Werribee Park – Chirnside Mansion

Take the kids “back in time” as they marvel at the opulence of a by-gone era with a journey through a superbly restored 1880’s Italianate-style mansion. Take your time within the mansion and enjoy an engaging headset tour and audio visual display which delves into the lives of the wealthy Chirnside family and their hard working servants.

Move onto the historical farmyard with rustic bluestone outbuildings, once a buzz with workers, providing a stark contrast from the elaborate craftsmanship of the mansion. Stroll through the gardens and check out the Grotto, the sculpture walk and the formal gardens. Complete your visit with the scent of over 5000 roses in the internationally acclaimed Victoria State Rose Garden. The feature display is set in the shape of a Tudor Rose, containing thousands of modern roses strategically situated to maximise colour and fragrance. The Rose garden is separated from the Mansions formal gardens by a heritage border featuring unusual and historic roses from around the world. In bloom from October to May, the roses are at their most magnificent from November to April.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a full day out with the family and friends.

Open 10.00am to 5.00pm daily at K Road, Werribee, 3030 (Melway Ref 201.D1)

Telephone: 13 1963 Web site: www.werribeepark.com.au

ESCAPE TO AFRICA

While you’re in K Road, why not combine your visit with an unforgettable wildlife experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo, it’s just up the road. No need to travel thousands of kilometres, when a taste Of Africa is on your doorstep. The Zoo is home to an amazing array of animals living in over 200 hectares of open savannah. Discover grazing rhino, giraffe and zebra, see cheetah and cheeky monkeys at play and get close to a pride of lions. Encounter a family of hippos at the Kubu River Hippo Experience, and don’t miss the exciting new African Wild Dog exhibit, featuring 9 African Wild Dogs from Monarto Zoo in Adelaide..

Want real adventure? Why not spoil yourself and join one of the special tours, The Rip Roaring Lion Tour, Raising Rhino Tour or the Tall Order Giraffe Encounter. Additional cost apply for these tours, so please contact the Zoo for further information or to make a booking.

K Road, Werribee (Gate 2) Melway Ref 201. D1.
Entry to the Zoo; Adults $23.00, Children $11.50
Contact:
Ph: 9731 9600
Web site: www.zoo.org.au

Beat the Heat at Werribee Outdoor Pool 1st Nov. 2009 to 31 March, 2010.

This outdoor aquatic facility offers an eight (8) lane 50 metre heated pool with ramp access for the disabled. A family family friendly pool incorporating beach entry, water play features, shade shelters and a learn to swim area. Additional shade and landscaped areas designed for families and friends to enjoy the surrounds. Outdoor BBQ available for group bookings and a kiosk. Entry cost is $3.90 for adults and $2.85 for children, with family and concession rates.

The pool is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 6.00 pm on Saturdays and 11.00am to 6.00pm on Sundays.

Note: If the temperature remains above 30 degrees at 5.00pm or below 19 degrees at midday, these hours may change. Signage at pool entrance will advise time changes.

WHERE: Watton Street, Werribee (Melways ref.205.G9)

RAAF MUSEUM 9th December to 27th December

A history lesson with a difference! Treat the kids (and yourself) to a day at the museum. Recently voted Best Museum Experience in the Herald Sun’s Peoples Choice Awards 2009, the RAAF Museum Tells one of Australia’s most important aviation stories, that of the world’s second oldest air force. Get there on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday and watch The interactive flying display as one of the heritage aircraft takes to the skies and learn about the aircraft and it’s working processes in close up detail. (Note; In inclement weather the flying display will be substituted by a pilot presentation inside the museum)

WHERE: RAAF Museum, RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook Road, Point Cook. ( Melway ref.; 198 K4)

WHEN: The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 10.00 am to 3.00pm
Weekends and Public holidays, 10.00 am to 5 .00pm
Closed Mondays, Good Friday and Christmas day.

Admission is FREE, (Photo ID required for adults) Donations are gratefully accepted. Bookings are not required. Contact 9256 1040 for any further information.
Web site: www.raaf.gov.au/raafmuseum