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Community, Entertainment

Beary Special Memories Await at Rippon Lea Estate

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) 3 mins read

Gather the family, bring your picnic, and don’t forget your favourite teddy bear for the 35th Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Rippon Lea Estate.  If you go down to Rippon Lea today, you’re sure of a big surprise! Borrowed bears, scrappy eared bears, baby bears and honey eating friends will all be there.  

The 35th Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic promises a day filled with magical moments, playful nostalgia, and wonderful family adventures. This much-loved tradition is back with a fresh lineup of fun and activities, all set against the beautiful heritage backdrop of Rippon Lea’s grand mansion and gardens. 

For over three decades, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic has been a day of joy, adventure, and cherished family moments. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or simply looking for a wonderful day out with loved ones. Locals reminisce, cousins can connect, and families of all sizes can create new memories to last a lifetime. The day is a perfect blend of modern fun and timeless charm. 

What’s On 

  • Live Reading of Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea: Watch the gardens come to life as author Matt Chester reads from this enchanting tale, inspired by the very estate you’ll be exploring. Join Elm and Willow on their journey through Rippon Lea’s magical grounds, meeting charming animal companions along the way. (Readings at 1.30pm and 2.30pm.) 
  • Elm & Willow Adventure Trail: Families can bring the story to life with an interactive adventure through Rippon Lea’s stunning gardens. 
  • Fairground Rides and Activities: Whirl and twirl on rides, get creative with face painting and crafts, and enjoy old-fashioned games on the lawn. ($5 per ride.) 
  • Live Brass Band: Sing and dance along to timeless tunes. 
  • Market Stalls and Food Trucks: Browse unique offerings from Rose Street Market or enjoy local food trucks, excellent coffee or the always loved Sausage Sizzle by the Carnegie Lions Club. 
  • Rippon Lea Mansion Tours: Step inside the historic mansion for a glimpse into its rich past. (Open 11am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 3.30pm.) 

Event Details 

  • Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025 
  • Time: 10am – 3pm (Gates close at 5pm) 
  • Location: Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick, Victoria 

Tickets: 

General Public: Adult $25 | Concession $19 | Child $16 | Family (2A+2C) $64 

National Trust Members: Adult $15 (includes up to 4 children with Household Membership) 

Special Offer 

Become a National Trust Member during ticket purchase or on the day to enjoy free entry to the event and year-round access to properties across Victoria. Household Memberships start at $120 and include entry for up to four children. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Please note that Port Phillip & Glen Eira residents with Garden Entry Cards will need to pay General Admission prices. 

Proceeds support the National Trust’s mission to preserve Victoria’s rich heritage for future generations. 


Key Facts:

Event Details

National Trust Teddy Bears Picnic 

  • Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025 
  • Time: 10am – 3pm (Gates close at 5pm) 
  • Location: Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick, Victoria 

About us:

 About the National Trust:

Since 1956 the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has been actively conserving and protecting our heritage for future generations to enjoy. We are an independent non-profit charity organisation and the leading operator of house museums and heritage properties in the state.

As a community-based member organisation, we are not part of government and work with partners to deliver our mission to champion Victoria’s diverse heritage, embrace the complexity of the past, and inspire connections to place for the benefit of current and future generations.


Contact details:

Brook Powell 
Executive Manager, Brand & Marketing, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) 
brook.powell@nattrust.com.au | 0414 516 884 

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