3 MORE family friendly photography spots on the Mornington Peninsula
After years of work on the Mornington Peninsula I have a crap tonne of AH-MAZING spots dotted all around this little corner of the planet that are simply the best to take your kids too, AND snap some epic photos. A few blogs ago, I outlined 3 of my fav beach locations that are super kid friendly, accessible and just generally have good vibes. Friends, I can confidently say that I have barely touched the surface of my local knowledge - so here comes the second instalment of places I highly recommend you check out.
The Briars, Mt Martha
I have been coming to this place for pretty much my whole life - and it shocks me that more people don’t visit and explore it! So many activities, incredible nature and animals - all for zero dollars. You can easily bring a pram, bring a picnic, bring binoculars and make a bloody day of it. And if you manage to have a wander in the late afternoon, the sun is going to be serving lewks HARD. Can guarantee that in any season, this spot offers epic views and great opportunities for exploration and capturing some magic with the kids.
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Click HERE to find directions to The Briars
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Car Park near the Information Centre, entrance right next door
Pram and Wheelchair friendly - though some of the long tracks will not be easily accessible, there are plenty of shorter options for the wheel clad families!
Toilets at the information centre
Lots of free programs, activities to discover and learn about
Easily found and walked paths
Safe bushland, boardwalks and viewing huts along the way
5 mins drive from Mt Martha shops - super easy for a sneaky coffee on the way home!
Devilbend Reservoir, Tuerong
Now this spot…she has my heart. Coming to this location and walking among the huge forest pine trees makes you feel like you are miles away from civilisation. It's so insulated that all you can hear is the swaying of the trees or the quiet movement of the water against the banks. You can spend hours walking, riding or existing in this space and be none the wiser of anyone else. There’s just something so grand about walking among such giant old trees. Visiting during Autumn will transport you to a fairy/elf wonderland as huge red mushrooms pop up everywhere and the coloured leaves of the trees drift down all around you. Bring a picnic, bring your bikes, bring your fishing rods and kayaks. Another spot on the Peninsula that provides so much to do, for zero dollars.
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Click HERE to get directions to Devilbend Reservoir
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Car Park near entrance - about a 50m easy walk to the entrance of the bushland/water
Pram and Wheelchair friendly around the water and cliffs. Walking through the forest is achievable by pram, but probably a bit of a work out!
Toilets, Picnic Tables and BBQ’s near the car park
Easily walked paths, and clearly signed.
George Pentland Botanic Gardens, Frankston
Located centrally in Frankston, this is a huge grassy oasis in the middle of a very busy suburb. Incredibly kid friendly, with a huge play park at one end, a pond filled with ducks all year round, and so much empty space to run and roll around on - I always suggest this spot to families with small kids, or if a client is looking for an extended family shoot so we can meet the needs of a huge group.
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Click HERE to get directions to the Gardens
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Car parking all around - though it can be busy and tough to find a parking space close to the entrance
Pram and wheelchair friendly
Multiple toilets, picnic tables and seating options
Easily walked paths, lots of shade, and very big play area
Don’t sleep on these spots friends! All of them are so kid friendly, free and a wonderful place to pull out your camera or phone to capture some incredible photos of your loved ones. For the more savvy among you - try to pick a time when the sun is doing its thing (think afternoon/ evening, or early morning) and add an even more amazing layer to your at home snaps.