Matt and Meg

Arriving in Banff, Alberta is really like stepping into a children’s storybook of oversized gingerbread houses with snow-capped peaks, enchanting chateau style boutiques, bars and restaurants…all set amongst the majestic and awe inspiring Rockies. Then as night falls, it becomes a choice of an outdoor hot tub, a glass of red whilst resting your weary feet in front of your own log fire in a rustic cabin by the lake, or sitting by the communal fire pit stargazing. There are various wildlife boat charters you can jump on, kayaking, hiking for every level (including stroller friendly hikes), canoeing, tubing, skating, rafting, cycling, horseback riding through the Banff township itself or local storytelling sessions, outdoor concerts and even horse and carriage rides! To cap off your alpine adventure, be sure to make a splash in the outdoor thermal hot springs, and soak up the epic views of the majestic snow-capped mountains!

Overlooking the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort is one of the most unique snow sports destinations on the planet, but it also happens to offer year-round, adrenalin-fueled family fun activities, whatever the season. On arrival, we tested our skills and conquered the various rope courses, featuring rope bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ladders, walkways and other climbing features – perfect for the big and little kids as it’s all done within the safety of a harness and varies in degrees of difficulty. Get up in the clouds with unmatched panoramas of Lake Tahoe and High Sierra Desert and visit Heavenly Mountain Resort for at least a day. We stayed at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel – spacious rooms, perfect for families and fabulous location right next to the Heavenly Mountain Resort Gondola.

A luxurious yet family-friendly historic farm house nestled between the Mornington Peninsula wineries, beaches and artisan galleries in Red Hill. A luxurious yet family-friendly historic farm house nestled between the Mornington Peninsula wineries, beaches and artisan galleries in Red Hill. Suffice to say, we didn’t see much of Daisy over the next few days as she spent countless hours writing little letters to the fairies, cleaning out the leaves from their house each morning, reading them stories and leaving them a bowl of pebbles, fairy dust and nuts each night for them to enjoy. With ample space for kids to run around and some farm animals to look at, it’s the perfect place to kick back with a wine tasting and a tapas platter, and admire the breathtaking views of the vineyard, rolling hills and lush green countryside.

The big kids (and little kids) were on an adventure for a two-night mini city escape to experience the magic of Melbourne. That night as we tucked our young ones into their beds in our two-bedroom apartment (yes, a five-year old deserves her own king size bed don’t you think? ) and our 8-month-old baby into his cot, we couldn’t help but reflect on the excitement of day one through our little kids eyes. No doubt they would dream of the old man drawing on the sidewalk with colourful chalk, the high pitched shrills of the hens party passing by, the café spruikers, the juggler and the group of Italian men playing chess on the street corner smoking their cigars. Walking along the vibrant cobblestone alleyway, you could swear you had arrived in Europe, with the French and Italian influence translating into outdoor cafes and restaurants bursting onto the sidewalks, accordion players under the old style street lamps and the loud chatter of diners enjoying a vino under the stars.