mamma's cheap thrills for the school holidays

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School holidays is a real fun time of year … but it can also take a whack to the hip picket. Mamma has gathered together some great freebies (or hip pocket friendly) adventures for these school holidays.

PLUS Mama’s favourite and road tested adventures here…

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wesburn pump track, wesburn
wesburn pump track, wesburn

Wesburn Recreational Reserve has had an upgrade and this pump track is one of Mamma’s favourites.

ruffey lake park, doncaster
ruffey lake park, doncaster

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, warrandyte
pound bend, warrandyte

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.

maroondah reservoir park, healesville
maroondah reservoir park, healesville

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.

burke's lookout, mount dandenong
burke's lookout, mount dandenong

Mamma knew there had to be a great vantage point of the city and the rest of Melbourne up in the Dandenongs and we think we have found it. Heading up the mountains for some fresh air and a lovely stroll is exactly what we are after.

melbourne tram museum, hawthorn
melbourne tram museum, hawthorn

Inside this magnificent depot is a dozen historical trams. Inside these trams is a whole stack of history. And amongst these trams is a whole lotta love and dedication. A great family experience all for a gold coin donation.

coldstream pump track, coldstream
coldstream pump track, coldstream

BMX buddies - let’s cheer for the new Coldstream Pump Track. This spot opened late in 2022 and had been a hit with the locals. You can ride or scoot or even skate (oh i’d love to see that) on the purpose built, asphalted track which has bumps and turns and jumps and corners.

rainforest gallery, warburton
rainforest gallery, warburton

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.

belgrave library, belgrave
belgrave library, belgrave

The Belgrave Library has had a spruce up and it is the perfect spot to sit and read or borrow a book (or ten) for your babes, your preschoolers and your big kids!

wirrawilla rainforest walk, toolangi
wirrawilla rainforest walk, toolangi

Wirrawilla Rainforest walk makes for peaceful and easy family walk into the Toolangi Forest.

grant's picnic ground, sherbrooke
grant's picnic ground, sherbrooke

An outdoor adventure does everyone a world of good! An outdoor adventure that is flat, easy to move a pram along AND in the middle of the most majestic bushland is even BETTER.

edendale farm, eltham
edendale farm, eltham

This community space in Eltham is a great place to take the fam and learn about farm life, our local wildlife and our much loved farm buddies. 

schwerkolt cottage and museum, mitcham
schwerkolt cottage and museum, mitcham

I guess you don't have to go all the way to Ballarat for some pioneer history lessons.

ada tree walk, ada
ada tree walk, ada

Deep in the heart of the forest is an ancient beauty of a tree named Ada. This tree is believed to be over 300 years old, having survived bushfires, logging activity and centuries of life in the forest. The forest is a stunning location for a family walk and day outside with nature.

wilson botanic park, berwick
wilson botanic park, berwick

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.

kurth kiln picnic grounds, gembrook
kurth kiln picnic grounds, gembrook

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.

puffing billy railway lakeside visitors centre, emerald
puffing billy railway lakeside visitors centre, emerald

It’s official. The train mad kids are going to LOVE you for taking them to Emerald Lake. Puffing Billy Railway have just opened their brand new visitors centre along side the beautiful original Lakeside station.

dandenong creek trail - heathmont loop, heathmont
dandenong creek trail - heathmont loop, heathmont

In this family we love going on an adventure, and the Dandenong Creek Trail is a wonderful place to explore.

dragon forest @ r. j. hamer arboretum, olinda
dragon forest @ r. j. hamer arboretum, olinda

The hills are beginning to come alive with the magic of dragons!

quarry reserve, ferntree gully
quarry reserve, ferntree gully

Now this was an amazing surprise! Quarry Reserve in Ferntree Gully is quite simply …. beautiful.

menzies creek museum, menzies creek
menzies creek museum, menzies creek

Puffing Billy Railway have opened the roller doors to their very own railway collection at Menzies Creek. It is a huge shed that has been 10 years in the making and displays over 80 exhibits.