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Tucked away at the back of Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park is the gorgeous Osmond Reserve. On the map, this point is called
Well known for it’s ANZAC Day service, Allambee Park offers families a place to unwind and relax while the kids run and
As a child, Blackbutt Reserve was such a magical place. I remember visiting with my parents and walking down from a car
Location, location, location! I don’t think it gets better than this. Chapman Oval playground is part of the sports complex at Swansea
Ever driven over Swansea Bridge and not even thought twice about what’s below? We decided to explore the stretch from the Swansea
We love discovering new playgrounds and the Tingara Heights playground has some really nice inclusions. It’s a local playground that has been
Feelings. Just hearing the word may have you running for cover. Sometimes it just seems easier to bottle everything up and move
Splash some colour in your day with a visit to Whitebridge playground. Stop by the shops at Whitebridge, and grab a coffee
When Bunnings moved out of the warehouse on the Pacific Highway at Belmont speculation was rife as to what would take its
As a Mum of two young children who aren’t in school yet, well, life is busy. Sleepless nights, snotty noses, ‘witching’ hour,…let’s
***Great news for this weekend on the Eastern side of the lake. Following last weekend’s cancellation of the Float Your Boat parade
This park has it all. Loads of space, BBQ facilities, lakeside adventuring, an awesome pontoon for fishing, and an exciting new playground.
Giving is something we all love to do, especially when you’re filled with the magic of Christmas. It’s very easy to spend
An exciting new family-friendly festival is coming to the shores of Lake Macquarie. At the Up in the Air festival, visitors can
The commemoration of ANZAC day is close to the heart of many Australians and New Zealanders. We remember those brave men and
Our first ever Lake Mac Autumn Fair will be held on Saturday 1st May at Speers Point Park between 9 am and
It isn’t often you get given something for nothing! We decided to make it super easy for you. We’ve created a list
Attunga Park sits in the centre of Charlestown. A wide open space, perfect for kicking a ball around or a weekend game
Learning about snakes is definitely a great way for kids to understand and appreciate their co-existence in our community. We were suprized
We were absolutely blown away by the diverse talent our HSC kids delivered in their final visual arts submissions for 2020. In
Great news for NSW as Gladys Berejiklian announces further easing of restrictions from Monday 29th March. NSW has only recorded two cases
There’s nothing better than a big cook-up on the weekend, and the smell of curry emanating from the kitchen certainly gets your
We’ve all been in that place where you just don’t feel good about yourself. It might be your weight, your fitness, your
I don’t know about you, but I’ve felt very much at arm’s length from teachers and the school since COVID hit. My
Lake Macquarie’s historic Coon Island conservation area, at Swansea, is under the spotlight for a name change. One of our local Indigenous
Dine and discover NSW is really going to help our struggling hospitality and tourism sectors across Lake Macquarie. This new scheme the
Perfectly shaded by nature, the Neegulbah Park Playground in Macquarie Hills is ready for action. Complete with bench seats and a few
If you’re looking for a beachside getaway with the kids, South West Rocks is a hidden gem. Nestled on the mid-north coast,
Remember when you were a kid and couldn’t wait to be an adult? Before you found out that life was one long
Remember when you thought you would live forever? When you could stay out all night and still get up for work the
I remember the first day we realised something was “wrong”. With the benefit of hindsight, I cringe when I remember this was
Back to school always seems to roll around just a little too quickly for my liking. We always seem to spend the
We’ve driven past a few times and didn’t notice the new playground. Maybe it’s because this playground looks and feels a little
Rides, sideshow games, and buckets of fairy floss were what we found at Stockland Glendale today. The Glendale Summer Carnival is now
What are your kids doing today? I’ll be honest. As my kids have grown older it’s easy to let them grab a
CANCELLED: Unfortunately due to covid restrictions in NSW, this event for the school holidays has been cancelled. Winter School Holidays. A
Whether you visit for a casual day out, or you’re there for an event or workshop, the MAC offers something for the
Nestled among the trees in Taylor Park, is Barnsley’s new playground complex. The first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of space
2020 will definitely be remembered in the history books across Lake Macquarie, Australia, and around the world. Every one of us has
Santa has been cruising the shores of Lake Macquarie for as long as I can remember. As a child, this was one
UPDATE: From 5 pm on Saturday 19th December, most Santa Run’s have been cancelled, except the Christmas Eve run by the Fire
Club Charlestown is proud to announce the opening of it’s new Courtyard area. With a focus on families, and supporting our community,
There’s a lot being planned for Toronto foreshore. Lake Mac City Council is in the process of designing a Toronto Foreshore Masterplan.
Coming across ticks in Lake Macquarie was part of growing up, especially during the warmer months. As a kid, after playing outside,
Just in time for Christmas, the NSW state premier, Gladys Berejiklian has announced further changes to COVID-19 restrictions. These will come into
You know that feeling you get when you literally bounce out of bed in the morning? When the day finally arrives for
There’s nothing better than hand-made and these creative cards are the perfect indoor activity for the kids. Why not kick off the
Just in time for Christmas, come and enjoy our newest shopping centre in Lake Mac. You can’t miss it on the Pacific
Love them or hate them, Lake Macquarie is home to a variety of snakes. Just a few of our natives include the
From the moment we walked in we knew it was going to be fun. I’ll admit, I’m not a girlie girl, and
As a child, and even into my teens, Blacksmiths Beach was a local haunt. Now as we visit with our young family,
Hidden amongst shady trees near spectacular Blacksmiths Beach is a playground with everything. If you’re looking for a casual morning out, or
Have you taken the challenge? Can your family commit? What will you eat? We’ve been invited to eat two meat-free meals a
It’s always exciting when a new business comes to Lake Macquarie, and Warners Bay shops are very lucky. Especially when that business
This weekend take the kids for a ride and stop for a story along the way. To celebrate Children’s Week, Lake Mac
In Australia every year more people die as a result of residential fires than of all our natural disasters combined. On average
Some may say that living in Australia is only for the brave. With 21 of the world’s most venomous snakes, blue-ringed octopus,
If you’ve headed out to the shops lately you may be finding that some of the things you’d normally buy are just
On my morning walk along the shore of Lake Macquarie, I could smell smoke in the air and it made me uneasy.
Moving home is one of the top 5 most stressful events in your life. I should know. I’ve just bought and sold
It’s that time of year again. We slip on our swimmers and thongs and head down to the lake to cool down.
If you’re out and about on a Friday night in Warners Bay, you’ll hear rhythm coming from the foreshore. It’s a place
Finding the right person for the job can be a challenge. We’ve all heard horror stories of tradies that haven’t turned up,
From a very young age, my eldest daughter complained about pains in her ankles and calves. These usually occurred at bedtime. Initially,
Today the NSW Premier and the Health Minister, attended the unveiling of concept designs for a new seven-storey acute services building at
The kids will have buckets of fun at Harrington Entertainment, Lake Macquarie Square at Mount Hutton. Grab a coffee and a bite
It’s hard to imagine this quiet and peaceful town was once filled with the noise of plane engines roaring. Rathmines Park was
It’s more than exciting when Lake Macquarie leads the nation with any innovation. This new health centre, which has just opened on
If you’re planning a holiday this year packed with family activities and adventure, then you’ll find the best family fun in Coffs
Want to hear some fantastic news? Valentine Hydrotherapy Swimming Pool has reopened its doors after a long closure. The pool was closed
When the LEGO® store Charlestown opened it’s doors mid-August amidst COVID-19 restrictions, we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy visit.
Entering the darkness of the movie theatre, popcorn bucket in hand, drink balanced precariously as you wander along the aisle to find
Port Stephens koala campaigners have been fighting a decision for the expansion at Brandy Hill Quarry amid concerns for the local koala
When you’re a kid, and you make it all the way to year 12, the pressure on your performance in the HSC
“A small coin made to make a difference” – The Royal Australian Mint We’re constantly reminded to look and find positive outcomes
Sitting around 160 metres above sea level, Munibung Hill connects the suburbs of Warners Bay, Speers Point, Boolaroo and Macquarie Hills. Even
It’s that time of the year again when we witness locals wearing bike helmets with cable ties pointing skyward, acting as a
The weather’s warming up and those winter clothes you’ve been comfortably living in are no longer suitable. If you’re anything like me
Have you heard? The Bernie Goodwin kids playground at Morisset has opened its gates to the kids of Lake Macquarie after a
If your child is off school because they are symptomatic, then they need to be cleared of COVID-19 before returning. This is
We love our fur babies. There’s nothing better than coming home to a friendly face who’s ecstatic to see you walk through
Hold on to your pirate hats, and grab your children’s favourite wheels, because this park is going to be amazing! It began
Building a new home can be one of the biggest financial investments we make in our lifetimes. It’s an exciting time full
Imagine being homeless in Lake Macquarie at the moment. With nighttime temperatures falling into single digits, added to the current rain and
So many times during this adventure we stopped, closed our eyes, and listened to the wildlife. The birds were definitely a standout.
It’s official Costco’s coming to Lake Macquarie. Costco’s DA has been approved and the Hunter Regional Planning Panel has given it the
There are plenty of options to get tested for COVID-19 right here in Lake Macquarie. This list will be checked and updated
When you’re next standing at the kitchen bench chopping up your vegetables or slicing up your fruit, take note of what you’re
Yet another leaflet has landed in your post box. Discounts and ‘Buy now – pay later’ offers for the installation of a
I don’t know about you, but my head is spinning. I am however loving the word ‘job’ included in all these new
We’re all too familiar with the afternoon kid’s shuttle service, but we also know how much they enjoy it socially, creatively, and
We knew when COVID-19 started that chances were, it would continue to impact our lives for a long time. As we navigate
When’s the last time you visited Mount Sugarloaf? Many of us visited as kids and have since viewed the summit from a
History seems to be repeating itself in the housing market. During the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1919, the media created fear and
Are your kids cravin’ some animal love? Maybe they’d enjoy visiting a cute koala or a slithering snake. They’ll find crocodiles, birds,
‘Rain, rain go away, come again another day!’ Today was going to be a family day. We were so organised and ready
If you’ve never heard of Pilates you’re in good company. Our Prime Minister, Scott Morrison recently raised its profile when he struggled
Sometimes we just need simple ideas to occupy the kids at home, and cooking can be so much fun. Whether it’s school
Warners Bay is a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Did you know Lake Macquarie is twice the
We never imagined the steep descent at the start would lead down to a rehabilitated pathway along Kilaben Creek. Starting on a
Did you know that Tyrannosaurus rex is only one of a group of dinosaurs called tyrannosaurs? To be completely honest, I didn’t
Just an hour from Lake Macquarie, heading north, you’ll find Port Stephens. With several suburbs located around a large natural harbour, you
Heading one hour south from Lake Macquarie takes you to the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. This is a popular getaway
When your kid’s begin to gasp as you drive into the car park, you know it must be a good playground. Kilaben
There are only two things certain in life. Death and taxes! If you’re reading this you clearly don’t meet the first criteria.
You woke up this morning and your kids aren’t well. The middle child has a runny nose. Your teenager is complaining of
From 1st July 2020, NSW will once again see more changes to the restrictions imposed following COVID-19. Further restrictions will be eased.
It’s often said that moving home is one of the most stressful times of your life. I should know. I’ve moved 5
Overlooking our beautiful Lake is Warners Bay playground. Recently upgraded in 2018 and beautifully landscaped with two separate areas for play. This
The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian has today announced that NSW plans to implement the largest overhaul to the school curriculum seen in
This is one of my favourite soup recipes and it really does bring out the flavours of your white root vegetables. Parsnip
Wangi Point State Conservation Area is full of surprises. Its rocky platforms, countless coves & bays stretching south from Rathmines, provides a
How would you like to be part of a Guinness World Record official attempt on Sunday night? You don’t have to do
Our local Awabakal people called it Ky-yee-bah, meaning ‘place of games’. The Awabakal people would hold events here such as canoe races
Enjoying a prime location on the shore of Lake Macquarie, Speers Point Variety Park is the premier recreation space in Lake Macquarie
When you launch a platform that instantly attracts local businesses, it’s obvious you’ve created something of need. I spent oodles of time
It’s been a long time coming, well it definitely has felt like it, however, things will start to look a bit more
A stunning coastal viewpoint meets gorgeous native heath on the coast of Lake Macquarie. This is where you’ll find Awabakal Nature Reserve.
The Hunter Valley is known for its amazing wineries. Producing around 3% of Australian wine, the region is high on many wine
Meltdowns, slammed doors, lack of motivation, loss of resilience. Does that sound familiar? If you can relate, your child may be experiencing
Our NSW snow holidays will look like no other this year, with resorts running at 50% capacity, online lift ticket sales, no
There are so many awesome walking tracks in Lake Macquarie you can do with the kids. Here’s 5 we love to do
Did you know about the Spring bird migration that happens every year at Coon Island Swansea? Traveling epic journey’s from the Arctic
Every time we venture somewhere new we learn so much and Belmont Lagoon told a story of many tales. From the history
After weeks of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian snow season is officially going ahead, in NSW at least. Confirmed
Do you get a sinking feeling when you see another bill delivered by the postie? Does it feel like as fast as
When was the last time you headed down to the park at Croudace Bay? This park is a favourite for our family.
From the moment you begin this trail, you’ll see the work which has gone into the regeneration, preservation, and conservation of the
From Saturday 13th we’ll enjoy more easing of restrictions. The number of visitors at home is increasing from 5 to 20. We
My kids love Aussie animals and living in Lake Macquarie means we’re close to many places we can usually visit them. They
(10/5/20) Gladys Berejiklian has just announced that COVID restrictions for NSW will start to be eased from Friday 15th May in NSW.
We love our little bundles of joy. As they slowly empty their wardrobe of the neatly folded clothes and throw them across
It’s estimated that 45% of Australians haven’t written a will. That means that almost one out of every two of you reading
So many kids are missing the get-togethers they were used to having with grandparents, family, and friends. This is difficult for everyone
We may be getting used to social distancing but when it’s your birthday you still want to feel the love from family
Do you remember the first time you saw a whale breach? I can remember looking out to the horizon and seeing a
Are you planning to buy or sell a house, write a will, organise power of attorney, or appoint an enduring guardianship? With
This morning the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian announced that schools will reopen (including Lake Macquarie schools). All children will attend one day
Kids definitely don’t have to miss out on after-school activities. In fact, now’s the perfect time to explore their options for ways
Lately, we’ve had the time to think about all the things we’d love to do but never seem to have the time
Succulents are really easy to work with so they make the perfect plant for kids. Most of the common succulents are relatively
Are you still finding it difficult to buy toilet paper? I know I am. For the first time in about six weeks
Are you worried about your mortgage repayments? You’re not alone. We know that many in our community are being affected financially by
I’ll be honest, the first thing I did when I read about this concept was cry. We’re all feeling the pressure of
This gorgeous book is so beautifully written by local Lake Mac author Deborah Kelly. The underlying message in this story will warm
Anytime is a great time to grow your own food. I’ve been growing veggies and herbs for many years. My dad always
I remember when I was a child, walking home from school I would pick up little things from nature I found along
I’m loving the billions of dollars that’s being thrown at our economy by the government. To be completely honest, while it’s very
From the moment you meet Kirby, her honest nature shines through. You know when you meet some people and you’re instantly relaxed
You’ve got to admit, as soon as the temperature drops, cooking is back on your mind. There’s nothing better than the smell
I get it. It’s tough out there as a business owner in Lake Mac. In today’s reality, as business owners we’re scrambling
Have you tried creating leaf art for kids to make at home? While you’re out getting some exercise, take a bag with
Why are we having to keep our distance from others and constantly wash our hands? It’s a bit extreme, right? Wrong. COVID-19
We’re working with our Lake Mac businesses to support the greater community. Niccoli from Audir understands the pressures facing businesses across our
Trying to keep your kids interested and inspired while they homeschool? Finding yourself a bit out of your depth? We hear you
Get the kids outside in the garden this week listening to the birds and watching them as they come and go. Discuss
This is a fun, inexpensive project to do with the kids at home. You’ll find that it covers a few different areas
As I sit here thinking about the challenges of homeschooling my kids are cleaning up at the end of their home school
When we discovered Sesames On The Lake, just a short walk from our front door, we couldn’t believe our luck. Sesames is
Want your child to do something other than watching YouTube or social media? How about encouraging them to listen to one of
The Australian government this week announced that job seekers payments will be doubled for the next six months to help those in
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a national plan that will take effect at midday today 23rd March 2020. These strict coronavirus
I think every parent can appreciate finding activities for the whole family to enjoy can certainly be challenging. I’ve had my fair
From the surfboard flying fox to the wave-shaped climbing net, Webb Park Playground captures Redhead’s beach culture perfectly. You’ll love the unique
Running parallel to the beach and weaving its way through the coastal landscape is Owens Walk at Redhead. There is so much
You’ve created a wonderful product or service to bring to the market. The business name has been picked, and you’ve got the
Tucked away in the forever expanding family suburb of Cameron Park is the Pasterfield Sports Complex. Sprawled across 8 hectares of land,
Did you know that a $100 Creative Kids Voucher is available to all eligible children in NSW to help to pay for
Have you applied for your NSW Active Kids voucher yet? The NSW Active Kids Vouchers are for children aged between 4 1/2
In the beach culture of the suburb of Caves Beach, the main attraction has always been the sea caves. This unmistakable tourist
Tucked away just past the sea caves at Caves Beach is a coastal walk which showcases the gorgeous cliffs and landscape of
When my husband and I realised how burnt out we were because of work, we had to do something about it. There’s
Imagine you are standing in a beautiful garden, surrounded by flowers, trees and bees buzzing busily. There is a tiny sapling in
Here’s some fantastic news for some of our Lake Macquarie residents! The Regional Seniors Card is available to eligible seniors allowing you
Once you’re heading along the windy road surrounded by bush as you travel into Catherine Hill Bay, you begin to get a
Wasn’t the sun shining brightly on the western side when we visited a gorgeous hidden gem at Sunshine, Lake Macquarie. It was
Hidden at the back of the old Sanitarium factory is the Cooranbong swing bridge. The bridge is full of character and history.
Roll up! Roll up! Roll up! Be prepared to witness a spectacle of sights and sounds that will blow your mind! Weber’s
You have to love and embrace the Mediterranean diet. Mostly plant-based, rich in fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes. Packed full
In the last few years, we’ve been blessed to have conversations with, guide and support our youth right here in Lake Macquarie.
I don’t know about your kids, but going back to school can be a love-hate relationship at our house. First, it’s the
Would you believe, here in the Hunter Region alone during 2018, around 13.5% of pregnant women developed gestational diabetes? That’s one in
The new year for many holds significance. Maybe it’s a time for a fresh start and a chance to do things differently?
Hand on heart, exercise helped ease my postnatal depression. It wasn’t until we moved interstate, away from our support network, that I
Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky we are to have these amazing places all around us, and only a short distance away.
We know we’re in a drought. We hear it whenever we click on our TV, read a newspaper or check our Facebook
Not many days left now before public school goes back! We all know that whilst the days might feel long (Mum joke!!),
The transition from primary to high school can be an exciting but daunting time for both children and parents. These foundational years
You know when you’re quietly confident you can pull something off? I consider myself a very competent human and nothing really rattles
On any given day more and more women, and girls, of all ages and backgrounds, are out enjoying what was certainly once
Can you bring a salad? I’m guessing if you’re like me you’ve heard this many times before. I love enjoying the food
