20th November 2010
In a Nutshell.
Its free
Child friendly, plenty of beach, shallow water and friendly people.
Great toilets and shower facilities
Free barbecues
Near a large park
You can also take your dogs.
Score 1 - 10 has to be an 8
Went to our beach this morning, near our yacht club, near our jetty, near our house (5 mins away)
Cnr of Geographe Bay Road, King Street and Thomas Street.
Great place to take the kids and it is free.
We just took our folding chairs and sat by the waters edge and watched the grandkids playing in the water. Unfortunately the day whilst a bit overcaste was very hot and whilst we were down there for only 30 minutes we all got sunburnt.
Timmy the dog thought it was great. He loves to swim and then plonk himself down on your lap sand and all.
He greets all his doggy mates and wanders around sniffing their bottoms, rather off putting when he then leaps into your lap to plant a great big wet kiss on your face. Man do you know where that tongue has been.
A great view of the Bay from here and I keep on promising myself I will bring down a sketching pad one day to draw and paint the beautiful scene.
Also some other great views for grandad, if only I was younger.
Actually we come here quite often and Mum and I found that the barbecue facilities (free) are great on a Sunday morning for breakfast.
I tried to take some photos today of the beach for the blog but the batteries in the camera were flat so I will leave Sam to add some photos to this blog as she always takes some good photos.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Berry Farm
Synopsis
Scenery A lovely drive but quite a way from Busselton approx 60 klms
Play Area for children. Good
Food. The pie and coffee excellent but pricy
Wine. Geat and very reasonable
Toilets. Nice and clean
Room for nursing mothers. None.
Costs. A bit pricy if you are a young family and budgetting.
Overall rating 1 - 10. I would give it 7
Its me (Dad).
I love this place Mum and I went about a month ago, it was so cool that we had to share the experience with Sam, Ash and Locky and took them out there the next week.
This will be one place we are going to take you guys, - we just can't wait!!!
It appears to be a bit out of the way and I thought that the car Navigator had it wrong because according to the map the Berry Farm is down Margaret River way but the Navman wanted to go down the road to Nannup, which appears to me to be in the opposite direction. Still who am I to question technology although I was reading in the paper, or was it on the computer because I am too mean to buy the paper, the other day, that a group of tourists following the directions their Navman was giving ended up stuck somewhere between Alice and Sydney and had to be rescued. Mum is still convinced that there is someone watching us from a spy satellite giving us directions.
Anyway The Berry Farm is about 60 klms from Busselton and road took us through some lovely scenery although I was a bit worried about breaking down because we seemed to be so far from anywhere.
Definitely have to take a mobile phone next time and the RAC number just in case.
Also a bit of a worry about kangaroos as there was a fair amount of roadkill indicating that you could end up with some large roo sitting on top of your car giving directions.
Sam agreed with me.
Still, back to the Berry Farm
Great fruit pies a bit pricey about $8 each so if there is 4 of you $32 plus coffee at $3 a cup. The pastry is out of this world. So you'd have to be a tourist to afford this. However a great taste. Reminded me a bit of the Lyons Fruit pies we used to get as kids in England.
The Berry Farm is situated in amongst some magnificent trees and the bird life reminds me of the simplicity of life. They tell me that the birds will come to your table and eat the crumbs off your plate while you are eating.
The cafe/restaurant is in the old house which has a great atmosphere and I could not help wondering how the original settlers here, who no doubt battled the elements to make a go of it, would have felt if they could see their dream small holding turned into a tourist attraction.
There is a great playground for the kids and we were able to sit at the tables outside and watch Ash and Locky in the play area.
However, watch out for the winery. A trap. I made a mistake of going in there and the wine is to die for.
Definitely need to have a driver when sampling the wine as the hospitality was fantastic. The girls behind the counter are great ambassadors for the winery and made sure that we knew what you were getting, and they gave us six samples to taste (very generous samples I might add). I will be going back there for more wine.
We ended up with about $100 worth of wine. That is how good it is. And I am $7 a bottle man.
Also they have jams, pickles, preservatives, spices, sauces and on and on with the list.
A bit out of the way, but great countryside, a great drive, great service and best of all great wine and not really expensive as we got 3 bottles for $25 that is better than bottle-shop prices although come to think of it the bottles are only 500 mls and not the normal 750 mls
It was a great morning. Thanks to Sam and the kids. We only have another 120 wineries to visit. Oh life is hard as a grandparent lol.
We came back though Margaret River I think (I can't remember I think it was the wine I drank) hic!
Scenery A lovely drive but quite a way from Busselton approx 60 klms
Play Area for children. Good
Food. The pie and coffee excellent but pricy
Wine. Geat and very reasonable
Toilets. Nice and clean
Room for nursing mothers. None.
Costs. A bit pricy if you are a young family and budgetting.
Overall rating 1 - 10. I would give it 7
Its me (Dad).
I love this place Mum and I went about a month ago, it was so cool that we had to share the experience with Sam, Ash and Locky and took them out there the next week.
This will be one place we are going to take you guys, - we just can't wait!!!
It appears to be a bit out of the way and I thought that the car Navigator had it wrong because according to the map the Berry Farm is down Margaret River way but the Navman wanted to go down the road to Nannup, which appears to me to be in the opposite direction. Still who am I to question technology although I was reading in the paper, or was it on the computer because I am too mean to buy the paper, the other day, that a group of tourists following the directions their Navman was giving ended up stuck somewhere between Alice and Sydney and had to be rescued. Mum is still convinced that there is someone watching us from a spy satellite giving us directions.
Anyway The Berry Farm is about 60 klms from Busselton and road took us through some lovely scenery although I was a bit worried about breaking down because we seemed to be so far from anywhere.
Definitely have to take a mobile phone next time and the RAC number just in case.
Also a bit of a worry about kangaroos as there was a fair amount of roadkill indicating that you could end up with some large roo sitting on top of your car giving directions.
Sam agreed with me.
Still, back to the Berry Farm
OHH MY GOD! THOSE PIES ARE TO DIE FOR
I COULD ALWAYS ORDER ASH A PIE AND EAT IT FOR HIM. NOW THATS A GOOD IDEA
Great fruit pies a bit pricey about $8 each so if there is 4 of you $32 plus coffee at $3 a cup. The pastry is out of this world. So you'd have to be a tourist to afford this. However a great taste. Reminded me a bit of the Lyons Fruit pies we used to get as kids in England.
The Berry Farm is situated in amongst some magnificent trees and the bird life reminds me of the simplicity of life. They tell me that the birds will come to your table and eat the crumbs off your plate while you are eating.
The cafe/restaurant is in the old house which has a great atmosphere and I could not help wondering how the original settlers here, who no doubt battled the elements to make a go of it, would have felt if they could see their dream small holding turned into a tourist attraction.
There is a great playground for the kids and we were able to sit at the tables outside and watch Ash and Locky in the play area.
However, watch out for the winery. A trap. I made a mistake of going in there and the wine is to die for.
Definitely need to have a driver when sampling the wine as the hospitality was fantastic. The girls behind the counter are great ambassadors for the winery and made sure that we knew what you were getting, and they gave us six samples to taste (very generous samples I might add). I will be going back there for more wine.
We ended up with about $100 worth of wine. That is how good it is. And I am $7 a bottle man.
Also they have jams, pickles, preservatives, spices, sauces and on and on with the list.
A bit out of the way, but great countryside, a great drive, great service and best of all great wine and not really expensive as we got 3 bottles for $25 that is better than bottle-shop prices although come to think of it the bottles are only 500 mls and not the normal 750 mls
It was a great morning. Thanks to Sam and the kids. We only have another 120 wineries to visit. Oh life is hard as a grandparent lol.
We came back though Margaret River I think (I can't remember I think it was the wine I drank) hic!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Island Book Winery
Ann and I were out looking for the Geocache at the Big Red Truck. This was our 4th visit to try and locate the cache, and thanks to some friends of ours we at last found it. Fantastic no more waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat created by the paranoia of not being able to locate the cache. I sometimes wonder if the stress created by this hobby is good for us.
Anyway to cut a long story short we (really I) decided to visit the winery to see what was on offer.
A lovely lady whom I think was Betty was very nice and allowed me to taste the wine. I loved the Sweet Red it was really great. So great I actually bought a bottle. Also tried the Cabernet Sauvignon very very nice. I unfortunately could not afford to buy anymore wine as I had just spent my pocket money for the week so I will have to go back later when I have Sam with me and purchase a bottle of Cabernet Sav.
The drive to the vineyard was well worth it as Betty told me that there were a couple of breweries in the area that catered for the kids, with playgrounds etc. So next weekend we will have to go and visit one of them and do up a report for the blog.
Betty tells me that there are 120 wineries and 6 breweries in the area, this will keep us busy for the next 3 or 4 years. So keep you eye on this blog as or team researches the best places for young families with children to go to.
Anyway to cut a long story short we (really I) decided to visit the winery to see what was on offer.
A lovely lady whom I think was Betty was very nice and allowed me to taste the wine. I loved the Sweet Red it was really great. So great I actually bought a bottle. Also tried the Cabernet Sauvignon very very nice. I unfortunately could not afford to buy anymore wine as I had just spent my pocket money for the week so I will have to go back later when I have Sam with me and purchase a bottle of Cabernet Sav.
The drive to the vineyard was well worth it as Betty told me that there were a couple of breweries in the area that catered for the kids, with playgrounds etc. So next weekend we will have to go and visit one of them and do up a report for the blog.
Betty tells me that there are 120 wineries and 6 breweries in the area, this will keep us busy for the next 3 or 4 years. So keep you eye on this blog as or team researches the best places for young families with children to go to.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dunsborough Centennial Park
This is a great place to take the grandkids.
Its FREE!
Ash and Lockie love this place. Ash says its cool.
We had to call in here because Simmos did not open until 10.30am
Great playgound facities. Lots of shade. Close to the ocean. Barbecue facilities (free).
There are lot of ibis walking around the park and they are quite happy strolling about the park eating insects. The park is apparently a possum sancturay although we did not see any.
The only problem here was that the toilets were about 300 - 400 metres away. They are down the cycle track heading back to Dunsborough.Still a nice walk or run whearther you are busting or not : D
But still a great place to take the kids to wear off all that energy,
Even better if you bring your bathers and a packed lunch, could really make a lovely day : D
So Fun for the littlies
Over all i have to say i vote picnic at beach to be a number one with this Family : D
As long as Dad keeps baking his Apple and Cinnimoim Muffin *wink wink*
Till next time happy Adventuring : D
Its FREE!
Ash and Lockie love this place. Ash says its cool.
We had to call in here because Simmos did not open until 10.30am
Great playgound facities. Lots of shade. Close to the ocean. Barbecue facilities (free).
There are lot of ibis walking around the park and they are quite happy strolling about the park eating insects. The park is apparently a possum sancturay although we did not see any.
The only problem here was that the toilets were about 300 - 400 metres away. They are down the cycle track heading back to Dunsborough.Still a nice walk or run whearther you are busting or not : D
But still a great place to take the kids to wear off all that energy,
Even better if you bring your bathers and a packed lunch, could really make a lovely day : D
So Fun for the littliesAsh was happy running about and messing with all the different playground Equipment.
As long as Dad keeps baking his Apple and Cinnimoim Muffin *wink wink*
Till next time happy Adventuring : D
Saturday 13th November 2010
Well today we decided to go to Simmos the Ice cream Factory down in Dunsborough and see how family friendly it.was.
Fantastic assortment of ice creams. So many that Lockie had a hard time choosing what ice cream to have. Ash new he wanted a chocolate one. We all had small cones as Sam was very aware that she would have to eat the ice creams that Ash and Lockie did not finish. And of course me (grandad) was only too happy to help Sam eat the uneaten ice creams. Mine you the Small ice creams were quiet big enough, well maybe not for Nan : D Funny Lockie was very intent on a white ice cream he saw but trying to explain to a 3yr old that is a lemon and lime was impossible, but funny enough he was determined to eat it....we all had try and it was Sour! but very nice it you like that sort of thing.
We did find the ice creams to be a bit pricy but that was expected as this is an Ice Creamery and they have won award, No questions why : D Serious nice ice cream!
Very family friendly and we were pleasantly surprised at the playground and facilities laid on for the kids.Lots of Colourful play Equipment layed out to test your balance and a huge boat and Fort! too cool!
Also there was an Undercover area that had a few different rides including a small Merry-go-round all were priced $2 slots but the boys were over the moon! I not so much much as i don't have that much money to blow but a ride and a small ice cream will sent you back $6 a kid.
When we were there, there was even a family birthday picnic going on and what a place to have a picnic!! under the shade of the trees There were even barbecues supplied by management. Be aware that to get a gas bottle from the counter you only have to pay $2 which very reasonable.
However no other food for kids. No chips, no hot dogs although it appears you could take your own food into the playground area. And no coffee for the oldies...serious! no coffee!! Our Whole day is run by Coffee! How eles do you expect us to keep up with the kids!! lol Must make note....Bring Coffee!!!
Also there are deer and emu there,Which is really awesome for the kids if they love the wildlife like Ash does! Also loads of lovely Lush Grass, would be lovely for a picnic, or a game of kick ball!
Toilet facilities great. Nice enough to hide out from the kids : D
We were very impressed with Simmos and will definitely be going back especially when Geoff, Janelle and the family come over for Christmas. Their kids will love it.
Only problem we had was waiting for Simmos to open. 10.30am our kids were a bit impatient as were a couple of the grownups I really should have checked out the opening times on the internet before I went. My fault. We are all early risers so we seem to think everyone eles should be bounding out of bed and getting into life stright away....mind you we are ready for a nap by 2pm...lol
So we will have another post about Simmons and get a little feedback for the rest of our family : D
Till next time Happy Adventuring : D
Thankyou Simmos for a great experience.
Fantastic assortment of ice creams. So many that Lockie had a hard time choosing what ice cream to have. Ash new he wanted a chocolate one. We all had small cones as Sam was very aware that she would have to eat the ice creams that Ash and Lockie did not finish. And of course me (grandad) was only too happy to help Sam eat the uneaten ice creams. Mine you the Small ice creams were quiet big enough, well maybe not for Nan : D Funny Lockie was very intent on a white ice cream he saw but trying to explain to a 3yr old that is a lemon and lime was impossible, but funny enough he was determined to eat it....we all had try and it was Sour! but very nice it you like that sort of thing.
We did find the ice creams to be a bit pricy but that was expected as this is an Ice Creamery and they have won award, No questions why : D Serious nice ice cream!
Very family friendly and we were pleasantly surprised at the playground and facilities laid on for the kids.Lots of Colourful play Equipment layed out to test your balance and a huge boat and Fort! too cool!
Also there was an Undercover area that had a few different rides including a small Merry-go-round all were priced $2 slots but the boys were over the moon! I not so much much as i don't have that much money to blow but a ride and a small ice cream will sent you back $6 a kid.
When we were there, there was even a family birthday picnic going on and what a place to have a picnic!! under the shade of the trees There were even barbecues supplied by management. Be aware that to get a gas bottle from the counter you only have to pay $2 which very reasonable.
However no other food for kids. No chips, no hot dogs although it appears you could take your own food into the playground area. And no coffee for the oldies...serious! no coffee!! Our Whole day is run by Coffee! How eles do you expect us to keep up with the kids!! lol Must make note....Bring Coffee!!!
Also there are deer and emu there,Which is really awesome for the kids if they love the wildlife like Ash does! Also loads of lovely Lush Grass, would be lovely for a picnic, or a game of kick ball!
Toilet facilities great. Nice enough to hide out from the kids : D
We were very impressed with Simmos and will definitely be going back especially when Geoff, Janelle and the family come over for Christmas. Their kids will love it.
Only problem we had was waiting for Simmos to open. 10.30am our kids were a bit impatient as were a couple of the grownups I really should have checked out the opening times on the internet before I went. My fault. We are all early risers so we seem to think everyone eles should be bounding out of bed and getting into life stright away....mind you we are ready for a nap by 2pm...lol
So we will have another post about Simmons and get a little feedback for the rest of our family : D
Thankyou Simmos for a great experience.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Huge Hello! Here is our Mission.....
Huge hello fellow family goers!!
My name is Samantha and I'm a mum with two little boys
Ash 4yrs and Locklan 3yrs, ever since Ash was born my parents Ann and Geoff
have made it that every Saturday we spend the day together....
This is a lovely day as we get to spend time with each other and the kids really
get to know their grandparents....But now with both the boys
older and more full of energy we need to make our Saturdays an Adventure with a capital A!
So we started going out to places in the South West Region between Busselton - Margaret River and Dunsborough. Only last week after a "Winery Adventure" my dad suggested we start a blog letting
other famlies know which places are "Fun and Family friendly". How the food is, the wine is and
whether or not we will go back!
We also wanted to suggest places where the cost are minimal
(as we don't have money to throw away all the time)
So I'm very proud to announce that "It's On"!
Every week or forthnight I'll post up an "Adventure Suggestion"
Including our Geocaching Adventures too!
So stay tuned in as I'm sure you'll agree getting out of the house with the kids
is one sure way out burning up their energy!!
Happy Adventuring!!!!
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