Boneo Discovery Park (Maze & Wetlands)

<_> If you're looking for a fantastic, screen-free day out on the Mornington Peninsula, we’ve just had a wonderful experience at Boneo Discovery Park. Nestled on 27 acres of beautiful wetlands and gardens, it’s much more than just a maze. It's an expansive outdoor adventure park that blends nature walks and wildlife spotting with a whole host of activities designed to wear out the kids in the best possible way. From the impressive sand sculptures and mini-golf to the giant outdoor games and adventure rides, it’s a full day of family fun that feels refreshingly connected to the outdoors.

Age Appropriateness

One of the best things about this park is how well it caters to a wide range of ages, making it a great choice for families with multiple kids. Their website even breaks down activities for different age groups like "Nature Nippers" (toddlers and preschoolers) and "Junior Adventurers" (primary-aged). For the littlest ones (ages 2-5), there are smaller mazes they can't get truly lost in, a vintage carousel, a nature play zone, and a jumping castle right next to the cafe. Primary-aged kids (6-12) will love the challenge of the main hedge maze, the 18-hole mini-golf course, and the more adventurous activities like the bungy trampolines and rock-climbing wall. Even teens and adults can get in on the action with the high ropes course and enjoy a competitive round of mini-golf.

The Highlights (Pros)

• So Much Variety: There is genuinely something for everyone. We loved the 1.5km boardwalk through the wetlands, which was peaceful and great for the pram. The kids were obsessed with the Games Garden, which has oversized versions of Jenga, chess, and Connect Four. It's a fantastic, relaxed space where you can lay out a picnic rug under the shady trees.
• Excellent Mini-Golf: The 18-hole mini-golf course is a real standout. It's cleverly designed with three different levels of difficulty at each hole, so little kids and experienced adults can play together fairly.
• Nature-Focused Play: It’s not a plastic playground. The focus is on getting kids to explore the natural environment, from spotting birds in the wetlands to the imaginative nature play zone. Every child's entry includes a "Little Discoverers" bag with a scavenger hunt and crafts, which was a lovely touch.
• Well-Maintained and Clean: The grounds, facilities, and games are all really well looked after. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful, adding to the positive atmosphere.
• Good Amenities: There's a lovely lakeside cafe for coffee or lunch, plenty of picnic spots if you want to bring your own food, and ample parking. They also have family-friendly facilities like a parents' room and public toilets near the main building.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

• Cost Can Add Up: While the general admission covers a lot, some of the bigger adventure activities like the high ropes course, pedal boats, and bungy trampolines cost extra. This can make the day quite expensive for a larger family, especially if your kids want to do everything.
• Limited Indoor Space: This is overwhelmingly an outdoor venue. If the weather turns, there isn't a lot to do undercover aside from the main cafe area.
• Seasonal Ride Operation: The more thrilling rides, like the high ropes course and zip line, tend to operate only on weekends and during school holidays. It's worth checking their website before you go to avoid disappointment.
• Facilities are Centralised: The main toilets are located in the reception building, so you’ll need to plan for bathroom breaks before heading out on the long wetlands walk.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Book Online: You can save time at the entrance by pre-booking your tickets online, especially during peak times like school holidays.
• Arrive Early: To make the most of the day and beat the crowds (and the heat in summer), it’s a great idea to arrive right when they open at 10 am.
• Pack Smart: Definitely bring hats, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Packing your own picnic and water bottles is a great way to save some money.
• Pram and Wheelchair Accessibility: The main paths and the 1.5km wetlands boardwalk are accessible, making it manageable with a pram. For specific accessibility questions, it's best to contact the park directly.
• Check the Schedule: Before you promise the kids a go on the rock-climbing wall, check the park's website for the operating times of the adventure rides to make sure they'll be running on the day of your visit.