Heading one hour south of Lake Macquarie takes you to the beautiful Central Coast. This is a popular getaway for people travelling
Out & ABout
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
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
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.
It’s hard to imagine this quiet and peaceful town was once filled with the noise of plane engines roaring. Rathmines Park was
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’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
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
The pump track at Wallsend Active Hub is a great place to grab the bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and head with the
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
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
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
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
Perfect for younger riders, the playground at Speers Point Park has a dedicated bike and scooter track. With flat, paved surfaces this
Enjoying a prime location on the shore of Lake Macquarie, Speers Point Variety Park is the premier recreation space in Lake Macquarie
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,
In Lake Macquarie, we are completely spoilt living in and around our lake. However, Lake Mac has many more amazing places to
Running parallel to the beach and weaving its way through the coastal landscape is Owens Walk at Redhead. There is so much
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
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.
When they built the first bridge in Swansea over Lake Mac back in 1881, it’s primary use was for transporting stone. From
Well known for it’s ANZAC Day service, Allambee Park offers families a place to unwind and relax while the kids run and
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
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.
Perfectly shaded by nature, the Neegulbah Park Playground in Macquarie Hills is ready for action. Complete with bench seats and a few
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
Nestled among the trees in Taylor Park, is Barnsley’s new playground complex. The first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of space
Hidden amongst shady trees near spectacular Blacksmiths Beach is a playground with everything. If you’re looking for a casual morning out, or
Sitting around 160 metres above sea level, Munibung Hill connects the suburbs of Warners Bay, Speers Point, Boolaroo and Macquarie Hills. Even
When’s the last time you visited Mount Sugarloaf? Many of us visited as kids and have since viewed the summit from a
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
