Gather your family, pack your picnic, and bring along your favourite teddy bear or soft toy for the 35th Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Rippon Lea Estate!
Set against the stunning backdrop of Rippon Lea House & Gardens, this much-loved family event offers a delightful day filled with fun, adventure, and entertainment for all ages.
Highlights:
– Whirl and twirl on fairground rides (just $5 per ride)
– Get creative with face painting and craft activities
– Enjoy lawn games and dance and sing along to the tunes of the live brass band
– Plus, browse market stalls from Rose Street Market, and enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and a Sausage Sizzle from the Carnegie Lions Club
The highlight of the day is a live reading of Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea: Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Follow the story of best bear friends Elm and Willow as they explore Rippon Lea’s magical gardens, encountering helpful—and cheeky—animal companions. Families can also bring the story to life by embarking on the Elm & Willow Adventure Trail, an interactive journey through the estate’s beautiful grounds.
Copies of the book are available to purchase with your ticket or on the day, and young readers can meet the author, Matt Chester, for a special book signing.
This unforgettable family day supports the National Trust and its mission to preserve Victoria’s rich heritage.
SPECIAL OFFER
Become a National Trust Member online or on the day to receive free entry to Teddy Bears’ Picnic, as well as free entry to all of our properties for 12 months. Plus, we’ll waive the joining fee, and you’ll receive a copy of Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea: Teddy Bears’ Picnic and your very own National Trust Teddy Bear on the day.
Household Membership, which includes 2 Adults and up to 4 Children, start from $120. Purchase your Membership through the Ticketing Checkout
WHAT’S ON
– Gates open | 10am
– Face painting | 11am – 2pm
– Fairground rides, including pony rides | 11am – 3pm ( $5 per ride )
– Live reading of Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea | 1.30pm & 2.30pm
– Craft making activities in the Ballroom | 10.30am – 3.30pm
– Old Fashion games on the lawn | 11am – 3pm
– Open Air Market | 10am – 3pm.
– Rippon Lea Mansion Open | 11am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 3.30pm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use my Council Membership for entry?
This is a ticketed event. Glen Eira and Port Phillip residents with a Garden Entry Card will need to pay General event Admission prices.
Is Rippon Lea Estate wheelchair-friendly?
Please note that the garden paths are gravel, which may make wheelchair access challenging. The ground floor of the Mansion is wheelchair accessible, and an iPad with photos of the upper floor is available for guided tours—please speak to the guide for assistance.
Can I bring my dog?
Only accredited assistance animals are permitted on-site.
How can I book tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online here. Unfortunately, we are unable to take bookings over the phone or via email.
Can I purchase tickets on the day?
Yes, tickets can be purchased on the day. However, to ensure quicker entry, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Will there be toilets and baby change facilities?
Toilets are located near the stables complex at the eastern end of the property. A child change table is available in the ambulant toilet cubicle.
What ages is this event suitable for?
This is a family-friendly event, best suited for children aged 5–11 years and anyone young at heart!
Is there parking available?
There is no on-site parking, and surrounding streets have parking restrictions. We recommend using public transport to attend the event.
How do I get there by public transport?
- By Train: Rippon Lea Station on the Sandringham Line is a five-minute walk from the property.
- By Tram: Take Tram Route 67 (to Carnegie) to stop 42 – Tram Tracker ID 2042 or Tracker Stop ID 1042 (to Melbourne University).
- By Bus: The 216 or 219 bus departs from Queen Street in Melbourne’s CBD. Travel time is approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to stop at the first stop after Glen Eira Road.
Rippon Lea House and Gardens