Medowie and Raymond Terrace don’t always make the list when families are planning a day out, but they should. Just a short drive from Newcastle, this pocket of the Hunter has fighter jets, a working macadamia farm, a big regional playground and a couple of solid family-friendly eating spots, all within about 15 minutes of each other.
Here’s our local guide to the best attractions, activities and places to eat with kids in the area, plus a few tips we’ve picked up from visiting ourselves.
Attractions
Watch fighter jets at the RAAF Base Williamtown viewing area
A 25-minute drive north of Newcastle, the viewing area outside RAAF Base Williamtown lets you watch fighter jets take off and land, and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Turn at the Medowie Road roundabout (off Nelson Bay Road) and park in the designated area outside the yellow warning signs. Before you go, check the Flying Activity and Events page for major training exercises and flying schedules, since training exercises don’t run every day.
Best for: all ages, especially plane-obsessed kids
Cost: free
Tip: bring binoculars for a closer look and earmuffs if anyone in the family is sensitive to noise.
Read our full guide to spotting fighter jets at Williamtown.
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.
Best for: all ages, particularly primary-school-aged kids
Parking: free onsite parking
Tip: stay on for lunch at Fighter Beans Cafe (more on that below).
Read our full review of Fighter World.
Pick your own sunflowers at Little Tin Shed Medowie (seasonal)
The Little Tin Shed sunflower field at 54 Lisadell Road, Medowie, is one of the prettiest photo spots in the area, but it’s only open to the public on select days during sunflower season, typically over summer.
Follow the Little Tin Shed Medowie Facebook page for announcements on upcoming Pick Your Own Sunflower dates, and check before you plan a special trip out, as it isn’t open year-round. Read our article for more places to see and pick sunflowers.
Best for: all ages, great for photos
Tip: bring scissors or secateurs to cut your sunflowers and a bucket of water to keep them fresh. Little Tin Shed can supply water onsite if needed.
Take in the view at Finnan Park, Grahamstown Dam
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.
Best for: toddlers to primary-aged kids, and a popular spot for birthday parties
Parking: free, onsite
Shade: plenty, with large established trees
Tip: the park gates lock at dusk, and as this is a drinking water catchment, dogs and other pets aren’t permitted.
Activities
Burn off energy 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.
Best for: all ages
Shade: partial, some shaded seating areas
Tip: bring a basketball or netball for the court, and scooters or bikes for the paved paths that wind through the reserve.
Read our full review of Bower Reserve Playground.
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.
Best for: all ages, indoor beach entry great for babies and toddlers
Accessibility: easy access in and out for visitors with a disability, with staff and equipment available to assist
Tip: call ahead to check the lesson timetable before you go.
Read our review of Lakeside Leisure Centre.
Catch 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.
Best for: all ages, depending on the film
Tip: pre-purchase tickets and pick your seats through the Scotty’s Cinema website to avoid queuing on busy days.
Go bowling 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.
Best for: school-aged kids and up
Tip: check the Terrace Strike Zone website for weekend and school holiday deals before you book.
Where to Eat
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.
Fighter Beans Cafe
Located inside Fighter World, Fighter Beans Cafe is a convenient stop for lunch or a snack after exploring the aircraft displays, with a solid menu for both kids and adults.
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. A fenced foam play area at the back of the venue makes this one especially good for families with younger kids.
Tip: Follow The Terrace Diner and Play Facebook page for their weekly cake and burger specials.
Scotty’s Cinema café and lolly bar
If you’re catching a film, Scotty’s Cinema has a full lolly bar with combo deals, plus a café serving Sprocket coffee, cakes and cookies, all onsite.
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