Jacqui Kavanagh 16/12/19 Jacqui Kavanagh 16/12/19

mamma loves the peninsula

Mamma just LOVES the Peninsula. There is SO much to see and do. Here you will find the BEST of outdoor fun, places to eat, parks and playgrounds, indoor ideas and more!

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Mamma just LOVES the Peninsula. There is SO much to see and do. Here you will find the BEST of outdoor fun, places to eat, parks and playgrounds, indoor ideas and more!

Outdoor Adventures

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flinders blowhole, flinders

With black sand and cliffs, this is truly such an amazing spot.

quarantine station @ point nepean national park, portsea

With heritage buildings, most still in their original condition, the vast openness sprinkled with the most majestic old trees, and surrounded by the bay - it is pure tranquility.

fort nepean @ point nepean national park, portsea

No words or pictures can fully explain the sheer beauty of this spot. The scenery in every direction and the rich Australian history you’re walking amongst, is pretty spectacular. Fort Nepean on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is the site of the first shot of the British Empire in WWII - as well as the last know location of Prime Minster Harold Holt before he disappeared!

seawinds gardens, arthurs seat

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a weekend picnic with INCREDIBLE views, you simply cannot go past the STUNNING Seawinds Gardens in Arthurs Seat.

baldry's circuit walking trail, main ridge

Here’s the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages, with absolutely stunning scenery surrounding you in every direction.

bridgewater bay, blairgowrie

Wow - this spot will take your breath away!

balnarring beach, balnarring

Here is a wonderful family friendly beach!
Calm water, views all the way out to The Nobbies and if you pick the tide timings right, rockpools to explore!

mothers beach, mornington

Mothers beach is named as such - as it’s the perfect beach for family fun!

devilbend natural features reserve, moorooduc

Here’s a great place to head out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! Bring the bikes - and prams - and choose your adventure!

mushroom reef marine sanctuary, flinders

Mushroom Reef Sanctuary is the perfect spot to discover some fossils, collect pretty shells and just take in the sheer magnificence of the Mornington Peninsula.

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azure on panorama, mornington peninsula

marina magic getaways, patterson lakes

It is easy to see why this little hidden oasis has been named, Marina Magical Getaways in Patterson Lakes! Here is your chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate relaxing getaway - in the middle of the suburbs!

mornington tourist railway, moorooduc

Step back in time and jump on board your booth carriage of the Mornington Heritage Tourist Railway. Open up the windows and let the fresh peninsula air refresh your face as you watch the scenery zoom past.

mama and me camp, mornington peninsula

Hand on heart, this experience is THE best thing this Mamma has EVER done with Master 12.

boneo discovery park, fingal

This place has all the magic ingredients for a perfect family day out!

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!

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.

enchanted adventure, arthurs seat

This is one jam-packed adventure garden! The fun just keeps on coming.

locked in escape rooms, mornington

Get ready for the perfect amount of adrenalin pumping, brain stimulating, challenging fun!

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.

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?

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!

rocky creek strawberry farm, main ridge

From November to April you can visit this beautiful strawberry farm and fill your punnet to the brim.

zayak sea sled @ reef board hire, mornington

Kids can check out what’s on the bottom of the ocean, without having to even get their faces wet!

dino sand sculpting @ boneo discovery park, fingal

Dino Sand Sculpting has arrived at Boneo Discovery Park this summer!

red hill trail co, arthurs seat

Looking for adventure? Well, get your motor running and experience the Red Hill Trail on an e-bike!

the big goose, moorooduc

You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case.

hawkes farm, boneo

There’s nothing as good as eating a huge, ripe, juicy strawberry, freshly picked by your own hands! Except, of course, if you have travelled on a tractor ride to the strawberry patch, to pick that juicy strawberry, that is!

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!

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?

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.

peninsula hot springs, fingal

Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids

the red hill peony estate, red hill

Take some time out to stop and smell the.. peonies!

moonlit sanctuary, pearcedale

This AMAZING wildlife sanctuary is somewhere you absolutely have to add to your must-do list! Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabys, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats......... and more!

arthurs seat eagle, arthurs seat

Come aboard for the most peaceful ride to the peak of Arthurs Seat.

Great Eats

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the heritage balnarring, balnarring

This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.

nordie cafe, red hill

This cafe has an amazing view and THE MOST perfect space for kids to roam!

elwood sourdough, elwood

Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.

nyc bagels, rosebud

Here you can get rainbow AND choc chip bagels AND fill them with NUTELLA!

miss moose cafe, somerville

Mamma loves to discover a hidden treasure - and that is exactly what the gorgeous Miss Moose Cafe in Somerville is - a truly family friendly GEM!

devilbend farm beer brewery, tuerong

Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery is a great family friendly spot that place that the whole family will love!

rattling red cafe, tyabb

Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!

bottega 188, mt eliza

Here’s the newest family and pet friendly restaurant to grace the Mornington Peninsula!

panda, blairgowrie

How could you not love a restaurant that has a cute little kids corner with cubby and kids corner, has impeccable service by the most friendly staff, stunning location, AMAZING food and is doggo friendly too?!

the pig and whistle tavern, main ridge

In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!

red gum bbq, red hill

Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant

wombat cafe, dromana

Located directly opposite a bushy reserve, offering views of beautiful trees and a sound track of kookaburras laughter, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh, colourful and delicious vegan food and smoothies.

penni ave distillery, rye

Did you know that there’s a VODKA DISTILLERY in the South? This Mamma did NOT, and WOW, this place is amazing!

sages cottage farm and cafe, baxter

A cafe - a playground - a lake AND animals? This will be your new favourite place!

merricks general wine store, merricks

Nestled underneath shady trees, just opposite the walking trail and across the road from views of the stunning Merricks Beach, lies Merricks General store.

alatonero, mccrae

Situated by the stunning McCrae foreshore, you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped into an European oasis here at Alatonero!

boatshed cheese, dromana

Hidden away in an industrial street, you will find this little unassuming cheese factory that packs a huge punch!

schnapper point kiosk and bar, mornington

Right on the waterfront, with views of the city out in one direction, and red cliffs in the other - you will LOVE this spot!

slims hot pizza, mt eliza

Mamma’s loving everything about Mount Eliza’s coolest new local Slim’s Hot Pizza!

benton rise farm, tuerong

Wow - Mamma has stumbled across a gem here! Feed some farm animals, have a coffee AND grab fresh produce onboard a 1910 red rattler train carriage!

deoro by the bay, hastings

This may just be one of your new favourite spots to eat on the Peninsula!

jimmy rum distillery, dromana

It’s laid back, has an amazing vibe, uses fresh, locally produced products and the staff are friendly, attentive and extremely accommodating. Oh, and they make KILLER cocktails!

pelikan societe, hastings

If you like your meal with a view - you are going to LOVE this absolutely magical spot.

okay lucy gelato, mornington

Here you can choose from delicious hand-made gelato and fresh and fruity sorbet, with rotating daily flavours. And to put the cherry on top - you can have your scoop drizzled with nutella!

jetty road brewery, dromana

Looking for a cool spot to chill out with an ice-cold beer, to warm yourself over the open fire, and where the kids are welcome? You’ve found it!

portsea hotel, portsea

The Portsea Hotel has recently had a make over for some freshening up and Mamma must say, she is more beautiful than ever. Fresh and clean and bright, but still with a bayside feel. Book and dine inside (the glass doors open up for those sunny days) or try your luck in the beer garden and just turn up to get the more casual seating outdoors.

mornington peninsula chocolaterie & ice creamery, flinders

The aroma fills your lungs as soon as you step through the door. Chocolate; sweet, sweet chocolate!

beach kiosk, point leo

This great little cafe is THE place to be on a Summer’s Day!

cafe del sol, safety beach

Coffee lovers - this is a MUST SEE!

via battisti cafe, mt martha

Along side the gorgeous Mt Martha Bay, bask in the sunshine as you sit at an outdoor table and enjoy delicious food!

Great Playgrounds

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rosebud jetty foreshore playspace, rosebud

This little gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already!

mornington park playground, mornington

Here’s a great park, in prime location!
Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Mornington Peninsula coast, and across the road from Main street - which is jam-packed with cafes, bars and shops!

mccrae foreshore lighthouse playground, mccrae

This is a great little playground which resides next to the majestic Mcrae lighthouse and on the foreshore of McCrae beach.

rye foreshore playground, rye

Rye Foreshore Playground is a total classic! A wooden treasure that your kids will want to visit again and again. It is a community treasure and its design is a nod to all things nautical.

dunns road reserve, mount martha

Mamma just loves this little farm themed playground!
With a large covered ‘banyard’, complete with picnic tables and a BBQ, it is the perfect place for a get together.

sorrento park, sorrento

Of course the people of Sorrento would build something so lovely, complete with breathtaking views.

Great Indoor Ideas

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top fun shack, rosebud

It’s hard not to have a TOP time here! There’s so much FUN to be had with Mini golf - Ten Pin Bowling and Arcade games!

kidd's days @ inflatable land, mornington

Designed solely for ages up to 4, there are heaps of little activities that are going to entertain and challenge them.

kidz shed playcentre, hastings

With a dedicated, fenced in toddler area; huge slides, air hockey table, drawing boards, ball pit, ride-on bikes - and SO much more, there is something for all ages! The perfect indoor play activity.

inflatable land, mornington

What could be a better way of burning off excess energy than entering an indoor play land where everything is bouncy?!

Mamma Erin 16/6/19 Mamma Erin 16/6/19

Phillip Island MUST DO's with your family

Phillip Island is the PERFECT holiday destination for families. There is SO much to see and do. From spectacular Coastline views, abundance of wildlife to those special little penguins!

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Phillip Island is the PERFECT holiday destination for families. There is SO much to see and do. From spectacular Coastline views, abundance of wildlife to those special little penguins!

Great Family Experiences

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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.

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!

westernport ferries - stony point to cowes, phillip island

You never need to worry about traffic getting onto the Island again!

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!

phillip island chocolate factory, newhaven

Sweet Mamma chocolate dreams! Panny’s Chocolate Factory that rests beside the road as you head through the island is a coco-lover’s haven and the kids will be impressed too.

phillip island strawberries, cowes

Strawberry lovers you will be in heaven when you walk into this little netted farm, surrounded by over 4000 plants!

phillip island circuit go karts, ventnor

Take a hot lap around the Phillip Island Circuit track, and take in those incredible views!

verandah retreat, cowes

Life cant get much better than a night at this luxurious family home by the beach!

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!

antarctic journey @ nobbies discovery centre, summerlands

Take a journey to the Antarctic and learn all about the amazing wildlife and their habitat.

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.

pelican feeding, san remo

When 12pm approaches, these guys slowly gather around the foreshore and wait patiently for their lunch to arrive.

big 4 phillip island caravan park, newhaven

Packed with fun for the family and completely affordable, with different options for all budgets.

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.

penguin parade, summerlands beach

The Penguin Parade is a MUST DO for any trip down to the Island.

koala conservation centre, rhyll

The Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island is quality eco-education - Koalas in their natural habitat with boardwalks allowing visitors to get a closer view.

churchill island, phillip island

An island off an island! Churchill Island is a must do if you have a family and kids learning all the different animal noises.

Delicious Food

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farmhouse kitchen @ churchill island, phillip island

If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family Sunday brunch - or any day really - then you have found it here!

the store, ventnor - phillip island

Make sure you add the family and dog-friendly The Store in Ventnor Phillip to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!

saltwater, phillip island

Saltwater is the first place you see as you cross the bridge into Phillip Island, so it really SHOULD be your first stop! This stunning building is perched on the water overlooking Western Port Bay so it really does have prime position!

wild food farm, rhyll

The cafe is on a homestead surrounded by beautiful bush scenery, even offering small bushwalk trails. The rainforest room is phenomenal!

phillip island winery, ventnor

Mamma loves a winery lunch outing with the family. Gorgeous open spaces, great food and a drop or two of wine. The Phillip Island Winery is definitely one of Mamma’s favourites. Grab a seat in the cozy indoor spaces with sheepskin adorning the chairs, or the outside tables where the kids can run around on the grass.

the pantry, phillip island

ALL the cheese, crackers, sourdough , nuts, meats and fruit that you could want; all great quality and totally delish!

westernport hotel, san remo

A relaxed family friendly hotel with great pub grub and things to keep the kids busy!

san remo bakehouse, san remo

Award winning pies and views of the bay! What could be better than that?! Oh, wait - maybe having a kids corner, free babycinos and a charging station!

The Great Outdoors

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chicken beach @ cowes, phillip island

Here is the perfect location for your next family beach road trip!

woolamai surf beach, phillip island

Mamma is going to call it - THIS is the most stunning stretch of beach in the South!

swan lake trail, phillip island

This is the perfect family walk! It will only take you 20 minutes to follow the trail - there and back - so it’s perfect for those little legs. It’s also pram friendly, too!

forrest caves, newhaven

There really is something so magical here. It’s a mixture of the white sand, the red caves and those huge cliffs - accompanied by the sound of the crashing waves - pure HEAVEN.