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
only mine chocolate tours, cranbourne west
Every second Saturday, the lovely chocolatiers at Only Mine in Cranbourne, open up their factory for tours and tastings!
Here’s one for the chocolate lovers!
Every second Saturday, the lovely chocolatiers at Only Mine in Cranbourne, open up their factory for tours and tastings!
You can embark on a tour for your tastebuds as you learn some very interesting facts about how chocolate is made (did you know it takes 8 years to grow a cacao tree!), and also what to look for in the ingredients list to know you are buying the best quality.
These tours run for about 20 minutes and you can see the machines with flowing chocolate, have a go at piping a truffle and learn how long it takes to make one singular truffle! Also interesting to learn how Only Mine are helping the ethical growth of cacoa beans and supporting the farmers through Cocoa Trace
And Mamma’s favourite bit - you get to sample some delectable truffles!
Once the tour is over, head back into the shop and put your new found chocolate knowledge to work and choose some treats! Mamma highly recommends the Swiss White Block and the Sea Salt Dark Chocolate truffles - AMAZING!
the nitty gritty
Unit 2/31 Camino Cres, Cranbourne West, 3977
OPEN
Tours run every second Saturday
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Burn off the sugar at the action packed Social Fair!
drop bear escape rooms, pakenham
Here’s a great place to play as a team with the family as your work your way out of a lolly shop!
Here’s a great place to play as a team with the family as you work your way out of a lolly shop!
The mission here at Pop’s Lolly shop - one of the three escape room experiences at Drop Bear Escape Rooms in Pakenham, is to uncover the secrets that will open the door before the Drop Bear agents find you and kidnap you like they did with Pop!
This is a family-room experience, suitable for kids aged 6+ (with an adult) or beginners with little Escape Room knoweldge.
Your aim is to complete the mission in one hour, and includes lots of riddles and even a very fun laser beam challenge!
Mamma’s crew loved this room and all its hidden secrets! A great way to spend some time together with a few laughs - even the almost-teen managed to smile the whole time!
the nitty gritty
Factory 18/18 Racecourse Rd, Pakenham 3810
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
11am - 8.30pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
Kids under 12 require an adult
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: Keep the fun going and head around the corner to Cardinia Community Playground Pakenham
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!
moorabbin air musuem, moorabbin
The Australian National Aviation Museum (say that three times quickly) is a true surprise and delight. Located within the Moorabbin Airport district the planes are both on the ground and constantly flying overhead
The Moorabbin Air Museum is such a hidden treasure. Located within the Moorabbin Airport district, the planes are both on the ground and constantly flying overhead.
There are the most incredible planes on display, including some super rare and unique aircraft, and the best bit - you can sit in most of them, move the gears, steer the wheel and push ALL of the buttons!
The kids will LOVE sitting in the actual cockpits of some of these jets, helicopters and commercial airliners - ESPECIALLY the Police helicopter!
There is heaps to learn about the military history of these machines, as well as Australian aviation history. Mamma’s crews highlight was the flight simulator - where you get to take control of the plane and try to land it via the virtual simulation screen!
There’s an undercover/indoor section home to the rare war planes and memorabilia, and the outdoor area showcasing old commercial planes, police and navy helicopters and LOTS more - the kids will be in awe.
the nitty gritty
12 First St, Moorabbin Airport, Moorabbin
OPEN
Monday to Friday
10am - 4pm
Saturday to Sunday
10am - 5pm
Closed: Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. ANZAC Day the Museum Opens at 1pm
PRICE
Adult $10
Child $5 (children under 5 free)
Family $20
Concession / Pensioner $7
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: For more plane watching action - and for a bite to eat and a coffee - head to The Flight Deck Bar and Grill that is just around the corner from the museum. From here, you can see the airport and sit outside in a fully fenced and has a great view of the runway.
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
dinosaur world, somerville
Dinosaur fans UNITE! Every kid Mamma knows loves dinosaurs, so add this to your to do list ASAP if you haven't already.
Every kid Mamma knows loves dinosaurs, so add this to your to do list ASAP if you haven't already. This is as close to the real thing as we are (hopefully) ever going to get, and yes they do look real - they also move and growl so some little ones may get a bit scared. NEW Dinos have now been added to an extra space out the back, including water Dinos AND a Dino Train that rattles around the new space every hour from 10 to 3.
There are over 20 dinosaurs to see and read about, plus if you're lucky you might get to meet Wilson the walking dino. Plus you can also experience being a paleontologist in the fossil dig. They have recently added a playground too for some more dino themed fun They also do birthday parties ROAR-some!
Mamma's special mention: The park is in a Christmas tree plantation and sometimes you can go for a carriage ride around the pines too, So much fun! Check out STORY TIME on Fridays.
the nitty gritty
BBQ facilities - picnic tables - playground
Friday 10am - 3pm
Sat/Sun 10am–4pm
Public Holidays
(except Good Friday)
Every day in school holidays
*Dinosaur World is open every day over the June/July school holidays but will close for winter from July 15 and reopen 1st September*
Wanna know more? click here
enchanted adventure, arthurs seat
This is one jam-packed adventure garden! The fun just keeps on coming.
This is one jam-packed adventure garden! The fun just keeps on coming.
Mamma’s crew can't decide which thrilling adventure was the highlight! Torn between the epic tube slide, the tree surfing and the Sky Scramble - a giant ball pit suspended in a net in the treetops - it was all AMAZING!
You can opt to include the Grand Tree Surfing/Nippers Tree Surfing or simply get a general admission ticket. The tree-climbing is available for kids as young as 4 if they dare - with a separate ‘Nippers” area.
Both of these experiences are high amongst the trees, where they can test their strength and skills climbing up nets, through tunnels, along bridges and zip-lining down to the ground.
One of the newest additions is the Sky Scramble - an awesome aerial playground - set high up in the sky you can walk on wobbly bridges, climb through tunnels, bounce in the giant ball pit and disembark down huge slides! This is for kids under 135cm only. But older kids can still enjoy walking in the Treetop canopy along a wobbly bridge!
There’s also a Pirate ship kids can jump onboard - go under the deck and pretend to steer!
Then, of course, there's the awesomely fast and twisty tube-slides. There are 6 straight slides, 1 twisty slide and the kids slide. Watch out, when they say fast - they mean it! So. Much. Fun.
There are 5 different mazes spread throughout the gardens. All challenging and great fun.
You can refresh in the cafe with a cool drink - or a delicious hot chocolate and hot chips for those cooler days. Yum.
There is SO much to do here, be prepared to stay and play the day away!
the nitty gritty
Opening hours are 9am to 5pm every day of the year except closed Christmas Day.
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's Special Mention
Keep the good times rolling and check out the spectacular view at The Eagle Skylift
locked in escape rooms, mornington
Get ready for the perfect amount of adrenalin pumping, brain stimulating, challenging fun!
Get ready for the perfect amount of adrenalin pumping, brain stimulating, challenging fun!
Locked in Escape Rooms in Mornington are a must if you’re looking for a fun family outing. It’s a great opportunity to work together and have a few laughs along the way!
Mamma’s crew attempted the Wizard’s Lair room - with a difficulty level of 3 and recommended for first timers and families.
In this room, you are apprentice wizards/witches who have been chained to the wall of an evil wizard’s lair and you have 60 minutes to escape before he returns and transforms you into a toad!
Mamma wont give anything away, but you will work your way through all sorts of riddles and puzzles and will need your thinking caps (or witches hats) on! The terrific staff play their role superbly and remain in character throughout. You will need to put your phones in a locker, so no cheating!
Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult and is advised for ages 7+. Miss 9 did get a little intimidated by the chains and darkness at the very start - but warmed to it and loved it in the end. There are also rooms specifically for kids 7 - 12 here as well!
Mamma’s crew cannot wait to go back and try a harder room next time! It really is a fantastic idea for some family fun!
the nitty gritty
2/2A Carbine Way
Mornington, VIC
Open
Wed & Sun
10:30am–4:30pm
Thu, Fri, & Sat
10:30am–8:30pm
Wanna know more?
Click here
Mamma’s Special Mention
Head down the road for a meal at Loosie’s Diner after you escape!
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
shaun the sheep @ ripponlea gardens and estate, elsternwick
For an EPIC garden adventure you can to go past this interactive Shaun the Sheep Trail!
If you go into the gardens today - you’re in for a big surprise!
You may just find Shaun the Sheep!
This great interactive trail winds its way through spectacular gardens and scenery, and works in conjunction with an augmented reality app.
Once you arrive, collect your guide and clue booklet, download the app and you are off! Look out for clues and then hold the app against the markers to activate Shaun! You’ll get a stamp for each Shaun pose you find… can you find all of them?! You’ll be able to take photos within the app, to capture you along side him.
The kids will love exploring the trail and looking at all the different varieties of plants and flowers. Look out for eels in the lake and have a play in the children’s garden, 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
Trail is included in Entry Price
Gardens Open Daily
10am – 4pm (Last entry 3.30pm)
Wanna know more? Click HERE for more info and pricing
sunset penguin tours, st kilda pier
What a perfect adventure – a penguin-watching experience at the St Kilda Breakwater wall, where around 1400 Little Penguins make their way to shore at sunset, and the knowledgeable staff are great with kids and questions!
What a perfect adventure. The ferry ride around the bay is pure beauty, totally stress-free, fun and relaxed. It’s a great way to take in the city views.
Time to find some penguins - watch out for the ‘rafts’ of 30-50 penguins floating on the surface as the sun goes down, and they make their way home.
The St Kilda Breakwater wall is now a charming home to approximately 1400 Little penguins. As sunset approaches, witness these adorable penguins waddle to shore from the ferry, and as the sun sets, a red-light torch reveals their gorgeous silhouettes atop the wall.
The staff are very knowledgeable about the little penguins and are fantastic with kids and all their questions!
CLICK here for more information on the penguin tours
The ferry has indoor seating and outdoor seating, some snacks and beverages (wine, beer and soft drinks) are available too.
the nitty gritty
St Kilda Pier
Pier Road
St Kilda Vic 3182
Operating times vary across the seasons (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Make a day of it and head to the iconic LUNA PARK!
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
pure peninsula honey farm, moorooduc
The Peninsula Honey Farm offers kids a chance to watch bees work in a glass beehive; make their own bees wax candle and sample dozens of locally made honey!
Now here’s a tasty experience the whole family can enjoy!
The Peninsula Honey Farm offers kids a chance to watch bees work in a glass beehive; make their own bees wax candle (with the most delightful honey scent) and sample dozens of locally made honey!
Grown ups will also enjoy sampling flavours like orange blossom, eucalyptus, and creamed honey with cinnamon and lemon. Also available for tasting (and purchase) is the most delicious honey and ginger cider, made with Pure Peninsula Honey and made locally.
At the shop you can purchase all things honey and bee related - from soft teddies, umbrellas and gumboots through to honeycomb, honey pops, honey and macadamia ice-cream and, of course - buckets of honey!
There’s outdoor seating so you can sit outside and enjoy your ice-cream! It’s a great day out!
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the produce coming and head down the road to the incredible Benton Rise Farm
rocky creek strawberry farm, main ridge
From November to April you can visit this beautiful strawberry farm and fill your punnet to the brim.
There is nothing more tasty than a huge, ripe, sweet strawberry - and nothing compares to picking your own!
From November to April you can visit this beautiful strawberry farm in Main Ridge and fill your punnet to the brim. It can get a bit muddy, but never fear - they supply some gorgeous blue bootie covers to protect your shoes!
You can take your time strolling through dozens of rows in the strawberry patch, in search of the biggest and best ones!
Then, once you have as many as you can fit in your container - you can head to the cafe and enjoy some strawberry ice cream, scones with fresh jam and cream - OR indulge in Mamma’s favourite - the Strawberry fondue, combining delicious melted Belgian chocolate and big juicy strawberries. This also comes in a kids size - yum! You can also purchase other delights like freeze-dried berries, honey, strawberry wine - and more, from the shop.
Depending how the season goes, you can also pick blueberries and blackberries as well.
With the little kids easily able to pick their own - this is an experience the whole family will love!
the nitty gritty
Strawberry picking season is from mid November - April
Open every day 9am - 5pm (last picking is at 4.30pm)
Cafe and shop open May - October
Fri - Sun 11am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
All that picking is sure to build up thirst! Why not check out the incredibly family friendly Green Olive Winery not too far away?!
red hill lavender farm, red hill
Rows amongst rows of gorgeous lavender, set amongst the hills of beautiful Main Ridge, it’s simply the most picturesque spot,
Here is your perfect photo opportunity!
Rows amongst rows of gorgeous lavender, set amongst the hills of beautiful Main Ridge, it’s simply the most picturesque spot, heightened by the sweet scent of lavender.
This gorgeous farm is only open from late December through to the end of January - so make sure you add it your reminder list if you miss out this year.
You can purchase freshly harvested lavender bunches, luxurious lavender products, heat bags, teddy bears and even lavender honey from the marquee set up in the field.
Bring a rug and pack a picnic and set up camp under the shade of a tree and really enjoy the serenity here. Dogs on a leash are more than welcome, too!
the nitty gritty
284 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge, 3928
OPEN
29th December
Then every Thursday to Sunday in January
10am - 4pm
Free entry
wanna know more? click here
noble park aquatic centre, noble park
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer!
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer! This brilliant facility is ideal for families and will thrill your entire crew.
For the days over 28º, the Aqua Play playground kicks into gear. This water play zone is one of the best designs and bound to cool everyone down. Website does indicate it is an option for kids aged 3 - 12 only. It has three different slides, tipping cones, soaking hoses and cascading fountains. The kids will be buzzing up and down the staircases, all while keeping an eye out for the giant tipping bucket that gushes all over the play area every 5 minutes or so (no we didn’t time it but it feels about right).
In addition to the aqua play there is a giant green tunnel slide that the kids will also love. It’s open for kids 5 plus and at least 120cm. The kids tell me it is only fast in some parts but at this age, they are pretty light on the scale and the bigger kids that were playing at the same time as our list - where really flying down!
The outdoor pool is a great place for a proper swim and has 2 lanes open for play or jump in and cut some laps. There is also a heated indoor pool which is nice and shallow in parts for the toddlers.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Main pool is open 7 days
Water splash park and slide is open 11am - 5pm on school holidays and only on days forecasted to be greater than 28º
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention: We love a little water play. Check out more WATER fun at MSAC
