What is it about a waterfall or a lake, a creek or a river? Mamma just loves them and so do the kids. Is it the destination perhaps? We are lucky to have some great rivers and creeks to visit when we head out of the city.
Mamma says here are some beautiful spots to visit to get a glimpse a waterfall, a lake or a river.
Ruffey Lake Park is an iconic eastie destination. Whether you have had to run the track on a cross country run at school, attended the council run carols or visited one of their playgrounds, it is almost part of the family for those living in Manningham.
Pound Bend is part of the Warrandyte State Park and is a great spot for a family walk, some bird spotting and if you are lucky, a chance to see a friendly mob of kangaroos. The trail here takes you alongside the Yarra River and we head upstream to the big open field before turning around and heading back to the car.
One of Mamma's favourite places for a family picnic has to be Maroondah Reservoir Park in Healesville. This parkland reserve is alive with birdlife, beautiful gardens and great family walks.
The falls that you find in Noojee are absolutely stunning plus there are two of them. In the Toorongo Falls Reserve you will discover a kid friendly (just not with the pram though) bush walk along a well formed trail. As you weave your way through the forest, across bridge over cascading rapids, then into the hills, you will uncover the Toorongo Falls and the Amphitheatre Falls. STUNNING.
Every summer holiday destination needs a lake that can help bring the temperature down and Beechworth has Lake Sambell. This used to be the site of a gold mine (along with most places in the area!) and now is a family friendly lake that you’ll all enjoy.
It’s not just the beautiful people and interesting past that makes Beechworth an awesome spot to visit. The natural wonders are stunning and you just have to check out Woolshed Falls in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
Where can you walk amounts giants right up high in the canopy of the Yarra Ranges National Park? At the Rainforest Gallery in Warburton. Walk along the sky-high boardwalk or descend to the forest floor via the stairs and a closer look.
Mamma knows the perfect spot for a rest, a picnic and a tiny splash while on a High Country adventure up to Mt Buller - Mirimbah Park!
Wirrawilla Rainforest walk makes for peaceful and easy family walk into the Toolangi Forest.
Amazing - there is simply no other word for it. The Murrindindi Scenic Reserve with the beautiful Murrindindi River and the Wilhelmina Falls are incredible.
A stunning botanical oasis in Melbourne's outer east with a playground, lakes and even a cafe! Plan your next picnic and family get together at Wilson Botanic Park.
Weekends are made for family drives and exploring some hidden treasures. Kurth Kiln is a national park to the north of Gembrook and is a tranquil slice of paradise.
Head in to the forest to chase some waterfalls … but you might just end up climbing giant rocks instead!
This could the closest you are going to get to the beach in the eastie burbs of Melbourne! Lysterfield Lake is a real treasure. The man made body of water has crystal clear shallows and beautiful views - a total win for families.
If you have ever lived in Maroondah, you would be familiar with Ringwood Lake. This little slice of parkland in the corner of town is a well loved character within the community.
This is Parks Victoria’s most recently opened public park. Welcome to Haining Farm.
The hunt to find the Olinda Falls are just as exciting as the waterfalls themselves. There is something magical about these hills.
Wilson Reserve in Ivanhoe provides a great vantage point, as well as being a nice family friendly walk or bike ride in the bush.
Maranoa gardens is the most peaceful maze of walking tracks and display of Australian fauna.
Tucked in the hills of Belgrave Heights, this nature reserve and trail that weaves around the Monbulk Creek and retarding basin and is yet ANOTHER slice of eastie paradise.
We might not have the beach or the bay … but the east sure has The Lake! Lillydale Lake (yep … it has the old spelling still) is an eastie classic.
Nature is the name of the game here at the sanctuary - and so it should be with so much life nestled amongst the greenery. Two playgrounds, beautiful trails and it’s own mascot - Blackburn Lake is treasure of the east.
Now this was an amazing surprise! Quarry Reserve in Ferntree Gully is quite simply …. beautiful.
This little trail fits a very specific criteria - a bike trail that is great for beginners, not too long and can cope with a scooter!
Don’t go chasing waterfalls … unless they are lovely just like Steavenson Falls! These picturesque falls are a wonderful little water watching adventure when visiting Marysville.
Badger Creek Weir is Mamma’s favourite place to relax, explore and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Warburton is one of Mamma’s all time favourite destinations to visit, especially on a gorgeous sunny day where you will find the local Warby families along the banks of the mighty Yarra River.
Inspiring families in Melbourne's East to uncover amazing stuff nearby. You will find inside local knowledge on parks, playgrounds, cafes, family activities, markets and more all waiting to be uncovered, rediscovered and enjoyed.
