wings ‘n’ roses, pakenham
Mamma lives with a household of bird lovers who have not stopped squawking about their visit to Wings ‘n’ Roses in Pakenham.
Mamma lives with a household of bird lovers who have not stopped squawking about their visit to Wings ‘n’ Roses in Pakenham.
If you have a twitcher in your life, this place is a must-visit. A trip to Wings ‘n’ Roses starts with a meander around the beautiful rose gardens, with tame chickens and geese running around underfoot.
With your birdseed in hand, it’s time to check out the free-flight aviaries. These are home to a variety of bird types, from rescue birds, to Australian natives, to exotic parrots - these aviaries have it all! The birds vary in their levels of tameness, some will fly right at you, while others will take a little while to warm up.
There are aviaries as far as the eye can see throughout this gorgeous property, Mamma’s eldest was particularly captivated by the rare blue lorikeet, while Mamma’s youngest still talks about the gentle cockatiel that cuddled up on his arm.
The highlight of a visit to this beautiful spot is a trip to the main free-flight aviary, a trip inside here is an extra fee but Mamma says it is well worth it! Here, a selection of tame birds come out to play. Hearing owner Michael talk about their unique quirks and personalities shows just how in tune he is with these amazing birds, most of whom he’s raised from birth! Mamma still can’t quite believe she had the opportunity to hold an African Grey Parrot (who loves head rubs, by the way!) and Mr Mamma still talks about the gorgeous Macaw that took up residence on his shoulder.
Mamma highly recommends a trip to Wings ‘n’ Roses for the bird lover in your life. It’s sure to be a precious memory for years to come.
the details
35 Leppitt Rd, Pakenham
OPEN
Wednesday - Sunday
11am-5pm
CLOSED
Monday + Tuesday
General admission is $10 (children under 4 are free). Additional experiences can be booked for an additional fee.
Wanna know more? Click here
Mamma's special mention:
It’s not just the birds who need a feed - if your little ones are hungy after their exotic encounter, head around the corner to Nancy Eatery.
caldermeade farm, caldermeade
Home to adorable goats, cows, chickens and Llamas are scattered throughout the fields. In the middle of the farm is a large playground a couple of old tractors and a cafe!
Nestled along the South Gippsland Highway, south of Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup, 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.
In the huge grassy fields you will find a few sheds that are home to adorable goats, baby cows, chickens and bunnies. Highland cows, goats and llamas are scattered throughout the fields. In the middle of the farm is a large playground, duck-filled lake and a couple of old tractors.
You can also book a tractor experience for your family, to get a closer look at the daily running of a farm - PLUS have the opportunity to pat and feed ADORABLE cows - even BABY ones!
The tractor ride takes roughly 45 minutes and leads you out to milking cows field. The sides of the tractor get loaded up with feed and as soon as you enter their paddock, they come running!
It is such an awesome and surreal feeling to be siting in the tractor, surrounded by hungry cows! Once they have finished eating, a few friendly, inquisitive girls will hang around and let you give them a scratch!
The tour also takes you into the holding area for the newly born calves - you can get up close with them and if they feel like it - they will let you give them a good pat - they are seriously like big puppies with THE most gorgeous eyes and lashes! Mamma’s crew absolutely adored this experience!
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, an ice cream fridge, all day breakfast 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. This happens at 2.30pm every day.
Mamma advises to make sure you and your children wear gumboots or shoes you don't mind getting dirty - and closed toe shoes is a must for the tour! The whole farm is an amazing experience, and the best bit - entry is FREE!
4385 South Gippsland Hwy Caldermeade
the details
Open 7 days a week
9am - 4pm
Tractor Tours operate daily
12pm Weekdays
11am + 12pm Weekends
Milking - 2.30pm daily
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s crew were kindly hosted.
Mamma's special mention:
Can’t get enough animal fun? Head down the road a bit to meet dozens of beautiful animals at Maru Koala and Animal Park in Grantville!
pelican feeding, san remo
When 12pm approaches, these guys slowly gather around the foreshore and wait patiently for their lunch to arrive.
Every family trip to Phillip Island must include watching the Pelican feeding!
It’s amazing how they all seem to know when 12pm approaches. They slowly gather around the foreshore, waiting patiently for their lunch to arrive.
This has been happening for over 30 years and on a daily basis you can find anywhere from 5 to 30 hungry Pelicans.
You may even be lucky like this Mamma, and view some stingrays swimming along the waters edge.
This is a great attraction, not only for entertainment purposes, but it’s also a great lesson on the environment and what we can do to help ensure the protection of these amazing creatures.
Mamma’s crew was entranced and loved watching how they all fought over their tucker.
Mamma's special mentions:
Head across the road to San Remo Bakehouse for some great brekky, Westernport Hotel for lunch or dinner. Or have a play at the nearby San Remo Playground
the nitty gritty
Open
12pm every day on the foreshore near the San Remo pier
Cost
Free
wanna know more? click here
crystal world & prehistoric journeys exhibitions, devon meadows
Looking for a fun FREE family day out in the South? Crystal World is definitely worth adding to your list!
Explore the dinosaur statues scattered around the grassy paddock, then head inside to discover hundreds of crystals, fossils, meteorites, gems and jewellery.
There’s plenty to see and discover, making this a great family-friendly outing in Victoria’s south-east.
This place is a bit of a hidden gem (pun absolutely intended!) and there is SO much to see and explore.
Mamma’s little ones are serious dino fans, so you can imagine their excitement when they spot all the dinosaur statues! They’re spread out across the grassy paddock, with a bridge and pond to wander around, and dinosaurs of all different shapes and sizes.
And if dinosaurs aren’t quite your thing, there’s plenty inside to keep you busy, too. You’ll find hundreds of crystals, fossils, meteorites, gems and jewellery, with crates upon crates of beautiful stones to look through. Some are just a few dollars, while others are worth thousands, so there’s definitely something for every budget.
We love finding places like this where the kids can explore, there’s plenty to look at, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time.
And the best part? It’s FREE to visit!
Definitely one to pop on your list for your next family day out.
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the awesome Cranbourne Botanical Gardens
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
