beaches, lakes, rivers and more

We are very fortunate to have some pretty awesome beaches at our doorstep, some beautiful rivers, lakes and heaps of outdoors nature spots 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.

“Browse though our collection or search below for your suburb or fave spot”

Featured

old point cook homestead and stables site, point cook

So back in the olden days the Point Cook Homestead was a part of the Chirnside family (of Werribee Mansion fame) property portfolio. It was built around 1857 and includes the main homestead and some stables and out buildings. Since the Chinsides, it has been passed down to a few owners but now is managed by Parks Victoria.

point cook coastal park beach and picnic area, point cook

Hidden away down the end of Point Cook Road is a quiet spot for picnic and play!
The Point Cook Coastal Park has had some new additions recently of BBQ’s and shelters, plus a small playground and toilets!

mackenzie falls, grampians

If you are on a trip to the Grampians or staying in Halls Gap, you must add MacKenzie Falls to your list. It was the highlight of our adventure!

truganina swamp (truganina coastal parklands), truganina

Usually the term 'swamp' doesn't conjure up pictures of freshness and beauty, but this place is just that. With the wetlands being more ‘lake’ or ‘river’ rather than ‘swamp’ and teeming with bird life and flora it is peaceful and untouched, and it has a good trail toward and along Skeleton Creek

ballarat botanic gardens, ballarat

Mamma loves a good garden and this is one of our families favourite spots to picnic, play and chill out. It has everything you could imagine that a botanical garden has - shady trees, lush green grass, gorgeous plants, ponds, fountains, gazebos, statues, fernery and more!

point lonsdale front beach @ the bellarine

Rockpools are amazing things. Magical little holes filled with ocean treasures. Some are tiny with little ecosystems of their own, others are like warm baths or little pools to splash around in.

sheoak falls, lorne

Just past Lorne on the way down the iconic Great Ocean Road you will see a small unassuming sign indicating that the Sheoak Falls lay just off the bend in the road. What you will find is a stunning, picturesque waterfall amongst gorgeous bushland. Mamma loves the view of the Great Ocean Road from the top boardwalk and then the grassy path along the rock wall complete with cubby holes.

FREE disc golf course, stony creek - yarraville

Disc Golf is a thing and we have a great FREE Disc Golf course right here in Yarraville. It is great fun and anyone can play!

horseshoe bend farm, keilor

Mamma can't believe this place. Put simply it was once operating farm that is no longer in use - and anyone is welcome to come and enjoy this country style oasis in the middle of the suburbs.

kororoit creek shared trail, sunshine west

Kororoit Creek is one of the waterways iconic in much of the West. It stretches from Altona Coastal Park to Sunbury. And in the many suburbs it runs through, a shared trail follows almost the whole way. This section is in Sunshine West.

buckley falls, highton

Hiding out the back of Geelong is Buckley Falls - a little surprise package of fun, adventure and beauty! These falls are a great way to spend a few hours exploring. Once you have clocked the main area Mamma wants you to head further down the Barwon River… this is where we had our fun. You'll find some of the most gorgeous river pools with plenty of rock hopping and cascading water - sensational!

burndap park, maribyrnong

This is a wonderful little track that curls around and in between the Edgewater Marina and Maribyrnong River. The track is smooth and flat, perfect for prams, bikes, scooters and wheelchairs.

malmsbury botanical gardens, malmsbury

Discover the hidden gem of Malmsbury's botanical gardens - a surprise package waiting to be explored! Mamma's favourite spot boasts a stunning lake at its heart, complete with an island accessible via a charming bridge.

erskine falls, lorne

You are 234 steps away from the gorgeous Erskine Falls from the car park area - Mamma counted. Little legs and old weary ones like Mamma’s might find it tricky but be sure to have some little breaks and a big rest when you get to the bottom! Plus when you do make it down - you get the reward of seeing the waterfalls from 2 different view points - what a magical place this is!

triplet falls and little aire falls, wyelangta

The Otways National Park is just stunning. Triplet falls (more kid friendly) is about 2km and 1 hour return trip. Although it is a short ‘walk’ the stairs leading to the trails feel a little never ending for kids and certainly challenging for grown-ups. We have also taken the trek to Little Aire Falls which is much longer, steeper and a more challenging walk/hike for the family.

brisbane ranges - anakie gorge walk, staughton vale

Mamma is making it her mission to find lots of fab kid-friendly walks in nature and this is one of the best ones we have come across. The Brisbane Ranges is great. Often the weather, the snacks we take, tired levels of mamma and kids - all have lots to do with the ‘ease’ and enjoyment factor too but this bushwalk is relatively flat, scenic and a quick easy 2 hour loop.

jebbs pool, cumberland river

Mamma loves a hidden adventure! Jebb’s Pool is a stunning oasis behind the Cumberland River Caravan Park. It’s a part of the Erskine River and over time the river has created these lovely pools and smooth rocks - including a mini waterfall or as some say - a nature waterslide! Over the summer there are apparently plenty of visitors who come here for a swim and a float too - how fun!

stanley park waterfall, mount macedon

This is the perfect little waterfall to visit with the little ones! Stanley Park Waterfall is located in lovely bushland just off the main road up Mount Macedon. Once you park in the car park it’s just a short stroll to the top of the waterfall where you can stand on the small viewing platform to see the water flowing off the top from the creek. There is a playground here and some BBQ’s too!

newell's paddock conservation reserve, footscray

Haven to some beautiful birdlife - you will spot swans, cranes and ducks.

brooklyn dog park, brooklyn

The perfect place to bring you dog! We love this dog park.

hobsons bay wetlands, altona

We are so lucky to have so many stunning nature trails in the west, and one Mamma loves to explore is our amazing wetlands!

altona dog beach, altona

This place is simply dog heaven. If you have a furry family member then Altona Dog Beach is a fantastic place for all the westie canine population to catch up, have a frolic and maybe enjoy some salt air and sea.

the cascades, metcalfe

You know with most waterfalls you need to stand at a distance and view the beauty from afar? Well The Cascades in Metcalfe is an amazing spot, and is just is like an interactive waterfall! The water rushes over these rocks and cascades down them into pools and further along the Coliban River - you can touch and walk around the flowing water, in the summer you will find people taking a dip too!

st georges lake, creswick

What a beauty! This amazing lake is not only peaceful and picturesque, but an adventure for all seasons.

geelong botanic gardens geelong

Yes, here is yet another botanical garden to add to the picnic list!

kororoit creek shared trail and sculpture walk, altona north

Smooth pathways and wondrous sculptures - it is a fantastic outdoor adventure for the family.

truganina explosives reserve tour days, truganina

Tours here at back! Fear not, the Truganina Explosives Reserve does NOT have explosives on it anymore. In fact it has been unused since 1962 when they ceased the handling and the shipping of the explosives from the site.

sandy point nature reserve, williamstown

It is an excellent place for exploring and adventures!

botanical gardens in the west

Mamma loves exploring these botanical gems in the West and beyond....

jawbone bay and marine sanctuary, williamstown

With its little bays of sand, clear and cool water - Jawbone Bay and Marine Sanctuary is stunning little paradise.

Featured

old point cook homestead and stables site, point cook

point cook coastal park beach and picnic area, point cook

ballarat botanic gardens, ballarat

avalon beach, avalon

There are lots of shell treasures to collect, cute benches to watch the passing ships, and a picnic table - just made to eat fish and chips on.

californian redwood forest, beech forest

If you've ever dreamed of exploring a magical forest, well then Mamma has some great news. Deep in the Otway ranges is the Californian Redwood Forest - Mamma says it's magical, it's awe inspiring and spectacularly beautiful.

campbells cove, werribee south

As the weather warms up and the beaches in the West fill up - it’s good to have some other spots to explore.

werribee south beach, werribee south

It's quiet, pretty and has so much to explore!

altona coastal park bike trail, altona

Mamma loves to get outdoors and get the legs pumping with a good bike ride. Altona Coastal Park is one of the best rides around. You can still see a lone date palm and the ruins of the grandstand of the old Williamstown Racecourse which saw Phar Lap race and win the Underwood Stakes in 1931. Giddy up!

werribee park, werribee south

Werribee Park and Mansion grounds is a magical place to visit with such glorious gardens you definitely need to put aside a good couple of hours to explore the ponds, fountains, green house, sculpture walks, cafes and more.

maribyrnong river trail, footscray

We in the West are blessed with Melbourne's most beautiful river right on our doorstep (you can't blame Mamma for being biased) and The Maribyrnong River Trail provides endless opportunities to choose your own outdoor adventure to enjoy it via foot, bike or trike.

williamstown beach, williamstown

Willy Beach has everything you could possibly need for a day by the sea and it's only a hop skip and jump from your front door. This is the ideal place to introduce little ones to the ocean where they can splash and explore to their hearts content.

altona beach, altona

Altona Beach is a suburban paradise. Your family and friends will love the sand, sea, and grassy strips. Meander along the long pier any time of the year.

the strand, williamstown

Mamma's got one word for this place. WOW! Whether your movement of choice is walking, running or cycling. This is the perfect spot to soak up some awesome icons of the West and the views of our beautiful city.

newport lakes, newport

Newport Lakes is a beautiful bushland oasis with its two big lakes, lots of native birds and grassy spots for picnics, it's a wonderful place to bring the family for a day of wildlife watching and native plant spotting.

100 steps to federation - truganina park, altona meadows

Mamma was told to expect the best views in Melbourne and was not disappointed. The top of the 100 Steps to Federation in Altona Meadows - provides uninterrupted 360 degree views of the You Yangs, Melbourne and the Bay. It is downright breathtaking and energising climbing to the top.

cherry lake, altona

Mamma says visiting this park on Chery Lake is a must for any true blue Westie. Gaze over the water and take a little time to unwind while your little (and big!) ones explore and the Lions Market is on here on the first Sunday of the month!

beaches, lakes, rivers and more

beaches, lakes, rivers and more

mamma knows west

Thanks to our PAID advertising partners here - we couldn’t do what we do without their support

We couldn’t do what we do without our advertisers - thankyou for your support