Here at Mamma HQ we like to search every nook and cranny for the best bits of the north! We haven’t found the Cranny yet but here is The Nook!

Did someone say FRESH?! Fruit doesn't get any fresher than this.

Mamma says for family fun and adventure in nature, you can't beat this GORGEous spot.

Sun is here and it’s time for some outdoor fun!

You'll find this park at the far eastern end of town and is the number one spot for a rest stop and place for a picnic.

There’s a new Healing Garden situated within the layout of the exisiting Kitchen Garden. Amongst the original paths and eucalyptus trees a new collection of scented plants are in bloom. There’s also a seated area built using leftover limestone from the building of the museum and a peaceful rock formation water feature.

If you're keen to stretch your art and culture legs but not sure your kids are ready for a gallery then Mamma says pack your picnic rug and go exploring in the Sculpture Gardens in the stunning grounds of the Heide Museum of Modern Art.

Royal Park extends from Parkville to Carlton and is home to a plethora of vegetation and wildlife. Linked ponds and wetlands exist among sweeping plains of open grass with views of the city; a native garden; tall gums; sports grounds and gardens. It’s a wonderful area to spend a good portion of the day for a free adventure!

There are HEAPS of walks all around the Werribee Gorge State Park in Bacchus Marsh, perhaps the best one for our family is the River Walk. With a picnic area, flowing river, mountains and a decent hike you can cater to abilities, it’s a great day out.

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

Gumnut Trails Adventure Cards are a great, fun way to discover a new place or to explore or uncover new things about a place you have been before.

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.

We love bush walks, rivers and waterfalls and Murrindindi Scenic Reserve has all of the above!

This place has been a favourite amongst aircraft enthusiasts for over 30 years now and for good reason.

Here’s a stunning spot for a family walk, picnic or even swim!

Royal Park extends from Parkville to Carlton and is home to a plethora of vegetation and wildlife. Linked ponds and wetlands exist among sweeping plains of open grass with views of the city; a native garden; tall gums; sports grounds and gardens. It’s a wonderful area to spend a good portion of the day for a free adventure!

There are HEAPS of walks all around the Werribee Gorge State Park in Bacchus Marsh, perhaps the best one for our family is the River Walk. With a picnic area, flowing river, mountains and a decent hike you can cater to abilities, it’s a great day out.

Queens Park Swimming Pool is a wonderful outdoor pool - complete with kiddie pool, banana lounges and giant gums casting shade over the grass.

This little gem is tucked away in Mount Beauty and is an idyllic spot to wander in the winter and splash around in the summer with the family.

Mamma also wouldn't blame you for thinking you had stepped into Alice and Wonderland and expect to see some dancing cards come around the corner.

On the plateau of Mount Buffalo, the still cool waters of Lake Catani stretch out, inviting you to jump on the kayak, paddle at the shore or bask by the bank.

What a surprise package! This (at first) unassuming botanical gardens in Malmsbury might actually be Mamma’s favourite.

Nangak Tamboree Sanctuary consists of 30 hectares of open-range wood and grasslands and is a real hidden treasure. Mamma and her little animal enthusiasts spotted a kangaroo, 3 kookaburras, lots of frogs and several ducks while wandering.

When Mamma thinks about a billabong, the first thought is some rural outback location, featuring a jolly swagman under a big tree. This beautiful slice of bushland is amazing and a bit of a hidden oasis.

The Masons Falls are a real treasure and make a great family excursion out into the great outdoors.

The Organ Pipes themselves are beautiful huge rock columns formed by the cooling and cracking of molten lava from over a million years ago and are the feature of the park.

Such an iconic Melbourne spot with the perfect toddler pool set up for a family swim and barbeque!

It is believed that there are many health benefits to ‘walking the Labyrinth” including the balancing of stress, finding peace and reflection on our lives.

Laughing Waters is tranquil and great because it’s not too far away, but be warned - the water is COLD!

You know how with most waterfalls you need to stand at a distance and view the beauty from afar? Well this amazing spot is like an interactive waterfall!

DRAGON SLIDE! Plus some absolutely gorgeous gardens - this is a great spot for a family outing!

What a beauty! This amazing lake is not only peaceful and picturesque, but an adventure for all seasons. Whether you visit in the summer to dip your toes in the cool water, in the spring for a BBQ overlooking the lake, maybe an autumn visit to see the golden leaves change their colour OR perhaps a winter wander through the pine forest, you are sure to find it is a feast for the eyes AND the soul.

Welcome to the country town in northern Victoria Benalla, otherwise known as the street art capital of Australia. Forget the dimly lit laneways of the CBD. Here in Benalla the entire town is adorned with the works of international and homegrown mural masters!

It’s NEW, It’s BIG and full of water fun! Oak Park pools have opened and we just can’t get enough.

This is a great pool, Mamma used to spend hours doing laps here pre-kids and now for the family - it is an excellent option! If you have never been here you must give it a go this summer!

Mamma and the crew love a Sunday morning stroll. Even better when there is somewhere that the dogs can have a great walk, we can enjoy some beautiful views, have a game of wildlife spotting and kids get a playground at the end. Westerfolds Park is this spot.

Summer days are made for pool hangs and splashing about at Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool

A fantastic urban oasis! 2 cafes, grocery store, updated playground and chickens to visit!

Nestled next to the Wombat State Forest are the amazing gardens of St Erth, run by popular gardening group - The Diggers Club.

This spectacular park has all you need to spend a day in the beautiful outdoors.

Walking into the wonderland that is Montsalvat feels a bit like you're walking into an ancient village

This is one of those wonderful places that you and the family can spend the WHOLE day.