There’s a hidden gem tucked away off Plenty Rd.
The 180 hectare Bundoora Park, with its wide open spaces and huge trees, it’s a world from the hustle of the Melbourne CBD just 30 minutes up the road.
I visited with Millie for a friend’s daughter’s 3rd birthday and was surprised to discover there was so much there for children to do.
There’s sheltered picnic areas with BBQs, big playgrounds (and an 18 hole public golf course) but the urban farm at Cooper’s Settlement was a hit with young and old.
Layla the birthday girl (right) with her little friends
Kids can handle and help bottle feed a variety of farm animals as well as watch the daily happenings. While we were there a cow was being milked and plenty of food was available to give to hungry animal babies.
There were chooks, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, guinea pigs – lots to keep inquisitve little tackers amused.
Millie, at 7 months, is too young to understand what I was trying to show her, but did watch intently when an animal made a move past her line of sight. The farm was fine for prams too, a friend and I managed to manouvre our babies around quite easily, despite much of the paths being gravel.
Tilly and Millie prove Coopers Settlement is pramable
The settlement has a heritage village for families to experience life in the days of the pioneers and a $3 hay ride on the back of a tractor will take you into the adjoining wildlife reserve to see the roaming emus, kangaroos and wallabies.
Bundoora Park is open from sunrise to sunset, at 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora. Cooper’s Settlement is open 10am-4pm. Farm admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children or $24 for a family of two adults and two children.