Taking family time out in Newcastle and still educating the kids

June 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

As far as successful family holidays go, the beautiful beachside town of Newcastle has to be one of Australia’s best kept secrets.  Easy to get to and situated close to both Lake Macquarie the Hunter Valley, and only a few hours from Sydney, this tranquil city is surrounded by natural beauty, world class beaches and packed with things to do including museums, dining, shopping and sight-seeing.

Better still, being Australia’s second oldest city, Newcastle is steeped in colonial history with plenty of attractions to educate and entertain the kids while you are away!

Fort Scratchley

•    Start with Fort Scratchley Historic Site, an imposing structure standing guard over Hunter River Estuary; it affords stunning views of the city and coastline.  Built over 200 years ago to guard the coastline from attack, kids can learn about Australia’s colourful military past on a fully guided tour of the site and underground tunnels.
•   Then head to the Convict Lumberyard, a historically significant site for convict workers and industry.  The site also contains archaeological evidence of indigenous life prior to 1804.
•    Get back to nature at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, a sanctuary for over 200 species of wildlife with activities including trail walking, canoeing, feed talks and a children’s discovery playground, there is plenty of fresh air and space for the kids to run around.
•    In the heart of town you will find a heritage listed police station converted into a museum and art space at the Lock-Up Cultural Centre.  The kids will love visiting cells occupied by some of Australia’s most notorious bank robbers.  With tours starting at $3 per head, it’s a steal.

Blackbutt Reserve

•    Also check out Newcastle Museum.  They have activities and exhibits targeted directly at children, including under-5s.  Check online for the latest events.

•    Pack lunch and head a short 6km out of town to Blackbutt Reserve to relax and unwind.  This vast nature reserve contains walking trails, picnic areas and open spaces.  Perfect for spotting animals.  Kids can also learn about local wildlife and ecosystems at the excellent Blackbutt wildlife exhibit.

Newcastle Ocean Baths

•    For something fun and when it’s time to stretch the legs, take a stroll up to Newcastle’s famous lighthouse to enjoy some spectacular views.  If it’s warm, bring your bathers for family fun at historic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Baths.  They are open all year round!

To really make your time in Newcastle easy and enjoyable, find centrally located accommodation.  There is plenty of accommodation that will suit your family and budget and the Newcastle Crowne Plaza is a good place to start if you are travelling with kids.  From here you can easily access all of Newcastle’s most interesting activities.  You can also take advantage of the free (yes, free!) inner city bus service to avoid the stress of bundling kids into a car every day.

Newcastle is definitely a surprising holiday destination for keeping the kids busy and entertained, while having some fun and learning.  Newcastle shares all of Sydney’s natural beauty, beaches and historical sites, but at one-tenth the size, it is easier to get around, more relaxing and cheaper – making it the perfect place to spend time with family.  It’s hard to believe that it is still a secret from anyone!  With so many interesting activities to stimulate the senses and blow off some steam – the whole family will be sure to enjoy a memorable holiday.

Carla C. Burton is a self-employed Travel and Hospitality writer with a BBA in Business Administration from Bond University.  Although a Gold Coast native, Carla moved to Melbourne in 2008 to further her writing career in the Travel industry.  Carla has become a top contributor to many Travel blogs world-wide and thoroughly enjoys the freedom that self-employment has provided her.  To find out more about Carla or to follow her other posts, follow her on Twitter @CarlaCBurton.

Filed Under: New South Wales, New South Wales, Reviews, School Holidays

A Trip to NSW’s Snowy Mountains Might Be Just the Thing for the Kids this Winter

June 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

A trip to NSW’s Snowy Mountains might be just the thing for the kids this winter.  Here are five things we think they will love about the Snowies:

Racing downhill really fast

By which we mean, of course, they’ll have a wealth of cool snow-related sports activities to choose from. If they’re a little too young to ski – and if you’re not keen on seeing them speeding down the slopes on a snowboard (just yet) – there’s always the option of tobogganing or tubing.  Perisher’s “Tubetown”, for example, offers a safe, well-organised environment for families to enjoy some fun in the snow.

Of the four main Snowy Mountains Winter Resorts, however, the Selwyn Snowfields actively caters for families. It offers gentler slopes, family-friendly holiday packages, and a Snow Sports School which caters for children as young as 18 months. It’s also the perfect place to start skiing if you’re a parent who’s just as new to it as your kids!

Trekking

If you’re looking for some quality family time away from the hectic pace of the Ski-Resorts, trekking in specially-made “snow-shoes” is a great alternative. They’ll get some fresh air and fitness while discovering the beauty of the snowy wilderness.

You’ll find a variety of guided snow-shoeing family adventures out there and – unlike skiing – they don’t require any previous skill or experience.  And, of course, like most snow-related activities it’s a terrific way to wear them out really quickly!

Getting warm

Spent a big tiring day on the slopes? Well, the Snowy Mountains offers plenty of accommodation to rest weary legs. And there’s nothing better than coming in from the cold and kicking back in front of an open log fire or enjoying a hearty meal.

If the big resorts don’t take your fancy then you might choose to rent out a self-contained holiday house, cottage or cabin for an unforgettable family holiday experience. Your options are easily accessed on-line – those looking for accommodation with access to the Selwyn Snowfields, for example, should visit the Snowy Mountains Holiday Centre.

Learning

Okay, in theory “education” is probably not the way to get the kids excited about their holiday – but in practice there’s plenty of scope for fun in the Snowies where they’ll be able to learn stuff.

Aside from gaining confidence and skills on the snow-fields through the various ski-schools on offer, you will also be able to check out one of the great engineering marvels of the world – the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme. They’ll find the scale of it (seven power stations, two of which are underground, 16 major dams and over 140 kilometres of trans-mountain tunnels) really cool – and the stories behind this incredible exercise in national building very inspiring. Check out the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma for a state-of-the-art learning experience.

Adventure

You can promise them ADVENTURE to be had in the Snowies – and plenty of it.  Of course, strapping on the skis for the first time and taking off down the slopes is an obvious way to get the ol’ adrenaline charged, but there’s an ample amount of other cool stuff on offer. From riding horses to riding segways, cross-country skiing through a pristine snowy world, or just taking off on a chairlift up the side of a mountain – there are loads of mind-blowingly new experiences to give them. Or, if they prefer, they can just play in the snow!

Head over to VisitNSW.com for more great tips on the Snowy Mountains including great tips on what to do and where to stay in Thredbo and Perisher.

Filed Under: Featured, New South Wales, New South Wales, Reviews, School Holidays

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service School Holiday Activites

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

April school holidays are just around the corner and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has an array of Discovery activities on offer to help families make the most of the holidays by getting out and enjoying the beautiful surrounds of New South Wales National Parks. NSW National Parks’ Discovery program is a range of activities including walks, tours and talks each led by specialist rangers. These fun and educational activities are a great way for adults and children alike to discover more about the environment and history of the stunning parkland that surrounds them. Below is a selection of five of the best activities in and around Sydney for families these holidays. For more information and alternative Discovery activity ideas please see: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On

 

Goat Island Heritage Tour and Picnic

Where: Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park

When: Sunday 21 April, 10.30am – 1.30pm

Price: Adult $32, concession $30, child 5-15 years $27, children under 5 years free (prices include ferry transfers)

Bookings: Bookings required. For more information phone (02) 9253 0888 or go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On

Discover the fascinating history of Sydney’s Goat Island with a Discovery Guide who will share the stories of the convicts and soldiers who once lived here. The tour includes exploration of the convict quarry and cramped sleeping quarters, as well as one of the first water police stations in Sydney. BYO picnic to enjoy on the Harbour Masters Lawn overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Paddle Berowra Valley National Park

Kayaking in the NSW National Parks

Where: Berowra Valley National Park When: Sunday 14 April, 1pm – 5pm

Price: $55 per person including kayak hire

Bookings:  Bookings and pre-payment required.

For more information phone (02) 9253 0888 or go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On

Kayaking is a unique way to experience the beauty of National Parks. On April 14, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting a guided kayaking tour of Calabash Bay in Berowra Valley National Park. On this easy-paced guided tour, kayakers will explore a variety of river microenvironments while listening to fascinating colonial stories. Suitable for ages 14 and over.

 Aboriginal Engravings, Colonial History and the Bush

Where: Garigal National Park

When: Wednesday 17 April, 10am – 2pm Price: Adult $10, child $5 (suitable for ages 6 and over)

Bookings: Bookings required.

For more information phone (02) 9472 9300 or go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On

Join this relaxing and easy guided walk through lush parkland just 12 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD. See Aboriginal engravings just off Wakehurst Parkway before venturing through the bush to overlook Bantry Bay and the city of Sydney on the skyline. This walk is an ideal day for parents or grandparents who are looking for a holiday activity for children.

Bare Island

Engineering, Military Pride and Deception, all at Bare Island Fort

When: Every Sunday with tours operating at 1.30pm – 2.15pm, 2.30pm – 3.15pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm

Where: Sydney Harbour National Park

Price: Adult $10, child/concession $8, family (two adults and two children) $25

Bookings: Tickets can be purchased from the La Perouse Museum, situated in the middle of Anzac Parade loop road.

For more information phone (02) 9253 0888 or go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On

Located at the mouth of Botany Bay in south Sydney, Bare Island Fort was built in 1885 to help protect Sydney from sea attack and offers a fascinating insight into Sydney’s military history. Join a guided tour of the fort and discover a world of military pride, fine engineering and woeful deception.

 

WilderQuest Bush Detectives, Whose Poo is it?

When: Wednesday 17 April and Wednesday 24 April 9.00am – 11.00am

Where: Brisbane Water National Park

Price: Adults free, child $15. Discounts available for more children with the same adult

Bookings: Bookings are essential. For more information phone (02) 4320 4205 or go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On.

A fun-filled children’s activity at Brisbane Water National Park on the Central Coast, just one hour north of Sydney. Home to an incredible 270 native animal species, Brisbane Water National Park is the ideal place for children to put on their detective hats and join a Discovery ranger to learn about animals living in the bush.

Blog post contributed by Stephanie Williams, Account Executive, Starr Public Relations

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

WilderQuest Discovery activities offered these school holidays by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

December 17, 2012 By 2 Comments

Want to get your kids off the couch these school holidays but having trouble getting them motivated? With today’s influx of video games, countless apps and i-devices, it sometimes seems impossible to get kids to draw their eyes away from the computer and get outside.

Aimed at kids between the ages of five and eight, WilderQuest has a range of fun filled Discovery activities on offer these School Holidays sure to get kids moving and outside this summer.

WilderQuest encourages kids to be active and enjoy their own backyard, local park or national park and inspires them to learn through play and in-nature experiences.

See below for more info on just a few of the many WilderQuest Discovery activities happening around NSW these school holidays:

- Friday January 4th 2013, Urban WilderQuest Hunt and Gather Event, Royal National Park Visitors Centre - Thursday 17th January 2013, Urban WilderQuest Hunt and Gather Event, Kamay Botany Bay Visitors Centre At these Hunt and Gather events the lucky participants will take the journey with Aboriginal Discovery Rangers and learn some of the secrets of tribal life as well as getting the chance to investigate and discover what animals and plants live there through lots of fun hands-on and informative activities.

- Tuesday 8th and Tuesday 22nd January 2013, Coastal WQI Investigation, Bonnie Vale Picnic area Another exciting WilderQuest Discovery activity on offer these school holidays sure to get the beach goers excited. This adventure allows kids and their families to explore the weedy shore environment and the creatures that inhabit it. Explorers will explain how these creatures truly live “on the edge” between two different worlds and why the sandy shore is not an easy place to survive.

The WilderQuest website is live now and the app for the iPad is available for free downloads from the App Store. For more information on the WilderQuest website and the Discovery activities on offer these school holidays please refer to the site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wilderquest

Submitted by Corinne Cowlishaw of Starr Public Relations

Filed Under: Featured, New South Wales, School Holidays

Spotted: Easter Bunny at Hunter Valley Gardens!

March 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Easter Bunny at Hunter Valley Gardens

Easter Weekend at the Hunter Valley Gardens promises an unforgettable family experience from the 6th until the 9th of April. Although Easter is the busiest time for our favourite bunny, Hunter Valley Gardens have confirmation that he will be attending.

Children will have a ball taking part in the largest annual Giant Easter Egg Hunt in the Hunter Valley.  With hundreds of brightly coloured plastic eggs scattered around, it will be your child’s mission to find the most. Every child who participates will receive a yummy Cadbury’s Easter Egg at the completion of the hunt.

Best of all this year, the fabulous Jitter Jacks will be on hand to perform all our favourite Easter songs at 2pm daily. They will have the whole family up, singing and dancing in no time!

Once the kids are all danced out, they will have the opportunity to be involved in some great Easter activities, including creative Easter craft (all materials will be supplied) and a colouring competition. There will be Garden Games to keep the kids entertained, such as giant parachute games, sack races and everybody’s favourite, egg and spoon races.

The Gardens will have hatching eggs, where children can watch real baby chickens hatch from their eggs and take their first steps. Definitely a memorable experience for

Lots of kids Easter Activities!

all.
In case the kids are hungry after a hard day of fun, there will be food and beverage stalls onsite, with snow cones and fairy floss available for that cheeky snack.

This Easter, don’t miss out on a family fun weekend at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Entry to the Gardens is $24.00 per adult and children 16 and older, $12 for children between 4 – 15 years of age, with children 3 years and under admitted free. Hunter Valley Gardens open daily from 9am to 5pm. For further information regarding the Easter Long Weekend at Hunter Valley Gardens please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au.

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

The dinosaurs come alive at Luna Park!

January 8, 2012 By 1 Comment

T-Rex

See the dinosaurs come alive this January at Luna Park Sydney! Featuring seven robotic dinosaurs, the renowned Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition is in Sydney for the first time and will be showing at The Big Top from 7 January to 12 February 2012.

The closest thing to travelling back in time, the famous attraction will be transformed into a prehistoric habitat where guests will see moving roaring dinosaurs including the Velociraptor, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Huayangosaurus, Gasosaurus, Allosaurus and T-REX!

The lifelike robots are engineered by Japanese specialists, KOKORO, who supply animatronics to the world’s leading museums and theme parks including, the Natural History Museum in London.

This $3.5 million interactive exhibition will take guests back 65 million years to the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Teaching the young and old about these fascinating creatures, the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition at Luna Park Sydney is something the whole family can enjoy these Summer Holidays.

Best of all, you can get entry to the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition PLUS Unlimited Rides at Luna Park all day with a Lunasaurus Pass! It’s just $5 more than a normal Unlimited Rides Pass.

Dinosaurs Alive!

See http://www.lunaparksydney.com/dinosaursalive for more.

Filed Under: Featured, New South Wales, School Holidays, What's New?

Koodles for Kids – an exciting creative activity for kids

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Offers singing and art in one session

Looking for a new and exciting creative activity for your kids?

Koodles for Kids is an exciting new programme available for kids in the Newcastle area that combines both singing and art within the one session. Aimed at boys and girls from 1st grade – 6th grade your child will experience two unique classes that will help to inspire creativeness in art and singing with different styles each week.

Koodles for Kids runs weekly sessions as well as a school holiday programme.

Download further information on both programmes here:

January School Holiday Programme

Koodles Programme Information

Or call Kristy on 0414 304 158 or email at koodlesforkids@hotmail.com.

Art is one of the creative areas explored

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

School holidays are fast approaching

November 17, 2011 By 2 Comments

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.

Filed Under: ACT, New South Wales, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Queensland, Reviews, School Holidays, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Victoria, Western Australia

School Holiday Spectaculars at Luna Park Sydney!

September 26, 2011 By 1 Comment
Ali Baba

From the Arabian nights to the final frontier, Luna Park Sydney presents fun-filled adventures stretching time and smiles these September school holidays. Back by popular demand, Ali Baba and the Wild West Rollercoaster return to the Park from Fri 23rd September to Sun 9th October.

Propelling thrill-seekers sky high on a magic carpet ride before a heart-pounding drop down to earth, the highly anticipated Ali Baba will float into town, while the wicked windings of the Wild West Rollercoaster will have rider’s spines tingling with exhilaration, cowboy style.

Set on the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Luna Park offers the most fun that kids can have these school holidays. But if that’s not enough, there are even more reasons to head to the home of Sydney’s favourite attractions, including:

  • A world first in interactive theme park technology, “My Experience”, so you can share all the fun you’re having at Luna Park with your Facebook friends in real time, via an RFID enabled wristband.
  • White-knuckle attractions to awaken the daredevil in us all, including the Wild Mouse, Spider, Rotor and Flying Saucer.
  • Classic family rides such as the iconic Coney Island, Dodgems, Ferris Wheel and the dazzling Antique Carousel.
  • Plus all your carnival favourites including Fairy Floss and Pluto Pups.
Luna Park

Buy online and save! Visit www.lunaparksydney.com

Luna Park Sydney – just for fun for the whole family these school holidays.

Hours/Pricing as at 1 July 2011

Visit www.lunaparksydney.com or call (02) 9922 6644 for further information about the best pass for you!

Opening Hours

Autumn, Winter & Spring School Holidays
Sunday to Thursday 10am-6pm. Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm.

Non School Holidays from end Summer Holidays to beginning Spring Holidays Sunday 10am-6pm. Monday 11am-4pm. Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm. Tuesday to Thursday Park is closed.

Non School Holidays from end Spring Holidays to beginning Summer Holidays Sunday 10am-6pm. Monday 11am-6pm. Friday 11am – 11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm. Tuesday to Thursday Park is closed.

Christmas/Summer School Holidays
Sunday to Thursday 10am-9pm. Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm.

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

Splash into Spring Holiday Fun at Jamberoo Action Park

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Taipan

Jump into fun these school holidays at Jamberoo Action Park. Guaranteeing the very best thrills and spills, NSW’s biggest theme park is the place to have the most fun in the water.

Kicking off in time for the sunny Spring break, Jamberoo is ready for endless family fun, reopening on weekends from 3rd September and every day from 17th September from 10-5pm.

Can you control the action? Dive into NSW’s favourite rides including:

  • “The Taipan” – a wild ride to get hearts pounding and awaken any inner rapid water daredevils – no matter how old they are!
  • “Surf Hill” – feel the need for speed with the definitive eight lane downhill water race.
  • “Rapid River” – relax and float around 240m of waves, caves and waterfalls. A great splashing time!
  • “Billabong Beach” – a family favourite for water babies and youngsters, “Billabong Beach” features interactive animals and mini slides.
  • “Outback Bay” – holding 2.5million litres of water this is NSW’s biggest wave pool, meaning epic proportions of fun.

    Billabong Beach

    Springing into another season of non-stop fun

    Everyone can take advantage of terrific family value at Jamberoo Action Park these school holidays, as admission covers all rides, all day long.

    Jamberoo hosts has a wide range of tasty food outlets including healthy vegetarian and seafood delights at Bombora Seafood, refreshing ice-cream from Bombora Scoop and burgers that blow it out of the park at the Burger Barn. Guests can also bring their own lunch and enjoy the picnic grounds and BBQ facilities.

    But if that’s not enough, the new Beach Hut themed souvenir shop, lets guests take the fun home with them.

    Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Jamberoo is the place to soak up some sun or enjoy the twists and turns of NSW’s favourite attractions this school holidays.

    For fast priority entry, tickets can be purchased via the new online ticketing system at www.jamberoo.net.

    Entry pricing for 2011-2012 – Adults (13+) $39, Children (4-12 inclusive) $31, Seniors (60+) $31

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays
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