mamma loves manningham
/ Mamma Erin
Mamma loves Manningham. There is so much great green space and places to explore with the family. Here are Mamma’s discoveries in Manningham.
parks and playgrounds
Looking for an awesome playground in Doncaster East that has something for ALL of the family? Best to give this one a whirl! In 2024 we have had a giant upgrade and Mamma thinks this is an absolute BEAUTY!
This recently renovated playground is an absolute winner, packed with fun for kids of all ages (and grown-ups too). There's sand, heaps to climb on, a bunch of swings and lots of fun.
Montgomery Reserve might not be the biggest playground around, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in fun! It’s the ultimate pit stop after grabbing some food or froyo nearby
Maggs St Reserve Playground has had a serious glow-up, and if you’re local, it’s definitely worth checking out! The playground’s been beautifully revamped with shiny new play equipment that ticks all the boxes—swings, slides, monkey bars, a spinny bucket, and even a ropes challenge for the more adventurous kiddos.
Located in Doncaster Hill, Hepburn Reserve is a simple but little pocket of fun waiting to be explored!
There’s a gorgeous caterpillar to walk up, so many different ropes to climb that Mamma had to keep a very close eye on her adventurous 2 year old.
This is a park that has a little bit of everything and it is very adorable! Mamma’s kiddos enjoy having a go on the swing, flinging themselves down the flying fox track to see how high they can get at the end and spinning round and round and round on the spinner.
The locals of Warrandyte are always on to a good thing and now they have a BRAND NEW playground to find some adventure!
Hidden treasures are one thing - but this is something completely different. Wonga Park has been hiding this one from Mamma!
Who on earth could this nest belong to? An eagle? An almighty condor? Maybe Dr Dr Seuss’ Horton when he needs to sit on an egg? All Mamma knows is, that THIS nest is the largest one she has ever seen. Plus the twin green slides are the TALLEST we have ever slid down!
The Tullamore Estate as a wonderful new playground complete with tunnels, ladders, trampolines and sand!
Mamma KNOWS that the Donny East locals are going to be calling this sweet street park the FAIRY PARK and I am all for it!
It’s so cute! A little playground for a pitstop and a run around. Lynnwood Reserve in Templestowe Lower has had a refresh and it is pretty perfect - especially for the kinder kids
Check out the size of this climbing pyramid. This is a GIANT rope structure and is the pride and joy of the Lawford Street Reserve - if fact, we can’t think of a playground that has a taller climbing frame!
Has Fireman Sam left his truck on Matisse Drive in Templestowe? Let’s hope he has forgotten it because it makes a great place to play.
eats
Red Gum Cafe in Templestowe is an excellent spot for a Mamma catch up. With both indoor and outdoor play areas for the little ones, you can enjoy your coffee and lunch. Outside is a sandpit, slide, swing, jeep and music wall, inside is dolls, books, trains, a MASSIVE soft play structure and loads of table space and high chairs.
Pink is the order of the day at the NEW Feekah, with a new venue located in Doncaster. Try the rainbow pancakes, grab a milkshake topped with fairy floss and prepare to pose in all the picture perfect spots.
Mamma has found a fave spot for families, and this one ticks all the boxes. Salted Caramel Café in Templestowe lower is perfect. It’s warm, welcoming and totally relaxed. It’s the kind of place where you can take a deep breath, sip your coffee, and actually enjoy a catch-up with friends while the kids are happily entertained.
Mamma has found a spot that ticks all the boxes – lunch, dinner, dessert and drinks all in one family-friendly stop!
Field Day Pantry is a new addition to the Warrandyte cafe scene. This cosy little coffee shop is like having a warm hug. You come here for a sweet pastry, a slice of cake or a big choc chip cookie.
Easties! This place has got the vibes! YOMG Doncaster is loud in the best kind of way - neon signs, bold colours, and that slightly electric energy that makes the kids’ eyes light up the second you walk in.
Warran Glen ain't just a nursery. It has the most amazing shop, filled to the brim with gift ideas AND a darn fine cafe up on the hill.
The writing is right there on the wall - THOU SHALL NOT DRINK BAD COFFEE. Inked Cup in Doncaster East is proving this one tasty brew at a time!
If your family loves a sweet treat served in a cone, or even a quick afternoon treat in the warmer months, this dessert bar is something else! Meno Zero know their desserts and they never ever disappoint. The freezers are full of gelato and in some pretty amazing flavours.
Burgers, burgers and more burgers! Mano really know their burgers! This casual dining eatery at Tunstall Square love a mouth watering burger and is a great spot for treating the kids to a meal while exploring throughout Manningham.
Arthurs Creek Coffee Co is an Australian Roastery who have recently opened a store in Warrandyte and Mamma must say the coffee is great.
Have you ever tried Bingsu? This Korean dessert made from shaved ice and Bing Chillin serve these bowls of frozen deliciousness 7 days a week!
It is so sweet to have a cafe full of delectable cakes and treats, as well as a giant wall of collectables. Lovey Patisserie is an adorable cafe in Doncaster which is part cake shop and part collectable showroom.
Ask any Research local where to go for great coffee and they will have you heading to Miners Gold. You will find this tiny hidden gem within a set of suburban shops, serving up their ‘must have’ gourmet toasties, super fresh salads, and yummy pastry treats.
Mamma felt like a kid in a candy store....actually Mamma was EXACTLY like a kid in a candy store at this sweet sweets store in Warrandyte.
Mamma loves a place that has soul. Not and Not Yet has just that, and more. This eclectic cafe has the community as its backbone and a great cup of coffee in its heart!
places to go
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.
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.
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.
Where will you find Mamma when the mercury is heading through the roof? At the local pool of course! And Aquareana is one of the best in the east. There is so much room here and plenty of fun to be had. Slides, indoor and outdoor pools - what more could you want?!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calling all ninja kids! There is a NEW ninja course open and ready for conquering at Ruffey Lake Park. Set off around the course that includes jumping platforms, upright poles, swinging racks, a warped wall that features rock climbing handles. Then there are unbalanced monkey bars, ropes to climb and balancing platforms. Set a timer and watch them go!