A Day at Phillip Island: Our Family Adventure with Lunch in Tow
This past weekend, we packed up the car, grabbed our trusty stainless steel lunch boxes, and headed out from our home in Glen Waverley for a day trip to Phillip Island. With two kids—Ella, our energetic 8-year-old, and Max, our curious 5-year-old—plus my husband, Tom, and me, these outings are always a mix of chaos and magic. But this one? I am sharing it to FOOD TIE, for you to read it and experience it.
It all started Saturday morning, when the kids were up at the crack of dawn, bouncing around the kitchen like they’d had espresso instead of cereal. Tom and I had decided on Phillip Island because it’s close enough for a day trip—about an hour and a half from Glen Waverley—but feels like a proper getaway. The plan was to hit the Koala Conservation Reserve, wander around Cowes Beach, and, of course, catch the famous Penguin Parade at dusk. With a full day ahead, I knew we’d need a solid lunch to keep everyone fueled and happy.
I spent Friday night prepping our meals, and let me tell you, our stainless steel lunch boxes made it a breeze. These things are like the unsung heroes of our family adventures. I filled one for the kids with mini pita pockets stuffed with hummus, cucumber, and shredded chicken—Ella’s favorite, though Max picks out half the cucumber. Another box held Tom’s and my lunch: quinoa salads with feta, cherry tomatoes, and grilled zucchini, plus a couple of hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. I tossed in some sliced apples, a handful of pretzels, and two homemade oatmeal cookies per kid (because bribery is a parenting essential). The boxes’ compartments kept everything neat, no squished sandwiches or leaking dressings, which is a win when you’re wrangling kids and car trips.
We left Glen Waverley around 8:30 a.m., the kids strapped into the backseat with their tablets for the drive. Tom had his road trip playlist going—think classic Crowded House with a side of Ella’s requests for Taylor Swift. The Monash Freeway was kind to us, and before long, we were crossing the bridge to Phillip Island, the kids squealing as they spotted the ocean. There’s something about that first glimpse of blue that makes you feel like the day’s going to be perfect.
Our first stop was the Koala Conservation Reserve, and it did not disappoint. The boardwalks wind through eucalyptus groves, and the kids were thrilled to spot koalas snoozing in the trees. Max kept whispering, “They’re so fluffy!” while Ella took about a hundred photos on her little camera. Tom and I trailed behind, sipping coffee from our thermos and soaking in the fact that, for once, no one was arguing. The reserve’s quiet vibe was just what we needed after a busy week, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these moments with our little crew.
By noon, the kids were starting to get that hangry edge—you know, when every question turns into a whine. We found a shaded picnic area near the reserve’s entrance, spread out a blanket, and cracked open the lunch boxes. I love how these boxes keep everything fresh, even after hours in the car. The pita pockets were still soft, the salads crisp, and the apples hadn’t gone mushy. Ella devoured her lunch in record time, while Max, true to form, handed me his cucumber slices with a sheepish grin. Tom and I shared a laugh over our salads, which felt fancy for a picnic but were so easy to prep. The best part? No flimsy plastic containers to wrestle with, and the boxes’ sturdy latches meant no spills, even when Max accidentally knocked his over.
After lunch, we headed to Cowes Beach for some classic seaside fun. The kids kicked off their shoes and ran straight for the water, splashing in the shallows while Tom and I strolled along the shore. Ella found a perfect seashell, which she proudly declared was “going in my collection,” and Max got thoroughly sandy building a lopsided castle. The beach was buzzing with families, but it still felt peaceful, the kind of place where you can just breathe. I tucked the lunch boxes back into our cooler bag, appreciating how compact they are—nothing bulky to lug around, which is a lifesaver when you’re already carrying towels, sunscreen, and Max’s random treasures.
As the afternoon waned, we made our way to the Penguin Parade, the highlight of the day. We’d booked tickets in advance, so we settled into the viewing area with blankets and hot chocolates from the visitor center. The kids were practically vibrating with excitement as the sun dipped below the horizon. Then, right on cue, the little penguins waddled ashore, their tiny bodies bobbing over the sand. Ella gasped so loudly I thought she’d scare them off, and Max kept whispering, “They’re so small!” It was pure magic, watching those brave little creatures march to their burrows, and even Tom, who’s usually Mr. Practical, had a goofy smile on his face.
By the time we piled back into the car, it was past 8 p.m., and the kids were yawning but still chattering about penguins and koalas. The lunch boxes, now empty except for a few pretzel crumbs, went back into the bag, ready for the next adventure. The drive home was quiet, with Ella and Max dozing in the backseat and Tom’s hand resting on mine. As we pulled into Glen Waverley, I felt that warm, tired satisfaction of a day well spent.
When I washed the lunch boxes that night, I couldn’t help but smile. They’re not flashy, but they’re reliable, keeping our meals safe and making our day that much smoother. For a family like ours—always on the go, always juggling—these little things matter. They let us focus on the good stuff: Ella’s shell collection, Max’s sandy grin, and the way Tom and I still feel like a team after all these years.
If you’re planning your own family outing, I can’t recommend Phillip Island enough. And if you’re looking for a way to pack your lunch without the hassle, give FOOD TIE's stainless steel lunch boxes a try. They’re part of what made our day so comfortable, and I bet they’ll do the same for you.
Happy adventuring,
Sarah