1 / 3Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre
📍 Grovedale, VIC
Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre in Grovedale combines wildlife encounters — emus, wallabies, and a resident parrot named Fred — with indigenous cultural workshops and a cafe serving native ingredient dishes and baked goods.
We've been twice recently. The surroundings are unique and interesting. (Lots of conversation starters!) I really like the fresh cinnamon scrolls! There is a good range of cafe food. The toasties are beyond great. One of the female servers is a little firecracker. She is kind, happy, thoughtful and fun! The owner is very nice to chat with and added to our family fun last time we visited. Outside are gardens, a playground and interesting cultural details to take in. Did I mention the emus? There is al freso dining too. Parking is off road and plentiful.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families seeking a calm, culturally rich outing with wildlife contact and quality food in one stop. Children who respond well to animals and hands-on craft activities get the most from the workshops.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →792 Google reviews
Stephanie Gleeson
5 months ago
“We've been twice recently. The surroundings are unique and interesting. (Lots of conversation starters!) I really like the fresh cinnamon scrolls! There is a good range of cafe food. The toasties are beyond great. One of the female servers is a little firecracker. She is kind, happy, thoughtful and fun! The owner is very nice to chat with and added to our family fun last time we visited. Outside are gardens, a playground and interesting cultural details to take in. Did I mention the emus? There is al freso dining too. Parking is off road and plentiful.”
Geoff T
8 months ago
“Paid a visit to the Cultural Centre after not having visited for years. The new cafe is great, a small and simple menu but some great indigenous ingredients included. The emus and wallabies were very cute.”
Courney Zhang
3 months ago
“A quiet and peaceful place to visit with kids. There are three ostriches, and it’s a nice spot for a relaxed, short outing. My child enjoyed seeing the ostriches up close.”
Therealshelleybeech
2 years ago
“The lemon myrtle scones were definitely worth the visit. Unfortunately, the shop was shut for stocktake. The cafe was busy, but customers were friendly and understanding. I have seen wallabies here before, but not this visit. I enjoy the walk on country and will definitely go back.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The centre runs cultural workshops in ochre art, basket weaving, and storytelling alongside open-access wildlife areas. Emus, wallabies, and ostriches roam accessible enclosures. The Booln Booln Cafe draws its own crowd with cinnamon scrolls, lemon myrtle scones, toasties, kangaroo ragu, and other native ingredient dishes. An outdoor playground and gardens extend the visit for children. A retail shop sells Aboriginal-made artwork and gifts, and it occasionally closes for stocktake.
