Articles
Santa has been cruising the shores of Lake Macquarie for as long as I can remember. As a child, this was one
The Christmas spirit for our Fire & Rescue teams around Lake Macquarie is alive and well. Spreading the Christmas cheer, the kids
Summer 2023/2024 School Holiday Movies! The Marvels Release Date: 9th November 2023 Rating: M Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her
Bringing Christmas to Lake Mac one stop at a time! If Santa’s reindeer can’t pull the sleigh on Christmas Eve, he’d be
Whether you’re planning to celebrate the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, Lake Mac has a range of options for
Do you know a local legend? Are you inspired by someone in your life? Is there a person, or community group that
Set amongst the trees you’ll find Wilkinson Park Playground. With plenty of play equipment to keep the kids amused, choose a shady
Conveniently located in the centre of Cardiff, you’ll find Cardiff Skate Park. Grab your skateboard, scooter or BMX and head out for
Percy Street Playground in Hillsborough, is small but perfectly formed. Not overwhelming or filled with too much equipment. There’s space to sit,
Swansea Skate Park is perfectly situated along the channel at Swansea. This skate park is surrounded by playing fields, a playground, and
Get ready for a busy weekend on the lake as the Fast and Loud Festival returns to Lake Macquarie this weekend! With
This year’s Living Smart Festival, and Living Together Festival, are promising to deliver a jam-packed schedule of activities, demonstrations, workshops, live performances,
If you’ve never been to Bolton Point Park and playground before, you need to. Getting out of the car we immediately felt
Bolton Point Skate Park is surrounded by a large, grassy field, with plenty of space to run around, so make sure you
Volksfest Australia is holding it’s first-ever Volkswagen Festival in Lake Macquarie this weekend 8th-10th September 2023. This family-friendly festival will have something
Surrounded on one side by a large grassy field, and on the other by basketball courts, you’ll find Bonnells Bay Playground. With
Bonnells Bay Skate Park is one of the smaller skate parks around Lake Macquarie. With the playground, sports courts, and Youth and
Recently updated, Morisset Skate Park has plenty of space for our riders. Ideally situated right next to Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park Playground,
Have you heard? The Bernie Goodwin kids playground at Morisset has opened its gates to the kids of Lake Macquarie after a
For a smaller park, Holmesville Skate Park makes the most out of its space. Like most concrete spaces, it’s covered in graffiti
Arcadia Vale Playground is the perfect place to take a young family for a few hours of fun! This is such a
You’ll find this skate park at Pasterfield Sports Complex located between the playground and the BMX track. With a bowl, a quarter
Grab your BMX and head out for a ride along the dirt track at Pasterfield Sports Complex at Cameron Park. This is
The pump track at Wallsend Active Hub is a great place to grab the bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and head with the
Did you know that a $50 Creative Kids Voucher is available to all eligible children in NSW to help to pay for
Perfect for younger riders, the playground at Speers Point Park has a dedicated bike and scooter track. With flat, paved surfaces this
Have you applied for your NSW Active Kids voucher yet? The NSW Active Kids Vouchers are for children aged between 4 1/2
Enjoying a prime location on the shore of Lake Macquarie, Speers Point Variety Park is the premier recreation space in Lake Macquarie
We’ve all been in that place where you just don’t feel good about yourself. It might be your weight, your fitness, your
Designed as a flow skate park, riders of all skill levels are welcome here. Windale Skate Park is known for its focus
Croudace Bay Skate Park is one of the larger skate parks in Lake Macquarie. Recently updated, you’ll find a mixture of younger
Distinctly named ‘The Chip Bowl’ by locals, you’ll soon realise why. This concrete park has a little bit of everything for experienced
Set amongst the trees, this small but comprehensive playground is a great spot to take the kids. With wide open space, shade,
We love our fur babies. There’s nothing better than coming home to a friendly face who’s ecstatic to see you walk through
Set perfectly in its surroundings, the brand-new playground at Murrays Beach has been well thought out. The natural bush setting provides a
As we saw the sun rising above the brand new pump track at Redhead there were squeals of delight from the kids.
We’re all too familiar with the afternoon kid’s shuttle service, but we also know how much they enjoy it socially, creatively, and
Possibly because he was being pursued by Ghostbusters, Princess Leia and an old bloke in a dress???? When the Pop Culture Festival
Catch big, win BIG on Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake which is Lake Macquarie of course! It’s our very own competition, just
In Lake Macquarie, we are completely spoilt living in and around our lake. However, Lake Mac has many more amazing places to
Grab your helmet, get your sirens blaring, and head out to meet the firefighters at your nearest Fire and Rescue NSW station.
Located in one of our newer suburbs of Lake Macquarie, the Sugar Valley Library Museum (kirantakamyari) offers a mix of both a
The last few years in business have been tough to navigate. We don’t need to highlight all the challenges, but we do
The commemoration of ANZAC day is close to the heart of many Australians and New Zealanders. We remember those brave men and
Running parallel to the beach and weaving its way through the coastal landscape is Owens Walk at Redhead. There is so much
When I was a child, my dad used to take us down to explore the rock pools at Swansea Heads. It seems
Head down to Speers Point Park on Saturday 6th May, between 9am and 4pm for the Lake Mac Autumn Fair. For the
It’s nearly time to head back down to the shoreline of Lake Mac for ‘Float Your Boat’ 2023. With a parade of
We were absolutely blown away by the diverse talent our HSC kids delivered in their final visual arts submissions for 2022. Our
While kids enjoy having fun, relaxing and hanging out with family, the start of the school year can sometimes be accompanied with
Kids on the western side of Lake Macquarie, have been gifted an awesome new playground in Cooranbong. Not far from the Elephant
Heading to the beach after a long day at work has now become a safer prospect for our Lake Macquarie community. For
If you’re looking for a playground with lots of space for the kids to run and play, then Blackalls Park Playground will
Once joining the cities of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle by rail, the Fernleigh Track now offers both communities a back-to-nature experience of
Buckle up, grab your closed in shoes and get ready to ride Edgeworth miniature trains! If you’re a Lake Mac local and
I’m the mother of 3 beautiful intelligent girls, Morgan 24, Bree 21 and Sophie 18. Morgan was born with Jacobsens Syndrome which
With a huge grassed area, for running or playing, the kids will love this park and it’s wide open space. Edward Park
On the foreshore of gorgeous Belmont Bay you’ll not only find the Lions Park Playground. With so much to do and see,
Location, location, location! I don’t think it gets better than this. Chapman Oval playground is part of the sports complex at Swansea
Having a ‘tweenage’ daughter was a stage I hadn’t given any thought to until, suddenly, there she was, my bright and shining
It’s been almost a year in the making. Delayed by COVID, rainy weather and just about everything you can think of. But
At the back of Catherine Hill Bay, past the new development, is an unpatrolled stretch of beach like nothing you’ve seen before.
Australia. Land of the brave. No wonder the Bee Gees wrote ‘Stayin Alive’ with so many of the world’s most venomous creatures
You couldn’t find a more perfect setting for the new Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima than overlooking our gorgeous Lake Macquarie. The Multi-Arts Pavilion
Established in 1995, Cardiff Podiatry Clinic is made up of a team of experienced and caring Podiatrists, helping people with foot problems
When you think of the Hawkesbury, the first thing that comes to mind is the Mooney Mooney Bridge that we cross on
Tucked away in the suburb of Balcolyn, on the western side of Lake Mac, is the most gorgeous parkland. At Shingle Splitters
Steve May Financial Services has set itself apart in the financial space. Just about everyone has been at a loss with their
A play by the lake takes on a whole new meaning with this view. Come and discover Myuna Bay foreshore playground. Stay
If you think you’ve seen most of Lake Macquarie, then think again. There are so many hidden bays and gorgeous landscapes still
“You’ll be glad to hear that I always conduct myself positively at work’, jokes Irish-born Marty Meehan, owner of Whitebridge-based AMCM electrical.
This playground offers an abundance of space with a million dollar view. Belmont South playground provides the perfect relaxed, family friendly environment
Can you see yourself laying down on a picnic rug under the trees, listening to the laughter of children as they play?
You might have caught a glimpse of it as you drove by, however, Bunya park playground offers much more than you’d expect.
Spring is a busy time for wildlife carers, with baby animals being born, leaving nests and learning to survive in the world.
We’re out walking a lot these days, picking up sticks and twigs along the way. I love that my kids find all
From the moment you walk into the house, your mouth will start watering. This beetroot, potato, bacon side will fill your house
When they built the first bridge in Swansea over Lake Mac back in 1881, it’s primary use was for transporting stone. From
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
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
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
Attunga Park sits in the centre of Charlestown. A wide open space, perfect for kicking a ball around or a weekend game
There’s nothing better than a big cook-up on the weekend, and the smell of curry emanating from the kitchen certainly gets your
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
What are your kids doing today? I’ll be honest. As my kids have grown older it’s easy to let them grab a
Nestled among the trees in Taylor Park, is Barnsley’s new playground complex. The first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of space
Club Charlestown is proud to announce the opening of it’s new Courtyard area. With a focus on families, and supporting our community,
Coming across ticks in Lake Macquarie was part of growing up, especially during the warmer months. As a kid, after playing outside,
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
It’s always exciting when a new business comes to Lake Macquarie, and Warners Bay shops are very lucky. Especially when that business
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,
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.
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,
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.
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
Building a new home can be one of the biggest financial investments we make in our lifetimes. It’s an exciting time full
So many times during this adventure we stopped, closed our eyes, and listened to the wildlife. The birds were definitely a standout.
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
When’s the last time you visited Mount Sugarloaf? Many of us visited as kids and have since viewed the summit from a
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
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.
Overlooking our beautiful Lake is Warners Bay playground. Recently upgraded in 2018 and beautifully landscaped with two separate areas for play. This
Wangi Point State Conservation Area is full of surprises. Its rocky platforms, countless coves & bays stretching south from Rathmines, provides a
Our local Awabakal people called it Ky-yee-bah, meaning ‘place of games’. The Awabakal people would hold events here such as canoe races
When you launch a platform that instantly attracts local businesses, it’s obvious you’ve created something of need. I spent oodles of time
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
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 Pirrita 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
Do you get a sinking feeling when you see another bill delivered by the postie? Does it feel like as fast as
From the moment you begin this trail, you’ll see the work which has gone into the regeneration, preservation, and conservation of the
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
Do you remember the first time you saw a whale breach? I can remember looking out to the horizon and seeing a
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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.
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
It’s that time of year where our social media is inundated with proud parents. Posts celebrating the big achievements of their offspring
My children have grown up reading books by Deborah Kelly, a local Lake Macquarie children’s author. We definitely joined in the fun
The first few years in business can feel like there’s a lot going in and not so much coming out the other
Often when rebranding is spoken about people are thinking about their business identity or visuals. It might be a change in the
Research tells us that when babies and children get what they need, it has a lasting effect on their future. This is one
Belmont pool (baths) For many years, Belmont pool (baths) was a popular bathing area, nestled on the shores of Lake Macquarie at
Even though the Watagans state forest is technically in Cessnock council area, you won’t get a better aerial view of Lake Macquarie.
‘Green Point’ as it’s referred to by the locals, connects the suburbs of Belmont and Valentine through Green Point Reserve. From Belmont,
We all know that children develop at different rates, but they all need support and nurturing to find their first smile, to
Part 1 – Where it starts So many mums expect themselves to parent as if they don’t have a paid job. Then
Fear creeps in when you think about just how unfit and completely uncoordinated you are. To make it worse, you haven’t exercised
