Articles
It’s nearly time to head back down to the shoreline of Lake Mac for ‘Float Your Boat’ 2022. With a parade 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
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
Easter is such a fun time for kids all over Lake Mac. From the egg hunt to the big family lunch or
April School Holidays. A time for relaxing, BBQ dinners, spending time with the kids, and getting out and about. Sound a little
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,
Head down to Speers Point Park on Saturday 30th April, between 9am and 4pm for the Lake Mac Autumn Fair. Following last
July 2022 School Holiday Movies! Thor Love Thunder Rated: M Release date: 6th July 2022 Thor embarks on a journey unlike anything
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.
The NSW government wants to thank and reward eligible families with 5 x $50 vouchers totalling $250. These vouchers can be used
We’re all too familiar with the afternoon kid’s shuttle service, but we also know how much they enjoy it socially, creatively, and
Australia. Land of the brave. No wonder the Bee Gees wrote ‘Stayin Alive’ with so many of the world’s most venomous creatures
Here’s some fantastic news for some of our Lake Macquarie residents! The Regional Seniors Card is available to eligible seniors allowing you
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
Last updated: 2/2/2022 For more detailed information or to locate further testing sites, please click through here: COVID-19 Testing Clinics Belmont 4Cyte
Established in 1995, Cardiff Podiatry Clinic is made up of a team of experienced and caring Podiatrists, helping people with foot problems
With over $33,000 of prizes up for grabs this years ‘Let’s Fish Lake Mac’ Festival is sure to be a popular local
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
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
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
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
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 2021. In
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
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
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
2021 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
Well COVID may have changed the way we do things, but it certainly hasn’t broken the Christmas spirit for our 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,
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,
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,
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.
“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
We love our fur babies. There’s nothing better than coming home to a friendly face who’s ecstatic to see you walk through
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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 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
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
My kids love Aussie animals and living in Lake Macquarie means we’re close to many places we can usually visit them. They
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
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
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
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
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
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
When I was a child, my dad used to take us down to explore the rock pools at Swansea Heads. It seems
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,
In Lake Macquarie, we are completely spoilt living in and around our lake. However, Lake Mac has many more amazing places to
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
