As my Pop would always say, fresh air can do you some good. If you are keen to avoid crowds, heading for a walk, a hike or just a stroll and soaking in nature can help, especially when the sun is shining. Here are some eastie nature trails.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amazing - there is simply no other word for it. The Murrindindi Scenic Reserve with the beautiful Murrindindi River and the Wilhelmina Falls are incredible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Badger Creek Weir is Mamma’s favourite place to relax, explore and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Inspiring families in Melbourne's East to uncover amazing stuff nearby. You will find inside local knowledge on parks, playgrounds, cafes, family activities, markets and more all waiting to be uncovered, rediscovered and enjoyed.
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*All reviews are based on ‘Mamma’s’ personal opinion and unique experience. Mamma takes no responsibility for any negative experiences incurred at any venue/location.*
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