Sprout Cafe is a casual eating spot co-located with the more upmarket Conservatory Restaurant at the Arboretum.
It’s great strengths are the amazing 180 view, great playground outside for kids and the child-friendly nature of the surroundings (road is far away, room to roam, child-proof exhibits, good vision of open areas).

It also has some very good value, nicely presented, made to order meals.

The best of these are the salads for $10. The Atlantic Salmon salad (like a Ceasar salad) was very good and the Ceasar salad looked similar (also $10 but with crispy proscuitto in the place of the salmon).

The gourmet burgers (vegetarian, beef with crsipy bacon or chicken tandoori for $8.50) also looked good options at great value.

The corn chips with chilli con carne ($10) and 6″ tomato & cheese pizza ($6) were exactly as described on the menu (and smallish serves) and probably not as good an option as the salads and burgers.

Extra mixed leaves are complimentary and these can also accompany a pre-made savoury pastry/pie or wrap.

There are also attractive cake and coffee options to enjoy with the great view.

Wine is available by the glass starting at $9.

Downsides are pay parking ($2 per hour) and that it is quite busy on the weekend and this can give it a bit of a food hall atmosphere.

To get around this, go during the week or consider the Conservatory Restaurant in the corner.