Elsie Rose and Co Café ~ 120 Inglis Street, Ballan
Within the Moorabool Shire, there aren’t a whole lot of options when it comes to kids’ activities and play. We don’t have any dedicated play centres, and many of the best options often require a drive to the inner west—hardly ideal when you’re juggling little ones and a busy schedule.
That’s exactly why I’ve started this blog series! I want to shine a light on kid-friendly activities and hidden gems within the Moorabool Shire, helping local families find fun and accessible ways to keep their little adventurers entertained.
To kick things off, we paid a visit to Elsie Rose and Co—a gorgeous little café nestled in Ballan. Now, I’m always on the lookout for a spot that ticks all the boxes: great food and coffee, plenty of seating, and—most importantly—somewhere that caters to kids. Well, Elsie Rose and Co deliver all that and more!
Not only does it have a charming indoor and outdoor seating area with an inviting aesthetic, but it also boasts a fantastic outdoor cubby house for the kids. If you’ve ever tried to catch up with friends at a café while wrangling a pram through tiny spaces or negotiating with an antsy toddler to sit still, you’ll understand why this is such a game-changer!
The outdoor area here is spacious, with ample seating and plenty of room for kids to move around. The cubby is decked out with a play kitchen and café-themed toys, meaning the little ones can whip up their own pretend coffees and cakes to serve through the window—mine absolutely loved it! It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed catch-up with friends while the kids stay entertained, giving you that rare moment to sip your coffee while it’s still hot and (hopefully) have an uninterrupted conversation.
Speaking of coffee—let’s talk about the real test of any café! As someone who relies on soy milk, I know the mild panic that sets in when visiting a new place: Will they have the good soy? Will the coffee actually be decent? Let me put your mind at ease—Elsie Rose and Co has both the good soy milk and excellent coffee! The food is just as impressive, with a range of delicious meals and sweet treats, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Overall, this little café has won me over, and I can already see it becoming a regular catch-up spot for my family. If you’re looking for a relaxed, welcoming café where both you and your kids can enjoy a great outing, I highly recommend giving Elsie Rose and Co a visit. I know I’ll be back soon!
