Kids Welcome home page

At this time of year, parents all over Australia start to panic. In a few short weeks, their precious children will be in their full time care and the pressure of keeping them happy for up to two months can be daunting.

It’s not just about keeping them busy: Choosing holiday experiences that won’t break the bank can be a real challenge. Luckily, the Kids Welcome web directory has been launched just in time to come to the rescue.

This free resource includes over 2000 reviews of family-friendly activities, attractions, tours, places to eat, places to stay, events, beaches and even playgrounds. The reviews are written by parents, for parents and each is rated as suitable for three different age-groups: preschool, primary and teen.

Web directory creator Sarah Pye says this invaluable resource will take the hard work out of entertaining the kids.

“If you are planning to explore new parts of Australia together it helps you pick appropriate places to go, many of which are free and you wouldn’t find them in tourism brochures,” she says.

“Even if you don’t leave home,  the Kids Welcome directory is just as useful for banishing ‘I’m bored’ because there are guaranteed to be ideas for your local area too.

“Grandparents, aunts and uncles need not fear if the kids are coming to visit over Christmas!”

What makes this online resource different from Kids Welcome printed guidebooks is the ability for users to engage directly. By joining the site, which is free, they can make comments on the reviews and even upload images of their own family enjoying the activities.

Not only is it fun to see yourself on the website,” Sarah says.

“It’s also good to know your comments will help other families create memorable holidays!”

The Kids Welcome web directory was launched on November 11 at UnderWater World on the Sunshine Coast.  It was critically acclaimed by

Kids Welcome launch

Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and currently covers Queensland, NSW and the ACT.  Sarah and her chief expert, Amber (11) intend to hitch their camper trailer and explore Victoria over the summer to add even more content.

To celebrate the launch, you could win a week in your very own camper trailer from Camp Ezy on the Gold Coast. Simply go to competitions on www.kidswelcome.com.au.

In the spirit of holidays and summer, we are  excited to share with you a holiday destination that caters for all types ….. and we just spent a glorious week there!

Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne (1/2 hr past Apollo Bay) in the heart of Cape Otway, Bimbi Park offers a camping/caravan holiday experience that reminded me of childhood holidays with my family.  Nestled amongst strikingly beautiful MannaGums (home to some very entertaining koalas), Bimbi Park caters to all manner of “campers’. Accommodation ranges from unpowered camp sites, to cute onsite retro caravans, bunkrooms and cabins complete with heating and fans!

The modern camp kitchen is wonderfully equipped, and if you are there on the right night, Frank the owner will even whip up a pizza in the outdoor pizza oven.

Kids are kept entertained riding the dirt paths on their bikes, playing in the park, going on night glow worm tours, visiting the Lighthouse at sunset and watching movies (The Goonies took us back) under the stars at the outdoor amphitheatre (including a popcorn tent!). Walkers are spoilt for choice with the many walking tracks to secluded beaches and lookouts. The onsite horse riding provides entertainment for both children and adults, and other attractions close by include The Otway Fly, The 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Bimbi Park also places a great importance on leaving a light footprint. Campers are encouraged to place food scraps in designated bins for the chooks, tank water is in use, and recycled building products have been put to use in various parts of the park.

Owners Frank and Katrina Fotinas have been managing the site since early 2005, taking over from local Cyril Marriner (he still operates the horse rides) who started the park  in 1980. They have all done a superb job in creating and maintaining an authentic camping experience – one which will be enjoyed by both locals and overseas visitors.  Christmas and Easter are their busiest periods, so be sure to book ahead!

Contact details – Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas
90 Manna Gum Drive, The Otways
Ph: 03 5237 9246

The above post is courtesy of Jenny Tranter from State of Green.

State of Green is a blog about sustainable living and lifestyle.  They share news of great sustainable design products, interview inspiring designers and let you know about fun eco events happening around Australia.

Hunter Valley Gardens is proud to announce that on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of August, the fourth annual Chocolate Festival will take place. Proudly sponsored by Callebaut Chocolate this year is gearing up to be bigger, better and sweeter than ever, where visitors are invited to enjoy ‘the sweet life’ at the Gardens. The event will feature plenty of chocolate, breads, pastries, desserts, cakes, truffles and a number of sweet celebrities too including;

Adriano Zumbo

Adriano Zumbo (Masterchef and Zumbo on SBS) Saturday 9.30-11.30am, Sunday 12-2pm

Adriano is best known for his famous macaroons. His creations have gained him the highest respect from food critics and the public. The Champion of Patisserie will share his knowledge and dessert inspirations in the Live Kitchen over the two days, and he will also judge the showpiece competition.

Justine Schofield

Justine Schofield (former Masterchef contestant) Daily at 10am and 1.45pm

Justine is a favourite from the first series of MasterChef, and since leaving the show has expanded on her knowledge of food by working in some of Australia’s top restaurants. Justine will share her love of all things sweet at the Chocolate Festival.

Ed Halmagyi

Ed Halmagyi (Better homes and Gardens) Daily 11am-1pm

Fast Eddy, who is a whiz in the kitchen, believes ‘when you do less, the ingredients can do more.’ This fast cooking chef will share his encyclopaedia of knowledge on chocolate and food when he hosts the main stage over the weekend.
 

Celebrity Cafe
Visitors can sample their favourite celebrities’ delicacies at the Celebrity Café, where a two course menu will be designed by Justine and Ed. 

Degustation Dinner – Saturday 6th of August from 6.30pm
For the true chocoholics, why not indulge in a special chocolate inspired degustation dinner prepared by award winning Hunter Valley Gardens Executive Chef Nick Vivian and award winning Dessert Chef Anna Polyviou from Bathers Pavilion Sydney.  The mouth watering 7 course degustation dinner will be hosted at The Barrel Room at Tempus Two Winery on Saturday August 6.  Tickets cost $150 per person, and bookings are essential.

Chefs and industry experts will perform demonstrations at the ‘Live Patisserie Kitchen’ giving guests a special insight into how the professionals operate in a commercial kitchen. 

The Callebaut showpiece competition, now in its 2nd year, will challenge competitors to build works of art using chocolate. Visitors can also tempt their sweet tooth by visiting the Chocolate Pavilion, which will feature many of the Boutique Chocolate providers within NSW.  Best of all visitors can sample and stock up on all the chocolate products.

Kids can also join in the fun and participate in an ‘Ice cream sundae eating competition’, and create and decorate their own cupcakes at the cup cake kitchen. 

Entry to the Gardens is $24.00 per adult, $20 for Seniors, children aged 4 – 15 are $15, with children 3 years and under admitted free.  For further information please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au

The Boat Shed and Cafe

Winter holidays provide a great reason to get away with the family, and while it may be too chilly (for some!) for a dip in the water, the coast is just as exciting as in summer time. This chilly season, Sundowner Tiona’s Tourist Park is offering a ‘Family Fun Getaway’ package as the perfect oasis to experience the best of winter and escape the city life!

Rug up with the troops and experience the beauty of Tiona, a stone’s throw from Pacific Palms, on the spectacular Mid North Coast. This slice of coastal heaven is situated between the pristine Seven Mile beach and the magnificent Wallis Lake, providing many activities for the whole family.

Set within 26 hectares of lush rainforest, Sundowner Tiona Tourist Park is now in close proximity to some fantastic restaurants, most specialising in fresh produce. The area has really come along way in terms of cuisine availability and variety, providing another reason to fall in love with the region. Pacific Palms has a mixture of fine dining, cafe-style options and cute pubs, all unique with the cosy charm you hope to find away from the metropolitan city life.

Visiting the seaside shouldn’t be restricted to the summer seasons, as families often stick to the sun and surf, missing out on other amazing coastal experiences. You won’t be stuck for ways to entertain yourself or the kids, with horse riding, bushwalking, and mountain bike riding or canoeing – all great ways to get active and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

Cottage

The ‘Family Fun Getaway’ package includes four nights in a quaint and comfortable Spa Cottage where the family will experience diverse and stunning surroundings. Suitable for two adults and two kids, on arrival enjoy a local cheese and wine platter, with a party pack provided for the kids to keep them entertained when indoors. An added bonus is no one is pushing you out the door on your return home, with a late checkout especially for the winter season helping to ease off the chill.

This locale is more foodie and fun-filled than ever, with many activities best enjoyed in the cooler months. And, at Sundowner Tiona Tourist Park you are guaranteed relaxation lake and beachside with the kids… without breaking the budget.

Sundowner Holidays Specials for Winter include:

Family Fun getaway package
Just $750- saving $95
Includes

• 4 nights in Spa cottage for 2 adults 2 children
• Cheese and wine on arrival
• A party pack for the kids
• Secret Sundowner Tiona treasure map
• Late check out
• An hour free canoe or paddle boat hire (not valid Mon/Tues)

It is now time for Winter holiday planning, so for further information on the Easter Family deal log onto www.sundownerholidays.com or call 1800 636 452.

Getting there
The Sundowner Tiona Tourist Park is located on the Lakes Way, Pacific Palms. Only a three-hour drive from Sydney or an easy drive on the Pacific Highway if you are heading south from Port Macquarie or Brisbane. Alternatively fly to Taree or Newcastle airport.

The Family Pool at Cable Beach Club Resort

The award-winning Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa has unveiled its new $3 million family facilities, making it the perfect family retreat. Young guests can now enjoy the excitement of a brand new water playground, mini golf course plus enhanced surrounds at the existing Family Pool. 

Complete with fun water cannons, flowers shooting water streams, buckets cascading water as well as an array of water fountains, the playground provides hours of entertainment for kids of all ages.

In addition to the new water playground the Resort boasts two flood-lit tennis courts, a gym, kid’s activities centre including foosball, table tennis and plasma TV screen as well as a dedicated tour desk from which you can book all your Broome activities.

Self contained Bungalows are perfect for families

There are a range of accommodation options available at the Resort including Bungalow accommodation which is perfect for families. Styled on the historic pearling master’s quarters of Broome, the Bungalows feature spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens and comfortable sleeping areas. Choose from Classic, Pearlers, or our Spa Superior and Spa Deluxe bungalows which sleep up to seven people and feature two bathrooms – one with your own spa bath.

Set amongst 26 acres of magnificent gardens, the Resort is a tropical oasis just minutes away from the multicultural pearling town of Broome and is the only Resort overlooking stunning Cable Beach. Here you can enjoy all the luxuries of a full service Resort, where every member of the family is catered for. 

Book Mum in for some much needed pampering at the indulgent Chahoya Spa & Salon, complete with seven luxurious treatment rooms, a double vichy shower hair salon, yoga deck and much more. And while the kids are busy lapping it up at the Family Pool, Dad can relax with a beverage in hand at the adult’s only Ocean pool.

The new water playground is a big hit with young guests

The influence of Broome’s multicultural melting pot is evident in the cuisine found at the three distinctively different restaurants and bars. From casual dining and cocktails overlooking Cable Beach at the Sunset Bar & Grill to the delights of Asian cuisine at Thai Pearl and to the ultimate Broome-fine-dining experience at the Club Restaurant.  All restaurants offer a kid friendly menu and for an intimate evening for two why not take advantage of the Resort’s babysitting service.

Blessed with sunny temperatures, luxurious facilities, friendly staff and numerous adventures on your doorstep, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa in Broome is the ultimate family getaway.

With direct flights from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin now is the perfect time for a Broome Escape. To make a booking visit www.cablebeachclub.com  or call reservations on 1800 199 099.

Baby Eagle Ray at Oceanworld Manly

Oceanworld Manly is home to some incredible mothers and their offspring, including Betsy and Ruth, the female Southern Eagle Rays who will celebrate their first ever Mother’s Day this weekend!

Betsy and Ruth gave birth to 12 Eagle Ray Pups in January this year and will “fly” through their special day.

“Betsy and Ruth are fascinating creatures so we wish them both, and our other Oceanworld mums a very Happy Mother’s Day,” said Rob Townsend, life sciences manager at Oceanworld Manly.

Incredibly, the Southern Eagle Rays are single mums who stored sperm inside their reproductive tract for two years, before conditions for producing offspring were optimal and the 12 pups were born at the beginning of the year.

In addition to the gorgeous Southern Eagle Rays, there are several other aqua mums who will be on display, including two mother and child Grey Nurse Shark teams – Pallas and her son Murdoch, who was born in February 2007; and Artemis and her daughter Maia, who turns 10 later this year.

Epaulette Shark, Port Jackson Shark and Bamboo Shark mothers and children (and even their eggs!) will also be at Oceanworld Manly swimming throughout the aquarium, Tropical Reef Exhibit and Touch Pool.

Southern Eagle Rays at Oceanworld Manly

Oceanworld Manly invites you to come and see its resident mums and children, and learn about the amazing underwater world this Mother’s Day weekend. In fact, during Saturday and Sunday, any child aged 15 or under who brings their mum to Oceanworld Manly will receive free entry! Note free entry offer is valid for one child per mother only.

How are you celebrating Mother’s day? Start planning your visit to Oceanworld today!

www.oceanworld.com.au

Alvin Quah: 2010 Masterchef Competitor

Prepare your taste buds, because from Saturday 11 June to Monday 13 June 2011, as part of the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month, Hunter Valley Gardens will host the 2nd Annual FlavourFest, with more celebrities, more fun activities and even more international delicacies than last year.

Kyle McKendry, General Manager of Hunter Valley Gardens says, “We’re really excited about this year’s event. We can guarantee that if you enjoyed last year’s festivities, you’ll love this year’s feast for all the senses!”

Alvin Quah: 2010 Masterchef Competitor- Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th 10.30am – 3.30pm
In 2010 Alvin featured on Series 2 of Masterchef and departed after making a more than credible bid for the title, but not before capturing the attention of audiences across Australia. Alvin will inspire all at FlavourFest by demonstrating a variety of unique Malaysian and Western inspired recipes.

Callum Hann: 2010 Masterchef Competitor

Callum Hann: 2010 Masterchef Competitor- Sunday 12th and Monday 13th 10.30am – 3.30pm

Youngest contestant and runner up of Series 2 of Masterchef, Callum Hann, put aside his engineering degree to compete in the show. His ability to learn, flair for sweets and his boyish charm made him a favourite in the 2010 competition. Callum will prepare a range of dishes for guests to sample, sharing some of the culinary tips the Masterchef judges passed on to him.

TV favourite Janelle Bloom will delight audiences with her culinary performance when she hosts the main stage on Saturday 11th June. Ready Steady Cook Presenter Peter Everett, will entertain guests on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th June, playing host at the main stage.

Pete Everett

FLAVOURFEST FEAST – Saturday 11TH June: 6.30pm – $120 per head
New to this year’s celebrations is the FLAVOURFEST FEAST, hosted at Tempus Two Winery Barrel room. Hunter Valley Gardens’ executive chef Nick Vivian will dish up a 4 course ‘Feast’, using local and exhibitors produce with Hunter Valley wines to match.This will certainly be a night to remember.

Another favourite at this year’s Flavourfest is Eat Street, an entire street filled with delectable food and drinks to please everyone’s tastes. On Eat Street is the all new Celeb Café, where visitors can sample some of their favourite celeb chef’s dishes. There will also be a marketplace offering delicious goodies to taste, smell and purchase.

What’s on Offer for Kids at Flavourfest:

Face Painting at Flavourfest

Don’t worry kids, it won’t all be for the big people…we have a special Kidspace and stage just for you, located around the corner from the Elephant Gate!! Exert your energy on the jumping castle, get your face painted, laugh at the clown and join in the music and dancing fun with our live kids shows.

Kids Show with Miss Fruitcake
Kids can enjoy a musical clown show on our Kidspace stage featuring Miss Fruitcake. Miss Fruitcake is a professional Children’s performer and comes with more than a medium amount of razzle dazzle!! Kids will love singing and dancing along to her shows at 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm each day of the Festival.

Kids in the Kitchen
The ‘Kids in the kitchen’ will be found in the Kidspace area. Hey kids you can get your hands dirty (wearing gloves of course), decorating yummy cookies. A small additional fee will apply, and you’ll get to take your yummy culinary creations home to share with the whole family.

Entry to the Gardens is $23.50 per adult, $20 for Seniors, children aged 4 – 15 are $15 and older, with children 3 years and under admitted free. For further information please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au.

Coming into Lorne

As a destination, Lorne really has something for all the family. From the natural beauty and walking trails in Angahook State Park to the stunning, patrolled surf beach for safe swimming (4 Dec 2010- 26 April 2011); art galleries, festivals, spas, designer shops and all the essential services are within easy reach.

With sporting events, quality restaurants, children’s playgrounds, foreshore activities and even whale watching, Lorne offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature, de-stress, indulge passions and most importantly, enjoy family life.

For unwinding in the great outdoors, stay at Lorne Bush House Cottages and enjoy the friendly native birds and wildlife or Lemonade Creek Cottages, where owner Ray can advise intrepid families on the best local bushwalks. If self-catering, visit Foodworks for all your barbeque essentials.

Pack a picnic of fresh bread rolls and seasonal fresh before a stroll down to t he beach, where Dad can take surfing lessons with the kids at Club Lorne. Mum can enjoy the stunning views from the beach or visit the Lorne Country Club on the hill for a spot of tennis….or just to enjoy the view.

At beautiful Erskine Falls in Angahook State Park you can walk and take in the scenery, or take a group kayaking lesson on the Erskine River. The littlies will love feeding the ducks off the foot bridge and the bigger kids can race each other, or Mum and Dad, in the paddle boats – there are so many ways to spend the day with the whole family together.

If you fancy a bit of time away from the water for a change, catch a movie at the historic Lorne Theatre or browse books by the sea at Lorne Beach Books.

Along the main street there are plenty of boutiques and lovely bars and restaurants, like the laid back ba ba lu Bar; the perfect spot to while away a relaxing afternoon. Treat the kids to a freshly baked crust later at Pizza Pizza or an ice cream from Lick and Sip if they’ve been on best behaviour!

Keep in touch with what’s happening all year round in Lorne by visiting the Love Lorne website and signing up for the e-newsletter at www.lovelorne.com, join Lorne on Facebook at www.facebook.com/We Love Lorne or follow Lorne on Twitter at twitter.com/welovelorne

Alpine Toboggan Slide at Funfields

The City of Whittlesea has so many unique places just waiting for the whole family to explore.

Take a scenic drive, a leisurely bush walk, a picture perfect picnic in the park, stop for a bite to eat, or simply enjoy family time at a fun park.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started;

1. Check out the Blackout Water Slide and Blackbeards Fury- the hairiest, scariest attractions to hit Funfields, Whittlesea

2. Enjoy a milkshake and wood-fired pizza at Donnybrook Farmhouse Cheese. Mum and Dad will love the delicious cheese platter

Donnybrook Cheese Farmhouse

3. Enjoy some of Australia’s best performing arts and theatre shows at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang

4. Have a family picnic at Yan Yean Reservoir Park, where a number of walking tracks link to wetlands and surrounding bushland

5. Drive in the fast lane at Top Kart, Epping

6. Grab a gourmet pie or delicious cake at the Bakery Café, Mernda

7. Hop on board a horse ride at Uncle Nev’s Horseriding, Upper Plenty

8. Taste the fully flavoured fresh juice and produce at Just Picked Berries and Fruit, Yan Yean

Bumper Boats at Funfields

9. Enjoy the grand parade, wood chopping, livestock pavilion, animal nursery, rides, show bags, entertainment and gourmet food expo at the Whittlesea Agricultural Show in November

10. Children and adults can enjoy a fun game of laser tag at NRG Force, Thomastown

11. Test and delight the whole family with a round of golf at one of our two great scenic courses. 

12. Step in to the Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre  and discover one of the oldest functional buildings in the district.

How to get there:
Location: 40 minute drive north of Melbourne’s CBD
Telephone: (03) 9716 1866
More Information: Visit the Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre, corner Beech and Church Streets, Whittlesea
Website: www.whittleseatourism.com.au

Husky Rides

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – the season starts 11 June

From 11 to 13 June, get the family up the mountain for the first weekend of the snow season. It will be jam packed with activities including tobogganing, snow shoeing, marshmallow toasting, hot chocolate, kids giant games and our very own Baw Baw’s Got Talent.

Don’t forget to get your photo taken with Frosti the Frog, Baw Baw’s evergreen mascot!!

Mt Baw Baw, is known for having the cheapest Lift Tickets in Victoria  – a family of four being able to drive right up to the slopes and ski for under  $200 midweek!   Visiting the snow does not have to break the family budget with Value Packages offered to help with purse strings.

Only 2 ½ hours from Melbourne it’s the best family destination this winter!   This quaint Alpine Village offers loads of snow fun –it offers sightseeing, tobogganing, ski and snowboarding, Husky Dog Sled Rides, Snowshoeing, Kids Club Activities and some of the best Family Value Accommodation available at the snow. Mt Baw Baw is most certainly a Little Mountain, jammed packed with Big Value this 2011 Snow Season.

Visit Mt Baw Baw, anytime and discover the hills are alive, all year round!

Mt Baw Baw big air bag and Freestyle Boarder

Mt Baw Baw provides families hours of active entertainment that will ensure a fulfilled day!  In addition to the ski slopes there are 10km of cross country skiing tracks and lots of different terrain parks to practice Freestyle Skiing including The Big Air Bag (a 15m air cushion), for older kids to practice their freestyle and aerial jumps!

Get Mushing with Husky Rides all winter season whisking families around the spectacular scenery of Mt Baw Baw by their own team of huskies.

Free Burton Learn to Ride Clinic on Wednesday 13 July where you get expert tuition and try Snowboarding for free. Includes free equipment hire and is ideal for beginners aged 6 years and over.

For those after a relaxing end to the day, or simply wishing to pamper themselves while the rest of the family get active, there is the Wellbeing centre with its outdoor Rock Spa Pool, Sauna, gym and Massage.  Lie back in the Rock Spa Pool and watch the world go by as you sip a glass of Champagne. Follow that with fine dining at the a la carte Village Central Restaurant, which is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the Mt Baw Baw Mountain to Sea vista.

Baw Baw Mountain

There are lots of things to do at Mount Baw Baw – it’s not every day you get the chance to leaving the CBD after breakfast and be doing snowboarding tricks, in a huskie driven sleigh or just taking in the breathtaking views from Mt Baw Baw before lunch.

For all Information on what Mt Baw Baw can offer you, call our Guest Services team on 03 5165 1136 or visit www.mountbawbaw.com.au.

Mt Baw Baw strongly advise you call ahead to book a Massage and check operating times of all activities. All outdoor activities are always subject to the elements. Ski rates include Lift Ticket & Gate Entry and do not include Ski Hire or Lessons.