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.

Ever wanted to know how a bird - or maybe more accurately, a Bogong Moth - views the world below them? Perched on top of giant granite boulders, high above the Australian Alps, you will.

On the plateau of Mount Buffalo, the still cool waters of Lake Catani stretches out, inviting you to jump on the kayak, paddle at the shore and bask by the bank.

If you’ve ever been curious as to what it might have felt like as a dinosaur roaming the Earth … then walking through the ancient fern filled valley of Tarra Valley might give you an inkling.

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

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.

This location makes FernGully seem not like a cartoon movie, but for real life!

Which do you like the best? Raspberries or Blackberries? Well… you don’t actually have to choose at Chappies - you can pick both!

The Heatherdale pump track is a dual bike zone. One for BMX and the other for mountain bikes.

What better way to enjoy a beautiful spring day than slopping on the sunscreen and slapping on a hat and waltzing amongst the berries at Blue Hills Berries and Cherries UPick!

Blueberry picking while you catch up for a playdate at The Barn Owl cafe … yes please!

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

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.

 127 hectares of parkland in the middle of Wheelers Hill this is a picnicker's dream.

Willsmere Park area is a hidden bush oasis that is simply beautiful.

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

Mamma WANTS you to go chasing these waterfalls.

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!

We love a great rail to explore! Even better when it is nice and flat and has a lovely view to take in.

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.

There is nothing sweeter than watching the faces of your kids light up when they realise that in the trees above, there are hundreds upon hundreds of grey-headed flying foxes.

New name - same beautiful spot! The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens - previously The National Rhododendron Gardens - are spectacular.

Local treasure is what we are all about. Nothing SCREAMS treasure like searching for it on your morning walk. The locals in Blackburn North are bringing community spirit back and have their very own Gnome Village along the Koonung Creek Trail.

If you are keen on getting the heart pumping, getting out in nature and testing your limits … you would have certainly heard of the 1000 steps.

This is a restored the last surviving trestle bridge in the area and the tallest in Victoria. It is just over 100 metres long and is pretty darn tall.

Ya gotta love ‘dem apples! Especially when you can pick them straight from the tree.

Let’s get outside, explore the gardens, hug a tree and collect a great big bunch of acorns. Canterbury Gardens is THE spot to do just this.

Badger Weir HAS REOPENED and it is such a fantastic place to relax, explore and breathe in the fresh mountain air.  

Little kids get to celebrate - the toddler pool at Olinda Community Pool is AWESOME. Using space around the original junior pool, an exciting water play space has been created.

Mamma would love you introduce you to Stumpy. It is as ridiculous as it sounds and it is slowing growing in its celebrity status as a resident of Whitehorse.

Mamma never would have guessed that The Great Ocean Road would have a match but we sure have found it’s little sister! The Bunurong Coastal Reserve is a STUNNING piece of coastline stretching from Invervoch to Cape Paterson, and beyond to Coal Point at Hamers Haven.

We love a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Such a tranquil slice of paradise, right on the doorstep of the city we all love.

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.

Are you interested in taking the family on a berry picking adventure but not sure exactly what berry is your favourite? Then head to Jay Berries and you can find your raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries all at the one spot.

If you go into the woods today you in for a beautiful suprise! 

Well, well. Mamma has found paradise. A garden oasis PARADISE!

The owners of Warratina love the purple flower and invite the public during to visit the farm. The comforting aroma of lavender will hit you as soon as you step out from the car.

Summer is here and so are the raspberries! For a limited time, you can now pick you own at the Warratina Lavender Farm.

The simple silhouette from artist Matt Cavert, always makes me think of the innocence of childhood and the countless wonderings our little ones have about the world. Mamma also was certain that one day, we would take the family and recreate his pose, gazing up into the never ending blue sky!

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.

After following a brown tourist sign from the Main Street of Warrandyte one morning, we found ourselves in the tranquil bushland that has great significance in the history of this gold mining town. Back in 1850s gold was found in these hills, and for the adventurous family, you can walk where the pioneers once trod and visit a handful of sites along the way.

The site is the location of an old homestead, which was tragically destroyed by the 1932 bushfires. All that remains are the steps. Talk about 5 parts eerie and 5 parts cool! The gardens are real surprise as they sit majestically amongst the Aussie bush and the views of this corner of the hills are beautiful.

Who says you have to head to the Grampians to test your rock climbing skills? Just head towards Homesglen Station and you will find a Bouldering Wall!

Mamma and the crew love a Sunday stroll. Even better when there is somewhere that the dogs can have a great walk, enjoy some beautiful views, have some wildlife spotting and a playground at the end. Westerfolds Park is this spot. 

Mamma wished her gardens looked this great. A particularly great effort considering they have been here for over 100 years! These magnificent gardens are the centrepiece of town and a magical oasis to the hustle and bustle of busy Kew Junction, just a stones throw away.

You couldn't get a more secret garden if you tried! Literally tucked in behind the Montrose set of shops, there is a garden - The Peoples Garden. This little slice of beauty is incredibly rare to find and a perfect quiet spot for a picnic or a stroll through with your crew.

Autumn plus The Dandenong equals bliss

Grab a harness and pull on a helmet, get ready to head to the tree tops for a forest ADVENTURE!

A growing collection of street art is hidden away in The Backyard! 

A stunning botanical oasis in Melbourne's outer east with a playground, lakes and even a train! Plan your next picnic and family get together at Wilson Botanic Park. 

Let's go on a free outdoor adventure exploring the forest AND the art. 

It is recognised as being of "regional Botanical and Zoological significance, as there are a number of endangered species present" . It really is beautifully untouched bushland in the middle of suburbia. 

The West might have the lions and tigers. The City might have the bears. But - Oh My! - The East might just have the best - our own native stars at Healesville Sanctuary

The locals spend many summer afternoons chilling out in this outdoor spot! 

When it is time to a dip pack up your picnic rug, some lunch and your swimming gear and headed to Croydon Memorial Pool - the outdoor one.

Mamma falls in love with these little red treats every year after visiting the massive orchard out in Wandin. Cherryhill has a number of orchards over Victoria but it is at this eastie spot that U-pick is at its BEST!

The gardens where you will find a fairy village, Captain Cooks Cottage and SOOO much more!

Keep you eye on the forecast and plan your Emerald lake adventure to include a wade through the FREE pool. 

There are so many aquatic adventures to be had at this space - indoor AND outdoor!

Pack the kids in the car, load up the snacks, add in an extra buddy to take a photo and head DOWNHILL the the lake - Sherbrooke's magic spot

Kallista has a spot PERFECT for some nature play and YOU have take the kids with their wild imaginations! Let Mamma help you discover the Dragon's Nests!  

One of Mamma's favourite places for a family picnic has to be Maroondah Dam. This parkland reserve is alive with birdlife, beautiful gardens and great family walks

Set on the side of the hill here are some of the most stunning and exclusive gardens in the Dandenong Ranges.

This bushland reserve is part of the Warrandyte State Park and is one of THE most beautiful spots along the Yarra River that Mamma has ever been to. 

If you are looking for some snow play, toboggan sliding and letting your treasures have a good old play in the white stuff, Lake Mountain is the place to head! 

As far as beautiful goes you don’t get more on perfectly lovely than this place. It's where nature and art are perfectly balanced and to mamma it is a magical even surreal journey through the ferny tranquil 'fairy tale' glades here. 

When you stand in the middle of this little farm, it is hard to believe exactly where you are in relation to the centre of the city!

Mamma wouldn't blame you for thinking you had stepped into Alice and Wonderland and expect to see some dancing cards come racing around the corner in these spectacular gardens.

Whether it's your first time coming here or your million time, you'll never get bored of this amazing zoo.

The Warby Trail has to me Mamma’s MOST favourite place to relax and chill out with the dogs.