Winter is no reason to stay home. The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region is full of brilliant spots for a family day out, even when the temperature drops. Think coastal walks, wildlife encounters, playgrounds, art galleries, historic sites and scenic lookouts, most of them free or very low cost.
We have put together 12 tried-and-tested winter day out itineraries across the region. Each one is designed for families with kids of all ages and can be done at your own pace. Pack a picnic, rug up and get out there.
Hot tip: Most of these itineraries are entirely free. You will just need to budget for lunch or bring your own picnic.
1. Honeysuckle to Nobbys Beach, Newcastle
This classic Newcastle itinerary takes you along the waterfront from the Honeysuckle precinct all the way along the river and it works beautifully in winter. Start at Museum Park, a green space built on the old Civic Train Station stop, and let the kids burn some energy while you grab a coffee. Be sure to stop at the Trevor Dickinson murals nearby for a photo.
From there, head into Newcastle Museum for a look at the region’s history. The BHP Steel Show, a special light and sound experience, is a highlight for all ages and entry is free.
If the kids feel like a play, head to Honeysuckle Park to explore a pirate ship! Completed in July 2021, the former industrial maritime land at Honeysuckle is now a harbourfront park with a maritime-themed play area developed by the Hunter & Central Coast Development Corporation. Some families have dubbed this playground as Pirate Ship Park.
After the museum, wander along the Honeysuckle foreshore, keeping an eye out for coal ships and the Stockton Ferry. Stop for lunch at one of the many cafes along the strip or eat your own picnic on the foreshore.
In the afternoon, walk through Foreshore Park and see how construction of the new Livvi’s Place playground is progressing and then pop into the Convict Lumber Yard, Australia’s oldest recorded place of industrial activity. Finish your day with a ride on the light rail from Pacific Park back along Hunter Street.
Good for: All ages. Pram-friendly. Mostly flat and walkable.
2. Newcastle’s East End
Newcastle’s East End is a walkable route through some of the city’s oldest streets, taking in beaches, history, parks and headland views that are hard to beat in any season. Start at Nobbys Beach and look out for the oversized red “Grounded” sculpture, marking the spot where the MV Pasha Bulker ran aground in 2007.
Walk out along Nobbys Breakwall for fresh sea air, harbour views and a good chance of spotting dolphins alongside the coal ships. On weekends, the Nobbys Headland site is open from 8am to 4pm with 360-degree views of the city and coastline.
From there, Fort Scratchley is free to visit every day except Tuesday. Kids love the old army barracks and gun installations. Grab lunch from one of the East End cafes and eat it at Pacific Park or Newcastle Beach.
If the weather cooperates, let the kids dip their toes in at the Canoe Pool or Newcastle Ocean Baths. Skate park fans should head to South Newcastle Skate Park at the southern end of Newcastle Beach, which features an inclusive skate bowl and terrain park
You can also head up to King Edward Park for the views, the playground and the short walk down to the Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean pool carved into the rocks. During migration season, keep an eye out for whales from the clifftops.
Finish at The Obelisk for sweeping coastal views or take a quiet wander around Christ Church Cathedral.
Good for: All ages. Hilly in parts so bring the pram for little ones or split into two shorter outings.
3. Bar Beach and Merewether
This coastal stretch is one of the best winter walks in the region, especially from May to November when whale watching season is in full swing. Start at Strzelecki Lookout, a favourite spot for hang gliders and a brilliant vantage point over the coastline. On a windy day, watch as hang gliders run off the cliffs to catch the thermals.
From there, walk along the Newcastle Anzac Memorial Walk, built to honour local World War I soldiers. The steel sculpture featuring the names of those who enlisted is a moving sight, and the coastal views are spectacular. Bring paper and pencils and let the kids do rubbings of the names as a quiet way to connect with history.
Continue down to Bar Beach, where you will find the Empire Skate Park, a kiosk for a warm drink and a lookout perfect for dolphin and whale spotting. For younger kids, Empire Park Playground is ideal. Walk south over the headland to Dixon Park Beach and let the kids play at the fenced Dixon Park Playground before finishing at the magnificent Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest ocean pool complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
Good for: All ages. Mostly stroller and scooter friendly, with some steps near the Memorial Walk. You’ll need to turn back and then go down Memorial Drive to Bar Beach.
4. Stockton
Going to Stockton always feels like a bit of an adventure, especially if you take the ferry from Queens Wharf. The crossing only takes a few minutes but for little ones it is a genuine highlight of the day. If you prefer, you can drive over via the Stockton Bridge and bring bikes and scooters along, as Stockton is flat and well set up with shared pathways.
Start at Griffith Park and head north along the Stockton Foreshore Walk to the Stockton Breakwater, home of the Shipwreck Walk.
Over 200 vessels were lost entering or leaving Newcastle Harbour and you can see the remains of those used to build the breakwater. It is a fascinating piece of maritime history for kids and adults alike.
After the walk, grab lunch from a local cafe or pick up supplies for a picnic along the harbour. Then head back to the Stockton Active Hub at Griffith Park, one of the best playgrounds in Newcastle, with a two-storey slide, flying foxes, climbing nets and stunning harbour views. Finish with a wander down to the Stockton Foreshore near Punt Road to watch the ships go by.
Good for: All ages. Very flat and bike friendly. Download the free Newy with Kids Stockton Scavenger Hunt for extra fun.
5. Blackbutt Reserve, New Lambton
Blackbutt Reserve is one of the Hunter’s great free attractions and it is particularly enjoyable in winter when the heat is off and the wildlife is active. Start at the Bower Bird playground at Carnley Reserve, designed for children aged 2 to 10. It features a large climbing structure, roundabout, seesaw, group swing, slides and musical instruments.
From there, wander through the animal enclosures via pram-friendly boardwalks. You will find birds, lizards, snakes, wombats and koalas, with kangaroos and emus in a nearby enclosed paddock.
Drive around to Richley Reserve for the Blackbutt Adventure Playground, a colourful 60-metre play space set in leafy bushland. After lunch at the Orchardtown Road cafes or a picnic at Lambton Park, try the 2.6 kilometre Tall Trees Walk from Richley Reserve, a flat, easy trail through beautiful bushland.
Good for: All ages. Pram friendly. Pay for all-day parking if you plan to stay a few hours. For more fun, download and print our Newy with Kids Blackbutt Reserve Scavenger Hunt for Carnley Entrance of Blackbutt Reserve. It’s a few years old and was completed before the cafe and community space was built. Please note kiosk has been removed – Q3 answer is snake.
6. Speers Point and Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie
This Lake Macquarie day out combines art, play and stunning lakeside scenery. Start at Speers Point Park, home to one of the region’s biggest playgrounds, set on two hectares with lake views. There is a giant climbing tower, flying foxes, toddler zones, water play and a scooter track, something for every age.
While you are in Speers Point on a weekend, stop by the Multi-Arts Pavilion mima, which features digital art, immersive exhibitions and free monthly Art Play sessions for kids. If you have time, head to the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) in Booragul for rotating exhibitions and a peaceful sculpture garden with lake views. Free ARTSPACE sessions run monthly on Sunday mornings.
For lunch, drive or bike along the lakeside path to Warners Bay. The cafe strip has plenty of options, or grab supplies for a lakeside picnic. After lunch, stroll along the Warners Bay Foreshore Sculpture Walk and spot the quirky art pieces including Charles Darwin, a flying pig and a giant meditating child. There is even an outdoor ping pong table. Finish the day with a walk across the Redbluff Boardwalk at Eleebana, a 400-metre elevated path above the lake.
Good for: All ages. Pram and scooter friendly. Bike path connects Speers Point to Warners Bay.
7. Redhead
Redhead is one of those beaches that locals love and visitors always discover with delight. Start with a coffee at the Redhead Surf Life Saving Club and enjoy the view before heading out on the Awabakal Walk, accessed via Collier Street. It is a 2-kilometre walk to Dudley one way, but you can do a partial walk and return to Redhead if that suits your family better.
Stop at the lookout near Collier Street for views south towards the Central Coast, then continue north to the Awabakal Viewpoint for northerly views towards Newcastle.
Return to Redhead for a walk along the beach, enjoy a picnic at Webb Park with its beach-themed playground, let the kids loose on the Redhead Pump Track or grab some takeaway from the Redhead shops.
In the afternoon, try the Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway, a flat and family-friendly 2.5-kilometre return coastal stroll alongside Redhead Beach through coastal vegetation and wetlands. It is one of the most underrated walks in the region.
Good for: Kids 4 and up for the Awabakal Walk. Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway is suitable for prams.
8. Caves Beach
Caves Beach is one of those genuinely special spots that earns its name. The 300-metre beach is beautiful in its own right, but the real drawcard is the network of sea caves at the southern end, accessible via a track over the rocks at low tide. Check the tide tables before you go as the caves can only be visited when the tide is out.
Inside the caves you will find narrow openings to crawl through, moss on the ceilings and water dripping from above. The tidal pools outside are full of seagrass, crabs and other marine life.
From the caves, you can do the Caves Beach to Pinny Beach headland walk which goes past Spoon Rocks Beach, where the rocks are the remains of a breakwater built to transport local coal. Continue to Quarries Head or further to Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park if you have the energy. During whale watching season, the cliff top walk is a great vantage point.
After your adventure, grab some takeaway for a beach picnic or cook sausages at the barbecue facilities. The playground near Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club is a good spot for a final play before heading home.
Good for: Kids who love adventure. Tide-dependent so check tables before visiting. Council lifeguards patrol from the September/October school holidays through to April.
9. Rathmines, Lake Macquarie
Rathmines is a great winter day out that combines history, nature and lots of fun. It’s also the location for the latest Newy with Kids scavenger hunt. The Rathmines Scavenger Hunt kicks off at Rathmines Park and takes you around the lakeside area of Rathmines exploring the area marked on the map to find the answer to the questions, and solving a mystery phrase.
Rathmines Park is built on the site of the RAAF Catalina Flying Boat Base, once the largest flying boat base in Australia with almost 3,000 officers at its peak. The playground features plane-themed equipment and signs around the perimeter that show the actual size of the Catalina flying boat, which gives kids a real sense of the scale.
Also in this area is a large play area that’s great for kids who love to climb and slide. Designed for older kids, this is a adventure play area incorporating a large climbing structure and steep slide.
Down the street is the Rathmines Youth Hub which includes a skate park, pump track and half-basketball court. It’s an easy flat walk between the Rathmines Youth Hub and Rathmines playground.
If you feel like another free and fun family activity, bring your frisbees and play a round of Disc Golf at Styles Park in Rathmines. It works like traditional golf but with frisbees, and the aim is to complete each hole with the fewest throws. Bring a few frisbees and enter via Overhill Road. It is surprisingly fun for the whole family.
Stop for lunch at a cafe in Rathmines or enjoy a lakeside picnic before heading to the neighbouring suburb of Kilaben Bay for the Kilaben Bay Nature Walk. This 45-minute each-way trail combines a dirt track and elevated boardwalks through five different types of vegetation.
Good for: All ages. Bring bikes and scooters for Rathmines Youth Hub and bring frisbees for disc golf.
10. Mount Sugarloaf, West Wallsend
For a winter day with a view, Mount Sugarloaf delivers. Drive up to the top parking lot in West Wallsend, then take the short but steep 10-minute walk up the path to the fenced lookout at the summit. On a clear winter day the views of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter region are outstanding. Note that the path has steel and rock steps so prams will not work here. Bring a carrier for babies.
After the summit walk, try one of the local family favourites: sliding down the short but steep grassy hill below the top parking lot. Bring flattened cardboard or plastic toboggans for maximum speed. There are picnic tables throughout the area with great views, perfect for a packed lunch. In the afternoon, do the Mount Sugarloaf Circuit Walk, which starts and ends at the parking lot.
Good for: Kids 4 and up for the summit walk. Bring a carrier for babies. Pack a picnic.
11. Maitland
Maitland is a fantastic winter day out destination, with enough variety to keep the whole family happy across a full day. Start at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, where arty kids will love wandering through the exhibits and the Art Factory upstairs. Visit on a Sunday and you can take part in Free Art Sunday, with free family art activities running from 11am to 1pm every week.
From the gallery, head out to Walka Water Works in Oakhampton Heights, a lovely recreation area for a bushwalk, kangaroo spotting or a family picnic. Then drive back into Maitland for lunch near the river. Look for the flood markers along the riverbank that show how high the Hunter River peaked during the catastrophic 1955 Maitland floods.
In the afternoon, let the kids burn off some energy at Magic Garden, Maitland Park‘s fenced all-abilities playground. Little ones will love the pretend play road with signs, crossings and speed bumps. If you have time, take a walk through Maitland’s CBD along Church Street and High Street to take in the beautiful historic buildings.
Good for: All ages. Art gallery is free. Bring bikes or scooters for Maitland Park.
12. Port Stephens
Port Stephens is well worth the drive in winter, particularly if you want to spot dolphins and explore some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.
Start at Gan Gan Lookout, Port Stephens’ highest and most accessible lookout, with stroller-friendly paths to viewing platforms and panoramic vistas across the bay. Take in both the south and north vantage points before heading down.
From there, visit the Inner Lighthouse at Nelson Head. This 1872 lighthouse is now a museum run by the National Trust. Enjoy scones and tea with amazing views at the Inner Light Tea Rooms.
Then head to Little Beach Reserve in Nelson Bay to spot the resident pod of dolphins that swim back and forth along the shore. The playground here suits younger kids well.
After lunch at Shoal Bay or Nelson Bay, tackle the Tomaree Headland Walk for one of the best views in the region. It is a 2.2-kilometre return trip with paved areas and metal steps at the summit, which sits 161 metres above sea level. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours and bring plenty of water.
There’s also other walks which are a bit easier. Get a taste of the Tomaree Coastal Walk in Port Stephens with a kid-friendly walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach or a kid-friendly walk from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon lookout.
If you want to visit a playground, check out our Port Stephens playgrounds guide.
Good for: Kids 5 and up for Tomaree. Gan Gan Lookout is pram friendly. Allow a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what your family enjoys. For a big active day with history, Newcastle’s East End or the Honeysuckle to Nobbys Beach route are hard to beat. For playground lovers, Stockton Active Hub and Speers Point Park are both excellent. For something a bit different, Caves Beach and Mount Sugarloaf are always popular with kids.
Most of these itineraries are suitable for toddlers, particularly Blackbutt Reserve, Speers Point Park, Stockton, Maitland and Honeysuckle. For walks like Tomaree Headland, Glenrock and the Awabakal Walk, we recommend kids aged 4 and up.
The majority of activities across all 12 itineraries are completely free. You will need to budget for lunch, and the Stockton Ferry charge if you choose to take it.
Whale watching season in the Newcastle and Hunter region runs from May to November. The best vantage points include Strzelecki Lookout, Bar Beach lookout, the Awabakal Viewpoint and the Caves Beach cliff top walk.
Layer up for the morning and pack sunscreen even in winter as the UV can still be strong on clear days. Bring water, snacks and a picnic if you want to keep costs down. Scooters and bikes are useful at Stockton, Speers Point, Rathmines and Maitland. For Caves Beach, check the tide tables before you leave home.
Plan Your Winter Family Day Out
Whether you are looking for a big active adventure or a relaxed morning out with little ones, the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region has something for every family this winter. The best part? Most of it is free.
Keep an eye on the Newy with Kids website for school holiday events, updated listings and new day out ideas throughout the season.