the great outdoors

We are very fortunate to have some pretty awesome outdoor treasures at our doorstep, some beautiful lakes, nature spots and heaps of animal adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Mamma has a handful here to provide you with all the inspiration you need to get you out of the house they include a handy map, making it easier to uncover something new for you and the crew to enjoy.
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.
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.
How many ways can you think to use strawberries? You'd better start counting because you will be bringing home a bucket full!
Grab a harness and pull on a helmet, get ready to head to the tree tops for a forest ADVENTURE!
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.
You would never believe that your are minutes from the city while you sit and smell the eucalyptus, enjoy a coffee and watch the world float on by at Studley Park Boathouse.
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!
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!
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
There are grapevines growing in between Boronia and Wantina South - The Knox Community Gardens is a true find.
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
New name - same beautiful spot! The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens - previously The National Rhododendron Gardens - are spectacular.
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.
ZEEE PLANE ZEE PLANES!!!!! What little one doesn't love pointing out the plane in the sky!
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.
Amazing views, a dozen different games and places to explore and full cafe facilities makes this family friendly venue one of the most treasured places to visit in Healesville.
If you're keen to stretch your art and culture legs but not sure your kids are ready for a gallery then Mamma says pack your picnic rug and go exploring in the Sculpture Gardens in the stunning grounds of the Heide Museum of Modern Art.
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.
Maranoa gardens is the most peaceful maze of walking tracks and display of Australian fauna.
The Warby Trail has to me Mamma’s MOST favourite place to relax and chill out with the dogs.
Head for the hills - and take in the views. SkyHigh of Mount Dandenong has to have the best vantage point of all of the East.
Teaching children where food comes from is one of the great things we get to do as parents and what better way to see how 450 variety of fruit grows than on the back of a tractor at Rayners Orchard.
There is a new, AMAZING and safe place at Queens Park in Healesville to take the bikes, scooters and trikes and let the kids do laps.
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.