MONA Pavilions
Overview
MONA Pavilions has a sophisticated adult vibe, but kids are welcome and the private, two-bedroom pavilions make cool family cocoons. The hotel can supply baby cots (AU$20 a night), roll-out beds for older kids (AU$50 a night) and babysitters.
Best for
Kids of any age will enjoy the spacious, private pavilions; older children will get a kick out of the art and pool.
Recommended rooms
The original two-floor, two-bedroom pavilions, Brett and Charles, are spacious yet intimate, but opt for one of the two-bedroom newer pavilions if you want even more acreage. All rooms boast kitchens and laundry rooms, so work well for families.
Activities
Arrive at MONA by boat and you'll already have the kids eating out of the palm of your hand. The winery, microbrewery and gourmet restaurant may not be the most child-friendly distractions, but there's a cool pool on site, and you can tour the Cadbury Factory (www.cadbury.com.au) just across the river (if thoughts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory don't make you nervous). When the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opens on site in January 2011, its curious mix of Egyptian mummies, ethnic artifacts, antiquities, digital works and modern art should appeal to older kids.
Swimming pool
The heated indoor pool is just for pavilion guests to use (secure entry with your room key), and is not too deep for the smalls. It's more suited to laps than aqua play, but floats and arm-bands are available.
Meals
MONA's restaurant the Source can cater for children, and offers high chairs for wee folk. Staff are happy to heat up milk or baby food too, and can whip up hampers for packed lunches. In-room dining here is a great option if you'd rather eat with the kids in the privacy or your own pavilion, either around the living room table or out on the terrace. As well as room service orders, you can request whatever condiments you need, and rooms come with state-of-the-art kitchens, fridges and microwaves. Continental breakfast can be provided in your room, or you can enjoy cooked breakfasts up at the Source.
Babysitting
Given three days' notice, MONA can arrange babysitting with reputable local child minders for AU$25 an hour.
No need to pack
Baby cots, high chairs, entertainment (pavilions come with satellite TV and lots of amusing gadgets).
Also
MONA can supply baby cots for AU$25 a night, or free roll-away beds for older children sharing your pavilion. There's a buggy on hand to ferry you to your room if you're loaded down with kids and luggage.
