Blue Gum Hills Regional Park: Discover Newcastle’s Mining Past & a Fun Playground
Take a trip out to Blue Gum Hills Regional Park at Minmi / Fletcher. This is a lovely large bushland park with a new playground.
Hickson Street Track: Spectacular Views on Merewether Walk
Coastal views, rock pools and sandy beach! Walk down to Burwood Beach on the Hickson Street walking track in Merewether.
Annual Shows, Fairs and Festivals to Enjoy in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & the Hunter Valley
Plan your year ahead with this handy list of all the shows, festivals and fairs happening in our region. There’s fun, family-friendly events on offer all year round.
How to Survive School Holidays on a Budget
School holidays don’t have to be expensive. Discover budget-friendly activities, free adventures and simple ideas to keep kids entertained.
Explore Denman and Merriwa on a Day Trip
Enjoy a family day out! Take a drive through the Upper Hunter for something a bit different from city and suburban life and visit Denman and Merriwa with your kids.
Newcastle Winter Fun Fest Is Back This School Holidays
The NEWFM Winter Fun Fest returns to Nobbys Beach Reserve this July, and it’s shaping up to be bigger than ever. Running from 4–19 July 2026, the festival brings carnival rides, live entertainment, a circus, a petting zoo, classic carnival food and loads of free activities to one of Newcastle’s best outdoor spaces.
What’s On in December 2026 – Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Valley
What’s on in December? Here’s the month’s top events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter specially selected for families.
Things to Do with Toddlers in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Looking for toddler activities in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter? Find the best things to do with your toddler, from playgrounds and swim classes to library sessions and indoor play.
Centennial Park: Visit a Fun Playground in Cooks Hill
Head to Centennial Park in Cooks Hill. Kids will love the playground with slides, swings, balancing equipment & more. It’s the perfect spot for meet ups and kids parties.
Visit the Whimsical Fairy Garden in Broadmeadow
For a whimsical experience, visit the Fairy Garden in Broadmeadow. This enchanted grotto created by a local neighbour, features trees, winding paths, lots of plants and many figurines. It’s a lovely little spot to take young kids.
Queensland School Holidays & Public Holidays 2026–2030 | QLD Term Dates
Trying to plan future school holidays or long weekends away? Here’s a list of Queensland school terms dates for public schools as well as QLD public holidays.
Play, Fish or Walk at Murrays Beach, Lake Macquarie: A Family Day Out Guide
Visit Murrays Beach, near Swansea. This beautiful spot is great for families with a playground, jetty fishing, walkways and great views of Lake Macquarie.
Head to Karakai Park in Murrays Beach for a Fun Playground, Hit Wall & Basketball Court
Visit Karakai Park / Murrays Beach Park in Lake Macquarie. Your kids enjoy the natural-themed playground, hit wall & basketball court.
12 Easy Nature Craft Activities for Kids
Twelve easy nature craft activities to try with kids, from leaf rubbings and bug hotels to pressed flower suncatchers. All made with things from the backyard or a local park.