Saturday was looking like it was going to be stressful! Poppy’s team lost their netball game, Monty was in a foul mood and trying his best to ruin everyones day, and I was thinking we had probably chosen completely the wrong weekend to go on an adventure. Turns out no body wants to go “ANYWHERE”.

We were in the car, on our way to Heatherton and no one was talking to each other! The kids didn’t know where we were going, I’d kept it a secret, however I was ready to have my own little tantrum and leave them strapped into the car to go ‘buggying’ by myself.

We pulled into the car park, and in front of us was Wild Buggy, Melbourne’s driving adventure park, and it’s terrific track. There were hills, obstacles, huge splashy puddles, logs, stairs… The children gawped out of the window, eyes like two little owls; a buggy went flying past, and in chorus they said “I’m so sorry mum, can we go? Can we go?” It took all my might to stop myself telling them to stick it and make them sit there and watch Tim and I rocket through the course…

Once we were in, the kids had their safety briefing, both listening intently I may add; I filled out the forms, they were hair netted up, helmets on and eager to get into the bright blue buggys!! I was secretly wishing I was having a go too!

Each of the kids had an instructor sat next to them, guiding them round the course, and helpfully tapping the brake to stop them careering off into the grass. Thank goodness!!

The track has been upgraded recently, and looks amazing! There are tight twists and turns, a sheer faced wall, and plenty of lumps and bumps to get through. However, with the awesome instruction the children were able to get around it easily, pick up some speed and get airborne too. Can you imagine their faces?!

Monty is only 5 and Poppy 8, and they nailed it. I thought they may struggle to control the vehicle, or not be able to reach the pedals, but it was all good. The seats were adjustable, the seat belts held them tight, and they were soon dashing past us, over the rocks, up and down the stairs, and splashing through the puddles, madly cheering as they went.

Once they had run out of time, Tim and I got a treat and hopped in to have a test run! Now I really got to see what all the screaming is about. I am blatantly the better driver out of the both of us, so I took it steady to start with, just to get an idea of what I needed to do! My instructor Veronica guided me through, yelling “foot down, foot down” just at the right time, so as I could make the most of the track. Tim just smashed it in true ‘boy’ fashion! I didn’t tell him he was good of course!

Driving through this kind of terrain, through the water, and along the wall, is not something you get to do every day, and it’s not usually something that small kids get to try at all. Wild Buggy really is a fab experience for all ages and abilities, and I promise, you will be at “Gold Parent” status, for at least a few hours afterwards!!

Stars of the day: Aaron, Indrek, Rauno & Veronica!!

★★★★★ “The best thing I have ever done” Poppy- Head of The Fun & Games Department, Wilsons of Oz

★★★★★ “Can we go again, again and again a bazillion times?” Monty – Director of Entertainment, Wilsons of Oz 

All the information you need!!

Location: 433-453 Boundary Road, Heatherton, 3202, VIC

Tel: 1300 945 328

You can go on your own, as a group, or even have a birthday party at Wild Buggy!

Click here for pricing  details.

Say “YES” to new adventures 

Winter in Australia is the time of year when I get all miserable and terribly homesick! I’m pretty sure it’s because the weather isn’t as glorious as it is the rest of the year, and the leaves dropping from the trees transports me momentarily to the English countryside.

Winter 2017 down under is well and truly on it’s way. We have just over a week until it officially hits, but I’m already wearing fluffy bed socks and trackies to bed and the electric blanket is getting wayyyyy more use than the sexy undies…(I know, I know, Mr W is a lucky man!)

This winter in Melbourne we have so many wonderful things to celebrate, and get out into the cold for. The main attraction for The Wilson’s being The Big Freeze Festival. It’s a great way to experience the snow without actually forking out on a skiing trip!

The school holidays for me are always a mix of trying to keep the brats occupied, finding well priced entertainment, and juggling all sorts of different epic adventures to out wit other mothers. Lucky for me, and for Melbourne, The Big Freeze Winter Festival is returning! *I’m fist pumping and almost perfecting a twerk!

 

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 All the info you need if you are joining us on this snow filled, icy, adventure:

This year the festival will be divided into two areas –

The Winter Precinct (ticketed)

This section will include snow play, snowball toss, snowfall forest, winter village, snow globe photo booth, polar bear slide, kids’ active challenge, circus skills workshop, construction play, art’n’craft activities and the brand new snow slides which will be two different heights to allow more children to enjoy the thrill of the ride.

The Community Precinct

This section will be free for the general public and will be hosting daily stage shows, an activity zone with Phillip Island Nature Parks, sports with Milo, food vendors and more.

Tickets are on sale NOW!!!!!

Great discounts apply for larger bookings, so organise your mother’s group or school friends to all attend together and enjoy the savings.

If you would like to win a family pass to The Big Freeze Festival follow us on Instagram! The competition will be running from the 1st June!  

We are like a snowflake, all different in our own beautiful way- unknown

We get asked lots of questions about our decision to move to Australia. Why did we move all this way? Had we been here before? Did we know anyone when we came? Do we have family here? The truth is we’d never visited, and we didn’t know a soul! There’s only one real reason we chose Australia as our ultimate destination, and I’m pretty sure we’re not the only ones to have done this!

It all came down to a good few years of wintery nights, snuggled under a blanket on the sofa, chomping on Quality Street, listening to the rain outside; watching Australian Masterchef! Yup, it’s true, we chose to move to Australia because we were reeled in by Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan. They pretty much personally invited us! From that fateful day when Julie Goodwin walked away with the title we were ready to up sticks and move to Oz!

Tim and I sat and watched series after series, we’d store them up and have Masterchef marathons, almost wishing we could hop into the TV for a taste of that life they were all living. We longed for a supermarket like Coles, with it’s abundance of shiny, almost pretend looking fruit and veg, and immaculate stores. We wanted fish markets with people practically throwing oysters at us. We wanted markets like South Melbourne and stunning wineries where we could sit and relax after a day in the office; because that’s what Aussies do!! We wanted the beaches, the weather, the coffee shops, the restaurants, the food, the wine, the house, the glam friends, and the neckerchief… All that, and I was desperate to meet Maggie Beer. (Still hasn’t happened by the way!) Tim managed to get to series 6 before giving in and job searching in the Southern Hemisphere.

We can’t be the only ones?

There must be other people who have chosen their ultimate destination after being lured by a tv show? Surely we’re not the only family to have upped sticks and flown across the world because Channel 10 forced us to. There must be others who have been tempted somewhere by the ‘Masterchef lifestyle’?  For us Masterchef was like a high end immigration advert for Australia; to be honest they should jolly well stop showing it in the UK if they don’t want mass migration!

When Dallas was first aired in 1978 I wonder if people were madly hopping into their beaten up old Robin Reliant’s and heading to the travel agent in search of a bit of JR Ewing’s lifestyle. The Stetson’s, the shoulder pads, and the hairspray! What about Eldorado on TV in the UK  in the 90’s? Come on!!! I bet people flocked to the Costa Del Sol in search of Los Barcos in the hope of a new expat life, of tanning, twin sets and sundowners.

Sat on our sofa in Somerset, we were sure that the ‘Masterchef life’ was real; it was everyday Australia, and we wanted in on the action?

Well, it turns out Coles isn’t as shiny as it looks on the telly; and I can NEVER find what I want! Matt Preston isn’t readily available to hang out with me on a Saturday foodie session in town as I had so hoped he would be, and no one has whisked me off for a behind the scenes tour of the Cobram Estate Grove because my dinner last night was incredible and my plating was spectacular! Unfair right!!!!

I haven’t managed to fly in a hot air balloon over the Yarra Valley yet, or take my stove down to the Melbourne Rowing Club and cook a roast dinner in the blazing heat! But, (and it’s a big but….) 2 years into leaving our loved ones, we can see that the ‘Masterchef life’ that we were yearning for is here, it’s what we’re living, right now; only there’s no out of the blue appearances from Nigella!! (More’s the pity.)

We shop at beautiful markets, we have wonderful seafood at our fingertips, great restaurants, coffee shops to die for, and wineries dotted all around us. We can go on foodie tours, hot air balloon rides, visit distilleries, and even go to The Press Club and be cooked for by George after all..

Whether it’s crazy or not, we got hooked, almost like someone somewhere was putting Adriano Zumbo in front of us, week in week out, just pushing us toward this sweet life we are embracing!  I have no doubt that falling in love with a TV show is a great way to find your perfect destination.

So put your custard creams down, pause the telly, jump onto google and start investigating. You never know how far the next series will take you!

As soon as you start to follow your dreams, the sun shines brighter, the flowers smell sweeter and everything has more meaning – Olivia xxx

Our final full day in Tasmania, and the clouds were looking threatening to say the least. We were up early, the kids were outside in the cold, chasing bunnies and watching the kangaroos hopping about in the mist! The Central Plateau is breathtakingly beautiful.

We headed to Deloraine. It was cold, really foggy and we were dressed like a bunch of city kids who’d been magically transported to ‘huntin’, shootin’ fishin’ country! Whoops!! We were in for a wet day too, so our highly impractical runners and Poppy’s brand new shoes from Seed were not going to cut it.

The fog was so thick that we didn’t get to see much of what we were driving past, but we did manage to get a good view of lots of sweet little houses hidden in between the trees, smoke billowing out of the chimneys, and piles of logs out front. It almost makes me want to sell everything and move to rural Tasmania. It looks like a peaceful existence; maybe when, I mean, if the kids leave home!

The dirt track finally turned into road after about 45 minutes, and as per usual the kids were “STAAAAAARVING” so we were straight into the Deloraine Town Cafe Bakery for a huge hot chocolate after what seemed like quite an adventurous journey through the elements! Once we’d warmed up, trashed the cafe, and just about destroyed the tourist information, we were set with fists full of leaflets, and ready to get going!!

First stop, The Melita Honey Farm . Turns out the honey farm is a very small shop, full to the brim with all things honey. Out the back of the shop they have a cute little room with all sorts of information about honey bees, where the children can see the bees in their hive, and learn all there is to know about the little buzzy creatures. Unfortunately we learnt diddly squat about honey bees as we were too busy digging in to the tasters, covering our last set of clean clothes in stickyness, and ‘tantruming’ about not being allowed an ice cream.  I swore under my breath, purchased a pricey ice cream and headed for the Mole Creek Caves, praying I could leave them behind in a sort of Stalactite dungeon.

We were warned that the caves keep a steady temperature of 9 degrees, so we needed to wrap up warm! Monty did a great job, he had so much honey on his clothes he had managed to create another layer by picking up all sort of bits of fluff, leaves, crumbs, and food wrappers! Comfortable walking shoes were another good idea… Um!!!

We chose to visit the Marakoopa Cave. We were desperate to see the famous Glow Worms. I was pretty excited.  That was until we were entering the cave and I realised just how slight the paths are, and how low we had to duck to get in. Palpitations were starting, then Poppy needed reassuring.. I took a deep breath and thought about it rationally. If it floods (because ALL CAVES FLOOD) we’re all gonna die so there’s no point freaking out too much! “We’ll be fine darling, come on!”

It was incredible. Rebecca our guide was brill! She explained everything in so much detail. It was hard to believe coral grew here 450 million years ago when Tasmania was tropical. Rebecca even managed to get us a good look at the Tasmanian Cave Spider, which the kids were thrilled about! I spent the rest of the tour convinced it was on my back.

We were dazzled by sparkling crystals, reflection pools, stalactites and stalagmites. The darkness was intense. The magnificent cavern known as the ‘Great Cathedral’ is jaw dropping and a must see. When Rebecca turned out the lights for us to adjust our eyes and really see the glow worms, we were amazed. It was as if we were looking at a beautiful clear starry night. The roof of the cave was covered in teeny little glowing creatures. Truly spectacular.

If you’re going to the caves, be sure to allow yourself an extra 15 minutes to enjoy the enchanting Fern Glade Walk from the ticket office parking area to the cave entrance. You will not be sorry! It’s a spectacular walk, even with slippery boots on, and a child who insists on skipping on the edge of the river bank.

Once we’d made it back to the car, and got ourselves some snacks for a picnic in our cabin, (we weren’t risking the bar again), we headed back, along the dirt track to the Great Lake. What was a pretty blind journey in the fog this morning, was now a sensational trip through the sublime wilderness. The views across the plateau, the little bridges over bubbling streams, the wildlife, the space, each little lake with a fisherman waiting for a catch. All this had been hidden, we had no idea just how superb the surroundings were, until now. The fog had lifted and we were amazed.

The little huts we passed this morning were now alive with people getting ready for the darkness to set in, and we were peering out of the windows at them, just like the locals peering at us when we arrived. What I’d give for a few days in one of those little fishing huts!!

Last night in the cabin, and a feast of Tasmanian delights we had hunter gathered on our journey. We had cheese, local sausage, wine, fresh bread, strawberries, pate, and perfectly squishy avocados. That was all to accompany the huge bag of popcorn that the children had foraged for themselves. We were tucked up in the huge bed, with the electric blanket on, watching local tv and munching. The best way to spend the last night of any holiday!

After a slight delay behind a local flock of sheep on the way to the airport, then a quick pit stop to see if Monty really wanted to get out and be left behind as he was insisting, we were parked up at Launceston airport! The holiday blues were already setting in. We were absolutely not ready to be going home yet! We still had so much more exploring we wanted to do. We still had room in our tummies for more Tassie delights, believe it or not.

We hopped aboard our Jet Star flight, and stared out of the window, bursting with love for Tasmania. Take off and a very quiet 50 minutes. Seems like we may have tired the kids out after all!

Helmets on and we were ready to embark on our epic bike ride!

It is about a 13km ride to MONA, a good chance to work off the tonne of food we had eaten in the market, and well worth the aching legs. The children loved it, we all did. The freedom of being able to hop on a bike is fab, the views, the wind in your hair, it was one of the most wonderful days we have had together. We were able to use a bike track all the way to the museum so it was perfectly safe, and we could stop whenever we needed to. I would definitely recommend hiring bikes, we will be doing again for certain! It’s a great way to see a city!

MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art stands proudly on the waterfront, surrounded by vines feeding the Moorilla Winery. We parked our bikes, gasping for a glass of wine, and made our way to the bar.  The kids spotted the enormous trampoline, with bells on.. (literally)… and bolted! “Maybe later” Tim reassured me with a rub on the shoulder.

When we told people we were heading to MONA with the kids, we had a few funny “really??” looks. Yup, it’s an art museum, and yeah our two are VERY temperamental! Uh huh you’re right, they have a whole wall dedicated to perfectly sculpted, life size “fanny’s” (actually entitled Cunts… and other conversations, but hey… the kids….), but there are also a gazillion (1900 to be exact) other collection pieces that they found just as fascinating as the lady bits. Monty particularly liked the fat car, although missed the point entirely. Poppy adored the bit.fall which was a waterfall that spells out words on the descent. She also missed the point, who cares? I didn’t go into it, as it would have resulted in an iPod/technology discussion that I was in no fit state to begin having not been allowed a glass of wine. She was just fascinated by the mechanics of the piece.

As with most activities kids take part in, they went in with completely open minds, and came out with heads full of interesting talking points. Like the one about the museums digestive system that actually poops on time every day, the models made out of video tape (they’d never even seen a video), and the giant head with all sorts of craziness and flashing lights inside! They were taken aback by room after room of incredible “things”. The fact that they had complete control over the device round their necks known as ‘The O’  made it all the more thrilling for them. They got to click on the + or the x to say whether or not they liked the art that was nearest them, they could listen to music and words. Poppy could be heard bellowing “click on the “ArtWank’ button guys” (a cock and balls icon) encouraging us to read all the arty details. What do you think Monty’s favourite word that day was!?? I’m so sorry MONA team, I’m pretty sure the “O” data would have been interesting to say the least after our visit!

The Wilson’s had a fantabulous time, we ambled through everything, we bought a magnet, covered the cafe in croissant crumbs (so sorry) and sipped on ginger beer like we were the Famous Five! It was bloody brilliant. Don’t be shy folks, take your kids to MONA, just don’t mention the C word…

Croissant!!!! You dreadful bunch!!

The way back!

Like with most journey’s the trip back seemed to go a lot faster than the one going. After the fun 13km bike ride back to Hobart, we sadly returned our bikes, and I gleefully skipped to the nearest wine bar! Yay for me! Pearl and Co was the perfect place to sit back, sip wine and soak up some Hobart waterfront views whilst gorging on hot chips.

We ended Day 1 with dinner at The Drunken Admiral Seafarers Restaurant. (Check the gallery).

Walking in we were surrounded by pirate and seafaring memorabilia, it was like a museum. You could barely move for ships wheels, fishing nets, old tin cans and skeletons. It’s a wonderful atmosphere. Luckily, this was definitely not another one of those “themed diners”. The menu was fantastic. When our meal was placed in front of us we were delighted. It was one of the best seafood platters we have had and the children’s fish was proper fish, not that reconstituted stuff!! My Creme Brûlée was insanely good! Great recommendation from the waiter!

I am so glad we booked ahead as the restaurant was full to bursting. It’s obviously got a great reputation, and the stories we were told about how haunted it is, only goes to make this place even more exciting. Well worth a visit, a great evening made even better by the wonderful staff!!

Ah time for bed, a cheeky bar of chocolate under the sheets after the kids have dropped off, and a whole heap of excitement about day two in Tassie….. Although I do feel a little sick after so much gobbling!! When will I learn?

Hobart Bike Hire– 1A Brooke Street, Hobart Waterfront, Hobart, TAS, 7000             Tel: 0447 556 189

                             MONA– 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011 – Tel: +61 3 6277 9900                                  Tickets: Adult: $25 Under 18: Free

Drunken Admiral Seafarers Restaurant–17-19 Hunter Street, Old Wharf, Hobart Town, TAS 7000 Tel: (03) 62 341 903

Ah, the bliss you feel when you’re all packed and ready to head away to a place you haven’t yet explored. Tim rushed in from work, we threw our bag (yes, just the one) in the car and headed for the airport. I love this bit of any journey! Everyone’s excited, the kids are pumped, already bickering in the back of the car. Monty had a handful of crackers and was creating more crumbs than a fat kid in a bakery. Poppy’s bellowing, “they’re even in my hairrrrrr mum”… Yippeeeee!!!

Tasmania has been on our list for ages. Now we’re in Melbourne, it’s even easier to get to. We hopped onto our Jet Star flight, after much kerfuffle at security.  Poppy had packed all of her craft stuff into her back pack along with the sharpest scissors she could find. Safe to say, her little dripping eyes weren’t enough to save the choppers from the bin! Lesson #1 of the holiday!

We made it safely to Hobart! Shocker I know. The airport is beautifully small. We stepped off the plane and straight into the baggage collection. We were greeted by a happy looking seal going round and round on the luggage conveyor begging people to book a boat trip, in the faint hope that this meant he could get back in the water. (No, it wasn’t real!!) If only we had more time this weekend, we would have taken his advice. Next time.

We had planned ahead, (yay) organised a hire car and booked ourselves into the Quest Hotel in central Hobart! Unfortunately, there was a problem with the water at the hotel so we were sent to the serviced apartments just outside the town. Bit of a let down, but we managed to wangle some free parking in central Hobart so all good! The two bedroom apartment was nice and clean, but smelt a little like grandma’s house; someone had obviously smoked a lot of cigarettes there at one time. We unloaded the car, the kids tore all their stuff out of the bag, threw it around the room, and we settled in for the night.

Day 1

We woke to glorious sunshine and looked out to see the rooftops of central Hobart in the distance. It’s really beautiful; so after a good night’s sleep and with Day 1 upon us we headed out to explore!

We wanted to make the most of the fine weather so we hired bikes. We have never braved bikes on holiday, but I’m happy to report we were glad we did!

Ian at Hobart Bike Hire was brill. He had us organised within about 20 minutes despite the kids’ constant interrupting. We had bikes, helmets, maps and some great local tips, and we were on our way through the town heading for the Salamanca Market! Monty refuses to ride his bike at home (he’s a scooter fanatic), so he was on a tag a long on the back of Tim’s bike; Poppy and I had our own snazzy mountain bikes. It was only a thirty second bike ride and we were at our first stop. The children weren’t happy to be getting off so soon, but they spotted the crepe’s and a jar of Nutella bigger than them so they came good.

Salamanca Market

We had heard so much about the Salamanca Market; it was on everyone’s list of things we couldn’t miss!! No doubt about it, it’s one of Australia’s most loved outdoor markets and we can see why.  The market sits right on the Hobart waterfront, a location that’s hard to beat! There are over 300 stallholders all showcasing the best that Tasmania has to offer, and we were there, ready to dig in to as much as we could fit in our tummies.

I love a market! I loved being able to wind my way round, meeting the people who lovingly craft their wares! The kids just ran straight for the bloody Beanie Boos, and emptied their pockets!

Tim and I were blown away with all the delicious food. The food along with the artisan jewellery, Tasmanian handicrafts, clothing, vintage collectables, pottery, plants and flowers all make this market the wonderful place it is.  Salamanca has a beautiful atmosphere, where we could have easily whiled away a few hours on the grass, if we didn’t have two little Wally’s begging for more cash.

Where we spent our money

Jasper Coffee – An organic, fair trade coffee van with oodles of yummy treats to feast on. Who can resist a donut when it’s looking at you, almost crying out for you to pick it up and bite into the fluffy sugary outside whilst the oozy custard squelches out of the sides and drips down your chin….?

Miam French Crepes, made by a lovely, friendly French lady called Aude. The kids went for lashings of Nutella, fresh Tassie strawberries and cream. I picked up a loyalty card, as I was pretty sure we’d be able to rack up ten of those pretty sharpish. Aude uses local produce, and even does catering for events too. Oh I want a big crepe party!

Simone & Co is a relatively new venture by local Hobart artist Nadi Simone. She sells beautiful jewellery and homewares too. I spent my cash on a wonderful concrete bangle and a sweet pink, gold flecked dish for my earrings. (Tim sighed)

Silver Hill Fisch boutique seafood sausages were THE BOMB! We went for the salmon sausage which was nestled in a fresh salad, with owner Maja’s own homemade dressing, and snuggled into the most mouthwatering bread roll imaginable. “Shall we just get one to share?” says Tim with most of it in his mouth… Five minutes later we were back for a second because neither of us wanted to share. Put it this way, if I lived in Hobart I would look like a boutique seafood sausage! A taste sensation!

We had apples fresh from the tree, nuts coated in all sorts of delightful spices. We sipped tasters of gin and vodka, the kids ate lollies (*sigh) we drooled over fresh cakes, were wowed by the talent that the market had on show, and all the while the kids wanted to get back on the bikes.

We have finally seen The Salamanca Market for ourselves. The Tasmanian produce has to be eaten to be believed. Poppy genuinely thought the strawberries were defrosted, frozen ones as they were so sweet and delicious.

We could have easily spent all day mooching, spending money, people watching, eating, and slowly winding our way through the stalls, but time… no…. the chained up bikes were calling.

Onward’s to MONA!

18 Rides and attractions, 104 years of fun, and 800,000+ jolly happy customers every year!

When the words Luna Park are uttered, even for an expat family who are fairly new to Oz, you’re guaranteed to have all sorts of wonderful things spring to mind. If it’s not Mr Moon tempting you inside his gaping mouth, it’ll be the fairy floss as big as your head, or the world famous scenic railway (which just happens to be the world’s oldest continually operating rollercoaster).

Since 1912 when Mr Moon opened his mouth to the awaiting throng, many thousands more have flocked to enjoy the carnival fun, and yesterday, the Wilson’s got in on the action! We were dressed for all weathers (because this is Melbourne) and ready for anything that this magical place had in store for us.

The clouds were threatening to leak, so we were warned at the entrance that a few rides may be closing. We were advised to hit them as a priority! Super tip! The Silly Serpent was our first stop! The children were like dingbats! Screeching with excitement, bellowing “this is AWEEEEEESOME”, and running hell for leather toward a pretty daunted looking ride operator! And it’s not as if they don’t get out much!!!

The kids love rides. The scarier, more nail biting, and vomit inducing the better! They love to be upside down more than they like to be upright, their handstands in the kitchen are ruining me! I am a bit of a fairy when it comes to rides, I powered through though! I managed a fair few rides without too much disruption to my stomach! Go me!! The embarrassment eventually came when I had to ask to be let off the Spider ASAP as I was green from so much whirling, turning, and gyrating! (Hey!! I’m a delicate flower!!!) This of course had the kids in stitches, and the crowds watching in desperate anticipation for this mamma to chunder into the bin, but I held it together, and slowly headed for Binky the Train in the vain hope of a little less spinning! Suffice to say Binky was my favourite ride of the day, the children insisted on another 8 goes on the Spider, whilst I looked on, sipping water slowly!

Luna Park combines a generous mix of heritage listed attractions and brand new thrill rides to satisfy everyone looking for a day of fun. We loved the Sky Rider with it’s superb views across the whole park and Port Philip Bay, and the Ghost Train, although I’m not sure any of us kept our eyes open for that one!

The kids just love spending money, so the Carnival Games were a huge hit with them. Oh the joy of having a fist full of coins, and the hysteria when your whole $20 has won you a plastic motorbike, a stuffed doggy and 3 mentos!!! If only Santa could get away with such generosity!!

Sadly for us, the famous Scenic Rollercoaster is closed at the moment for annual maintenance. This is the iconic ride at Luna Park. It’s a wooden coaster that takes it’s passengers, at high speed, around the outside of the entire Park. (Yes I said wooden!!… I know!!….) It boasts the title of being the oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world and the only one of its kind with a standing brakeman in control aboard its moving carriages!! It’s description doesn’t fill this nervous ninny with much enthusiasm, however I’m definitely going to have a go when it re-opens later in the year. As if we needed another excuse to head to Luna Park!!!

The Wilson’s had the most terrific day! We managed almost every ride, we ate squidgy hot jammy donuts, played endless carnival games, laughed at ourselves in the mirror maze, raced each other on the dodgems, and survived getting a little bit wet too.. All that, only one tantrum and mummy wasn’t sick on any of the rides! All in all a fabulous Saturday with the family! Go for the fun, go for the history, in fact, just go and be part of something so steeped in Aussie family tradition!!

Where: 18 Lower Esplanade. St Kilda VIC 3182

Tel: 03 9525 5033

Website: www.lunapark.com.au

Winter Term Time Opening Hours: 11am-6pm Saturday and Sunday

Ticket Info for unlimited rides:

Luna Park is free to enter, but there is no way you’ll be happy to watch everyone else having fun!

4 Person Family – $149.95

13yrs+– $49.95

4yrs-12yrs– $39.95

0-3yrs- $17.50

For all other ticketing info including single ride passes, gift vouchers and annual passes click here!

I always find historical photo’s a little creepy, but the snapshots throughout the ages of Luna Park are pretty amazing, check them out!

Special Events coming soon to Luna Park

Mother’s Day Winter School Holidays School Activities Week

Luna Park also offers a range of function rooms to hire, as well as venues for kid’s parties, weddings & engagement events and Christmas party venues. Visit their Events page for more details.

Last weekend was a ‘ripper’ of a weekend for the Wilson’s. Poppy was chosen to take part in this year’s Rite of Passage event at the MCG.  The event was created to mark the end of the very first season of elite AFLWomen’s games, so Poppy took part in a girls’ footy clinic. What a magnificent way to encourage female participation in football, and sport in general!

Since beginning our life down under, our children have been thrown into a much sportier existence than they ever had before. Australian life lends itself to being active and outdoors, and Melbourne is literally bursting with really impressive sporting facilities. Both kids have embraced this and given almost everything a shot. Ok, so the Nippers didn’t really go to plan, but at least they tried!!!

As soon as we took them to the MCG and they stood there dreamy eyed and wide mouthed like goldfish, they were hooked. Whether it’s cricket, footie, or just an hour at the museum, we all adore the venue. It’s such an exciting place to be with an atmosphere like no other, and the perfect place to go with little sports fans.. (It’s not a sale’s pitch, it’s just a fact!)

When we heard Poppy, our little English Rose, was being given the chance to step onto the “hallowed turf” at the MCG to take part in an Aussie Footie Clinic we were so excited. You can’t get much more “Expat Adventure” than that!!  Tim was  incredibly jealous; as was Monty, who insisted on popping his newly acquired footie boots into my handbag just in case.  As if I didn’t have enough to carry!

Off we went straight from the netball court, a quick change of clothes in the car and we headed for what would turn out to be another marvellous day in ‘Straya!

We arrived at the MCG, and were greeted by the wonderful staff who had everything running smoothly,  we had some photos with the Carlton players, were photo bombed by the enormous Sydney Swan, and then we were taken into the ground. It feels so special to be led into the MCG when it’s empty and quiet; it truly is a privilege.

The clinic was being led by Kelly Sports, who took all the kids onto the pitch, rounded them up into the correct teams, and sent them off to kick a footie with their coaches. It was so well organised and there wasn’t a moment of chaos; amazing considering there were 100 girls in total. 50 girls aged 5-8 and another 50 girls aged 9-12 were chosen by ballot to take part. I could see that the coaches were first class, they had the girls full attention, and were really leading them and teaching them some wicked skills. A few of the AFLW players from Carlton were also there to encourage the girls and show them how it’s done. I’m still flabbergasted at what an opportunity this was for these 100 young women!!!

Poppy has never played ‘footie’ in her life, but the way she was motivated and inspired on Saturday has put fire in her belly and she has just signed up to join our local team. We now have two ‘Aussie Rules’ footie players in the family! And I no longer have an English Rose, she’s more of an Aussie Golden Wattle… 

We were so thrilled to be there on Saturday, promoting AFLW and celebrating the fact that after 100 years of waiting, women now have the opportunity to get out there and show off their athletic prowess on the footie field in the elite games. I am certainly proud to have a daughter that is embracing all things footie. How wonderful to be growing up 2017 with such super female role models in sport, who make young girls want to succeed on what has previously been a closed pitch for them.

Well done to the team at the MCG for creating such a special event, supporting women in sport, and showing our young girls just what can be achieved if you really put your mind to it.

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward – Martin Luther King Jnr

‘The 2017 AFL Women’s season was the first season of the elite women’s Australian rules football competition. Eight teams competed in the league, all of which are associated with existing Australian Football League (AFL) clubs. The first game was played on Friday, 3 February, and the season concluded with the grand final on Saturday, 25 March.’

How is it different from the men’s game?

While the men’s season goes for about 6 months, the AFLW will start with a short season of 8 weeks.

The games are shorter. Quarters go for 15 minutes each, plus extra time.

The ball is smaller, lighter, and faster.

Unlike the Mens game where there are 18 players, there will only be 16 players on the AFLW field.

For all the info you could possibly want about the Melbourne Cricket Ground here are the links: Website  Facebook Twitter Instagram

You can follow the AFLW on their website and even on Instagram Twitter and Facebook. Head over to find out about the players, learn some healthy recipes, and be in the know with their hundreds of thousands of other followers! How awesome is that!!