The Family Getaways Blog

Jul 12, All Victoria National Parks Free Entry

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:44:28 GMT

Entry to all of Victoria's national and metropolitan parks is now free! Parks that are now free to explore include... Wilsons Promontory Point Nepean Mount Buffalo Baw Baw Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Ranges national parks Werribee Park Coolart Wetlands and Homestead William Ricketts Sanctuary National Rhododendron Gardens There are over 4 million hectares of parks in Victoria. From the magnificent gardens of the Dandenong Ranges to the rugged landscape of Mount Buffalo National Park There is plenty to do and see and not too far to drive. Pack a picnic, toss the kids in the car and come explore one of Victorias beautiful parks.

Jul 11, Luxury Hotels Australia | Melbourne Australia Hotels

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 09:04:04 GMT

Staying at the best Luxury Hotels Australia has right here in Melbourne rewards you with a top quality pampered Melbourne Accommodation experience, one you will never forget.

Jun 30, Fireworks In July At Melbourne Docklands

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:46:16 GMT

Fireworks amaze us, young and old alike. But imagine watching them on the waterfront at Melbourne's Docklands with your best mates, your loved one or your awe-struck kids. Winter or not, I know where I'm off to one of these July nights. All rugged up, warm gloves and scarf, I'm heading on down to the Docklands!

Every Friday night in July, Docklands will play host to some brilliant fireworks. With musical accompaniment, plus additional lighting displays along NewQuay and Waterfront City. These fireworks could be anawesome start or end to a city adventure or exciting family getaway. Where Docklands, NewQuay and Waterfront City 401 Docklands Drive Docklands 3008 When Every Friday night in July 02/07/2010 to 30/07/2010 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

This is a free event

Check out more Things to do in Melbourne

Jun 30, Kilsyth Centenary Pool Party

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:39:08 GMT

Fun and Games at Kilsyth Centenary Pool during the School Holidays

There will be music down on the pool deck, the GIANT inflatable and lots of games and prizes. When Friday 9th July The last Friday of school holidays. Time 4-6pm

Open House! Everyone is welcome!

Jun 30, The Sebel Hotel Melbourne | Melbourne Australia Hotels

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:52:12 GMT

The luxury Sebel Hotel Melbourne, a magnificently restored 19th Century landmark is situated in the heart of Melbourne, Australia providing top quality service, elegant dining and luxury accommodation

Jun 29, Masterchef Classes At The Sofitel Melbourne

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:15:24 GMT

The Sofitel has its own purpose built training Kitchens. At Academy Sofitel you will enjoy 5 hours of intense guidance and personalized tuition by one of Melbourne's Master Chefs Graduate with a Certificate of Achievement and Sofitel Souvenirs Wine and dine on your own superbly personally prepared and presented 3 course meal...what fun!

Jun 29, The Sofitel Melbourne | Melbourne Australia Hotels

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:00:19 GMT

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Street, one of the Best Luxury Hotels Melbourne, Australia offers, provides travellers with a luxurious pampering experience and gilt edge, top Melbourne Accommodation

Jun 23, Cheap Hotels Melbourne | The BizMotel

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:29:04 GMT

The BizMotel, a top example of the Cheap Hotels Melbourne, Australia has to offer the budget conscious traveler

Jun 21, Cheap Hotels Melbourne | City Limits Hotel

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:09:25 GMT

The City Limits Hotel is one of the cheap hotels Melbourne has to offer the budget conscious traveler for a top Melbourne Accomodation serviced apartment experience that does not compromise on quality

Jun 21, Restaurants In Melbourne | Melbourne City Restaurants

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:06:43 GMT

Restaurants in Melbourne, Australia offer an amazing array of best cuisines whether it be for a quick snack, casual meal or an entire dining experience, Melbourne Dining is the best.

Jun 20, Docklands-Melbourne restaurants

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:33:06 GMT

Take a leisurely stroll down to the Docklands on the weekend or perhaps hop onto the free City Circle Tram and ride around to this exciting precinct.

Each Sunday from 20 June to 29 August between 2pm and 6pm 20 Docklands restaurants offer a tasting plate or small meal, plus a glass of wine or beer for just $15. Slow Sundays combine the pleasures of quality waterfront dining with affordable and creative menu options. Restaurants within four Docklands precincts have put together some very special deals for those who like to stretch out their Sundays (and their budgets) nice and slow. Let the afternoon drift away at Docklands with a meal and drink for just $15. At Melbournes waterfront precinct youll discover a world of fine food and wine, served with gorgeous views. Docklands exciting precinct, great food, great wine and great shopping right here in Melbourne! Enjoy! Family Getaways Melbourne, Australia

Jun 17, Melbourne Restaurants | Little Bourke Street

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:44:32 GMT

Discover the many yummy delights of Melbourne Restaurants in Little Bourke Street the Home of Chinatown; restaurants to tantalize the taste buds right in the heart of the Melbourne CBD

Jun 17, Cheap Hotels Melbourne | All Seasons Kingsgate

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:22:26 GMT

The All Seasons Kingsgate Hotel is one of the cheap hotels, Melbourne CBD has to offer the budget conscious traveler, close to all City attractions and convenient public transport

Jun 9, The Grand Hyatt Melbourne | Luxury Hotels Melbourne

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:14:30 GMT

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne Hotel in the heart of the city is one of the top Luxury Hotels Melbourne has to offer for a truly unforgettable and luxurious experience.

Jun 9, Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne | Luxury Hotels Melbourne

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:24:13 GMT

Staying at the magnificient Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne, a luxury hotels Melbourne accomodation experience, will be something you will never forget.

Jun 9, Cheap Hotels Melbourne | Ibis Melbourne Little Bourke Street

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:21:57 GMT

The Ibis Melbourne Little Bourke Street is an excellent example of the City's Cheap Hotels. Melbourne provides a top budget value experience without compromising customer service

Jun 9, Hotel Ibis Melbourne | Melbourne Australia Hotels

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:55:01 GMT

The Hotel Ibis Melbourne is situated in the northern section of the City just a short stroll from the central Melbourne shopping district and Melbourne entertainment area

Jun 4, The Victoria Hotel Melbourne | Melbourne Australia Hotels

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:51:04 GMT

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne in Australia is an example of top historic accommodation found in the heart of the CBD, close to the attractions of Melbourne, public transport and top Melbourne dining

Jun 2, Celebrate World Environment Day

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:44:28 GMT

The best way to appreciate your natural environment is to experience it first-hand.
On World Environment Day, pop down to Royal Park for an afternoon of free activities. Experience a bush tucker trail, meet a bandicoot, make creeky creatures, plant indigenous plants and grasses and enjoy a free multicultural afternoon tea plus much more. Location Royal Park Royal Park Flemington Road Parkville VIC 3052 Corner Macarthur Road and The Avenue, Melway 2B B2 Contact details Tel.:03 9658 9658 www.melbourne.vic.gov.au Date & times 06/06/2010 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM How to get there Trams and buses: Metlink Price This is a FREE event

May 29, Waltzing Matilda Song | Australian Legends

Sat, 29 May 2010 06:53:20 GMT

The Waltzing Matilda Song has become part of Australin Folklore and one of the Australian Myths shaping the Australian Identity

May 28, Legends and Myths | Australia

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:31:16 GMT

These Legends and Myths of Australia have been handed down through the Telling of Australian Stories by Aboriginal Communities and White Settlers.

May 27, Things to Do In Melbourne | Melbourne Australia

Thu, 27 May 2010 01:11:35 GMT

Explore this selection of the many exciting Things To Do In Melbourne that will create Memorable Getaway Experiences for you and your entire Family

May 23, Cable Beach, Broome

Sun, 23 May 2010 04:12:05 GMT

I have been to Broome on a few different trips and it was lovely - bright blue waters, red rock formations and the endless, sandy Cable Beach. You'd

May 21, Historic Sights | Melbourne History

Fri, 21 May 2010 03:15:00 GMT

Visiting and exploring the Top Historic Sights of Melbourne Australia is a great hands on way of learning How this city was shaped. Here are some top Melbourne places to visit

May 20, History Of Melbourne Shopping

Thu, 20 May 2010 02:07:46 GMT

11 December 2009 31 October 2010 Open 10am5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays) in the Keith Murdoch Gallery

Location 328 Swanston Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia This free exhibition celebrates Melbourne's passion for shopping, from the Paris end of Collins Street to the local corner store. It explores Melbourne's social history through changes in our shopping habits from early settlement and the Melbourne of the 1880s to today. The exhibition celebrates how and why Melbournians love to shop, with a special focus on fashion, food and the home. It reveals the indulgent side of shopping the exclusive stores, luxury goods and seductive advertisements that feed our addiction to pleasure and style. It also acknowledges the downsides of shopping: crime, consumerism and pollution. For a great shopping experience visit... Southbank

May 19, Melbourne Museums | Australian Museum

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:48:58 GMT

Melbourne Museums are scattered in and around the central CBD District and are the best places to educate ourselves and our children, come explore the History of Melbourne Australia

May 19, Evolution

Wed, 19 May 2010 03:52:52 GMT

Evolution Explosion! Safari Team fast track a hyper-un-real human evolution. This is a projected outlook for the next phase, jamming together science and imagination, fact and fiction. Across a series of projection screens in Birrarung Marr, a number of likely and unlikely scenarios for the future of the species play out nightly. Evolution celebrates life on earth and how the human brain, together with natural selection, will influence the future. Video, collage, animation, performance, drawing and love all jostle for airtime. This multi-screen futuristic experiment is open after dark, for everyone.
Location ArtPlay Birrarung Marr Batman Avenue Melbourne VIC 3000 Contact details Tel.:0403129999 Date & times 13/05/2010 to 31/05/2010 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM Five Screen Video Projection from dusk till dawn 13-31 May in front of ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. Birrarung Marr is situated at Federation Square, Melbourne Australia Federation Square

May 18, Melbourne attractions | Things To Do In Melbourne

Tue, 18 May 2010 02:56:33 GMT

Melbourne Attractions in the heart of the city of Melbourne Australia, offer the best range of exciting things to do for a fun family getaway

May 17, Melbourne's Immigration History Exhibitions

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:38:54 GMT

The Home of Australia Immigration History is housed in one of Melbourne's finest 19th Century Buildings, The Customs House.

NOW SHOWING Callaloo: the Caribbean Mix in Victoria An exhibition about Victoria's Caribbean community. Talking Faiths An exhibition of interfaith dialogue. Australia's Muslim Cameleers Explore the remarkable impact of Australia's Muslim Cameleers in transforming central Australia. Visit The Melbourne Immigration Museum for more information.

May 13, Autumn In The Dandenong Mountains

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:12:37 GMT

From a distance the Dandenong Mountains take on a silvery blue hue. This is thought to be because of the oils that are evaporating off the eucalyptus leaves, the Gumtrees that grow densely throughout the Mountain Range. Hence the endearing term "The Blue Hills" Together with these beautiful eucalyptus trees you will find the amazing colours of Autumn. This is a favorite place to visit during this time, deavonshire tea with fresh scones, jam and cream and a pot of hot sweet smelling tea...yummy

Fresh mountain air, glorious colours and lots of great picnic areas to explore. Visit some fascinating Australian history and build some great family memories. The Dandenong Mountains will definitely become one of your favourite Family Getaways just as they have became one of mine....Just a reminder Don't forget the camera. Visit The Dandenong Mountains for more information

May 5, Edgars Mission at Federation Square

Wed, 05 May 2010 06:18:20 GMT

9th May Mother's Day celebrations at Federation Square in the Melbourne CBD. Help us spread the word about the not-so-lucky mothers... Pam Ahern will be there to answer all your questions and discuss animal cruelty issues. Meet some of the wonderful characters from Edgar's Mission and really learn what this amazing place is all about To learn more about Edgar's Mission in the meantime and the wonderful legacy that Edgar the Pig has handed down please visit this amazing farm animal Rescue Shelter

May 5, Mothers Day in The Dandenongs

Wed, 05 May 2010 03:07:57 GMT

Why not take your Mum up into The Dandenongs for Mother's Day. Choose to enjoy a delicious selection from the menu at Grants on Sherbrook formally known as The Sherbrook Tearooms. The Licensed Bistro has been extensively renovated and you can now dine either inside or al-freso on the expansive outdoor deck and watch the Australian Native Birds.

Feed the Australian Native Birds at Grants Picnic Ground in the Dandenong Mountains. Your Mother will love the experience.

May 3, The Titanic Artefact Exhibition

Mon, 03 May 2010 09:49:34 GMT

Over 1500 lives were lost on that fateful day, April 15th, 1912, when The Titanic sank. Click the arrow on the video below for an introduction to The Titanic

The Tragedy of the Titanic is now showcased here in Melbourne at the World Famous Melbourne Museum with more than 280 artifacts retrieved from Titanics debris field. Where Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria. When 14th May until 17th October 2010. Open Daily from 10:00am 5:00pm Session Times: Every 15 minutes from 10am with the last entry at 4pm Open on Thursday nights until 9:00pm Session Times: Every 15 minutes from 10am with the last entry at 8pm Exhibition Entry Charges Includes entry into Titanic Exhibition and Melbourne Museum Adult: $24.00----Child:$16.00----Concession:$18.00 Family (2 adults 2 Children): $66.00 Visit The Melbourne Museum

Apr 30, Westerfolds Park Dreamtime Meditation

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:44:00 GMT

A last minute short break and an experience never to be forgotten...Westerfolds Park, Mia Mia Gallery and a Didgeridoo. We arrived just in time to hear the Dreamtime Story of the Emu and witness the playing of the didgeridoo, a musical instrument Australian Aborigines make from a long wooden tube that is blown into to create a low drone.

Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie and the Poppit

Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie invited spectators to lie on the ground to experience an Aboriginal Dreamtime Meditation.

Apr 28, Dutch Orange Day

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:30:33 GMT

Celebrate Dutch Orange Day, the event in Melbourne celebrating Queen Beatrix's Birthday. This year's theme is 'Soccer'. Bring you soccer ball, or come dressed in your favourite soccer teams colours.

Enjoy Dutch food poffertjes, hroketten, loemplias and oliebollen and drink a glass of Holland's best beer. Dress in any fashion as long as it is Orange, the Dutch national colour, or your favourite soccer teams colours. Meet the players from the new Melbourne Hearts soccer team, enjoy live music, play with Mister Whiskers and his dog Smiggy, have your face painted, watch and learn how to Dutch folk dance, marvel at a clog making demonstration and so much more. Location Queensbridge Square At Queensbridge Street Melbourne 3000 Contact details Tel.:9620 2701 dutchorangeday@hotmail.com www.dutchorangeday.com Date & times 02/05/2010 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Free family fun event And while you are there check out The Federation Square

Apr 28, Celebrate Mothers Day With Captain Cooks Cottage

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:01:55 GMT

Captain Cooks Cottage is a quaint little 18th Century brick building.

Here we are presented with a real sense of how people, including the Cooks lived in England during that time. For SuperNan's review of this quaint Heritage Building right in the heart of the Melbourne CBD visit...

Captain Cook's Cottage

Apr 27, The Shrine of Remembrance

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:30:42 GMT

The Shrine of Remembrance, one of the largest Memorials in Australia and situated on the outskirts of the Melbourne CBD, was built as a Memorial to All who have served in War and also commemorates Service in all Armed Conflicts and Peacekeeping Operations.

Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance

Apr 24, The Australian Garden-Eucalypt Festival

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:57:48 GMT

Celebrate the beauty of Australias most iconic tree, the Eucalypt, in the award-winning Australian Garden during Autumn.
Participate in a variety of Eucalypt-themed fun family activities including guided walks, music, art activities, games, face painting and fabulous food! When 27 March to 9 May 9am - 5pm Where Australian Garden Royal Botanic Gardens-Cranbourne The following entry fees apply for the Australian Garden Adults: $9.80 AUD Concession: $8.35 AUD Children under 16 free. Bookings/enquiries Tel: (03) 5990 2245 for more information.

Apr 24, What's On at ACMI

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:18:09 GMT

Oscar winning director and writer Adam Elliot in collaboration with ACMI, has developed a unique exhibition from the plasticine world of Mary and Max (2009), the chronicle of an unlikely pen-pal friendship between lonely eight-year-old Mary Daisy Dinkle and Max Jerry Horowitz, who has Asperger Syndrome and loves chocolate hot dogs.
Cast Well know personalities add their unique talents to this amazing and entertaining little cartoon story. * Toni Collette as Mary Daisy Dinkle * Philip Seymour Hoffman as Max Jerry Horowitz * Eric Bana as Damian Popodopoulos * Barry Humphries as the Narrator * Bethany Whitmore as Young Mary * Renee Geyer as Vera * Ian "Molly" Meldrum as Homeless Man When Tuesday 2 March - Sunday 6 June 2010 Open daily 10am - 6pm* Free exhibition > Gallery 2 *except ANZAC Day (April 25) open 1pm-6pm And if you are looking to stay in Melbourne just click this link Melbourne Accommodation

Apr 23, Cheap Family Fun

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:00:21 GMT

Head on out to the Dandenong Ranges this long weekend. Pack a Picnic Basket, a rug and the camera and just go. Sit in one of the beautiful parks and make sure that you are in viewing distance of the world famous Heritage Puffing Billy

Click for more information about this amazing famous, heritage listed little steamtrain.

Apr 23, Heritage Puffing Billy Railway

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:12:06 GMT

Ride the Puffing Billy Railway through the Dandenong Ranges and experience a unique and memorable fun filled Family Getaway on the famous little Heritage Steam Train

Apr 22, The Enchanted Maze Garden

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:05:51 GMT

2010 Annual Maize Maze This year is a CARNIVAL design. Everyone from kids to kids-at-heart are invited to discover the amazing Maize Maze the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere in The Enchanted Maze Garden. Navigate the twists, turns, false trails and dead-ends of this larger-than-life puzzle, carved from more than 100,000 stalks of corn over 2.5 acres. GET LOST IN THE MAIZE MAZE This years carnival theme will reveal a maze of roller coasters, ferris wheels, a big top and balloons, created using state-of-the-art GPS technology and surgeon-like precision with secateurs. The three formal Mazes include the traditional hedge maze, an ancient turf labyrinth and circular roomed maze for children. These European-styled landscapes are contrast against the rustic Australian atmosphere of the native Sculpture Park.
Enchanted Maze Garden, Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula (Melways Ref 159 E12). My Maps Open Daily 10am 6pm (Last entry 4.30pm). Prices are; Adults $16.50; Children (3-15) $9.50; Family Pass (2x2) $45 **Entry includes Maize Maze and all other mazes and gardens** Love Mazes? Then check out the Maze Gardens for more information.

Apr 22, A Family Getaway at Lardner Park Market

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:42:47 GMT

On this long weekend travel out into the fresh country air to the Lardner Park Market. It is set on 200 ha of some of Victorias best farming land, halfway between Drouin and Warragul. The markets are only held three times a year, so people flock there for the local produce and organically grown foods, home-made preserves and sauces, art and craft, household goods, food and all the good things you expect to find at a large market. Burnt Store Rd, Drouin/Warragul Google Map reference: My Maps

Plenty of childrens products and toys, ladies fashion and accessories, arts, innovative crafts, home decor and giftware. Plants, flowers, hand crafted cards and designer jewellery plus so much more. For the kids, an animal petting farm and art painting centre. Lardner Park charge $3 for parking. Entry to the market is free. Dogs are strictly prohibited. When Sunday April 25th 9am to 2pm Click here for more great Family Getaways this long weekend.

Apr 21, Melbourne | Melbourne Australia

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:09:47 GMT

Melbourne, Australia is the best place for a memorable family getaway full of stacks of free things to do, Great Melbourne Attractions and also offering exciting Day Trips and Vacation Destinations

Apr 21, Edgar Alan Pig-His Work Is Done

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:41:49 GMT

I met Edgar 2 years ago up at Pam's Farm Animal Sanctuary just outside of Kilmore. And I fell in love. Not only with this amazingly humongeous animal but with all his farm animal friends as well. This was really the very first time I had been introduced to the plight of a lot of our less fortunate non-Human friends. Today I received what must have been a heartbreaking announcement that this amazing ambassador had finished his job on earth. As Pam so sadly informed us that... "Yesterday Edgar Alan Pig found his way to his second home, having graced mine for the last seven years" Pam's sad announcement
To fully understand just what Edgar Alan's legacy is all about follow this link below.

Edgar's Mission

Apr 21, Edgar's Mission

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:16:45 GMT

It was a great day 2 years ago when The Poppit and I met the amazing and humongous Edgar Alan Pig for the very first time. The Farm Animal Sanctuary run

Apr 20, Dog Show at Federation Square

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:36:59 GMT

Come along one and all to a dog show at Fed Square on Monday 26-April, 2010. Your Host is Dogs Victoria This free, family event will take you behind the scenes of the judging process with agility tests, obedience trials and the all important...

"Best in Show"

Twenty-five dogs are set to compete, with the judge providing a running commentary on what they're looking for. Come down and vote for your favourite! Event details: Date: Monday 26-Apr-10 Time: 12.00pm - 3.00pm Location: Amphitheatre This is a Free Family Event- Don't miss it Click here for more information on Federation Square

Apr 19, A Perfect Family Playground

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:27:47 GMT

The beaches of Port Phillip Bay can be calm and peaceful or dramatic and wild For quite some years I have swum, played and beachcombed the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay. Now that all the crowds have gone take the opportunity to explore this amazing region of southern Victoria.

Apr 18, An Anzac Day Tradition

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 10:45:08 GMT

The Anzac Day Commemoration March continues still to this day when returned servicemen and women from WW2 and subsequent conflicts assemble in the City of Melbourne and march to The Shrine of Remembrance in tribute to their comrades. That day this year in 2010 is Anzac Day - April 25. One day in the year has involved the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride. This is the Melbourne Shrine of Rememberance where the March culminates in a moving dawn ceremony to commemorate these brave men and women we owe our freedom to.

Date & times 25/04/2010 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM How to get there Trams and buses: Metlink

Lest We Forget

Apr 16, The Eastcoast of Port Phillip Bay

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:54:25 GMT

This is one of my favorite places to play. Swim, beachcombe, wander the sandy shorelines, picnic on the foreshore or just go for a pleasant drive, the Port Phillip Bay Eastcoast is a must to experience