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.
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
big 4 phillip island caravan park, newhaven
Packed with fun for the family and completely affordable, with different options for all budgets.
If you haven’t visited a Big 4 Caravan Park yet, what are you waiting for?!
They are incredible. Packed with fun for the family and completely affordable, with different options for all budgets.
If you are camping you can grab a powered site, or go a super cheap cabin option for those colder months.
For families you can get a 1, 2 or 3 room holiday villa, that even comes with an oven! Mamma loved the space the villas offered meaning we weren’t all cramped in our home away from home.
The park itself is in perfect position. Right at the end of the Jetty once you cross over from San Remo, with beach path access at your doorstep!
So much fun for the kids - a giant jumping pillow, pedal cars, playground, small basketball court and even a games room! The games room offers old arcade style games, table tennis, claw machines and TV and couch area.
There’s a sheltered picnic/kitchen area for all to enjoy.
Mamma’s little ones are counting down the weeks until they can come back!
Mamma's special mentions:
Head across the bridge to San Remo Bakehouse for some great brekky, Westernport Hotel for lunch or dinner - and don’t forget to check out the Pelican Feeding everyday at 12pm!
Or stay on the island and check out Churchill Island, Cape Kitchen, Forrest Caves, Amaze n Fun - and so much more here!
the nitty gritty
Open
3 bedroom villas -Cabins - powered camp sites - BBQ facilities - kitchen - games room - basketball area - access to beach - pedal cars -
Cost
Camp sites from $26
Cabins from $66
wanna know more? click here
grumpys crazy golf, cowes
This 18 round course offers some whacky obstacles like giant spinning tops and tyres, and has an assortment of crazy decorations scattered around.
Who doesn’t love a round of mini golf?
You’re gonna love this colourful place! Guaranteed to be no Grumpy Cowes here!
Smack bang in the middle of the main strip of Cowes, it is hard to miss. Especially the giant cow and cow print couch out the front!
This 18 round course offers some whacky obstacles like giant spinning tops and tyres, and has an assortment of crazy decorations scattered around. Get set to spot huge witches and cow dolls hanging from the ceiling, giant clown faces, rainbow fence palings - even a gazebo!
Great for all weather as its outdoors but undercover - just make sure you rug up in winter, the wind there is chilly!
There’s even a couple of picnic tables out back, so pack some food and enjoy the space.
Mamma's special mentions:
After you have worked up an appetite, you must head across the road to try the BEST coffee and WAFFLES in Cowes at Nordic Kantine.
the nitty gritty
Open
Summer and school holidays
7 days
10am - 5pm
Winter
weekends only
10am - 5pm
Cost
Adults $12
Kids under 15 $10
wanna know more? click here
crystal world & prehistoric journeys exhibitions, devon meadows
This place is incredible and home to Rosie the Shark!
This place is quite extraordinary. There’s so many aspects to explore!
Firstly, you cannot go past the majestic Rosie the shark! She was found in an abandoned old theme-park and after a huge ‘save Rosie’ social media campaign, the crew for Crystal World knew that they just had to re-home her. It is an incredibly large and expensive task to get her back to her former glory and restore her in her new forever home.
It is quite an experience getting up close to a shark that massive, and hopefully the ONLY time you ever will!
Then there’s all the dinosaur statues you can check out. Mamma’s little Mr is quite the dino fan, so this blew his mind! Spread out over a grassy paddock, including a bridge and pond you can sit amongst dinos of all sizes. Very cool.
Then, of course, are the hundreds of crystals, fossils, meteorites, gems and jewellery that you can check out and purchase. There are crates upon crates of these precious stones, ranging from one to thousands of dollars!
This experience is free and definitely one to add to your list!
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the awesome Cranbourne Botanical Gardens
* Note *
You can donate to help with the expensive task of restoring Rosie by contributing here.
myuna farm, doveton
A farm with a playground, feeding trail, nursery, pony rides AND a tractor!
Mamma just ADORES this very special farm. There a heaps of farm animals to see, a nursery where you can get up close to some babies and a playground that is perfect for the mini farmers. Oh and the chickens like to share the playground too!
You are allowed to feed the animals here at Myuna and will be given a bag of bread as you enter. The feeding trail takes you RIGHT to the animals that are keen on some tucker. They will be super keen to see you too - especially if you happen to be some of the first visitors! Mamma absolutely LOVES the new pig houses too.
Myuna also have optional pony rides AND a tractor ride. The novelty factor of this simple carriage ride is enough and saves your legs walking out to the wetlands to see the ducks and spy some sleepy bats.
Mamma's special mention: Casey City Council run the operation here in Doveton and often hold great community events here too. Click here to see the latest on offer.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
10am - 4pm
7 days
cafe on site - BBQs and picnic facilities - pram friendly
wanna know more? click here
ripe n ready cherry farm, red hill
Fill up your bucket with delicious ripe cherries!
How good are cherries!
Do you love the dark red juicy ones, or the pink, sour ones? Mamma loves them all and they are DELICIOUS at this lovely farm!
You can opt to just enter and pick your own to eat whilst there - or you can grab a bucket and take them home to eat later.
There are heaps of trees and plenty of cherries to pick when you go during peak season. The trees are a good height so even the little ones can reach.
Lots to do here, and such a picturesque place to spend the day. Oh, keep and eye out for some gorgeous cows grazing in the fields, too!
the nitty gritty
Entry fee
Cherries collected are charged per kg
Pick your own cherries open from early November - mid January
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
There’s so much to explore in Red Hill!
If you’re hungry, head to Red Gum BBQ. Want some Strawberries, head to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm
island break cottages, cowes
Spoil yourself with an island escape!
Mamma loves to escape to the island, take a break and be immersed in nature.
This divine little cottage is the most perfect place to do just that. It's the second time we've chosen to stay here to celebrate a special occasion, and we will definitely be back.
It's not hard to see why we love it so much. There's the crackle of the open fire, the chirp of numerous birds, the bubbles of the corner spa and the extremely likely chance of meeting the local wildlife. We were fortunate enough to have a sleepy koala snuggled up in a tree in our backyard!
The cottages themselves have a small kitchen, so there's no need to leave your cosy little nest if you don't want to.
The owners are very lovely and offer great advice on some day-trips you can go on; but they are not intrusive at all, and your cottage is very private.
Mamma highly recommends this place if you are looking for the perfect island break!
Mamma's special mention
There is so much to explore on this wonderful Island. Head to for a coffee at Island Whole Foods. Go for a walk at the spectacular Pyramid Rock or The Nobbies. Drop in at Churchill Island. Don't forget to get some delicious chocolate at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory! And, of course, you cannot visit Phillip Island without visiting the adorable Penguin Parade!
the nitty gritty
One bedroom cottages - corner spa - open fire - self-contained kitchen
Price
From $175 a night.
Wanna know more?
click here
183 - 189 Justice Rd, Cowes
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ripponlea gardens and estate, ripponlea
For an EPIC garden adventure you can to go past these famous gardens.
For an EPIC garden adventure you can't go past these famous gardens. Hidden away in the little suburb of Ripponlea and behind a barrier of fences and high trees - you have no idea the treat you are in for as you walk up the drive. The magnificent house stands 'guard' and overlooks the lush green lawn which is a popular place for festivals and events.
Take a walk through the huge fernery where you are dwarfed by these HUGE plants an be sure to check out the pool area and dream of an era when some pretty cool 'Great Gatsby' type parties that would have been held here!
Mamma LOVES the lake area complete with pretty bridges, boat shed, a look out and waterfall (with hidden grotto behind it!). Keep an eye out for some eels gliding through the water too! Pack a picnic and spread out over the lawn for the afternoon or grab a bite at the cafe/gift shop! Oh and tours are available for the mansion and the gardens too!
Mamma's special mention: Want more garden adventures? Head to St Kilda Botanical Gardens just a hop skip and jump away!
the nitty gritty
Hours
Open Daily
September to April
10am – 5pm (Last entry 4.30pm)
May to September
10am – 4pm (Last entry 3.30pm)
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Cost: $10 Adult
$7 Concession
$4 Children (4-15 years)
$20 Family (2 adults + 2 children)
Wanna know more? Click HERE for more info and for tour information
192 Hotham Street
Elsternwick
bunjil place, narre warren
The NEW epicentre of culture in the City of Casey
Mamma is a sucker for architecture. A building designed so beautifully that it makes you go WOW at the shear scale of the place. Walking up to this enormous community hub is no different. Bunjil Place is inspired not only in name but in also in the shape of the ancient creator - the eagle, Bunjil.
This community space brings the local culture together in one place and will be the venue for some incredible events taking advantage of the brilliant facilities. There is a 800 seat theatre, smaller 200 seater performance space studio, a gallery showcasing Australian art, super kid friendly library, huge auditorium, a great cafe and this is just the inside. Step outside to the plaza and there is a huge outdoor screen for movie nights, water fountains just begging to be ran through, stacks of bean bags and deck chairs for lounging and a playground bridging the gap to the Casey RAC.
There will be plenty of events here over the coming years and to know exactly what is on - click here for a list of events and programs.
Mamma's special mentions:
Bunjil is THE place to be this summer - Your Summer Playground! With events happening all throughout the season, be sure to check out the full program HERE.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Opening hours differ for each space and may be different on public holidays
Gallery
Tuesday - Sunday
10 am - 5 pm
Closed Mondays
Library
Monday - Friday
9am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Café
Monday - Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 5pm
wanna know more? click here
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
melbourne cable park, bangholme
This awesome park is split into FOUR sections: Ride (which is cable wakeboarding) Aqua Park (an inflatable obstacle course), Climb and NOW Mini Golf!
This awesome park is split into FOUR sections: Ride (which is cable wakeboarding) Aqua Park (an inflatable obstacle course), Climb and NOW Mini Golf!
.
The Climb is amazing - with 5 levels of high climbing, vertigo inducing FUN!
Adults and kids (aged 5+) can get harnessed up and challenge themselves on obstacles like; rock walls, tight-rope walking, zip-line, pedal cars, bucket climb and SO much more.
The lower level is solely for kids aged 5 - 10, with adults able to walk around the course to assist. The top 4 levels are for adults and kids 10+, and you have 1 hour to push yourself to the limit! You can purchase an extra hour if you really want to challenge yourself!
The mini golf is NEW - there are 18 holes, with obstacles, jumps and hazards. The course will take about 45-1hr to get through. Just grab your putter and ball from reception and head down. It’s got a great view of the wakeboarding too!
Mamma also just LOVES the Aqua Park in the summer months and will be hitting the wakeboarding next summer! So stay tuned!
the nitty gritty
5 River End Rd, Bangholme
Climb: Arrive 30 minutes before your session for harnessing and the safety briefing.
Wear runners. No thongs or Crocs.
Mamma's special mention
After all that physical activity, you may require a sugar hit. The awesome Gelato Unou isn’t far away!
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!
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
peninsula hot springs, fingal
Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids
What could be more relaxing than immersing yourself in hot water, surrounded by the green leafy tranquillity of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula? Not much!
The best part is, you can relax even with the kids! Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids!
There are separate tubs for the kids, family pools - and little areas where the kids can play in the shallow section whilst you soak in the deeper - jetted areas.
Mamma's favourite things are the little tubs that the kids can sit and play in - super cute and keeps them occupied (and happy!) for ages.
For the hot days, there are also cold plunge pools to refresh in, and pools of varying temperatures.
If you want to really indulge, there are spa treatments available, a sauna, massage chairs and a delicious on site cafe.
Mamma's special mention
Make the day truly memorable and pair it with a package that includes an Indigenous Cultural guided walk and meditation through Rye. This is AMAZING!
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday to Sunday
7am - 10pm
Cost
$25 – $55 per person
Click here for updated pricing
There are loads of spa treatments available as well!
wanna know more? click here
