Bunnings Indoor Playgrounds

• Check website for your closest store
• Website

Every Bunnings Warehouse is home to a great indoor playground and best of all - it's completely FREE to use! Most stores also have a cafe conveniently beside for the mums and dads to grab a coffee while the kids play.

McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park

• 9789 1671
• 390 McClelland Dr, Langwarrin
• Website

There are no BBQ facilities available or allowed. Bring your own picnic rugs, tables and chairs. Limited seating is available at the front and rear of the Gallery.

Seawinds

• Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat
• Website

Here you'll find two grassy picnic area. The larger area has a picnic shelter that contains a single electric BBQ. A highlight of a visit to Seawinds is the Bay Lookout with its spectacular views of the southern end of Port Phillip Bay to the The Heads.  

Cape Schanck

• 420 Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck
• Website

Why not combine a visit to the famous Cape Schanck Lighthouse with a picnic.  Bring a rug or sit at one of the four picnic tables available. There are also toilets beside the car park with baby change facilities. There is a fee to enter the Lighthouse grounds.

Sorrento Park

• Pt Nepean Rd, Sorrento

With magnificent views over the coastline, Sorrento Park is also home to a large playground, BBQs, tables and toilets.

Mt Eliza Regional Park

• Cnr Moorooduc Hwy & Two Bays Rd, Mt Eliza

A wonderful surprise after parking your car and walking through the clearing. Home to the Mt Eliza Express train playground, shelters, BBQs, tables, toilets. Also a large lake with ducks and many surrounding walks. Great to combine with a ride on the neighbouring Mornington Railway.

Civic Reserve

• Dunns Rd, Mornington
• Website

The reserve is home to picnic facilities (BBQs, tables, toilets), playground, skate ramp and a dog off-leash area. There are two lakes, with a large duck and goose population (beware, they can get cranky!) Close by is the Mornington Botanical Rose Garden, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and the Oak Hill Gallery.

Somers Skate Park

• Camp Hill Rd, Somers

Half pipe

Safety Beach Foreshore

• Marine Drive, Safety Beach

Enjoy the beach or picnic on the foreshore with numerous facilities, such as BBQs, tables, shelters, park, playground, toilets, drinking water, change rooms and showers. A Tourist Information Centre is located on Marine Drive just west of the pier.

The Briars

• Nepean Hwy, Mt Martha
• Website

Situated at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, is a beautiful, rural property known as “The Briars,” a delightful old Homestead on 230 hectares, which is steeped in local history, flora and fauna. Along with many other features it is home to, there are picnic areas and facilities.

George Pentland Botanic Gardens

• Williams Street, Frankston
• Website

Enjoy the large open spaces, relax on the lawns or at the water’s edge, use the network of paths connecting the main features of the gardens or have a picnic or barbecue with family and friends while children venture to the playspace.

Devilbend Natural Features Reserve

• Graydens Rd, Tuerong
• Website

The reserve includes the largest inland water body on the Mornington Peninsula, which provides valuable habitat for waterbirds and shorebirds. A 5 hectare picnic area allows you to enjoy this habitat further.

Bushrangers Bays

• Boneo Rd
• Website

Bushrangers Bay can be accessed along Main Creek from the Boneo Road car park and picnic area (2.5km). This section of the Two Bays Walking Track provides fine views and passes through shady Banksia groves.

Schnapper Point

• Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington

For some of the most gorgeous views of the Mornington Peninsula, a family picnic at Schnapper Point is a must. Facilities include playground, BBQs, tables, drinking water and toilets. Shade is provided by all the big trees. Car park is free, but does get busy in summer.

Coolart Homestead

• 131 963
• Lord Somers Rd, Somers
• Website

The Homestead lawns are the perfect location for a leisurely picnic or if you prefer, free electric barbeques are available in the picnic area. Recreational facilities include toilets, picnic tables, bird hide, park information and bird hide. There are a series of walking tracks, including a family walk.

Woodland Picnic Area

• 5990 2200
• Cnr Ballarto Rd & Botanic Drv, Cranbourne
• Website
• Email

This fantastic space at the Cranbourne Gardens is perfect for a picnic, especially in a group. It has free gas barbecues, picnic tables, a huge children’s playground and large open spaces for ball games. Entry is free and can be accessed from the car park.  

Australian Garden

• 5990 2200
• Cnr Ballarto Rd & Botanic Drv Cranbourne
• Website
• Email

The Australian Garden The Australian Garden is a fantastic place for people of all ages! Children will love: The Kids’ Backyard – A play space with lots to explore including the Hortasaurus. The Desert Discovery Camp – Dig in the sand, explore the fossils and footprints and discover what is hidden in the ...

The Briars Walking Tracks

• Mt Martha
• Website

The Briars has a number of walks around the property. Reward yourself with lunch at Josephine's Restaurant afterwards! There is the Wetland walk, the Woodland walk, the Kur-Bur-Rer walk and the Balcombe & Harrap Creek walkways. Click on the website link for more details.

Mornington to Mt Martha (Walk)

• Mornington to Mt Martha
• Website

Walkers can follow the winding tracks along the cliff tops and stop at the lookout points for spectacular views of the bay. Enjoy the leash-free areas, a picnic at the Balcombe Estuary Reserve or go for a walk along the boardwalk. Some sections of the path are unmade. Click on ...

Melbourne Rd

• Rye to Portsea
• Website

This inland trail connects Rye to Sorrento and Portsea and beyond. Can be hilly in parts. Click on the website link to download a copy of the trail map.

Kangaroo Spotting

• Highfield via Boneo Rd

Highfield, part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, is known for its Kangaroo population. You can access Highfield from Boneo Rd and there are multiple walking tracks that connect into Greens Bush. Highfield is managed by Parks Victoria.

Visit the Pelicans

• Hastings Foreshore

Hastings Foreshore is home to a number of pelicans. They can be found walking along the sand through the mangroves and nesting on the pier. Buy some fish from the fish shop to feed them.

Rosebud Skate Park

• Rotary Park (opposite Boneo Rd & Pt Nepean Rd)

Corner wall, marble lip, marble transitions, marble rail, stairs, banked corner, gaps and ledges.

Rye Skate Park

• RJ Rowley Reserve, Melbourne Rd

Large and small bowls, box rail, rail, cradle or ‘death star’.

Sorrento Skate Park

• David McFarlan Reserve

Quarter pipe section, surf style quarter pipe, pyramid, hand rail, fun box, flat bank, hubba ledge.

Mornington Skate Park

• Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd

Transition quarter pipes, surf quarter, fun box with hubbas, pyramid, hand rails and surf wall.

Somerville Skate Park

• Edward Street

Quarter pipe, flat bank, funbox, rails and manula pad. Located near the Somerville Recreation & Community Centre

Crib Point Skate Park

• Stony Point Rd

Half pipe near the Crib Point Railway Station.

Hastings Skate Park

• Fred Smith Reserve (Foreshore), Marine Parade, Hastings

Bowl and spine, ski jump with hubba, quarter pipes, box rail.

Mt Eliza Skate Park

• Emil Madsen Reserve, Wooralla Drive, Mt Eliza

Skate bowl, half pipe, flat bank, mini ramps and street style skate obstacles of boxes, rails, euro gap.

Two Bays Trail

• Dromana to Cape Schanck
• Website

This trail begins at the coast area of Dromana and travels up Arthurs Seat to Cape Schanck and beyond. It is quite challenging in sections. Click on the website link to download a copy of the trail map.

Warringine Park Walks

• 2230 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern
• Website

The Warringine Park features two major walks. Firstly the Bittern Coastal Foreshore walk, that stretches for 3.7kms along the foreshore and the Creek section of 1.7km. For more details, click on the website link.

Peninsula Coastal Walk

• Portsea & Sorrento to Blairgowrie
• Website

This cliff top walk takes in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, and the paths are maintained by Parks Victoria. Dogs are only permitted in the National Park at set times, so please check local signage. This is an unmade path. Click on the website link to download a copy of ...

Coolart Homestead

• 131 963
• Lord Somers Rd, Somers
• Website

There are a series of walking tracks throughout the park which allow you to explore coastal woodlands, wetland areas, lagoons and the formal gardens which surround the homestead. The woodland walk includes magnificent views from the beach that overlook Western Port Bay and Philip Island.  

The Quarantine Station

• 5984 0062
• Website

Established in 1852 to protect the State against disease from foreign shores. Guided tours of approx. 1 hour include a leisurely walk around the historic buildings with time to browse through the Museum, annex, and view the varied displays of artefacts covering over 100 years of the Quarantine Station Operation.

Western Port Bay Trail

• Somerville to Balnarring
• Website

This 26km trail follows Frankston Flinders Rd, travels through townships, alongside railway lines, by the coast and through woodlands. Click on the website link to download a copy of the trail map or learn more from Wikipedia

Rail Trail – Walk

• Red Hill to Merricks
• Website

This trail follows the alignment of the old railway line and passes through vineyards and grazing properties with spectacular views over Western Port. Some uphill sections and rough surfaces. Click on the website link to download a copy of the trail map.

Bay Trail

• Dromana to Sorrento
• Website

This trail follows the foreshore for 17km, winding through parklands and camping grounds. Visit the website link to download a trail map. Image is from http://bushwalkjournal.blogspot.com.au - tracks, trails and coasts near Melbourne.

Fingal Beach Walk – Dad’s Word

Looking for a nice bush walk?  Not too long and somewhere with a view for a picnic lunch? A couple of weeks ago, the kids and I decided we needed a bushwalking fix - the Fingal Beach walk (to the west of Cape Schanck) would be perfect. The walk starts from the ...

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Story Time at your Local Library

Did you know that your local library runs free storytime sessions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers during the week. Most sessions don't even require you to book - you can just come along if the day is going to plan! For more details on session times, visit the galleries/libraries category ...

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Bunnings Craft Sessions

Make fun, creative projects such as toolboxes, toy trucks, planter boxes and CD holders. Workshops are free for children over the age of 5 and must be accompanied by an adult. As numbers are limited, bookings are essential.

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The Hastings Pelicans

Looking for a fun and free activity on the Peninsula.  How about visiting the beautiful Pelicans at Hastings Wharf. These magnificent creatures are nearly always at the wharf, as they are fed daily by local fishermen. While you are in Hastings, you can also visit their fantastic playground next to the wharf ...

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Rock Pooling & Beachcombing

We are so fortunate to live in a special part of the world where we have gorgeous beaches to visit.  A fantastic and free activity that you can do with your kids is to go Rock Pooling and Beachcombing - trust me, they will love it! The best beaches to visit ...

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Beach Kite Flying

Kites can be flown just about anywhere, but there are some things to consider to make your attempts more successful! Large open spaces are obviously important, not only so that you can move around freely, but to decrease the chances of you hurting someone else. Be aware of finding a ...

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Pier Fishing

Pier fishing is a great way to introduce your kids to fishing. Being well prepared for a fishing trip will increase your changes of success and ensure you have an enjoyable experience. Consider suitable fishing rods, appropriate tackle, bait board and knife, suitable clothing, food & drink, container for bait, ...

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Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary

Named after its mushroom shaped reef, this park protects 80ha of the open coast of Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula. Composed of sandstone rock platforms extending from the shore, the park includes sheltered rock pools, coves and a shallow reef on the ocean side. The reef is formed from ancient ...

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Patrolled Beaches

Lifesavers are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed. Remember to always swim between the flags at a patrolled beach. There are a number of patrolled beaches around the Mornington Peninsula. Point Leo Surf Beach - an attractive, well-maintained beach that offers safe family bathing in summer. The ...

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Visit Point Nepean Park

Go for a walk or bicycle ride along the tracks to see some spectacular coastal scenery and native wildlife. Visitors can explore the military forts and tunnels while exploring the historic quarantine station. If you don’t feel like walking or cycling the 2.6km track, then a transporter runs several times a day ...

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{Mum’s Word} Granite Drive

We walked the boys around to the back of Safeway on Granite Drive in Langwarrin the other day. There is a great little fenced in playground on one side and a duck pond on the other. There are water taps at the park and toilets in Safeway. However, there is ...

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Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve

Location: Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Centre Break, Langwarrin Grade: Easy Time: 1hr return Distance: 3km return Facilities: Parking Description: Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve has a network of wide tracks suitable for prams. The Centre Break is a wide track that runs through the reserve and is perfect for a pram walk. The track is ideal for a pram walking ...

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Balcombe Creek Boardwalk, Mt Martha

Location: Balcombe Estuary, Mirang Avenue, Mt Martha Grade: Easy Time: 2hrs Distance: 7km return Facilities: Toilets, disabled access, BBQ, drinking water, parking, cafe, information centre, dogs ok, picnic table Description: The Balcombe Creek Boardwalk in Mount Martha is a gorgeous place to walk with your pram through an environmentally and culturally significant estuary system. The boardwalk ...

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Frankston Foreshore, Boardwalk and Pier

Location: Kanook Creek Reserve, Cnr Gould and Wells St, Frankston Grade: Easy Time: 1 hr Distance: 3km return Facilities: Toilets, baby change, disabled access, dogs allowed, drinking water, parking, cafe, information centre, picnic table, running. Description: Frankston Foreshore Boardwalk and Pier is a lovely spot for a walk with baby in a pram or stroller. Explore the Frankston Waterfront on the ...

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Flinders Golf Course

Location: Flinders Golf Course, Bass St & Norman St, Flinders, Victoria Grade: Medium Time: 45 mins Distance: Approx 3km Facilities: Playground, Disabled access, Dogs ok, Parking Description: This pram walk around Flinders Golf Course offers absolutely stunning views over the Flinders coastline to Phillip Island and Seal Rock. Sealed roads all the way. Park at the park ...

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Red Hill Rail Trail

Location: Red Hill, Shoreham Road, Red Hill, Victoria Grade: Medium, Time: Various Distance: 6.5km Facilities:  Go to website - Dogs on lead okay, Parking Description: The Red Hill Rail Trail (Merricks-Red Hill Trail) is perfect for walkers’ with a pram who like to get into the bush. You can take your dog, if kept on a lead. The trail can get ...

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Rosebud Pier to Anthony’s Nose

Location: Rosebud Pier, Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud Grade: Easy Time: 2hrs Distance: 6kms return Facilities: Toilets, baby change, disabled access, dogs allowed, BBQ, playground, drinking water, parking, cafe, information centre Description: Park at the Rosebud Pier and follow the Bay Trail east through to Dromana. The trail follows the foreshore and passes through parklands and camp grounds. Playgrounds can be found ...

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Point Nepean National Park

Location: Point Nepean National Park, End of Point Nepean Rd, Portsea Grade: Easy Time: 3hrs with sightseeing Distance: Approx 5km return Facilities: Toilets, baby change, disabled access, BBQ, parking, information centre, picnic table, cafe, drinking water, running Description: Point Nepean National Park is the perfect location for a family day out on the Mornington Peninsula and offers stunning views of Bass Strait, The Rip ...

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