Our kids loved visiting Chesterfield farm; really nice to walk around, see animals up close and old farm machinery etc. We also went to a birthday party there and it was such a fantastic venue for a kids' party - the kids all watched a cow-milking demonstration, had tractor rides, and sat in a private covered area for the birthday celebrations.

This shop is wonderful for purchasing a cake to bring along to a special dinner party. Well-known around the area as a fantastic French pattisserie. Beautiful rich chocolate mud cakes; delicious vanilla slices, lovely quiches, and the petit fours are always a treat...

Occasional Care for pre-schoolers is offered by the Park Orchards Community House, and it is an excellent fun structured program which is perfect for kids around 3Y0. My kids have had really positive experiences there - the staff are absolutely lovely people who are altruistic and excellent with children. Fees are low.

You will definitely find bargains at Wantirna Market. Loads of old and new items - clothing, collectables, toys, plants, DVDs, goldfish, fruit and vegies, magazines, tools, etc. Cheap entry; crowded environment with lots of stalls.

Approximate cost: $entry is $1.80 for adults and free for kids

What a beautiful experience - walk through the gorgeous nursery and gift shop over water under the bridge to outdoor as well as enclosed eating areas. Sit in the sunshine with the family and watch the ducks and the beautiful scenery from an elevated vantage point while eating delights like smoked salmon bagels or fruit bread with homemade raspberry jam.

Beautiful comfortable place to have a coffee. Funky decor. Staff were welcoming and friendly to children too. A short walk from Maroondah Handicrafts where you can purchase beautiful home-made gift items.

My kids keep wanting to go back there - parents can have a coffee and see the entire play area. Lots of slides suitable for ages 4+, and safe play areas for younger children. The centre is bright and colourful, and is a good venue for kids' parties.

Gorgeous shop - sells beautiful handicraft items all made by people in the local community. Excellent place to find hand-made gifts and cards for new babies.

Excellent hospital - small, quiet, relaxed atmosphere, it felt like being on a restful holiday - a good place to recuperate after giving birth. Staff seem to work together cohesively and have good morale which comes across in their friendliness and attentiveness.

My second bub was born prematurely requiring specialist NICU care - the Monash Medical Centre has world-class doctors and medical facilities and we were absolutely blessed to have our daughter cared for there. I stayed in the Jessie McPherson maternity section and they welcomed us and met all our needs. My obstetrician for the birth was Dr Danielle Wilkins and she was absolutely superb - thankyou thankyou thankyou!!!!