Christine Knight, Author at Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Top Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo

February 10, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Top Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, San Diego California, is a world-renowned, innovative zoo, with a strong conservation focus.

The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals from over 650 species and subspecies. It’s often described as having set the standard for modern zoos with its natural habitats for animals, often with different species living together, and lush landscaping.

San Diego Zoo is 100-acres in size, making for a big day out if you want to see everything on offer.

San Diego Zoo Conservation Focus

Both San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park are havens for endangered species where animals are cared for and breeding programs are in place to help protect them against extinction. Studies of animal behaviour and health are also conducted at the zoos which would be difficult or impossible to perform in the wild, which provides invaluable information on these species that is shared with other zoos and wildlife parks globally to aid animal conservation in the field.

San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research generates, shares, and applies scientific knowledge that is vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats worldwide. You can read about their excellent work online.

Plan your visit to San Diego Zoo

The zoo is absolutely huge, so good planning is a must. Take a good look at the map in advance and plan what animals are a must-see and plot your path. The very helpful volunteers at the entrance will let you know if there are any babies at the zoo and where you can find them.

I also suggest wearing good shoes for walking, arriving when the zoo opens to make the most of the entire day and pack sunscreen and a hat.

Click here to see a large Zoo map.

Save your legs with the Guided Bus Tour

The easiest way to see the zoo is with a 35-minute narrated tour on a double-decked bus. The Guided Bus Tour presented by Go San Diego® Card is included with all admission tickets.

Hop on and off the Kangaroo Bus

A great option if you want a lift between stops around the zoo but want to see most of it as close as possible with some walking here and there. The Kangaroo Bus lets you hop on and off at four different stops throughout the Zoo.

There are well-signed stops around the zoo – simply wait at one of the stops for a bus with a yellow Kangaroo Bus banner to arrive. The buses run roughly every 15 minutes. All admission tickets include the Kangaroo Bus. You may bring an empty, folded stroller on the Kangaroo Bus, space permitting.

Catch the Skyfari Aerial Tram

We loved the Skyfari Aerial Tram. It’s a convenient and fast way to get from one side of the zoo to the other, as well as giving a beautiful view of the zoo as you go. The Skyfari Aerial Tram is included with all admission tickets. Note however that jogging, oversized, and double strollers cannot be accommodated and children younger than 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Skyfari Aerial Tram will be closed for renovations during early 2020 so check the website for updates if taking it is a must for your visit.

Enjoy a show

The zoo runs some fun shows that are perfect for kids in particular. At time of writing the Dr Zoolittle Explores Australia show is running weekends at 12pm and 1pm.

Get the most recent information on shows online.

Let the kids play

There are three play spaces for kids spaced throughout the zoo.

The Elephant Play Yard is a hands-on play and exploration area for anyone who loves fossils. Enjoy the fossil dig play area, puzzles and maze of elephant satellite tracking collars in this space. Located at Elephant Odyssey

The Koala Klimber lets visitors snap some fun selfies with replica koalas in the Australian Outback section.

The Polar Play area has some super shiny polar bears to get up close to, plus a polar bear den that kids love crawling through. Located in Northern Frontier

Plan your meals

There are an overwhelming number of choices for dining at San Diego Zoo. Options range from casual to restaurant dining and quick bites. You also have the option to keep costs down by bringing your own lunch and snacks, however that’s always a challenge if, like us, you’re visiting and don’t have a kitchen to make your own meals.

Each of the dining options has a different menu and price point, so I highly advise taking a thorough look at the website in advance and exploring the dining options available before your zoo day, particularly if you have any dietary requirements or fussy eaters.

Tips for visiting San Diego Zoo — Kids’ Meal

Try and upgraded experience

If you want to make your day even more special, try an upgraded experience, which lets visitors get even closer to the animals.

Animals in Action

We loved the Animals in Action interactive experience. The one-hour experience took us behind the scenes to feed, touch and observe some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors up close.

It was a fantastic opportunity to not just meet some animals that we would never have otherwise been able to see up close, but to hear stories from the keepers on the animals, how they ended up at the zoo, the part they play in animal conservation, and fun facts that we didn’t know. Some animals are only able to be viewed by attending the Animals in Action experience.

On our Animals in Action experience we met a rhino, flamingoes, hedgehog, zebra, cheetah and armadillo. The animals change in each experience based on their health.

Tips for guests with disabilities

San Diego Zoo have several services to help guests with disabilities. The Zoo provides special parking, rest rooms, and access to shows, tour buses, and exhibits for guests with disabilities.

Please note there are steep grades in parts of the Zoo. Free shuttle bus service operates inside the Zoo for those with limited mobility. Guests who use wheelchairs are not able to use the moving walkways.

Find the Zoo’s guest disability services and policies online.

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego
Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
zoo.sandiegozoo.org

We received general admission tickets as guests of San Diego Zoo. We paid for the Animals in Action experience ourselves.

Things to do in San Diego

Go wild at San Diego Zoo.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

Visit LEGOLAND California Resort.

Find plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids (or without!)

Tips On Visiting La Perouse Beaches

February 5, 2020 / Beaches, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Tips On Visiting La Perouse Beaches

La Perouse is located at the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Maroubra. Named after a French explorer who landed on the northern shore of Botany Bay, to the west of Bare Island in 1788, La Perouse has great walks, restaurants, historic sites and sheltered beaches.

The traditional owners of this land, the Aboriginal people, lived in this area thousands of years before the First Fleet arrived.

La Perouse Beaches

Frenchmans Bay

The most family-friendly of the La Perouse beaches, Frenchman Bay is located at the eastern end Botany Bay.

A sheltered, calm bay, Frenchmans Bay has easy access from the street and plenty of off-street parking nearby.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants located right across the road from the beach. We loved The Boat Shed, which is extremely family-friendly and located above Frenchmans Bay.

There is a reserve behind the beach with a newly-built children’s playground and public toilets.

There is very little shade on the beach, so a beach tend or umbrella are a good idea.

Be warned that the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers.

Congwong Beach

Another calm La Perouse beach, Congwong Beach is a sheltered bay located inside the Botany Bay National Park.

To access Congwong Beach, follow the track that leads down from the car park.

Read more about visiting Congwong Beach.

Little Congwong Beach

Little Congwong Beach is a further 600m down the same track that leads to Congwong Beach. Take in and out any food and rubbish that you have with you – there are no rubbish bins available. The nearest public toilets are located at the start of the track that leads to

Once considered an unofficial nudist beach, signs at the entrance to the track leading to Little Congwong Beach now aim to deter nudity.

Get more information on La Perouse Beaches below.

Get more info on Frenchmans Bay

Get more info on visiting Congwong Beach

Read about our experience visiting La Perouse and Bare Island

Get more info on visiting La Perouse

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Tips For Visiting Congwong Beach La Perouse

February 5, 2020 / Beaches, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Tips For Visiting Congwong Beach La Perouse

Another calm La Perouse beach, Congwong Beach is a sheltered bay located inside the Botany Bay National Park.

The beach is accessed down a 100m path down stairs from the La Perouse Loop Road. Little Congwong Beach is located a further 600m down the track. Look for the sign at the south end of Cann Park. The beach can also be accessed from the carpark on Anzac parade, opposite Endeavour Avenue

In the past Little Congwong has been known as an unofficial nudist beach, however there are signs at the entrance to the beach trail that state clothes must be worn.

Public toilets are available on Anzac Parade near Cann Park, around 50m from where the beach track begins.

There is no drinking water available at the beach. Drinking water available via bubblers at the amenities block, plus from taps in Cann Park.

Take all rubbish with you as there are no bins on the beach.

While the best food option is to take a picnic down to the beach, if you want to buy food there are shops and cafes around 100m from the track beginning, on Anzac Parade. We loved The Boatshed.

There are no lifeguards or lifesavers patrolling the beach, so be safe when you go.

There is also very little in the way of shade on the beach so take down a tent or umbrella with you.

There is free three-hour parking available at Cann Park and near the entry gates on Anzac Parade.

To reach the beach by public transport, take bus L94 or 394 to La Perouse from Circular Quay, Martin Place, or Hyde Park via Maroubra Junction. Visit Transport for NSW for details.

More things to do in Sydney

Enjoy the history of La Perouse and Bare Island

Dine at the Boatshed La Perouse

Explore more La Perouse beaches.

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Restaurant Reviews: The Boatshed La Perouse, Sydney

February 3, 2020 / Eastern Suburbs, La Perouse, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

The Boatshed La Perouse

Enjoy casual, modern dining with a focus on fresh seafood at The Boatshed La Perouse. This waterfront restaurant is an extremely family-friendly place to dine – with a bonus killer view!

On weekends a booking would be advisable, as the restaurant is in a very attractive spot, perched over Frenchmans Beach, with the stunning ocean as a backdrop. There is a large deck to choose a table on, with a lovely sea breeze but also full shade coverage.

The Boadshed La Perouse is open for breakfast and lunch, with the menu crossing over at 11:30am daily.

I arrived to try the breakfast menu and ordered the Haloumi Stack (with roasted truss tomatoes, smashed avocado, grilled haloumi and sourdough, $18.5).

The breakfast menu has a lot of options, including some for kids (the Kids Pancakes, $12, Eggs Your Way, $12). There are also vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The lunch menu is quite seafood heavy, with only one vegan option, one vegetarian main, one vegetarian entree and a few sides salads.

There is a nourishing salad bowl that is extremely green and healthy, and delicious chips to balance that out.

Kids options on the lunch menu are all meat-heavy too: Fish and Chips, Calamari and Chips and Chicken Nuggets and Chips, all $12 each. The kids’ pancakes are amazing.

Order at the bar and food will be brought to your table. There are plenty of baked goods for sale there, too.

We found the food was delivered quite quickly and was hot and fresh.

Bathrooms are located upstairs, with the exception of the family and disabled bathroom on the restaurant level. The family and disabled bathroom has a change table.

There is easy, single level entrance to and from the Boatshed La Perouse, making it a great choice for strollers, and plenty of high chairs available.

The Boatshed La Perouse sits above Frenchmans Beach, which is an extremely flat, sheltered beach, perfect for families. There is a new, fenced playground next to the restaurant and beach.

Another nearby beach is Congwong Beach.

Get tips on visiting La Perouse beaches.

Enjoy the history of La Perouse and Bare Island.

The Boatshed La Perouse
1609 Anzac Parade, La Perouse
Phone: (02) 9661 1817
Hours: Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat & Sun 7am-4pm
theboatshedlaperouse.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Tips for visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne

February 3, 2020 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Tips for visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne

History of the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is an art museum in Bulleen, around 30 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia. The museum was established in 1981, and is home to a collection of houses modern and contemporary art in three exhibition buildings. Set within sixteen acres of heritage-listed gardens and a sculpture park, the Heide is the perfect Melbourne day trip offering an experience that includes art, architecture and nature.

After purchasing the property in 1934, owners John and Sunday Reed opened their home to artists including Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, John Perceval and Danila Vassilieff. The Reeds established the Museum of Modern Art of Australia in 1958, which became a public art museum in 1981.

Visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne

While entry to the grounds, sculpture parks and gardens is free, there is an entrance fee to visit inside the galleries. The best option is to purchase a museum pass which is valid for an entire day and allows multiple entries and exists from the galleries, allowing visitors to explore the galleries, park and cafe in their own time. Museum entry is free for children under 16.

Heide Gardens

The beautiful gardens at the Heide offer a free space for the public to enjoy the sculptures and several of the original gardens, which are now heritage-listed.

Wandering through the kitchen gardens will lead to discoveries of birds such as rainbow lorikeets, various flowering plants and trees overflowing with fruits.

The gardens are a beautiful place to picnic, so pack a blanket and food for the day and set up under one of the many beautiful big trees.

Connie Kimberly Sculpture Park and Tony and Cathie Hancy Sculpture Plaza

More than 35 permanent sculptures have been placed around the 16-acre property, with a focus on Australian artists and a selective group of international works.

Pick up a map at the entrance or take a look at the informational boards set up in various spots to locate the sculptures.

Heide Market

On the 2nd Saturday of every month, the Heide Museum of Modern Art and The Rose St. Artists’ Market collaborate on a beautiful collection of stalls that offer visitors the chance to purchase skilfully created handmade goods. Jewellery, clothing, baked goods, and more are on offer.

Visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne with Kids

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is the perfect family outing. Entry to the galleries is free for children under 16, and there is a range of activities to keep kids engaged while visiting.

Pick up a Heide Detective sheet from the Heide III information desk, at the main entrance to the museum. Follow the clues around the gallery and sculpture park to solve the puzzle.

The Heide also offers facilities including a cloakroom and baby changing.

While the onsite Café Heide offers kids meals and treats, visitors can also bring a picnic and let the kids run wild around the sculpture park.

There are plenty of great trees to climb, too!

Locals can get involved with family-focussed programs such as Heide Art Kinder or Art Babies. The Heide also offers creative programs during the school holidays.

Be sure to take kids on a stroll through the kitchen garden so they can see where there fruit and vege come from!

Café Heide

We dined at the onsite Café Heide, which is located at the main entrance.

The cafe serves simple, fresh food, using fresh produce from the Heide kitchen garden.

There are plenty of options for kids as well as options for dietary requirements. Our group ordered the Asparagus and Broccoli Risotto, $24, Kids’ Pasta & Tomato Sauce, $15, Kids’ Calamari, $15, Wagyu Burger, $25.

There are also plenty of baked treats to choose from. The scones looked amazing.

Getting to the Heide

Get info on getting to the Heide by car and public transport here.

For more things to do in Melbourne with kids.

Find the best places to stop on a Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive.

Find the best places to stop on a Sydney to Melbourne inland drive.

Treat yourself to the Langham High Tea Melbourne.

Get tips for visiting the Rain Room Melbourne.

Heide Museum of Modern Art
7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC
Hours: Tue-Sun and public holidays, 10am-5pm
Heide Cafe Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 9-4.30pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-5pm
https://www.heide.com.au/

Tips for Visiting SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

January 20, 2020 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Meet over 10,000 animals at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. The aquarium is located in central Melbourne, Australia, on the banks of the Yarra River.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is home to some of the the world’s most incredible animals. Visitors can get up close to penguins, sharks, sawfish, stingrays, seahorses, tropical fish and more!

Tips for visiting SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Book your tickets online

Save between 5% and 15% when you book your ticket online in advance, and even more if you bundle your ticket with another Merlin Entertainment attraction such as the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne. You have 90 days to visit the second attraction once you redeem your aquarium ticket, so it’s a great deal.

Follow the map

It might sound obvious, but pick up the map at the entrance and follow the trail. It’s the most comprehensive way to see everything. The aquarium is over several floors, so it’s easiest to go around the exhibits in an orderly fashion.

Make the most of the photo ops

Aquariums are generally a bit tricky to take pics of your kids inside as the lighting can be quite dark. the aquarium has several really cure photo ops with decent lighting around the aquarium so you can come home with a few decent family shots.

Take a food break early

We pretty much arrived and needed a snack break to fuel us for our visit. The cafe is centrally located and has a huge fish tank in the centre, with plenty of tables around the edges and restrooms.

You can buy reasonably priced meals such as pizzas or nuggets and chips, or bring your own feed and eat it at the tables. We also used this time to make sure everyone had used the bathroom before heading deeper into the aquarium.

Mix it up

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium does a great job at mixing sea life exhibits with interactive zones, which are a great way to entertain kids. If you’re not short on time, I suggest letting kids enjoy the interactive areas and taking a break.

The brand new Interactive Wonder Wall is a fantastic spot for playing. It’s an all-new immersive, digital installation inspired by underwater movement.

Learn lots

My mini explorer is wild about sea life, so a trip to the aquarium for us is a learning experience. The best way to do this is by speaking with the staff around the aquarium. They are so happy to share their knowledge.

There are plenty of feedings and talks on throughout the day to attend, too. Check out the timetable to see what’s on when you visit.

Meet the jellies

The brand new Ocean Invaders section of the aquarium is excellent. There are three interactive zones to explore, filled with creatures such as upside down jellies, blue blubbers and sea nettles.

We loved seeing teeny tiny jellyfish babies in the lab.

Meet the animals up close

For a special occasion, check out these thrilling experiences – such as getting face-to-face with sharks or penguins!

Head back to the Ice Age

Enjoy a 4D cinema experience with Ice Age: No Time For Nuts, included in the general admission fee.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
King St, Melbourne VIC
1800 026 576
https://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/

Find more things to do in Melbourne with kids.

Enjoy a Langham High Tea Melbourne.

We were hosted by SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. All opinions are my own.

Rain Room Melbourne: Tips For Visiting

January 15, 2020 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Rain Room Melbourne at the Jackalope Pavillion

Information about the Rain Room

The immersive artwork Rain Room has found a permanent home in Australia at the Jackalope Pavillion in Melbourne. Making its Southern Hemisphere debut in August 2019, the Rain Room Melbourne has captivated over half a million visitors worldwide – with no signs of slowing down.

The Rain Room is a 100-square metre field of continuous rainfall housed inside a purpose-built pavilion in St Kilda. The Rain Room Melbourne is a responsive environment, meaning as you walk through the room, the rain response to your movement, and ceases to fall.

The clever technology behind the Rain Room has created a completely immersive experience whereby the visitor is able to walk though the rain – and not get wet.

The pavilion is located on the rooftop of a building – follow the signs to the elevator and take it to the top. The building and elevator are both well signed.

On the rooftop, umbrellas are set up for small amounts of shade, and there is a ping pong table for entertaining those who need it while they wait for their session.

Restrooms are temporary facilities on top of the roof, accessible by a ramp. There are no restrooms inside the Rain Room.

Bags and strollers are not permitted inside the Rain Room. Bags can be checked into free lockers just outside the entrance.

Expect to be mustered around five minutes before your booking time and to enter right on time.

Inside the Rain Room

We booked our tickets in the first session of the morning, at 10am. The session was fully booked, however some ticket holders didn’t show up, which meant our session wasn’t technically full. We had approximately 10-15 people in our session.

While the pavilion is large, with a group of people inside it, it feels quite small, as the rain responds to all the people in it – meaning if there are lots of people in the rain, more rain will be turned off, and less will be falling.

The staff let us know that in fully booked sessions the group is often split into two smaller groups, to allow each group to fully enjoy the Rain Room.

Since our group was not full, we entered as one group, with the suggestion that we didn’t spend all of our time actually in the rain but divided our time between being in it and standing on the wall in the dry area so that there as more rain falling for those in the rain.

Each session runs for 30 minutes, which includes time that is spent waiting inside the entrance for any ticket holders who are late. We probably spent around 20 minutes actually in the Rain Room Melbourne.

Getting wet – or staying dry

While the premise of the Rain Room is that visitors can walk through the rain without getting wet, the reality is that you can expect to get wet, no matter how hard you try to stay dry. We were instructed to walk slowly and not to walk near other people as moving quickly and groups of people confuse the technology and make it more likely that you will get wet.

We found that no matter how slowly we walked, we still got wet. If this is something that bothers you, take a change of clothes and shoes to change into afterwards.

Photography inside the Rain Room

Photography in the Rain Room is tricky. The room is extremely dark except for the one bright light shining from the back wall, and there are a lot of people also in the rain. I took many, many bad photos that were out of focus or filled with other people to get just a few that I considered great.

My best photos were taken at the end of the session after everyone else had left and we were the last people to leave the room.

The Rain Room Melbourne offers school holiday kids sessions, designed for families with kids aged 12 and under to experience the Rain Room in an interactive and fun format. We did not do one of these sessions however, and our session was full of kids, so it’s fine to do either session. If you want to do a kid-friendly session during the school holidays, look for times marked ‘KIDS SESSION’ in the session times. Kids under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Rain Room is a flat, even surface, with good sized doors and no steps or bumps, for those interested in a accessibility. The grates on the floor are very small and would accommodate a wheelchair.

I highly recommend booking tickets at least a week in advance.

Rain Room Melbourne at the Jackalope Pavillion
Corner Jackson and, Acland St, St Kilda VIC
https://www.jackalopehotels.com/art/rainroom
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RAINROOM19

Find more things to do in Melbourne with kids.

Enjoy an elegant afternoon with the Langham High Tea Melbourne.

The Langham High Tea Melbourne

January 8, 2020 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea experience with The Langham High Tea Melbourne. The Langham and Wedgwood have collaborated to present a special experience, “The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood”.

Wedgwood specialty teas are served up in tailor-made “Langham Rose” Wedgwood tea ware, alongside a with special menu created by the hotel’s pastry chefs.

Boutique Morsels

Gin & Kaffir lime cured Tasmanian salmon, crème fraiche, Rubicon River salmon pearls on blinis*
Queensland Yeppoon Spanner crab, Marie Rose sauce & cucumber, mini choux*
Yarra Valley Persian feta crostini with micro basil and confit tomato
Bendigo chicken and chive sandwich, Birch & Waite mayonnaise*

I received a mix of vegetarian sandwiches instead.

Savoury

Summer truffle and King Brown mushroom, gruyere bechamel crepe roulade
Quiche Florentine, pencil leek fondue

Sweet

Saffron panacotta with spiced figs, apricots and long pepper
Victorian summer berries tart
Lemon and kalamansi meringue tart
Blackcurrant cremoux chocolate tulip
Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or whisky chocolate torte with wild morello cherries
Jasmine tea and blueberry dome

Scones

Raisin scone and plain scone

Served with rose preserve, Yarra Valley pure cream and lemon curd

Espresso coffee, tea and hot chocolate

A delicious and generous high tea. The scones were serves fluffy and fresh, and I enjoyed the wide variety of savoury items. My vegetarian substitutes were delicious!

As always, The Langham staff prove themselves to be efficient and elegant, providing a five-star experience that I always expect from The Langham hotels across Australia.

Prices
Served with a glass of sparkling wine, Wedgwood tea, Langham Blend tea or espresso coffee
$75 per person

Twilight tea bookings may enjoy either a glass of sparkling wine or a Wedgwood tea infused cocktail served with free flowing sparkling wine
$88 per person*

Served with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne
$95 per person

Available Monday to Friday

Valid from 28th December 2019 and onwards
10:30am until 8:00pm

*Served for a period of 2 hours. Free flowing sparkling wine is only available if all guests are partaking.

+$5 public holidays. Excludes special events. Prices, times and menus subject to change without notice.

The Langham, Melbourne
1 Southgate Ave, Melbourne
1800 641 107
Online
Book your high tea online
Get directions.

Find more things to do in Melbourne with kids.

We were hosted for this high tea. All opinions are my own.

Peppa Pig High Tea at the Langham, Melbourne

January 8, 2020 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Swap muddy puddles for finger sandwiches at this delicious Peppa Pig-themed high tea at The Langham, Melbourne these school holidays.

Weekdays from Friday December 27, 2019, until Friday January 24, 2020, The Langham, Melbourne is offering the most delectable Peppa Pig-themed high tea for little piggies and grownups.

My little piggy was a huge Peppa Pig fan when she was a wee thing, so was absolutely delighted for the opportunity to enjoy this darling pink high tea, filled with all tasty things that I’m sure Peppa herself would have approved of.

Peppa Pig High Tea Menu

Savoury buffet with hot chips, chicken nuggets, carrot and cucumber slices and dips.

Sweet buffet table with cupcakes, mini MnMs, strawberries, chocolate fountain and scones.

Three-tier cake stand that includes:

Peppa’s shortbread cookie
Muddy puddle dip cup
Strawberry and marshmallow fruit skewer

Fairy bread
Cheese and vegemite brioche

Chive and Parmesan Quiche
Honey and soy chicken skewer*

Cordial

Hot chocolate

Our vegetarian stand included a mushroom crepe instead.

Little Piggies will also be given a plush toy, colouring activity and Peppa Pig ears.

There is also a little play area with Peppa Pig toys that was a smashing hit with the kids, and also encouraged social interaction. How lovely to make new friends at a high tea!

Parents and grandparents can enjoy the hotel’s signature Wedgwood high tea for $69.00 per person, including a glass of sparkling wine, coffee or tea.

Read more about the Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood here.

The Peppa Pig High Tea is available at 10am until 11.30am and at 12.30pm until 2pm and costs $69.00 per child.

Bookings may be made via melbarestaurant.com.au (here) by contacting 1800 641 107 or by email to rest.res@langhamhotels.com.

The Langham, Melbourne
1 Southgate Ave, Melbourne
(03) 8696 8888
Get directions.

Find more things to do in Melbourne with kids.

We were hosted for this oink-tacular experience. All opinions are my own.

Inside the Children’s Library & Family Spaces at the State Library of NSW

November 15, 2019 / Indoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Inside the Children’s Library & Family Spaces at the State Library of NSW

Step inside the new Children’s Library and family spaces at the State Library of NSW. The library opened its new spaces to the public on Saturday 12 October, designed to give young readers and their families a place to read, play and rest in the busy CBD.

Children’s Library

The Children’s Library is a maze-like space located within the Bashir Reading Room, on lower ground 1 floor in the Macquarie Street building. The Children’s Library is brimming with Australia’s best children’s books, as well as international classics.

Kids can read a book in a little nook or lie down on the floor if they choose. If they look up at the ceiling they will see an array of books attached to the roof that appear to be flying overhead.

The books in the Children’s Library are suitable for younger readers up to the age of 16. The books stay in the library so are available for anyone to read.

No library card is required to browse these books. Prams and bags are allowed inside. If kids need to eat, take them to the verandah area outside the reading room or on the ground level.

John B Fairfax Learning Centre

This fantastic room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell Building, next to the Family Space.

Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, the John B Fairfax Learning Centre is a space for kids K-12, their teachers and families to enjoy a hands-on, digitally rich learning environment.

Enter through a hidden door, through a four-metre tunnel filled with historic artefacts embedded in the walls, through to a light-filled space dominated by two huge arched windows.

The learning centre offers so many activities for kids to do, including dress-ups, colouring in and crafts, books to read, blocks to play with, magnetic word games and digital screens where you can design your own galaxy.

Family Room

Located on the ground floor of the Mitchell Building, the Family Room is a space dedicated to the library’s youngest guests and their carers. The room is designed for kids under five years of age with books, puppets, dress ups, games and activities.

The Family Room is open 9am-5pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends.

Kids Activity Trail

Pick up a free Kids Activity Trail and explore the library!

https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/5365_follow_the_trail_19_web.pdf

Meet Scout, the chat-bot

Scout is Australia’s first chat-bot, designed to get kids reading. A fun, interactive robot, Scout uses a conversational interface to help children discover books matched to their interests and general reading ability, suggesting a list of up to five books they will enjoy reading in The Children’s Library.

Scout is located on the ground floor of the State Library’s Macquarie Street Building.

School holidays and special events