There are no shops here and the ferry across is less than 5 minutes.
Walk a 1.2km koala trail, leading through a nature reserve and around the local streets. You are pretty much guaranteed to see a koala here, just follow the signs and make sure you look up - there’s sure to be a fury local resident lazing languidly in a tree above!
There are also hundreds of kangaroos who are not shy, sunbaking in the front yards in streets, or in the bushy nature reserve. With wombats, echidnas and birds residing in the area, too.
You can bring your bike or hire one, and in some months you can also jump on a 4 seater surrey bike. Bring your fishing rods and a picnic, and enjoy the playground area. Dogs on leads are welcome here as well.
You will love the serenity!
the nitty gritty
Ramond Island, Gippsland Lakes, 3880
OPEN
Ferry from Paynesville runs roughly every 20 minutes 7 days a week
Free for walk on/bike passengers
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Keep the family fun going and head to Adventure World in Lucknow
national vietnam veterans museum, phillip island
If you haven’t been before, you really should add it to your list - and bring the family! This interactive war museum is home to incredible war memorabilia from all around the world, and is just brimming with Australian history.
If you have been to Phillip Island, no doubt you have driven past the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, which is tucked away to the side on the main road.
If you haven’t been before, you really should add it to your list - and bring the family! This interactive war museum is home to incredible war memorabilia from all around the world, and is just brimming with Australian history.
This is a great opportunity for the kids to learn about the sacrifices of our Veterans, and see up close the equipment, uniforms and aircrafts used in the Vietnam War.
You can watch videos showing interviews with Veterans, footage of soldiers and see photographs, maps and food packaging amongst all sorts of memorabillia. You can climb onboard a helicopter, watch a light show and take a walk in the refelective garden.
Mamma’s crew love learning about Australian History and found this to be a very informative and evocative experience.
the nitty gritty
25 Veterans Drive,
Newhaven,
Phillip Island
OPEN
7 days a week
10am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: There is SO MUCH to do in Phillip Island - here are our MUST DO’s!
south gippsland tank adventures, wonyip
Perched high up on a hill in the Strzelecki Ranges, amidst a beautiful tree rainforest and the most spectacular views, you will find South Gippsland Tank Adventures.
Now here is an experience that is incredibly unique - and incredibly awesome! Mister almost 12 has labelled it as ‘the best day ever’ and something he will never forget - and this Mamma will never forget the awe and smile on his face as the Tank roared into action!
Perched high up on a hill in the Strzelecki Ranges, amidst a beautiful rainforest and the most spectacular views, you will find South Gippsland Tank Adventures.
Your experience will begin in the Museum, where your tour guide will take you through a collection of war paraphernalia including clothing, helmets, weapons, medals, radios and lots more. A highlight here for Mamma’s littlies was holding a rocket launcher and seeing in person all of the Army clothing and weapons that they’ve read about.
Next you will move into the warehouse where you get a hands on tour of their amoured vechicles - many tanks that you can climb on, turn turrets, raise guns and ask all the questions you can think of!
Then it’s time to chuck on your camo clothes, armoured helmets and flak jackets, and climb into your tank! You will then journey along a bumpy dirt track, traversing uphill and down, feeling like a rollercoaster at times! You can stand up and peer over the edge, or sit on the bench seat and one person can stand upfront in the gunner seat.
The ride goes for around 20 minutes and it is exhillerating!
This is such a wonderful - and also educational - experience, that Mamma’s crew will never forget!
the nitty gritty
2349 Woorarra Rd, Wonyip VIC
Multiple Options for Tank adventures including Family Adventure, Group adventure, Individual.
Wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention: Make a day of it and head to the STUNNING Agnes Falls about 30 minutes away
maru koala & animal park, grantville
You may have driven past the giant koala sign or seen the big pirate ship on your way to Phillip Island, but Maru Koala & Animal Park in Grantville is a destination in itself!
You may have driven past the koala sign on your way to Phillip Island, but Maru Koala & Animal Park in Grantville is a destination in itself!
Mamma’s crew are BIG animal fans, and this park has ALL the favourites covered! It is the perfect place to experience Australian wildlife close up, without the huge crowds and long walks that the bigger zoos encompass.
Mamma’s crew were lucky to partake in the Koala Feeding experience. Wow. What a privilege this is, to be within their habitat and hand feed them their brekky! You can see their little faces light up as they eagerly move closer to you to munch on their leaves. They are such beautiful animals and being this close to them makes you see how each of their personalities really shine. These experiences are held at 9am - before the centre opens so it is a quiet and very calming experience.
Once the koalas have eaten and resumed their sleep - explore the rest of the park and watch the cheeky wombats dig their holes, hand-feed the little wallabies and majestic kangaroos, enter Fang Island and check out the crocodile and snakes, chat to Charlie the cockatoo, walk with the emus and hang out with dingoes.
There are also other animal interaction experiences available with the Dingoes, Reptiles, Gliders and Cassowary’s. There are additional fees for these experiences, but there are also free daily talks you can listen to about each animal happening at different times throughout the day. The rangers and staff here are INCREDIBLE, full of knowledge and passion for these gorgeous creatures.
When you have worked up an appetite, head indoors to the bistro and enjoy some devonshire tea - or a parma if that’s more your style! The kids will love the ice-cream bar (and the gift shop!).
And it that’s not enough fun - included in your entry price is Pete’s Mini Golf - a Pirate themed course out the front!
It’s a really lovely day out and a great chance to meet and learn about our beautiful native animals. Add it to your list!!
the nitty gritty
1650 Bass Hwy, Grantville, 3984
Open
7 days
9.30am - 5.30pm
Pete’s Mini Golf is included in entry fee.
Animal experiences are additional cost to entry fee.
Wanna know more?
Click here
Mamma’s Special Mention
Make a day of it and head into Phillip Island - check out our MUST DO’S while you are there!
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.
westernport ferries - stony point to cowes, phillip island
You never need to worry about traffic getting onto the Island again!
Did you know that you can catch a ferry into Phillip Island?! You never need to worry about traffic getting onto the Island again! This is a perfect option when you are just wanting to head off on a bit of a day trip and spend the day in Cowes.
The ferry departs from Stony Point Jetty and takes about 45 minutes to get to Cowes, with a brief mid-point stop at French Island (another great place to explore!). It’s a smallish Ferry with room for 90 people, with some seats outdoors up the top, or undercover inside below.
You can take your bike and even your doggo and spend the day exploring the beautiful seaside in Cowes.
Swim at Chicken Beach, enjoy a picnic and play at Erehwon Point Playground, have a round of mini golf or grab a meal at one of the dozens of delicious cafes or bars; and then hop back on the ferry!
It’s a great adventure that the whole family can enjoy!
the nitty gritty
Stony Point Jetty,
1 Stony Point Rd, Crib Point 3919
Ferry Departs
From Stony Point - Cowes (including a stop off at French Island)
Wanna know more? For pricing and timetable
Click HERE
Mamma's special mention: Keep the adventure going with some mini golf at Grumpy’s Crazy Golf
deluxe safari tent @ park lane holiday park, phillip island
Now THIS is the only way this Mamma will go camping ever again! Luxury Glamping at its finest!
Now THIS is the only way that Mamma will go camping again! The Deluxe Safari Tents at Park Lane Holiday Park in Phillip Island, are the most luxurious glamping family experience you will ever have.
This is glamping at its finest - think of a deluxe family cabin - but covered by a tent! We’re talking 2 bedrooms - one with 2 sets of bunks, the other with a Queen four-poster bed complete with mosquito net AND electric blanket! A bathroom with a shower, toilet - even a hair dryer. Then there’s the kitchen - mircowave, full size fridge, 4 slice toaster and kettle.
The lounge room has a couch, TV and reverse cycle AC. Not to mention a 6 seater dining table and cute little touches throughout. Mamma’s crew favourite thing was the egg chair! Oh and the games like Monopoly, UNO and puzzles.
Mamma’s favourite was the outdoor decking with a built in BBQ, table and couch. The perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee listening to the majestic birdsong, whilst trying to spot a nearby koala or wallaby!
The location is fabulous - with Rusty Water Brewery right in front of you and Amaze n Things right next door! (All guests receive 50% off entry fees!).
This is definitely a luxury, and a memory Mamma’s family will never forget!
the nitty gritty
Mamma’s special mention:
There’s SO MUCH to do at Phillip Island, click here for our MUST DO’s in Phillip Island.
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
gumbuya world, tynong
A theme park that is SUPER fun for the whole family. It’s an animal park, has rollercoasters and thrill rides, and Mamma’s favourite place to cool off at the GIANT water park. You'll find this theme park on the way to Gippsland and is a summer hit!
Forget the Gumbuya Park of your distant childhood. The multimillion dollar upgrade is complete and this entire WORLD is THE place to be for Melbourne families! Think of this place as a zoo, a theme park and a water wonderland all in one.
Gumbuya is well worth tackling in the warmer months to take full advantage of Oasis Springs - the water park with two GIANT tube slides, water splash park (super fun that you have to have to at least try once), racing slides, a wave pool, gentle beach lagoons and Mamma's absolute favourite, the lazy river.
Grab a tube and bob along the shallow water as the tide carries you round and round, watching out for some little waves along the way. Once you are completely waterlogged or Mamma needs to tap out and watch from the sidelines, there are plenty of deck chars, shady spaces and you can even hire your own cabana.
The park also features plenty of rides that are all included in your entry (except the surfs up wave machine). From the cruisey car rides, to dodgems, small roller coasters and a pirate ship, there is plenty to keep your crew entertained. Do be mindful of the height restrictions - and rides range from minimums of 100cms to 120cms (click here for specifics).
The latest addition to the park are the new rollercoasters! The TNT is family friendly with even Mamma’s 5 year old thinking it was awesome as you sit with dangling legs as you are thrown along the track. Then the Project Zero is a little scarier (and only the bigger kids 140cm+ are allowed on this one) as you are suspended upside down in parts, experience 5Gs and reach speeds of 105kmph - yeah … nar… not for this Mamma!
The park remains home to plenty of feathers, furs and scales that can be found along the Wildlife Trail. You will spot all the Aussie friends who also have plenty of room to move in the large enclosures as well as a petting farm to get up close and personal.
Mamma's 'lil tips:
Get there early - gates open at 10am and you can pre-purchase your tickets online.
Start with the animals while they are more active in the cooler end of the day, work through the rides, and cap off the day in the water!
You can take food in but there are also two cafes on site which saves room packing lunches.
Lockers are available for hire for all the gear you might need.
You can - sorry, WILL - spend an ENTIRE day here so be prepared!
the nitty gritty
OPENS
Hours vary depending on the season. Click here to check dates and times
Closed Christmas Day
wanna know more? click here
adventure fun park, lucknow
Here’s the perfect spot for a road trip family adventure!
Here’s the perfect spot for a road trip family adventure!
This unassuming little fun park is almost hidden along the main road, about 30 minutes drive from Lakes Entrance (about 3.5 hours out of Melbourne).
There’ something for all ages to enjoy, from toddlers through to adults!
Little kids will love the jumping castles, go karts, mini train ride, sandcastle, slides and swings - there’s also giant garden games like Footpool, checkers and skittles. There’s also sand art activities inside the cafe.
Older kids and adults can enjoy archery, combat archery, laser tag, virtual reality games, karaoke, mini golf, batting cage, driving range and a swimming pool!
Loads of fun to be had here!
Mamma's special mention: For more fun ideas in Gippsland check out Mamma’s Guide 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.
macca's farm, glen forbes
Old Macdonald had a farm, and on that farm he had STRAWBERRIES! Lots and lots of large, juicy strawberries!
Old Macdonald had a farm, and on that farm he had STRAWBERRIES! Lots and lots of large, juicy strawberries.
At waist high, this is a perfect strawberry picking field for all ages. No bending with sore backs, and kids can easily reach.
Such a stunning farm, with animals running free-range across the fields. Two gorgeous farm dogs will greet you as you park, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some piglets, too!
There’s a great little cafe that you can eat at - using fresh local produce. Mamma can never go past home-made scones and jam. Great kids menu on offer as well.
Before you leave, stock up on fresh produce in the shop - lots of vegetables, herbs, bread and meat.
Kids will love visiting here, and if you’re like Mamma - you may have a hard time getting them to leave!
Mamma's special mention:
After some more adventure? Head up the road to the awesome Maru Koala and animal Park. Or - keep going to Phillip Island and check out Mamma’s Must Do’s in Phillip Island.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
9am - 5pm
Strawberry picking from November - April (depending on weather)
Wanna know more? Click HERE
phillip island circuit go karts, ventnor
Take a hot lap around the Phillip Island Circuit track, and take in those incredible views!
Become a race-car driver for the day and zoom around a miniature replica of Phillip Island’s Grand Prix track!
These go-karts are seriously good fun AND WOW can they get some speed up!
Mamma’s crew averaged a whopping 35kmh and recorded speeds of up to 60km in one lap; pretty fast for a tandem go-kart! That’s the best bit. Kids get to experience this fun, too. Ages 5 to 12 can travel in a tandem go kart (which includes two active steering wheels so they can have a go!)
The track is 750m long with smooth curves and a fast straight. You can choose to spend 10 minutes (averaging around 10 laps) 20 or 30 minutes. Mamma thinks 10 minutes is plenty of time for little ones but Mamma likes the longer rides….
The views are absolutely amazing, which just adds to the thrill of the experience.
Mamma says this is a highly recommended adventure to checkout for any little (or big) speed demons out there!
Mamma's special mention:
For more family fun around Phillip Island - click here.
the nitty gritty
10/20/30 minute sessions.
Ages 5 - 12 can ride tandem
12+ can ride independently
Wanna know more? Click HERE for more info and pricing
verandah retreat, cowes
Life cant get much better than a night at this luxurious family home by the beach!
Wow. Mamma and crew were speechless when we pulled up to this magnificent family holiday home!
The sunlight was pouring into the spacious bright house, but all eyes were drawn to that amazing open outdoor entertainment area!
With a huge dining table, sun-lounges, BBQ and swing seat - the kids immediately wanted a picnic. It is incredibly inviting and gives off such a homely feel. In fact - the whole house exudes this vibe.
Inside is just as stunning. It feels incredibly luxurious - yet comfortable at the same time. There are 4 bedrooms; one with an en-suite and one with bunks, two separate living areas - one upstairs and one down, a full kitchen, bath and a gorgeous cast iron wooden fireplace. There’s also a table tennis table and a cupboard packed with games and pencils to entertain the kids. You can bring your pet here, too!
Located only 200 meters from the beach and around the corner from the main strip in Cowes - it is absolute perfection.
Of course, you don’t have to bring your kids - or even your husband! Grab the girls and have a mums weekend away!
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Take the kids to lunch at the wonderfully kid-friendly Nordic Kantine around the corner. Entertain them with Grumpy’s Crazy golf down the road. For more family fun around the Island - click here.
the nitty gritty
Children and pet friendly - located close to beach/shops - with 4 rooms, sleeps up to 6 adults + kids
Wanna know more? Click HERE for more info and pricing
phillip island wildlife park, cowes
All the Aussie animals you can think of, behind the one gate.
We are talking, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, echidnas, wombats, bats, tassie devils, dingos, snakes, eagles, cockatoos, lizards, kookaburras, pelicans and more!
This place is a true-blue taste of Australia! All the Aussie animals you can think of, behind the one gate.
We are talking, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, echidnas, wombats, bats, tassie devils, dingos, snakes, eagles, cockatoos, lizards, kookaburras, pelicans and more!
You get a bag of animal food with your entry, so you can leisurely walk around, explore every inch of the park and stop and feed the animals. You may have some of them following you, too!
Mamma’s crew couldn’t get enough of the grey kangaroos. Little Miss couldn’t resist going in for a cuddle but quickly learnt that putting your arms around the neck of a kangaroo may end badly!
It’s hard to pick a favourite animal here, as you really are spoilt for choice; but Mamma has a soft spot for wombats, so they may just be the winner.
Pack a picnic as there is an indoor cafeteria-like space to sit and rest, and make sure you wear your walking shoes - as this place is huge!
Mamma's special mentions:
Hungry after all that adventure? Head to Citrus and Vine only meters away. Still want more adventure? Check out Grumpys Crazy Golf.
the nitty gritty
Open
7 days a week
10am - 4.30pm
Cost
Adult (15 years+) - $19.00
Child (4-14 years) - $9.00
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) - $50.00
wanna know more? click here
antarctic journey @ nobbies discovery centre, summerlands
Take a journey to the Antarctic and learn all about the amazing wildlife and their habitat.
Take a journey to the Antarctic and learn all about the amazing wildlife and their habitat.
This is heaps of fun and Mamma’s crew soaked up all the information they could, whilst having a ball doing it!
Here you can learn how cold it is in the Antarctic by jumping in the freeze zone, select marine life meals from the interactive touch screens, compare your thermal image with a penguins, measure where you stand against penguins and lots more.
Then enter the virtual display room where you will encounter huge screens displaying images and videos of penguins, whales, seals and bird life that occupy the ocean from Phillip Island to the Antarctic.
Top it all off by putting yourself in the scene with the virtual reality screen. Hide from a whale, pat a seal and swim the penguins.
This is great fun and super educational.
Mamma's special mentions:
After learning all about them - go and see the Penguin Parade down the road!
the nitty gritty
Open
7 days a week
10am - 5pm
Cost
Adult (16 years+) - $18.00
Child (4-15 years) - $9.00
Family (2 adults and 2 children) - $45.00
Australian Pensioner (ID required) - $12.60
wanna know more? click here
amaze n things, cowes
There are doors and entrance ways that lead to different themed rooms, each one more spectacular and kooky than the next.
As cliched as it sounds, this place seriously is AMAZING! There is just SO much fun packed in here, Mamma was overwhelmed at where to begin!
You start off in a gravity defying room where your senses are completely scattered. (Best to not have a wine with lunch before coming here - Mamma learned the hard way!) There are doors and entrance ways that lead to different themed rooms, each one more spectacular and kooky than the next.
There are some cool gravity tricks and experiences on the way through to the next rooms and from there on in, it is all about illusions, magic, time travel (Mamma LOVED the time travel machine) scare rooms, slides, bunnies and even a ride!
Then, of course there is the maze! This is huge and challenging - and lots of fun.
Set aside a couple of hours for this one, as you will want to take your time and explore EVERYTHING it has on offer.
the nitty gritty
Open
7 days a week
10am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mentions:
There is SO much to do in Phillip Island - click here for our MUST DO’s in Phillip Island guide.