The Teddy Bears’ Picnic
- ALL AGES
A Beary Special Day Awaits at Rippon Lea Estate.
Date and time
Location
Rippon Lea Estate
192 Hotham Street Elsternwick, VIC 3185 AustraliaRefund Policy
Agenda
10:00 AM
Gates Open
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Open-air Market Stalls
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Craft Making in the Ballroom
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Mansion Open (AM Session)
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Face Painting
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fairground rides, including pony rides ($5/ride)
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Old Fashion Games on the Lawn
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Mansion Open (PM Session)
1:30 PM
Live reading of Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea
2:30 PM
Live reading of Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea
About this event
- Event lasts 5 hours
- ALL AGES
- No venue parking
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.
What’s on:
- 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.
Don’t miss out on this beary special day—book your tickets today!
Become a National Trust Member through this ticketing page 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, 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 (pictured below).
Household Membership, which includes 2 Adults and up to 4 Children, starts from $120. Joining fee normally $35 has been waived.
Frequently asked questions
This is a ticketed event. Glen Eira and Port Phillip residents with a Garden Entry Card will need to pay General event Admission prices.
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.
Only accredited assistance animals are permitted on-site.
Tickets can be purchased online here. Unfortunately, we are unable to take bookings over the phone or via email.
Yes, tickets can be purchased on the day. However, to ensure quicker entry, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
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.
This is a family-friendly event, best suited for children aged 5–11 years and anyone young at heart!
There is no on-site parking, and surrounding streets have parking restrictions. We recommend using public transport to attend the event.
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. Tr