The Australian Antarctic Division - Cafe

 

Location: Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Highway Kingston
Phone: (03) 6232 3209
Website: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/
Opening hours: 8.30am till 3.30pm
 
Kids menu: No specific menu
Adult menu: Brunch & Lunch available; eggs on toast (as well as Benedict or Florentine), omelette; & big breakfast; sandwiches; burgers; fish & chips; calamari & chips; panini's; as well as roast of the day and a hot dish of the day
Prices: brunch: $7.50 - $12; lunch: $4 - $10

 

Mumma Review

We headed to the Antarctic Division in Kingston after hearing they had a cafe and interactive section for kids to explore.....a perfect spot we thought for a winters day!  Three mums with 2 toddlers in tow, a 10 month old (almost toddler!) and Mumma Kel's new addition all bundled up in prams heading into the main entrance - not a regular sight we're sure!

After a quick scout around we spotted a corner that appeared to have a display of antarctic equipment, clothing, husky dogs, and other paraphernalia.  Before letting our boys loose we confirmed with the friendly receptionist that yes that was the section for kiddies to explore (we did not want accidentally enter restricted territory with our enthusiastic boys, haha!).  There was a moderate amount of equipment to look at as well as information to read, a set of clothes hanging that kids could try on and play dress-ups with as well as a trio of husky dogs that had both boys smitten :)  Whilst the boys were delighted with seeing the dogs and telecommunication equipment (kids these days) they were probably a bit too young to really appreciate the display.  Would be a great spot for kids closer to school age.
 

 

After our look into the world of life in the antarctic we all headed down the ramp and into the cafe.....more like a staff cafeteria than cafe however!  Feeling slightly self conscious we all wondered whether we should stay (considering we had kids on our hips rather than notebooks under our arms as staff appeared to be scattered around enjoying their lunch and/or having impromptu meetings!).  The space was big enough for all us we thought and we bunked down at a table slightly out of the main section and got ourselves set up (you know how it is with a group of little ones!).  

To our delight (oh how life changes) they had a highchair so our 'esme watson' of the group (aka 10 mth old daughter of our good friend G) could get into position and enjoy her lunch (Moroccan lamb from memory....we should have eaten hers!).  There was plenty to choose from in the cafe, all cafeteria style meals, from burgers, sandwiches, and fish & chips as well as roast and hot meal of the day.  I opted for the chicken burger while Kel and G opted for the veggie burgers....the vegie burgers came out cold unfortunately however once the staff were notified both meals were promptly replaced.  Whilst the burgers wouldn't win any gourmet food awards they were nonetheless pretty tasty and their fresh hot chips yummo!  The cafe also serve Oomph coffee which was a bonus.

If you are looking for somewhere different to head to with the kids these coming School Holidays then the Antarctic Division certainly is a good spot to explore and pop down to the cafe for a cuppa and quick, light bite.

Love Mumma's Al & Kel x