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! 

Start your battery powered engines! The Boronia Radio Control Car Club is your next racing spot for your remote control collection. Located on the corner of Park Cresent and Dorset Road, it is likely you have driven past it many times before. This space is open to the public and is a safe, well contained space that you can test out all your RC moves, without being in anyones way or on the road.

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.

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!

Mamma strongly believes that every autumn every Eastie needs to make at least ONE trip up to the Dandenong Ranges to experience natures finest display of colour! George Tindale Memorial Gardens attest to this. Smaller than some of the other Parks Victoria gardens, this gem is brilliant for getting the family outdoors.

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.

This is the perfect spot for all sorts of outdoor activities- a HUGE grassed area for kicking the footy or for a family picnic plus a bike/walking track

Mamma just loves watching her little ones play outdoors, even more so when there are activities all set up and ready to go!

Mamma stumbled upon this lovely walk and it is perfect for adventurous little legs.

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

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

Ever since the 80’s Mamma dreamed of being a BMX Bandit. Unfortunately the dream never came true but it just might for her little ones.

What a beautiful little spot of nature Mamma has discovered in the suburbs. Koolamara Waters is just perfect for little adventurers.

Trade the city’s hustle for nature’s hush at Fitzroy Gardens. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in vibrant greenery right in the heart of Melbourne, where tram bells harmonise with birdsongs. Here you'll find a playground, gardens, trails, a cafe, conservatory and MORE.

There is nothing better than the great outdoors and the adventures are endless with this playgroup. There are different themes each week, as well as plenty of flexibility and freedom to move at your own pace an explore as far and as wide as you like.

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.

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.

There’s nothing better than a picnic in the Dandenongs on a nice sunny day. Set under the mountain ash trees, along the Sassafras Creek, Beagleys Picnic Ground is the perfect spot. Centrally located, you can grab a coffee or some takeaway from many of the local cafes in the Dandenongs and settle in for a nice relaxing lunch.

Situated in the Dandenong Ranges, Mathias Track is a lovely, relatively easy and dog friendly walking track. It’s around 8km return, Mamma definitely didn’t get to explore the entire track with weary little legs by her side. The walk is quite flat and boasts beautiful views of the Dandenongs in all its glory.

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens in Olinda have a new roommate - the Chelsea Australian Garden. This is breathtaking. After winning Gold at the world famous Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London (that’s a mouthful!) a replicated and expanded design, is now taking pride of place in the Dandenong Ranges.

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

The falls that you find in Noojee are absolutely stunning plus there are two of them. In the Toorongo Falls Reserve you will discover a kid friendly (just not with the pram though) bush walk along a well formed trail. As you weave your way through the forest, across bridge over cascading rapids, then into the hills, you will uncover the Toorongo Falls and the Amphitheatre Falls. STUNNING.

Mount Cannibal is a continuous loop walk talking to you to the top where you can soak in some beautiful viewing points and the perfect spot for a family hike.

Pirianda Garden has to be one of the most beautiful places in the East during Autumn. The garden is just filled with colour and plenty of leaves for little feet to crunch and stomp.

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.

Every summer holiday destination needs a lake that can help bring the temperature down and Beechworth has Lake Sambell. This used to be the site of a gold mine (along with most places in the area!) and now is a family friendly lake that you’ll all enjoy.

It’s not just the beautiful people and interesting past that makes Beechworth an awesome spot to visit. The natural wonders are stunning and you just have to check out Woolshed Falls in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

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.

Mamma has found the most picturesque picnic spot in the East right at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. What was once a magnificent mansion, is now the most peaceful and picturesque picnic ground. With shade from trees, hiking and walking tracks from the ground and stunning views, Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground is a must visit in the Dandenong Ranges.

Nothing beats fresh air and sunshine so what better way to start your day than a walk around the Liverpool Road Retarding Basin. With the Dandenong Ranges as a backdrop it is simply stunning.

Mamma knows the perfect spot for a rest, a picnic and a tiny splash while on a High Country adventure up to Mt Buller - Mirimbah Park!

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

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

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

Mamma and the fam love a bike adventure - from when the kiddos were just learning on their wobbly training wheels at the park, to discovering new places along the many trails we have around the east.

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.

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.

Any Mamma’s in need of spending some time with the ultimate Mamma - Mother Nature? Head to Lakewood Nature Reserve for a little bit of bushland in the middle of the suburbs.

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

Now this is a spectacular spot to watch the sun go down or take a peek at the city skyline from the edge of regional Victoria. Frank Thomson Reserve offers you spectacular views of the the north east of Melbourne and is a beautiful spot to eat a picnic or just have a stretch of the legs.

We are so lucky to have great little pockets of forests to explore. The Jehosaphat Gully is found as you take the Healesville-Kinglake Rd up toward Kinglake.

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.

The best waterways in the east!

Amazing - there is simply no other word for it. The Murrindindi Scenic Reserve with the beautiful Murrindindi River and the Wilhelmina Falls are incredible.

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.

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.

Head in to the forest to chase some waterfalls … but you might just end up climbing giant rocks instead!

This could the closest you are going to get to the beach in the eastie burbs of Melbourne! Lysterfield Lake is a real treasure. The man made body of water has crystal clear shallows and beautiful views - a total win for families.

If you have ever lived in Maroondah, you would be familiar with Ringwood Lake. This little slice of parkland in the corner of town is a well loved character within the community.

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

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

When riding with kids, there is some key criteria that we look for. Flat paths, far enough away from the road, places to stop along the way and some fun things to see. Olinda Creek Trail ticks lots of these boxes for us!

Grab the bikes and lets go for a ride through Boroondara.

With little kids, the best day in the snow is a day that is easy, fun and free! Mt Donna Buang is the an ACE place to catch some snow and it's FREE, making it ideal for snow play

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.

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.

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 Creek Weir is Mamma’s favourite 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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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. 

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?!

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.

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!

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!  

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. 

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.