If you’re an introvert and not a big fan of crowds, we’ve put together a list of spots that you can enjoy some peaceful family time in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter.
Go hiking
Go for a hike where there’s more room to stay away from other people. Hike along the Yuerlarbah Walk at Glenrock Lagoon. Do the Awabakal walk from Dudley to Redhead Walk and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.
Enjoy the Redhead Coast on the Ken and Audrey Owens Walk. Explore Shipwreck Walk, a walk along the Stockton Breakwater which incorporates the wrecks and hulks of several iron and steel ships within the structure. For more walks, check out our roundup of local family walks.
Wander through Blackbutt Reserve
Some people might disagree as Blackbutt Reserve can get pretty crowded at times. However, it’s actually a good place to visit as there is so much space. There are also 9 different walking trails to wander down as well.
Some of our favourite walks which are under 2 kilometres long are the Rainforest Walk, Forest Way and Tall Trees Walk. Plus, the playgrounds are open and there is plenty of space to kick around a ball, play hide and seek or tag.
Play frisbee golf
Take some frisbees and play frisbee golf at Jesmond Park, Armstrong Point in Lambton or at Styles Point Reserve in Rathmines.
Go for a bike ride
Get on your bike. Newcastle is full of some of the most beautiful and fun bike paths to suit any cyclists – from little ones just beginning on their biking adventures to those kids who want some challenge and fitness. Try the Stockton Cycle Path or the trails at Ash Island. Here’s some of the best kid-friendly cycle tracks around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Go orienteering
Try orienteering at a permanent course at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in Minmi. Orienteering involves using a detailed map and usually a compass to navigate one’s way round a course with designated control points (check points), which are drawn on the map. Blue Gums Hills has lots of space for kids to run around. Just bring your own supply of water as there’s no bubblers onsite.
Go to the beach
Even though there are more people at the beach at this time of the year, you can still find space to distance from other groups. You can build sandcastles, walk along the beach, explore rock pools at low tide or go for a swim between the flags.
Head lakeside
Find a spot around the lake. There are lots of quieter places at Lake Macquarie. Go for a walk, ride a bike or scooter, go fishing, fly a kite, throw a Frisbee or just have a picnic and enjoy the views.
Go geocaching
What’s geocaching? It’s a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Instead of handling the geocache, just look at it though.
Have a family picnic
Order a takeaway meal or pack your own food and enjoy a meal outside at one of these picnic spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. We’ve chosen places with picnic shelters, amenities and barbecues.
Hunt for street art
Get out and look at street art and cool graffiti. There is no shortage of murals throughout Newcastle. Here are some of our favourite street art for you to explore with your kids! There’s lots of wide open spaces so you don’t have to worry about getting too close to other people.
Spot dolphins and whales
Get up high on a local headland and look for dolphins. Suggestions: Fort Scratchley, Nobbys Headland, Redhead or Dudley Bluff. As it’s currently whale watching season, check out our guide to spotting whales with your family.
Explore caves
Explore the caves at Caves Beach at low tide and in calm sea conditions.
Watch clouds
Lie down, relax and have a cloud watching session. You can do this at any park or even in your backyard.
Roll or slide
Roll down a hill or slide down a cardboard toboggan. Suggestions: King Edward Park or Mount Sugarloaf.
Get back to nature
Enjoy a family nature day out with a visit to Kooragang Wetlands also known as Ash Island. With over 780 hectares of reserve, there’s plenty of area to explore as well as kilometres of walking and cycling tracks.
There’s also the Hunter Botanic Gardens in Heatherbrae which is an absolute delight with lots of kid-friendly activities. There is a cute little cubby house, outdoor toys, picnic tables, grassed spaces, stepping stones and even some painted caricatures for cute photo opportunities with the kids. With 30 hectares, there is plenty of space to wander around and see a stunning array of native and exotic gardens.
Get up high
Get up high and look at a view. Some less-visited places to go to see views is the Obelisk in The Hill, Nobbys Headland, Mount Sugarloaf and Munibung Hill.
Walk at Walka
Go to Walka Water Works outside Maitland. There are walking trails located throughout the park. The Bush Trail is known for its expansive views and The Kangaroo Trail is where, you guessed it, you are most likely to see a mob of kangaroos. Update: Maitland City Council has identified the presence of asbestos at some parts of the site, most likely associated with the site’s historical use as a power station. As a precaution,some of the Walka Water Works site HAS BEEN CLOSED to the public until further notice.
Go plane spotting
Head to Williamtown for some plane spotting. Take your kids and spot fighter jets at RAAF Base Williamtown. If you have a budding Top Gun jnr. in the family then where better to take them to where our ace pilots train?
Go to a drive in movie
The Heddon Greta Drive In is open. Pack up the kids and the car, grab some blankets and your favourite movie night snacks – and head to the Heddon Greta Drive In! Read our review of the drive in for great tips for a fun night out.
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