Details

White sand, crystal blue waters and 5 kms of indigenous coastal bushland to walk along next to beach, makes Seaford Foreshore Reserve one of our favourite family friendly beaches in Melbourne to visit with kids! The beach is generally safe and shallow in calm conditions and provides a great spot for families to enjoy in summer when swimming and all year around for outdoor nature play activities.

Located south-east of Melbourne with easy access to the beach through ramps which are pram and disability friendly, car parking and toilet facilities, as well as BBQ’s and picnic tables are available at the pier car park and Keast Park.

Seaford Foreshore Reserve is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong (Boon Wurrung) People of the Kulin Nation.

TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS 

1. 1. Swimming! the water is shallow for 50m and kids can water play safely when weather and tide conditions are calm.
   2. Go for a bush walk through the coastal dune vegetation from Keast Park to Mile Bridge.
   3. Fishing from Seaford Pier
   4. Take your binoculars for some wonderful bird watching
   5. Grab some fish n chips for sinner and watch the spectacular sunsets

FLORA & FAUNA 

Seaford Foreshore is one of the oldest reserves in the Frankston area. It has a five kilometre stretch of parallel dunes with remnant indigenous coastal vegetation – creating an important habitat for many birds and reptiles. It shelters one of the best beaches on Port Phillip Bay and has the finest example of Coast Banksia Woodland in Melbourne.

Only very resilient grasses such as Hairy Spinifex and Blue Tussock-grass survive on the coastal fore dunes, which are exposed to the wind and salt spray. Their roots help bind the fragile dunes together, enabling other plants like Coast Tea-tree, White Correa and Coast Daisy-bush to survive. On the secondary dunes closer to the road there are Banksia Woodland, dominated by Coast Banksia and Coast Beard Heath.

Seaford Foreshore Reserve is rich in birdlife, with over 100 species either living in or using the reserve on their way to Kananook Creek or Seaford Wetlands. Fourteen species, including the Eastern Yellow Robin and Yellow Thornbill, have been observed to breed in the coastal vegetation, while Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos having been absent for decades have returned to regularly feed on seeds and hunt for grubs. More lizards can be found here than in many other regions in Victoria. Of particular interest is White’s Skink which is no longer found in the inner urban areas of Melbourne, having once been common

Reference- Frankston City council (https://images.impartmedia.com/discoverfrankston.com/AA_Operator_images/Seaford_Foreshore_Reserve_2018_1.pdf)

Don’t forget to download your FREE Eco Explorers Nature Scavenger Hunt here to take with you!

Eco Explorers runs Bush Playgroup at Seaford Foreshore and you can find out more about our nature playgroup programs here.

Details

Sweetwater Creek extends from the foothills of Frankston Reservoir to Port Philip Bay at the base of Olivers Hill. Thirteen hectares of remnant bushland surrounding the lower section of the creek is protected for its flora, fauna, geological and cultural heritage values. Walking tracks wind their way along the creek from swamps to steep gullies and floodplains to foothills.

Reference (Frankston City Council)

Lookouts, bridges and seats provide resting points where you can stop, look and listen for birdlife and frogs. “The Granites” is a particularly beautiful spot where the creek has carved out its path around large rocky outcrops and boulders.

TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS 

1. 1. 1. Walk along the picturesque walking paths and boardwalks, and enjoy views of the creek, waterfalls and bushland.
      2. Look and listen for birdlife and frogs
      3. Dip your feet in the water in summer when the creek is shallow. Always check the depth first and wear study, no slip shoes
      4. Walk to Olivers Hill Lookout
      5. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Don’t forget to download your FREE Eco Explorers Nature Scavenger Hunt here

Eco Explorers runs Bush Playgroup, Bush Kids, Forest School and School Holiday programs at Sweetwater Creek Reserve.

Details

Sassafras Creek Reserve in Kalista is a stunning natural oasis, where scenic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna inspire a deeper connection with the earth. The reserve’s winding walking trails invite visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of nature, offering opportunities for birdwatching and encounters with local wildlife.

Lush greenery and seasonal wildflowers create a vibrant tapestry, while the soothing sound of the creek flowing nearby fosters tranquility. It’s a cherished destination for families, hikers, and seekers of solace, where the soul can rejuvenate amidst nature’s embrace. Community events enrich the experience, celebrating conservation and the wonder of local ecosystems, inviting all to share in the magic of this peaceful haven.

TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS 

1. 1. 1. Have a picnic by the creek – find a nice spot near the water where you can enjoy the sounds of the flowing creek and the surrounding lush greenery.
      2. Have a splash in the creek in summer
      3. Build some nature boats to float in the water
      4. Nature journalling by the creek: Bring your art supplies to capture the beauty of the landscape in your own unique way.
      5. Go on a bush walk – Allow yourself to fully engage with your environment. Take moments to stop, breathe deeply, and observe the details around you, whether it’s the rustle of leaves or the patterns of light through the trees.

Don’t forget to download your Eco Explorers Nature Scavenger Hunt here to take with you!