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
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
