Seven days of family time

Arrive and settle in

Your family retreat

Arrive from 3 pm, unpack and take a breath. Let the children discover the cubby house, toys, books and games while you settle into the rhythm of your stay.

An easy first evening

Keep dinner simple with something delicious from town and a meal together at Gracemont. If everyone has energy to spare, reserve a table at Zoncello for Italian dining and a children’s menu.

A day with the wildlife

Curious little explorers

After breakfast, spend the day at Healesville Sanctuary. Look out for koalas, kangaroos and other Australian animals, with time for the Sanctuary’s family play spaces along the way.

Birds above, memories to keep

Check the daily program for Spirits of the Sky, the bird presentation included with admission. Bring the day to a gentle close back at Gracemont, with an easy dinner and a favourite story before bed.

A picnic and a sweet treat

Fresh air and a picnic

Pack lunch for Maroondah Reservoir Park and enjoy the gardens and open grass areas. Choose a short wander that suits your children; the flat areas below the dam are a relaxed alternative to the stairs and steeper tracks.

Something sweet

If everyone feels like another stop, visit Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for an ice cream and a browse among the chocolate creations. Save your picnic for the park, as outside food is not permitted at the Chocolaterie.

A slower day in Healesville

Play, browse and pause

Make today an easy one. Start with a playground visit at Queens Park, then browse Healesville’s shops and stop at Verso Books for a new story to enjoy together.

The pleasure of staying in

Collect provisions for lunch and return to Gracemont for a quiet afternoon. Leave room for naps, games, the garden and a family barbecue, with no need to watch the clock.

Art and little discoveries

A different kind of adventure

For children who enjoy looking, imagining and asking questions, visit TarraWarra Museum of Art. Keep the visit as short or as leisurely as suits your family, and check the current exhibition before booking.

Make it your own

Enjoy lunch in Healesville, then return for an afternoon at your retreat. If art is not your family’s favourite, choose a film or family event at The Memo when the program suits, or revisit a much-loved playground.

A seasonal adventure

Straight from the orchard

When cherry picking is in season, book a session at CherryHill Orchards for the pleasure of gathering fruit together. Check the picking dates and your selected orchard’s address before you set out, as locations and availability vary.

Lovely in every season

Outside picking season, make this a choose-your-own day: another wildlife visit, a favourite picnic spot or an afternoon of chocolate and ice cream. There is no need to fill every hour; sometimes the best holiday memories happen back at Gracemont.

One last evening together

Cook something everyone loves, set the table and savour your final evening. Ask each family member to choose their favourite moment from the week.

A gentle farewell

Breakfast before the journey

Enjoy a final breakfast together, pack at an easy pace and check out by 11 am. Take home a favourite book, a few local treats and memories of a week together.

Not quite ready to leave?

After check-out, pause for lunch in Healesville or one more visit to Queens Park before the journey home. If you would like a full seventh day at your retreat, book an extra night and leave tomorrow instead.