It may not be the first place that comes to mind if you’re considering a day out with the family, but there are a few secret gems hiding in the Medowie/Raymond Terrace area to interest families with children of all ages. If you feel like something a little different, venture outside your regular play zone and discover some or all of the following:
Watch fighter jets take off and land at Williamtown RAAF Base
A short 25-minute drive north of Newcastle, you can see aircraft taking off from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown. It’s a budget-friendly activity the whole family can enjoy!
Turn at the Medowie Road roundabout (off Nelson Bay Road) and find a safe parking area outside the designated yellow warning signs.
Before you go, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362) to check the Flying Activity and Events page for major training exercises and flying schedules.
Read our tips for spotting fighter jets at Williamtown.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for a closer look at the impressive aircraft and earmuffs for sensitive ears.
Get up close to jets at Fighter World
Located just a short 30-minute drive from Newcastle on Medowie Road at Williamtown, Fighter World is easy to spot. Look for the huge radar and impressive aircraft on display right by the road – it’s like a giant hangar come to life!
Explore a fascinating collection of jet-engine and propeller-driven planes, some retired and beautifully restored, and replicas. There’s plenty to see up close on the ground and more hanging from the ceiling!
Learn all about aviation history with interesting signs at each display. Or, do the QR code tour using your phone or tablet for a more interactive experience. Younger kids will love simply wandering and looking at the aircraft.
Stay for lunch at Fighter Beans Cafe. Enjoy a delicious meal or snack from their extensive menu.
Read our review of Fighter World.
Enjoy a Macadamia Milkshake at Medowie Macadamias
Medowie Macadamias alone is worth the trip to Medowie! Their gift shop is filled to the brim with delicious treats and gifts, including many Macadamia products. There’s also a café and a fantastic outdoor play area for the kids.
Sit outdoors at one of the undercover tables that overlook the Macadamia trees and play area and let the kids burn off energy while you relax.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm for breakfast, lunch or morning or afternoon tea, the whole family will enjoy Medowie Macadamias.
Tip: Call ahead and book a farm tour, which demonstrates the growing and processing of macadamias – it’s suitable for all ages! Alternatively, learn all about macadamias from the signs posted around the farm.
Get active at The Bower Reserve Playground
The Bower Reserve Playground located in The Bower Estate at Medowie is great for all ages. With two large playground areas, a half netball/basketball court and fitness stations, all kids from bubs to teenagers will enjoy it here.
Tip: Pack a basketball or netball to enjoy on the courts and/or scooters, bikes or ride-ons for the little ones to enjoy riding on the concrete paths that weave around the large playground.
Read our review of Bower Reserve Playground.
Visit the Little Tin Shed Medowie Sunflower Field
Located at 54 Lisadell Road, Medowie, the Little Tin Shed’s sunflower field is open to the public on certain days for photos and sunflower picking.
Follow the Little Tin Shed Medowie Facebook page to find out about upcoming Pick Your Own Sunflower events.
Read our article for more places to see and pick sunflowers.
Tip: Take something to cut the sunflowers, such as strong scissors or secateurs, and a bucket to put your sunflowers in as they get thirsty. Little Tin Shed are happy to supply water.
Enjoy the view of Grahamstown Dam from Finnan Park
Enjoy a relaxing family picnic at Finnan Park. Located on Richardson Road, Ferodale (Medowie) at the southern end of Grahamstown Dam, Finnan Park is spacious with big, beautiful, shady trees.
With a small playground, toilet block and plenty of undercover tables, Finnan Park is also a popular spot for birthday parties. Enjoy the views over Grahamstown Dam, the Hunter’s largest drinking water supply dam.
Tip: The gates to Finnan Park are open during daylight hours and locked at dusk. As the dam is a drinking water supply source, no dogs or other pets are allowed.
Take a dip at Lakeside Leisure Centre
Further along Richardson Road towards Raymond Terrace is Lakeside Leisure Centre, one of our family’s favourite public swimming pools.
Perfect for laps or a leisurely swim, the 50 metre outdoor pool heated to a comfortable 24-25 degrees. The heated indoor pool features a special “beach” area, ideal for splashing around with babies and toddlers.
Open year-round, there’s also a kiosk, bbqs, playground and swim shop. Certain areas of the indoor pool are restricted when swimming lessons and other programs are running so it’s a good idea to call ahead to find out what programs are operating and plan your visit around them.
Read our review of Lakeside Leisure Centre.
Tip: The indoor pool at Lakeside Leisure Centre has easy access in and out for disabled visitors and the pool has staff and equipment available to assist in access.
Little kids will love The Terrace Diner and Play
The Terrace Diner and Play on Sturgeon Street at Raymond Terrace serve up American style food with Aussie hospitality. From hotdogs and burgers to pancakes, their breakfast, all-day breakfast and lunch menus also feature great kids options. With a fenced, foam play area for small children located towards the back of the building, The Terrace Diner and Play is super kid-friendly and a must-visit if you have little ones and are in the Raymond Terrace area.
Tip: Follow The Terrace Diner and Play facebook page for their homemade cake and burger of the week specials.
Enjoy a movie at Scotty’s Cinema
One of the best-valued cinemas around, Scotty’s Cinema Raymond Terrace screens the latest releases as well as specialty films and special event screenings.
There’s a full candy bar with some great combo deals, as well as a café serving Sprocket coffee, cakes and cookies.
Tip: Visit the Scotty’s Cinema Raymond Terrace website to pre-purchase your tickets and choose your seats.
Hit the pins at Terrace Strike Zone
Terrace Strike Zone is a fun place for the whole family. There’s not only a 16-lane bowling centre, but also a large games arcade and kiosk/café.
Tip: Terrace Strike Zone have some great weekend and school holiday deals. Visit their website to find out more.
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