Four Pillars Gin was not even in our original plan, but we were already in the mood after champagne and wine stops, so I thought, why not complete the circle with some gin? I am not exactly a gin person, but I have to say, this stop made me rethink that a little. The gin was great, yes, but can we talk about the duck pate? I had it after a full cheese fondue lunch at Chandon, and still managed to finish the entire jar by myself. It was creamy, flavourful and went so well with their crackers. Honestly, I would go back just for that pate. For the drinks, I ordered the gin tasting set which came with four different types of gin, served with tonic water on the side so you could mix to your liking. I got to try a few variations, but the one that really stood out for me was the Shiraz Gin. It had a nice depth and smoothness that I did not expect. Easy to drink and very well balanced. The place itself has a cool industrial chic vibe, very open and relaxed. Staff were friendly and made the tasting experience fun without being too formal. It did not feel rushed and we got to enjoy everything at our own pace. If you are in the area, even if you are not a gin lover, I say give it a try. You might leave with a new favourite and definitely with a full stomach.

Popped in on Friday around 5 p.m. and the place was absolutely buzzing. Happy hour kicked off at 6 with great drink specials, amazing cocktails, and a full house. The yuzu gin was incredible and the yuzu sour cocktail was even better. The staff were fun and friendly, and the whole place had a great energy. They also run a happy hour dinner on Friday nights, which looked awesome. Definitely the spot to be and probably my number one pick when visiting Healesville.

I had no idea that Four Pillars Gin originated in Melbourne! We stopped by after visiting the Redwood Forest to do a gin tasting and ended up learning a lot about the gin-making process. It was fascinating to discover how different spices are infused to create unique flavours. We also got to rate several distinct gin varieties and try some cocktails made with their different gins — each with fruity, coffee, chocolate, or smoky notes. The experience was really enjoyable, easy to access, and they even offer a membership with some great deals.

A nice place for an afternoon chill with friends or family over gin and some bar food. A small distillery to see the making of the Four Pillar gins. They have a small restaurant that let u taste their gin and cocktails (the cocktail flight is a must), and enjoy some finger food/ snacks. There is also a small shop to buy some merchandise and of course their famous gin to bring home.

Had an explosion of flavour for lunch before completing a gin tasting of 7 of Four Pillars finest Gins. The whole experience was absolutely amazing thanks to a charismatic young gentlemen by the name of Cooper. He educated us about all the traditional spices and infusions in gin making and what sets Four Pillars aside from the rest. His passion and love for what he does, along with his endless knowledge made for a wonderful gin filled afternoon. Cannot recommend Four Pillars highly enough for a visit for foodies and gin lovers. Simply a MUST when in Healesville hopefully you will be lucky enough to meet Cooper the legend himself. Four Pillars also have a nonalcoholic range which is also in a league of its own compared to other nonalcoholic spirits. Full of flavour and just as delicious.

My wife took me to Four Pillars for my 35th birthday and I have now fallen in love with Gin thanks to them 😍 Amazing place. Was served by David who gave us a wonderful experience with so many smiles, stories, and samples. Every Gin I tired was beauitful. Strongly recommend visiting the distillery. I'll be back soon I know it. Shop at the front is well stocked and very good prices.

This place was fun. Well worth the drive and if you’re a gin lover like me, it’s a must try. We had the G&T paddle and discovered a new gin, olive leaf, which is scrumptious so I’ll be going back and getting a couple more bottles. The snacks were good too. We had the fries and a tiramisu dip…so so good.

Wine tasting and lunch at Yering Station was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip. I was delighted to try some delicious red wines and enjoy a wonderful lunch there. The beautiful surroundings, elegant décor, and friendly staff make it an outstanding restaurant and winery. Highly recommend.

I was really excited for this one. We went for the wine tasting on a beautiful sunny day, the kind of weather that makes you want to be outdoors enjoying the view. Unfortunately, the tasting itself takes place indoors in a fairly dim room with very little natural light, which felt like a real shame. With such gorgeous surroundings outside, it seemed like a missed opportunity to create something special. During the tasting, four different staff members poured for us. Three of them asked what we had already been served, which made the whole experience feel a bit disorganized and not as smooth or welcoming as I was hoping for. The wine pours also felt quite small -more like a sip than a proper tasting- and I think most people would agree after seeing the photo I’ve attached. Inside, the décor follows a pop-art theme with Andy Warhol replicas. Normally, I appreciate that style, but here it felt completely unrelated to wine, wine tasting, or the heritage of the vineyard. Instead of enhancing the atmosphere, it actually worked against the rustic, old-world vibe that the place itself naturally carries. That said, the outdoor area is stunning. The grounds are well kept, with a beautiful grassy area out front and a lovely lookout point that really makes you stop and take it in. It honestly left me thinking how perfect it would be if the wine tasting were moved outdoors, perhaps with a small kiosk or bar set up in the middle of the lawn. With the sunshine, scenery, and a glass in hand, that would transform the experience into something unforgettable.

You can't fault much here. The service, food and atmosphere is exceptional. However, there was a fault in the steak option that I paid extra for on top of what my parents had already paid for a 3-course meal. It might not seem like a big deal, but since I asked specifically for "true medium rare", not medium, which it ended up exactly being on my plate, that was disappointing, being such a high quality piece of meat. Other than that, it was an amazing lunch, and had me bursting at the seams. I could have just had the pork belly entree and pistachio dessert and been satisfied.

Had a great meal at Yering station. Great service beautiful views great menu and flavours. Everyone enjoyed every dish. Loved my prawn entree. The fish main was perfect. Steaks were cooked to perfection. Front of house Trixie was very professional. Wines were great. Deserts were delicious. Highly recommend will def return.

We had a very odd and dissapointing experience at the restaurant. We had booked lunch using a luxury escape voucher which included a main, choice of wine and two shared sides. The only positive was how well cooked the meats were and how tasty the wine was. Other than that, our experience was very strange. The strangest part or our experience was the use of potato off cuts in our roasted potato side - see picture below. I have never before seen potato fondant off cuts and bits of potato eye served to guests. It's really incomprehensible and unappetising. We ended up leaving the potato dish. The salad was also quite terrible - it literally looked like a Coles pre chopped salad mix that was topped with a few sprigs of dill and some goats cheese. The leaves were barely dressed and very plain tasting. Onto the main meals, which ended up being quite odd as well. The cuts of meat were very tasty and well seasoned. The biggest negative was the random pastry basket served with the pork and holding chopped apple. The basket was pale, undercooked and soggy. It didn't really add anything to the dish. The duck dish was also a bit odd with an undercooked cannelloni filled with pulled duck and cabbage. This was bland and underseasoned also. While both dishes looked pretty, they left much to be desired and not worth the cost or effort. Overall, we would not be back and we wouldn't recommend to others. There are much better choices in the Yarra Valley (and much better luxury escape deals as well). Be warned.

Beautiful Vinyard with celler door and restaurant. Simple elegant feels with vase space. We went to cellar door to get a cheese platter and a glass of wine as we arrived too early for our lunch booking. There are a small number of outside table for you to enjoy the cheese board and wine and it was super delicious. The celler door staff was super friendly and professional, compared to my recent visit to Pt.Leo celler door where staff would just ignored you. We then moved to the restaurant after we finished the cheese board. Lovely open space in the restaurant area with glass wall from floor to ceiling open to the landscape! I was going to do the 3 courses and finish with dessert to share with my partner but the food size was really substantial I was way too full and couldn't even finish my fish main. 😞 My entree of scallops with bacon was so good, a little too much of pumpkin. The barramundi with eels mashed was very tasty as well, but also feel like there are too many things on the plates. Overall I enjoyed my food. My husband entree was great but the main is a little bland. Definitely recommend the cellar door for wine tasting and cheese platter for chill out outdoor on a good sunny day 😎🌞

It was a great experience tast8mg wine at Victoria's oldest vineyard! Awesome atmosphere, nice garden and area to explore on a sunny summer's day.

We accidentally stopped by Chandon Australia on our way to somewhere in the mountains, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! The views are absolutely stunning—feels like you pay hundreds but get a million-dollar experience. The architecture is beautiful and really adds to the atmosphere. The staff were all extremely friendly and provided superb service throughout our visit. We didn’t have a meal there since we were still full from lunch, but we did buy some wine to take home. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

We went to wine tasting on Friday. It was cold winter outside, but the staff at tasting room he welcomed us with warming smiles;) He was very informative and little charm. All sparkling wine were very excellent especially red sparkling was something unusual. We didn’t have lunch but we will plan to come back in warmer season. Thank you for lively service.

I am so glad we chose to visit Chandon. It offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere with consistently great service. We thoroughly enjoyed the excellent food and wine selections, all enhanced by the stunning views of the grape farms. This is a place I definitely should have visited one more time if I could have.

Beautiful place to visit with lovely cool weather during spring. They had some lovely flowers and plants at the garden. Unfortunately, it's not the right time for grapes viewing. The staffs were very courteous and friendly at the restaurant. They took the time to explain and recommend the food. Lunch was delicious. We had the cured and cultured platter and some chips. The duck, mushroom, potsto croquette and black garlic aioli was delicious as well. It went well the wine. We had a lovely time.

The place is so beautiful, the atmosphere is very nice. Wine is good, and food is good and fresh. The service staff is so nice and friendly, they have patience to explain the food and wine and made recommendations. Would go there again!

A regular stop for us and somewhere to bring friends and family when visiting us from interstate or overseas. A nice selection of wines available for tasting or pairing with great food from the menu.

Great experience in a pleasant place! The mansion is very welcoming, all the staff were very friendly, and the sparkling wine tasting was fabulous. I loved seeing the kangaroos jumping through the vineyards🥰🦘

Absolutely love Healesville sanctuary! My kids and I always have the best time when we visit. The staff are lovely, animals are gorgeous, plenty of play areas and beautiful bush land. I love the peaceful feeling I get when I hear the river water run. The flight arena bird show is always fun but warning it can get quite toasty in the warmer weather as there’s little to no shade in this part. I absolutely adore the bird enclosure with the gorgeous black cockatoos ❤️ my favourite birds. The kids love all the play areas but their favourite is the sandpit with the dinosaur skeleton.

Fantastic experience. Bigger than I expected. Good to have talks at different locations. So happy I got to see a platypus, Tasmanian Devil family at feeding time and echidna. The koalas were active moving and eating so it was a perfect time to walk past. Spirits of the Sky show was awesome. The birds were so well trained out in the wild (no enclosure) and they performed for us. Loved the swoop to catch a fish in the water, crack open an emu egg and reveal of thanks signage. It was different seeing a wombat and kangaroos in an upturned position (playing dead). Wow, a tree kangaroo. A wonderful visit and beautiful sunshine to make it the amazing time I had. The map was really handy and the signages were great.

I love coming here, every time we return it’s always as enjoyable as the last. The habitats created for all the animals are beautiful replications of their homes in the wild. The wellbeing and happiness seems to be well taken care of in this zoo, the animals always seem very at ease no pacing or signs of distress. There’s something really serene and peaceful about this place, love having a chat with the staff too. Today was the first time we went near the end of the day, and it worked out quite well as we got to see the kangaroos having their evening feed, looked at the reptiles with not a single person in the the whole building too. Always a lovely experience.

A wonderful zoo will undoubtedly delight visitors. The extensive grounds offer the opportunity to get acquainted with a variety of wild animals, from platypuses to rare species of kangaroos. You can also see active snakes and turtles here, as well as visit the laboratory and observe many wild and rare birds. Additionally, visitors will be able to see dingoes, koalas, and much more. Visiting this remarkable zoo promises to be interesting for both children and adults.

We only had about 3 hours to spend and wish we had more. The exhibits were excellent. The animals had a lot of space and were also visible most of the time. The Tasmanian Devils were very active when we were there. We also got to see the platypus and attend the talk about them. I wish we had more time to hear more of the talks. The presenter was very knowledgeable and patient. The bird enclosures were also very nice with volunteers available to answer questions.

Me and my friends are all Zoo Victoria members, and we absolutely love animals! 🐾 Healesville Sanctuary is one of our favourite places to visit. We often come here whenever we have free time — it’s such a lovely and joyful place to walk around and spend time with friends and family. All the staff are always so nice and friendly. I especially love listening to the animal talks and watching the Spirits of the Sky bird show — it’s amazing every time! 🦅 We always leave feeling relaxed and happy after visiting. Highly recommend it to all animal lovers! 🌿💚

We walked around for about 3 hours seeing the animals and watching a cool birds of prey experience. There were lots of different kinds of parrots and water birds. I was so stoked to see some pelicans up close as id only ever seen them on tv. We didn’t get to hug a koala or hold a snake but I fell in love with the echidnas and the baby duckbilled platypus. Most of the animals were either hiding in the shade in the cool and i didnt blame them as we were melting ourselves. It got up to 25 or 26c at one stage. 40 years ago I visited this sanctuary when I was on a big international group camping trip kind of like a scout jamboree but it was called Rally Arura ( and was church based). It’s certainly changed a lot in the past 40 years. I’ll have to hunt out my old photos when I get home. Was it worth $119 AU for the two of us? Definitely.

Another nature’s gift to human kind. In the middle of Victoria you can still see these amazing set of redwood trees. There is a creek if you go down below a nice view and place to enjoy with family. Before you enter the forest there is big picnic area to sit and relax or have a little game with kids. Please make sure you have your own bins to take any rubbish with you and also there are no toilets in the area .

There are more than 1,400–1,500 Redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens), some reaching heights of around 50–55 meters. It’s not just Redwoods — there are also mixed plantations of Bishop Pine and Douglas Fir. When you step into the forest, you can feel the air becoming cooler and quieter, with sunlight filtering softly through the tall trees, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. If you wander along Cement Creek or down to where the creek meets the Yarra River, you’ll find stunning native scenery filled with ferns, eucalyptus trees, and birds, making it an enchanting place to explore.

The Redwood Forest is a strikingly beautiful spot, known for its perfectly aligned, towering trees that create an almost illusory effect when you look down one of the rows — it makes for incredible photos from any angle. The structured layout and sheer size of the trees are genuinely marvellous. Parking is plentiful and conveniently located right next door, making access easy. If you wander a little further, you’ll find a peaceful creek, adding a lovely bit of variety to the visit. Whether you’re after a serene picnic spot, a scenic pit stop, or just looking to capture some stunning photos, it’s a place well worth stopping for.

Absolutely stunning spot to take photos There is an area of trees planted in rows and walking through them is breathtaking especially as the trees are so tall The parking area is free and there is a walking trail around the Redwood Forest

Absolutely stunning and serene! Redwood Forest is a true hidden gem — peaceful, breathtaking, and perfect for nature lovers. You can easily spend hours here just soaking in the calm atmosphere, walking along the river, and enjoying the towering trees all around you. The nature walk is well-maintained and suitable for all age groups, making it a great destination for families, couples, or solo explorers. Parking is conveniently located nearby, and the entire experience feels like a step into a calm, green paradise. A must-visit spot for anyone who loves nature or just needs a break from the city. Highly recommend!

Pictures help and you get the general gist of it, but you can’t get the amazing ‘awe’ of this place unless you visit. Once u walk thru the Redwood Forest, there are many paths that lead to Cement Creek. They are very well maintained (as of this post), and lots of them. Overall a beautiful place to spend 1-2 hours.

What an amazing place to visit i went early in the morning! It's a magical place, beautiful to walk through; photos look spectacular.

Westfield offers a great shopping experience with a wide variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment. The mall is well-maintained, spacious, and easy to navigate, making it a great place for both shopping and leisure. However, the carpark smells unpleasant, possibly due to rubbish bins being left nearby, which detracts from the overall experience.

A very live , vibrant and beautiful, and clean local place offering many benefits and services, bringing together the best of brands and businesses. I enjoy even just walking around the corridors and seeing that vibe and livelihood!

Amazing shopping experience especially on a weekday when you don't have all the extra bodies everywhere all the time! The food courts were awesome! Heaps to choose from-we went to Betty's burgers YUM. the service was delightful and the food was fresh. As a whole the place is clean and service friendly! They have a huge array of shops/stores and I was surprised to see they had both David Jones and Myer. The place is massive.

Outstanding service from concierge near Ground floor yellow carpark when I hired a mobility scooter for my friend on Saturday 8th November. Thanks for the great service supplying the scooter for free and especially the wonderful personal service from the staff member.

I find it quite delightful for shopping. It's not overly crowded and the shops are easily accessible.

Great stores, although needs to bring back the Disney store! The sushi jiro in the food court on the second level is the best, not the one on the top floor amongst the other restaurants 😀

A huge mall with everything you need in it. Free parking for first 3 hours

The Blue Lotus Water Garden in Yarra Junction offers visitors a serene and expansive environment, showcasing thousands of lotus flowers and water lilies across 14 acres of lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The garden is thoughtfully designed with numerous picnic huts and shelters, providing ideal spots for family gatherings and leisurely lunches amidst the vibrant flora. For younger visitors and those young at heart, the Flower Fairy Garden adds a touch of whimsy to the experience. This enchanting area features giant mushrooms, a wishing well, and a slide, creating a magical atmosphere. On weekends and public holidays, the garden often hosts a Fairy Queen who engages children with storytelling sessions, enhancing the fairy-tale ambiance. The garden also caters to families with children by offering play areas and scavenger hunt activities, ensuring an engaging visit for all ages. Additionally, the presence of BBQ facilities and a café provides various dining options, allowing visitors to choose between bringing their own food or enjoying the on-site offerings. Overall, the Blue Lotus Water Garden provides a tranquil and picturesque setting, making it a delightful destination for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful retreat.

The drive up was great. It is now the end of lotus season however I was amazed at the different species colours, sizes and shapes. The flowering season is 24 December to 21/4 every year, confirm with the site directly. It was the most enjoyable day to walk around and experience such diversity in one place. The gardens are an attachment to the nursery.

it was beautiful and such a lovely place to walk around. But the day we went was very hot, and unfortunately, many of the flowers were already wilted or past their peak. I think it’s best to visit in the middle of the event season rather than towards the end for a better experience. Still, it’s a charming spot overall! 🪷🪷🪷🪷

I visited Blue Lotus Garden in March 2024 and was amazed by its peaceful beauty. The vibrant lotus blooms were stunning, and the weather was perfect—sunny yet mild, making the stroll through the garden even more enjoyable. The well-maintained paths and calm atmosphere provided a relaxing experience. The on-site café was a great spot for a refreshing drink and light snacks, offering a perfect break amidst the greenery. Overall, it was a lovely escape into nature, ideal for those looking for tranquility and beauty. Heads up for cafe 👍

Very customer focused, a great venue for big group gatherings, plenty for kids to see as well (kids free under 15). Paths are designed with lovely shade areas to sit, rest and admire the beautiful atmosphere and flowering lotus. On a 30.C day we could still meander through the water garden with comfort and ease, even with plenty of visitors. Get in early (10am open) for the best photos and a well earned rest at the gorgeous cafe with lotus chips, an icy cold drink, when the crowds start building. Staff are very accomodating as you can bring your own food with picnic tables available, BBQ facilities and toilets are clean. A perfect day to enjoy the beauty of these flowers.

Exceptional! Beautiful gardens, easy to walk around even with my dodgy knees, lots of benches and little shaded huts to stop and admire the view or have your picnic, cafe staff were friendly and efficient, enjoyed my quiche. Clean toilets and well managed carpark, everything was running like a well oiled machine, I was impressed. I also bought a bunch of lillies to take home.

Nature’s wonderful beauty at it’s best. Stunning lotuses and water lilies. Huge variety of flowers and plants all around. Must visit and take your guests and family for a picnic in the 1400 acres of beauty developed over 60 years! Lakes, ponds, flower features and trees are a treat for the eyes and soul. Good facilities too.

Beautiful paradise hidden next to the Shrine. Plenty of space for you find your peaceful spot and plenty of room for you to enjoy a walk/jog of any length. Make sure to grab a map of the gardens if you are specifically looking to learn more about the plants. We especially love the Sensory Garden next to the lake. Just a beautiful, peaceful place to be quiet, still the mind and be present. The sounds of nature is a powerful healer. Do hope they will fix up the greenhouses - the tropical greenhouse looks enchanting and wished it was open.

Excellent garden with different types of flowers and trees from different parts of the world. Lake was quite & good. This my 2nd visit in garden. We loved it. Good place for family, friends and even for picnic.

We visited this park right after the Shrine of Remembrance, and it turned out to be much bigger than expected, I think anyone could easily spend over three hours wandering around. Fresh air, birds chirping, and a variety of trees and plants you don’t normally see in the city make the walk incredibly relaxing. My favourite spot is the lake; it’s so calming to just sit there and unwind. I’m genuinely impressed by how well-maintained everything is — the plants, lawns, toilets, and pathways are all kept in great condition despite the park’s massive size. It’s truly a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy nature.

Fabulous day spent walking around the beautiful grounds, we did the bus tour too and it gave us some very interesting information and history and other ideas of places to visit and plants to look into format home. Eugenie our bus guide was fabulous! Highly recommend for families of all kinds.

A must visit for visitors if in Melbourne. Entrance is free. The ground is extensive and well maintaned. It's so peaceful walking among the stunning hues of flowers, cacti, succulents and ancient enormous trees. The wildlife adds an extra charm to visitors. We could spend hours just walking along the beautiful surroundings.

A breathtaking garden in the heart of Melbourne! I visited the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens in early October, during springtime, and the whole place was bursting with color and life. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, and the lake reflected the blue sky beautifully. There are thousands of plant species from around the world, peaceful walking paths, and plenty of spots to sit and relax. The Japanese Garden area and the blooming cherry blossoms were absolutely stunning. What I loved most was the sense of peace — just a few minutes from the busy city, yet it feels like a different world. Whether you come for a morning walk, photography, or a quiet picnic, this garden is a must-visit in Melbourne.

### Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: A Moody Spring Gem Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens is a lush urban oasis, especially magical in spring under dramatic cloudy skies—perfect for moody, high-contrast photos. The star? The vast Cacti and Succulent Collection: 3,000+ spiky survivors like towering saguaros and night-blooming Echinopsis, thriving in the redeveloped Arid Garden. Nearby, the new drought-friendly forest of hardy eucalypts and acacias nods to climate resilience with rugged beauty. Spring explodes in color—cherry blossoms, magnolias, tulips, and vibrant perennials—against silvered skies, buzzing with life. A serene, free escape. Five stars.

Great for short one day trip. Nice for short trekking trips. Scenic view is all worth.

The Dandenong Ranges, located just outside of Melbourne, Australia, is a stunning destination known for its lush forests, charming villages, and vibrant gardens. Visitors often rave about the breathtaking scenery, with towering eucalyptus trees and scenic viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. One of the highlights is the range of walking trails, which cater to all fitness levels, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. Popular spots like the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and the tranquil Sherbrooke Forest are frequently mentioned in reviews. The quaint villages of Olinda and Sassafras are also beloved for their boutique shops, cozy cafes, and the famous chocolate shops, making them perfect for a leisurely day out. The vibrant local flora and fauna, especially during spring when the gardens are in full bloom, adds to the allure. Overall, the Dandenong Ranges is highly recommended for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation amid nature. Whether you're hiking, exploring gardens, or simply soaking in the tranquility, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression.

Beautiful scenery. Roads left in disrepair with large pot holes. Better to do road travel in NSW.

It’s a place full of magic!! Go early morning and returns before 5:30pm.. amazing place to be.. loved it

I really love the trails experience. So calm and nature loving experience

Possibly the best place in Melbourne. If you don’t visit the Dandenong‘s when you’re in Melbourne, you’re missing out on a spiritual experience. Going for a walk amongst those beautiful trees in that fresh air, with the incredible scenery cannot be beaten.

Very beautiful place

We got there a little too late to do it justice. But WOW! The rhododendrons were magnificent. The colour range simply amazing. The trees and ferns going there were also beautiful. The beds of azaleas were also stunning and I think there are still a few weeks of god flowering to come. It was super busy parking and a little crazy.

An Absolutely Amazing Day Out at the Dandenong Ranges National Rhododendron Garden! My recent visit to the National Rhododendron Garden was absolutely amazing—a truly beautiful escape into nature! The colours and scents of the gardens were breathtaking, providing a serene and relaxing environment perfect for strolling and exploring. I was particularly impressed with the facilities and overall accessibility. Finding a ( not very well-maintained) toilet was not easy,but having at least such a thing in the middle of the garden was very helpful. And the on-site shop was a wonderful surprise. I loved that we could buy some plants to take home and enjoy the garden's beauty a little longer while having ice creams. Crucially, the garden is highly commendable for its wheelchair entrance, ensuring that this stunning natural retreat is accessible to everyone. The staff have clearly made an effort to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for all visitors. If you are looking for a beautiful, tranquil, and well-equipped garden experience in the Dandenongs, I highly recommend a visit. We can't wait to return!

Visited in mid-October with an elderly. The flowers were stunningly beautiful. We did not walk through the entire garden, only the area near the entrance including Chelsea Australian Garden, and it was already enough for us. We spent about two hours there. My mother really enjoyed taking her time to admire the flowers slowly. It is great and free to visit. There are several toilets in the garden. The souvenirs were not overpriced as well. Highly recommended.

Beautiful gardens!! Very well maintained. Gentle slopes, saw kookaburras and a lyre bird, was hoping to see a wombat but just saw some signs saying they were causing mischief instead. Get there before or around 10am if you want to enjoy the peace and scerenity and avoid crowds.

Stunning Botanical Garden! Gorgeous trees and flowers and huge variety of plants, the Australian Garden is not only beautiful but extremely interesting and has lots of informative plaques to go with it. Parking can fill up quick, especially on spring days with good weather so I recommend getting in early! You'll want lots of time to look at everything anyway, it's a huge park.

Beautiful and peaceful! One of my favorite places in Victoria — stunning gardens, fresh mountain air, and vibrant colors in this sping season. A perfect spot to relax, walk, and enjoy nature. 🌿✨

Beautiful place to explore and appreciate God’s creation. Have been coming back to see the Rhododendrons in Oct/Nov with the family for many years now and it’s always amazing to see newer parts of the garden becoming more established. Parking is reasonable, but you may have to drive around for a bit on busy days.

I checked out Chadstone Shopping Centre last week and got there using the free shuttle bus from Federation Square — such a smooth and easy ride! The driver was super friendly, the bus was spotless, and the whole trip took only about 25 minutes. Tip: Book the free shuttle online before you go — it’s way easier than taking public transport. Chadstone itself? Massive! The ground floor is full of fancy luxury brands, and if you head down to the lower ground, you’ll find a fun mix of food spots, snack bars, bookstores, and a huge food court. If you love shopping, window-shopping, or just people-watching in style, you could easily spend the whole day here — and honestly, it’s totally worth it

Fantastic shopping experience at Chadstone! The centre is impressively clean, with a vibrant atmosphere and a great selection of food options. Parking was surprisingly easy, plenty of spots and well-organised. The toilets were a bit of a novelty, with individual facilities that felt more private than usual. Overall, a smooth and enjoyable visit. Highly recommend!

It’s big , you won’t see it all in a day, food court well worth a visit , definitely some delicious food getting served up there. Free parking , all your usual suspects in the retail world plus a lot more you could throw a stick at. Enjoy your day , lots too see.

Very nice shopping malls with a lot of brands both local and Int'l. Eatery mainly Asian foods, would hope to get more European flavor. Major brand like KMart, Coles, Woolworth, Aldi, Myers, Uniqlo etc all available. Cinema also available. It has a bus interchange but unfortunately no train or tram stations, nearest is Hughesdale or Oakleigh train station then transfer by bus

I stayed at the chadstone hotel with a couple of friends of mine. I didnt like the showers because it was see through and water was able to get out. But overall everything was ok but hard to find parking. I did enjoy the pool and over all vibe of the hotel. Ok bye

Hard to find car park spots. Too many people in the shopping mall as well. Not enough parent and baby change room. Hygiene is good. There are so many different luxury store.

Chadstone Shopping Centre is truly a shopper’s paradise! Being just around the corner from home, it’s my ultimate go-to destination for everything — from luxury brands to everyday essentials. Whether you're in the mood for *high-end fashion, affordable retail therapy*, or just a relaxed stroll, Chadstone has it all under one stunning roof. The interior is spectacular, modern, and thoughtfully designed. You actually enjoy walking through it. There’s ample parking seriously, you’ll always find a spot no matter how busy it gets. The Hoyts cinema is top-notch with extreme screens that make every movie an experience. Add to that a wide selection of eateries, cafés, and food court. from quick bites to gourmet restaurants, you’ll never run out of delicious options. Chadstone isn’t just a mall; it’s a full-day experience. You walk in thinking you’ll “just browse" and somehow end up leaving with amazing finds, always worth it.

Super Fun Experience – Loved the Burlesque Room! Had an absolute blast at Oakleigh Escape Rooms! We did the Burlesque room and it was such a fun and creative experience. The atmosphere was immersive from the moment we stepped in — moody, cheeky, and full of clever surprises. The puzzles were the perfect mix of challenging and satisfying, with a few unexpected twists that kept us on our toes. The staff were super friendly and set the vibe really well. You can tell they care about the experience and love what they do. If you’re looking for something different and playful, I’d definitely recommend giving this room a go. We left buzzing and already talking about which one we’ll try next!

Very disappointing!! Burlesque room is dated and certain clues need to be refreshed. It didn't help us that the team weren't particularly helpful AND failed to pre-set the room properly(knives left in wrong room) which wasted lots of our time, resulting in us not completing the escape, and leaving very disgruntled.

Had a great family experience in the Burlesque room. Six people was a lot of minds & hands moving around small rooms but as a first time experience it was very really well done. Many clues to work through. It is all laid out well & assistance is at the ready on the walkie talkie if required. I would recommend this room. Family members that have done Escape Rooms before did say it was more challenging than others they had done. You need every minute of the hour provided !! Give it a go !

Really good puzzles, fun room and friendly staff. But for almost $280+ for six people, and lots of puzzles to get through, 1hr is definitely not long enough. 90mins would be perfect and far better value for money

Our company recently organized an event for 44 team members at the Burlesque Escape Room, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Sofia and her team were incredibly helpful throughout the entire process—from the initial booking to the conclusion of the final group. They went above and beyond by assisting with group photos and providing a detailed spreadsheet that included completion times, the number of hints used, and remaining puzzles. This made it easy for us to determine the winning team. The feedback from participants was positive. Everyone agreed it was a fun, immersive, and challenging team-building activity. A big thank you to Sofia and the entire team for making the event such a success.

the staff at this venue are so lovely! we did the clockworks room which was quite interesting and puzzles were challenging. We enjoyed our experience very much ☺️

We did the Burlesque room at Escape Xperience in Oakleigh and it was absolutely amazing! The setup, puzzles, and atmosphere were all top-tier challenging in the best way. The staff were super welcoming and helpful, and you can tell they really love what they do. Only downside? My team partner... let’s just say I carried the team 😅 But hey, can’t blame the venue for that! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun, clever date night out (just choose your escape buddy wisely)

This is our third location and it did not disappoint. It is in a breathtaking part of Belgrave and the course itself was fantastic. You must book or you will be disappointed. Every session on the Saturday was booked out. The staff were helpful and friendly the course challenging in the best possible way. Bring your snacks as there isn’t anything there to buy. We will be back.

So much fun! Thrilling for all ages! And a bit of hard work too, so avoid certain courses if you don't want an upper body workout. Staff were all lovely and very helpful. Can't wait to go back!

A great adventure for kids and a fitness challenge for adults (even if you just walk), the hill is very steep! Careful: some platforms are very high, approx 20m !

We had a great time here as a family. There are multiple courses available, depending on your readiness. Just note that if your child can only go on a junior course, you will need to supervise on the ground. We rotated the task between the parents so that we could still take on some of the courses. Do note that your child will need to be confident enough to manage his / her own way through the course (along with navigating the safety gear through the cables). Staff will come running by if you shout for help. In all, loved the fact that you can choose the courses and the place is big enough with multiple courses to let you enjoy the experience without the stress of others coming up behind you.

We had a fantastic experience at Treetop Surfing Belgrave! My 7-year-old daughter did the Junior Session, which includes access to three courses. When we visited last year, she was quite scared of the orange course, but when we returned last week, she was much more confident and had an amazing time. She’s already asked to come back for her 9th birthday, saying she’ll be ready then to challenge herself with the next level! The only downside is the toilet situation—it’s located at the car park, which is a bit of a walk from the course area. It wasn’t very clean and had a strong smell. I’d recommend using the toilet right after parking, as going during the session can be inconvenient—you’ll need to remove your gear and walk quite a way. Overall, it’s a wonderful place for kids to build confidence and have fun outdoors!

First, you can only buy tickets online. Second, it may seem expensive but you have 2.5 hours there and my family thought it was totally worth it. Before use the staff walk you through the equipment and how to use it on a ground level area. You then go to the 'home' tree (start area). From there you can choose which course to go on. Starting with green, blue (long & short), red (1&2) and black . You will not be able to do them all in the allocated session. There are obstacles and zip lines. Heaps of fun

Excellent place to enjoy a fun day out for kids and adults. Lots of climbing tracks, from easy to advanced. All equipment is provided and easy to use. Parking is available on site. Bring a phone pouch if you want to take photos, but they are sold there too. The staff were helpful. It is a pricey activity, however, that's what you expect for a unique experience.

Had an amazing time yesterday at the puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Gembrook return It was a beautiful sunny day and the landscape and scenery was spectacular ..Almost like our train ride in Switzerland . The steam train was beautiful and it takes you back in time to the year 1900. I was a proud Victorian and was glad the puffing Billy stood the test of time The staff were all so pleasant and. Happy to be serving you . You could see that they love their job , especially our carriage attendant Vicky . We did this train ride when our daughter was 2. She is now 31. So it was a beautiful walk down memory lane .

Puffing Billy Railway – A Journey Through Time and Nature I recently had the opportunity to experience the Puffing Billy Railway, and it was truly a unique and memorable adventure. Travelling through the lush landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges on this historic steam train felt like stepping back in time, an experience that blends nostalgia, beauty, and a sense of connection with Victoria’s heritage. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff’s enthusiasm made the journey even more enjoyable. From the gentle rhythm of the train to the breathtaking scenery along the way, every moment was thoughtfully preserved and authentically Australian. It reminded me that sometimes, the best experiences are those that slow us down and let us appreciate history, nature, and the simple joy of the journey itself.

I had a wonderful time on the Puffing Billy steam train — such a unique and memorable experience! The ride was incredibly scenic, with beautiful views all along the way. The atmosphere is charming and nostalgic and you really feel like you're stepping back in time. The staff were friendly and made the journey even more enjoyable.

Took a ride on a chilly, rainy spring day, the first leg to Emerald was freezing, but the return trip was perfect, so we got to sit on the railing and really feel the wind in our faces. It’s fun for kids and adults who want to unleash their inner child, though don’t expect jaw-dropping scenery, mostly forest, some backyards, a tall wooden bridge, and locals waving as you pass. The real magic? The steam, the hissing, the smell of the old train. It’s pure nostalgia, an old-school steam train experience that’s more about the journey than the views. 🚂

Puffing Billy Railway is a unique Victorian tourist experience. (To get to Belgrave, we travelled by train from Southern Cross, transferred at Flinders Street Station and arrived fifty minutes prior to the departure of our booked train.) Booking on line is recommended, and it is an easy process. Upon arrival, one must line up at the ticket office to collect the paper ticket. This is needed to be clipped on the platform by the conductors prior to boarding the train. The Station Master, Guard, and conductors were rather perfunctory prior to departure from Belgrave. Due to late passengers, the train departed ten minutes late. We were not fussed by this, but were somewhat disappointed by the attitude of the latecomers. The PBR staff treated the offenders with patience. Good on them. The locomotive, carriages and infrastructure are all beautifully restored and obviously well maintained. The journey to Lakeside was spectacular. The views were wonderful. Listening to the loco work up the grades was a real treat. Terminating at the lovely Lakeside Station allowed one to take a look at the Garratt locomotive and its train. (This train was the earlier service and was about to return to Belgrave.) The steam crew were more than happy to chat about their roles on the footplate and the mechanical features of the loco. This was much appreciated. One then had time to wander through the Visitors Centre. The historical display is informative and well presented. Reading about the history of the rail line and the district was quite interesting. The cafeteria was incredibly busy, but after ordering our food, it arrived promptly. The food was tasty (a chicken focaccia and soup of the day), and obviously freshly made. The catering staff were great. Very efficient. A walk around the lake was a real treat. The Dandenongs are a beautiful part of Victoria. Many passengers took advantage of the long break prior to the train departing to return to Belgrave. Returning to the Lakeside platform, and taking the opportunity to checkout the NA loco, I was able to chat to the young fireman. He is a great PR rep for PBR. We were able to talk about the loco and firing techniques. The return journey to Belgrave again a wonderful experience. A highly recommended experience well worth the effort to visit.

Great night had. Enjoyable experience and definitely a must for anyone that loves trains and a bit of nostalgia. Toilet access at Belgrave was good, great communication and a really fun night for all ages

We recently held our wedding with the Puffing Billy Railway, chartering a train for our guests from Belgrave to Nobelius Siding (which was surprisingly affordable!) and hiring out the Nobelius Packing Sheds as our reception venue. On our wedding day, the staff went absolutely above and beyond in their service to us, with meal and drink service on board the train, and full catering with table service at the reception venue. The locomotive crew were even willing to move the train for better photos after its arrival at the station, and were willing to delay the return trip to Belgrave by 15-30 minutes when the reception ran late. It felt like the entire railway was there for us, and every one of our guests had nothing but positive things to say about the experience. During the planning process, the railway and staff were also very accommodating. They provided us with multiple inspections of both the venue and the dining carriages so that we could plan ahead, set up a taste testing date for the reception menu, worked with us to schedule a train that worked around their existing timetable, and allowed us access to the venue on the day before and after the wedding for bump in/out. Although there were sometimes some issues in communication which led to a headache or two, they allowed us to develop a thorough plan well in advance of the day. All in all, I'd highly recommend Puffing Billy as a venue for anyone looking for a way to make their wedding day a bit more unique. (Photos by "Had To Be You Weddings".)

We are family of four. We have a 2&3 year old. We got the wildlife+ rides package. My 2 year old was free. The junior rides only went from 12-2 but they were very average and cause they 3 year old was under 100cm, there were only two rides she could go on. However, the playground was epic and she enjoyed that. Now to the wildlife part. What an absolute amazing time. You can pat bunnies and goats. You can pat birds and albino wallabies. The shows are cool. Cows sheep's chickens. Would go again just for the wildlife park

We celebrated my child's birthday at Gumbuya World and it was absolutely fantastic! Fairly priced, and the best part - you get to stay all day, not just an hour or two like other venues. One parent goes free with each child, so all the adults got to enjoy the rides too! The park is spacious, clean, and never felt crowded. Our party at the Outback Café was beautiful and well-organised, with heaps of great food for the kids. The standout for me was their care with allergies. My son has dairy anaphylaxis, and they went above and beyond: a separate cooker for his food, his cake stored safely, and staff who genuinely cared. It’s so rare for a big venue to get this right, I was blown away. They were also super flexible when a few kids were sick and happily let siblings take their places. My child loved their little party showbag, and every parent said it was the best party of the year. Highly recommend Gumbuya World for birthdays - truly exceptional! 🎉💕

School holidays but 3 rides "under maintenance" as stated on website, yet upon arrival their biggest roller-coaster (TNT) is also funnily enough just not operating today. Check your drinks, especially soft drinks/sodas, at their outlets as we were sold expired Fanta, with Coke and Sprite all close to expiry dates. Staff had no idea at Outback Cafe that this could possibly be the case. Refunded but shrugged off. Highlight were the animals like tree kangaroos and koalas, otherwise this would've been a 1 star theme park. Parking is at least free.

We went yesterday. 5 Adults and 2 Children aged 5 and 3. The park is so lovely and extremely well maintained and clean. The rides were fantastic and the Wildlife walk was great. We didn't get to do the waterpark as it was closed for this time of year and we didn't get time to go through the Aussie Outback section. The rides are unlimited which is so good. The facilities are good. The fire pits going as you walk through the main entrance were really nice. Seating was really good as well. It's so nice to have something like this in Victoria, it felt like being at a theme park in Queensland but better. A very well thought out park which gave us all a day of thorough enjoyment. The staff were all very friendly. There are other activities on as well throughout the day. We will definitely visit again. Highly recommend.

Perfect for young children with lots to see and do with hands on experiences. My son loves the playground. Weekdays are quiet and the kids rides run 12-2pm on certain days (on a rotation as there's only a few staff available to operate the rides, so you may have to wait for the ride to open up once another is finished). I'd recommend checking their website prior to arrival to see whats happening that day so you won't be disappointed. I've run into a lot of people who expected the big rollercoasters to operate, but alas, that's only in school holidays and weekends (again, check website or call to avoid disappointment). We're local so we have yearly weekday passes, but if we weren't, it's pretty pricey for a once off visit. Staff are all super friendly and are great to deal with. The animals all seem really well looked after. Facilities and the park are clean. There's heaps of places to sit and paved paths everywhere except the enclosures. Food is nice (especially the nuggets) but overpriced, which is to be expected as its a theme park. The cafe is only available on certain days and the full menu isn't available during the week.

I recently visited this theme park and had a wonderful experience. The parking facility was excellent—spacious, well-organised, and easy to access, which made the start of the visit very smooth. Inside the park, there were numerous rides for all age groups, including some thrilling water rides that everyone seemed to enjoy. The atmosphere was lively and energetic, with people truly having a great time. It was heavily crowded. The café inside the park was also impressive, offering tasty snacks and refreshments—perfect for a break between the rides. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for a fun day out with family or friends. Highly recommended.

It was a great experience. Not all the rides were open as it is winters. Water rides were not operating. The birds and the bird show was very beautiful. Must see.

What a great place. Could easily spend a day here. Spring showcases many amazing Australian species in beautiful bloom. Many of the plants are labelled, which is great for garden lovers wanting to take note and add something new to their garden. There's so much to see, with plenty of rest spots and shade. Managed to spot lots of gorgeous wildlife - plenty of smaller birds and even a bandicoot! The gardens have a lovely gift shop, toilet and cafe/kiosk facilities, and is accessible to get around - with ramps and lifts. Would definitely like to come back and spend more time here.

Beautiful well curated garden with so many different sections of plants, flowers and trees to admire. It is extremely well maintained, clean and peaceful here. It is huge, tranquil and worth coming to. There are two major pieces of land to explore (bush area with a playground or the Australian gardens) which means plenty to see. They have incorporated water well into the landscape too. No need for a ticket but you can offer a donation or purchase something at their beautiful gift shop. There is plenty of parking. I love it here! Great place to have a picnic and plenty of space so you really don't have to worry about a crowd.

I heard it was a blossom in the garden. I went to see flowers. It was full of beautiful flowers of spring. This garden is one of its kind, and it is situated on an amazing land escape. The flower I was looking for wasn’t there. I closed my eyes for a minute and took a deep breath. And I said in my native language: “Koi keh de Gulaab se mere, Teri khushboo udaas hai aja. Then I felt her presence around me, and I was surrounded by a mysterious fragrance. This garden has an awesome cafeteria. It was full of people. I tried a cup of coffee. This garden also reminds me that the God of the heavens and earth has created this earth that has the ability to grow crops, plants and trees for humans and animals. He has created gardens in the heavens for righteous people. Underneath those gardens there will be streams of water, milk and honey.

Heard about this garden from a documentary featuring top 50 beautiful gardens in the world and it didn’t disappoint. I have relatives from overseas so we brought them to visit this garden. This place is beautifully designed. We didn’t have much time so we probably just saw half of the garden so we would definitely go back again.

Make a Date with Nature, Nature Journaling with Paula Peeters It was with excitement that I prepared art supplies for Paula Peeters’ Nature Journaling class at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. The spring flowers and sunshine were joyfully warming and welcoming. Paula began by bringing the history of the land to life; the Boon Wurrung/ Bunurong people had lived on this land for over 40,000 years. As we walked through the gardens Paula pointed out that the oldest eucalyptus fossil was found 52 million years ago in Argentina, the oldest banksia fossil was found 54 million years ago, the bedrock under Melbourne is 450 million years old and our beautiful yellow tailed black cockatoos have been flying around for 50 million years. 20,000 years ago the land existed as sand dunes; before it was developed as a garden, it was used as a sand quarry by the Armed Forces. Paula instructed us to not only pay attention to the surrounding nature but also to ourselves. She then guided us through a series of exercises which included a contour drawing which we did without looking at or lifting our pencil from the page, paying attention to what was going on in our head and letting go of negative thoughts. Then we did speed drawing, in faster and faster increments; amazingly the drawing I did in 5 seconds bore the greatest resemblance to the seed pod. It was fun drawing a leaf and then matching each participant’s leaf drawing with the actual leaf. When we walked amongst the grass trees which are actually 400 years old, Paula borrowed the prompts below from nature journalist and author John Muir Laws and we were asked to complete the following: I notice … I wonder … It reminds me of … It makes me feel … The greatest challenge during our class was to try and draw something alive. We walked over to the lake for this, ‘the only way to learn is to watch and get it down quickly … our brains grow according to what we pay attention to … this is Neuroplasticity’ she explained. ‘Neuroplasticity’ Is described by Britannica as ‘the brain's capacity to change connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, ...’ , It is really true, I always thought I knew what a banksia tree looked like, but when I tried to draw it, I saw it through a totally different lens and it seemed like I was seeing the spikey array of long, slender leaves for the first time. We finished with 5 minutes of non-stop free writing and a haiku, which is a poem of 3 lines with 5, 7 and 5 syllables. Orange blossoms stretch, Waver, hover, shake, sway, Flaming sunlight caught. Here is the link to Paula’s website. Paperbark Writer | Australian nature meets science & art. By Paula Peeters.

Finally visited the Royal Botanical Gardens at Cranbourne and were pleasantly surprised by spread. Landscapes, modern but iconic art pieces and wonder nature inspired garden design reflecting our lands native plants is a sight indeed. The gardens are ignificant for biodiversity conservation and a must visit place in Melbourne.

Lovely garden with free guided tours at 11am daily (booking required). There are trails around the gardens. Great for wildlife spotting too.

Beautiful sculpture park showcasing pieces in many different styles. Metalwork and industrial elements feature heavily, as do pieces designed to reflect light and the surroundings. Complete with Harry's Cafe and a gift shop, McClelland Sculpture Park is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. I will definitely be returning.

Enjoyed our visit with friends to McClelland Sculpture Park. Some very interesting works of various sizes well positioned around the main building, pond and treelined walkways. Paths well maintained and would suit all fitness levels. Dogs on lead allowed throughout plus outdoor and under cover patio dining at Harry's Cafe. Adequate free parking on site. Allow 2 hours to comfortably amble, chat and appreciate.

🌿 Set amongst sixteen hectares of natural Australian bushland, this is a lovely and peaceful spot to explore. 🖼️ Some really charming and beautiful sculptures and some rather strange ones too which are fun to puzzle out. 🦆 While exploring the artwork keep your eyes open for the charming native wildlife which call the park home.

For a wonderful short day trip and a chance to reconnect with nature, this sculpture park and gallery is a must-visit. We were warmly welcomed by Harry's friendly staff (definitely book ahead on weekends or school holidays!). The caffe offered an impressive range of breakfast and lunch choices – and a bonus, if you dine there, your park entry is waived. Exploring the park was a truly immersive experience, discovering modern sculptures subtly integrated into the natural landscape. Armed with a map, we spent a good two hours wandering and soaking it all in. It was the perfect way to shake off the week's stresses. Absolutely recommend!

Lovely sculpture park to visit during the week days. Just don't like the attitude of the lady in the gift shop area, instantly tells my kids to shhh or be gentle and they havnt even stepped fully into the gift shop yet. Don't encourage kids to come n sit n colour if you don't want to listen to them giggle laugh or talk for god sake so not kid friendly yet has soo many kid events on. Maybe hire staff that have children or likes kids?

Nice couple of hours spent strolling around. We had booked lunch in the café so entry to the Sculpture park was free. We would have appreciated more information about the sculptures; it was a bit frustrating that there were only names and dates on the brochure. The shop is lovely; lots of great gifts.

Great place for a walk. Plenty of interesting sculptures to discover as you make your way around. Cafe is too pricey though.

The meals are very nice and the service is good. A nice selection of meals for seniors and inexpensive. A few more choices of dessert for seniors would be nice. The staff are helpful and friendly despite being busy. The Cafe is also nice with comfortable seats and a good selection of food.

Crazy busy on a Thursday however you could not tell due to excellent table service and meals coming out with appropriate wait times. I had a chorizo and prawn risotto 10/10!! My mate had a steak and it too was cooked exactly how ordered. Overall- incredibly impressed

It’s always a pleasure visiting the Warragul Country Club, whether it be for a Sunday afternoon meal or a Friday night drinks and catch up with friends. The staff are polite and courteous and very friendly. There’s plenty of parking options on premises too. Plus, if golf is your thing then please do not miss visiting the Warragul Country Club. Best to book ahead, esp. for the Sunday lunch service as they do tend to get very busy.

This is a very spacious and modern facility that has an extensive, yet not expensive, dining menu. The staff are all very friendly, helpful, and attentive.

No tables were free when the 3 of us arrived on a Sunday, but the hostess quickly arranged one for us. The food was delicious and staff friendly and efficient. We'll go back.

Had dinner last night at the country club and it was really good,3 adults and 2 children every meal was delicious and the service was fantastic, the staff are really amazing and make you feel so comfortable 10/10 we will definitely be back

First went there 2 years ago could not fault the place. Went there about 1 weeks ago I asked for chicken schnitzel with vegetables my wife asked for no batter on the fish and vegetables after 15 minutes meals came out she had better on the fish we sent it back as thay made a mistake it came back 15 minutes later with no batter and with salad but the time I got to eat my meal it was cold would not go back here again it's better value at the pub meals were very small and for $27 for the fish and $24 for the schnitzel but the garlic bread was and cheese was good and it would have been nice to have more chips except for one little Cup. To their credit they gave a $20 credit for next time sad thing is I don't think there will be a next time.

Really sweet place, gives you the chance to feed kangaroos & wombats amongst others. Also has koalas, camels, alpacas, cows, guinea pigs and other animals. Animals appear to be well looked after and the staff were friendly and welcoming.

Very relaxed and also fun place to go! Had a blast with my family and the farm tour is Def worth doing!

Has a historical homestead built in early 1900,s after original homestead from mid 1800,s burnt down. Made it from bricks sourced from property, so it was fireproof this time. Has a cafe and a resteraunt also gift shop for souvineers. Is a little pricy as is targeted at your bus trade. Not sure of food quality as didn't eat there. They have tours if property and camels kangaroos etc for people to get up close to and feed etc.

Nice farm atmosphere to interact with farm and native animals. Recommended to do a guided farm tour.

Quite nice food, clean restaurant and facilities, including high chairs and a baby change area. No babycinos though unless you push the point though. Quite pricey to have a walk around, and an extra fee for the tour. Varied animals to see.

wonderful lunch, and tours. got a lot of animals. you will enjoy!

Very touristy but good if you want to feed and pet a kangaroo!

My visit to Caldermeade Farm & Cafe was an absolute delight! Nestled along the South Gippsland Highway, this charming family-friendly destination offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The cafe itself is impeccably neat and clean, creating a welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease. The indoor and outdoor dining areas are beautifully maintained, with the outdoor seating offering lovely views of the surrounding farm, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the countryside. The food was outstanding fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. From their award-winning pies to the creamy Jersey milk ice cream, every dish felt like a celebration of local, farm-fresh ingredients. The menu has something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, and the Devonshire tea with house-made scones was a highlight! The farm area is equally impressive, with well-maintained grounds that showcase the beauty of this working dairy farm. The animal🐂🐄🐐🦌 nursery was a hit with the kids, who loved seeing the goats, calves, and chickens up close, and the pens were spotlessly clean and well-cared for. The tractor🚜 trailer tour was both educational and fun, offering fascinating insights into dairy farming with a knowledgeable guide. One of the standout features is the expansive parking area🚘, which easily accommodated our group and made arrival hassle-free, even on a busy day. Overall, Caldermeade Farm & Cafe is a gem for families, foodies, and anyone looking for a wholesome day out. We left with full bellies, happy hearts, and a few jars of their delicious house-made jams. Highly recommend and can’t wait to return🙂.

Caldermeade Farm & Café is one of the best spots to visit with family. They offer a great agrotourism experience where you can learn about dairy farming and see the cows up close. It’s both fun and educational, especially for kids. The café has nice food options, and you can also buy souvenirs and milk-based products to take home. A good combination of farm visit, dining, and shopping — highly recommended for a family day trip.

We had such a lovely day at Caldermeade Farm! The animals were adorable, and the atmosphere was so welcoming. My son especially loved the Sip and Paint activity, he had the best time getting creative! We also really enjoyed watching the cows being milked, We can’t wait to visit again. 🐄🎨

Really nice experience, really fresh food. Nice for the kids to see various animals. There is a tractor tour of the place.

Not just a farm and milk bar, perfect for breakie, and some tucker… scones are must have, moist and warm, complements well with a glass of warm milk. The milk is truly amazing! 🤩

A good choice if you are heading towards areas such as Phillip Island, Watthangi, especially if you have kids. It's better if you can check the timings of the tractor rides & cow milking sessions and plan accordingly if you are interested in those too.

What a great idea turning a diary farm into a tourist attraction. A great place for the kids with tractor ride & all the animals. Goats, ducks, calves, rabbits, Alamos & the milking process

Great service, very friendly people and delicious beer. This place is noticeably pristine and it’s obvious the owners/staff have great pride it in. A true country gem.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Must-Visit for Drink Lovers! We had an amazing time at Loch Brewery & Distillery! The service was fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The staff really took the time to share their insights into the craft beers, whiskies, and cocktails, which made the experience that much more special. The drinks themselves? Absolutely top-tier. Every beer was full of character, and the cocktails were a perfect blend of creativity and balance. Their whiskey selection also stood out, smooth, complex, and clearly crafted with care. This place is a true haven for drink lovers, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re in Loch and appreciate great drinks served by people who know and love their craft, this is the spot to be. We’ll definitely be back!

One of my favorite Aussie distillery… nice and chill atmosphere with lots “flavors” to explore. Also passionate boss and helpful staff make the place more enjoyable.

Really good selection and quality. Everything I tried was of excellent quality and masterfully executed. From the rum all the way to the dark ale. I particularly thought the rum, the coffee barrel whisky and the plum gin liquor were special. In the whisky, the flavour of the coffee barrel added a nice after taste that complimented the whisky well. The Japanese plums they used complimented the taste of the gin very nicely in the liquor. And to top it off the staff were awesome and clearly passionate. Overall, would recommend if one is in the area and interested in good spirits/ beer.

Cute distillery with great service and cozy atmosphere. Great variety of beers and gins to try. Would be good to have some more food options or snacks

Had the most chilled afternoon at Loch Brewery and Gin Distillery. Mel and Mel were so friendly and knowledgeable about the beers and gin . Extremely relaxed vibe .. really cold today but it was warm and cosy , everyone was enjoying themselves. Definitely recommend this as a must stop in Loch VIC

Located in such a serene and beautiful surrounds. There is an array of guns, whisky and other spirits and beers, all locally produced for sale. You can also sit there and enjoy the fresh beer.

We arrived at Maru around 2:00. There were lots of kangaroos. They must have been very full. We fed them but they didn't want to eat much. We saw a few koalas sleeping. Alpaca looked quite hungry. We also watched the sheep shearing show. Overall experience quite pleasant.

You can pay extra for animal experiences. We didnt opt for these so I can't speak much on what they are like. The animals were very active in their enclosures. However we couldnt see anything in the nocturnal enclosure. The kangaroos weren't all too interested in the feed and they mainly chilled in their refuge areas. There is a cafe and a gift shop. The mini golf was fun and pirate themed.

2025/10 Maru Koala and Animal Park The Maru Koala and Animal Park is a popular wildlife park located in Grantville, Victoria, on the way to Phillip Island. It offers visitors the chance to get close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and emus. Visitors can hand-feed kangaroos, take photos with koalas, and learn about Australian wildlife through keeper talks and shows. The park also features a mini golf course and a café, making it a great stop for families and tourists exploring the region. Maru Koala and Animal Park focuses on wildlife conservation and education, helping visitors understand the importance of protecting Australia’s native animals and their habitats.

This place is incredible. Going in with the kids we didn’t have much expectations but just to see some koalas and may be feed them. But the place just surprised us. There’s loads of Koalas and kangaroos and you can feed any of them freely while touching them. Somme more reptiles and birds are available as well. Good facilities and the kids enjoyed the tour immensely.

Went after lunch on a weekday. The place was pleasant and animals looking good. No kookaburra but plenty of koalas! The two albino kangaroos were a sight to behold and the rest of the gang were very placid and don't mind people around. Excited to spot joeys. Managed to wait for the winged squirrel to come out of hiding. Last but not least, even though it was a bit run down, the mini golf was actually quite fun when playing competition!

Discover Maru Koala and Animal Park, a family-run wildlife haven in Grantville, just 90 minutes from Melbourne and en route to Phillip Island. Get hands-on with Australia’s icons—pat koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies (including rare albinos), and encounter dingoes, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and more. Join keeper talks, sheep shearing demos, and immersive experiences like dingo encounters, plus Pirate Pete’s mini-golf for family fun—perfect for wildlife lovers and budding adventurers!

Maru koala and animal park is a best place to see kolas and some wild animals. Especially albino kangaroos. Went on a long weekend, bit crowded but ticket counters were not busy. Staff was very helpful and explained everything.

One of my favourite places in the world. If their ‘open’ sign is out, be sure to stop in. You won’t regret it. Beautiful food, even more beautiful people. The cute animals are a bonus. For the freshest and tastiest local produce. From farm to plate!

Loved the cheese tasting experience! The cheeseboard was very affordable and more than enough for one person. The place itself was cozy, and it was a nice bonus to be able to see the cows while enjoying the tasting. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Highly recommend for a relaxed and tasty outing.

I have been meaning to get here for a while, and I'm so glad I finally popped in. They have delicious made in house cheeses as well as some fantastic imported blues. I loved how passionate they are and the explanations on how it's produced was really informative. Best part is the free tasting. Definitely will be back

Great stop for a snack and coffee/hot chocolate on the way to Phillips island. Everything they serve they make from their own farm. Cheese tasted so good. Friendly and very nice owners. Highly recommend.

We stop by for a hot drink on a cool afternoon. A delightful dairy farm produces their delicious creamy milk, cheese, cream, more items on shelves like local jam, and chocolate absolutely beautiful. Their full creamy milk is like taste from heaven. I love it. We will back again on our next trip.

Shared a one person platter -- big enough for two person's tea break! Lovely cheeses and a delightful eggplant dip for the bread

An unplanned stop during our wandering found this gem in Southern Victoria. Great cheese, and coffee. Knowledgeable staff tell you about the cheeses. The cows are currently hand fed, supplementing grass due to continued dry conditions (recent rain grew grass but didn't soak in to the soil). The owners are lovely caring people. A lovely spot to stop for a cuppa and a break. Thoroughly recommended.

This afternoon/evening, I attended the Southern Lights Festival held at Coal Creek Community Park with the 1Step Support Group. It was very cold and wet with light rain and a top of 10 degrees. It was a sold out event meaning there were hundreds of people there. The Coal Creek Community Park is a large area with several historical buildings and shops plus rotundas, footbridges, a creek, a lake and the old railway station. The lighting displays were very impressive with a mixture of bright string lights and backing floodlights highlighting the trees and vegetation. There were many different attractions tonight including live bands, food trucks, market stalls, fire pits, a giant bonfire and fireworks displays. There was so much to take in but I ended up doing several laps of the park. We only stayed until just after 7:30pm when the first fireworks display went off. Overall, despite the wet weather, it was still a very enjoyable event with lots to see and experience.

What a truly magical place this is. The buildings are so authentic and the staff/volunteers are terrific. We were fortunate enough to meet the charming and beautiful gentleman Perry who mans the General store. You would swear you stepped back into the late 1800’s. His enthusiasm and knowledge are worth their weight in gold. This place is great for the young and old. On entry the kids are given food to feed the ducks near the lake. Do yourself a huge favour and visit this amazing tourist destination. Entry is free but please leave a donation in appreciation.

It's like a slightly understated version of Sovereign Hill, and a free version, too. This is already a huge plus in my books, and a huge reason why I prefer it over Sovereign Hill. In fact, because it's free, by default it earns itself 5 out of 5 stars. And it just so happens to be a great spot for photography as well. In fact, compared to other places, it's not a super touristy place. At least for now, lol. But because it's quiet, it's a relaxing place to take your family or a few friends. They have a little lake with ducks, quite a few older buildings with interiors that you can access. Not all houses/stores let you freely explore each room, but they do have galleries where you can view or take photos from the outside. Probably one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. Highly recommend.

Must visit this rare historical place with kids. Educational experience for younger children. Free to visit this very well preserved historical site.

Free Entry. I can’t think of a place that there is no fee upon entry. Great place to learn about the history. We got free duck feed. Friendly customer service. We had a great day. Thank you

if your in the area this is worth checking out ..basicly a coal mining town set up from 1900s ...building have been old building pulled down and rebuild on-site and some replicas as well ...its definitely worth your time to see ...wont take you all day but its free so a bit of fun ...there is a donation box there so just throw a few coins in ...certainly worth it ...you can see there is potential to do more and I believe they will be but like everything its not a quick fix

Absolutely fantastic! Great experience. Friendly staff. Will definitely go back.

We really enjoyed the 2 day 1 night stay & shuttle package for the Great Southern Rail Trail. Thanks!

San Remo Co-Op is such a great little stop on the way to Phillip Island, especially if you’re heading to see the penguin parade. It’s a no-fuss, self-service style place with two sections – one for cooked meals ready to enjoy, and another with fresh seafood you can take home. You can grab your food and choose to sit inside for a casual vibe or outside to soak in the coastal air. The menu isn’t huge, but what they do serve, they do well. Everything feels fresh and straight from the sea, which makes a big difference in flavor. The fish and chips are light, crisp, and not oily, while the seafood fry-up is generous and cooked just right. It’s the kind of simple food that speaks for itself when the ingredients are fresh. If you’re into oysters, definitely try them here – they’re plump, clean-tasting, and served at a very reasonable price. I got Tasmania oyster. Overall, San Remo Co-Op is not about fancy dining but about honest, quality seafood that hits the spot.

San Remo Fisherman's Co-op is a Ripper! 🐟 I'm absolutely stoked about San Remo Fisherman's Co-op! This spot is buzzing with activity - always busy, always bustling! The queue might be near reaching the door, but trust me, it's worth the wait. Their fish and chips are straight outta the fryer - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside... perfection! I had barramundi and flake fish, and mate, it was love at first bite! You can also grab some fresh catch straight from the boat, but be prepared to pay a bit extra - it's top-notch quality, worth every penny! If you're a seafood fanatic like me, you won't wanna miss this place. Five stars, hands down! Get in line and give it a go!" 👍🐟

The number of reviews kinda give it away- needless to say the best fish and chips I had in VIC ( disclaimer: I haven’t had many but I’m from NZ hopefully that strengthens my opinion;)) We got fisherman’s basket, seafood market, crumbed mullet and beef burger and chips. I had better beef burger but the rest were amazing.

Not been here for many years, but it is a ‘must visit’ when in the area. Was very busy (and noisy) midweek and difficult to find a table for four. I am not a fan of eating out of a cardboard box, but this is a ‘take away cafe’ and this is what you get. So is acceptable for this type of venue. I also found $12.00 a little excessive for a small piece of grilled fish. Scallops, prawns and dim sims were excellent. Staff are doing their best I am sure!

There's a few "San Remo Fishermans" / fish and chip restaurants along the same stretch of road so remember to search for "San Remo Fishermans Co-Op" specifically. After you turn in from the main road, remember to turn right and drive all the way in. We came when it was raining and there's not many seats within the restaurant so most people ordered takeaway or ate at the sheltered areas outside. The staff was very efficient in terms of taking orders so the ordering queue cleared quite quickly and wait time for the food was less than 10 minutes. Fish burger was interesting where the fish is not fillet but steamed form. Have to be careful for fish bones inside. The calamari and spring rolls were plain. If you come at 12 noon, there's a pelican feeding at the beach so do come on time for a good photography opportunity!

Having fish and chips lunch here. Will rate fried fish 5 star as fish is very fresh and taste good. Fried calamari is also very good. However chips are just average only. Fast food style restaurant.

We watched the pelican feeding first then went for a walk . Returning around 2 pm for a late lunch however the eatery was still busy. We enjoyed 6 King prawns 🦐 each,so we'll presented. Then shared salad,flake and chips...great value plus the crispest thin batter😋 Shame there are so many rude and piggy people about.Leaving such a mess for staff to clean up.

This place is absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend joining the guided tour, which runs twice a day and lasts a bit over an hour. Staff here are genuinely friendly and welcoming. Besides the tour, make sure to leave about an hour to explore the free museum area. It features a great collection of tools and equipment once used by miners. The whole area feels like a mini historical village, with a miner’s house, a post office, a blacksmith’s shop and more. Some of the garden beds even have real vegetables growing like apples, lemons, pumpkins and capsicums. You can really see the effort the staff have put in. The tour guide was very attentive, always checking in with the group and giving clear, hands-on explanations of the displays inside the mine. When all the lights were turned off, I could truly feel how hard it must have been to work in complete darkness back then. The only downside is that some parts of the park, especially around the coal mining displays, have been damaged quite a bit by bird droppings. Since these exhibits are very educational, I hope they can be better maintained going forward.

Amazing venue that gives good insight into the lives and environment of coal miners around 100 years ago. Didn't do the tour as our children are too young, but walking around the site and viewing exhibits was amazing considering the free entry. Highly recommended.

State Coal Mine, tour was a fascinating experience. The underground tour offered a unique opportunity to see coal in its natural state and learn about the mine's history from the knowledgeable guide. The mine is well-preserved, and both kids and adults will find it enjoyable. It's recommended to spend an hour exploring the sheds and houses above ground and another hour on the underground tour. Make sure to wear enclosed shoes, as it can be slippery inside the mine.

What an amazing place ! We were very impressed with the Wonthaggi State Coal mine! We didn't do the mine tour but still spent almost 3 hours there just wandering plus having afternoon tea. Firstly the grounds and buildings are free to enter and you can take as long as you like to enjoy it all. I was amazing at how well kept and maintained every piece of this place was. It's an absolute credit to anyone involved in the upkeep. The mine tour is a paid option and we only wish now we had organised ourself better and don't the tour as well. Luckily we started with afternoon tea in the cafe because we ended up wandering around for so long taking in all there was to see that we needed our full tummies to begin with. The coffee and homemade slices were not only amazing but reasonably priced and large portions as well. We tried the milk shake, chocolate brownie, Snickers slice and wheat free caramel slice. The 4 us agreed everything was 10/10 for the slices. I'll definitely be returning to the State Coal mine with family and friends as well as recommending it to others.

It was a great experience to go on the tour on just a very small area of the over 4000km underground mine. The working conditions in the past were so tough and unimaginable for the miners, and other mine workers. It was an eye- opener to understand what the true cost was of running steam trains in Australia.

This was such a nice pitstop to do during our stay in Cape Paterson and Inverloch. We really enjoyed seeing everything and the animals! The staff were lovely and kind with the information about the underground tour running times etc! It was great to see and read about the history of the area!

A very well keep historical site and the underground guided tour is worth to participate. Thank you Kat for her informative and interesting guided tour.

We were recommended this place to stop off at on our way down to Wilsons Prom. A nice and easy walk with some great views. Not too sure how it gets its name, but that may have been just because we were seeing the rock formation from just one angle. We didn't stay long as we were on a bit of a schedule, but great to see the views and more of the spectacular coastal scenery.

Beautiful beach we were very lucky to see both a crab and a starfish!

Finding a parking slot here on a public holiday might be a bit challenging depending on the time of the day you reach here. Therefore, better to plan some extra time for that, or else you can visit another nearby place and come back to this one to give a second try.

Set between Inverloch and Cap Oatterson, I've taken my family and guests to Eagles Nest several times now. It is absolutely spectacular at sunset. A great place for a picnic and stroll along the beach below. It can become quite cold in the evenings, especially when blowing a gale. Accessed via the Bunurong Coastal Drive beware of animals during dawn and dusk. There are birds, wombats and kangaroos foraging on the roadside. During the winter, you may even be lucky enough to see whales. Just do it...there's heaps to explore in the surrounding areas including shack Bay, the caves, twin reefs and flat rocks. Keep and eye out for fossils.

Fantastic place to explore! So many rock pools to discover! Wouldn't recommend swimming there as there are a lot of rocks to avoid, and be prepared for the long walk back up the stairs. But it was a great experience

Great beach, small walk round the side to a mini cave, nice views

What an experience, shallow beach for swimming as well as literally no one on the beach on Saturday afternoon. You can have the beach for yourself and not crowded compared to Cape Paterson or inverloch beaches. The rock formations are amazing to explore during low tide. The best time to visit during summer is around 2-5pm.