mamma's top 10 adventures for 2023
/Mamma’s TOP TEN Adventures for 2022 in Melbourne’s West
Read MoreMamma’s TOP TEN Adventures for 2022 in Melbourne’s West
Read MoreThe top ten playgrounds in Melbourne’s West for 2023 are…..
Read MoreWe had an incredible weekend of family adventures exploring the best of the Great Ocean Road region. Just a few hours gets you to the gorgeous township of Port Fairy where our adventures began…
We stayed at The Southcombe Caravan Park in one of the schmick new 3 bedroom cabins - when I say cabins, they really feel like large, crisp, fresh coastal homes. With views of the ocean and everything you need for a (very) comfortable stay - Mamma loved the gas pot belly, the large rooms (main with ensuite), dishwasher and all the SPACE! The park is surrounded in green hedging for campers so would never feel overcrowded. There is also a small playground and you could easily walk to town centre.
First stop - an incredible seafood dinner on the Moyne River at The Wharf. Graze on a fresh seafood platter as you watch boats sail by. Owner Sean knows his seafood (there is both restaurant and take away, plus he has a boat on the river where you can buy fresh crays) - amazing.
Up early and a 25 minute drive gets you to Warrnambool to the INCREDIBLE Deep Blue Hot Springs. We started with some salt therapy to aid any respiratory woes and then straight into the incredible pools. The geothermal mineral water is sourced directly from the Dilwyn Aquifer where the water is naturally high in temperatures as a result of the earth’ s core temperature. It was raining on the day we went but Mamma thinks this made it even better. Also - who doesn’t love a grotto? This place was stunning.
Need a feed after all that bathing, so we headed into town to eat at The Cally - owner Lucas was very welcoming and the food was delicious - the kiddos spied the arcade room which kept them entertained while we chilled for a bit.
Time to head back to Port Fairy and stretch the legs on Griffiths Island to see the lighthouse - we love a lighthouse. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the bridge and it’s worth it, with the bushy trail and the rocky surrounds of the lighthouse. There are plenty of pretty photos ops. Oh and it’s FREE of course!
About 15 mins out of Port Fairy is Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. A stunning, protected space that in a dormant volcano crater! So, yes, you drive INTO the crater. There is a carpark here where you can choose between a few different directions for a hike - and a few different lengths - we chose the 20 minute Lava Tongue Boardwalk where we saw koalas, emus and plenty of birdlife. The visitor centre is very cool and was designed by Robin Boyd too! (Currently getting a freshen up). FREE entry.
Before we head home we needed a great feed and so we stopped for lunch at the Woolsthorpe Pub (Union Station Hotel). Um, wow..a stunning space and fantastic food but wait till you see what’s out the back. The best pub playground Mamma has every seen. Apart from a huge grassy space and jumping pillow, the playground is built around gorgeous Elms and you can head up the boardwalk and down the slides, along the climbing wall, the tightrope underneath, AND a separate section further out back with more swings and a flying fox. Amazing.
Time to head home but Mamma must also make special mention of a cute little playground on the water in Port Fairy - complete with wooden Elephant Seal and boat. In Warrnambool you must visit Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground, it is an EPIC playground with water play, HUGE fast slide, toddler area, maze and more!
That was such an incredible trip, so next time you head that way pick and choose from all the fun we had to create your own special holiday!
The top ten playgrounds from Mamma for 2022 om Melbourne’s West
Read MoreMamma’s TOP TEN Adventures for 2022 in Melbourne’s West
Read MoreMamma loves a trip to Ballarat! It is such a beautiful town and filled to the brim with food, fun and adventure!
Let Mamma be your local tour guide as we hit the road and take a trip to Victoria’s largest inland town.
A good play centre's can be such a life saver for everyone - Mamma included. We have listed play centres for all ages from babies to toddlers so there is sure to be a play centre you and the kids will enjoy! Here are our fave play centres in Melbourne's West.
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Read MoreFrom waterfalls to adventure, the beaches, fun, food and accommodation - you’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful place in the world! Great Ocean Road Adventures from Mamma Knows West
Read MoreBushwalks are the best fun - Here are some fantastic family friendly bushwalks you can enjoy in the west. They are of varying levels so choose carefully, prepare accordingly and enjoy!
Read MorePick a waterfall any waterfall! We are lucky to have some great ones nearby to visit. Mamma says here are some beautiful spots where we can catch a glimpse of the magic that is a waterfall!
Read MoreInspiring families in Melbourne's West 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.