Mornington Peninsula - Part 1

We had a great week camping at Mornington Peninsula. We stayed on the foreshore at Rosebud. I am amazed that the Victorian Government still allows camping on the foreshore reserve, as it seems so many Councils are barring it. The amenities are old but they were clean while we were there. Admittedly we weren't there in peak time and I would imagine that when the park is packed, the amenities may not stand up to the volume of use.

The water at Rosebud was wonderful. It wasn't particularly warm but it was shallow for many metres out and so the kids could play happily and freely without me being in a permanent state of stress and anxiety over Rory. He could roam freely and follow the "big kids" without feeling constrained. It was safe for everyone so was a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing time. There were shells to find, water to play in and of course, many games with Willow and Sakari.

The Enchanted Adventure Garden
We visited the Enchanted Adventure Garden and had a great time there. While not cheap, we certainly did a lot while there and we all enjoyed it, even Rory.

Tilda and Greg got to do the tree top climb. Tilda did so well climbing through the treetop of the junior lines and Greg did very well scaling the much higher heights of the full climb.

We also enjoyed the tube ride, having so many goes on it that our legs were burning from pulling the tyre tubes up the hill so we could ride down again.

Tilda amazed us all by being able to figure out the tyre maze by herself, not long after the owner of the park told us that it was very hard to solve and most people can only solve it by working backwards. (We've decided that if she ever fails at visual perception in maths,she must not be trying after proving herself so capable with this maze).

 The entry topiares are not to be missed! A sign of great things to come.

 All dressed up ready to go

Peninsula Hot Springs

Tilda and I had a mummy-daughter day the the Hot Springs . We had a lovely time together and I would highly recommend it to anyone, although at one point during my relaxing soaking it crossed my mind to wonder how many people wee'd in the springs.... oh well, not so relaxing at that point!

We started our day at the top pool which as a 360 degree view. It is 42-43 degrees.... kind of uncomfortably warm after you've been in there for a while but the day was quite cool and overcast so it was rather pleasant.

We worked our way down the hill side, with the pool temperatures decreasing slightly as we went. Normally people start at the bottom and work their way to the top but the top 4-5 pools become 16+ only after 10am so they recommended we start at the top so we could enjoy the hotter pools as well. each pool is of a different size and temperature. Some pools are larger, like the cave pool, and others are smaller, only comfortably seating 2-4 people. We enjoyed each of the pools, but skipped the spa and Turkish bath. I would have enjoyed trying the Turkish bath but Tilda didn't want to do it and I couldn't leave her alone.

We tried the foot reflexology walk. I made Tilda do it twice. There are 10 different types of stone mediums in an ankle deep warm pool. There are tiny, very pointy stones and larger, smoother stones. I'm not sure if it did me any good but it was fun to do.

There are a couple of pools where you sit in the hot water for a few minutes and then plunge into a cold pool. Tilda dared me to do it, so the pair of us did it, not once, not twice but four times! She was so proud of herself as there were some older boys (early 20's) who went to try it and couldn't bring themselves to do it.

 The the top pool

Further down the hill side in a 36-38 degree pool