One of the first questions families ask when booking a session is:
“Where should we have our photos taken?”
And honestly, there’s no single right answer.
The best location isn’t necessarily the prettiest one. It’s the one that suits your family.
When you book one of my relaxed family photography sessions in Melbourne, I’ll help you choose a location that suits your kids, your style and the kind of photos you’re hoping for.
Some kids love to explore. Some are happiest with plenty of space to run. Some families want a location that’s easy to access with babies, prams and snack bags in tow.
After photographing Melbourne families for more than 15 years, there are three locations I find myself recommending again and again.
Each offers something a little different.
Here are my TOP 3 Family Photo Locations in Melbourne’s West
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
If you ask me to pick a favourite family photography location in Melbourne west, it’s Williamstown Botanic Gardens. Every time.
Not because it’s the biggest or most dramatic location, but because it’s just so easy.
You park, wander in, and within a few minutes you’ve got multiple backdrops to work with. There’s no long walk before we even start taking photos, which can make a huge difference when you’ve got little kids who are already wondering how long this whole thing is going to take.
It’s also one of the most versatile locations I use.
In a single session, we can move between open grassy areas, beautiful established trees, garden pathways and pockets of gorgeous light without needing to trek across half of Melbourne to find them.
For families with babies, toddlers, or anyone wanting a relaxed session without too much walking, this is usually my first recommendation.
Jawbone Reserve, Williamstown
Jawbone is the newest location on my list, but I have a feeling it’s going to become a favourite very quickly.
It feels completely different to Williamstown Botanic Gardens.
There’s a little more walking involved – around ten minutes at most – but what you get in return is a location that feels like two locations rolled into one.
You’ve got native grasses, winding tracks and bushland vibes, but you’re also right by the water.
For kids who love exploring, this place is magic.
There are boardwalks to wander along, paths to discover and plenty of opportunities for those natural little moments that happen when children are allowed to simply be themselves.
If your family enjoys being outdoors and you’d love photographs that feel relaxed and adventurous, Jawbone is definitely worth considering.
100 Steps, Altona Meadows
For the adventurous families, this is the one.
The walk to the starting point takes around ten minutes, and the entire session becomes part of the adventure.
Rather than arriving at one location and staying there, we’re constantly moving through the landscape.
The winding tracks, rolling hills and native scenery make it feel less like a photo shoot and more like a family outing.
This location is perfect for kids who can’t sit still and wouldn’t want to anyway.
If your children are the type who get excited about climbing rocks, balancing on fallen tree branches, racing up hills or exploring every path they can find, they’ll absolutely love it here.
Some of my favourite candid family moments happen at 100 Steps because children are so busy having fun they forget there’s even a camera around.
so Which Location Should You Choose?
If you’re still unsure, here’s my quick guide:
Choose Williamstown Botanic Gardens for your family photo session if:
- You have young children
- You’d prefer minimal walking
- You want lots of variety in a short distance
- You love a classic, timeless look
Choose Jawbone Reserve for your family photo session if:
- Your family loves nature
- You’d like a mix of bush and beach scenery
- Your kids enjoy exploring
- You’re happy with a short walk
Choose 100 Steps for your family photo session if:
- Your children are constantly on the move
- You don’t mind a longer walk
- You want your session to feel like an experience as much as a photo shoot
The good news is that there’s no wrong choice.
The best family photos rarely come from the location itself.
They come from the cuddles, the laughter, the games, the conversations and all those little moments in between.
The location simply gives us the space for those moments to happen.
For outfit help, you can also read my guide on what to wear for family photos.
Ready for relaxed, playful family photos in Melbourne’s west? Get in touch to starting planning your session.
