highland cattle experience @ churchill island, phillip island
If your little animal lovers are keen for a farm adventure with a twist, the Highland Cattle Tractor-Pulled Carriage Ride is the cutest countryside experience! Hop aboard the comfy carriage as the tractor rumbles its way through the paddocks, taking you on a slow cruise down to mee the cute little shaggy superstars — the Highland cows!
If your little animal lovers are keen for a farm adventure with a twist, the Highland Cattle tractor-pulled carriage ride is the cutest countryside experience! Hop aboard the comfy carriage as the tractor rumbles its way through the paddocks, taking you on a slow cruise down to meet the cute little shaggy superstars — the Highland cows!
You’ll roll down to their paddock where everyone gets the chance to feed them some special grass; the cows know it’s the good stuff, as they literally race to greet you! Big horns, big fringes, big personalities — and they come right up to say hello. It’s a wholesome, gentle (unless the little ones try to eat the bigger ones food!) and absolutely unforgettable experience.
And your ticket doesn’t stop there! Make a day of it with all the classic Churchill Island demos included: sheep shearing, whip cracking, cow milking and the ever-popular working dog show. It’s a close-up look at farm life, perfect for curious kiddos and grown-ups who love a good country immersion and the chance to say hello to some friendly animals! Make sure you say hello to Dolly the glorious pig!
Pack snacks, pop on your farm-friendly shoes and get ready for a tractor-load of fun!
the nitty gritty
Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island
OPEN
Churchill Island is open from 10am - 5pm with Highland Tours operating at 1pm on weekends.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
There is so much to do here at Churchill Island - find out more!
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.
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
the nitty gritty
OPEN
For Opening Hours Click here
PRICES
Check website here for updated prices.
wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s Special Mention
Head across the road to Beachcomber.
This is a slice of paradise that the whole family will enjoy. You can sit back, enjoy the sunshine, great food and even a cocktail - while the kids can play in the sand right in front of you.
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 where 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. There are your classic farm animals; 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. Whether you bring a picnic lunch or dine in the cafe, you are bound to have an enjoyable visit.
the nitty gritty
Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island
OPEN
10 am – 5.00 pm,
last entry 4.30 pm
Christmas Day – closed
wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions: Make it a super special day, and take a ride on a tractor-pulled carriage on the Highland Cows Experience!
goanna mini golf, dingley
Looking for a fun family outing that’s got something for all ages? Goanna Mini Golf in Dingley is a total winner. With two fun 18-hole courses, one outdoor called The Gully and one fully undercover called The Burrow, it’s perfect to play all year round - rain, hail or shine!
Looking for a fun family outing that’s got something for all ages? Goanna Mini Golf in Dingley is a total winner. With two fun 18-hole courses, one outdoor called The Gully and one fully undercover called The Burrow, it’s perfect to play all year round - rain, hail or shine!
Mamma’s crew love The Burrow - it’s multi-level, wooden and whimsical, with challenges ranging from mini lakes and ramps, through to target hitting and water wheels!
The Gully course is surrounded by a creek and waterfall, where you can opt to work the ball around the creek or try your luck straight over it!
Both courses are lots of fun for all ages, but still offer a bit of a challenge for older kids - and competitive adults, too!
There’s also a little cafe on site, with seating overlooking the course.
It’s a perfect spot to keep in mind for your next family day out!
the nitty gritty
Cnr Centre Dandenong Road and Lower Dandenong Road, Dingley 3172
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
9am - 6pm
Saturday + Sunday
9am - 7pm
last tee off at 6pm
Mamma’s special mentions: Keep the adventure going and head to General Public in Dingley for a meal and a bowl!
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 most likely to hear apart from the birds chirping, will be 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. They are a big improvement from the days when it was just a ski-lift type arrangement with a flimsy handle locking in your seat!
The ride up takes around 10-15 minutes, once up you can disembark and explore the beautiful gardens or grab a meal at the cafe.
It’s a great way to take in the magnificent beauty of the Mornington Peninsula!
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
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!
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
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
