Articles
Sesames On The Lake is just a few steps away from the lake at Belmont. Local business owners Tevy and Brad have
There’s nothing better than a big cook-up on the weekend, and the smell of curry emanating from the kitchen certainly gets your
From the moment you walk into the house, your mouth will start watering. This beetroot, potato, and bacon side will fill your
So, you’ve had a new baby. Everything has changed. You no longer hang out with work colleagues throughout the day. Your friends
Where it starts So many mums expect themselves to parent as if they don’t have a paid job. Then they expect to
Research tells us that when babies and children get what they need, it has a lasting effect on their future. This is
Feelings. Just hearing the word may have you running for cover. Sometimes it just seems easier to bottle everything up and move
Meltdowns, slammed doors, lack of motivation, loss of resilience. Does that sound familiar? If you can relate, your child may be experiencing
Every parent can appreciate that finding activities for the whole family to enjoy can certainly be challenging. I’ve had my fair share
I don’t know about your kids, but going back to school can be a love-hate relationship for us. First, it’s the rushing
I remember the first day we realised something was “wrong”. With the benefit of hindsight, I cringe when I remember this was
We all know that children develop at different rates. They all need support and nurturing to find their first smile, take their
The transition from primary to high school can be an exciting but daunting time for both children and parents. These foundational years
We’re all too familiar with the afternoon kid’s shuttle service, but we also know how much they enjoy it socially, creatively, and
I’m the mother of 3 beautiful intelligent girls, Morgan 24, Bree 21 and Sophie 18. Morgan was born with Jacobsens Syndrome which
‘Rain, rain go away, come again another day!’ Today was going to be a family day. We were so organised and ready
presents An Australian Chamber Orchestra Production The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee) An original play by Finegan Kruckemeyer with music
You’ve got to admit, as soon as the temperature drops, cooking is back on your mind. There’s nothing better than the smell
Shanley Financial Planning has set itself apart in the financial space. Just about everyone has been at a loss with their finances
Newcastle boasts a spectacular walk along Bather’s Way from Newcastle Ocean Baths to the Bogey Hole. Apart from breathtaking ocean views, wrapping
April 2025 Are you looking for something fun to do during these school holidays? We have enough popcorn and films to keep
It’s estimated that 45% of Australians haven’t written a will. That means that almost one out of every two of you reading
You’ll meet kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, as well as emus, at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, however, that’s where the similarity to other ‘wildlife’
Pack up the car, grab the picnic rug, scooters, sunscreen, and hats. Not far from Lake Macquarie, discover 4 MEGA playgrounds. There’s
It’s hard to imagine this quiet and peaceful town was once filled with the noise of plane engines roaring. Rathmines Park was
Arcadia Vale Playground is the perfect place to take a young family for a few hours of fun! This lakeside playground is
Enjoying prime location on the shore of Lake Macquarie, Speers Point Variety Park is a premier recreation space in Lake Macquarie City.
Set amongst the trees, this small but comprehensive playground is a great spot to take the kids. With wide open space, shade,
On the foreshore of gorgeous Belmont Bay you’ll find the Lions Park Playground. With so much to do and see, the Ship
Location, location, location! I don’t think it gets better than this. Chapman Oval Playground is part of the sports complex at Swansea,
A play by the lake takes on a whole new meaning with this view. Come and discover Myuna Bay Foreshore Playground. Stay
This playground offers an abundance of space with a million dollar view. Belmont South Playground provides the perfect relaxed, family friendly environment
You might have caught a glimpse of it as you drove by, however Bunya Park Playground offers much more than you’d expect.
Well known for its ANZAC Day service, Allambee Park offers families a place to unwind and relax while the kids run and
We love discovering playgrounds, and the Tingara Heights Playground has some fun inclusions. It’s a small playground, however, what it lacks in
This park has it all; space, BBQ facilities, lakeside adventuring, an awesome pontoon for fishing, and a playground. Bennett Park at Valentine
Splash some colour in your day with a visit to Whitebridge Playground. Stop by the shops at Whitebridge, grab a coffee and
Perfectly shaded by nature, the Neegulbah Park Playground in Macquarie Hills is the perfect adventure. Complete with bench seats and a few
This playground looks and feels different from a standard playground in Lake Macquarie. Built from a wood ‘look-a-like’ structure, it blends into
Nestled among the trees in Taylor Park, is Barnsley’s playground complex. The abundance of space surrounding a multi-sectioned play zone will be
Hidden amongst shady trees near spectacular Blacksmiths Beach is a playground with everything. If you’re looking for a casual morning out, or
Running parallel to the beach and weaving its way through the coastal landscape is Owens Walk at Redhead. There is plenty to
When they built the first bridge in Swansea over Lake Mac in 1881, its primary use was transporting stone. From 1895 onwards
Have you ever driven over Swansea Bridge and not thought twice about what’s below? We decided to explore the stretch from the
Sitting around 160 metres above sea level, Munibung Hill connects the suburbs of Warners Bay, Speers Point, Boolaroo, and Macquarie Hills. Even
When was the last time you visited Mount Sugarloaf? Many of us visited as kids and have since only viewed the summit
Imagine a steep descent at the start that leads down to a rehabilitated pathway along Kilaben Creek. Starting on a fire trail,
If you love beach life, sparkling seas, stunning scenery, and nature, this is an amazing choice. Your family can visit on a
Heading one hour south of Lake Macquarie takes you to the beautiful Central Coast. This is a popular getaway for people travelling
Blacksmiths Beach Over summer, the beach comes alive with the resident Surf Life Saving Club – SLSC Swansea Belmont. The junior nippers
As we saw the sun rising above the pump track at Redhead there were squeals of delight from the kids. With 150
The Hunter Valley is known for its amazing wineries, producing around 3% of Australian wine. It’s no wonder the region is high
The Creative Kids & Active Kids vouchers are now one voucher. The government has changed the eligibility criteria, so they are no
We all know that whilst the days might feel long (Mum joke!!), they’ll fly by in a blur. Then, like clockwork the
Ever heard of Disc Golf? We hadn’t either until we discovered the Disc Golf course at Styles Point Reserve in Rathmines. Take
The kids will go wild at the new playground, skate park, and pump track at Rathmines. Built with adventure in mind their
Is that blissful time of being locked in the baby bubble coming to an end? It’s time to get your head around
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 when our social media is inundated with proud parents. Posts celebrating the big achievements of their offspring
You have to love and embrace the Mediterranean diet. Mostly plant-based, rich in fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes. Packed full
When you’re next standing at the kitchen bench chopping up your vegetables, or slicing up your fruit, take note of what you’re
Sometimes we need simple ideas to occupy the kids at home, and cooking can be so much fun. Whether it’s school holidays,
For an animal experience like no other, head down to Iris Lodge on the Central Coast and immerse your family in farm
A slice of coastal perfection awaits, at Tomaree Coastal Walk. This coastal walk stretches 27 kilometres, from Tomaree Head in Shoal Bay
Norah Head is a secluded, laid-back coastal town with breathtaking views, a historic landmark, and stunning beaches. You instantly want to breathe
It’s hard to describe just how jaw-droppingly beautiful this walk is. With an abundance of nature, amazing views, and various experiences, your
A stunning coastal viewpoint meets gorgeous native heath on the coast of Lake Macquarie. This is where you’ll find Awabakal Nature Reserve.
Oranges are bursting with flavour and natural goodness, and there’s nothing quite like devouring a juicy fresh orange you’ve picked yourself. Don’t
As soon as you open the car door, you’ll be summoned by the sound of running water. The smell of the lush
We love our fur babies. There’s nothing better than coming home to a friendly face who’s ecstatic to see you walk through
We’re spoilt for choice with family walks in Lake Macquarie. From the bush to the coastal tracks, there are plenty of options
Did you know about the Spring bird migration that happens every year at Pirrita Island Swansea? Travelling epic journeys from the Arctic
Belmont Baths For many years, Belmont Baths has been a popular local haunt nestled on the shores of Lake Mac. Families would
At the back of Catherine Hill Bay, past the new development, is an unpatrolled stretch of beach like nothing you’ve seen before.
Tucked away at the back of Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park, is the gorgeous Osmond Reserve. You’ll enjoy a beautiful location to look
So many times during this adventure we stopped, closed our eyes, and listened to the wildlife. The birds stood out from the
From a very young age, my eldest daughter complained about pains in her ankles and calves. These usually occurred at bedtime. Initially,
Having a ‘tweenage’ daughter was a stage I hadn’t given any thought to until, suddenly, there she was, my bright and shining
Pack your kids in the car and head to Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in Minmi. You’ll find walking trails, a maze,
When I was a child, my dad used to take us down to explore the rock pools at Swansea Heads. It seems
Club Charlestown is proud to announce the opening of Cece’s On Lincoln. With a focus on families, this cafe has been designed
The pump track at Wallsend Active Hub is a great place to grab the bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and head with the
When the weather starts warming up, and we prepare to head back to the beach, make sure your kids are ocean-ready. With
If you’re looking for a playground with lots of space for the kids to run and play, then Blackalls Park Playground will
In the beach culture of Caves Beach, the main attraction has always been the sea caves. This unmistakable tourist attraction is almost
When your kids begin to gasp as you drive into the car park, you know it must be a good playground. Kilaben
Hidden at the back of the old Sanitarium factory, is the Cooranbong swing bridge. The bridge is full of character and history.
It’s one of our all-time favourite walking tracks, and now the Fernleigh Track continues all the way through to Blacksmiths. It’s enjoyed
Once you’re heading along the windy road surrounded by bush as you travel into Catherine Hill Bay, you begin to get a
Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky we are to have these amazing places all around us. Discover and explore the inter-connecting sea
Kids on the western side of Lake Macquarie, have an awesome playground in Cooranbong. Not far from the Elephant Shop, this playground
From the moment you begin this trail, you’ll see the work that has gone into the area’s regeneration, preservation, and conservation—a credit
Create leaf art for kids to make at home. The next time you are out walking with the kids, take a bag
When your partner asks if you’ve chosen a paint colour for your interior, don’t just say white. You’ll be sure to get
Buckle up, grab your closed in shoes and get ready to ride Edgeworth miniature trains! If you’re a Lake Mac local and
Even though the Watagans State Forest is technically in the Cessnock Council area, you won’t get a better aerial view of Lake
Green Point connects the suburbs of Belmont and Valentine through Green Point Reserve. From Belmont, you can walk along a flat path
Awabakal people called it Ky-yee-bah, meaning ‘place of games’ and held events here such as canoe races in large gatherings. Vast flocks
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
Overlooking our beautiful Lake is Warners Bay playground which has been beautifully landscaped with two separate areas for play. This playground remains
Warners Bay is a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Just 15 km from Newcastle and an hour and
Attunga Park sits in the centre of Charlestown. A wide open space, perfect for kicking a ball around or a weekend game
Set perfectly in its surroundings, the playground at Murrays Beach has been well thought out. The natural bush setting provides a perfect
As a child, Blackbutt Reserve was such a magical place. I remember visiting with my parents and walking down from a car
Tucked away in the forever-expanding family suburb of Cameron Park is Pasterfield Sports Complex. Sprawled across 8 hectares of land, you’ll be
The sun shone brightly on the western side when we visited a gorgeous hidden gem at Sunshine, Lake Macquarie. It was hard
Tucked away in the suburb of Balcolyn, on the western side of Lake Mac, is a gorgeous parkland. At Shingle Splitters Point
Moving home is one of the top 5 most stressful events in life. We should know. Our family bought and sold in
It’s that time of the year when we witness locals wearing bike helmets with cable ties pointing skyward, acting as a spiky
Taking time to stop and reconnect with nature, doesn’t always sit high on our to-do list. Pack your tent in the boot
Australia. Land of the Brave. No wonder the Bee Gees wrote ‘Stayin Alive’ with many of the world’s most venomous creatures living
If you think you’ve seen most of Lake Macquarie, then think again. There are so many hidden bays and gorgeous landscapes still
Yo ho ho! , the big pirate ship is ready to set sail across Croudace Bay, are your kids onboard? Thomas H
Can you see yourself lying down on a picnic rug under the trees, listening to the laughter of children? It’s the ideal
When was the last time you headed to the park at Croudace Bay? This park is a favourite place for lots of
With a huge grassed area, for running or playing, the kids will love this park and it’s wide open space. Edward Park
Grannies Pool is a tidal inlet off Swansea Channel that fills up as the lake does each day. The water graduates in
Wangi Point State Conservation Area is full of surprises. Its rocky platforms, countless coves & bays stretching south from Rathmines, provides a
From sunrise to sunset, this beach is known for its picturesque landscape. There’s always a photographer, professional or amateur, with their camera
The kids couldn’t take the smiles off their faces as they tested out the Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park at Morisset. This space
Do you remember the first time you saw a whale breach? I can remember looking out to the horizon and seeing a
Every time we venture somewhere new we learn so much, and Belmont Lagoon tells a story of many tales. From the history
Once joining the cities of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle by rail, the Fernleigh Track now offers both communities a back-to-nature journey. Come
Tucked away just past the sea caves at Caves Beach is a coastal walk which showcases the gorgeous cliffs and landscape of
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
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
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,
For a smaller park, Holmesville Skate Park makes the most out of its space. Like most concrete spaces, it’s covered in graffiti
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
Perfect for younger riders, the playground at Speers Point Park has a dedicated bike and scooter track. With flat, paved surfaces this
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
In Lake Macquarie, we are completely spoilt living in and around our lake. However, Lake Mac has many more amazing places to
Located in one of our newer suburbs of Lake Macquarie, the Sugar Valley Library Museum (kirantakamyari) offers a mix of both a
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
When you think of the Hawkesbury, the first thing that comes to mind is the Mooney Mooney Bridge that we cross on
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
Giving is something we all love to do, especially when you’re filled with the magic of Christmas. It’s very easy to spend
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
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, 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
Some may say that living in Australia is only for the brave. With 21 of the world’s most venomous snakes, blue-ringed octopus,
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,
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
Building a new home can be one of the biggest financial investments we make in our lifetimes. It’s an exciting time full
Are your kids cravin’ some animal love? Maybe they’d enjoy visiting a cute koala or a slithering snake. They’ll find crocodiles, birds,
When you launch a platform that instantly attracts local businesses, it’s obvious you’ve created something of need. I spent oodles of time
Do you get a sinking feeling when you see another bill delivered by the postie? Does it feel like as fast as
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
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 my husband and I realised how burnt out we were because of work, we had to do something about it. There’s
The new year for many holds significance. Maybe it’s a time for a fresh start and a chance to do things differently?
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
My children have grown up reading books by Deborah Kelly, a local Lake Macquarie children’s author. We definitely joined in the fun
Camping is a perfect excuse to get back to nature, forget about devices and to spend time with your family and friends.
