Summer means CHERRIES! And you can’t miss the opportunity to pick your own. Cherryhill Orchards has two wonderful locations for picking - in Wandin and here in Coldstream. This orchard is HUGE. Rows upon rows of beautiful cherry trees, producing the beautiful sweet red fruit that tells Mamma that Christmas must be on its way!

Oh bless Mamma’s nostalgic, elder-millennial heart. The National Communication Museum is like taking a stroll down memory lane and we can’t get enough of it!

Go tie those laces, dig our those wrist guards - there is a NEW roller skating rink in town. Roller One is OPEN at Burwood One Shopping Centre and it is a … dream.

Adventure Days is here to transform your family day out into an unforgettable adventure. Perfect for families with kids aged 3 to 12, these all-inclusive, self-drive quests are designed to create lasting memories without the usual stress.

Welcome to dream room. A brand new exhibition at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale. Artist Beci Orpin has developed this gallery space into an oversized bedroom, immediately transporting you back in time into the childhood bedroom of your youth.

Heading up on a hot air balloon ride is one of the most amazing experiences. The silence and tranquillity of floating above the clouds, above the stunning vineyards and all while the sun makes its way up over the mountains - it is just breathtaking.

Mamma and co LOVE the idea of fishing - but waiting hours for anything other than an old boot to grab onto the hook is generally NOT ideal with the kiddos! The Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm will have you catching your dinner faster than you can say “I GOT ONE!”

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! 

Walking into the wonderland that is Montsalvat in Eltham feels a bit like you're walking into an ancient village - part magical kingdom, part monastery. It's full of art and inspiration and a great place to explore at your own pace.

Everything is awesome! This is definitely worth a visit if there is a LEGO lover in your life; they will feel like they have stepped into their wildest dream at LEGOLand Discovery Centre

Grab your clubs, we are heading to golf … MINI GOLF! Morack Public Golf Club has had an epic refresh and it includes an incredible, state-of-the-art driving range, as well as an 18 hole mini golf course.

Looking for an adventure a little further afield? Put The High Country Maze on your list! Located just a short 15-minute drive from Mansfield, this is an ideal outing for the whole family.

You can still find a classic, family friendly - and family run - cinema that has great priced tickets, old school service and ticks all the boxes for a movie day out with the fam. And it is right here in Boronia.

Mamma and the crew HAVE to share their new favourite activity - ROCK CLIMBING! Urban Climb is a stage of the art, indoor rock climbing and bouldering facility in Blackburn that will blow you away.

We are lucky in the east to have a number of big screen options to choose from, including Lido in Hawthorn. These movie theatres are great because there are heaps of screens meaning there are lots of options. They show some blockbusters AND some real little indy treasures.

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. Let’s go with Mamma and see the Australian animals, see the big birds and have a family day in Healesville.

A farm with a playground, feeding trail, nursery, pony rides AND a tractor ride. This farm in Greater Dandenong has been one of Mamma’s favourites for years and we think it just keeps getting better.

If Mamma has said it once, she’s said it a hundred times - there is so much amazing things to find in the east, including some incredible street art. You don’t have to look very far in Boronia to find it!

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?!

Third Sunday of the month - let's go ride the chugga chugga choo-choo!

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.

Mamma has never seen a classic cinema so beautiful or so iconically EAST as the Rivoli Cinemas. Located in the heart of Camberwell Junction (you know the spot - with traffic heading in 6 different directions), this stunning multiplex is full of 1940s charm.

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! It’s the perfect family adventure at the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

The reason why mini golf is a great activity for the family - is because everyone can have a go. But often, the courses are outdoor - which in Melbourne … doesn’t always work … UNLESS … you are all indoors. Enter Holey Moley.

Would you believe us when we tell you that there is a place you can visit in East Gippsland where you can head underground (well … into a hillside) and through an incredible natural occurrence that has been in this land for millions of years? That is exactly what you can do at the Buchan Caves. Parks Victoria run guided tours through two of the most amazing cave systems in the area

If you and your crew love games night - you are going to LOVE the Hijinx Hotel. This BRAND NEW experience at Chadstone is the first Hijinx Hotel in Victoria and it has blown Mamma’s mind. You will be tested by your reaction times, your ability, accuracy and general knowledge. The kids are going to have a ball - literally!

The most imposing building of the entire town of Beechworth is the historically significant and well preserved Old Beechworth Gaol. There are lots of tales that these walls could tell and your expert guide will share many of the good, bad, but mostly ugly as you make your way through iron bars into the exercise yard, the empty hallways and the tiny prisoner cells.

This is luxury accommodation with the most exquisite gardens and grounds that we have ever seen. Host Genevieve has designed the most amazing oasis on her property and staying here is so relaxing.

Mamma definitely learnt HEAPS on the Echoes of History Guided Walking Tour of Beechworth. This 45 minute walk around town is a great way to see the historical sights and learn some things about the European history of the area spanning back 170 years.

The Burke Museum is a treasure trove of Beechworth history, assembled all in one place. It covers natural history, the street scape of the past and the icons of the area.

We love little treasures in little towns and we were amazed to see that there still is a working telegraph station in Beechworth. Located in one of the original gold rush era buildings, this telegraph station used to be the hub of the latest in communication technology - morse code.

Aquanation is the one of the greatest place for water play in Melbourne’s East! Big water sides, junior pools, aqua playgrounds even diving boards!

Mamma’s kids are the happiest when in the water and there just so happens to be heaps of fun water play at Aqualink in Box Hill. Alongside the usual lap pool, the diving pool, outdoor lanes and swimming lesson zones, is an awesome splash zone.

Puffing Billy is not the only train that loves to ride the tracks at Emerald Lake! 

Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer! This brilliant facility is ideal for families and will thrill your entire crew. There is an outdoor lap pool, indoor heated pool, giant water slide and outdoor water play zone.

A theme park that is SUPER fun for the whole family. It’s an animal park, has rollercoasters and thrill rides, and Mamma’s favourite place to cool off at the GIANT water park.

A summer getaway with views for days, cool breezes and incredible scenery … it has to be at the top of Mt Buller. Green season in Victoria’s High Country is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway!

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

The little trains rule the town every FOURTH Sunday at the Mooroolbark and District Miniature Railway.

Miller’s Homestead is now home to a new - although very tiny - branch of the Your Library group. Perfect place for story time, exploring the gardens and taking in a slice of local history.

Mamma can't hide it. She is a bit of a history buff. Plus when the story is about the happenings in our backyard it is hard to resist taking it all in. Gulf Station is a little slice of pioneer heritage from the 'good ol' days' in Yarra Glen.

Knox Leisureworks is awesome for the little ones. Add the water play features, bubbly water in the corner and sweetest frog slide - this spot is perfect for those scorching summer play days

Ever feel like you just want to HURL an axe at a wall sometimes? No me neither, but wow it’s FUN!

We have a beautiful sleepy museum that is a real find and a perfect place to explore with little kids. The National Steam Museum is all about the classic machinery, some old rusty diggers and big, heavy things.

This amazing set up of steam, electric, petrol and diesel locomotives run EVERY Sunday and are brilliant - and affordable - family entrainment.

Emerald Lake is a real GEM - and now you can hire a bike to explore all of its beauty!

An expert tip to get your kids to eat fruit - take it to where it grows. Montague Orchard in Narre Warren North has a massive range of apples and stone fruit AND you can pick your own to take home whilst on an orchard tour.

Raspberries have to be Mamma’s favourite little fruit and when they are fresh from the bush, they are even better.

Mamma’s kids had the time of their tiny lives hanging out in the pool, as well as ensuring every toy in the library was played with, then went out back to hang out in the cubby house at this brilliant family friendly retreat!

Kinglake is a beautiful country town that is so easy to get to and has so many little treasures to be found. One of the best ways to do this, with a delicious reward at the end, is on the Cheeky Fox Trail.

There is a beautiful garden and historical property, placed high on the hill in Wandin North. Mont De Lancey has some of the most incredible views of the Yarra Valley and is a great place to wander and learn as a family.

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.

Nothing screams a local eastie adventure like a ride on the world famous Puffing Billy. 

Bek and Adam have worked tirelessly over the past 2 years to open up this hobby farm to other families and are now welcoming guests to their newly renovated cottage on the property. Sleeping 5, the house has everything you need for an enjoyable stay and farm life experience.

The best waterways in the east!

Well, it’s confirmed. Blueberries taste 200% better when you pick them directly from the bush and when these bushes are in the BUSH … it makes for an all around, great family activity.

Sail away with us on Lilydale Lake!

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.

The bowling alley is located within Holey Moley at Eastland and it is super slick. From the funky bowling shoes, to the comfy couches and the high tech scoreboards, this bowling experience is perfect for a whole family day out or a way to escape the Melbourne weather.

There is a zoo in the country that full of charm and a lion or two!

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.

This is Parks Victoria’s most recently opened public park. Welcome to Haining Farm.

A maze is such a fun family adventure. Don’t get lost!

Mamma just LOVES a toy library. The Knox Toy Library is run by a wonderful team of parents and play experts who are just super passionate about this incredible community resource.

As soon as your kids show an interest in bikes or scooters get them booked in for a session at the famous institution that is the Kew Traffic School.

There are two courses at Maroondah Golf Park - indoor and outdoor meaning you can potentially putt-putt rail hail or shine. 

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

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

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.

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.

OH MY GOODNESS is this place is epic - probably why they call this incredible putt-putt Holey Moley. 18 of the most creative, novelty driven and just-darn-cool mini golf holes, can be found in this wonderland.

Spirts in the Sky is an absolute must - in fact, we often take visitors to Healesville Sanctuary just to see this exhibition. It is a great way to learn about some of our beautiful Australia birds.

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 finding treasure and sometimes it is the rusty gold type of treasure. Coal Creek Community Park is Korumburra’s historical heartland.

Wanna go for a crab hunt? We’re not going to find many BIG ones, but it is still fun all the same. The Screw Creek Nature Walk is a beautiful quiet spot to explore right close to the beach.

This historically significant site in Wonthaggi is where 17 million tonnes of coal was mined for Victorian industry railways back in the 1900s and now is an educational and tourist destination. The site is huge and all enclosed so the are safe to explore where they choose, including the old K192 engine.

Big shells, little shells, tiny shells and colourful shells. More shells than you could possibly carry in your bucket after a day at the beach.

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.

This township is an amalgamation of some of the area’s most prized buildings, preserved for our enjoyment. you’ll find all the places you might expect in a ‘ye olde’ community.

Mamma loves a family adventure and seeking out some of nature’s beauties AND a side of Victorian history, we are looking at a triple points on the explorer’s scoreboard.

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

Let’s get picking!

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.

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.

How incredibly lucky we are to have a piece of our city's history available for all to visit. The grounds of the Abbotsford Convent are almost from another world and certainly not of this time.

Get your bucket lists out - you need to add to it!

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!

If you are heading to Walhalla, you can’t miss the Walhalla Goldfields Railway experience.

The NEW epicentre of culture in the City of Casey

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!

Witches, fairies, trolls and the most eccentric and mysical characters you ever did meet! 

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

Our buddies from the Isle of Sodor make their way to join the gang at Puffing Billy twice a year and the experience is so delightful!

Bob has travelled the world from Himalayan Temples to Mosques and the Cambodian Jungle (and everywhere in between) and the treehouse is influenced by these lifelong travels. The woodwork as absolutely beautiful and the house is rich in textures, colours and spirit.