Hello ​ Hi there Reader, Have you ever heard of an Ask Me Anything? An AMA is a meeting where one person opens the floor to any questions from an audience. These sessions can cover a wide range of topics and don’t have to stay on subject. Of course, it’s up to the person hosting to make the rules. They’re usually hosted to help people get to know each other and expand their knowledge or view on a topic. Why am I telling you this? Well, this week I want to host an Inbox Ask Me Anything. Usually, to get me on the phone I have to have you in my contacts. My fear of t ..read more

On the hunt for stylish yet family-friendly Melbourne Docklands accommodation? Then it’s time to check in for a stay at Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands, formerly known as Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands.  Located in an area renowned for its picturesque waterfront and regular events, this Docklands hotel offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and stunning views.  Here’s why Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands stands out as a top choice for families  looking for a local escape or those visiting Melbourne and Docklands. BOOK VIBE HOTEL MELBOURNE DOCKLANDS V ..read more

Get ready for a Melbourne winter festival like no other – the Firelight Festival is back to warm up every Melburnian in the Docklands!  The free festival is taking over NewQuay Promenade, Victoria Harbour and Harbour Esplanade from Friday 28 June to Sunday 30 June 2024, while the all-new Firelight Labyrinth experience will run from Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July 2024. Firelight Labyrinth at Firelight Festival 2024 The ticketed Firelight Labyrinth experience is making its world debut at the Firelight Festival 2024. Designed by international creative lighting specialists, Mandylights, a ..read more

Looking for a playcentre near you? A clean, spacious and imaginative indoor play centre can be a godsend in summer when the weather’s too hot or in winter when the weather’s just too cold to be outdoors. My Tot team and I have been road-testing play centres near me and right across Melbourne for years! Here is our list of the best indoor play centres in Melbourne – there’s bound to be a great play centre near you. Table of Contents BEST PLAY CENTRES IN MELBOURNE CBD/DOCKLANDS BEST PLAYCENTRE MELBOURNE NORTH INDOOR PLAYGROUND MELBOURNE SOUTH/SOUTH-EAST/BAYSIDE INDOOR PLAY CENTRES MELBOURN ..read more

This Mother’s Day (Sunday 12 May 2024), treat the special women in your life with our curated list of Mother’s Day sales. Refresh her wardrobe, beautify her living space, upgrade her tech gadgets, and more—don’t miss the chance to pamper mum all without straining your wallet! We’ve gathered some of the top Mother’s Day deals, mainly from Australian brands and businesses, for a truly local shopping experience. Also, consider signing up for ShopBack and Cashrewards to earn cashback on your purchases—it’s like getting paid to shop (I’ll receive referral credit too). It’s a double celebration ..read more

Fast 5 What’s On #1 What’s On This Week – CBD ​Exhibition: Wild City At ArtPlay (Thursday – Sunday) – Come and visit a mini city landscape that has been transformed into a wild, thriving, green metropolis – where humans and animals share their habitat. ​Storytime at the Library (Wednesdays) – Children and families will be able to join their favourite Library storytellers at the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter at 10:30 am ​SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium (Daily) – See some of the world’s most incredible animals, including penguins, a 6-metr ..read more

Celebrate ​ Hi there Reader, If you need last-minute gift ideas, we’ve got you covered! Start with these ideas, then read on below: Surprise Mum with an outfit that she’s been eyeing from Gorman; Spoil Mum with breakfast in bed, including the finest tea from T2; Treat your Mum to a sustainable gift from Biome; Help Mum to keep her mind and body healthy with activewear from lululemon; A good book and chocolates never fail to please; The ‘Fun In Art’ is hosting two Mother’s Day art classes for toddlers and kids, where their fine artwork becomes a cherished gift (Mo ..read more

Hello ​ Hi there Reader I’ve been publishing Tot for 13+ years now, which means that I’m very aware of what information our readers are looking for every season. Right now? With the temperature dropping here are some of our most popular posts: ​Where to find the best Autumn leaves in Melbourne​ ​The best indoor play centres in Melbourne​​ ​Melbourne’s best day spas​ If you ever have activities or places you’d like us to review or information/tips you’d like to share with the community, please know that my line is always open. All you have to do is click ‘Reply T ..read more

Looking to chow down to your heart’s content? Then dining at a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant in Melbourne might be just what you’re looking for! They are a great option if you’re looking to feast with family and friends without having to empty your wallet.  To help you experience the best all you can eat Melbourne has to offer, here’s a list of our top all you can eat buffet restaurants for lunch and dinner in Melbourne. Best All You Can Eat Buffets & Restaurants Melbourne 1. Kitchen Workshop, Southbank Kitchen Workshop’s all-you-can-eat buffet is a great way to enjoy s ..read more

A reader’s question inspired this post – the best things to do and places to go with toddlers, crawlers and babies in Melbourne!  Laura B reminded me of how hard it is to find age-appropriate activities for toddlers and babies in Melbourne. She asked “We’re spending a long weekend in Melbourne this weekend coming with our ten-month-old twins. Any suggestions on things we can do with them – they will be in their pram but very curious about the world around them and love a good crawl around?”   Things to do with Toddlers and Babies in Melbourne CBD 1. Artplay Artplay is a City of Melb ..read more