springvale live steamers, springvale south
If trains are your child’s obsession of choice then this Mamma has some great news for all southsiders. Located within the natural bush setting of Springvale South’s Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, the Springvale Live Steamers offer miniature train rides for the young and young at heart.
ALL ABOARD!! If trains are your child’s obsession of choice then this Mamma has some great news for all southsiders. Located within the natural bush setting of Springvale South’s Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, the Springvale Live Steamers offer miniature train rides for the young and young at heart.
Open for public run days on the third Sunday of the month, and run completely by volunteer miniature train enthusiasts, a gold coin donation is all that is needed to hop aboard the Springvale Express!
Mamma’s two little ones patiently waited in line as they got to watch other families zip around the 500m track dotted with small model animals to spot along the way.
Little miss 5 could barely contain her excitement as she rapidly approached the front of the queue. There are often 5-7 electric, diesel and steam locomotives running on any given public day, so the wait is never that long.
The 3 minute round trip journey allows passengers to feel the wind through their hair whilst enjoying the surrounding bushland. If you’re lucky, the kids might even get to sound the train whistle before disembarking.
Mammas hot tip - to avoid missing your train, be sure to wear closed toe shoes and leave the loose and flowing clothes at home.
the nitty gritty
Alex Nelson Reserve, Harold Road Springvale South, 3172
OPEN
Third Sunday of the month (excluding December and January)
11am - 3pm
toilets - picnic tables - playground - BBQ facilities - walking trails - off street parking
Mamma's special mention
After the kids have finished riding that rail, why not head to Toppings & Tea for some do-it-yourself bubble tea
mama and me camp, mornington peninsula
Hand on heart, this experience is THE best thing this Mamma has EVER done with Master 12.
Hand on heart, this experience is THE best thing this Mamma has EVER done with Master 12.
It’s not often - if at all - that you get to totally immerse yourself in uninterrupted one-on-one time with your child. A time where you can be fully present and not have to worry about anything other than connection. Getting to know your child all over again, but more importantly - your child getting to know you as a person, not just as a nagging mum!
How often are we mums the ones who miss out on the fun because we are too busy organising everyone else, being behind the camera, watching from the sidelines?
The Mama and Me camps hosted by Mindful Mamas, are the perfect opportunity to just press pause on everything else and focus on your child, yourself and your connection. All of your meals are cooked for you - you don’t even have to do the washing up! There’s no washing to fold, places to drive to, nowhere to be - except present.
On this particular camp, at Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza, it was all about action! Mamma and crew put fear aside and partook in Tree Rolling, Archery, Zip Line, Flying fox and even the GIANT SWING! Now this took a LOT of courage from everyone, but the rewards of seeing how proud all the kids were of their mamas - their looks of awe and shouts of encouragement - there’s nothing like it! It’s mums chance to be the cool, fun parent!
There’s time for reflection with ‘circle time’ where mums and sons can speak about their favourite part of the day and what they want to take away from the experience - and it’s so interesting to hear from the kids perspective.
These camps also run with mamas and daughters - and there is even a MAMA’S ONLY camp happening next year!
Again, Mamma cannot recommend this experience enough - if it’s something you have been thinking about, DO IT! You won’t regret it!!
the nitty gritty
Activities are based on kids aged 5 - 13.
The camp Mamma attended was held at Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza - locations vary
There are payment plans that start early so you can budget for the camp with plenty of time
Options:
Mama and Son Camp
Mama and Daughter Camp
Mama Camp
Mamma's special mention
Why not make a it a full treat weekend and head to the wonderful Peninsula Hot Springs as well?
boneo discovery park, fingal
This place has all the magic ingredients for a perfect family day out!
This is one of Mamma's all time happy places. There is just so much to do, and everywhere you look there is so much natural beauty!
Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, taking in the beautiful indigenous flora and fauna - perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot some frogs and water birds along your way. One thing you will be guaranteed to see are the giant animal-lanterns spread throughout the wetlands.
Follow the path to lead you to the games area. Here you can play with giant games like chess, jenga and connect four. Get lost in two mazes -one hedge and one wooden; climb up the lookout to get a wonderful birds-eye view. And take a ride on Mamma's absolute favourite - an exquisite old-style carousel! The detail on this beauty is extraordinary.
Follow the path back to the great little licensed cafe serving delicious food; complete with a pool table, chalk-table, board games and plenty of colouring in tools! And on school holidays they have additional activities for the kids like arts and crafts, and guided workshops!
Walk down to the lake's edge and look for frogs, or relax on one of the lounges on the deck. Cross over the lake for the adventure zone. Here you will be able to test your skills on the climbing wall, bungy trampolines or explore King Lake on the pedal boats. (Extra cost for these).
There is also a high ropes course, with a zip liner! For the littler ones there is a tadpole harness climb.
And of course, the fabulous mini-golf. Perfect for all ages as the littler ones can tee-off from the red flags, while adults and older kids start from the blue flag. On the other side of the fence you can watch lambs frolic in their paddock, making for gorgeous scenery everywhere you look.
This place has all the magic ingredients for a perfect family day out!
Mamma's special mention
Why not make a day of it and head to the wonderful Peninsula Hot Springs as well?
dino bounce inflatable fun park, dandenong
Home to largest dino-themed obstacle course in Australia, you’ll bounce and jump over the 5000 square foot inflatable course - with over 25 twist and turns!
Here is an obstacle course that will give your cheekbones as much as a workout as your leg bones - you’ll laugh as much as you fall over the inflatable bumps, jumps and slides here at the brand new Dino Bounce Inflatable Park in Dandenong.
Home to the largest dino-themed obstacle course in Australia, you’ll bounce and jump over the 5000 square foot inflatable course - with over 25 twist and turns!
Mamma’s crew can’t get enough of the big jump down into the giant pillow, the steep slides, rock climbing wall and racing each other through the mazes and obstacle course. All the bouncing, jumping, climbing and sliding will leave them rosy cheeked with huge smiles!
Then you can test your skills at the little dino-themed mini golf course and Dino blaster nerf gun battles!
Sessions are 50 minutes or you can book a double.
Mamma’s crew say it’s the “best day ever” and will definitely sleep well!
the nitty gritty
29 Brindley Street, Dandenong 3175
OPEN
Thursday - Sunday during school holidays
10am - 2pm
School Term Saturday/Sunday
10am - 2pm
Note - All participants must purchase a pair of Inflatable Fun Park grip socks for $5.00, available to purchase on site, on arrival. Also note, all spectators must purchase a pass on arrival, for $4.00.
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
All that energy works up an appetite! Head to Bojak Brewery to refuel!
ashcombe maze and lavender gardens, shoreham
Everywhere you look the view here is breathtaking, with a playground and an onsite cafe - it’s the perfect way to spend the day!
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens in Shoreham, is absolutely stunning!
Everywhere you look the view is breathtaking in any season. Autumn is a great time to visit with the gorgeous multi-coloured leaves scattered all over the ground. Perfect for making leaf-angels!
There’s a brand new playground showcasing wooden cubby houses, climbing walls, tunnels, slides and even a sandpit! Alongside jumbo garden games and a gorgeous little fairy garden (made by Steph the Fairy Maker).
There are 3 different mazes to challenge yourself with; hedge, rose, and lavender. Not to mention the amazing gardens with features like; lily ponds, water fountains, a lake and the most amazing trees.
There’s also a fairy garden to explore with some wooden cuts out - inviting the perfect selfie opportunity.
The best bit - upon entry, grab your clipboard with names of 9 fairies and 9 gnomes that are hidden amongst the gardens and set out on a challenge to find them all! Not an easy feat, as they are very well hidden! Once complete, take your entry back to reception to claim a prize!
There’s a cafe onsite - or bring your own picnic - it is a perfect way to spend the day!
the nitty gritty
15 Red Hill -Shoreham Rd, Shoreham
OPEN
9am - 5pm
7 days
Picnics allowed
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Treat yourself and head down the road to the delicious Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, or checkout the stunning Flinders Blowhole.
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 museum, 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
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 and the Quokka experience. Wow. What a privilege this is, to be within their habitat and hand feed them their brekky and veggies! 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 koala feeding experiences are held at 9am - before the centre opens so it is a quiet and very calming experience. The Quokka experiences are at 3.15 towards the end of the day for their afternoon snacks!
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
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
