Family Cycling
21st March 2010

Last weekend, we did the Honeysuckle walk with the kids. We started at the Marina and walked around to Worth Place on Lee Wharf. It didn't seem like too much of a distance on paper but when you are pushing a pram and walking with a four year old who is complaining her legs are tired, it seemed to go on forever. Now if we all had bikes and could ride them confidently we would be set. Problem lies is that although the 6 year old is fine, the four year old cannot ride confidently and the 18 month old can not ride at all.

Solution. Yesterday I went out and bought a bike trailer that attaches to a bike and can carry up to 45kg of child and baggage. The two littlies were sorted but something was missing. Oh yes..a bike for me.
Today, a bike was purchased to complete the family unit's need to cycle on the many cycleways dotted around Newcastle. I haven't been on a bike for years but as the saying goes; 'It's just like riding a bike" (funny that). Sadly, as the weather was too hot today, our cycling adventure will need to wait until next weekend. (Note to self: pack medical kit just in case)

So, where to go? We have a few favourite cycling destinations that are safe and an easy ride for the kids but now that we will be cyclists instead of pedestrians, we will need to get into cyclist mode and remember that the 'paths are there to share' as we will not be dragging small children onto the main roads.

• Honeysuckle- lots of open space where you can cycle from precinct to precinct and stop along the way at the numerous cafes and restaurants put there to entice you with their sticky cakes and great coffee.
• Warners Bay Foreshore- good flat track that extends right around Lake Macquarie so if you have the energy and time you can be gone for a couple of hours. Negatives about the path include the many entry points to the carparks where you have to keep an extra eye on the kids to ensure they stop at the stop signs. And, there seems to be A LOT of dog walkers as the paths seem to be covered in doggie doos.
• Fernleigh Track- is great for older children that have the hang of their bikes as there is quite a steep incline heading south along the track. Can be a slow pace for the littlies that still have training wheels on.
• Gregson Park- A great park to test out the bike on the many pathways around the park. Nice and safe as there is no car entry and pathways are circular heading back to same starting point. Also great to have playground waiting for when the kids get tired.

If you want something a little more substantial, there are many cycleways dotted around Newcastle and can be found via the link HERE.

Watch out Newcastle, now that we all have bikes, who knows what track we will be on each weekend if the weather is nice. And I'm not joking when I say watch out. I will probably be the one losing control into the harbour.

Toboggan Hill Park
7th March 2010

With Easter school holidays just around the corner you may be looking for fun things to do with the kids.

Many years ago before I had children of my own, I went to Toboggan Hill Park in the early days of its existance. There has been many additions since I rode the Tobaggan run making it a full days entertainment for the family.

Toboggan Hill Park is set amongst natural bushland is great way to treat the kids to an exciting ride they will love. It is suitable for all the family as each toboggan is fixed with a brake that controls the speed of the descent, however children under eight must ride with an adult.

Although the Toboggan run is the main attraction with its kilometre long track, there are many other activities on site you can try your hand at both indoors and outdoors. Jump on the Tractor Train where you will be treated to a 40 minute ride around the park with visit to the Giant Maze where you can risk getting lost (maybe take some pebbles just in case). If the weather is not favourable, the indoor attractions are also appealiing with the indoor rockclimbing wall, a jumping castle and games in the pavillion. If you are a local, Toboggan Hill Park also has great party options for your kids including ride and food inclusions.

The price is structured per ride after entry fee or you can choose a pass that includes a selection of activities and rides in the cost. Toboggan Hill Park is located at Aquatic Close, Salamander Way Nelson Bay.

For more information , go to www.tobogganhillpark.com

Reader Review-'Silver Spoon'
3rd March 2010

Written by Rachel Sutherland

As my two girls are getting a little older, it's lovely to be able to go to a cafe and share some 'girl time', play ladies and chat over cups of tea and babyccinos. I have found the perfect place to do just that!

A gorgeous spot called the Silver Spoon has just opened in The Junction. A kid's shop and cafe combined, stocking some gorgeous children's clothes, funky decor and great new labels that Newcastle hasn't seen before.

Outside is a quaint but stylish courtyard, perfect for small intimate gatherings. In addition to the famous 'Campos Coffee', the cakes, slices and biscuits are delicious! The Silver Spoon also offers a simple yet adequate lunch menu and my favourite, children's sandwiches, milkshakes and babyccinos.

You know it's child friendly when one of the owners is breastfeeding her twelve week old son, talking about new products and staying relaxed as children look around the shop and play outside. Amazingly she also has three other children at school and is the designer of one of the beautiful labels,'Quinn & Mac' stocked in the shop within the Silver Spoon.
Another great find was products from 'My Ginja Ninja'. The great 'Roll up Chalkboards' priced at RRP$34.95 could keep children entertained for hours and easily enough for parents to throw in their bags. For those little one's who love being transformed into a Super Hero, you can't go past the whimsical capes from 'Make me a Superhero'. Every product stocked in the shop has a handmade vintage feel about it including the stunning wall decals by 'Love Mae'.

With lots of new products arriving soon, I'm sure my next visit will be equally exciting. The cafe is a real treat and sure to become one of our favourites!
Silver Spoon is located at 98 Glebe Rd The Junction.

Young People's Theatre
22nd February 2010

If there is a production that showcases the best perfomers in Children's Theatre in Newcastle, it has to be The Young People's Theatre (YPT) in Hamilton.
YPT comprises of student, associate and adult members and provides performance opportunities for YPT Theatre school students.
YPT traditionally offers four productions a year with the first performance devoted to senior students who can then concentrate on their studies for the rest of the year. The other three productions are performed between April and November by the children's theatre. The children's productions are usually based on children's books, or fairy tales that children can relate to and in some cases sing along to. Upcoming productions include; The Golden Goose, Hating Alison Ashley and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Each production usually runs for around 6 weeks with a 6 week break between each production.

If you would like your child to become more involved in theatre, The Young People's Theatre has a theatre school that offers a structured developmental program that allows children between the ages of eight and eighteen to follow their interests and to develop theatre skills. There is no audition process for entry to the Theatre School and no prior performance experience is required. Students are accepted from Year 3 to Year 12 at school, however children in Year 2 may apply to have their name put on the waiting list for the following year.

For more information on the up and coming productions at the Young People's Theatre or the Theatre School that is available, go to www.ypt.org.au.

Australia Day Activities
20th January 2010

Australia Day will always be a very special day for our family for a number of reasons.

On Australia Day 2005 my husband took the leap and left his mother country (UK) behind by becoming an Australian Citizen. A year later to the day our second child was born- a baby girl.
Not only do we have a child that is born on Australia Day who is turning 4 on Tuesday, my nephew was also born on Australia Day and this year will be turning 13.

If you are not "throwing a shrimp on the barbie" at home, there are many activities planned around town that your family can be a part of.
If you head to the foreshore you will find a plethora of events and activities for the family including;

• 9am-11am- Australian Animals Mayhem: Make your own Aussie Animals Mask and then listen to a Mem Fox Classic tale Possum Magic. Location-Near frog pond.
• 9am-11am- Sand Sculpture competition: Show your creative flair on Nobby's Beach
• 10am-1pm- Circus Workshops:Join Circus Avalon for a series of acrobatic, juggling and unicycle workshops at the Ampitheatre.
• 12pm-2pm-Float your boat: Construct a model boat, canoe, or raft out of recycled materials to float on the Frog Pond. Prizes for the most inventive model.
• 3pm-4pm- Kite Making: Make a kite so you can fly your own creation at the Kite Festival. Workshop near Frog Pond.

Speers Point Park will be host to other festivities including JD's World of Magic and Scouts Canoe race at 3pm and all day there will be face painting, balloon sculptors, roving characters, jugglers, stilt walkers amd a circus workshop to keep the family entertained.

For more information go to www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au or http://www.lakemac.com.au/page.aspx?&pid=62&vid=1&nid=929&npt=details

School Holiday Fun
The Australian Shark and Ray Centre
16th January 2010

Looking for something a little different to do with the kids for the rest of the holidays?

The Australian Shark and Ray Centre invites you to meet their marine animals up close with their interactive aquarium. Hand feed sharks, rays, seahorses, eels and fish for an exciting and thrilling experience for the little ones.
You have a choice of feeding from the side where the fish come so close to take your food or snorkel or wade through the water in waterproof waders in an aquarium that is filled will nearly 100 different sharks and rays.

Your safety is guaranteed with all rays de-barbed and you won't believe how gentle these marine animals can be, especially the star of the show FRED, the 100kg Black Ray who will try and cuddle you during your experience.

The Australian Shark and Ray Centre is located approx. 30 minutes from Newcastle at 686 Marsh Rd Bobs Farm. Children as young as three can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

Entry prices start at $15 for children 3-15 years, $25 for adults and $75 for a family. The shark, ray and fish feed is additional and is open everyday from 9am-5pm. No bookings are required. For more information go to http://www.ozsharkandray.com.au/index.php

Tree Top Adventure Park
7th January 2010

I have to admit I wasn't aware that there was a flying fox and ropes course in the Newcastle vicinity until a couple of days ago when I stumbled upon it when searching for something else online.

Tree Top Adventure Park consists of 90 challenges in the tree tops, where participants can slide down the flying foxes and, move from tree to tree on suspension bridges. The park itself is divided up into different diffcultly levels based on age groups. The park is not completely finished but currently has four courses open at the moment.

• Orange- for children 3-10 year olds. A continuous belay safety system ensures their safety. No adults on this course however supervision from the ground is necessary.
• Green- Easy. From 10 years old 1.40m high. Junior 10-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult on the course.
• Blue- Medium. From 10 years old 1.40m high. Junior 10-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult on the course.
• Red-Advanced.  From 10 years old 1.40m high. Junior 10-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult on the course

The park is open 7 days a week (even in the rain) and is open from 9am-6pm  Mid Sept-April and 9am-4.30pm May-Mid Sept. There are some general conditions required to participate to ensure your own safety and can be viewed HERE. Safety is a key factor with a facility such as this and the park ensures your childs safety through a continuous belay safety system that ensures that children cannot detach themselves my mistake.

As the park is not completely open an entry fee has been discounted with a child admission at $10 and an adults at $30. Tree Top Adventure Park is located in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park Minmi. For more information go to www.treetopsadventurepark.com.au or phone 4026 7617. 

'Cheapie' School Holiday Activities
Newcastle Foreshore
6th January 2010

Today was the second day of sunshine from a school holiday period so far of wet weather.
I feel like the poor kids have been climbing the walls and there is only a certain amount of craft, TV, games and sneaking out to the trampoline between rain showers they can take. Destination.....OUTDOORS!

With the length of the holiday period, school holiday activities can be very costly if you choose to do something each day to entertain the kids. Why not take advantage of the 'freebie and cheapie' activities Newcastle has to offer?

With one of the largest working harbours right under our noses, there is a plethora of activities and sights that can keep your kids entertained for hours.
Today we packed up the morning tea and headed to the Newcastle foreshore to take a ferry ride to Stockton and back.

If you're not too familiar with this activity, the Stockton Ferry leaves every 10 minutes and ferries passengers between Newcastle and Stockton. The ride is only 5 minutes each way but is enough for the kids to experience the harbour. And it's very affordable!
Did you know that a single ride on a ferry is $2.30 for an adult and $1.10 for a child, however with the Family Fare Scheme, when one full paying adult travels with their children or grandchildren, the first child travels for a child's ($1.10) fare and the other children travel free. So for 2 adults (1 x pensioner) and 5 children it cost us a total of $4.50 each way.

You could add to this cost by as much or as little as you choose but some other cost efficient ways to enjoy the harbour is take your own picnic or morning tea and if you do need to purchase, Scratchley's Take away sells drinks, fish and chips and ice-cream at affordable prices. You can get a child's scoop of ice-cream in a cone for around $2 and botttled drinks from $2.

Remember to factor in the parking cost...the council is not as kind and charge $2.20 per hour Monday-Sunday!

Open Air Cinema
3rd January 2010

I have to confess that I have not yet experienced an open air cinema in Newcastle with children in tow, however prior to my three children arriving, I would frequent the open air cinema in Sydney on various occasions. And it was fabulous!
Nothing beats movies on the big screen, especially with a picturesque setting as a backdrop! Over the next two weeks Newcastle and the Hunter will host several open air cinema opportunities for families to take advantage of.

During January Maitland City Library is inviting you to indulge your love of literature through the magic of movies. All films will be shown at Maitland Goal so come early and pack a picnic. Gates open at 6pm and films will be screening at dusk.
Tickets $5, Family $20, Children under 5 are free. Movies at dates include;

• 8th January- Never Ending Story
• 15th January-Whale Rider
• 22nd January-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• 29th January- The Shipping News

Newcastle Permanent's Cinema Under the Stars 2010 is back for one night only. On the 16th January, Livesites presents UP for one night only in the beautiful surrounds of King Edward Park. Entry is FREE so gather up your family and relax with a picnic at sunset in front of the big screen. Gates open at 6.30pm and screening starts at approximately 8pm.  BYO Picnic and picnic blanket (no umbrellas and low chairs only). Food and drinks are also available on site to buy.

Red Lantern Markets-one for the mums and dads
17th December

I had always wondered what the council had planned to do with the space and street furniture that was used for the 'Markets in the Mall' three years ago. It seemed such a waste and was a blank canvas for someone to come in and 'paint the town red'. Enter Red Lantern Markets.

The organisers of the Olive Tree Markets in Newcastle in collaboration with the Renew Newcastle project are holding their last Red Lantern Market tomorrow night from 4pm till 9pm. The markets resemble those that appear in Darwin and Asia injecting life and colour back into the Mall after a long battle with getting Novocastrians to visit the Mall.

This week will bring over 60 stallholders showcasing fashion, fair trade products and high quality imported goods where you could just pick up a last minute Christmas gift. Dine on food from around the world ,the popular 'Market Rickshaw' will operate and live music will keep that spring in your step from stall to stall. Livesites will also be there with their Lantern Making Exhibition.

Newcastle City Council's King Street carpark will be operating until 10.30pm and when patrons exit after 4.30pm, car parking will be free.

With Carols by Candlelight also on tomorrow night from 7pm in King Edward Park, the Red Lantern Markets might be a nice prequel to a great evening! The Red Lantern markets are in and around Morgan Lane in Newcastle CBD.

Christmas Lights Residential
16th December

One evening this week we have said to the kids that we will take them around all the residential Christmas lights. This is something my family used to do when we were kids and it is a tradition that I would like to do with our kids. I'm not too sure how the little one will go but we will give it a try and if it ends up being a disaster with screaming, tired children we can always turn around and come home.

The problem with the Southern Hemisphere at Christmas is that you have to wait till nearly eight o'clock to get the full affect of the lights and then if you decide to get out of the car to get a closer look, you become a meal ticket for the mozzies waiting ready to bite.

My parent's house used to put 'The Griswolds' to shame. Each year mum and dad would add something new to the display until it got so big that it would take days and days to put up and take down each year. Last year was the first year in many years (much to the grandchildren's disappointment) that they didn't 'light up'.  So now we have to find new houses to visit.

Santa's Warehouse in Warners Bay runs a best Christmas Lights Competition inviting people to decorate their home to be in the running for $1000. Some of the participating homes include;

• 17 Cran St Merewether
• 52 Seaham St Holmesville
• 22 Gasson St Mount Hutton
• 31 Nightingale Cres Cameron Park
• 1 Amazona Way Cameron Park
• 136 Glad Gunson Drive Eleebana
• 23 Brunker Rd Broadmedow
• 99 Acacia Ave North Lambton
• Cnr Rawson and Southon St Mayfield
• EK Avenue Charlestown

Be sure to let us know if there are any we missed out on!

Explore Honeysuckle
11th December

If you haven't really explored the many precincts of Honeysuckle with the family, now is the time to do it. For those who are unaware of Honeysuckle and what it has to offer, it is the home to inviting cafes, world class restaurants and hotels, residential apartments, a marina, and best of all extensive public spaces and a boardwalk that links the seven precincts.

Honeysuckle is a harbourfront playground for families where endless recreational activities are available. Restaurants, cafes, live entertainment, fishing, sailing and kayaking are just some of the myriad of possibilities that are waiting to be explored at Honeysuckle.

Many of our readers have stated that their favourite family dining experience is The Source Cafe at Linwood precinct.  The combination of kidsized milkshakes, play table, highchairs, and a great menu make it a favourite for families. And best of all you can go outside and run around until the meal is ready.  (which is perfect for kids on the move who hate sitting around).

Tomorrow evening is the opening of Lee Wharf 3 and their will be plenty of entertainment for the family.  Venture down to Lee Wharf 3 down by the Harbour (just down from Hog's Breath Cafe) at 6pm for a fun evening filled with entertainment from fairies, wizards, street performers, world's smallest three ring circus, face-painting and so much more. Pack a picnic or enjoy the food from the food carts on sale. Don't miss out on this fun family night out.

Hunter Valley Gardens
Carols at the Gardens
3rd December

What better way to spend an evening than listening to performances by the Waratah Girls Choir, the Army Reserve Band, the Keynotes Babershop Chorus and especially for the kids, a performance by The Little Scallywagz in the beautiful grounds of The Hunter Valley Gardens.

Hunter Valley Gardens will host an evening to remember on the 6th December at this year's Carols at the Gardens, a free community event encouraging people of all ages to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. The evening will consist of fun filled entertainment featuring fantastic artists and musicians from the Hunter Region.

The Carols will be staged in the Village Picnic Grounds with the picturesque Brokenback Mountain ranges as a beautiful backdrop. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, enjoy the surroundings and join in the singing of their favourite Christmas Carols.

Pre-show entertainment will commence at 5pm with the main show beginning at 7.30pm where you will see performances by Marty Worrell, Australia's Got Talent finalist 'Short, Back and Sides', successful recording artist Amy Vee, well known local theatre performer Stuart Brown, School Spectactular feature singer Daniel Gordon, newcomer Abbey Tweed and a special and much loved visit from Santa.

The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display making the event a very memorable evening for all who attend.

Christmas Windows
2nd December

      
      Photography by www.stickygraphics.com.au

When I was a child a have memories of mum and dad taking us in our PJ's at night to see the old 'Store' Christmas windows in Newcastle. They were a smaller version of the Sydney windows but we always looked forward to them as they were animated Christmas scenes. There was nothing else like it... moving elves, Santa and reindeer.

I feel to a point that the need to FIX OUR CITY is even more prevalent when we have to take the 2 hour journey to Sydney to see something like this with our kids.
This year our children (well the two eldest) are at ages that they would be so excited to see the marvellous Christmas scenes David Jones Elizabeth St displays in their shop windows each year. Last time we visited this display, the children were just a little bit too young.

Each window comes alive with some of your most Christmas Carols using animated puppets. The joy on the children's faces is magnificent and it's one journey we will continue to come back for time and time again. The windows are on display at David Jones Elizabeth St from the 3rd November to the 25th December.

Back to Newcastle, we highly recommend you visit the Frontline Hobbies display in Hunter St where hundreds of elves are busy working hard getting Santa ready for his long journey. The kids will love it!            

Richmond Vale Railway-Santa Special
12th November

If you haven't taken a trip to Richmond Vale Railway, it is well worth the trip.
With a son who has been an avid trainspotter since he was about two (especially steam trains), this was one destination we could not avoid.

Richmond Vale Railway Museum commenced in 1979 to rebuild the abandoned private railways of the J & A Coalmining family. The museum now operates steam engine-hauled passenger trains between former colleries Richmond main and Pelaw main.
The museum is located on Leggetts Rd in Richmond Vale (4kms South of Kurri Kurri).

The Richmond Vale Railway runs on the first three Sundays of each month plus school holiday Sundays. It also has approximately five special events across the year where additional entertainment is organised. These include, Steamfest, Model Expo, Coalfields Steam, Family Fun Fest and this weekend, the 15th November the Santa Special is running.

Santa will be arriving by Steam Train to send all his Christmas wishes to the children and if they are lucky may get a small present. Other entertainment includes the Croc Stars reptile show and free face painting. After entry, all full size trains are free to ride. The Richmond Vale Railway -Santa Special runs from 11am and entry prices are $15 Adults, $10 concession, $7 for children 5-15 years and Free for 4 years and under.

Pack a picnic, utilse the BBQ's on site or purchase food from the canteen. There is also a very stocked Souvenir shop for all your locomotive needs. For more information go to http://www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au/accom_result1/richmond-vale-railway-museum/
NB: Make sure you pack the 'Aerogard' this time of year!

Christmas Lights and Magic-Waratah Village
6th November

When Waratah Village 'lights up' with it's spectacular Christmas display, you know it's not long until Christmas. We try and take the Children over the Warath Village to see the Christmas lights every year but it is usually closer to Christmas. This year we might make the trip out to the inaugural Christmas Lights 'Switch on' which is scheduled for 6pm tonight.

Don't miss out on the Christmas festivities that will take place beforehand including;

• Internationally renowned Magician Joel Howlett performing his Christmas magic
• Gorgeous facepainting by Rainbows and Jellybeans
• Waratah-Lambton Scouts-sausage sizzle 
• William Doodrop the world's greatest juggler on his 6' unicycle and his friend Bubbles the Clown
• Pixieland's Christmas Elf and Christmas Fairy will also be there to dance, blow bubbles and play games with all the little boys and girls.
• And of course Santa Claus!

200,000 lights bulbs and 10,000 metres of electrical cabling have been used to create this wonderful display. Roof Top displays include illuminated teddy bears, jack-in-the-box, snowman, flying aeroplane, jumping reindeers and our favourite...the synchronised lit train. The lit Navity scene is the main feature celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Entertainment will commence from  6pm and the Christmas Lights will 'switch on' after that.

Hunter Valley Gardens
Christmas Lights Spectacular
24th October 2009 

For it's third consecutive year, Hunter Valley Gardens is once again about to host Australia's biggest Christmas lights display.

The Christmas Lights Spectactular is a wonderful experience for the whole family where the gardens will be alive  with colour every night from Thursday 12th November until Wednesday 6th January 2010 (excluding Christmas Day and Night). There will be so much to see including new displays of over half a million lights, festive food and beverages, children's entertainment ( children's entertainment group 'The Little Scallywags' will entertain them at 7pm and 8pm everynight), roaming performers and singers and of course Santa Claus where children will have the opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa or just chat about their wish list.

This year Hunter Valley Gardens had made several new additions to the Christmas Lights Spectacular with enough net lights to cover a football oval and 19km of string lights.
Other additions include scenes such as the North Pole, fountain firework lights, cherry blossom trees. a larger than life nativity scene and even a touch of Sydney thrown in with some famous landmarks recreated in lights.

Gates open nightly from 6.30pm with pre-lights entertainment and food stalls. The lights display will commence at 7.30pm.
Entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be $10 for children 5-12 years and $15 for adults and children 13 plus. Children four and under are FREE and every child with receive a free glow stick.

For those not wanting to head home at night, accommodation packages are available at Harrigans Irish Pub and Accommodation. For more information call 02 4998 4300. To look for alternate accommodation go to www.wotif.com.au for last minute and reduced accommodation.

Don't miss out on this wonderful family event!

St John Ambulance-Caring for Kids Course
2lst October 2009 

Could you as a parent or carer react calmly to a life threatening situation for your child and most importantly would you know what to do?

Six years ago my husband and I signed up to the St John Ambulance Caring for Kids course. We signed up purely because we had just had our first baby and as a new mother was concerned that in the event of an emergency, we wouldn't know what to do.

You see, I come from a family that still thought butter was good to put on burns, bumps etc and although I had mentioned that this was an old wives tale and only a COLD COMPRESS was acceptable, it would miraculously appear out of the fridge when my toddler had a bump to his head. I physically had to wrestle the Medow Lea out of the hands of the main offender.
That was six years ago and today is a very different story.

I would highly recommend this course to any parent/grandparent/carer or childcare worker. Although you have to schedule 8 hours out of your day (it's a full day course), it is well worth it. Content includes;

• resuscitation of an infant or child
• control of bleeding
• poisoning and accute illness
• management of shock
• wounds
• burns
• bites/stings

Last year my daughter had a febrile convulsion in the car on the way to the doctors and if I hadn't pulled up to the doctor's surgery I definitely don't know how I would have managed.
It is highly recommended that the course is completed annually as the procedures change from year to year and if you don't revisit and refresh, you tend to forget it all...as I did in the emergency situation.

The course is taught all day and at the end you have an assessment of 20 multiple choice questions (80% pass mark). The cost is $100 and you will receive all the course materials including the First Aid for Children and Babies fast manual.
The dates for the Caring For Kids Course in Newcastle are the 24th October, 21st Nov and 10th Dec and the 24th Nov in Maitland. For more information go to www.stjohnnsw.com.au or phone 1300 360 455

Kids Eat Free!
18th October

We don't eat out often for a couple of reasons;

• Dining out can be costly enough for two yet alone for a family of five.
• We try and schedule our family meal around 5.30pm to have kids in the shower/bath by 6.30pm, stories starting at 7.15pm and bed around 7.30pm/7.45pm. Many local restaurants don't open their dinner seating until around 6pm.
• If you're anything like our family, concentration around meal time is limited!
• Budget

The other night we did make one exception to the rule as we have just moved into our new home after an extremely stressful 9 months so decided to go to our local to celebrate. But we were in and out in the hour, exiting still chewiing our mains and having a terrible bout of indigestion in the process.
So although it was soooo nice to have a meal served up to me, the time constraints were too rushed to be enjoyable.

If it's not time constraints and the main reason for not dining out with a few kids in toe is budget, well we have found a few restaurants where kids eat free on various nights of the week.

1. The Mary Ellen Hotel-57 Railway Street Merewether PH: 4963 1100
   Well renowned for Family Sundays, not only is there a clown to entertain the crowd at lunch, kids eat FREE at dinner on Sundays.
2. Muchos Mexican Restaurant- 50 Glebe Rd The Junction PH: 4929 5337
   We have always loved mexican, and would desperately love the kids to love mexican too. One way to test the waters without wasting the money if they absolutely refuse to eat a taco, enchilada or chimichanga is to take them on Tuesday nights when kids eat FREE.
3. BWP (Blue Water Pizza)-  150 Wharf Rd Newcastle (PH: 4929 5686) and The Esplanade Warners Bay (PH: 4948 0049).
   Great pizzas, great views and most importantly kids eat FREE Lunch and Dinner on Tuesdays at BWP Wharf Rd and lunch and dinner Tuesday-Fridays at Warners Bay. 
4. The Duke Of Wellington- Regent St New Lambton PH: 49571170
   Home of the best kid's schnitzel and chips. Kids eat FREE Tuesday AND Wednesday nights.
5. Lake Macquarie Tavern-66 Wilson Rd Mount Hutton PH: 4948 7666
   Not only do Lake Macquarie Tavern have 4 playstations and a foosball table, kids eat FREE on Monday nights.

NB: Conditions apply and children's meals are FREE with an accompanying adult meal.

The Mattara Festival
1st October

The Mattara Festival is Newcastle's Free Entry annual cultural festival for over 45 years. It showcases Newcastle Culture for 16 days(3rd Oct - 18 Oct 2009) from 10am at Camp Shortland ( near Nobby's Beach).

This year is a new look Mattara with markets, more rides, extra car parking, concerts and vibrant entertainment, art and sporting competitions, festive workshops and a Grand Parade. Each day has a different theme that attracts a variety of ages and tastes of Newcastle and the Hunter.

Saturday kicks off this wonderful event with a great selection of entertainment for all to enjoy. The stage line up includes;

10.30 am                                  Hype Dance Studio
11am, 1pm and 3pm             Pixieland Performers
11.30am and 1.30pm            A-Class dance studios
12pm and 2pm                       The Little Scallywagz Live
12.30pm                                   Danc Dynamix
3.30pm                                     Kavon Theatre Restaurant Performers
4.30pm                                     Breakaway Dancers
5.00pm                                     Live Rock Concert with 'End of Days', 'Stolen Memories', 
                                                  'Howler' and 'Powerage'

Off Stage entertainment includes; Market Stalls, amusements, trampolines, face painting, Circus Avalon and fireworks at 8.30pm. Keep tuning in to Alphabet Street for daily information or go to www.mattarafestival.org.au

Olive Tree Markets 1st Anniversary
30th August 2009

I don't know about you, but when a first anniversary falls upon you when it only seems like yesterday...it's pretty scary how quickly time has passed.

However, it's good news for the Olive Tree Markets as they have made their first anniversary which will fall on Saturday 5th September 2009. This market will be a bumper celebratory market with over 90 stalls (some which are new),  live music from Sydney band 'Guava'  and some tasty food to tempt your tastebuds.

One thing I have noticed when attending the Olive Tree Market is that it is always filled with many families making it their day out, especially if the weather is great. Face painters keep the children entertained whilst mum and dad look at the wares of local artisans.

Olive Tree Markets run on the first Saturday of the month from 9am-3pm at the Junction Public School (Union Street The Junction) with an exception in December where a Christmas Twlight market will be held on Saturday 12th December from 3pm till 8pm. A perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done without the kids so make sure you pencil this date into your diary.

So far no rain is predicted, so why not 'mooch' around the Olive Tree Markets on Saturday and wish them a "Happy Anniversary" whilst your there!

Our Town Model Show
24th August 2009

There are two events by hook or by crook we have to schedule into our yearly calendar courtesy of our 6 year old son. The first event is Steamfest in Maitland and the second is the Our Town Model Show.
We have been each year to satisfy our son's penchant for locomotive visual delights. Yes...he is train mad. However this year may be a little different though as he has is also leaning towards cars, aeroplanes and ships so what better way than to go somewhere that has them all under one roof?

The Our Town Model Show is a scale model exhibition featuring award-winning model cars, boats, aircraft, trains, military vehicles and figurines, wargaming and lots more. Not only is there exhibitions for the little and big boys inside, there are family rides outside where the kids can be entertained on the 'Train Shed' miniature train rides, take a bounce on the jumping castle or jump in a vintage car for a couple of laps with mum or dad.

The Our Town Model Show will be on at the Newcastle Jockey Club Chatham Rd Broadmedow from the 29th-30th August. There is plenty of free parking but if you choose to catch the train, there is a free bus shuttle from Broadmedow Station hourly. Admission prices are $10 for Adults, $8 for children/conc, $25 Family and children under 5 are free. It will be open from 9am till 5pm on Saturday and 9am till 4pm on Sunday.
This is an event that is not just for the boys (big and little), there is enough entertainment to suit the whole family including the girls. My daughter loves it.

Baby and Kids Market
18th August 2009

As we prepare to move into our new home it is time to start cleaning up and out the 'bitsie' things that clutter our home to start a fresh in our new home.

My husband is a 'hoarder' who looks at the at the 1980's english mustard cords and hunting jacket and say's "those were so expensive I might wear them again one day"! Not in this lifetime.

I am usually pretty good when cleaning out old clothes but when it comes to our children's clothes it's proving to be a hard task. Just to clarify, this is not because I want more children. It's because each little singlet, onesie and jacket is a memory that is hard to detach from when going through the numerous tubs of children's clothes stored in every 'nook and cranny'. One day I will bring myself to sell my littlies clothes and snap out of this emotional sentimentality only a mother could have.

Now if you are not like me, have a wardrobe full of kid's clothes and looking for some extra money, The Baby and Kid's markets may just be the place for you.
The Baby and Kids markets is coming to Newcastle on Sunday 23rd August and is the biggest range of pre-loved baby and kid's goods under one roof. Booking a stall to sell off any pre-loved baby or kids clothes or toys will cost you around $40-$46 dollars and includes your stall (table and chair), your insurance and space for 4 large items.
Unfortunately, according to the Baby and Kid's market website, this market is BOOKED OUT for stall holders but they are planning to return on the 15th November so maybe this is something you can start planning for.

If you can't go to be a stall holder there is always an opportunity to pick up fabulous bargains including pre-loved designer label children's wear, toys, shoes, books, bikes and so much more.

The Baby and Kid's market is on at the Newcastle Basketball stadium in Broadmedow from 9am till 12pm. Entry fee is $3 and EFTPOS is available upon entry. For more information go to www.babykidsmarket.com.au.

Premier's Adventure Challenge
4th August 2009

Yesterday as I cleared out Thomas'  school bag for the day I found a letter from the NSW Premier. There is usually a Monday school newsletter and this letter was neatly tucked inside it as if it was put in there by  Mr Nathan Rees himself.

This was a letter announcing the next installment in the Premier's Challenge series. We have done the Premier's Reading Challenge and now there is the Premier's Adventure Challenge. So what is it?

It follows the same theory as the Premier's reading challege encouraging children to become more involved in reading and books. This, however is encouraging primary school children (Kindergarten to Y6) to "discover the riches" of the Art Galleries and museums dotted around NSW.

The challenge involves going to one of the 70+ participating museums and galleries in NSW and collecting your Kids' Adventure Passport. The passport is valid from 13th July 2009-27th January 2010 and each time one of the participating institutions is visited, your passport is stamped. Once three stamps have been collected, you fill in the form at the back of the passport, send it to the Premier and an official Premier's Adventurer Certificate will be sent out to acknowledge their involvement.

The best part is that although most of the participating institutions are free, those that usually have an admission fee will also be free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays for children who wish to participate.
So now there is no excuse not to pencil the Powerhouse Museum, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian Museum in your next Sydney visit or on a local front, The Newcastle Region Art Gallery and the Maritime Centre Newcastle are on our doorstep for all those children who wish to get involved in this exciting initiative. For more information on participating institutions go to www.arts.nsw.gov.au.

The Art of Dr Seuss Exhibition-Newcastle City Hall
3rd August 2009

 Our children's first introduction to Dr Seuss was in utero. When I was pregnant with my first child, a good friend from school who lives in Japan sent me a wonderful little book called "Oh Baby, the Places you'll go"-adapted by Tish Rabe .
This little book is artfully extracted and adapted almost entirely from Ted Giesel's (Dr Seuss) work. Every single book (if not the majority) he had written is mentioned in this book as a snapshot and an introduction into the world of Dr Seuss.
There have been many discoveries of how much learning goes on whilst a baby is still in it's mother's womb. This short book has been written to be read to baby whilst in utero. I love it.

Many years later (after much reading of this small adaptation of Dr Seuss' work), our kids can't get enough of  Dr Seuss. Each night we work our way through the tounge twisting Fox in Socks, working out the wacky things in Wacky Wednesday or dealing with the mischievous Cat in the Hat.

From the 6th August till the 9th August, Dr Seuss fans will be treated to an exclusive exhibition of 70 years of Seuss' art history. This includes his Illustration Art, Unorthodox Taxidermy and his not to be missed Secret Art Series. Whilst everyone may be familiar with Seuss book illustrations, most of the public are unaware that Seuss was foremost an artist who painted and sculpted for his own enjoyment.

Newcastle will be experiencing this incredible collection for 4 days only. The exhibition will appear at the Newcastle City Hall in the Banquet Room and entry is free. Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to view the wonderful works of Theodor Seuss Geisel.
Viewing times are 9am-5pm

To finish this post the last pages of "Oh Baby the Places you'll go".
"You'll find that this world's a great place to begin,
but it could use some help-
which is where you come in.
So now , as my voice burble-urps in your ear-
with a bump-thumpy sound
that is not very clear-
the words I am saying
you hear in your heart
and know that I wish you
the very best start.

It's a scrumpulous world
and it's ready to greet you.
And as for myself.....
well.....
I can't wait to meet you."

Olive Tree Markets
1st August 2009

Today was the perfect day to mooch around the markets, so destination...Olive Tree Markets in the Junction.
We dragged the three littlies into the Junction Public School as I had a clear goal in mind. I was look for anything kids!
We entered via the Union St entrance where our first contact was with the beating drums of the Samba Frog group (the brazilian dance and percussion group). 
As we wandered, I could see that many of the visitors were families who like me were looking for that something special. I have to admit that I had to look hard to find stalls that were specific to children but in the end I found half a dozen businesses that were locals (maybe one Central Coast stall slipped into that number but the Central Coast to Newcastle is like New Zealand to Australia...we kind of include them in our region) who designed or created kids products.

A few businesses to look out for at the next markets include;

• Sketch and Jones- homewares, toys, illustrations and everything in between. They make these wonderful pirate dolls (see above) and if you can't purchase them at the markets Sketch and Jones have a 'Made-It' Store http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=923
• That's Gorgeous- have wonderful chalkboards in various shapes plus have a beautiful range of cushions for kids bedrooms.
• Dandylion kids- kids clothes made from chenille..bright and bold and look super comfy.
• Sparkle Kids- a favourite of mine..a wooden toy retailer who also has a shop front at 205 Union St The Junction. I highly recommend the wooden cupcake puzzle. It's a favourite in our household.
• Kix Clothing- designer and manufacturer of kids clothing
• Ma Belle- mmmmm Ma Belle homemade cakes, biscuits and tarts...beautiful cupcakes the kids will surely enjoy!
• PIP- okay she is from the Central Coast but has some lovely appliqued children's clothing including a cute selection of bibs.

Unfortunately, the time of day we went was not conducive to Matilda's sleep time but will we be back again looking for that something special.
 

Featured Event-HVG Chocolate Festival
29th July 2009

Did you know that dark chocolate is good for your heart and a small bar everyday can keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Phew...now the guilt can go when indulging in the Hunter Valley Gardens Chocolate Festival.

I don't have many vices but chocolate is my biggest. It started out as a child when my family insisted on getting the largest Easter eggs they could find at Easter time and if they thought that I could make them last, they were hugely mistaken. Yep...gone by the afternoon or at the latest the next day.

My sister on the other hand, had one small egg each day which basically saw her through to Christmas. Something had to be done. I knew where she kept them and would sneak down to her room, and take a nibble from under her bed when she wasn't there. I'm sure I was eating many discoloured eggs in the end and the expiry date was way past the recommended consumption time...but I didn't care....it was chocolate!
She is still the same (and now her kids are following in her foot steps) today and I'm positive she still has chocolate stashed away that was given to her this Easter. That is just not normal!
That's the thing about chocolate..it tastes so good when you devour it that you couldn't possibly put that last piece back in the fridge.

Hunter Valley Garden's second annual Chocolate festival will commence on the 1st August and run for two days in the spectacular grounds of Hunter Valley Gardens. It will feature all things chocolate such as chocolate masterclass and cooking demonstrations, wine and chocolate pairing, dessert competitions, chocolate talks and walks, all-things-chocolate market stalls, and fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Most importantly, what's available for kids? The Kidzone area will include a jumping castle, chocolate painting, hosted party games, entertainment, chocolate treasure hunts and prizes, and sampling for the kids to be involved in throughout the gardens.

Entry to the gardens is $19.90 per adult and $12 for children between 6-12 years of age with children under 5 admitted free.
Might see you up there but be careful, I'll be the one re-inacting the Augustas Gloop scene from 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' drinking from the chocolate river until it swallows me up.
 

Family Funday Sunday
25th July 2009

Although tomorrow is officially the last day of the school holidays,  there are some schools in Newcastle who don't go back till Tuesday. As everyone will be back at work on Monday and it will be a day of back to school preparation including ironing school uniforms, polishing shoes etc, why not take advantage of the last day of holidays with a fun and affordable family activity?

The NSW Government introduced an initiative in December 2008 where families could have unlimited public transport every Sunday for $2.50 per person. This includes all transportation in Newcastle, Sydney Metropolitan, Wollongong and Outer Sydney suburbs including Blue Mountains on all trains, buses, ferries, private buses, light rail, monorail, Bondi explorer bus and special event buses.

So this means you can catch a train to Sydney and then then take a ferry to Manly to visit Oceanworld, stop for a spot of lunch by the water and head back home all for the cost of $2.50 per person in a family. If this doesn't appeal you could do the tourist thing and catch the monorail around to the Powerhouse museum for the last day of their fabulous school holiday activities.

The Family Funday Sunday ticket is a flat fare of $2.50 per person with a minimum of one adult and one child related by family travelling together. To purchase the individual tickets, the travelling group must be related by family and include at least one child and one adult. Children under four travel free.

For more information call 131500 or go to 131500.com.au.

Dora The Explorer Show-Charlestown Square
21st July 2009

As my daughter an avid Dora the Explorer fan, there was no way we could miss the Dora the Explorer Show at Charlestown Square today.
This was a show that drew the crowds and by the time we got there, there was limited space to view the show. 

The adventure revolved around Dora and Boots making their way over Star mountain, through the gate to Big Red Chicken's birthday party before Swiper the Fox gets up to his old tricks

The show is entertaining and you will find yourself singing along to some familiar tunes including the Chicken Dance. The only thing I would recommend is getting there early as people were seated in the seating area from 10am and if you are late you will find it hard to get past the row of prams that are bordering the outside of the seated area.

Dora the Explorer show is running from the 21st July-25th July at 11am and 1pm daily.

School Holiday Snapshot-week 2
19th July 2009

Happy kids? School holidays a breeze? You must have been to Alphabet Street to find out what's happening each day in the school holidays!
One week down...one to go!
This week there are several activities that take our fancy when planning our activities. Some things to look out for are;

• Cheeky the monkey puppet show at Cardiff Panthers on Monday 20th July at 10.30am. Animal balloons, face painting and Herman the pirate. COST: $5
• If you have a child who loves science and is between 7-13 years, the Science Hunters two day workshop is for you. On day one Human Biology is the focus where you get to disect a brain, eye or kidney, construct a working respiratory model and make and study slides of animal tissue. Day two focuses on Chemistry where you will perform chemical reactions, look at food chemicals and study the ideal thermal cup. Tuesday 21st-Wed 22nd July.
• Dora the Explorer Show at Charlestown Square- Come on a Latino adventure with Dora and Boots! They need your help to get them to the Big Red Chicken to have a Sing and Dance Fiesta! Daily at 11am and 1pm Tuesday 21st- Saturday 25th July.
• JD's World of  Magic New Lambton Library Wednesday 22nd July 10.30am -Be amazed as Joel makes live animals appear! It’s magic!
• Maitland's Regional Art Gallery's free art table in the Heritage Mall. Thursday 23rd-Friday 24th July 11am-1pm

Have fun this week and spend time with the kids...remember only 7 days to go and then they are back at school for another term!

Newcastle Supa Putt
17th July 2009

As it was a day where showers came and went and came and went and so on, we had to do an activity that could cater for sunshine or rain.
Newcastle Supa Putt is a venue that can cater for all weather as it has a 36 hole mini putt course that has 18 holes undercover and 18 outside. We started outside however spots of rain soon drove us undercover to putting green.
We have been to Supa Putt several times with the children and I have to say our personal choice is the undercover course as it has some quite tricky holes. Putting green number 14 is our favourite where you have to use the metal loop to hit the ball into the hole.
Today, as usual tends to start off as a friendly game between family members but slowly tends to fall quickly into a game where everyone is secretly counting strokes and all falls apart when the "and that is how it is done" comments start to come out.

Newcastle Supa Putt is available for group bookings should you require a large group for pre-schools, or other large group situations. Supa Putt can be also booked for parties where they can cater or you can bring your own food to enjoy. There are a few picnic tables scattered around and also a BBQ is available should you wish to use it for your planned event.
In addition to the mini putt course there are arcade games available at a cost.
School Holiday Trading hours are as follows: Sunday- Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am -10pm
Prices per person: Adults: 18 holes-$8.50     36 holes-$10    Children 6 and under-$5.00
For further information call 4952 1344   Griffiths Rd Broadmedow

Disney on Ice-Princess Wishes
15th July 2009

                  

Today we were lucky enough to attend the first performance of Disney On Ice's Princess Wishes at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. We were also extremely lucky to be seated in the third row from the front. Although these seats were extremely favourable, I think any seats would have had great viewing with the way the ice rink was centred in the middle.
As usual we were late which meant trying to find our seats in the dark as the Aladdin performance was underway. Wow, what a show!

The story line follows each Princess and their deepest wishes being granted. Tinkerbell guides and glides you through each storyline seeing Ariel wishing for human form in order to find love above the waves, Mulan wishing to find her inner strength, Jasmine wishing to find a whole new world outside the palace doors, Snow White wishing to find her true love and Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty all with their own wishes.

Princess Wishes is visually entertaining with an entourage of dancing cutlery in the Beauty and the Beast scene, an under the sea spectactular with dancing crustaceans and Cinderella's coach that is designed to look like a Tiffany or Faberge egg that rises up and becomes a brilliant gold shimmering ball. There is also a scene in the Sleeping Beauty performace where the dragon shoots fire across the ice at the prince. This segment could be scary for the small children in the crowd.

If you can't go past the merchandise stand at events like this, be prepared to put your hand in your pocket extra deep. There are various princess type souvenirs that range from $11 to approx $38 for items such as books, princess dolls, flashing lights and swords for the boys. We were relatively unscathed with Cinderella Slippers for $18.
This show is highly recommended for anyone that appreciates the amount of time and effort that goes into a stage spectacular such as this. The cast were extremely talented and it was a show that you just didn't want to end.

David Hamilton Puppet Show

13th July 2009

 

 

Today was the first day of our school holiday schedule. First stop..David Hamilton Puppet Show at Charlestown Square.

What a fantastic performance that kept both the children and the parents/grandparents entertained.

The show is based around song and dance with each puppet performing to songs we all know. Just to name a few, some of the stars included; Anna and Frida pig singing ‘Mumma Mia’, Madam Udder- a roller skating, yodeling and Dolly Partonesque pig, Fifi the opera singing, unicycle riding pink poodle, and Peter (aka Peter Allen) the Piano playing Koala.

David also makes the show interactive getting kids up on stage to puppeteer Old MacDonald’s farm.

It is not often that you will have the opportunity to see this show as David and his puppets entertain audiences both nationally and internationally around the globe. Don’t miss this opportunity and head to Charlestown Square where The David Hamilton puppet show will be performing at 11am and 1pm until Saturday 18th July.

 

Wet Weather activity-Bunnings DIY kid's workshop
12th July 2009

  

Cold and overcast outside. Perfect day for a craft activtiy and what better place than Bunnings DIY Kid's workshop.

Bunnings run a DIY workshop for kids each Saturday and Sunday at 12pm. It's free and allows the kids to express themselves with paint, pencils, or glue depending on what Bunnings have planned for that weekend.

This weekend was the make a photo frame kit and as you can see the finished product is fantastic! We just have to put it together now that the paintwork is done.

The following DIY workshops are planned for the school holiday period at Bunnings Kotara;

Tuesday 14th July: Door Hangers- Midday
Thursday 16th July: Placemats-Midday
Saturday 18th July: Garden Workshop-Midday
Sunday 19th July: Garden Workshop-Midday
Monday 20th July: Guitar Making-Midday
Tuesday 21st July: Imagination Creation-Midday

For more information call Bunnings Kotara on 4941 0600

School Holidays Snapshot-week 1

10th July 2009

Okay..so I have just checked several weather forecast websites to see how things are tracking for the weekend in Newcastle. At this point in time they are all stating different things but based on the last week you probably can almost guarantee that at some point over the weekend there will be rain.

Take advantage of the wet weather and head to the Newcastle Region Art Gallery between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday or Sunday with the kids.  I can hear you now…. “An art gallery with the kids? Are you joking?”

Newcastle Region Art Gallery runs the ARTCART on Saturday and Sunday and it is an activity within the art gallery that is designed especially for kids. We have been several times and this is how it works.

When you arrive you will see a large ARTCART to the right of you when you walk in. Head over and sign in and get your name tags. An ARTCART volunteer will direct you to a selected art piece in the gallery where another volunteer will discuss the piece and the artist with the children. A lot of questions are asked making the discussion extremely interactive. The discussion goes for about 10 minutes.

Once the discussion if finished the children make their way back to the ARTCART which contains various art materials and they have to try and replicate a picture in the method of the artist they just profiled.  It’s fantastic, the kids love it and best of all it’s free.

There are various sessions between the 10.30am and 12.30pm timeslot. No bookings are taken and the next session will start once the last sessions has finished.  A great activity not only to keep the kids occupied on weekends, but it also introduces them to the world of art, allowing them to create their very own masterpiece for the fridge or wall at home. A highly recommended Newcastle based activity.

Countrylink 'Kids travel for $1'
7th July 2009

With the school holidays fast approaching, the question of a holiday escape is in the forefront of our minds. Most families with school age children have to schedule their holiday break around the school holiday period and in a lot of cases can be stressful and quite costly when you take flights, petrol, accommodation and traffic into consideration.

Why not escape the bottle necks of the freeways and try something different that the kids will love, especially if you have children like mine that live for trains.

From July 1st 2009, CountryLink are offering kids travel from $1 per single trip all year round (conditions apply) with a choice of 365 destinations.  Think Coffs Harbour, Canberra, Brisbane or Byron Bay. With so many options, the hardest thing will be deciding on your destination.

The adult fares are quite reasonable as well and with the dollar offer per child per single trip it makes it a very affordable holiday. As with air travel, you have a choice of first class or economy travel and the CountryLink onboard facilities include; A buffet car where a selection of hot and cold meal as well as snacks are offered. Baby change table and public toilets It is recommended, however, to make sure that you bring enough entertainment to keep the kids occupied for the full length of the journey. And as there may be other passengers traveling without children on board, maybe colouring books, decks of cards and ear phones are recommended to make their journey enjoyable as well.

What an easy holiday or day trip…jump on at Broadmedow train station and your holiday destination awaits. For more information head to the CountryLink website www.countrylink.info

Walka Water Works-Miniature Trains
4th July 2009

With the rain deciding to take a well deserved break on Sunday, we decided (like most families) to take advantage of the sunshine and head to Walka Water Works in Oakhampton where the miniature trains are running each Sunday (weather permitting) from 11am.

The miniature railway is at the home of the old water works site, a previous water treatment facility built in the 19th Century.
The railway follows the contours of the lake and runs through a natural bushland setting that houses many varieties of bird and wildlife. The track is approximately 2km long and takes about 20-30 minutes for the full length of the trip. At $3 per person it is an extremely reasonably priced Sunday outing.Enclosed footwear must be worn to comply with safety requirements and in winter, a windproof jacket may be required as it gets a cool breeze off the lake. Walka water works also has a great picnic area with BBQ and toilet facilities, picnic tables, fantastic play equipment and a large grassed area to run around on.

The railway is run by volunteers from the Walka Model Engineering Society of Maitland who dedicate their time to running and restoring the miniature railway for the enjoyment of families like us! Located at Scobies Lane Oakhampton