Family-Friendly Adventures in Shoreham, Victoria!

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful adventure to Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens, a perfect family getaway nestled in Shoreham on Victoria’s stunning Mornington Peninsula. Easily accessible, it"s about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Drive down via the Nepean Highway to relish scenic coastal views, or opt for Peninsula Link for a quicker route.

Start your visit at the Welcome Center to pick up a map and explore the seasonal highlights. The maze, established in the 1970s, holds the title of Australia"s oldest and largest traditional hedge maze, featuring over 3,000 meters of pathways and 1,000 cypress hedges. Each turn and dead end in the maze promises fun and gentle challenges that are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Next, make your way to the Lavender Gardens, flourishing with over 25 varieties of lavender. The gardens are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the nose! Visit during December to February, when the lavender is in full bloom, and the air is filled with its soothing scent. The gardens also provide a picturesque backdrop for family photos.

For a change of pace, explore the Ashcombe Arboretum, meticulously curated with native and exotic trees, or let the kids burn off some energy at the Children’s Garden.

No visit is complete without stopping by the Ashcombe Café, where you can enjoy homemade lavender scones or a light lunch made with fresh, local ingredients. Before you leave, stop by the Gift Shop, where you can purchase lavender products like oils, soaps, and lotions—a perfect memento from your trip.

With engaging activities and beautiful landscapes, Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens offers a memorable experience that combines fun, education, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Why Visit?

Family Fun Day at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, nestled in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Aim to arrive by 10 AM to make the most of the day. Parking is ample and free, making it convenient for families.

Strawberry Picking

Kick off your visit with strawberry picking, a fun activity for all ages! Grab a basket provided by the farm and head into the lush fields. Here’s a fun fact: Sunny Ridge is a family-owned farm, and they grow the juiciest varieties of strawberries, which you can pick straight from the vine.

Visit the Farm Shop

After filling your baskets, visit the Farm Shop. It"s a great opportunity to learn about the different types of strawberries and their uses. The shop also boasts a range of homemade products like jams and syrups. Don’t miss out on their famous strawberry ice cream!

Lunch Break

For lunch, enjoy a picnic among the strawberry fields. You can bring your own food or purchase snacks from the café, which offers a tasty menu featuring local produce.

Educational Workshop

Post-lunch, join the educational workshop at 2 PM. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike to learn about the lifecycle of a strawberry plant. The workshop is interactive and engages children in planting their own strawberry seed to take home.

Leisure Time

Wrap up your visit by relaxing in the scenic spots around the farm. Enjoy the picturesque views and let the kids play in the designated areas.

Departure

Plan to head back by 4 PM, giving you ample time to reflect on the memories made during a delightful day of exploration and fun at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm.

Remember to check the farm’s website or call ahead for the availability of strawberries and event timings to make the most of your visit!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Point Nepean National Park

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family adventure to Point Nepean National Park, a gem at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. This park offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and engaging activities suitable for all ages.

Getting There

Drive from Melbourne via the M11, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, catch a ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff and enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride, followed by a short drive.

Morning Exploration

Start your day early at the Quarantine Station, which has historical buildings dating back to the 1850s and served as a quarantine facility and later as an army base. Join a free guided tour to learn about its fascinating history, or explore the interactive museum that"s perfect for curious minds.

Midday Activity

Pack a picnic and relax at the beautiful Observatory Point, offering spectacular views of Bass Strait and The Rip, a famous shipping channel known for its challenging navigation. It"s a great spot for watching ships pass by!

Afternoon Adventure

After lunch, take a leisurely walk to Fort Nepean. As you trek along the Coles Track, you"ll find several lookouts and old military installations. Fort Nepean is the site where the first shots of both World War I and II were fired by Australia. Explore the underground bunkers and gun emplacements, bringing history to life in an engaging way for kids.

Late Afternoon

Conclude your visit by strolling along the serene Cheviot Beach, where former Prime Minister Harold Holt mysteriously disappeared in 1967. It"s a quiet, reflective end to a day full of exploration.

Tips

- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park features several walking tracks.

- Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as some areas have limited shade.

Point Nepean National Park offers an ideal blend of education and adventure, making it a perfect destination for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Morning Arrival: Start your day early by driving to Cape Schanck, located on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, about 90 minutes from Melbourne. Parking is available near the lighthouse.

Lighthouse Tour: Begin with a guided tour of the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, which has been in continuous operation since 1859. The lighthouse offers a glimpse into maritime navigation history and provides breathtaking views from the top. Tours run every hour and are a fantastic way for the whole family to learn about the role of lighthouses along Australia’s rugged coastline.

Coastal Walk: After descending from the lighthouse, take the wooden boardwalk down to the pebbly beaches and rock pools. It’s a great spot for the kids to explore and perhaps spot marine life. The walk offers stunning views of the wild Bass Strait and the rugged coastal cliffs. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the picnic areas near the car park, surrounded by bushland and native wildlife. There are tables available, or you can spread a blanket on the grass.

Bushrangers Bay Trail: Post-lunch, embark on the Bushrangers Bay Trail, a manageable 2.5 km walk that leads to a beautiful secluded bay. The trail is known for its scenic vistas and is an excellent opportunity for the family to enjoy some bird watching.

Evening Wind Down: Cap off your day with a visit to the Cape Schanck Light Station museum to delve deeper into the area"s history. Then, as the sun begins to set, drive back to Melbourne or explore nearby dining options in the Peninsula for a hearty meal.

Remember: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sun protection and water. Cape Schanack’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a memorable visit for families seeking both adventure and education.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

Why Visit?

Welcome to the Enchavoou Adventure Garden, a magical destination perfect for a family day out! Nestled in the lush landscapes of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this enchanting outdoor adventure park offers thrilling activities for all ages.

Morning Exploration

Kickstart your adventure at 10 AM by tackling the Grand Tree Surfing Course. This high ropes adventure course features zip-lines, suspension bridges, and a thrilling Tarzan swing. Suitable for kids over 135cm, it"s an exhilarating way to start the day. For younger kids, the Nippers Tree Surfing with simpler obstacles is perfect and just as much fun.

Afternoon Delights

After an energetic morning, slow things down with a visit to the Hedge Maze, one of the garden"s most beloved attractions. Lose yourself in the twists and turns, and learn about the maze"s 20-year history. Post-maze, grab a bite at the onsite café, offering delicious, locally sourced food perfect for a family picnic.

Late Afternoon Fun

Post-lunch, head over to the Tube Slides for some slippery fun. These giant hillside slides will have the kids (and adults!) laughing all the way down.

Early Evening

Wrap up your visit with a peaceful stroll through the themed gardens. Don’t miss the Sculpture Park, where art and nature meet. Each sculpture tells a story, making it a delightful educational experience for the little ones.

Practical Tips

- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.

- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for activity and exploration.

- Check the weather forecast and pack appropriate gear, as most activities are outdoors.

With a mix of adventure, mystery, and art, the Enchanted Adventure Garden offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for a memorable family day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.