The Viridian Greenvale Petting Zoo at Marnong Estate was everything a family day should be — relaxed, joyful, and full of little discoveries.
It was one of those perfect spring mornings — warm air, blue skies, and that easy feeling when everything just falls into place. Mia and Luca were buzzing before we’d even parked the car, guessing which animals they might see first.
My day started with a coffee in hand — a freshly brewed cup thanks to Viridian Greenvale, who helped bring the day to life. From the Main Lawn, I could already hear laughter, the bleating of sheep, and the occasional squeal of excitement. That was when I knew it was going to be a good day at the Viridian Greenvale Petting Zoo.
Mia’s Morning of Excitement
For Mia, the Petting Zoo at Marnong Estate was everything she imagined. Within minutes, she was laughing as a cheeky sheep chased her around the pen. “It was a bit scary,” she said between giggles, “but mostly amazing and funny.”
As the morning went on, she grew braver. She fed the chickens, patted a donkey, and named her favourite new friend: Lucy the Camel. Because of this, the camel rides quickly became the highlight of her day — an experience made possible with the support of Viridian Greenvale.
Families gathered along the fences, phones ready to capture the moment. When it was Mia’s turn, she climbed up and beamed from ear to ear. “Up there, it felt like I was on top of my roof,” she said proudly.
Later, she reached out and ran her hand along Lucy’s fur. “It feels like soft hay,” she whispered. It was such a simple moment, yet one of those that stays with you.
Luca’s Day of Fun, Bumpy and Different Adventures
Meanwhile, Luca was off making friends of his own. He named a sheep Johnny and decided instantly that he was the best of the bunch. He loved how “the goats felt soft and safe around us” and laughed watching the camels chew endlessly beside him.
Like his sister, Luca couldn’t get enough of the camel rides. When he finally climbed down, he looked up and said, “They were bigger than I expected. It was fun and bumpy.”
That’s Luca all over — full of imagination and big ideas. When I asked which animal he’d take home if he could, he grinned and said, “The crocodile — to defend me.” I had to laugh at that.
Even so, his favourite part was the pigs. “They made me laugh,” he said. And he wasn’t wrong — they were loud, messy, and completely themselves.
Why Families Loved the Viridian Greenvale Petting Zoo
As the afternoon faded and we packed up to leave, Mia summed it up perfectly: “The Viridian Greenvale Petting Zoo felt amazing, a bit scary and a bit funny.”
She was right — it was all of that, and more. It was a day filled with sunshine, animals, laughter, and that rare chance to slow down and see the world the way your kids do.
With open eyes, muddy shoes, and pure joy that lasted the whole drive home, it reminded us what days like this are all about.
Finally, I couldn’t help but feel grateful — for the animals, the laughter, and for Viridian Greenvale, whose support helped make this family day one we’ll never forget.
