the great outdoors in melbourne's north
We are very fortunate to have some pretty awesome outdoor treasures at our doorstep, some beautiful lakes, nature spots and heaps of animal adventures 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.
You can search here for indoor adventures in Melbourne's North by your suburb or playground here or browse away
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.
Wirrawilla Rainforest walk makes for a peaceful and easy family walk into the Toolangi Forest.
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.
Here’s a stunning spot for a family walk, picnic or even swim!
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!
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.
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
Grab a harness and pull on a helmet, get ready to head to the tree tops for a forest ADVENTURE!
In Mamma's humble opinion the Queens Park Outdoor Pools should be high on your family 'to check out list' this summer.
A fantastic urban oasis! 2 cafes, grocery store, updated playground and chickens to visit!
This place has been a favourite amongst aircraft enthusiasts for over 30 years now and for good reason.
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.