Out & About in
bourne & Victoria
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Melbourne City Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea
Yarra Valley Southern Suburbs & Frankston
Mornington Peninsula South Gippsland & Phillip Island
Bendigo Echuca/ Moama Ballarat Geelong/ Bellarine Warrnambool & Great Ocean Rd
Play/Par ty Watch Wot’s On
“Get off the couch and get out there!” ids LetsGoK SARY E NIV R 10th AN ION D E IT
An experience above all else.
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Wot’s On - Games - Vouchers - www.LetsGoKids.com.au
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LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Melbourne 2017
Contents Out & About in
Help Me, Help Me - I’m a parent?!?!?!? You’ve run out of ideas, the weekend is coming up and you’ve got that birthday to plan. OMG! The holidays are next week and they’ll be home for a fortnight. Aaargh! Don’t worry you’ve come to the right place! At LetsGoKids we’ve done the hard yards, kicked the tyres, found the best spots to eat and play, where to shop, what to see and even where to stay! We’ll let you know what’s on and where, how much it is and try to help the budget with some special deals and vouchers! There are also puzzles, games, competitions and birthday party ideas to keep the kids entertained.
Travelling somewhere else??? We’ve got that covered too! Check www.letsgokids.com.au to find out all the things for families in WA, NT, TAS, Sydney, NZ Order the books online or check the distribution list to see where to get one! Check us out online with updated events, deals and specials. Follow our tips and ideas on (@LetsGoKidsAuNZ) and LetsGoKids & LetsGoKids NZ Also, make sure you sign up for our FREE monthly E-newsletter at www.letsgokids.com.au It has great tips and events, stories, reviews, competitions, giveaways and games.
The LetsGoKids UPDATED smartphone app is here!!! Take us with you everywhere you go! Loaded with all the latest events, deals, vouchers for discounts and GPS mapping to get you there! It’s FREE to download for Android or iOS at the Google play store or the Apple store
Melbourne City
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Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea
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Yarra Valley
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Southern Suburbs & Frankston
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Mornington Peninsula
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South Gippsland & Phillip Island
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Bendigo
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Echuca/ Moama
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Ballarat
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Geelong/ Bellarine
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Warrnambool & Great Ocean Rd
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Play/Par ty
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Advertiser’s Index Melbourne City
Southern Suburbs & Frankston
Melbourne Aquarium Inside Front Cover, 7 Ice Bar Melbourne 8,9 Melbourne River Cruises 8,9 Holiday Inn 10 Munich Brewhouse 11 Eureka Skydeck 12,13 Taco Bill Mexican Restaurants 13 MCG 14,15 Auscarts 16 Fire Services Museum 16 Luna Park 17 Up Unlimited 17 Williamstown Bay and River Cruises 17,22 O’Brien Group Arena 19 Black Light Mini Golf 20 Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Back Cover 20, ArtVo 21 HMAS Castlemaine 22 Melbourne Seaplanes 22 Aqua Pulse 23
Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea Watermarc Bundoora Park Farm Latrobe Golf Park City of Whittlesea Funfields
Yarra Valley Rayner’s Orchard Puffing Billy Railway
Wot’s On Craft Markets Australia
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Up Unlimited Frankston City Council SK8HOUSE PARC Gravity Zone
Frankston & Mornington Peninsula Sandstorm Events Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm Horseback Fun for Kids Ashcombe Maze Rain, Hayne & Shine Farmyard Boneo Maze
3 38 38 38 39 39
Kryal Castle The Pancake Kitchen Sovereign Hill M.A.D.E
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Geelong/Bellarine Barwon River Holiday Park Geelong Bellarine Tourism Bellarine Adventure Golf Market Square The Bellarine Railway
State Coal Mine Anchor Belle Holiday Park Ramada Resort Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Wildlife Coast Cruises Phillip Island Nature Parks Bendigo Tourism Bendigo Pottery Discovery Science & Technology Centre The Bendigo Fun Factory Horsehand
46 47 47 48 48
That VR Joint Box Hill Indoor Sports Centre Sports Camps Australia Timezone Intencity Oz Tenpin
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Melbourne Vixens Hoyts Melbourne Renegades Melbourne Stars Melbourne Victory Melbourne Aces Melbourne Rebels
Echuca/Moama Billabong Ranch 30 Moama on Murray 31 Sharps Old Time Movie House and Fudge Echuca Workers & Services Club Murray River Paddlesteamers 80 Port of Echuca Discovery Centre Echuca Workers Club
56 56-58 57 57 58
Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road
Discovery Holiday Parks Surfside Holiday Park 42 Great Ocean Road Bowling 43 Flagstaff Hill 44 The Cally Hotel Fun 4 Kids Festival 44,45 45 Play/Party 45 Up Unlimited
South Gippsland & Phillip Island
Bendigo 24,25 26 27 28,29 30,31
Ballarat
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59 59 60 60,61 62 63 64,65 65 66 66 67 68 69
Watch 70 70 71 73 74,75 76,77 76,77
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Really, really important stuff Public Holidays in Melbourne 25 & 27 Dec 26 Dec 1 Jan 26 Jan 13 Mar 14 Apr
Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Australia Day Labour Day Good Friday
15 Apr 16 Apr 17 Mar 25 Apr 12 Jun 29 Sep 7 Nov
Taxis Easter Saturday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Anzac Day Queen’s Birthday AFL Grand Final Cup Day
School Holidays Summer Autumn Winter Spring
21 Dec 16 – 31 Jan 17 1 Apr 17 – 17 Apr 17 1 Jul 17 – 16 Jul 17 23 Sep 17 – 8 Oct 17
Taxis can be hailed from the street, booked in advance, or found at a taxi rank - outside Flinders St station and Swanston St, near the Town Hall. Silver Top Taxis 131 008 Yellow Cabs 132 227 Arrow Taxis 132 211
Flying in, flying out Melbourne’s airports - Tullamarine, 25km from CBD; Avalon (between Melb & Geelong), 55km from CBD. melbourneairport.com.au...............................03 9297 1600 avalonairport.com.au.........................................03 5227 9100 qantas.com.au........................................................13 13 13 tigerairways.com.au.............................................1300 174 266 virginblue.com.au..................................................1902256876 jetstar.com.au..........................................................131 538
Airport taxis - Taxis are available from the ground floor level of Melbourne Airport, outside the International Terminal and both Domestic Terminals. Expect to pay around A$100 for a return trip between the CBD and Melbourne Airport. Skybus - Operates a shuttle service between the airport and the city hotels. This service operates 24/7. Buses run every 10 – 15 minutes throughout the day and every 30 – 60 minutes overnight. Pricing – $19 oneway, $38 return. Avalon Airport Shuttle Bus - Bus service operates regularly from Tullamarine. Ph: 5278 8788
Tourist Information Centres Albury Cnr Smollett & Young St 1300 252 879 Ballarat 225 Sturt St Ph: 5337 4337 Bendigo 51-67 Pall Mall Ph: 5434 6060 Castlemaine 44 Mostyn St Ph: 5471 1795 Echuca 2 Heygarth St Ph: 5480 7555
Frankston 7N Pier Promenade Ph: 1300 322 842 Geelong 26 Moorabool St Ph: 5222 2900 Melbourne Visitor Centre 2 Swanston Street Ph: 9658 9658 Melbourne Visitor Booth Bourke Street, 03 9658 9658
Ok this is toooo boring for kids…
But some grown-ups might need to read this info ‘cos they’re interested in this or whatever… LetsGoKids Pty Ltd - ABN: 85 122 538 103 95 Chapel Lane, Doreen, VIC 3754 Fax: 03 9717 4440 Advertising & Listings (Print, Web & App) Terry Wilson - Email: office@letsgokids.com.au | Ph: 0407 012 940 Graphic Design The LetsGoKids in house studio led by Rebecca Palk can design and produce graphic art for your advertising needs, whether it be print, web or app. For no obligation and highly competitive quote, email Rebecca at letsgokidsgraphics@gmail.com Special Thanks / Contributors Visions of Victoria Photo Library, Cassie Wilson, Nagalakshmi Thyagarajan, Karen Clark, Michelle Gomez, Rebecca Palk & Cooper J. Wilson
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Melton 323 High Street Ph 03 9747 7300 Mornington Peninsula 359B Point Nepean Rd Ph: 5987 3078 Phillip Island 895 Phillip Island Rd Ph: 1300 366 422 Queenscliff 55 Hesse St Ph: 5258 4843 Seymour 47 Emily St Ph: 5799 0233
Wangaratta 100-104 Murphy St Ph: 1800 801 065 Warrnambool 89 Merri St Ph: 5559 4620 Werribee 177 Watton Street Ph 03 8734 6006 Wonthaggi 1 Bent St Ph: 5672 5767
Photos Uncredited photographs used are owned by LetsGoKids or Visions of Victoria Photo Library (and used with permission) unless otherwise stated. All photos & logos for listings supplied by individual business owners. Unauthorised use of images or text will be subject to legal action. Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions in the LetsGoKids publication. Vouchers and discount expiry dates are up to the discretion of individual business owners unless otherwise stated. Indemnity Listing photographs/logos/text and advert artwork, have been supplied to LetsGoKids by business owners or their Advertising Agencies, Graphic Designers or representatives. Download advert & listing specs from our website www.letsgokids.com.au © Copyright 2016
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AFL AQUARIUM BALLARAT BENDIGO EUREKA FED SQUARE LUNA PARK MELBOURNE MURRAY RIVER PUFFING BILLY RESTAURANTS SOVEREIGN HILL STARS VICTORIA VIXENS WARRNAMBOOL
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Melbourne City -
Out & About
Melbourne was founded on the Yarra River in 1835 after an abortive bid in 1803 to establish a settlement inside the Port Phillip Bay heads near Sorrento. Today, Melbourne is one of the great multicultural cities of the world. Restaurants, galleries and performing arts centres are right across the city, giving it a refined and cultured reputation. Of course Melbourne is also regarded as the Sporting Capital of the World, having previously hosted the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and currently is home to world class events in the Australian Tennis Open played in January and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix! It is said that Melbourne experiences four seasons across one day, but in Victoria your family can experience amazing places to visit across four seasons!
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, and home to close to 4 million people. Many of the citizens of Melbourne live in the suburbs to east and south of the Yarra River, sprawled around Port Phillip Bay and extending as far east as Mount Dandenong. The North and the West are catching up fast though!
Melbourne is an awesome place any time of the year, with sooo many options to keep the family entertained in this great city. From the city to the bay, to the nearby hills or the Peninsula, from the ski fields to the mighty Murray River – There is so much space to run, play, swim, ski, ride, boat or picnic! So much of Melbourne (and Victoria) is set up for families and we’ve gone and found the activities, the events, organised some special deals at some of the state’s favourite destinations for you and discovered a few places you didn’t know about. So get off the couch, ring a friend, grab the kids, take advantage of our vouchers and offers in the book and online, sign up for our enewsletter, download the app to “stay in the know” ... and just get out there and DO IT!
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Melbourne City -
Out & About
Who said: “You don’t get something for nothing?” Let LetsGoKids show you how to spend a day or even a week in and around Melbourne “on the cheap,” where you can see and do lots .... and spend nothing! (or just a little). So what are you waiting for? 1. Ride the Free City Circle tram or the Tourist Shuttle bus and listen to the commentary on all the places of interest. Get your bearings and do a bit of people watching. You may discover a new spot to check out. 2. Explore the city by travelling in the new Free Tram Zone for nearly all of the CBD (Check out exactly where on our map - p.40) 3. Browse the new shopping area at Harbourtown. WARNING! (You may be tempted to spend some money here!) 4.Take a train or ferry ride to the seaside town of Williamstown & explore our Maritime & Naval History. 5. Head to Southbank and watch the flames go off outside Crown Casino or play in the dancing water fountains on a hot day.
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Melbourne City 6. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens, check out The Children’s Garden and walk around the ornamental lakes. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is nearby. 7. Take a tram ride down St Kilda Rd and visit The Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne’s memorial to men and women who have served during times of war. The Floral Clock is nearby, facing the National Gallery on St Kilda Rd.
Out & About
13. Be entertained by the street performers and buskers in Bourke St 14. Take your own bike and go for a ride along some of the riverside bike paths. Maps are available from www.parkwebvic.gov.au. 15. The suburbs contain skate parks, bike tracks, playgrounds, events and festivals. Check out Wots On section (p.79) for more ideas.
8. Visit the Ian Potter Centre in Fed Square. Lots of Aussie art. See what Melbourne city and the countryside once looked like through the eyes of the Indigenous and European people. 9. Check out the Jewish Museum in Balaclava or Chinese Museum in Little Bourke St (some cost - but not much). 10. Check out the kid’s events at the State Library, 16. Kids are FREE at Scienceworks. Check out the National Gallery or Arts Centre. interactive exhibitions. 11. Fed Square always has some activity going on. The big screen shows major sporting events. 17. Check out the plants in the Conservatory at the Fitzroy Gardens. 12. Head to the Immigration Museum and see how your family may have arrived in Australia.
Melbourne City
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Melbourne City -
19. Walk the exterior of the MCG and check out the statues. Have your photo taken with Warnie or Lethal and read their stories.
22. Kids are FREE at the Melbourne Museum. 23. Take a tour of Parliament House at the top of Bourke St. Tours are free and are run at 9.30/10 .30/11.30/1.00/1.30/2.30/3.30/4.00 weekdays on non sitting day’s except public hols. Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
18. The FairyTree and Captain Cook’s Cottage (costs a little) are nearby. This is the famous man’s real cottage brought over from England (duck your head as you walk in)
Out & About
20. Melbourne does have beaches, and tram no. 109 will take you to Port Melbourne or No. 79 to St Kilda where you can spend a morning riding, rollerblading or swimming. 21. Visit one of the large suburban parks like Westerfolds (in Templestowe), Bundoora or Brimbank in Keilor. Space for riding, running and picnicking.
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PRESENT THIS VOUCHER AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT ON A TOUR OF THE MCG, VISIT TO THE NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM, OR COMBINED TICKET FOR BOTH EXPERIENCES ON THE SAME DAY!
Not valid with any other offer or discount. Expires December 31, 2017. Code: LETSGOKIDS. Gate 3, MCG | mcg.org.au | nsm.org.au *Receive 20% off MCG tour, National Sports Museum, or combined ticket.
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MCG TOURS Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and experience where legends play by taking a guided MCG tour! Highlights of this must-see tour include the famous MCC Long Room, player change rooms, cricketers’ viewing room, the Ron Casey Media Centre, and a walk on the hallowed arena.* Tours are available all year, departing regularly from 10am to 3pm inside Gate 3! See Australia’s favourite stadium in an entirely different way by going behind the scenes of the ‘G. *Tour route subject to availability and alteration.
NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM The National Sports Museum offers something for everybody, highlighted by the Game On! interactive gallery, 3D holograms, and Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia. A fan favourite, the Game On! interactive gallery puts kids to the test with goal kicking, handballing, cycling speeds and reaction times. With sporting activities ranging from archery to netball, Game On! is the perfect place for visitors of all ages to throw, shoot, ride, race and run to their heart’s content! The countless number of displays including AFL, cricket, Olympics, soccer, ensure there is plenty on offer for all sporting fans. Open from 10am to 5pm every day inside Gate 3 of the MCG, combine your MCG tour with a visit to the National Sports Museum and save!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW AT MCG.ORG.AU
Out & About
- Melbourne City 24. Head to the Fire Services Museum (See opposite) in East Melbourne to experience a trip down memory lane or the Police Museum in the World Trade Centre to get a feel for life as a “copper” (Both cost a little). 25. Visit nearby St Kilda on a Sunday and browse through the many stalls that line the streets of the foreshore. 26. Visit iconic Luna Park (See Opposite) when there – entry is FREE – rides cost. 27. Take a tram No78 to Chapel Street and do some world class window shopping. 28. Board a real battleship in Williamstown (p.22). 29. Check out the excellent playground at the back of Fed Square in Birrarung Marr next to ArtPlay. Lots of climbing and fun stuff to do. 30. Coopers Settlement lets you see life from a rural bygone era (costs a little).
Melbourne City
31. Drop into ACMI in Flinders St and catch a movie (costs a little).
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Melbourne City -
Out & About
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35.The Octopuses Garden at Rye Pier is Victoria’s first marine snorkel trail. Underwater signs are posted on the pier’s pylons along the 200m trail, checking out marine life such as sea slugs, sponges, fish and crabs, as well as brightly coloured seaweeds. 36. Spread out a picnic rug on the viewing terrace of the Skyhigh lookout at Mt Dandenong and enjoy the sunset over Melbourne. There are barbecues, cafe and family bistro.
39. Visit the Woodlands Historic Park for a glimpse of settler life in the 1840s. 40. See the largest collection of Victorian Railways steam locomotives at the North Williamstown Railway Museum.
37. Meet the farm animals in inner Melbourne at Collingwood Children’s Farm 38. Discover the chilling history and secrets of the Old Melbourne Gaol including the hanging of Ned Kelly.
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Harbourtown Enjoy the open air spaces and laneways of Harbour Town Melbourne Shopping Centre - home to a great range of specialty stores, outlets, dining and entertainment. With everything found in one central precinct, it’s the perfect place to spend a whole day out. Located in the Docklands, Harbour Town Melbourne is close to public transport and located right next to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, O’Brien Group Arena and Costco.
Out & About
Bring the family for a fun-filled day around the harbour. Catch a flight on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and take in spellbinding 360-degree views of Melbourne city, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. There are great eateries, lots of takeaway options, sweets and ice cream shops, serious shopping and a whole precinct for kids that includes kid’s clothing and toy stores, gaming centre, indoor mini golf and now the ice skating centre – where you can learn to skate or play ice hockey – they even have free lessons for beginners! DID YOU KNOW
The landscaped gardens of Docklands Park at Victoria Harbour have free barbecue facilities, public art and the Play Journey interactive playground.
Harbourtown
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Out & About
- Harbourtown
Visiting Harbour Town is easy with the free Melbourne Visitor Shuttle and City Circle Tram, Yarra Trams 86 and 70 and is also close proximity to Southern Cross train station. There is extensive and affordable public car parking facilities with direct connections to Melbourne’s major freeway and arterial road network (including CityLink). Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
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Out & About
- Williamstown
Castlemaine HMAS
Ship Museum
Gem Pier, Williamstown
Open every weekend 11am - 4pm Ideal for school excursions, WEEKDAYS!
Ph: 9397 2363 - weekends Close to Williamstown Railway Station
See melway map 56, or UBD Directory map 282 for details E: hmascastlemaine@dodo.com.au
www.hmascastlemaine.org.au
Jump on a ferry or take a train, you’ll find a picturesque, seaside municipality with many activities and indulgences for visitors and locals alike Williamstown is a great place for a Saturday or Sunday arvo. Grab some fish ‘n’ chips and sit on the grass by the water and enjoy the million dollar views of the city. Visit the HMAS Castlemaine, the Timeball tower or the quaint history museum for a glimpse into the areas seafaring history. Pop into the Visitor Centre in Commonwealth Reserve (open daily) to find out everything the area has to offer. DID YOU KNOW The Sailing club run classes for kids for FREE occasionally and it is worthwhile chacking their website to find out when. www.williamstownsailingclub.org.au
Williamstown
Inside the bridge on the HMAS Castlemaine – “where they drive the ship from”
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City of Wyndham - Out
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There are so many things to see and do in the Werribee/Point Cook area. Fishing, cycling, great beaches, nature trails - Here is just a selection (Call into the info centre at Werribee Zoo to be fully informed!) WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
Take an open air vehicle to tour through the recreated African savannah teeming with giraffes, zebras and rhinos. Stay overnight in luxury ‘tented lodges’ for an authentic African experience, with private balconies overlooking native Australian bushland. WERRIBEE PARK MANSION
Immerse yourself in the grand splendour of Werribee Park Mansion, the perfect place for a family day out. RAAF MUSEUM
Home to the largest collection of Australian military aviation memorabilia in the world. The Interactive Flying Display at the Point Cook RAAF Base is like your very own airshow (display - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1pm). TRUCKSTOP DELUXE
WORTH A LOOK!
An American diner style restaurant with a massive truck cab in the entrance. Known for its big burgers, authentic US sauce flavours and ice-cream sandwiches! Truck Stop Deluxe is a truck stop you’ll want to go drastically out of your way to visit.
The Werribee River offers a fantastic array of outdoor activities with fishing spots along the bank, facilities to launch your canoe and an extrensive network of hard surface bike trails.
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See what all the excitement is about...
2 waterslides Largest indoor aquatic and leisure facility in the northern region of Victoria!
Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea Rolling hills, plenty of parks and open space, picturesque villages and Melbourne’s friendliest people … the northern suburbs have plenty to offer families. Latrobe Golf Park (voucher p.27) is sure to challenge and entertain the kids and parents! Coopers Settlement in Bundoora Park (p.26) has a fully recreated village from the turn of the 20th century and also a petting farm that the littlies will love. Nearby Watermarc in Greensborough (See below) has an enormous indoor aquatic centre with some of the best waterslides in Australia.
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
The Heidelberg School Artists Trail The trail comprises a series of 12 colour signs featuring paintings from six artists of The Heidelberg School. The signs have been erected along the Yarra River and allow visitors to experience how artists of the era interpreted the landscape. The Heidelberg School was the first significant art movement in Australia. The name originated in July 1891, when art critic Sidney Dickinson wrote a review of the exhibitions of works by Walter Withers and Arthur Streeton. Dickinson noted that these artists whose works were mostly painted in the Heidelberg area could be considered as ‘The Heidelberg School’. Since that time The Heidelberg School has taken on a wider meaning and covers Australian artists of the late nineteenth Century who followed open-air painting. In the late 1880’s and 1890’s, Heidelberg and Eaglemont were sites of great significance, and this historic art trail recognizes twelve of the works painted in this vicinity.
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The trip through the Diamond Valley takes in the quaint villages of Hurstbridge, Panton Hill and St Andrews on the way up into the Kinglake Ranges. There are wineries, fruit picking opportunities as well as parks, playgrounds and plenty of cafes. The Ranges have waterfalls, ample picnicking spots and kilometers of walking trails.
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- Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea
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Across the other side of the Plenty River, there is a wide variety of natural bushland, gorges and hills to explore and native animals abound, all so close to the suburbs! Echidnas, wombats, kangaroos and abundant birdlife call the area home in places like Hawkestowe Park and Yan Yean Reservior It’s not unusual to see mobs of kangaroos grazing on the sides of Yan Yean or Plenty roads).
2017 Calendar of Events Carols by Candlelight 9 December 2016 Sing carols by candlelight with the family
The area also has farm gate cafes and stores for fruit and cheese that make for a pleasant stopping place for a bite to eat or coffee.
Australia Day Celebrations 26 January 2017 Dancing your way into celebrations Whittlesea Country Music Festival 11 February 2017 Buskers and kids activities
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Out & About
Rock on down to Rockin’ @ Redleap 26 February 2017 performances, art activities, face painting, storytelling and animal petting farm. City of Whittlesea Community Festival 19 March 2017 carnival rides, amusement games, dance performances and musical entertainment
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Out & About
- Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea
Funfields (See opposite) is Melbourne’s premier theme park, offering a great mix of exciting thrill rides, tobogganing, go-karting (suitable for juniors too) and a fantastic aqua park with their brand
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new offering, “The Kraken” - a four lane hi-speed water slide. It is a 40 min drive from the CBD on the Ring Road and has ample space & facilities for picnicking and BBQing! A great day out.
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
- Yarra Valley
The beautiful Yarra Valley and Ranges is the perfect destination for kids and the whole family.
DID YOU KNOW
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Offering incredible natural beauty and a multitude of ways to access it you can do as much or as little as you like.
Attractions that are designed to satisfy the needs of children of all ages abound. From riding on the back of impressive farm trucks at Rayners Orchard (See below), swinging from the trees at Trees Adventure to relaxing on the iconic steam train, Puffing Billy (See opposite) as it saunters through the incredible mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook.
Rayner’s Orchard produce over 450 varieties of fruit, of which 8 or more are available on any given day of the year.
Make sure you try a free sample of some chocolate at Chocolatier in Yarra Glen. While you’re there take a ride on the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway. Family dining options are plentiful throughout the area. Take advantage of the famously high quality service and food offered throughout the region. Picnic spots, bbq areas, rail trails to ride bikes safely on and water play areas such as Seville Water Play Park all combine to make this a must do destination to both stay cool, stay healthy and have loads of family fun and it’s right on Melbourne’s doorstep! Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Out & About
Yarra Valley
There are mazes to negotiate, trout and salmon fishing parks nearby and even an alpaca farm complete with tour at The Big Bouquet.
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LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Family Fun
Share the joy of steam train travel with the kids! ‘Thomas’ visits Puffing Billy in Autumn and Spring at Gembrook Station! (bookings essential).
Pack a picnic and enjoy the views as the train travels through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Step back in time and capture a photo of your kids having a great day out.
Discounted Family Fares are available from $108.00*! (Valid for up to two adults and up to four kids)
*Rate subject to change.
Book online at www.puffingbilly.com.au or call 03 9757 0700 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave, VIC 3160
Out & About
- Southern Suburbs & Frankston
Frankston City has long been Melbourne’s favourite family playground - offering the best beaches, beautiful parks, gardens and playgrounds and, of course, the entry point to the Mornington Peninsula.
Spend a day in the sea air and sunshine at Frankston foreshore. Pack a BBQ lunch, wander the coastal boardwalk and let the kids loose on the adventure playground.
The stunning coastline views, vibrant calendar of events and great family activities make it the perfect place to relax this weekend.
The famous annual Sand Sculpting Australia exhibition and regular festivals bring the waterfront to life in summer. See the foreshore transformed every Boxing Day, when teams of international artists arrive to carve 3,500 tonnes of sand to amazingly life-like creations. The giant sculptures stick around until April, and are supplemented by a host of sandy activities for the whole family.
Southern Suburbs & Frankston
First up, soak in the vast views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne from Olivers Hill before joining friends to cycle or stroll over 10 km of boardwalks and paths that weave through the coastline’s native bushland.
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LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Southern Suburbs & Frankston -
Out & About
DID YOU KNOW
Frankston beckons people outdoors to enjoy parks, gardens, playgrounds and cycle paths, perfect for an afternoon with family and friends. Discover lush botanic gardens and emerald green parks ideal for picnics and playtime with the family and explore wetlands and reserves bursting with flora and fauna as you follow the seemingly endless outdoor trails.
Frankston Summer Fun Pass - Join in the fun this summer with the Frankston Summer Fun Pass! Three days of jam-packed fun across Sand Sculpting Australia, Gravity Zone Seaford and the Peninsula Aquatic Centre for $30. The Summer Fun Pass is exceptional value with all three offers valued at $61.80 Playgrounds for all ages and abilities are dotted throughout the city and set the scene for a barbecue or picnic in the sunshine either by the water or in the hinterland. And when the sun goes in, the fun doesn’t stop! Just head inside to one of many indoor adventure activity venues – there is something for every age.
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Younger kids won’t be disappointed with indoor play centres and the regional aquatic centre with extreme waterslides and an aquatic playground waiting to entertain the little ones while mum and dad relax.
The city is home to some of the most exciting bicycle facilities in the region, including on and off-road bicycle paths which will guide you through the native vegetation that fringes major arterial road networks and the bay. A bounty of tranquil creeks and bird-filled wetlands encourage you to lose yourself in nature, as coastal boardwalks take you from the bay and Kananook Creek’s bridges, reminding you to stop and enjoy the moment.
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Out & About
- Southern Suburbs & Frankston
Frankston Checklist!
Dont leave Frankston without having....
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While you’re in town for Sand Sculpting, enjoy • Grabbed a bite to eat at the many more of Frankston’s family friendly attractions family-friendly cafes and restaurants and activities… along Nepean Highway and Wells Street • Discovered even bigger sculptures at McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery • Reached for the sky with indoor (entry by donation) trampolining at Gravity Zone • Explored the local fresh produce or trash and treasure markets • Checked out the Alice in Wonderland Head to the Frankston Visitor Murals at the Frankston Library Information Centre on the Forecourt Frankston Waterfront • Had a picnic in the shade by a lake at (2 minute walk from the Sand Sculpting George Pentland Botanic Gardens or Beauty Australia Exhibition) and pick up a copy Park of the Frankston Visitor Guide for more • Let your imagination run wild at ideas and suggested itineraries to Ballam Park Playground or the entertain your family in Frankston and Regional Foreshore Playground (fondly on the Mornington Peninsula. Whilst known as ‘Castle Park’) there, browse local and Australian made produce, gifts and souvenirs. • Got your adrenaline pumping on the waterslides at the regional aquatic centre Purchase Sand Sculpting Australia (PARC) tickets and the Frankston Summer Fun Pass online from visitfrankston.com • Experienced 9D Motion Theatre at Tunzafun
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Southern Suburbs & Frankston -
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Out & About
- Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is located just over an hour’s drive away from the city, on Melbourne’s ‘doorstep’, and is often described as Melbourne’s summer playground. Replicate your own childhood summers and create lifelong memories for the next generation of endless sun-kissed holidays along Mornington Peninsula’s bayside beaches, like Dromana, Safety Beach, McCrae, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea. They continue to be a favourite holiday destination amongst Melbourne families. The Peninsula has some of the safest and most beautiful swimming beaches in the world.
Mornington Peninsula
There are literally kilometres of sheltered calm waters for the family to frolic in, as well as great foreshores for building those sandcastles or a traditional game of beach cricket. Swim, fish, snorkel and paddle in the calm waters with their expansive sandbars.
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LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Mornington Peninsula - Out
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When the weather gets a bit too hot even for the beach, you can head to ‘the hills’ in the middle of the peninsula to places like Red Hill, Main Ridge and Arthurs Seat for a bit cooler weather, some great views and loads of activities. Go strawberry picking at Sunny Ridge (See opposite) - Make sure to try the icecream, Take a nostalgic tour of the summer carnivals at Rye it’s delicious! Have a relaxing soak in the nearby Hot Springs. A day isn’t complete without a visit and Rosebud. Get lost in the multiple mazes. With nature all around, there’s plenty to inspire wonder. to Horseback Fun 4 Kids (See Opposite) for a fun and educational riding experience. Observe water and land creatures in their natural habitats with dolphin swims, wetlands visits and So, go it alone, or book a tour and get top tips from conservation area explorations. the locals who know all the peninsula’s secrets!!
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Free Tram Zone Get out of town! Take a ride to the countryside Buses and trains run to all corners of the State of Victoria, and also to the other states. They all depart from Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street, where all fares and timetables are available. vline.com.au -1800 800 007
If you are travelling with the pink zone indicated above, you do not need to use a Myki card, and your trips are free! If however your tram journey starts or finishes outside the - make sure you touch on when you board to ensure you have a valid ticket.
Getting around the suburbs Public Transport myki – Victoria’s ticketing system for travel on all public transport. It is a durable plastic card -same size as a credit card-which is used to pay for travel. Your myki can hold both myki money (a dollar amount) and a myki pass (travel days). You can get them wherever Myki signs are displayed.
Melbourne has an extensive train network that can be accessed from any of the city loop underground stations, such as Flinders St, Parliament, Melbourne Central, Southern Cross or Flagstaff. Buses and trams link up in a cross pattern to service the areas not covered by the train network. www.ptv.vic.gov.au 1800 800 007
South Gippsland is generally referred to as the region found on the south eastern tip of Victoria including, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Sandy Point, Foster, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Inverloch and Wonthaggi, Philip Island, Korumburra, Mirboo North and Leongatha.
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It is extremely popular for day and overnight hiking - the coastline and bush land is pristine. Korumburra is home to Coal Creek Community Park Museum in which the kids can step back in time and experience what life was like in the ‘olden days’.
It has FREE ENTRY and unlimited fun for the whole family. Go on one of the scary Ghost Tours and see the Village at night. In nearby Wonthaggi you can take a tour of the State Coal Mine (see below) and experience the life of a miner. They have some interesting and innovative tours, spacious grounds and a great café for lunch.
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When travelling to South Gippsland, take some time to tour around the area where you’ll find unique art galleries, award winning wineries, farmers markets, organic produce, quality restaurants, antique shops, a wide variety of art shows and exhibitions, music festivals and many attractions such as Coal Creek Historical Village, Mount Best Lookout, Wilson’s Promontory National Park, Toora Windfarm, Mount Worth State Park, the Walkerville Lime Kilns and Cape Liptrap Lighthouse.
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
- South Gippsland & Phillip Island
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Out & About
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
South Gippsland & Phillip Island Phillip Island is only a short drive away. Most people think “penguins” when they hear the words “Phillip Island”, and whilst these cute little guys form an important part of the island’s fabric, there is much, much, more to do on Victoria’s favourite island!
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
The last mainland town before entering into the island is San Remo. Home to local pelicans, there is feeding time every morning. The kids will love it.
Out & About
Get back to Nature with a Phillip Island
4 PARKS PASS
Includes: Penguin Parade Antarctic Journey Churchill Island Koala Conservation Centre
Bundle & Save!
$
For more information:
penguins.org.au 5951 2800 DID YOU KNOW The best and most enjoyable way to get around the island is to walk or ride a bike. The island boasts many designated tracks and hiking routes suited to all fitness levels, with each revealing a different island treasure - whether spectacular coast, flora or fauna.
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One of Australia’s premier wildlife experiences, the Penguin Parade draws thousands of visitors to the Island each year. Taking place at dusk each day, hundreds of little penguins emerge from the sea after a day spent fishing and waddle up to their burrows in the sand dunes.
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Out & About
- South Gippsland & Phillip Island For a magic encounter with the 20,000 Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks, jump on a Wildlife Coast Cruise (See opposite) from Cowes for an up-close wildlife encounter with these fascinating creatures.
South Gippsland & Phillip Island
Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (See below) is a must-do for chocolate lovers and is an interactive and educational celebration of all things chocolate. With an exhibition and ever-changing varieties of chocolates to choose from, Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is without a doubt the sweetest adventure on the island. Friendly fishing instructors at Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm teach visitors to catch rainbow trout in a picturesque tree-lined lake and the allweather indoor Rainforest Pool. Take your catch with you or ask the chef to cook it for you.
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A Maze’ N Things has a huge three-dimensional outdoor maze and theme park that will entertain, confuse and challenge the whole family. Don’t forget the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Go-Kart Track, big and small kids alike can buckle-up like a real race car driver. Phillip Island and San Remo boast a great range of holiday parks with seaside suites and bush settings with magnificent amenities. You will be welcomed by friendly local hosts who will help you plan a wonderful stay. Anchor Belle Holiday Park (p.43) on the beach at Cowes has great amenities and for those wanting something a bit more upmarket Silverwater Resort in San Remo has apartments with numerous facilities for families.
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
South Gippsland & Phillip Island -
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20% off entry to Phillip Island nature Parks attractions* SA
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Present this voucher at any of the below attractions to redeem your discount Penguin Parade general viewing only 4 Parks Pass (Parade, CI, KCC, AJ) Koala Conservation Centre Antarctic Journey Wild Ocean EcoBoat tour Churchill Island
www.penguins.org.au 03 5951 2800 *Not valid with any other offer: Expires 31/12/17
South Gippsland & Phillip Island
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Bendigo -
Out & About
Bendigo is a major regional city and the fourth largest city in the state of Victoria. The greater city has a population of over 100,000 people. It is located close to the geographical centre of Victoria, so it is relatively easy to visit. Bendigo’s past centres around gold. It was discovered here in the 1850s and was closely followed by a large influx of migrants from around the world. Around nine billion dollars of gold was found in Bendigo - more gold was found here between 1850 and 1900 than anywhere else in the world! But....there was very little surface gold, it was contained in rich quartz reefs stretching all over the city. Since 1851, a whopping 777 tonnes of gold has been removed from this area. In the 19th century, it was Australia’s highest producing gold town.
Bendigo
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Out & About
- Bendigo
Bendigo is known for its architectural heritage – the city centre is very pretty with plenty of beautiful late Victorian colonial style buildings. A stroll through the city centre is not mentioned below, but it is also a must. There are not just buildings, shops and restaurants, but lovely big parks and walking trails. Lake Weeroona is a pretty lake centrally located in Bendigo. It consists of a lake, restaurant, walking trails and a massive playground. It is a lovely place to visit for a picnic, lunch or to run around and play with kids. Lake Weeroona is a stopping point for the Talking Tram.
DID YOU KNOW
Bendigo Pottery has pottery activities for kids. There is painting, potting wheel classes and clay play kits. Better than plasticene!!
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The Discovery Science and Technology Centre. It is just fabulous. The kids can play with everything and it keeps them entertained for hours. This is a must do in Bendigo with young kids.
LetsGoKids
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
The Talking Tram is probably the most famous attraction in Bendigo. You can take an old refurbished tram through part of Bendigo while listening to an audio tour over the loudspeakers.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine was a working mine operating between the years 1939 to 1954. Today, the mine is a tourist attraction open for people from the age of three upwards. A lot of the original equipment is still in place and you can give yourself a self-guided tour of the site above ground, but the real highlight is a tour of the mine itself. It has a 75 min tour complete with hard hats and miners lamps that takes place 61m below the surface.
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Echuca/Moama -
Out & About
The historic Port of Echuca (literally meaning the “meeting of the waters”) sits on the junction of the Murray and Campaspe Rivers and just downstream from the Goulburn River. Echuca is the closest settlement on the Murray River to Melbourne. Echuca was surveyed in 1854 and quickly became one of Australia’s busiest inland ports, with paddle steamers ferrying supplies throughout Australia’s interior via the river network. It’s also the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with plenty to see and do.
WORTH A LOOK! Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade, housed in the old Bond Store (built in 1858) is a 1930s amusement arcade with 50 classic machines you can play games on. There is also a theatre showing old classic comedies on the big screen, and a gourmet fudge shop featuring home-made sweets and old-style lollies.
The historic Port Precinct is recognised as one of Australia’s finest heritage icons and is home to the largest riverboat fleet in the world. The heyday of paddle steamers and river trade has left a historic legacy on Echuca and much of its tourism is built upon this today. The original red gum wharf was constructed in stages from 1865 as a three-level structure to allow for the rise and fall of the river, ultimately reaching a length of 1200 metres. Only a small section of the wharf remains today, preserved as part of the recreated Port Of Echuca tourist attraction, and serving as a great viewing deck of the Murray River and surrounding bush.
Echuca/Moama
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- Echuca/Moama
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Out & About
The port area has undergone some significant renovation and restoration in the last few years and now boasts an interpretative centre as well as the old favourites like paddle steamer trips, horse and carriage rides, the olde world penny arcade at Sharps, ice cream parlours, workshops demonstrating the trades of the day, as well as plenty of cafes and beautifully restored pubs from the golden age of the riverboat trade. You can step back in time and experience the magic of the paddlesteamers era by taking a cruise on one of the fully restored boats. Murray River Paddlesteamers (See opposite) love kids and will make sure the family truly feels like they have stepped back in time to the paddlesteamers era when you take a cruise on one of their steam driven vessels.
Playpark...
Echuca/Moama
Located behind the Moama Sports Club, this awesome playground is the stuff kids dream of. It will keep them entertained for hours!
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Stepping back into modern times, in Echuca Moama there is something for every member of the family. Hire a canoe or take a horse and carriage ride; take off on a horse riding adventure; zoom around in a go-kart; take an adrenalin fuelled water ski lesson; challenge your friends or family to a laser or paintball skirmish; explore a maze or play a round of mini golf; go 10 pin bowling; head for a swim at the river or in a pool; dangle a line on a fishing tour; visit the fauna park; take an eco tour through the wetlands; or explore a food and wine trail.
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Echuca/Moama -
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Out & About
- Ballarat
Within easy driving distance from Melbourne, Ballarat is an excellent choice as a day trip destination for those looking for a well-rounded escape from the big city with plenty of family-friendly attractions.
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
From the days of Peter Lalor and his fight for miner’s rights at the Eureka Stockade to the discovery of gold in the district that made Ballarat and Melbourne two of the richest cities in the world at the time, Australia’s early years have much of their foundation in Ballarat.
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
A day or two in Ballarat offers you a glimpse into living history. Born in the romantic, turbulent and exciting gold rush era of the 1850’s, Ballarat’s story is entwined with our nation’s own history.
When most people think of Ballarat, they think of Sovereign Hill (p.54). Experience the gold rush day or night. Sovereign Hill is more than a living museum, it immerses visitors right back into 1851 to re-enact history. During the day, wander the quaint shops of Main Street mingling with actors dressed in period costume, explore the underground mine, ride the horse-drawn coach tour through the township, or strike it rich panning for gold in the river.
EXPERIENCE
MAGICAL MEDIEVAL ADVENTURES Ballarat
LIKE NEVER BEFORE
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PRESENT THIS AT ENTRY TO RECEIVE 10% OFF EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF THIS MEDIEVAL LAND AT AUSTRALIA’S ONLY MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE PARK AND RESORT
Visit www.kryalcastle.com.au Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek, Ballarat, Victoria 3352 Phone: (03) 5334 8500 Email: admin@kryalcastle.com.au
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Out & About
The Museum of Australian Democracy (M.A.D.E) opened on 4 May 2013 on the site of the Eureka Rebellion Ballarat. It is a state-of-the-art museum that has been curated by some of the best Australian and international historians, museum experts and innovation minds. It tells the Eureka story in the context of the 21st century. Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Ballarat -
At night, a spectacular sound and light show tells the story of the 1854 Eureka Uprising, an important part of Australian history. The City has great walking and cycling trails throughout Ballarat (particularly around Lake Wendouree) and booklets that outline these, are available free at the council offices in Sturt Street. The Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Bird Park allow you to check out some native and not so native (think crocodiles and devils) animals.
HANDY HINT Ballarat is also a great base for exploring places like Stawell, Halls Gap, Avoca, Maryborough and of course Creswick & Daylesford.
Ballarat
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Go on an adventure that will stay with you always.
For more information phone 5337 1199 or visit sovereignhill.com.au
SOV248
Enter a magical world of raspberry drops and blacksmith shops, secret mines and gold nugget finds, bowling alleys, soldiers and hoop-skirted ladies with lollipops. Let your imagination carry you away to a golden time you will treasure forever.
Ballarat Creswick is situated on the Midland Hwy and is well located for access to Melbourne (1 hour) or Daylesford and Ballarat (20 mins). It lies at the heart of the central goldfields and is close to the Hepburn spa country and Macedon Ranges. Built during the gold boom of the 1850’s the town still retains an old fashioned charm due to its wide boulevards and grand, well preserved architecture. The town itself is home to the Creswick Woollen Mills, the last remaining coloured spinning mill of its kind in Australia. The Tangled Maze is 5km out of town and has a botanic maze with a mystery trail. There is a great mini golf course and you can also have a game of giant chess or noughts and crosses. The cafe serves up tasty treats 7 days a week.
Out & About
HANDY HINT Ballarat Revealed is a geo-location based historical storytelling site allowing the user to go on a guided walking tour of the streets of Ballarat’s CBD using a smart phone device. Experience the cityscape as it was in past centuries through historical images and videos sourced from archives and available online. This tour will take you from the Bridge Mall up a path in the middle of Ballarat’s “grand boulevarde,” Sturt Street, and along the footpaths of Lydiard and Doveton streets.
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Out & About
- Geelong/Bellarine
You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on holidays and there’s no better place to bring the family for a short getaway or extended break than Geelong and The Bellarine. There’s always a reason to visit Geelong. There’s a year-round calendar of events ranging from sport and festivals to culture and arts. LET’S GO OUTSIDE
Playgrounds, grassy hills, beaches and skate parks – there’s plenty of wide open spaces in gorgeous locations where kids can learn to ride, hone their skills or just burn off some of that endless energy. Some of our favourite family spots include: - Western Beach, Geelong. A waterfront playground alongside the best located skate park we’ve ever seen! Younger siblings and older kids can all agree on this one.
Queenscliff Foreshore. Big enough lawns to kick the footy or strike up a cricket match and a great playground next to the beach. - The You Yangs. Take a hike, a picnic or BBQ at the You Yangs Regional Park, Geelong’s Northern mountain range. The views from Flinders Peak extend for miles in every direction and nearby Serendip Sanctuary is fantastic for native animal spotting. A BIG DAY OUT
Geelong/Bellarine
Make a really big family day out one to remember and head to one of these family activities: - Adventure Park. Mammoth theme park at Wallington in the middle of The Bellarine – it’s pretty much 20 minutes from wherever you’re staying.
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Geelong/Bellarine Bellarine Railway – ether for a vintage steam train ride, or a day out with Thomas. You can even take your bike one way and ride back to the station on the Bellarine Rail Trail. Bellarine Adventure Golf. Two big, clever mini-golf courses will bring out your inner Happy Gilmore and decide on family bragging rights for the rest of the trip!
Out & About
THE IN CROWD
Sometimes it’s raining, or there’s just something better inside. Here are some of our top picks with the kids (roof included): - Supatramp. So. Much. Bouncy. Fun! Warm up on the trampolines before slamming in the dunk arena, playing dodgeball, catching air from the high platforms or taking on one of more than 30 wall climbing challenges. Phew!
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Out & About
- Geelong/Bellarine
- Geelong Library has a whole floor dedicated to kids! We love slouching in bean bags reading giant books with little ones while the older crew heads straight to the wall of big screen video games. - The Carousel is smack bang in the middle of the Geelong Waterfront – have a spin on the horses and grab an ice cream – probably best in that order too. LEARNING DISGUISED AS FUN
The Geelong Library has made libraries cool again. A boy was overheard declaring“This is better than Timezone!” – praise doesn’t come much higher from an eight year old. Whether it’s for the books, the magazines, the computer games or the quiet, it’s guaranteed to be fun/learning.
Heritage Steam Train Trips Private Carriage Hire School Holiday Activities Easter Bunny & Santa Trains Halloween Train Specials
Geelong/Bellarine
Just around the corner, the National Wool Museum has a fun permanent collection and an engaging schedule of special exhibitions. Queenscliff has a long and interesting history as a fashionable seaside town, fishing village and military base. All this history can be brought to life around town – tours of Fort Queenscliff include dressing up in military costume, a high-tea at the Vue Grand feels like a step back in time and the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum explores the history of this town and the sea it’s surrounded by.
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QUEENSCLIFF AT THE
03 5258 2069
Go to www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au and plan your next family trip to Geelong and The Bellarine to relive some memories from your childhood and create new ones for your kids - you’ll never run out of things to do!
Calendar of Events 16th-24th Jan 2017 - Central Geelong Activities - Krazy Koala Join the Krazy Koala and all their other furry friends as they offer a didgeridoo puppet. A show like no other! 22nd Jan 2017 - Waterworld Family Fun Day Enjoy a swim and have fun with free pirate-themed activities. 26th Jan 2017 - Australia Day Children’s Free Fun Day Come and enjoy over 40 free activities and displays for families and children. 25th Feb 2017 - Pako Fest Experience the enriching Australian multiculturalism with the street lined with floats, street performers and food from all countries.
BELLARINE RAILWAY
QUEENSCLIFF
© 2016 Gullane (Thomas) Limited © 2016 HIT Entertainment Limited
Events held in
JANUARY EASTER HOLIDAYS OCTOBER See website for dates, information and on-line bookings or call 03 5258 2069
www.bellarinerailway.com.au LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road -
Out & About
The Great Ocean Road is said by many to be one of the best coastal roads in the world. Well - it’s true!! The road runs for 250 km from Torquay, to Warrnambool, taking approximately 5 hours of non-stop driving. But, who wouldn’t want to stop?
In Torquay, The Surf World Musesum celebrates the story of surfing, it also charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. It houses surfing artefacts and memorabilia and commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage and rich beach culture.
SPLASH OUT
In Lorne you can go jump on some trampolines or grab a snack or meal at one of the many eateries. Nearby, the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures offer a whole host of experiences with the two core activities being the Treetop Walk and the Zip Line Eco Tour.
At Discovery Parks - Warrnambool, we are experts in providing the great Aussie backdrop to special family holidays, putting you and your loved ones back at centre stage. Offering sites, self-contained cabins and villas, it’s the perfect base to explore the Shipwreck Coast.
FOR BOOKING & ENQUIRIES CALL 1800 808 130 WWW.DISCOVERYHOLIDAYPARKS.COM.AU 25 Pertrobe Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280 warrnambool@discoveryparks.com.au
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
On the route there are many places to pause and enjoy the views of the ocean and what the coastal towns have to offer.
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Out & About
- Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road
WORTH A LOOK!
FLAGSTAFF HILL MARITIME VILLAGE
MEET THE MAREMMAS
Just a 15 minute drive west of Apollo Bay, Maits Rest is a protected habitat that is reminiscent of the Otways 100 million years ago. Little lighthouse keepers can climb to the top of the Cape Otway Lightstation. Prepare yourself for ship watching along the way and keep an eye out for koalas sleeping high up in the gums.
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Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road
Near Port Campbell are the world famous 12 Apostles. These unique rock formations that were carved by years of erosion used to be part of the mainland. There’s not 12 anymore – Some have succumbed to the elements. How many are left? Not telling – You’ll have to find out for yourself!
Warrnambool is the end of the road and it is jam packed with things for families to do. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a living historical village that displays the life of a 19th century port and town, and holder of Victoria’s largest maritime
www.warrnamboolpenguins.com.au
shipwreck collection, it occupies a beautiful site, tumbling down the bluff towards Lady Bay. You can explore the village area that has over 40 buildings and vessels spread over 10 hectares. Explore at your own pace or take the fun (and educational) Sea Chest Challenge Trail, and
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Explore the village and museum by day…
Set sail at night…
Out & About
- Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road
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Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road
Just to the west of Warrnambool, is Tower Hill, one of the most fascinating geological formations in Victoria. It has an important place in local Aboriginal history and it teems with wildlife. Tower Hill is an enormous volcanic crater rimmed by beds of volcanic ash. The inside of the crater, and the island-hills are now a wildlife reserve and there are substantial populations of native birds and wildlife. It’s easy to see koalas, kangaroos, emus and much more.
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
all kids receive a bag of nibbles for the farm animals that they will discover as they explore.
There are also beautiful (but cold) beaches to explore, whales to watch in May/June and when the weather turns a bit nasty, a great bowling centre, laser tag, indoor playgrounds and a awesome aquatic centre. So hit the road and come explore the south west!
Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground is a year-round family attraction. It’s a 20 hectare adventure playground and a paradise for kids. There are giant slides, flying foxes, a maze and boat rides. Everyone can enjoy the lovely walking tracks around the lakes, and the park features delightful picnic areas and sheltered BBQ facilities.
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
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Play/Party Melbourne’s temperate weather means you can spend lots of time out and about in the great outdoors (you may have to rug up a tad in winter!) Whether it’s playing sport, visiting a park or the beach, petting an animal or “tearing it up” at an awesome playground - There is something for all tastes, no matter what the season!!
PARKS Jells Park Experience the Dandenong Creek Trail on foot or by bike as it makes its way through a variety of bush landscapes and parklands. The Yabbie Hill Playscape & two other playgrounds in the park provide an adventure wonderland for children. Fish from the jetties on the western side of the lake for redfin or short–finned eels and yabbies. Dandenong Ranges National Park Scenic drives through the Ranges are just as popular now as they have been for many years. Enjoy a picnic at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground or at One Tree Hill or in the Sherbrooke Forest.
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Play/Party
AVOID THE RAIN DURING HOLIDAYS AT BOX HILL INDOOR SPORTS! BOOK ONLINE AND PRESENT THIS VOUCHER FOR $5 OFF. ‘PUMPED UP’ Kids Parties now also available every weekend!
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LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Play/Party Albert Park Enjoy the views of the city skyline from almost anywhere within the park. Grab your board and try out the skate ramp. Check out the views from the viewing tower. Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Brimbank Park Watch for the many water birds and enjoy the scenic walking tracks or stop in at the café. Cycle along the wide paths. Try canoeing on the Maribyrnong River. Banksia Park Follow the Heritage Trail and learn about our history and special significance of the Aboriginal sites. Walk the Heidelberg Artists Trail. Visit the Japanese Cherry Tree Grove. Point Cook Coastal Park Watch birds from the tranquil Spectacle Lakes birdhide, or from the Cheetham Wetland Tower.
Summer is Beach Time!
Winter is Snow Time!
Check out some of the popular beaches that are close to the city and take a dip. All are patrolled by lifesavers on weekends and public holidays during Nov – Mar. Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, Middle Park, St Kilda, Elwood, Hampton, Brighton, Sandringham, Williamstown and Black Rock. Mornington Peninsula - Rye, Rosebud, Dromana, McCrae, Sorrento and Portsea foreshore are all family friendly. Phillip Island - Cowes Beach has toilet/ shower facilities & lifesavers are on duty.
Melbourne is blessed to have world class snow fields within 1.5 hours drive, enabling easy access for a fun day tobogganing or skiing. Mt Buller is Victoria’s closest and most popular downhill skiing mountain. It has something for everyone. Other mountains are: Mt Hotham, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buffalo and Falls Creek for downhill and Mt Sterling/Lake Mountain for cross country skiing. You can find accommodation at most of the mountains or in nearby towns. Tour operators even run buses from the CBD.
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Play/Party Bundoora Park Check out Coopers Settlement and life in the olden days. Visit the farm, pat a goat or a guinea pig or bottle feed a lamb.
Macedon Regional Park Breathe in the crisp mountain air and invigorate your soul in the state parks and reserves of the Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region. From rugged river gorges to dramatic rock formations and stunning panoramic views, the region has plenty of natural attractions to rival its countless spa and foodie delights.
PLAYGROUNDS
Caulfield Park The biggest slide in the world. It goes all the way down a hill. Apart from the slide there is a rope climbing frame which is huge too.
Royal Park Nature Playground - Parkville Royal Park’s newly opened nature playground is both a relaxing retreat and a place to burn off some steam for patients of the adjacent Royal Children’s Hospital. Older children will love the large rope climbing structures and big slides, while tots are thrilled with the water and sand play areas.
OPTION 1 – 1 hour Unlimited Video Games + 3 Tokens = $10 OPTION 2 – 2 hours Unlimited Video Games + 5 Tokens = $15 School Holidays Super Session Times: Monday to Friday 10am – 12pm & 5pm – 7pm Super Session Times: Friday 4pm – 6pm & Sunday 10am – 12am Terms & Conditions: This coupon is only valid for use at Intencity Epping. Present this Super Session coupon and purchase OPTION 1 or OPTION 2 and get one free Super Session valued at equal or lesser value. This coupon is not valid with any other Super Session offer. This coupon must be used at time of purchase. Bookings for larger groups recommended. Coupon expires 01/12/2017.
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Play/Party Hays Paddock - Kew East
Village Park - Werribee
The best playground going round with super-size swings, huge butterflies, toadstools and a giant see-saw. There’s a wetlands area with a bird hide and a learner’s bike circuit.
The Village Park opened last year and boasts a huge water play area with sprinklers, a spray tunnel and soaker cannons. It’s the perfect spot for a hot day as the sprinklers turn on once the weather hits about 25C, but the playground is still worth a visit in cooler weather. There’s also a skate park and basketball court in the park.
Packer Park - Carnegie This park is filled with frogs, lizards and snakes. It has a really big playground. It’s so big that you can get lost in all the ramps and bridges. There’s a huge frog to climb up on, and when you go across the snake it makes music. There’s even ponds close by with real frogs in them!!
Mandrel Drive - Williams Landing
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
Kids will love climbing the tall control tower and then sliding down the very-high tunnel slide or lower dual wave slides. The sandpit with mechanical diggers is also a hit. There are barbecues and a large shaded area for picnics.
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
St Kilda Adventure Playground If your kids are sick of the same old boring play equipment and you’re looking for something completely different, then this is the place to go. Built from recycled materials and with a bit of a rustic, backyard feel, this is surely one of the most unique and imaginative playgrounds in Australia.
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Watch So, you’ve had enough playing and now it’s time to kick back, catch a movie, see a show or go along and cheer on one of our great Victorian teams competing at the highest level.
MELBOURNE VIXENS TICKETS ON SALE NOW
We’ve put together the ultimate guide of what’s on, who’s who, and when it’s happening. Check out our fixtures on the following pages for all the sports, read about the stars, sign up for a membership.
Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria
So, kick back and relax OR stand up and cheer - It’s all here!
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Day & Date
Game
Venue
18 Feb 7.00pm
Magpies
Hisense Arena
4 Mar 8.45pm
NSW Swifts
Hisense Arena
11 Mar 7.00pm
West Coast Fever
Margaret Court Arena
25 Mar 7.00pm
Giants
Hisense Arena
28 Apr 7.30pm
Sunshine Coast Lightning
Margaret Court Arena
6 May 7.00pm
Queensland Firebirds
Hisense Arena
21 May 3.00pm
Adelaide Thunderbirds
Margaret Court Arena
melbournevixens.com.au 1300 VIXENS (84 93 67)
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
Watch MEG LANNING – CAPTAIN Nickname: Moira Height:173cm Birthday: March 25, 1992 Position: Batter Batting style: Right-hand Bowling style: Right-arm medium-fast Favourite super hero: Catwoman Favourite AFL team: Sydney Swans Meg Lanning will captain the Melbourne Stars for the second time in WBBL|02. Lanning was the league’s leading run-scorer last season with 560 runs, earning her WBBL|01 Player-of-the-Tournament and WBBL|01 Melbourne Stars Player-of-the-Season honours. Lanning, who also captains the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars and VicSpirit, smashed four scores of 75 or above in WBBL|01 and was named Player-of the-Match on six occasions. She is currently ranked as the world’s number one women’s T20 and one- day international batter.
Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Stars Men’s Fixture 2016/17 Date
Match
Time
Venue
1 Jan 1 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan
vs. Melbourne Renegades vs. Melbourne Renegades vs. Adelaide Strikers vs. Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney sixers
6:10pm 7:10pm 7:40pm 7:40pm 7:25pm
MCG Etihad Stadium MCG MCG MCG
Melbourne Stars Women’s 2016/17 Date
Match
Time
Venue
17 Dec 18 Dec 1 Jan 5 Jan 10 Jan
vs. Sydney Sixers vs. Sydney Sixers vs. Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers
2:00pm 10:00am 1:45pm 2:00pm 3:05pm
QEO, Bendigo QEO, Bendigo Etihad Stadium Camberwell Sports Ground MCG
Melbourne City FC 2016/17 AAMI Park Fixture Date
Match
Time
3 Dec 17 Dec 27 Dec 6 Jan
vs. Sydney FC vs. Melbourne Victory vs. Perth Glory vs. W. Sydney Wanderers
7:30pm 7:50pm 7:50pm 7:50pm
19 Jan 11 Feb 24 Feb 18 Mar 7 Apr
vs. Central Coast Mariners vs. Brisbane Roar FC vs. Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets vs. Adelaide United
7:50pm 7:50pm 7:50pm 7:50pm 7:50pm
DAVID HUSSEY – CAPTAIN Nickname: Bomber, Huss Height: 180cm Birthday: July 15, 1977 Position: All-rounder Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm off break Favourite super hero: The Phantom Favourite AFL team: St Kilda BBL|06 will be David Hussey’s second season as the captain of the Melbourne Stars. Hussey is a Foundation Star, being with the Club since the first season. He currently sits second on the Stars all-time leading run scorers with 718 runs across five tournaments, and second for Stars caps, running out in green on 39 occasions. Guiding the team to their first ever BBL Final, Hussey batted seven times in BBL|05. Known as the master of playing spin, Hussey has 5960 T20 runs under his belt.
Melbourne Stars 72
Melbourne Storm 2017 AAMI Park NRL Fixture Date
Match
Time
16 Mar 1 Apr 9 Apr 25 Apr 13 may 2 Jun 17 Jun 8 Jul
vs. Brisbane Broncos vs. Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks vs. New Zealand Warriors vs. Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle Knights vs. Nth Queensland Cowboys vs. Parramatta Eels
8:05pm 7:30pm 4:00pm 7:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 5:30pm 7:30pm
Collingwood Magpies Netball 2017 Date
Match
Venue
Time
18 Feb 4 Mar 12 Mar 2 Apr 7 Apr 29 Apr 6 May 13 May
vs. Vixens vs. Giants vs. Thunderbirds vs. Vixens vs. Fever vs. Firebirds vs. Lightning vs. Swifts
Hisense Hisense Margaret Court Arena Hisense Hisense Margaret Court Arena Hisense Hisense
7:00pm 7:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 8:45pm 7:00pm
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
NEW JUNIOR STARS SQUAD MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE! INCLUDES ENTRY TO FIVE MELBOURNE MATCHES PLUS EXCLUSIVE INVITATION TO A SUPER CLINIC ON THE MCG
GOSTARS.COM.AU
2016/17 HOME FIXTURE RD DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
STADIUM
12 Wed, 28 Dec 2016
7:50PM
Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park* Category A game
13 Mon, 2 Jan 2017
7:50PM
Newcastle Jets
Simonds Stadium (Geelong)
15 Fri, 13 Jan 2017
7:50PM
Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park
17 Thurs, 26 Jan 2017 7:50PM
Sydney FC
Etihad Stadium
18 Sat, 4 Feb 2017
7:50PM
Melbourne City
Etihad Stadium
21 Sat, 25 Feb 2017
7:50PM
Adelaide United
AAMI Park
23 Sat, 11 Mar 2017
7:50PM
Perth Glory
AAMI Park
25 Sun, 2 Apr 2017
5:00PM
Wellington Phoenix
AAMI Park
27 Fri, 14 Apr 2017
7:50PM
Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park
Get your tickets at mvfc.com.au/tickets
GET CONNECTED BECOME DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN ME ER RY A MELBOURNE VICTO NSMB GU G FOR JUST $25? YOUN MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
access to five » General Admission es, including gam y tor Vic e urn Melbo at AAMI Park, es gam e hom Category B Stadium and ad Etih at all home games s Stadium, Geelong our game at Simond a mber pack including » Loyalty-based me fixture and et, she ker stic d, scarf, lanyar er card personalised memb ay card » Personalised birthd Victory Shop and » 10% discount at the .au om p.c victorysho open days, open » Invitations to club priority access to training sessions and iday programs hol ool sch ss rcla Maste
TO JOIN, CALL 1300 GO MVFC OR VISIT GOMVFC.COM.AU
74
MVFC.COM.AU
FACEBOOK.COM/GOMVFC
TWITTER.COM/GOMVFC
INSTAGRAM.COM/GOMVFC
MELBOURNE VICTORY CLINICS FOR KIDS AGED 4-15 MELBOURNE VICTORY MASTERCLASS Masterclass is the ultimate program for aspiring footballers. It includes three days of exclusive access to the club’s senior coaching staff and players at its official training base next to AAMI Park, a tour of the stadium, adidas top and more.
KICK IT WITH VICTORY Kick it with Victory is a one-day clinic held at local clubs with an emphasis on football fun and skill development, with the chance to meet selected players.
VISIT MELBOURNEVICTORY.COM.AU FOR DETAILS
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
WITH BESART BERISHA »» »» »» »» »» »»
Find»a»wall»and»draw»a»big»set»of»goals»on»it»with»chalk Add»3»big»circles,»in»the»middle,»bottom»and»top»corners Your»aim»is»to»kick»the»ball»and»hit»the»middle»of»your»circles Use»the»inside»of»your»foot»and»your»laces»to»try»and»hit»the»targets First»try»with»the»ball»stationary,»then»try»with»the»ball»on»the»move Try»and»hit»each»target»10»times»before»you»move»on»to»the»next
BES'S TOP TIPS
» » » »
Strike through the middle/top of the ball Keep your head down and eyes on the ball Use the side of your foot for accuracy, laces for power Practice, Practice, Practice!
experience victory! Have you been to a Melbourne Victory home game before? There is nothing like it! Each of our home games is an event that the whole family will love. Before you even get into the stadium, visit our pre-match Victory Village! There are heaps of activities, including free face painting, inflatable football pitches and target zones, giveaways and food trucks. Then head into the stadium, find your seat and get ready for non-stop football action as your boys in blue show all the other teams why Melbourne Victory are the best in the league! There is also an opportunity after every home game to meet the players and get their autographs.
HEAD TO A GAME FOR FREE! LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
We are giving away three double passes to each of our home games this season to LetsGoKids readers. Plus - every entry is also in the draw to win a signed shirt at the end of the season!
Visit mvf.club/letsgokids to enter. 75
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Watch Melbourne Rebels 2017 AAMI Park Fixture
Melbourne United 2016/17 NBL Fixture Round
Date
Match
10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
11 Dec 17 Dec 29 Dec 7 Jan 7 Jan 21 Jan 28 Jan 4 Feb 10 Feb
vs. Sydney Kings vs. Brisbane Bullets vs. Cairns Taipans vs. Illawarra Hawks vs. Adelaide 36ers vs. Brisbane Bullets vs. Perth Wildcats vs. Sydney Kings vs. New Zealand Breakers
Date
Match
Time
23 Feb 17 Mar 24 Mar 15 Aor 6 May 13 May 27 May 14 Jul
vs. Blues vs. Chiefs vs. Waratahs vs. Brumbies vs. Lions vs. Reds vs. Crusaders vs. Jaguares
2:30PM 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:45pm
Melbourne Aces 2016/17 ABL Fixture Round
Date
Match
1 4 5 7 9
17 Nov - 13 Nov 8th Dec - 11th Dec 15th Dec - 18th Dec 5th Jan - 8th Jan 19 Jan - 22 Jan
vs Perth Heat vs. Canberra Cavalry vs. Sydney Blue Sox vs. Brisbane Bandits vs. Adelaide Bite
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Watch 2017 AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON FIXTURE
Round 6
Round 12
Round 18
Friday, April 28 GWS Giants v. Western Bulldogs (MO) Saturday, April 29 Hawthorn v. St Kilda (US) Carlton v. Sydney Swans (MCG) Brisbane Lions v. Port Adelaide (G) North Melbourne v. Gold Coast Suns (ES) West Coast Eagles v. Fremantle (DS) Sunday, April 30 Essendon v. Melbourne (ES) Geelong Cats v. Collingwood (MCG) ADelaide Crows v. Richmond (AO)
Thurday, June 8 Sydney Swans v. Western Bulldogs (SCG) Friday, June 9 Adelaide Crows v. St Kilda (AO) Saturday, June 10 Hawthorn v. Gold Coast Suns (MCG) Brisban Lions v. Fremantle (G) Essendon v. Port Adelaide (ES) Sunday, June 11 Carlton v. GWS Giants (ES) Monday, June 12 Melbourne v. Collingwood (MCG)
Friday July 21 Adelaid Crows v. Geelong Cats (AO) Saturday, July 22 Essendon v. North Melbourne (ES) Melbourne v. Port Melbourne (MCG) Western Bulldogs v. Gold Coast Suns (CS) Sydney Swans v. St Kilda (SCG) Fremantle v. Hawthorn (DS) Sunday, July 23 Richmond v. GWS Giants (MCG) Collingwood v. West Coast Eagles (ES) Brisban Lions v. Carlton (G)
Round 1
Round 7
Round 13
Round 19
Thur, March 23 - Richmond v. Carlton (MCG) Fri,day March 24 Collingwood v. Western Bulldogs (MCG) Saturday, March 25 St Kilda v. Melbourne (ES) Sydney Swans v. Port Adelaide (SCG) Gold Coast Suns v. Brisbane Lions (MS) Essendon vs. Hawthorn (MCG) Sunday, March 26 North Melbourne v. West Coast Eagles (ES) Adelaide Crows v. GWS Giants (AO) Freemantle v. Geelong Cats (DS)
Friday, May 05 St Kilda v. GWS Giants (ES) Saturday, May 06 North Melbourne v. Adelaide Crows (BA) Collingwood v. Carlton (MCG) Port Adelaide v. West Coast Eagles (AO) Gold Coast Eagles v. Geelong Cats (AO) Sunday, May 7 Sydney Swans v. Brisbane Lions (SCG) Melbourne v. Hawthorn (MCG) Fremantle v. Essendon (DS)
Thursday, June 15 Weste Coast Eagles v. Geelong Cats (DS) Friday, June 16 North Melbourne v. St Kilda (ES) Saturday, June 17 Richmond v. Sydney Swans (MCG) Port Adelaide v. Brisban Lions (AO) God Coast Suns v. Carlton (MS) Sunday, June 18 Western Bulldogs v. Melbourne (ES)
Friday, July 28 Hawthorn v. Sydney Swans (MCG) Saturday, July 29 North Melbourne v. Melbourne (BA) GWS Giants v. Fremantle (SPO) Port Adelaide v. St Kilda (AO) Gold Coast Suns v. Richmond (MS) Carlton v. Geelong Cats (ES) Wester bulldogs v. Essendon (ES) Colingwood v. Adelaide Crows (MCG) West Coast Eagles v. Brisban Lions (DS)
Round 2
Round 8
Round 14
Round 20
Thursday March 30 Richmond v. Collingwood (MCG) Friday, March 31 Western Bulldogs v. Sydney Swans (ES) Saturday, April 1 Hawthorn v Adelaide Crows (MCG) GWS Giants v. Gold Coast Sun (SPO) Brisbane Lions v. Essendon (G) West Coast Eagles v. St Kilda (DS) Sunday, April 2 Geelong Cats v. North Melbourne (ES) Melbourne v. Carlton (MCG) Port Adelaide v. Fremantle (AO)
Friday, May 12 West Coast Eagles v. Bulldogs (DS) Saturday, May 13 Hawthorn v. Brisbane Lions (US) St Kilda v. Carlton (ES) GWS Giants v. Collingwood (SPO) Essendon v. Geelong Cats (MCG) Adelaide Crows v. Melbourne (AO) Sunday, May 14 Richmond v. Fremantle (MCG) North Melbourne v. Sydney Swans (ES) Gold Coast Suns v. Port Adelaide (JS)
Thursday, June 22 Adelaide Crows v. Hawthorn (AO) Friday, June 23 Sydeny Swans v. Essendon (SCG) Saturday, June 24 Collingwood v. Port Adelaide (MCG) Brisbane Lions v. GWS Giants (G) Western Bulldogs v. North Melbourne (ES) West Coast Eagles v. Melbourne (DS) Sunday, June 25 Geelong Cats v. Freemantle (SS) Richmond v. Carlton (MCG) St Kilda v. Gold Coast Suns (ES)
Friday, August 4 Geelong Cats v. Sydeny Swans (SS) Saturday, August 5 GWS Giants v. Melbourne (MO) Essendon v. Carlton (MCG) Brisban Lions v. Western Bulldogs (G) North Melbourne v. Collingwood (ES) Fremantle v. West Coast Suns (DS) Sunday August 6 St Kilda v. West Coast Eageles (ES) Richmond v. Hawthorn (MCG) ADelaide Crows v. port Adelaide (AO)
Round 3
Round 9
Round 15
Round 21
Friday, April 7 Sydney Swans v. Collingwood (SCG) Saturday, April 8 North Melbourne v. GWS Giants (BA) Richmond v. West Coast Eagles (MCG) Geelong Cats v. Melbourne (ES) Port Adelaide v. Adelaide Crows (AO) Freemantle v. Western Bulldogs (DS) Sunday, April 9 St Kilda v. Brisban Lions (ES) Carlton v. Essendon (MCG) Gold Coast Suns v. Hawthorn
Friday, May 19 Geelong Cats v. Western Buildogs (SS) Saturday, May 20 St Kilda v. Sydney Swans (ES) GWS Giants v. Richmond (SPO) Brisbane Lions v. Adelaide Crows (G) Collingwood v. Hawthorn (MCG) Sunday, May 21 Essendon v. West Coast Eagles (ES) Melbourne v. North Melbourne (MCG) Fremantle v. Carlton (DS)
Friday, June 30 Melbourne v. Sydeny Swans (MCG) Saturday, July 1 Western Bulldogs v. West Coast Eagles (ES) Carlton v. Adelaide Crows (MCG) Gold Coast Suns v. North Melbourne (MS) GWS Giants v. Geelong Cats (SPO) Port Adelaide v. Richmond (AO) Sunday, July 2 Essendon v. Brisbane Lions (ES) Hawthorn v. Collingwood (MCG) Fremantle v. St Kilda (DS)
Friday, August 11 Western Bulldogs v. GWS Giants (ES) Saturday August 12 Sydney Swans v. Fremantle (SCG) Geelong Cats v. Richmond (SS) Brisban Lions v. Gold Coast Suns (G) Essendon v. Adelaide Crows (ES) West Coast eagles v. Carlton (DS) Sunday, August 13 Melbourne v. St Kilds (MCG) Hawthorn v. North Melbourne (US) Port Adelaide v. Collingwood (AO)
Round 4
Round 10
Round 16
Round 22
Thursday, April 13 West Coast Eagles v. Sydney Swans (DS) Friday, April 14 North Melbourne v. Western Bulldogs (ES) Saturday, April 15 Melbourne v. Fremantle (MCG) GWS Giants v. Port Adelaide (MO) Carlton v. Gold Coast Suns (ES) Adelaide Crows v. Essendon (AO) Sun, Apr - 16Collingwood v. St Kilda (ES) Brisbane Lions v. Richmond (G) Mon Apr 17-Hawthorn v. Geelong (MCG)
Thursday, May 25 Geelong v. Port Adelaide (SS) Frid, May 26 - Swans v. Hawthorn (SCG) Saturday, May 27 Western Bulldogs v. St Kilda (ES) Melbourne v. Gold Coast Suns (TP) Richmond v. Essendon (MCG) Adelaide Crows v. Fremantle (AO) Sunday, May 28 Collingwood v. Brisbane Lions (MCG) Carlton v. North Melbourne (ES) West Coast Eagles v. GWS Giants (DS)
Friday, July 7 Adelaide Crows v. Western Buldogs (AO) Saturday, July 8 Hawthorn v. GWS Giants (US) Collingwood v. Essendon (MCG) Sydney Swans v. Gold Coast Suns (SCG) Brisbane Lions v. Geelong Cats (G) St Kilda v. Richmond (ES) Sunday, July 9 North Melbourne v. Fremantle (ES) Carlton v. Melbourne (MCG) West Coast Eagles v. Port Adelaide (DS)
Friday August 18 Adelaide Crows v. Sydney Swans (AO) Saturday August 19 Western Bulldogs v. Port Adeaide (EU) Collingwood v. Geelong Cats (MCG) GWS Giants v. West Coast Eagles (SPO) Gold Cost Sun v. Essendon (SPO) Carlton v. Hawthorn (ES) Sunday, August 20 Melbourne v. Brisbane Lions (MCG) St Kilda v. North Melbourne (ES) Freemantle v. Richmond (DS) Round 23
Round 5
Round 11
Round 17
Friday, April 21 Port Adelaide v. Carlton Saturday, April 22 Western Bulldogs v. Brisbane Lions (ES) Gold Coast Suns v. Adelaide Crows (MS) Sydney Swans v. GWS Giants (SCG) Fremantle v. North Melbourne (DS) Sunday, April 23 St Kilda v. Geelong Cats (ES) Hawthorn v. West Coast Eagles (MCG) Monday, April 24 Tuesday, April 25 Essendon v. Collingwood (MCG)
Thursday, June 1 Port Adelaide v. Hawthorn (AD) Friday, June 2 Geelong Cats v. Adelaide Crows (SS) Saturday, June 3 Gold Coast Suns v. West Coast Eagles(MS) GWS Giants v. Essendon (SPO) North Melbourne v. Richmond (ES) Sunday, June 4 Fremantle v. Collingwood (DS)
Friday, July 14 Saturday, August 26 St Kilda v. Essendon (ES) Hawthorn v. Western Bulldogs (ES) Saturday, July 15 Collingwood v. Melbourne (MCG) Geelong Cats v. Hawthorn (MCG) Sydeny Swans v. Carlton (SCG) Port Adelaid v. North Melbourne (AO) Brisban Lions v. North Melbourne (G) Gold Coast Suns v. Collingwood (MS) Essendon v. Freemantle (ES) GWS Giants v. Sydeny Swans (SPO) Richmond v. St Kilda (MCG) Melbourne v. Adeliad Crows (TIO) Geelong Cats v. GWS Giants (SS) Sunday, July 16 port Adelaid v Gold Coast Suns (AO) Richmond v. Brisban Lions (ES) West Coast eagles v. Adelaid Crows (DS) Carlton v. Western Bulldogs (MCG) Fremantle v. West Coast Eagles (DS) LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
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Wo t ’s O n We are calling the whole family - Kids, mums, dads, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, grandmas, grandpas - even you! Melbourne is alive and happening all year round with family events and activities, shows, movies, concerts and sport. Don’t forget the old favourite - the weekend market!! There is enough to keep everyone entertained - AND best of all - most of them are FREE!!! To keep up to date with everything our advertisers have got going on, head to the “Wot’s On” button on our website at www.letsgokids.com.au and while you’re there, sign up for our great monthly e-newsletter and download our new app.
Weekly/Monthly Every week, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday & Sunday.
The Queen Victoria Market The Market is probably best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. On Sunday, the hustle and bustle of the weekday Market gives way to a more relaxed and leisurely family day. Queen Street is closed and converted into an outdoor cafe area, with children’s rides and other activities. www.qvm.com.au
Every Wednesday Summer Night Market night from Nov 16 Melbourne’s original Night Market is the place to meet every Wednesday night during Summer to feast to March 29 2017 on global street food, browse vintage fashion offers, experience emerging Melbourne designers and enjoy live performances from local and international acts.513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Every Wednesday St Andrews Market night from Nov 16 This exciting weekely event is known for its colour and vibrance, its earthy culture, its delightful fresh smells to March 29 2017 and flavours and the exciting array of special gifts and treasures. Listen to the unique sounds, as musicians gather and meet and share their passion. On most days the traditional drumming group take the atmosphere to another level and continue on after the market finishes. 8am – 2pm, Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd, St Andrews, 0467 535 34 Every Saturday
Coburg Farmers’ Market Brings you the very best local, seasonal produce at the best prices. There is always a great supply of fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, nuts, oils, meats, eggs, bread, cheeses, chickens, pies, sweets, wine and more from over 30 stallholders. Picked, baked and made fresh for the markets, you won’t taste better produce! The market stalls merge around a big central playground which is great for kids and there is an undercover area for shaded outdoor seating. Be sure to bring your own reusable bag. Entry by gold coin donation, Coburg North Primary School,
Now untill April 2017.
Seville Water Park Head to the Yarra Ranges and get drenched. There’s a barbecue area and lots of water activities – including the Magic Buttons, which trigger one of 15 random water eruption sequences. Enter the rockery and amble through the echoed pipes or roll down Dinosaur Hill. Kids can also have fun exploring the native gardens. FREE, 20-28 Monbulk-Seville Road, Seville, 1300 368 333
Mon - Friday
Collingwood Children’s Farm Bringing the country to the city, the Collingwood Children’s Farm gives urban kids a chance to give farming life a go. You can milk the cows, feed the chooks, ride a pony or play with the baby lambs. A farmer’s market takes place every second Saturday of the month, where you can pick up fresh produce. 9.15am to 4.45pm, 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, www.farm.org.au, 03 9417 5806
Every Wed- Sun (beginning 8 Jan)
ArtPlay Children and their families have a unique opportunity to come together and imagine, explore and create high-quality art. The workshop program ranges from ceramics to performance, mosaics to puppetry, circus to indigenous art, collage to singing and creative movement to sculpture. Bookings are required for most events, however there are also free drop-in workshops available each month. Open 10-4. Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue To book or for further information, visit or call 9664 7900. www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay,
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Wo t ’s O n Weekly/Monthly Weekly, Check website for details
Every Wed- Sun (beginning 8 Jan)
December Nov - Dec
8 Dec
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Federation Square’s ACMI has everything from a century of film to the latest computer games and digital art of the future. It hosts a vibrant calendar of exhibitions and festivals, creative workshops and education programs. ACMI’s centrepiece is a free permanent exhibition charting the journey of the moving image. See what special exhibition is being staged, and get the inside story on all the stuff you can’t live without: film, TV, games, new media and art. www.acmi.net.au, 8663 2200 Adopt A Family This Christmas By adopting a family, it is such a great way to teach your children the spirit of Christmas, whilst instilling empathy and understanding for the less fortunate families. If you would like to help, you can send an email to adoptafamily@mail.com, and they will then provide you with the ages and genders of the family you will be supporting, and then it is up to you what you buy. Avocare Twilight Market Get along to the very first Avocare Twilight Market. It is sure to be an evening the entire family will enjoy with activities, live entertainment and a mouth-watering selection of food. Kids can have their faces painted, enjoy pony rides and have a bounce in the jumping castle, while roving musicians and entertainers such as balloon artists create even more colour and diversion. With proceeds being used to assist those in need living within the Dandenong Community, FREE, 4pm to 9pm, Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
MARCH 2017 10 - 13 Mar
Moomba Festival Love Melbourne, Love Moomba! The festival will be back in 2017 with an exciting program of free events and family entertainment, making Melbourne the ideal place to be for the Labour Day long weekend in March.The carnival runs daily from 11 am to 11pm and nightly fireworks on the Yarra start 9:30pm Saturday - Monday. Moomba.com.au
APRIL 2017 11 April
Ben & Jerry’s FREE Cone Day Since 1979, Ben & Jerry’s has been thanking fans for their support in the best way they knew how: with a free cone of the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream around! Find a participating scoop shop near you at www.benandjerry.com.au
SEPTEMBER 2017 23 Sep - 3 Oct
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Royal Melbourne Show During the day, the Royal Melbourne Show hosts demonstrations, competitions, fun rides and live shows. At night, the fun continues with carnival rides, food tasting and a spectacular fireworks display.There is so much to see and do at the Royal Melbourne Show, so plan on spending the whole day. and evening here and experience everything that Victoria has to offer in one exciting place. www. royalshow.com.au
LetsGoKids Melbourne 2017
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW VICTORIA Across 2. Where in Whittlesea can you ride a toboggan? 4. What unique rock formation sits along the Great Ocean Road? 6. At the top of which street does Parliament house sit? 8. What is the name of Victoria’s biggest theme park? 9. What is the name of Melbourne’s largest sporting arena? 10. The ever-popular Australian sport of AFL was invented in what city? 11. What is a person who lives in or comes from Melbourne called? 12. Which Queen is Melbourne’s iconic market named after? 13. Melbourne holds the world record for highest attendance at what sporting event? 14. What is the name of Melbourne’s tallest tower? 15. What is the name of the oldest privately-owened theme park in the world? Down 1. Which river is known for its paddlesteamers? 3. What does the NGV stand for? 5. What is the name of the beach near Luna Park? 7. Which type of transport is the city circle?
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GIVE KIDS
A NEW VIEW OF THE CITY
Come fly on the Southern Hemisphere’s only giant observation wheel for a view like no other and an experience you’ll never forget. Located in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands
www.melbournestar.com
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VOUCH E see insid e more de for tails
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