LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Nurture Creek is a hobby farm set on 20 acres in beautiful Monbulk, the crown jewel of Victoria's Yarra Ranges. There is so much to do in this incredible and iconic location, you'll never be bored or at a loose end...unless you want to!
PLAYGROUNDS
Olinda Playspace
Nestled amongst the existing trees of the former Olinda golf course, Olinda Playspace is a fabulous, nature-based playground, with a giant flying fox and equipment for all ages including a favourite of ours, a cubby house village and undercover BBQ picnic facilities.
Puffing Billy
If you'd like to show the kids Puffing Billy without a ride this is the perfect spot. A great park for the kids, close to cafes and takeaways, has a few picnic tables too so you can enjoy your lunch or dinner watching Billy hoot and toot.
PARKS & GARDENS
Sherbrooke Falls
Sherbrooke Forest is the largest section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. It's a stunning area with incredible flora and fauna. A number of walking trails start from the well-equipped picnic grounds, entering a fantastic rainforest of spectacular Mountain Ash, stringybark, lush tree ferns and, of course, waterfalls. The walk is around 2.5km round trip and well signed.
Alfred Nichols
Walking trails wind through this scenic, park with a boathouse, waterfalls & islands. A stunning garden at all times of the year, autumn is incredibly spectacular with the falling leaves all around. Concrete trails make accessibility easy for prams..
Grant's
Situated in the Sherbrooke Forest, Grants Picnic Ground is one of the top attractions of the Dandenong Ranges. If you love to walk and appreciate nature, there are walking tracks that start from the picnic ground which take you through the native plants and wildlife. Grants Picnic Ground is home to an abundance of native animals and birds, including the Superb Lyrebird, which attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Birdsland Reserve
A great walk. Two big lakes with a trail meandering around, a great place to take the kids on bikes or prams, easy to walk and loads of beautiful wildlife to be spotted. Just watch out for snakes on the warmer days, they like to warm up on the paths at certain times of the year. If you'd like a shorter walk, make sure you drive in the gates to the main car park, the street car park adds a little bit to your walk (it is lovely though).
Lysterfield Lake
A great walk with loads of walking and mountain bike trails. You always see Kangaroos here and there is a beach by the lake that you can swim in, or take your kayak for a paddle. Our favourite is to go for a walk and finish with a picnic dinner overlooking the lake and see the kangaroos all come out at dusk and travel through the park. Our fave spot is at the boat ramp end of the carpark, it always seems quieter there!
Dragon's Nests
A local secret off the Neumans Track in Sherbrook Forest, is a stunning walk through the rainforest away from the hoards of tourists. Meander through the paths, listen to the Lyrebirds song and in a big clearing some local artists have created incredible dragons nests from sticks. A magical explore.
ACTIVITIES
Cameo Cinema
A fun alternative to the drive in, or the inside cinemas are great if it's raining! They show quite a selection of classic moves as well as the current box office ones! See what's on here.
Seville Water Park
Not exactly super close but so worth the drive if everyone is hot, bothered and cranky. A great place to cool down for free, take a picnic lunch and the kids will run for hours. Make sure to pack sunscreen, there isn't any shade while in the water.
Trees Adventures
A great adventure in the treetops. Not for the faint-hearted but has loads of different courses for different ages and abilities. Book here.
Olinda Pool
Our local outdoor pool. Only open in the summer but our fave and super close by.
QUICK CUPPA
Sticks & Stones
A nice simple cafe with great breakfasts, coffee and loads of space to spread out! See their menu here.
The Barn Owl
A great cafe with friendly staff, a cool playground and an outdoor area complete with chooks! Check them out here.
Kallista Tearooms
An icon in the hills. A beautiful retro building overlooking the tree tops from which you can watch the birds while you enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch - their scones are amazing! Check out their menu.
The Laughing Fox
A great place to stop and get ice-cream. Just opposite the Puffing Billy playground so get a takeaway and let the kids play and wait for the train to toot as he goes by.
Earthly Pleasures
A beautiful cafe in an old horse stable, this is my favourite building in the hills and after being beautifully restored, is now a cafe with great gardens. They specialise in dietary specialties with loads of vegan and gluten free options. See more here.
The Patch Store
Great for a quick bite, coffee or milkshakes. Also a great place to shop for essential groceries.
Belgrave Bakery
I know it's a bit of a drive but it is a seriously good bakery and not over priced for the tourists. Amazing Italian chef with the best cakes and pies. Drool over their pastries here.
?
If you'd like to show the kids Puffing Billy without a ride this is the perfect spot. A great park for the kids, close to cafes and takeaways, has a few picnic tables too so you can enjoy your lunch or dinner watching Billy hoot and toot.
FINE DINING
Bam Bam Italian
Modern Italian using beautiful local and homegrown produce, also has a great indoor play area for small kids and private dining rooms. Book a table here.
La Voltaire
Perfect for a super fancy night out. Delicious French food and amazing Baguette. Learn more here.
The Watering Hole
Our favourite local pub - just up the road with a great selection of all of your pub faves. They even do takeaway! Check out their menu.
Elevation
A stunning view, high on the hill overlooking our valley here at Nurture Creek. Book here.
The Independent
Creative Argentinian dishes in an airy, modern setting. A bit of a drive but a standout! View their menu here.
HAVE A DRINK
Emmersleigh Estate
A great local winery. The cellar door is only open Sunday but it's a beautiful spot to sit and sip the afternoon away. See their range here.
Killik Rum/Gin
A beautiful little boutique Gin and Rum distillery. You can do tastings and even create your own gin with their deconstructed gin Board (weekends only).
Paternoster Wines
You don't need to travel to the Yarra Valley for amazing wines, this is just around the corner. Learn more here.
?
If you'd like to show the kids Puffing Billy without a ride this is the perfect spot. A great park for the kids, close to cafes and takeaways, has a few picnic tables too so you can enjoy your lunch or dinner watching Billy hoot and toot.
SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP
Olinda Collective
A shared space with local handmade, vintage and art. Lovely to have a wander around and get inspired.
Roasted Fox
This is our brand of kids clothing - colourful and comfy is our thing. If you need anything check it out and we can grab it from the warehouse for you, no need to leave your room! www.roastedfox.com.au.
Leaf Studios
A great combination of artists with quirky talents producing amazing artworks and gifts.
ESSENTIALS
Bills of Belgrave
If we need to eat meat, then we always opt for Free Range and Bills is the best in the Hills
Carter Bros.
Carter Bros is a great green grocer with lots of local produce and in the middle of the berry growing fields so everything is super fresh - they often help us with a goodie box for the animals so make sure if you visit you ask if they have any scraps for the gang!
Kallista General Store
A great General Store with everything for a picnic lunch to a pre-packaged dinner so you don't need to cook while you're relaxing. It even has a bottle shop so you're totally covered!
QUICK BITE
Bonsai Bali
Delicious Indonesian food with some Chinese dishes as well - you can't go past their satay. See more here.
Mad Raven Pizza
The most delicious gourmet Pizzas in the hills - you can't go past the mushroom! Get hungry here.
Wok's 'n' Dumplings
Delicious dumplings and noodles - just up the road and past a few bends. Order here.
Sushi Express
Great sushi and Japanese meals. Best go in to see the menu as they're not great online but the food is delicious and worth the wait!
The Blacksmith
Delicious burgers, super impressive cake range and yummo bread - everything you need really. Check them out here.
Pho Vietnamese
Delicious food. Best as take away and then stop at Grants picnic ground for a dinnertime picnic in the bush. Order here.
?
If you'd like to show the kids Puffing Billy without a ride this is the perfect spot. A great park for the kids, close to cafes and takeaways, has a few picnic tables too so you can enjoy your lunch or dinner watching Billy hoot and toot.
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