BUMPER EDITION SUMMER FUN 2015/16
SUMMER EVENTS – free, local, family fun! DECEMBER 4th Twilight Movies in the Park, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Johnson Reserve, Maidstone 8:30 pm
Italian Sports Club of Werribee Undercover Market, Heaths Road, Werribee 9 am–1 pm
Share a picnic dinner under the stars while watching the family-friendly flick The Muppet Christmas Carol (rating: G)
Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, crafts, plants, jewellery and more.
Christmas Market, Wyndham 4 pm–8 pm
Wyndham Santa Walk, Kelly Park, Werribee 9:30 am–2 pm
Bring the family for some great local shopping at this local Christmas market, taking place at 106 Duncans Road, Werribee.
Don your Santa suit or Christmas clothing for this threekilometre charity walk along the Werribee River in support of Bowel Cancer Australia. There will be children's activities, a sausage sizzle, a raffle and a market.
A Bush Christmas with Santa – Story Time under the Golden Elm Tree, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown 10:30 am–11:15 am Bring a picnic rug and snuggle up together for a Christmasthemed story time in the beautiful gardens.
Williamstown Christmas Night Market, Ferguson Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown 6 pm – 9 pm A fun and exciting night for the whole family, including face painting, live music, a visit from Santa and lots of local stores open for business.
5th Christmas at the Lakes, Breezewater Reserve, Sanctuary Lakes 11 am–9:30 pm This year will mark the 10th anniversary of this great event. With stalls, entertainment and rides (from 2 pm), and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm, this is a great festive event for everyone.
Helping Hand Day, Lightpoint Church, Point Cook 10 am–12 pm Families who hold a current pension or healthcare card can attend this event for a free food parcel, quality second-hand clothing and a new toy for their children.There will be a free sausage sizzle on the day, as well as a jumping castle for the kids.
6th Albanian Community Festival, Footscray Park 10 am–5 pm Celebrating Albanian culture, this festival features tasty foods, stalls, carnival rides and a stage packed with cultural entertainment.
Laverton Carols By Candlelight, Laverton P-12 College, Bladin Street, Laverton 6:30 pm–9 pm Enjoy the community spirit with Christmas carols for the whole family.
12th Wyndham Carols By Candlelight, Werribee Park, Werribee 5:30 pm for an 8:00 pm start This year's program will feature the Wyndham Combined Churches Carols Musical Team with some favourite carols. There will also be a band, food vendors, roving carton characters, and a kids' segment from 8 pm.
Black Voices Festival, Nicholson Street Mall, Footscray 9 am–7 pm The Black Voices festival connects, empowers and mobilises the African diaspora through the streets of Footscray.
13th
Kensington Market, Kensington Town Hall, Bellair St, Kensington 10 am–3 pm Showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople, this market is the perfect place to pick up fresh produce, designer fashion, children's wear, jewellery and an array of visual art creations, all while enjoying live music and buskers.
The Chevron Market, Italian Sports Club of Werribee, 601 Heaths Road, Werribee 10 am–3 pm The Chevron Market is an undercover extravaganza of fun for the whole family. With 75 market stalls, food and coffee, and entertainment for the kids including a free reptile zoo, face painting and Santa appearance, this is a day out for the whole family.
14th Santa and the Bookends – Story Time in the Park, Logan Reserve, Altona 6:30 pm–7:15 pm Bring your picnic rug for a Christmas-themed story in the park.
17th Maribyrnong Makers Market, Seddon Uniting Church, Gamon St, Seddon 4:30 pm–8:30 pm Enjoy a glass of champagne as you buy that last gift for the stocking! Heaps of stalls, a smorgasbord of gourmet foods, and a selection of wine will be on offer at this twilight market.
18th
Twilight Movies in the Park, Elf, Skinner Reserve, Braybrook 6 pm (movie starts at 8:30 pm) This evening will include a screening of the family Christmas film Elf (rating: G), plus children's activities and a sausage sizzle from 6 pm.
19th
Newport Carols By Candlelight, The Substation, Newport 7 pm–8:30 pm More Christmas carols in the west at The Substation Newport. Great for the whole family.
DECEMBER 19th Altona Meadows Carols By Candlelight, Trafalgar Avenue Community Park, Altona Meadows 7 pm–8 pm Family carols are on in Altona Meadows, with children’s activities and precarol entertainment from 7 pm. Carols start at 8 pm.
Yarraville Carols, Yarraville Gardens 7 pm – 10:30 pm The Carols will include performances by the Yarraville-Footscray City Band, internationally acclaimed opera singers and local community groups. Santa will be making an appearance, and there will be a spectacular fireworks display.
Yarraville Market, Masonic Hall, Canterbury St, Yarraville 9:30 am–3:30 pm Find handmade gifts, homewares, art, craft and food, plus great community spirit.
20th Footscray Retro Market, Footscray Railway Station, Irving St, Footscray 8 am–1:30 pm Browse the recycled, upcycled, new and second-hand items and pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts. Bubba West and Avrille Burrowes will be there with the free Inner West Mini Construction Site for kids!
Merry-Go-Market, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne 9 am–4 pm (Ends December 20) Every Sunday at the Queen Victoria Market, kids can enjoy a festival just for them, with plenty of free activities, food and entertainment.
24th
Gingerbread Village by Epicure, Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne CBD 10 am–6 pm Entertain the kids for free with this tiny and delicious-looking world, and find your favourite Melbourne landmark made out of gingerbread!
31st New Years Eve Fireworks, Footscray Park 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm (fireworks at 9:30 pm) A line-up of fantastic stage acts, carnival rides, games and free kids' activities make this event a blast. Dine from the food trucks and watch the fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Interactive Musical Playground, Harmony Garden, Docklands (Until December 31) All day
This is the world's first interactive playground where children can compose music using sculptural bells and gongs integrated into a playground environment. Amazing!
JANUARY 15th Twilight Movies in the Park, Shaun the Sheep Movie, Hansen Reserve, West Footscray Movie starts at 8:30 pm Shaun takes the day off to have some fun and ends up at the Big City (rating: G).
17th Wominjeka Festival, Footscray Community Arts Centre 9 am – 9 pm Footscray Community Arts Centre kicks of their 2016 program with the Wominjeka Festival. Celebrating Indigenous art and culture, the 2016 program will feature iconic performers with three days of music, theatre, visual arts, workshops and food.
Movie starts at 8:30 pm
An imaginative children's film about a young Australian boy's passion for flight and his challenge to compete in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan (rating: G).
23rd Kookaburra Festival, 53–57 Kookaburra Ave, Werribee 12noon–5 pm The Kokaburra Festival will bring together the local Wyndham community for an afternoon of music, performance, food, art, workshops, community information stalls and an animal farm. Great for the whole family.
26th Australia Day in Altona, Logan Reserve, Weaver Reserve and Altona Beach, Altona All day Celebrate Australia at this free family fun day, including music, stalls and kids' activities.
Stony Creek Music Festival, McNish Reserve, Yarraville 1 pm – 8 pm This festival features talented local musicians and children’s entertainment, as well as Indigenous performances. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes!
20th
31st
Tangle, Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt, Melbourne CBD Various times (see website: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au)
East Meets West Lunar New Year, Central Footscray 10 am – 10 pm
Tangle is an enormous, weaving play-space where kids and families muse coloured elastic to create a vibrant, live, interactive artwork. There will also be live music.
22nd Twilight Movies in the Park, Paper Planes, Yarraville Gardens,Yarraville
Welcome in the Lunar New Year with a colourful street celebration featuring cultural performances, food stalls, a traders' marketplace and carnival rides.
THE GREAT TOY STORY
WORDS | TEENA VAN WINDEN
Despite society’s increasing obsession with all things online, there's nothing like getting down on the floor, or out in the afternoon sunshine, and enjoying some good old-fashioned play time with your children. Here’s how your family can get the most out of a toy library membership. The Hobson's Bay Toy Library (HBTL) knows this better than anyone. It's been loaning toys to inner-western families for almost 40 years, and business shows no signs of slowing. ‘We know that play is critical for children’s development, but most people purchase toys based on cost and available space,’ says HBTL Lead Coordinator Jo Sutton. ‘The rise in apartment-style living and our growing awareness of environmental sustainability means that toy libraries today have increasing relevance,’ she says. For some people, joining a toy library is about affordability of quality toys, but there are many other benefits. Among them is the opportunity to borrow larger toys, or things for the outdoors that families may not have space for, as well as having access to a wider range of toys (HBTL has more than 1600 toys). ‘And of course, there's the underlying message of borrowing and returning,’ Sutton says. ‘Kids start to learn that they have a toy for a little while; they play with it, they sleep with it, they fall in love with it, and they bring it back for another child to enjoy. ‘Of course, sometimes there are tears; but they usually dry up when kids realise they can take something else home. ‘Over time, I have also noticed that our connection with the community manifests in way that people might not usually imagine,’ Sutton says. ‘For instance, the toy library drop-off is something that a lot of fathers and kids do together, so Saturday morning has become a bit of a meet-up ritual for local dads.’ This year, HBTL staff and volunteer committee members trained with Yooralla to improve their understanding of children with special needs, and to better guide parents in their choices about toys and play. Similarly, the ongoing support of the Willamstown Motorcycle Club has allowed HBTL to purchase more toys, while a partnership with Village Real Estate enabled replacement of the party toy packs. HBTL moved into a new facility at the Newport Gardens Early Years Centre in 2014. It has a purpose-built outdoor area
for toys primarily of the wheelie variety, which focus on movement and outdoor play. ‘The Toy Library will be 40 next year and is one of the most established in Victoria,’ Sutton says. ‘I’ve gotten to know many families over the years and feel like I’ve watched their kids grow up.’ And what about that 'screen time versus children’ question? ‘I think there's a place for it, there’s no doubt about that, but people want their kids to have options,’ Sutton says. ‘If you want to see for yourself, pop into your local toy library and watch those little eyes light up.’ The Hobson's Bay Toy Library is at Maddox Road, Newport and is open on Thursdays from 9am–1pm and on Saturdays from 9am–3pm. More information is available at: www.hobsonsbaytoylibrary.org or www.facebook.com/hobsonsbaytoylibrary Toy libraries in Melbourne's west are at Newport, Laverton, Point Cook, Werribee, Keilor Downs, Kensington and Essendon.
Toy Library Special Offer!
Take out a new 12-month membership at Hobson’s Bay Toy Libraries and receive a free month when you mention ‘Bubba West.’
Jo Sutton's top tips on getting value out of your Jtoy library membership: • Visit often: Making a weekly or fortnightly pilgrimage year ‘round is the best way to maximise your membership spend. • Talk to the staff: They can be a wealth of information about your children's ages and stages of development, and will help you get the best out of your borrowing. • Borrowing and returning: Talk to children about this idea before and after your visit. While at the toy library, involve them in the process. • Party packs: Lots of toy libraries have low-cost party games and activity packs for members. HBTL also has chairs and tables, and a
small jumping castle. • Bored? Try a board game: Toy libraries can be a treasure trove of puzzles and games for wet weather days. • Think laterally: Loans don't only have to be for your own children. Got older kids coming to visit? Pick up toys for them, too. Many toy libraries also offer Christmas gift vouchers.
Who is Teena Van Winden? Teena is a local communications professional and mum of one fun-loving toddler. She loves to keep her brain busy by writing about parenting and our westside community.
SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS Summer Summerisislong long and and it isit gorgeous, is gorgeous, butbut it can it can mean mean that that boredom boredom comes tocomes stay. Keep to stay. theKeep boredom the boredom at bay with at bay these with great these activities. great activities. Print them out Print andthem pop them out and into pop a home-made them into a advent home-made calendar, advent or even calendar, in a jar orfor kids even toin pull a jar outforonkids days tothey pull out feelon boredom days they is making feel boredom itself too is making welcome initself yourtoo house. welcome in your house.
SUMMER WRITING FOR LITTLE SCRIBBLERS Simon Conlon, Program Facilitator at Footscray's 100 Story Building, shares a writing idea for the school holidays. 1. Find the oldest ‘thing’ in your house (not granny!). 2. If you know its story, try to write about it; tell the history of it and that of the people who have been around it. Write about how it smells and feels, and why it’s in your home. (Be careful with it, though, very careful!). Or, if you don’t know the story, or want something different to do, try creating a fake history for the ‘thing’. The ‘thing’ is actually a priceless, very important object. It has been owned by more than one very important person. There are many rumours and stories about this special ‘thing’, one of which is… that it has magical properties. But, SSHHHHHH, don’t tell everyone! Write a letter to the one person you trust to tell about this ‘thing’, just in case something might ‘happen’ to you. www.100storybuilding.org.au
MINDFULNESS EATING ACTIVITY FOR PARENTS AND KIDS Nadia Teeuwsen, of Ready to Relax, shares a mindfulness activity just perfect for preschooler snack time. We practice mindfulness eating by bringing our attention to the present moment, and exploring, savouring and really tasting our food – using all our senses to see, touch, smell and hear before we swallow. Place, for example, a small piece of apple, a piece of carrot and sultanas on a plate to share. Together, select the same food and ask the following questions. • See – 'What does it look like?' • Touch – 'What does it feel like?' • Smell – 'How does its mell?' • Hear – 'When biting how does it sound?' • Feel – 'What is the texture and how does it taste?' This is a fun activity that can also spark more questions about where the food comes from, and how it is grown. readytorelax.com.au/contact-us
INSPIRING CREATIVITY AT HOME!
Beck Ferguson, of Little Creatures Collective in Seddon, shares some of her favourite creative activities for little hands! Painting Put food dye and water in a cup, and paint using anything but a paintbrush – a visit to the utensil draw in the kitchen will be sure to inspire this process. Our personal favourite is a miniature whisk and rubber basting brush. Sculpture Found objects in nature and recyclable waste make great collage materials. Our hot tip for sculptures is to use plasticine as a binding material so the sculpture can be disassembled; you can use the materials to build again. Take a snap of each completed artwork, reflect on what you liked best about that piece, then talk about what you will do differently the next time. Collage A rebirthing of art – paintings and drawings can be cut up and turned into collage materials. Cutting up brightly coloured food packaging and adding it into the mix makes for some good times! Our final words: Crayons work on everything. Don’t underestimate the potential of the crayon! www.littlecreaturescollective.com
WRITE TO THE PRIME MINISTER: HELP FREE ASYLUM-SEEKER CHILDREN FROM DETENTION June Factor, Convenor at the Befriend a Child in Detention Project shares an activity for the whole family – a great way to start a discussion with kids about the plight of those less fortunate. The Befriend a Child in Detention project has sent books and letters befriendachildindetention.wordpress.com of greeting and friendship from Australians – including many children – to asylum-seeker children who are held in detention on Nauru, and in detention centres around the country. Write to: Now you have an opportunity to tell the prime minister how you feel about these children being detained becase their families came to Australia by boat seeking our protection from terrible dangers in their own countries. You can request that he please free these children in Australia and overseas. Send the prime minister a letter, a poem, a song or a drawing. Add your name and address, so that he can answer you.
The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP Prime Minister Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600
SOCCER FUN Little Kickers Metro West is all about soccer games that are fun and energetic for young kids (in Williamstown, Footscray, Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham Vale). Owner Rebecca Rowley gives us a fun soccer-themed activity for the park or backyard. Set up a goal of some sort at one end of the yard. Put something on the ground to mark the start and put a ball near the goal for the kids to kick into the goal. Use a whistle or an agreed sound for ‘go!’ On ‘go’, they run towards the ball and kick it into the goal. Add obstacles to make it trickier – for example, run around a circle, or jump over something. They could also try turning and kicking backwards, or using other parts of their body to put the ball into the goal. Don’t forget to cheer and high-five to celebrate! www.littlekickers.com.au
KIDS’ YOGA Shaan, Director of Bikram Yoga Yarraville and Werribee, shares a fun yoga activity to help kids focus and improve their concentration skills. Great for kids who are bored or over-excited these summer holidays! 1. Stand on one leg and grab the other foot, holding it out in front of you. 2. Focus your eyes on something that doesn't move (like a blade of grass, the side of a table, a favourite mug et cetera). 3. Hold this pose for 10 seconds at first; increase by 10-second increments with practice. Kids will find it hard to balance at first, but slowly they will build patience and start to balance for longer on one leg! Have fun! www.LikeBikramYoga.com.au
EMOTION FACES CRAFT
This craft was sent in by Avrille M Burrowes, an art therapist specialising in early parenting and the infant-child relationship. Avrille runs the free Installation Series events in the inner west each month. This activity helps build children’s fine motors skills and supports their emotional development. What you need: • pack of small paper plates • glue • various craft items • googly eyes • crayons. Step 1: 'How are you feeling today?' (happy, sad, excited, silly?) Step 2: Make the expression at one another and then in the mirror, and ask about which features on your face move, and what they do. Step 3: Start constructing that emotion on the paper plate… move the eyebrows and the mouth around, and play with different-sized eyes till you get the right feeling! Step 4: Make lots of different paper plate feelings! (Surprised Suzie, Shy Steve, Bright Bernie) www.avrilleburrows.com.au
MAKE BUBBA WEST SPACE DOUGH This play dough is super stretchy, sparkly and the deepest black. It is mesmerising and has kept our toddlers busy for hours. To get a really intense black we used powdered food colouring, which can be purchased from West Art Supplies – a little goes a long way. Glycerine is our other secret ingredient, it makes the dough super glossy and stretchy. You only need a few drops, so a bottle of glycerine lasts a long time. You can leave this out and the dough will still be lots of fun! It’s really important to use boiling water, as it helps the gluten to develop. This dough will last for at least two months if kept covered in a container. Ingredients: • 2 cups of flour • 1/2 cup of salt • 1.5 cups of boiling water (important that it is straight from kettle) • 2 tbsp oil • 2 tbsp cream of tartar (or a squeeze of lemon juice) • a few drops of glycerine to add extra shine and stretch • 1 tbsp of black powdered food dye • 1 tbsp glitter of your choice Method: Mix all the ingredients quickly together in one bowl. It will be hot at first so get an adult to do this step. Once combined knead the dough until smooth and stretchy
SPICED PUMPKIN OAT SLICE WORDS EMI WHYTE
Ingredients: 75grams Almond spread. Or this can be substituted for Peanut Butter 75grams Roasted Pumpkin 75grams rolled oats ½ ripe banana ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon all spice
I’m a nanny that loves to bake and enjoys finding new recipes to make with my little friends. This is not my original recipe, it can be found at Wholefoods Simple by Bianca. I have changed the method slightly and given it a bit more spice.
2 teaspoons of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of brown sugar Pinch of salt 1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees. Cut the pumpkin and place in your roasting pan. Melt the coconut oil in a small bowl then mix in the spices. Divide the oil spice mix in half by pouring half of it on the pumpkin. Add the brown sugar to the pumpkin and toss in the baking dish. Bake until the pumpkin is very soft and brown. About 40mins 2. Place half of the rolled oats in a bowl and pour the remaining oil spice mixture in. Mix through and toast in the oven for 5mins. I like to add nuts on top of the slice and would recommend toasting them in a dry fry pan for a few minutes until they brown slightly and they are very aromatic. 3. Once the roasted pumpkin is cooled mash your banana and pumpkin together and mix in all the oats and almond spread with the salt. 4. Line a slice tin with baking paper so that the paper comes up the sides. This makes it easier to remove the slice once it has been cooked. 5. Press wet mixture into the slice tin and sprinkle toasted nuts on top. Bake for 40mins or until golden brown and a spewer comes out cleanly. 6. When the slice is cooled lift it out by the baking paper edges and slice as desired. 7. The slice should keep if kept in a cool sealed container for up to 5days. If it is very hot maybe keep it on the fridge. I would love to know what you think of the recipe and to see photos of you and your little ones enjoy baking together. Send through your feedback to Bubba West on the facebook page or via the website.
abc of the west
A B
WORDS EMILY RAUBENHEIMER | ILLUSTRATION PETER FIFER
Altona Miniature Railway Open to the public every third Sunday, this miniature railway is 1.2 kilometres long. With miniature steam and diesel engines, it’s a hit with young and old. 1 Blenheim Rd, Altona North 3025
Beatrix
This pint-sized cafe is a firm favorite. Go for the heaving cake stand, the local ingredients, and the friendly vibe. The cafe is too small for prams, so grab a treat to take home. The chiffon cake is a winner! 688 Queensberry St, North Melbourne 3051
Common Galaxia There are two Common Galaxias in the west. One is a handsome silver fish that is found among the water weeds in Maribyrnong River. The other is a not-so-common café in Seddon. Common Galaxia is kid-friendly, but still feels adult. Serving baby chinos with grace and style, this roomy cafe has multiple prams, hungry toddlers and parents seeking a quiet escape. Shop 3–4, 130 Victoria St, Seddon 3011
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Dusky Woodswallow These cute little fellows fly in flocks along the Maribyrnong River. They form tight swarms and, in cold weather, can be seen huddling on tree branches together in huge groups, clinging to the shoulders of the birds on either side of them.
Edwards Reserve
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With something to please children of all ages, this park is a favorite with locals. There is plenty of soft-fall, a huge hammock swing, lots of nooks for hide and seek, a BBQ, picnic tables and a basketball court. Greens St, South Kingsville 3015
FCAC A community hub like no other, there is always something to see and do at FCAC. Our particular favorite is toddler music class, on every Tuesday and Wednesday. Browse the art exhibit, grab your ticket to the music class, groove along with your kid, then take a seat at Happy River Cafe for a free coffee. Perfect! 45 Moreland St, Footscray 3011
Happy River Cafe
Green tea latte, Sweet Grass Bonsai Cafe This quiet haven on bustling Barkly Street in West Footscray is all about the greenery. Kids and adults alike will love all the mini landscapes created by Hao Ho. Tiny figurines peep out from the roots of the bonsai and the sound of tricking water is soothing. Serving mocktails, Vietnamese iced coffee, green tea lattes and the Dutch treat (iced chocolate, with honey and cinnamon), Sweet Grass is a real pleasure. Note: this café serves drinks only, which somehow adds to the serenity. 357 Barkly St, Footscray, 3011
Happy River defines ‘kid friendly’. A perfect place to gather for mothers’ group or a catch-up with friends, there are plenty of toys to play with, lawns to run around on, picnic mats you can have your meal delivered to and baby change facilites. We toddler-tested the babycinos. The verdict? ‘Yum’. 45 Moreland St, Footscray 3011
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Inner West Mums & Bubs (IWMB) and Inner West Buy Swap & Sell (IWBSS) If you need advice from fellow mums at any hour, or a safe space to celebrate parenting wins, join the IWMB Facebook group. ‘IWBSS and so much more...’ Well-known for its addictive qualities, this Facebook group defines and shapes the community in the west. Along with stuff you can buy, swap or sell, you’ll find a generous, open and giving community spirit, a local notice board and neighbourly friends.
Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve Once a rifle range, this reserve is a stunning example of re-genration and preservation. Consisting of two lakes, grassland, wetlands and 160 species of native wildlife, this spot is of hertiage significance. The reserve is protected, so leave your pooches at home. 29 Sandpiper Place, Williamstown 3016
Kids’ Exhibits at NGV
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Over the past few years, the NGV has made a concerted effort to include the little ones in its program. Head to the gallery for immersive exhibits that double as exciting and colourful play spaces. From 11 December to 24 April, see ‘Studio Cats: Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei’ for kids. Open 10am–5pm daily.
Leroys
A cafe with an enclosed courtyard is a rare find. With a sandpit, fake grass and ample toys to keep kids entertained, this cafe really earns its kid-friendly credentials. If your kids still need to burn off steam after their babycinos, stop at the park next door. What could be easier? 5–7 Mason St, Newport
Mimi the Dinosaur at McNish Reserve Mimi the Muttaburrasaurus is famous. She’s even starred in her own book and TV commercial. Built by Big Fish in Footscray and kindly donated by Medibank Private, Mimi is a dino-themed playground with a giant tail to slide down, and a megaphone for practicing roars. Court St, Yarraville 3013
Newport Lakes This stunning 33-hectare bushland oasis is perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. Over 200 species of plants and 85 species of birds live along the 2-kilometre return walk around the lake. Pick up a brochure at the nursery on your way through. Lakes Drive, Newport 3015
Outdoor Dining Head to Yarraville Gardens or Coulson Gardens (Chifley Drive, Maribyrnong) on a weekend night and you will find plenty of food trucks ready to serve you. From Thai street food to burgers on brioche buns, there is something to please all tastebuds. It’s an uplifting feeling, seeing your community out for an impromptu dinner together. We think it’s the perfect form of dining for toddlers. Our tip: Follow the Yarraville and Chifley Drive Food Truck Facebook groups to receive all their updates and check times. Treat yourself to a creme brulee!
River trail, Maribyrnong Take the pram for a stroll or head out on your bikes and explore the well maintained paths. With a playground at Footscray Park, public exercise equipment, Happy River Cafe and marshlands, there is lots to captivate. Our tip: Look out for starfish under bridges or in river rock pools. Get the kids to look out for the small ceramic dog heads between Foostcray Park and Blackbird ferry mooring.
Scienceworks Focusing on learning and science, the museum’s displays encourage critical thinking skills. Young tots will love Nitty Gritty Super City, the digger and the play cafe! Our tip: Pack a picnic and use the BBQs in the playground.
The Reverence Hotel
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Serving delicious Mexican food, The Reverence Hotel is one of our favourite spots for weekend family lunch. The grown-ups can enjoy a beer or two and great acoustic music, while the kids let loose on the dance floor! Say hello to gentle giant Jack, the resident Labrador, and check the website for details on gigs. 28 Napier St, Footscray 3011
Umami
Point Gellibrand Coastal Park Once an ancient meeting site for the Yallukit-Willam peoples, this area was cherished for its mangroves, abundant with fish and birds. Point Gellibrand is also the site of first European settlement in Victoria. There is plenty to see and do; visit the fort on open days, let the kids frolic in the playground or take a walk to Shelly Beach to view the extremely rare and ancient volcanic rock formations. Our tip: Before going, visit the Parks Victoria website, and download the app for a detailed map.
Queen Mazu, the Heavenly Queen There is a special reason why Queen Mazu graces our opening page; as the protector of all those who travel via sea, and a female role model, we think she is the perfect icon to watch over us in the west. Born Lin Moniang in 960 on Meizhou Island, she was known to wear red robes while standing on the shore in harsh weather to help guide fishing boats home, and is credited with rescuing her father from drowning. She was known for her strength, excellent swimming and bravery. Maribyrnong River, Footscray
If we were asked to define Melbourne’s west, we would definitely include ‘great food’ in our description. ‘Umami’ means ‘delicious flavour’ in Japanese. With 160 eateries in Footscray, you are bound to find some culinary treats to suit your family’s umami cravings. We suggest Nami Sushi’s sushi pizza, African Taste’s African gnocci, mantoo dumplings at Kebab Surra, pho at Pho Hung Vuong Saigon or yong tofu at M Yong Tofu. All have been kid-tested by us!
Vernon Street (South Kingsville) Vernon Street feels like a small village street and has some great eateries to draw the crowds. Head to Famous Blue Raincoat for music, excellent breakfasts and filling lunches, or stop in at Food by Motorino for some of the best pizza in Melbourne’s west.
Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The Maribyrnong River valley has been home for the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation for up to 40,000 years. Human remains found in Keilor, dated at least 15,000–years–old, have been found along the river, with much older signs of human habitation also present. The name Maribyrnong is derived from mirring-gnay-bir-nong, which in Woiwurrung, the language of the local Wurundjeri people, means, ‘I can hear a ringtail possum’.
Xi gua (watermelon) What do we love about living in Melbourne’s west? The food, the people AND the fabulous markets. Pick up some fruit treats from Siagon, Footscray or Sunshine markets. Our favorite summer fruit for hot babies and kids is a chilled Xi gua watermelon.
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Yarraville Gardens
A community gathering point, Yarravile Gardens sports play equipment that will please children of all ages (big kids wil love the tube slide). In summer, it is also home to a number of food trucks from Friday to Sunday. There is plenty of shade and usually a weekend cricket match to observe. Dog lovers take note: there is a large area dedicated to offleash pooches.
Zoo (Werribee) Our A–Z would not be complete without Werribee Open Range Zoo. Our tip: Bring your bathers for water fun at the new Hippo Beach, complete with water play area, sand to dig your toes into, deck chairs and, of course, hippos for the viewing. It’s sure to be a hit!