LetsGoKids 2016 Victorian/ Melbourne Edition by Terry Wilson

- 2016 elbourne & Victoria

e to M

uid The No.1 Family G

Out & About in Melbourne City Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea Yarra Valley

Frankston & Mornington Peninsula

Sth Gippsland Phillip Island Ballarat Geelong/ Bellarine Warrnambool & Great Ocean Rd

Bendigo Echuca/ Moama

Play/Par t y Watch Wot’s On

“Get off the couch and get out there!”

ON THE FRANKSTON WATERFRONT See Page 5 for details

Wot’s On - Games - Vouchers - www.LetsGoKids.com.au

Melbourne 2016

Vo u c h e r in si d e !

Help Me, Help Me - I’m a parent?!?!?!?

Contents s

Out & About in

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, VIC, NT, TAS, Sydney, NZ & QLD (Out Mar 16). 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 Instagram (@LetsGoKidsAuNz) & Facebook! 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 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 and iOS at www.letsgokids.com.au/app

WOW!

Melbourne City

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Yarra Valley

Frankston &

Mornington Peninsula

Sth Gippsland

Phillip Island

Ballarat

Geelong/ Bellarine

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Rd

Bendigo

Echuca/ Moama

Play/Par ty

Watch

Wot’s On

Advertiser’s Index Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

Melbourne City

Frankston & Mornington Peninsula

Bernards Magic Shop 2 National Gallery of Victoria 6 Melbourne Aquarium Inside Front Cover, 7 Luna Park 8,9 MCG 9 Eureka Skydeck 10, 11 Taco Bill Mexican Restaurants 11 Auscarts 13 Fire Services Museum 13 O’Brien Group Arena 14 Black Light Mini Golf 14 Melbourne Star Observation Wheel 15 Laser Tag Docklands 15 HMAS Castlemaine 16 Melbourne Seaplanes 16 Hobsons Bay Council 16 Wyndham City Council 17 Jump and Bounce 17

Frankston City Council 31, 32 -Croc’s Playcentre, AMF & Bayside Rock Climbing 32 Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm 33 Horseback Fun for Kids 33 Ashcombe Maze 34 Bay Play Portsea 34, 35 Boneo Maze 35

18,19 19, 25 20 21 22, 23 24

Yarra Valley The Big Bouquet Craft Markets Australia Crystal Brook Tourist Park Rayner’s Stone Fruit Orchard Yarra Ranges Tourism Trees Adventure Puffing Billy Railway

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

State Coal Mine Toora Holiday Park

Phillip Island Anchor Bell Holiday Park Phillip Island Nature Parks Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Wildlife Coast Cruises

26 26 27 27 28,29 28 30

Ballarat Regional Tourism Sovereign Hill Tangled Maze Ballarat Wildlife Park M.A.D.E

Geelong/Bellarine Geelong Bellarine Tourism Market Square Geelong Bellarine Adventure Golf National Wool Museum The Bellarine Railway Geelong Maritime Museum Marine Discovery Centre GENERAL - Sandstorm Events Australian Open Festival

53 53 54, 55 3, 55 56 56,57 57

Bendigo

Bendigo Tourism 36 Discovery Science & Technology Centre 36 Bendigo Pottery Bendigo Bowling Centre 37 37, 39 38 38, 39 39

Ballarat

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea Watermarc Funfields Bundoora Park Latrobe Golf Park City of Whittlesea NRG Laser Force

South Gippsland

Surfside Holiday Park Discovery Holiday Parks Otway Fly Fun 4 Kids Festival Tower Hill Aquazone Aquatic Centre Flagstaff Hill

Echuca/Moama Echuca Paintball Echuca Workers & Services Club Murray River Paddlesteamers Port of Echuca Discovery Centre Merool on the Murray Moama on Murray - Squiggles

44, 45 46, 49 47 Timezone 48, 49 Intencity The Scientwists 48, 49 Tennis World Inflatable World 50 50 51 51 52 50 52

58 59 60 60 61 63 62, 63 63 64 64

Play/Party 65 66 66 67 68

Watch

Hoyts Melbourne Victory Melbourne Renegades Melbourne Aces Melbourne United 5 Melbourne Vixens 40,41 Melbourne Stars

69 70, 71 72 73 75 76 Back Cover

Really, really important stuff Public Holidays in Melbourne 25 Dec 26 Dec 1 Jan 26 Jan 14 Mar

Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Australia Day Labour Day

School Holidays Summer Autumn Winter Spring

25 Mar 26 Mar 28 Mar 25 Apr 13 Jun 1 Nov

Good Friday Easter Saturday Easter Monday Anzac Day Queen’s Birthday Cup Day

19 Dec 15 – 25 Jan 16 25 Mar 16 – 10 Apr 16 25 Jun 16 – 10 Jul 16 17 Sept 16 – 2 Oct 16

Taxis 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 tigerairways.com

virginblue.com.au jetstar.com Take a ride to the countryside Buses and trains run to all corners of the State of Vic, & also to other states. Depart from Southern Cross Station in Spencer St, where all fares & timetables are available. vline.com.au 1800 800 007. ptv.vic.gov.au 131 638 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 – $17 oneway, $28 return. Avalon Airport Shuttle Bus - Bus service operates regularly from Tullamarine. Ph: 5278 8788 SmartBus Route 901 - An ‘orbital’ bus route around Melbourne. It runs for 115km between Frankston and Melbourne Airport, passing through Dandenong, Ringwood, Greensborough, Epping and Broadmeadows. It runs 7 days a week, every 15 mins between 6.30am and 9pm on weekdays and every 30 mins at other times.

* NEW ADDRESS * 355 Victoria Street, West Melbourne 3003 ph: (03) 9670 9270 • www.bernards.com.au

*Simply spend $20 or more and present this ad to redeem While supplies last - Expires 30/11/2016

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

• 7 days of adventure for kids aged 2 - 12. • Loads of hands-on workshops and activities. • Live performances across 2 stages. • Featuring the very best children’s entertainers from across the country. • One entry fee then all the fun is free! LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Melbourne City

ngv

Free Entry

16â&#x20AC;&#x201C;26 Jan 2016

Melbourne City

A fun-filled 11-day festival especially for children and families!

NGV Kids presents tailored exhibitions and programs with hands-on activities that encourage children to engage with art and artists.

@NGVMelbourne ngv.vic.gov.au/kids blog

blog

The NGV Kids program is supported by a grant from the Truby & Florence Williams Charitable Trust. Young visitors enjoying creative workshops in the Great Hall at NGV.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Melbourne City Don’t know what to do with the family on the weekend or holidays? You’ve come to the right place! For a day, a weekend, a week – in and around Melbourne, there are hundreds of things to do. 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 nearby 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 round up the troops, ring a friend, take advantage of our vouchers and offers in the book and online, sign up for our enewsletter, download the app to find even more “info”, pack a lunch and just DO IT! Have Fun The LGK Team

Melbourne Checklist! Don’t leave Melbourne without having... - Climbed 88 storeys (in a lift) at Eureka Tower (p.10) for a bird’s eye view of all of Melbourne. Take on “The Edge”! - Taken a tour of Rod Laver Arena or Etihad Stadium. Find out what goes on inside! - Seen where infamous outlaw Ned Kelly, took his last breath at the Old Melbourne Gaol. - Travelled on a train or taken a ferry ride to the seaside town of Williamstown and explored our Maritime and Naval History. - Watched a live sporting event on the big screen at Fed Square. The atmosphere is great. - Dropped into ACMI in Flinders Street and caught a movie. - Ridden a wave on the Flowrider indoor wave machine at MSAC. - Gone ice-skating or learnt how to play ice hockey at the Icehouse (p.14) in Harbourtown. - Ridden the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel (p.15) or a bird’s eye view of Docklands & the CBD. - Galactic Circus at Crown Casino will keep them entertained for hours. - Strolled down Burke St Mall – checked out buskers, musicians and more. - Ridden the FREE City Circle Tram or Tourist Shuttle Bus. - Visited Melbourne Museum, Kids are FREE. - Found out all about the creatures from the deep (and not so deep) at the fantastic Melbourne SEALIFE Aquarium (voucher see below). - Headed to Federation Square & checked out the action. - Walked down to Birrarung Marr (behind Fed Square) and visited Artplay. Let the kids have fun on the enormous playground. - Tested your skills at the National Sports Museum at the MCG or taken a ground tour.

Melbourne City

Voucher

# LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Melbourne City

FREE?? -Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? LetsGoKids will show you where to go and what to do for a day or maybe a week for next to nothing, nix, nada! (Or maybe 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.80) Present this voucher at the Luna Park ticket box.

20% diSCOUNT ON UNLIMITED RIDE TICKETS Not valid with any other offer. Not valid with family passes. Expires 31/12/16

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.

THE

BIGGEST

Voucher

Out & About

LOWER ESPLANADE, ST KILDA

LUNAPARK.COM.AU

Voucher

Melbourne City

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Melbourne City -

Out & About

e awesom ns! Over n2d0 attractio rides a THE

mer W Sum

RIDES

m.au o c . k r a lda lunap , st ki anade

espl lower

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Melbourne City

BIGGEST

Melbourne City

Out & About

- Melbourne City

The Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform with the world’s only EDGE EXPERIENCE

Open Daily from 10am eurekaskydeck.melbourne

@eureka_skydeck #eurekaskydeck

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

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

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, National Gallery(p.6) or Arts Centre. 11. Fed Square always has some activity going on. The big screen shows major sporting events. 12. Visit nearby Collingwood Children’s Farm and pat an animal. 13. Head to the Immigration Museum and see how your family may have arrived in Australia. 14.Be entertained by the street performers and buskers in Bourke St

Voucher

Melbourne City

# Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Melbourne City

15. Take your own bike and go for a ride along some of the riverside bike paths. Maps are available from www.parkwebvic.gov.au. 16. The suburbs contain skate parks, bike tracks, playgrounds, events and festivals. Check out Wots On section (p.79) for more ideas.

Voucher

17. Kids are FREE at Scienceworks. Check out the interactive exhibitions.

18. The Queen Victoria Market is open Tues & Thurs 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-5pm, Sat 6am-3pm, Sun 9am-4pm and offers an interesting morning out. 19. Take a tram No78 to Chapel Street and do some world class window shopping. 20. Check out the plants in the Conservatory at the Fitzroy Gardens. The Fairy Tree and Captain Cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cottage (costs a little) are nearby. This is the famous manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real cottage brought over from England (duck your head as you walk in) 21. 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. The infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was hung in the old Melbourne Gaol. Check out the old gaol which was in the CBD! (Costs a little).

Voucher

Melbourne City

# 12

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Melbourne City -

Out & About

24. 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. 25. 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).

26. 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. 27. Visit one of the large suburban parks like Westerfolds (in Templestowe), Bundoora or Brimbank in Keilor. Space for riding, running and picnicking. Bundoora (p.20) and Brimbank have small animal farms. 28. Visit nearby St Kilda on a Sunday and browse through the many stalls that line the streets of the foreshore. 29.Visit iconic Luna Park (p.9) when there – entry is FREE – rides cost (voucher p.8).

Melbourne City

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

BX6112974-a14Oct

Out & About

- Habourtown

glow golf

The Docklands area to the west of Melbourne’s CBD, is located basically behind Etihad Stadium, and is a rapidly expanding residential, shopping and entertaining precinct.

Black light mini golf

Fun for all ages Clubs GREA T Schools FUN Corporate Families N OPETE LA SAT

Australias ﬁrst 18 hole blacklight minigolf

& FRI

Level 1 Shop 35 Star Cresent Docklands

9642 5442

Harbourtown

www.glowgolf.com.au

Melbourne’s newest family destination is only five mins from the CBD. A visit to Harbour Town Shopping Centre and O’Brien Group Arena in the Docklands is a fantastic way to spend a day out. Harbourtown shopping centre forms part of a world class retail, entertainment and leisure precinct, which also includes Australia’s first Costco Wholesale, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, waterfront restaurants, bars, cafes and a public marina.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Harbourtown -

Out & About

It has 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! Also located in the precinct is Wonderland Fun Park, a smaller version of Luna Park for smaller people! The littlies will love it!

Worth A Look

For that “American as Apple Pie” shopping experience, visit the huge Costco warehouse at Harbourtown - Its huge and has lots of great american products.

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).

Voucher

Harbourtown

# Voucher

# LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Hobsons Bay

HMAS

Castlemaine Historic Ship Museum

Gem Pier, Williamstown

Open every weekend 11am - 4pm (weekdays by arrangement for school & adult groups)

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

Outdoors, fun, family and sun in Hobsons Bay The best gift you can give to children is your time. Where better to do it than outdoors in Hobsons Bay where there is always somewhere new and special for the family to enjoy together. The great outdoors: • Ride, walk, scooter or skate, bring the family or take a mate. Hobsons Bay has a 23 kilometre coastal path with amazing harbour views and secluded picnic spots • Visit Williamstown Botanic Gardens, a great idea! • Take a swim at Williamstown Beach • Enjoy the golden sands of Altona Beach • Cool down after the beach in the shade of Logan Reserve • Take a walk through Newport Lakes, 33ha of bush land park • Stroll around Cherry Lake Get on board • Visit the historic ship museum on the HMAS Castlemaine • Take a tour of the Sea Shepherd docked at Seaworks, Williamstown • Set sail on the Enterprise Tall Ship

Hobsons Bay

Something different: • Take a seaplane scenic flight • Download the app and do the Spotswood Industrial Heritage tour • Challenge yourself at Scienceworks in Spotswood,fun for kids and adults

Sports: • Enjoy badminton, rock climbing and heated pools throughout Altona • Play golf at Altona’s golf course and driving range • Watch baseball at The Melbourne Ballpark in Laverton • Snorkel at Jawbone Marine Sanctuary • Skateboard and BMX Markets in the area are held at: • Altona Beach every Tuesday • The Substation Farmers Market 1st & 3rd Sun • The Substation Artists Market 1st Sun • Farmers Market, Robertson Reserve Williamstown, 2nd and 4th Sunday • Craft Market, Commonwealth Reserve Williamstown, 3rd Sunday LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

City of Wyndham There’s so much to see and do in Werribee and Point Cook. Wyndham - Werribee, Point Cook & Surrounds are all a handy 30 minute drive from Melbourne and en route to the Great Ocean Road.

Out & About

Nature buffs are sure to be impressed by the Point Cook Coastal Park and Marine Sanctuary. It provides the ideal habitat for one of the most dazzling displays of marine life in Port Phillip Bay and of course, is a great spot for a picnic. The Werribee River also offers a fantastic array of outdoor activities with fishing spots along the banks, facilities to launch your canoe and an extensive network of hard surface bike and walking trails showcasing the plethora of native flora and fauna that inhabit the river and its banks. For more details WerribeeVisitor Info Centre (located at Werribee Open Range Zoo - K Road)

If you’re looking for somewhere exciting to take the kids then the Werribee Park Tourism Precinct is a must! Feed the giraffes at the Werribee Open Range Zoo, step back in time at the Werribee Mansion, have a picnic on the great lawn or set out on an adventure to explore the Sculpture Walk. The hugely popular Wild Nights is held during the Winter school holidays at Werribee Open Range Zoo and provides visitors with the unique experience of exploring the zoo after dark. Grab your torch and head off on a safari to discover lions, hippos, rhinos and wild dogs!

“

Worth A Look

Kids and adults alike will love “Truck Stop Deluxe”, an American diner inspired burger joint that has a semi-trailer cabin that guests can actually sit in!

City of Wyndham

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

See what all the excitement is about...

2 waterslides

Largest indoor aquatic and leisure facility in the northern region of Victoria!

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea Rolling hills, plenty of parks and open space, picturesque villages and Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendliest people â&#x20AC;Ś the northern suburbs have plenty to offer families.

Out & About

The trip up 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.

Photo Courtesy of RedTri

Latrobe Golf Park (voucher p.21) is sure to challenge and entertain the kids and parents! Coopers Settlement in Bundoora Park (p.20) 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 opposite) has an enormous indoor aquatic centre with some of the best water slides in Australia (see voucher below).

# Voucher

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Voucher

# LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

- Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Out & About

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea -

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Out & About

- Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

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. 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).

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.

2016 Calendar of Events - Northern Suburbs 11th December 2016 7-10pm – Carols by Candlelight – Redleap Reserve, Mill Park Enjoy the beginning of the festive season with free entertainment, face painting, live nativity scene, animal farm, art workshops and a special guest – SANTA! 26th Jan 2016 6-9.30pm– Australia Day Celebrations – Terrace Lawns, Council Offices, South Morang Get your dancing shoes ready, collect a flag as you arrive and celebrate Australia Day. Live bands, free activities for kids, BBQ and fireworks. 13th Feb 2016 10am-9.30pm – Whittlesea Country Music Festival – Church St Reserve, Whittlesea Plenty to see and do with a street party, talent stage, busking competition, stalls offering food and drinks, art and crafts and much more! 20th March 2016 12.30-9.30pm – Whittlesea Community Festival – Public Gardens, Lalor Join the biggest annual celebration in the community with carnival rides, amusement games, dance performance and musical entertainment. 10th April 2016 10am-2pm – Kids Art In The Park – Hawkstowe Park Area, South Morang Bring the children along for a chance to try a number of different art activities such as painting, printing, pottery and craft. LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea -

Out & About

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Worth A Look

The northern suburbs has two excellent weekend markets – Saturday at the iconic St Andrews market (opposite the pub) and the Sunday Farmers Market at LaTrobe University.

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

Funfields 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 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.

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.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea -

Out & About

Northern Suburbs & Whittlesea

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Yarra Valley

Get out and about in Melbourne’s playground. Need to take a break with the family? Recharge in the clean air of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. From up close and personal animal experiences and farm gates to walking and riding in amazing scenery through forest and native bush. Our wineries aren’t just for adults either – with plenty of space and activities for the kids, while the grown-ups relax.

An easy hour’s drive from Melbourne the region is a place for all seasons with a variety of family accommodation available for your stay and terrific places to eat.

Yarra Valley

Meet ally the alpaca and her friends, climb on the playground and count how many different coloured GERBERAS you can see.

KIDS MEAL $7.50

ETS, ICKEN NUGG INCLUDES: CH BOX. E IC JU A d CHIPS an IS BRING IN TH EEM ADVERT TO RED

GERBERA & ALPACA FARM KIDS UNDER 12 TOUR FOR FREE

27 BARAK LANE HEALESVILLE • 5962 2283 • bigbouquet.com.au LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Yarra Valley Calendar of Events SkyHigh National Chainsaw Carving Championship Jan 19 - 23 Puffing Billy - Day Out with Thomas - Feb 27,28 Mar 5,6, 19, 20 - Oct 15, 16, 22, 23 - Nov 5,6,12,13 Herb and Chilli Festival - Mar 19-20 Kalorama Chestnut Festival - May 1 Lake Mountain Family Fun Weekend - Jun 11-13

Out & About

Belgrave Lantern Parade - Jun 25 Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery Hot Chocolate Festival - Aug 1 -31 Tesselaar Tulip Festival - Sep 8 – Oct 4 Summer Holidays U-pick Berry and Cherry Season - Dec - Jan *Dates correct at time of printing

Kids party venue, pet friendly accommodation, family and group get together’s, we are the perfect place for everyone to enjoy.

Present This Ad for a 10% Discount on a 3 or More Night Stay 182 Heidelberg-Warrandyte Rd, East Doncaster 3109 Ph: 03 9844 3637 E: info@cbtp.com.au

www.cbtp.com.au

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Yarra Valley

• Cabins • Pedal Go Karts • Powered sites • Playground • Ensuite sites • Undercover heated BBQ area • Jumping pillow • Pet friendly cabins and sites • Games room • Close to public transport • Heated swimming pool • Daily bird feeding • Caravan Children’s Explorer’s Club Affordable accommodation in a lovely bush setting with abundant wildlife. Located within an easy drive to Melbourne CBD, we are ideally located for you to explore and visit the Zoos, Puffing Billy, Healesville Sanctuary, Science works, Aquarium and the Museum just to name a few attractions.

Out & About

- Yarra Valley

Photo Courtesy of Weekend Notes

There are five free regional family playgrounds to be found including waterpark. You can feed native birds and take a tractor ride as you get back to nature with the family.

So for lotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of fun and adventure on your next family trip, FIND YOURSELF in the the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Did You Know The Coldstream trail in the Yarra Valley includes kid friendly activities, two microbreweries and one of the most spectacular gardens in Victoria. Check it out for ten stops of diversity, passion and unique culture.

Yarra Valley

Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Yarra Valley -

Out & About

Yarra Valley

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

- Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley

Out & About

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Mornington Frankston Peninsula -

Enjoy more fun in Frankston this summer!

Frankston comes alive from Boxing Day with Sand Sculpting Australia transforming 3,500 tonnes of sand into incredible sand art creations at ‘A Day at the Zoo’ on the Frankston Waterfront.

Out & About

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.

To start your summer fun purchase your Frankston Summer Fun Pass from visitfrankston.com or head into the Frankston Visitor Information Centre for more great ideas on what you and your And the fun doesn’t stop there! On the days family can do while you are visiting the that are just too hot to head outside, why not Mornington Peninsula this summer. treat the family to some indoor excitement Purchase Sand Sculpting Australia and try your hand at rock climbing, ten-pin tickets and the Frankston Summer bowling or indoor trampolining and laser tag. Fun Pass online from visitfrankston.com

Mornington Peninsula

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About #

- Frankston Mornington Peninsula

# #

Mornington Peninsula

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Mornington Peninsula -

Out & About

Frankston Checklist!

Dont leave Frankston without having....

Lets go kids ad quarter page.ai 1 25-Nov-15 12:16:57 PM



The best kids day out on the Mornington Peninsula Full Day Package $150pp* includes:

SAFETY FIRST We do it right!

- Grooming, washing & tack lesson - Horse riding lesson - Theory notes - Fun games and activities - Gift bag - Lunch & morning tea included *Sibling discounts apply

(03) 5989 6119 . www.horseback.com.au 356 Shands Road . Main Ridge Victoria 3928

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Mornington Peninsula

While you’re in town for Sand Sculpting, enjoy more of Frankston’s family friendly attractions and activities… • Discover even bigger sculptures at McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery (entry by donation) • Explore the local fresh produce or trash and treasure markets • Check out the Alice in Wonderland Murals at the Frankston Library Forecourt • • • • • • • • • Have a picnic in the shade by a lake at George Pentland Botanic Gardens or Beauty Park • Let your imagination run wild at Ballam Park Playground or the Regional Foreshore Playground (fondly known as ‘Castle Park’) • • • • • • • • Get your adrenaline pumping on the waterslides at the regional aquatic centre (PARC) C • Experience 9D Motion Theatre at Tunzafun M • Grab a bite to eat at the many family-friendly cafes and restaurants along Nepean HighwayY and Wells Street • Reach for the sky with indoor trampolining CM at Gravity Zone MY Head to the Frankston Visitor Information Centre on the Frankston Waterfront (2 minute walk CY from the Sand Sculpting Australia Exhibition) and pick up a copy of the Frankston Visitor Guide forCMY more ideas and suggested itineraries to entertain your family in Frankston and on the Mornington K Peninsula and browse local and Australian made produce, gifts and souvenirs. Purchase Sand Sculpting Australia tickets and the Frankston Summer Fun Pass online from visitfrankston.com

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.

The new Eastern Ring Road and Mornington Peninsula Freeway now give easier and quicker access to the area from all over Melbourne.

Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula seaside towns of Dromana, Safety Beach, McCrae, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea have long been a favourite holiday destination amongst Melbourne families.

The Peninsula has some of the safest and most beautiful swimming beaches in the world. 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.

When the weather gets a bit too hot even for the beach, you can head to ‘them thar 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 lose yourself at Ashcombe Maze (see above) or Boneo Maze (see opposite), go tree surfing or strawberry picking at Sunny Ridge (p.33) - Make sure to try the icecream, delicious! Have a relaxing soak in the nearby Hot Springs. A day isn’t complete without a visit to Horseback (p.33) for a fun educational riding experience. LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Mornington Peninsula -

Out & About

Bay Play (see below) has a range of family friendly accommodation options, as well as a whole heap of aquatic activities to keep all the family entertained!

So, stay for a weekend, a week or even a month.You will be sure to be kept busy!

No trip to the peninsula would be entire without a game of mini golf in Rosebud/Rye or a visit to the Wittingslow Summertime Carnival, where generations of Melbournians have played the clownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth or ridden the dodgem cars.

Worth A Look

Your weekend is not complete until you have experienced the colour, atmosphere, excitement and great value of the Mornington Racecourse Market. Go to www.craftmarkets.com.au for more info!

# Voucher

Mornington Peninsula

Voucher

# LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- South Gippsland

The South Gippsland region contains Wilson’s Promontory National Park, one of Victoria’s most iconic destinations, and the Southern Tip of mainland Australia. Extremely popular for day and overnight hiking, the coastline and bush land is pristine.

Photo Courtesy of absence.wordpress.com

Toora is nearby to all the attractions of the area and has a great Tourist Park full of activities kids will love. It’s also close to Agnes Falls (Victoria’s highest) and Toora Windfarm.

Voucher

South Gippsland

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. Phillip Island is only a short drive away, so why not combine a day or two in South Gippsland with that visit to the penguins?

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Phillip Island -

Out & About

Phillip Island is only an hour and a half drive from Melbourne CBD and is easily accessed from the north and east via the Ring Road.

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 this 230km2 island. The last mainland town before entering into the island is San Remo. Home to local pelicans, there is feeding time every morning. 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.

For a magic encounter with the 20,000 Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks, jump on a Wildlife Coast Cruise (p.39) from Cowes for an up-close wildlife encounter with these fascinating creatures. Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (p.38) is a must-do for chocolate lovers and is an interactive and educational celebration of all things chocolate.

Phillip Island

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Phillip Island

Voucher

Worth A Look

The brand new “Penguin’s Antarctic Journey” has just opened in the Nobbies Centre, which using the latest holographic technology lets you experience “The life of a penguin” on an interactive journey. Good at anytime – especially when The Island’s weather (inevitably) turns nasty!

Phillip Island

Photo Courtesy of Visit Phillip Island

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 (see above) 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.

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.37) 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.

- Cafe - Interactive Exhibitions - Tastings - A “Hands On Experience!”

Ph: 5956 6600 www.pannys.com.au 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Phillip Island -

Out & About

Voucher

# #

Voucher

Phillip Island

Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

18-31 JAN 2016 BIRRARUNG MARR, MELBOURNE OPEN DAILY 9AM-7PM As the pathway to the Australian Open, the banks of Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic Yarra River will come alive with activities and live entertainment in a fun, family-friendly environment with the all new Australian Open Festival!

FEDERATION SQUARE FLINDERS ST

ausopen.com/festival

FAMILY FUN AT KIDS WORLD

anz tennis hot shots nickelodeon playground woolworths kids zone kia creative studio Nickelodeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giant Inflatable Playground, famous Slime Lab, roving Nickelodeon characters, free tennis for kids, ballkid activities, face painting and more! Tennis action and entertainment on the big screens with

tac people's court the best of melbourne dining

MELBOURNE PARK ROD LAVER ARENA

Games Name:

How well do you know Victoria?? Complete the crossword below

2 3 4

5 6 7 8

Across 1. Name Melbourne’s largest sporting arena 4. Which famous family location was once home to the 1850s Gold Rush? 5. At the top of what street does Parliament House sit? 6. Which queen is Melbourne’s iconic market named after? 7. What is the name of Melbourne’s tallest tower? 8. Which train travels through the Dandenong Ranges? 11. What is the name of Victoria’s biggest theme park? 13. What is the name of the highest peak on the Mornington Peninsula? 14. Which river is known for its paddlesteamers? 15. What traditionally American shopping chain is located in Harbourtown? 16. Which type of transport is the ‘City Circle’? 9

10 11 12 13

Down 1. Name the capital city of Victoria 2. Which unique rock attraction sits near Port Campbell? 3. Where in Whittlesea can you ride a toboggan? 9. Which ranges are home to Healesville Sanctuary? 10. In what suburb is the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka located? 12. Which beachside suburb does Luna Park reside in? 13. What is the name of Melbourne’s ABL team?

Answers at www.letsgokids.com.au

15 16

Created on TheTeachersCorner.net Crossword Maker

oss

Name Melbourne's largest sporting arena What famous family location was once home to the 850s Gold Rush? At the top of what street does Parliament House t? What queen is Melbourne's iconic market named ter? What is the name of Melbourne's tallest tower? What train travels through the Dandenong Ranges? 1. What is the name of Victoria's biggest theme park? 3. What is the name of the highest peak on the ornington Peninsula? 4. What river is known for its paddlesteamers? 5. What traditionally American shopping chain is cated in Harbourtown? 6. What type of transport is the 'City Circle'?

Down 1. Name the capital city of Victoria 2. What unique rock attraction sits near Port Campbell? 3. Where in Whittlesea can you ride a toboggan? 9. What ranges are home to Healesville Sanctuary? 10. In what suburb is the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka located? 12. What beachside suburb does Luna Park reside in? 13. What is the name of Melbourne's ABL team?

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Games Name: 2016 Victorian Word Search!

Created with TheTeachersCorner.net Word Search Maker

W A

W U

L L

U S

N A

E F K E R

O O I

H A A

Y I

R R R T S R L T C R

B L A M S R A H A M

A R P

V T

O U E

A B

A I D R R U

A R A G L V

R D A I

H Y T PI UG F NF

I C Y AI N H G OB

K S K Y I LL L N Y EC A

A X

MELBOURNE SANDCASTLE WATERMARC PUFFINGBILLY WARRNAMBOOL VIXENS

U O

K P A

H A

U T

N I

G B

O R

U R

L I N PI WK O RL

F I U

T L

G Z

G I

N A L

K C

E U G Y EP B

K E R O T O I F S E X W N V P V I L T O N I F

VICTORIA FEDSQUARE AQUARIUM KRYALCASTLE MURRAYRIVER REBELS

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Y Q

O T

U A

T I P E S T T A

MELBOURNE AOTEAROA AUCKLAND VICTORIA DEVONPORT PHILLIP ISLAND HAMILTON SANDCASTLE HANGI FED SQUARE HARBOUR BRIDGE BALLARAT HUKAFALLS WATERMARC KIAORA KIWI AQUARIUM LAKEROTOITI EUREKA MAORI PUFFING BILLY MTRUAPEHU KRYAL CASTLE RANGITOTO ROTORUA SOVEREIGN HILL RUGBY SKYCITY WARRNAMBOOL SKYLINE MURRAY RIVER TAUPO STARS TAURANGA THERMAL VIXENS WAITANGI REBELS WHAKATANE BENDIGO

PHILLIPISLAND BALLARAT EUREKA SOVEREIGNHILL STARS BENDIGO

- Ballarat Out & AboutDiscover

Discover Endless Endless Fun Fun with with the the

Ballarat Ballarat Pass Pass

Cuddle the animals at the Cuddle the animals at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, Ballarat Wildlife Park, pan for gold at Sovereign pan for gold at Sovereign Hill, experience interactive Hill, experience interactive learning at the Museum of learning at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E), and meet Eureka (M.A.D.E), and meet wizards, knights and kings wizards, knights and kings at Kryal Castle! at Kryal Castle! ll ign Hill i Sovere H ign Sovere

Ballarat

The fun doesnt stop The fun doesnt stop there! there! •Go back in time with •Go back in time with on Sovereign Hill’s Blood Sovereign Hill’s Blood on the Southern Cross Southern Cross •the Visit over 200 birds at •Bird Visit over 200 birds at World •Bird PuttWorld a few holes at •Goldrush Putt a few holes Mini Golfat Goldrush Mini •Get lost in theGolf Tangled •Get lost in the Tangled Maze Maze •Discover ghosts with •Discover ghosts with Eerie Tours Eerie Tours 44

Kryal C Kryal Castle astle

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Ballarat -

BUY TODAY!

Out & About

The pass is only available for sale through the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre. Ballarat Visitor Information Centre 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat Free call: 1800 44 66 33 www.visitballarat.com.au

Creswick

Woollen M il

M.A.D .E

life t Wild Ballara

Park

Voucher

Ballarat Visitor Information Centre Ballarat Town Hall 225 Sturt LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016 Street, Ballarat Free call: 1800 44 66 33

Ballarat

Present this coupon to recieve a FREE gift when you purchase a Ballarat Pass!

Offer valid until December 2016. Pass must be purchased from Ballarat Visitor Information Centre

Out & About

- Ballarat

Go on an adventure that will stay with you always.

For more information phone 5337 1199 or visit sovereignhill.com.au

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

SOV248

Ballarat

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 -

Out & About

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. Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria

When most people think of Ballarat, they think of Sovereign Hill (see opposite). Sure, this incredible open air museum that allows you to experience what life was like in a gold mining town in the 1850’s is a world class attraction, but the city has much, much more to offer.

Did You Know 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

Your Sovereign Hill experience doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down - as under the stars on moonlit diggings, “Blood on the Southern Cross” tells the story of the Eureka Uprising. The show goes for 90 mins, 7 nights a week.

Ballarat

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Ballarat

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 (see opposite) 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.

75 minutes drive from Melbourne, 5 minutes from Sovereign Hill

OPEN 9AM TO 5:30 PM DAILY (EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY)

250 Fussell St, Ballarat

Ph: (03) 5333 5933

admin@wildlifepark.com.au

www.wildlifepark.com.au

Ballarat

Photo Courtesy of jasongigliotti.harcourts.com.au

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.

• Hand feed over 80 kangaroos and joeys • See our Saltwater crocodile, spectacular Reptile house and ferocious Tasmanian devils. • Pat a koala or a wombat • Licensed café • Shows on school holidays and weekends • Free guided tour 11am daily

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.

2015 MAGNA Innovation award Winner Interactive Displays View the iconic Eureka Flag Family & group discounts School holiday activities Saltbush Kitchen Café

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Ballarat -

Out & About

Voucher

# Voucher

Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E)

Offer valid until December 2016

VALID UNTIL DECEMBER 2016

*Not valid with family packages or any other

OPEN 9AM TO 5:30PM 250 Fussell St, Ballarat admin@wildlifepark.comau 11am Guided Tour daily except Christmas day Ph: (03) 5333 5933 www.wildlifepark.com.au

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Ballarat

Voucher

20% OFF

102 Stawell St South, Ballarat, VIC, 3350 www.made.org Ph: 1800 287 113 Open daily from 10am to 5pm

Out & About

- Geelong/Bellarine Embrace your inner child in Geelong & The Bellarine! From the most simple things like bike rides and sandcastles on the beach through to camping on the coast or staying in the city for an event, there are endless ways to embrace your inner child in Geelong and The Bellarine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reliving and creating memories all at the same time.

Geelong/Bellarine

The Bellarine Rail Trail runs from Geelong to Queenscliff and lets families amble along in a safe, traffic-free environment. The section between Drysdale and Queenscliff runs alongside the still utilized Bellarine Railway line, with vintage steam trains running year round (and occasionally themed with Thomas and Santa!)

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Geelong/Bellarine -

Out & About

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!

You can sneak some learning alongside the fun too! The National Wool Museum has an impressive schedule of exhibitions and special events – from dinosaurs to wildlife to hands-oncraft-with-wool. Speaking of hands-on activities, the Marine Discovery Centre will explain what goes on below the surface – and little hands can feel for themselves in the touch tanks. For something to instill a bit of competition in the family, try a round of putt-putt at Bellarine Adventure Golf, the Aqua Racer waterslide at Adventure Park or collecting shells on the beach!

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

29 JANUARY - 15 MAY 2016

27 JULY 2015 - 24 JULY 2016

26 Moorabool St Geelong 03 5272 4701 nwm.vic.gov.au

AUSTRALIA’S

MOST

AWESOME

MINI GOLF

1540 Bellarine Highway, Wallington (p) 5250 3777

www.bellarineadventuregolf.com

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Geelong/Bellarine

2 for 1 ENTRY WITH THIS COUPON #

Voucher

national wool museum

Out & About

- Geelong/Bellarine GEELONG/BELLARINE – TEN OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO

1. Meet more than 100 colourful characters on the Geelong Waterfront Bollard Trail. 2. Adventure Park – waterparks, river floats, ferris wheel, chair-o-plane. FUN! 3. Ride vintage steam trains on Bellarine Railway – maybe with Santa on board or when it’s wearing a Thomas costume! 4. Shop up a storm at Market Square. Specialty toy shops, tech gadgets and kids’ fashion for the little divas! 5. Take your little creatures to Little Creatures for a bite to eat, a local drop and a play in the sandpit.

Heritage Steam Train Trips Private Carriage Hire Locomotive Cab Rides School Holiday Activities Easter Bunny & Santa Specials

Geelong/Bellarine

QUEENSCLIFF

AT THE

BELLARINE RAILWAY 03 5258 2069

QUEENSCLIFF

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

6. The vintage Carousel on the Geelong Waterfront is a must-do – especially near Christmas when it overlooks the giant, illuminated, floating Christmas Tree. 7. Head out to The Bellarine and pick your own berries at Tuckerberry Hill on the Bellarine Taste Trail. 8. Meet traditional characters and play on the Camelot playground at Fairy Park. 9. Enjoy the food and drink on offer at Mt Duneed Estate while the kids play games and chalk up loads of artwork on the giant blackboard. 10. Hit the beach! Pack a ball, a cricket bat, buckets, spades, snorkels, boogie boards and sunscreen then get some sand between your toes! Then get an ice cream!

Marine & Freshwater

2A Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff VIC 3225

P - (03) 5258-3344

www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/education/marine-and-freshwater-discovery-centre

Discovery

Centre • Live marine & freshwater life • Touch tank • Marine displays • Open daily 10am to 4pm through Victorian school holiday periods

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road -

Out & About

The stretch of road along the Victorian south west coast between the Bellarine Peninsula and Warrnambool is best known as “The Great Ocean Road”

People from all over the world come to this region of the state to experience the stunning coastal scenery on the exhilirating drive, as it hugs the ocean, climbing up and around hills and gullies.

Nearby, the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures (p.54) offer a whole host of experiences with the two core activities being the Treetop Walk and the Zip Line Eco Tour. The Treetop Walk is a 1 hour rainforest walk experience that is approx. 2km in total and features a 600m long and 30m high steel structured treetop canopy walkway that takes you right into the treetops.

TAKE A FAMILY ADVENTURE WITH DISCOVERY HOLIDAY PARKS Adjacent to the beach and Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground, Discovery Holiday Parks – Warrnambool is a family favourite. Offering sites, self-contained cabins and villas, it’s the perfect base to explore the spectacular Shipwreck Coast.

For bookings & enquiries FREECALL 1800 808 130 www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

25 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280 warrnambool@discoveryparks.com.au

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Warrnambool

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

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? On the route there are many places to stop and enjoy the views of the ocean and what the coastal towns have to offer. In Torquay, The Surf World Museum celebrates the story of surfing and also charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. It houses surfing artifacts, memorabilia and commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage and rich beach culture. In Lorne, you can go jump on some trampolines and grab a snack or meal at one of the many eateries.

- Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

Out & About

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road -

Out & About

It’s the longest and tallest walkway of its type in the world and includes a thrilling cantilever. The Zipline Eco-Tour is a 2.5 hour, fully guided experience and including training and simulation, 8 cloud stations, 6 flights and 2 suspension bridges. The ticket price also includes the world famous Treetop Walk. 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!

One entry fee then all the fun is free! Warrnambool is the end of the road and it is jam packed with things for families to do. At 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, emusand much more.

Take a tour (p.56) and learn about the area’s significance. 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.

Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

7 days of adventure for kids aged 2 - 12

- Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

# Voucher

Voucher

# #

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

Voucher

Out & About

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

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 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 all kids receive a bag of nibbles for the farm animals that they will discover as they explore.

Did You Know

In 1999 there was an active Little Penguin colony here, however as a result of fox attacks and human interferance over a number of years the recorded population decreased from 800 to less than 10 penguins, with no breeding couples found. Things had to change and a local farmer came up with the idea of using Maremma guardian dogs to protect the bird colonies on Middle Island. Since the introduction of Maremmas to the island there has been no recorded fox attacks and numbers are slowly recovering, and most importantly, breeding birds have returned. Flagstaff Hill (see below) runs tours about this and the movie about it: “Oddball” - to learn more go to their website!

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road

Photo Courtesy of Oddball the Movie

Warrnambool & Great Ocean Road -

Out & About

- Bendigo

DI S C O V E R & E X P L ORE BE NDIGO Visit one of our many world class attractions and learn about our golden history. Located an easy hour and a half drive from Melbourne, there are plenty of attractions, experiences and things to do to keep your family occupied and engaged. Join us at one of the many events in our Summer in the Parks program, where fun and entertainment are free or at a low cost. Be part of the longest running cultural festival and see Sun Loong, tourism the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest Imperial Chinese dragon at the Bendigo Easter Festival, March 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;28 2016.

Bendigo

For more details or to book your accommodation, freecall the Bendigo Visitor Centre on 1800 813 153, visit www.bendigotourism.com or follow Explore Bendigo on Facebook.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Bendigo There’s fun to be had in Bendigo for the kids, with a great range of attractions and experiences to keep them occupied and engaged. They may even learn something about the role Bendigo played in the history of our great nation.

Explore Bendigo’s grand architecture and hear entertaining stories about the city’s golden past aboard a Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram. Afterwards, take a guided tour through the 1903 Tramways Depot and Workshop to see firsthand the craftsmanship involved in restoring each tram to its former glory. The famous Vintage Talking Tram Tour weaves through the streets of Bendigo and tells wonderful stories of days gone by.

Out & About

Did You Know

At one point the Chinese miners made up 20% of the entire Bendigo population! 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. Therefore a great deal of underground mining had to take place with kilometres of shafts and tunnels having to be dug and blasted to get access to the treasure. Today there are still tunnels deep underground that criss-cross the whole area. You can spend some time exploring the life of a gold miner at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. You can even take a tour deep underground!

With a host of fascinating exhibits to explore, the southern hemisphere’s tallest vertical slide, a planetarium and Kaleidoscope, a specially designed space for aspiring scientists under six, Discovery has something for everyone!

Located opposite the Bendigo railway Station.

7 Railway Place, Bendigo | (03) 5444 4400

www.discovery.asn.au LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Bendigo

Science shows and themed planetarium shows are available during Victorian school holidays.

Out & About

- Bendigo

Bendigo has a long Chinese history which can be traced back to the gold rush, and today you can explore an original 1860’s Joss House and Chinese culture artefacts at the Golden Dragon Museum. Bendigo’s popular Easter festival even has the world’s oldest Imperial Dragon as its main attraction!

You can inspire your scientific curiosity at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre (p.59). With fantastic exhibits to explore, the southern hemisphere’s tallest vertical slide, a cosy planetarium and Kaleidoscope and a specially designed space for aspiring scientists under eight. Nearby, there are also trail riding opportunities, a brand new rail trail out towards Axedale, kilometres of city cycling trails, a bowling alley (see below) and The Zone Entertainment complex with a range of activities to occupy the family!

Worth A Look

Bendigo Pottery is justly famous, with its display and sales complex set around vast old beehive kilns. It was created by George Duncan Guthrie, a scot who was an apprentice potter by the age of 12. By 1888 11 kilns were in operation and the site emplyed 130 people. Today domestic pottery is made in the historic kilns. The site offers a total tourist experience, an Interpretive Museum, a sales gallery and cafe!

(03) 5443 9944 159 Hargreaves St Bendigo VIC

Voucher

s e m

Bendigo

a G 6

*Excluding tournament or league play LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Echuca/Moama 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.

Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria

It’s also the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with plenty to see and do and only 2.5 hours away from Melbourne.

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 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,

Out & About

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 (p.62) 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.

Did You Know

Built in 1865 by the Victorian Railways, the Echuca Wharf was crucial to the town’s development and at its peak in 1890, it turned over 240 paddlesteamers. The wharf at one stage was a staggering 1.2km long!!!

Echuca/Moama

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Out & About

- Echuca/Moama There is something for every member of the family.

Playpark…

Located behind the Moama Sports Club, this awesome playground is the stuff kids dream of. It will keep them entertained for hours!

Photo Courtesy of Visions of Victoria

As well as soaking up the atmosphere of bygone days, Echuca Moama is bliss for those who like to be active. Hire a canoe or take a horse and carriage ride. You can also take off on a horse riding adventure.

Whether you want to go golfing, bowling, fishing, cycling, canoeing, bush-walking or water-skiing. Echuca-Moama caters for all sport and leisure interests. The twin towns are home to major clubs with world class sporting facilities, not to mention Australia’s most famous river – The mighty Murray.

Echuca/Moama

Take an adrenalin fuelled water ski lesson or challenge your friends and family to laser or paintball skirmish at Echuca Paintball (p.61). Explore the maze or play a round of mini golf at Oz Maze and have something to eat at the Thai restuarant while you’re there. Go tenpin bowling, head for a swim at the river, dangle a line on a fishing tour, visit the fauna park or take an eco tour through the wetlands.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Echuca/Moama -

Out & About

Voucher

# #

Voucher

Echuca/Moama

Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

- Echuca/Moama

Echuca/Moama

Out & About

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Play/Party

The city is blessed with a multitude of suburban parks and playgrounds and larger regional parks located right on our doorstep. Here is a selection of our favourites:

Point Cook Coastal Park - Watch birds from the tranquil Spectacle Lakes birdhide, or from the Cheetham Wetland 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.

Cardinia Reservoir Park - Watch the Eastern Grey Kangaroos feeding at dawn or dusk, or basking in the sun along the kangaroo viewing trail. Walk across the dam wall. 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.

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. 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. PLAYGROUNDS Bayview Park, Point Cook - This park is home to Melbourne’s biggest and steepest playground slide which starts from a hill with a huge Pirate Ship and is frighteningly steep! The slide is restricted to older children and teenagers of height more than 1.28m. The pirate ship has a crows nest on the top deck as well as a fireman’s pole and binoculars for taking in the great view. The ship also has a tunnel, climbing wall, rope ladders and wide slide.

Photo Courtesy of aplay.com.au

Kids of all ages love to play! Melbourne has plenty of parks and gardens where the whole family can enjoy our temperate climate.

Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Play/Party

# Voucher

ONE FREE SUPER SESSION WHEN YOU BUY ONE SUPER SESSION* Super Sessions run at advertised times and require a booking. Mention the code word FUN to receive two free party guests when booking a party for 10 or more guests.

• BIRTHDAY PARTIES • LATEST GAMES • GROUP BOOKINGS & MUCH MORE

facebook.com/intencityaustralia

EPPING VIC 3076 Ph: 9408 5811

SUNSHINE VIC 3020 Ph: 9313 6699

*For terms and conditions, pricing and bookings, please call your nearest Intencity.

# f

1co0de woofrdd’ : %

‘twis

20/11/2015 12:47 pm

Voucher

vrl201510180_Tokens_DL_VIC.indd 1

Voucher

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Play/Party Malahang Reserve, Heidelberg West There are multiple long flying foxes, huge double pyramid rope climbing frame, huge birds nest swing, various fun swings and a huge structure with a paddle steamer theme.

JOIN A TENNIS WORLD HOLIDAY CAMP THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

Ruffey Lake Park,Victoria Street, Doncaster Super adventure playground which includes a super slick curved tunnel slide, look-out tower, very long metal slide down a hill which starts from a hut, huge blocks with climbing holds and two long flying foxes. Eltham Lower Park Accessible Play Space, Diamond Valley Rail Park, Main Rd, Eltham Double flying fox, liberty swing, butterfly climbing wall, spinning carousel and miniature railway. The miniature railway, which winds its way across bridges and through tunnels, is considered one of the best in the country. It operates 11am-5pm on Sundays. Hays Paddock, Leason St, Kew East - Swing with harness, double-width slide and seesaw, hammock, sandpit with diggers and spider’s web trampoline. Village Park, Newmarket Rd, Werribee - Water play area, sandpit with play toys, net swing, monkey bars, climbing walls and stepping stones.

VISIT tennisworld.net.au or phone us on 1300 TENNIS for more information and to register!

Use voucher code: letsgokids to receive 10% OFF!

Mandrel Drive, Williams Landing - Rope ladder, rock wall, pyramid rope climbing frame, sandpit with diggers, springers, slides and balancing beams Well if you’re still sitting here reading this, it might be time to go and try out one of these spectacular playgrounds. Embrace your inner child and go and have fun with your family.You will almost definitely find yourself saying ‘Wow!’

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.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Play/Party

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Most cities in the world have 1, maybe 2, 3 or 4 professional sporting teams but…

Melbourne has 20! It’s no wonder we are known as the sporting capital of the world!!! If it can be run, be thrown, kicked, caught, hit, go fast, swim, sail or surf, we will support it and turn out to watch it. Melbourne is sports mad and we love to turn up in our thousands to world class venues such as the mighty “G”, Rod Laver Arena, Etihad Stadium and AAMI Park.

Photo courtesy of Visions of Victoria

Watch

How to get to Melbourne’s Sports Grounds & Arenas: Melbourne Cricket Ground (aka “MCG” aka “The G”) - Yarra Park, Jolimont Approx 15 min walk from Fed Square - Train to Jolimont or Richmond - AFL, Cricket. Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena, Margaret Court Arena - Train to Jolimont or Richmond, or Tram 70 from Flinders St.- Basketball, Netball, Tennis, Cycling. Etihad Stadium - Docklands - Free City Circle Tram or Tram 48, 70 from Elizabeth St or Train to Southern Cross - Cricket, AFL, Soccer. AAMI Park - Train to Jolimont or Richmond - NRL, Soccer. Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre - Aughtie Drive, Albert Park - Collins St (Tram 112 via Spencer St, Claredon St, Stop 131, Albert Rd). - Swimming.

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Watch

•

Football is all about scoring goals; if you don’t shoot, you don’t score. But you must hit the target. Besart Berisha is an expert in scoring goals. Whether he is scoring a 20-yard screamer or slotting one around the Goalkeeper, he knows how to find the back of the net. Try this drill to improve your shooting technique.

- Find a wall and draw a big set of goals on it with chalk. - Add in 3 big circles, in the middle, in the bottom corner, and in the top corner. - 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.

Strike through the ll. middle/top of the ba n Keep your head dow and eyes on the ball. Use the side of your foot for accuracy, r. your laces for powe Practice, Practice, e! Melbourne 2016 PracticLetsGoKids

Watch

2015/16 HOME FIXTURE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

STADIUM

Sunday, December 27, 2015

5:00 pm

Perth Glory

AAMI Park

Friday, January 8, 2016

7:40 pm

Central Coast Mariners

Simonds Stadium (Geelong)

Friday, January 15, 2016

7:40 pm

Brisbane Roar

AAMI Park

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

7:30 pm

Sydney FC

Etihad Stadium

Saturday, February 6, 2016

7:30 pm

Western Sydney Wanderers

Etihad Stadium

Friday, February 19, 2016

7:40 pm

Adelaide United

AAMI Park

Saturday, February 27, 2016

7:30 pm

Sydney FC

AAMI Park

Sunday, March 20, 2016

5:00 pm

Newcastle Jets

AAMI Park

Friday, March 25, 2016

7:40 pm

Western Sydney Wanderers

AAMI Park

Saturday, April 9, 2016

7:30 pm

Brisbane Roar

AAMI Park

Get your tickets at mvfc.com.au/tickets

GET CONNECTED YOUNG OUR $25 VICTORY IS PACKED IP GUNS MEMBERSH NEFITS! BE T EA FULL OF GR

access to 5 home » General admission egory B games at Cat games, including e at Etihad Stadium AAMI Park, any gam onds Stadium and one game at Sim ns website for Gu ng » Access to the You eos, skill cards, exclusive player vid zones and more posters, interactive member lanyard and d » Membership car ay card » Personalised birthd ise cial club merchand offi at nt cou dis » 10% om.au p.c sho ory vict and stores Open Days, open » Invitations to club priority access to and ns sio ses g trainin iday programs hol ool sch ss rcla Maste 2) OR 0 GO MVFC (46 683 TO JOIN, CALL 130 ORYYOUNGGUNS ICT U/V M.A .CO VFC VISIT GOM

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

FACEBOOK.COM/GOMVFC FACEBOOK.COM

MVFC.COM.AU

TWITTER.COM/GOMVFC TWITTER.COM

INSTAGRAM.COM 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/COMMUNITY FOR MORE INFORMATION

Watch

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Watch Darryl George Born: 14 March 1993 Age: 22 Birthplace: Carlton VIC Position: Infielder/pitcher Bats/Throws: R/R Height: 185 cm Weight: 98 kg Catch a professional baseball game with your kids this summer! With the Foot y and Rugby seasons finished, why not explore a new ac tivit y to treat your family with dur ing the summer months? The Jet Cour iers M elbour ne Aces are Vic tor ia’s only professional baseball team playing in the Australian Baseball League, owned by M ajor League Baseball. We offer a var iet y of family-fr iendly ac tivities like FREE face painting for k ids at ever y family Sunday home game. With only 12 games lef t in the 2015-16 season, we hope that you will suppor t your local franchise and come out to watch Australia’s best talent, including players from the New Yor k Yankees, Los Angeles D odgers, Atlanta Braves, K ansas Cit y R oyals, Tampa Bay R ays, M innesota Twins, S an Diego Padres and the S eibu Lions of Japan. We guarantee that it ’ll be an exper ience you’ll never forget!

Darryl George has been a key player for the Melbourne Aces this year. Through five rounds of play, he has one home run and 12 runs batted in. George got a hit in eight games in a row between 7 November and 19 November. This is George’s fifth season with the Aces after beginning his ABL career in 2011. In addition, he was also a member of the Tampa Bay Rays organisation. George played over 200 games in their farm system from 2011-2014, most recently with Single-A Bowling Green.

Melbourne Aces

Visit w w w.melbour neaces.com.au for more infor mation

Melbourne Aces 2015/16 ABL Melbourne Ballpark Fixture Round

Date

Match

8 11 13

10th Dec - 13th Dec 31st Dec - 3rd Jan 14th Jan - 17th Jan

vs. Adelaide Bite vs. Brisbane Bandits vs. Brisbane Bandits

# Expires: 30/11/16

1 free

Voucher

child ticket (u/16) valued at $7 - Valid for any remaining 2015-16 Aces home game

For more information visit www.melbourneaces.com.au

# LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Watch Chris Gayle D.O.B: 21 September, 1976 Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica Height: 1.88 m Weight: 98 Kgs Jnr Club: Lucas Cricket Club Kingston. Role: All-rounder, Opening Batsman Chris Gayle is a former West Indies Test captain & one of only four players to have scored triple centuries at Test level. He holds the record for highest T20 score in the world (175). Chris is the only batsman to have scored a double century at a World Cup and is recognised as one of the world’s biggest hitters with the personality to match. Come see Chris open up the batting with Captain Aaron Finch and his Melbourne Renegades at Etihad Stadium this Big Bash Season. Visit www.melbournerenegades.com.au or call 1300 Renegades for tickets and membership info.

Melbourne Renegades

Aaron Mooy Date of Birth: 15/09/1990 Height: 174cm Weight: 68kg Birthplace: Sydney, Australia A vital component of the Melbourne City FC engine room, Aaron Mooy has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Hyundai A-League, and is the Club’s Australian marquee player. The 25-year-old began his footballing career as a youth scholar at English club Bolton Wanderers, before joining Scottish Premier League club St Mirren. One of three inaugural signings for the Western Sydney Wanderers, Mooy joined Melbourne City FC ahead of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season and had a stellar maiden campaign for John van’t Schip’s side, leading the team in goals and assists on his way to claiming the Club’s Player of the Year award. Mooy’s excellent domestic form has seen him breakthrough at international level, establishing himself as a regular starter in Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign.

Melbourne City FC

Melbourne City FC 2015/16 AAMI Park Fixture

Jordy Reid DOB: 3 October 1991 Height: 183cm Weight: 109kg Birthplace: Sydney Rebels Caps: 23 Super Rugby Caps: 22 With his long dreadlocks Jordy Reid is one of the most recognisable Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union players. Jordy moved down from Sydney to join the Melbourne Rebels in 2013 and has become a big part of the team. He loves getting his hands on the ball and is known by Rebels’ fans for his fearless attack and strong tackling ability. When he’s not on the Rugby field you can find Jordy at the beach where he loves to surf. Jordy’s loving his time at the Melbourne Rebels, training hard, learning new skills from his teammates and developing his Rugby. Come along and support Jordy and the Melbourne Rebels at a Super Rugby game in 2016 at AAMI Park. www.melbournerebels.com

Melbourne Rebels

Date

Match

Time

19 Dec 2 Jan 9 Jan 25 Jan 13 Feb 21 Feb 5 Mar 18 Mar 28 Mar 8 Apr

vs. Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC vs. WS Wanderers vs. Wellington Phoenix vs. Melbourne Victory vs. Central Coast Mariners vs. Sydney FC vs. Brisbane Roar vs. Wellington Phoenix vs. Adelaide United

7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 5:00pm 7:30pm 7:40pm 7:30pm 7:40pm

Melbourne Rebels 2016 AAMI Park Fixture Date

Match

Time

12 Mar 26 Mar 15 Apr 22 Apr 13 May 29 May 2 Jul

vs. Queensland Reds vs. Dunedin Highlanders vs. Wellington Hurricanes vs. Central Cheetahs vs. Canberra Brumbies vs. Western Force vs. Cape Town Stormers

7:40pm 7:40pm 7:40pm 7:40pm 7:40pm 4:05pm 7:40pm

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Watch

THIS SUMMER’S

HOTTEST TICKET AUSSIE BOOMER

US COLLEGE STAR

STEPHEN HOLT

CHRIS GOULDING

REMAINING HISENSE ARENA GAMES vs ADELAIDE vs SYDNEY

SUN DECEMBER 6

WED DECEMBER 16 SUN DECEMBER 27

vs PERTH vs NEW ZEALAND

SUN FEBRUARY 14

3.00pm tip off 7.30pm tip off 7.00pm tip off 3.00pm tip off

BUY NOW TICKETEK.COM.AU

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Watch Melbourne United 2015/16 NBL Fixture

Melbourne Victory FC 2015/16 AAMI Park Fixture Date

Match

Time

19 Dec 27 Dec 15 Jan 13 Feb 19 Feb 27 Feb 20 Mar 25 Mar 9 Apr

vs. Melbourne City vs. Perth Glory vs. Brisbane Roas vs. Melbourne City vs. Adelaide United vs. Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets vs. Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Brisbane Roar

7:30pm 5:00pm 7:40pm 7:30pm 7:40pm 7:30pm 5:00pm 7:40pm 7:30pm

Date

Match

Time

10 Dec 16 Dec 23 Dec 27 Dec 30 Dec 7 Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 29 Jan 4 Feb 12 Feb 14 Feb

vs. Perth Wildcats vs. Sydney Kings vs. Adelaide 36ers vs. Perth Wildcats vs. Sydney Kings vs. Illawarra Hawks vs. Cairns Taipans vs. Cairns Taipans vs. Adelaide 36ers vs. Perth Wildcats vs. Illawarra Hawks vs. New Zealand Breakers vs, New Zealand Breakers

9:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 9:30pm 7:30pm 5:30pm 3:00pm

Photo courtesy of Visions of Victoria

Melbourne Storm 2016 AAMI Park NRL Fixture Date

Match

Time

7 Mar 13 Mar 2 Apr 11 Apr 25 Apr 4 Jun 26 Jun 23 Jul

vs. Illawarra Dragons vs. Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle Knights vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. New Zealand Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers vs. Wests Tigers vs. Sydney Roosters

7:00pm 6:30pm 3:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 4:00pm 7:30pm

Melbourne Stars BBL 2015/16 MCG Fixture

JOIN US IN 2016 melbournevixens.com.au

1300 VIXENS (84 93 67)

Date

Match

Time

20 Dec 2 Jan 6 Jan 14 Jan

vs. Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Renegades vs. Hobart Hurricanes vs. Brisbane Heat

7:25pm 6:10pm 7:40pm 7:40pm

Melbourne Vixens ANZ Championship Home Fixture 2016 Date

Match

Time

16 Apr 1 May 15 May 28 May 12 Jun 19 Jun

vs. Queensland Firebirds vs. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic vs. New South Wales Swifts vs. Adelaide Thunderbirds vs. Northern Mystics vs. West Coast Fever

5:10pm 12:10pm 12:10pm 5:10pm 12:10pm 12:10pm

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

2016 AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON FIXTURE

Watch

Round 6

Round 12

Round 18

Friday, April 29 North Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (ES) Saturday, April 30 Melbourne vs. St Kilda (ES) Adelaide Crows vs. Fremantle (AO) GWS GIANTS vs. Hawthorn (SP) Geelong Cats vs. Gold Coast SUNS (SS) Richmond vs. Port Adelaide (MCG) Sunday, May 1 Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans (G) Carlton vs. Essendon (MCG) West Coast Eagles vs. Collingwood (DS)

Fri, June 10 - Essendon vs. Hawthorn (ES) Saturday, June 11 Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs (AO) Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle (G) Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne (ES) West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows (DS) Sunday, June 12 St Kilda vs. Carlton (ES) Richmond vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MCG) GWS GIANTS vs. Sydney Swans (SP) Monday, June 13 Melbourne vs. Collingwood (MCG)

Friday, July 22 Collingwood vs. North Melbourne (ES) Saturday, July 23 Sydney Swans vs. Carlton (ANZ) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Fremantle (MS) West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne (DS) Geelong Cats vs. Adelaide Crows (SS) Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda (ES) Sunday, July 24 Essendon vs. Brisbane Lions (ES) Hawthorn vs. Richmond (MCG) Port Adelaide vs. GWS GIANTS (AO)

Round 1

Round 7

Round 13

Round 19

Thurs, Mar 24 - Richmond vs. Carlton (MCG) Saturday, March 26 Melbourne vs. GWS GIANTS (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Essendon (MS) Sydney Swans vs. Collingwood (ANZ) North Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows (ES) Sunday, March 27 Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle (ES) Port Adelaide vs. St Kilda (AO) West Coast Eagles vs. Brisbane Lions (DS) Monday, March 28 Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn (MCG)

Friday, May 6 Richmond vs. Hawthorn (MCG) Saturday, May 7 Collingwood vs. Carlton (MCG) Geelong Cats vs. West Coast Eagles (SS) Sydney Swans vs. Essendon (ANZ) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Melbourne (MS) Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows (ES) Fremantle vs. GWS GIANTS (DS) Sunday, May 8 St Kilda vs. North Melbourne (ES) Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions (AO)

Friday, June 17 North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn (ES) Saturday, June 18 Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles (G) Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide (DS) Western Bulldogs vs. Geelong Cats (ES) Sunday, June 19 Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne (SCG) Essendon vs. GWS GIANTS (ES) BYES: Adelaide Crows, Carlton, Collingwood, Gold Coast SUNS, Richmond, St Kilda

Friday, July 29 Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs (SS) Saturday, July 30 GWS GIANTS vs. Richmond (SO) Hawthorn vs. Carlton (AU) Collingwood vs. West Coast Eagles (MCG) North Melbourne vs. St Kilda (ES) Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide (G) Sunday, July 31 Melbourne vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MCG) Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans (DS) Adelaide Crows vs. Essendon (AO)

Round 2

Round 8

Round 14

Round 20

Friday, April 1 Collingwood vs. Richmond (MCG) Saturday, April 2 Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide (AO) Essendon vs. Melbourne (MCG) Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne (G) St Kilda vs. Western Bulldogs (ES) Fremantle vs. Gold Coast SUNS (DS) Sunday, April 3 GWS GIANTS vs. Geelong Cats (SO) Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles (MCG) Carlton vs. Sydney Swans (ES)

Friday, May 13 Adelaide Crows vs. Geelong Cats (AO) Saturday, May 14 Essendon vs. North Melbourne (ES) Hawthorn vs. Fremantle (AU) GWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast SUNS (SP) Richmond vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood (G) Sunday, May 15 Carlton vs. Port Adelaide (ES) Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG) West Coast Eagles vs. St Kilda (DS)

Thursday, June 23 Adelaide Crows vs. North Melbourne (AO) Friday, June 24 Collingwood vs. Fremantle (MCG) Saturday, June 25 Richmond vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) GWS GIANTS vs. Carlton (SP) St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats (ES) Sunday, June 26 Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast SUNS (AU) BYES: Essendon, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans, West Coast, Western Bulldogs

Friday, August 5 Richmond vs. Collingwood (MCG) Saturday, August 6 Sydney Swans vs. Port Adelaide (SCG) Melbourne vs. Hawthorn (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. GWS GIANTS (MS) Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne (ES) Adelaide Crows vs. Brisbane Lions (AO) Sunday, August 7 Carlton vs. St Kilda (MCG) Geelong Cats vs. Essendon (ES) Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles (DS)

Round 3

Round 9

Round 15

Round 21

Friday, April 8 Port Adelaide vs. Essendon (AO) Saturday, April 9 St Kilda vs. Collingwood (MCG) Richmond vs. Adelaide Crows (ES) Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS (SCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Carlton (MS) West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle (DS) Sunday, April 10 North Melbourne vs. Melbourne (BA) Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn (ES) Geelong Cats vs. Brisbane Lions (SS)

Friday, May 20 Hawthorn vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) Saturday, May 21 Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Adelaide Crows (MS) Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles (AO) Fremantle vs. Richmond (DS) North Melbourne vs. Carlton (ES) Sunday, May 22 Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) GWS GIANTS vs. Western Bulldogs (SP) St Kilda vs. Essendon (ES)

Thursday, June 30 West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon (DS) Friday, July 1 Port Adelaide vs. Richmond (AO) Saturday, July 2 Gold Coast SUNS vs. St Kilda (MS) Sydney Swans vs. Western Bulldogs (SCG) Carlton vs. Collingwood (MCG) Sunday, July 3 Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows (MCG) BYES: Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Geelong, GWS GIANTS, Hawthorn, North Melbourne

Friday, August 12 Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (ES) Saturday, August 13 Brisbane Lions vs. Carlton (G) Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne (MCG) GWS GIANTS vs. West Coast Eagles (SP) St Kilda vs. Sydney Swans (ES) Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne (AO) Sunday, August 14 Essendon vs. Gold Coast SUNS (ES) Richmond vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) Fremantle vs. Adelaide Crows (DS)

Round 4

Round 10

Round 16

Round 22

Friday, April 15 West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond (DS) Saturday, April 16 Essendon vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) Hawthorn vs. St Kilda (AU) Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast SUNS (G) Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs (ES) Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans (AO) Sunday, April 17 GWS GIANTS vs. Port Adelaide (SO) Collingwood vs. Melbourne (MCG) North Melbourne vs. Fremantle (ES)

Friday, May 27 Sydney Swans vs. North Melbourne (SCG) Saturday, May 28 Brisbane Lions vs. Hawthorn (G) Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (TP) St Kilda vs. Fremantle (ES) Essendon vs. Richmond (MCG) Adelaide Crows vs. GWS GIANTS (AO) Sunday, May 29 Carlton vs. Geelong Cats (ES) Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG) West Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast SUNS (DS)

Thurs, July 7 -Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (AO) Friday, July 8 Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans (SS) Saturday, July 9 GWS GIANTS vs. Collingwood (SP) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Brisbane Lions (MS) Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond (ES) Melbourne vs. Fremantle (TIO) Sunday, July 10 Carlton vs. Adelaide Crows (MCG) West Coast Eagles vs. North Melbourne (DS) Essendon vs. St Kilda (ES)

Friday, August 19 West Coast Eagles vs. Hawthorn (DS) Saturday, August 20 North Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans (BA) Richmond vs. St Kilda (MCG) GWS GIANTS vs. Fremantle (SP) Collingwood vs. Gold Coast SUNS (ES) Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows (AO) Sunday, August 21 Carlton vs. Melbourne (MCG) Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats (G) Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs (ES)

Round 5

Round 11

Friday, April 22 Friday, June 3 Hawthorn vs. Adelaide Crows (MCG) North Melbourne vs. Richmond (BA) Saturday, April 23 Saturday, June 4 Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles (SCG) Hawthorn vs. Melbourne (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. North Melbourne (MS) Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions (ES) Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions (ES) Geelong Cats vs. GWS GIANTS (SS) Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats (AO) Fremantle vs. Essendon (DS) Sunday, April 24 Gold Coast SUNS vs. Sydney Swans (MS) St Kilda vs. GWS GIANTS (ES) Sunday, June 5 Fremantle vs. Carlton (DS) Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide (MCG) Melbourne vs. Richmond (MCG) Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles (ES) Monday, April 25 LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016 Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda (AO) Collingwood vs. Essendon (MCG)

Round 17

Round 23

Thursday, July 14 Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn (SCG) Friday, July 15 Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats (DS) Saturday, July 16 Richmond vs. Essendon (MCG) North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (ES) Western Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast SUNS (CS) Adelaide Crows vs. Collingwood (AO) Sunday, July 17 Carlton vs. West Coast Eagles (MCG) St Kilda vs. Melbourne (ES) Brisbane Lions vs. GWS GIANTS (G)

Friday, August 26 Sunday, August 28 Hawthorn vs. Collingwood (MCG) Adelaide Crows vs. West Coast Eagles (AO) Essendon vs. Carlton (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Port Adelaide (MS) Sydney Swans vs. Richmond (SCG) St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions (ES) North Melbourne vs. GWS GIANTS (ES) Geelong Cats vs. Melbourne (SS) Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs (DS)

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, Melbourne 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 Daniel McEvoy 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 Daniel at letsgokidsgraphics@gmail.com Special Thanks / Contributors Visions of Victoria Photo Library, Cassie Wilson, Nagalakshmi Thyagarajan, Michelle Gomez, Daniel McEvoy & Cooper J. Wilson.

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

Travel Times between major towns in Victoria:

LetsGoKids Melbourne 2016

Public Transport myki â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new ticketing system for travel on all public transport. It is a durable plastic card -similar in size to 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.

Getting around the suburbs

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

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

Also new to Melbourne is the Free Tram Zone - 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 Free Tram Zone - make sure you touch on when you board to ensure you have a valid ticket.