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Out With The Kids in Lake Macquarie

Get Out and About With Your Kids these July School Holidays. Lake Macquarie tourism has a list of interesting activities both indoors and outdoors that you can experience with your kids. There is something for everyone so don’t stay at home this winter, enjoy what Lake Macquarie has to offer.

There is plenty to do at Charlestown Square in July.

Saturday 5 July
 Beanie Kids Party 10am - 2pm
The Charlestown Square Beanie Kids party will be held in Centre Court between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 5 July. A Beanie Kids character will be in attendance at the party for the kids to meet plus there will be free kids face painting, a colouring in competition and prizes for the best dressed Beanie Kids!

Monday 7 July – Saturday 12 July
 The Great LEGO Building Challenge in Centre Court
Centre Court will be transformed into a LEGO haven for a week. There will be 4 competition heats daily for children to show case their LEGO building skills;

Heats from Monday 7 July - Friday 11 July
3- 7 Years at 10:30am and 12:30am
8 - 14 Years at 11:30am and 1:30pm

Grand Finals will be held on Saturday 12 July
3 - 7 Years at 11:30am
8 - 14 Years at 12:30am
There will be some great LEGO prizes on offer and lots of fun to be had!

Monday 14 July – Saturday 19 July
 Fifi and Bumble Live Stage Show in Centre Court
Popular TV characters Fifi and Bumble will be visiting the centre to perform two live shows daily in Centre Court at 11am and 1pm. There are also 2 additional evening performances on Thursday 17 July at 6pm and 7pm.

Sunday 6, 13 & 20 July
 Muffin Break Cookie Workshops in Centre Court - 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm & 1:30pm
Children of all ages will enjoy these cookie making workshops. Numbers are limited to 30 children per session time. Bookings are essential on 4944 4333

Monday 14 July
 ABC Shop Storytelling
The ABC shop will be conducting a children’s storytelling session at 9:30am in their store.

Tuesday 15 July
 Raspberry Gully Party
The next Raspberry Gully Kids Club Party is on Tuesday 15 July 2008 in the upper level food court kids play area. The party is a great opportunity for parents and children to enjoy free face painting, free kids entertainment, free food sampling and special retail.

Explore and experience the Lake by boat with Lake Macquarie Cruises

Lake Macquarie Cruises are running regular cruises for the public every Wednesday. Included is a 4 hr. lunch cruise  10:30-2:30  or 2 hr coffee cruise 10:30-12:30 and every Sunday 11:00- 3:00 and 11:00 and 1:00 for the coffee cruise. We can do a cruise anytime and any  day for groups of a minimum of 20 people.

Catch “New Days with The Hooley Dooleys” at Cardiff Panthers

The Hooley Dooleys are bringing back the power of family fun to children’s entertainment with their brand new forty-five minute show. The Hooley Dooleys have kick-started 2008 by touring Australia with their latest show, New Days with The Hooley Dooleys, and introducing a new cast filled with much loved familiar faces and exciting new members. Wednesday 16 July and tickets are $14.50.

Be intrigued and take a self-guided audio tour of  Maitland Gaol

Maitland Gaol’s recently installed world class audio tour will take you on a 150 year history of the gaol. Narrated by award winning actor Chris Haywood.  The tour is illustrated with many comments by former in-mates, officers, other staff, assistants and researchers.

Available every day with entry from 10.00am – 3.00pm (subject to site bookings).

1. Self-Guided Audio Tours

Adult:      $12.00pp         Conc./Child: $10.00pp

2. Themed Guided Tours

Ex-inmate Tours

A 1½ hour experience of Maitland Gaol from the perspective of one who knew it well – an ex-inmate!

Your guide will explain the history of this maximum security facility and how he survived in the state’s penal system. Plenty of stories about life within the regimented and restrictive world that is life behind bars. Not for the squeamish but if you can take it you won’t get a better insight into the real reason for the facility’s existence.

Saturday and Sunday 11am bookings essential.

3. Guided Day Tours:

Bookings are essential.

Adult:      $15.00pp         Conc./Child: $12.00pp

Experience Christmas in July at the Morisset Mega Markets

Every weekend over the school holidays from 10am – 2pm experience Christmas in July with a Christmas craft corner, Christmas carols, toy donation, amusement rides and santa meet and greet.

A Kid’s carnival by the Foreshore at Warners Bay

Be sure to experience the Warners Bay Foreshore Carnival from July 5^th  - 20^th July, 10am to 4pm.

Experience Nature At The Hunter Wetlands Centre

1. Wetland Turtles - Age 4 - 7 Years: Have lots of fun with games, arts and crafts, dip netting and adventure walks, with skilled and experienced leaders.

9 am - 12.30 pm Tuesday and Friday, July 8, 10, 15 & 17. $15 per Person

2. Wetland Rangers -  Aged 7 - 12 Years: Join other wetland rangers for an adventure walk, dip netting and learn more about the fascinating and unique wildlife that inhabit our wetlands.

9 am - 12.30 pm Wednesday, July 9 & 16. $15 per Person

3. Canoeing Adventures - aged 12 and over, unless accompanied by an adult: Go on a fascinating canoe ride on the Ironbark trail, this is a fun activity that everybody will enjoy.

9 am - 12.30 pm Thursday, July 10 & 17.$15 per Person

4. Wacky Wetland Tour : Get wild and wacky and take a peek behind the scenes. Learn more about wildlife on site, with hands on demonstrations with our wacky professor.  Please bring a hat, sunscreen, protective footwear, insect repellent, morning tea, lunch and a bottle of water.

10.30 am - 12 Noon Thursday, July 17. $8 per Person

5. We also have the Shakespeare Et Al theatre group, coming back to do - Hansel & Gretel. 

11 am - 12 Noon, July 9 - 12 & 14 - 19 $15 Per Person, Family $50 (4 People + $10 For each Additional person)

6. Cafe Nourish - a fully catered cafe, that is open for business Monday - Sunday from 10 am - 3 pm.

Wetland Centre Business hours during the school Holidays are: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Sunday. Wetland Centre Business hours for normal trading days are: 10 am - 5 pm Weekdays 9 am - 5 pm Weekends

 Library School Holiday Activities

Bookings are essential for these exciting activities and can be made at any Lake Macquarie City Library or by phoning 4921 0707.

Operator Profile - Deck56

Capturing the essence of Belmont, Deck56 is delivered to you in a relaxed modern atmosphere.  Whilst offering you fabulous views of Lake Macquarie our emphasis is on great food, fantastic wines and friendly service.

Head Chef Paddy Taniora presents innovative cuisine created using the freshest Australian ingredients.

Open from 8.00am for breakfast, lunch and dinner till late, 7 days a week.  If you prefer, drop in for a coffee or come to try one of our blended teas.  Sample one of our delicious cakes that will be prepared fresh for you daily.

Take the time to enjoy a relaxing lunch on our deck and have a look at our Dinner menu, we're confident you'll find lots of things you want to try.  With delicate lighting and the surrounds of Lake Macquarie we aim to offer you an exciting dining experience with a warm and inviting ambiance.

Deck56 also features wireless internet access so you can stay connected while enjoying your meal.

Deck56 is available to accommodate all your group function needs for groups of 10-60 people, including the following:

• Corporate and private functions
• Guest Speakers
• Triva/Games/Charity nights and other social events
• Reunions/Birthdays/Engagements
• Group dinners
• Christmas Parties

Special menus can be arranged to suit your requirements.  Please contact us to discuss and arrange your next function.

 Contact Details :         Deck56

                                    56 Brooks Parade, Belmont, NSW, 2280      

                                    Phone: (02) 4945 5777                      

                                    Email: bookings@deck56.com.au

Watch the whales at Wallarah, Lake Macquarie

Every June and July whales by the thousands frolic off Lake Macquarie’s Wallarah Coast in NSW as they migrate north in search of warmer waters to begin their breeding cycle.

It is a wondrous site that attracts swarms of sightseers and whale watching enthusiasts that line the cliffs of Wallarah National Park to view one of nature’s wonders.

With so many people now making the annual winter trek, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will once again operate a guided educational walking tour to key whale watching sites along the Wallarah coastline. 

The guided 7km walk, starting at 9am at the Stockland Sales and Information Centre at Murrays Beach on Saturday June 28, will include educational talks on whale behaviour such as breaching, pectoral slaps and spy hopping. The tour is priced at $7 for adults and $5 for children.

NPWS urges participants to come prepared with snacks, water, sun protection, binoculars and suitable closed-in shoes with non-slip soles.

Murrays Beach, on the eastern shore of Lake Macquarie, is the home of Stockland’s $500 million Murray Beach residential community – an award winning residential development designed for those seeking a holiday retreat or sea change.

Five minutes from the beach it incorporates cycling and walking trails, a pool, a village green, café and general store – with tennis courts planned.

“Lake Macquarie has something for everyone, whether you are active and enjoy kayaking, windsurfing and swimming or more passive activities like sailing, fishing or bushwalking – it is a special place,” Stockland general manager Residential Communities NSW, Barry Mann, said.

“And every year, the whales make it even more special, as they make their annual migration along the coastline,” he said.

Come and join the National Parks & Wildlife Service for a walk along the beautiful Wallarah Coast, enjoying stunning views and searching for whales.

-          When: Saturday June 28, 2008

-          Starts: 9am (location details are given when booking)

-          Duration: 3.5 hours (grade: Medium)

-          Cost: $7 adults, $5 Seniors and children

-          Bring: Snacks, water, sun protection and binoculars

-          Footwear: You must wear suitable closed-in shoes with non-slip soles.

-          Booking Essential: Ph (02) 4320 4205 BY 12 NOON, Friday 17 June

Lake Macquarie - An ideal place to experience

Lake Macquarie itself is one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in Australia, and twice the size of Sydney Harbour.  Hire a boat, a jet ski, kayak or yacht, or even a houseboat, and explore this vast and unique body of water. The lakeside is ideal for scenic walks along Greenpoint Reserve, Wangi Wangi Flora and Fauna Reserve, Warners Bay and Toronto.  If your family is into water-skiing, this is the spot to be – with the Lake offering many fantastic water- skiing spots.

Lake Macquarie is edged on one side by stretches of immaculate sandy beach.  Frolic in the water at Redhead or Blacksmiths Beach; explore the sea caves at Caves Beach at low tide, or scuba dive under the long jetty at Catherine Hill Bay.

Relax

Linking the beaches, lake and mountains are more than 90 villages and communities dotted throughout the City of Lake Macquarie.  Quiet beachside suburbs, bustling lakeside communities, key town centres, and sleepy mountainside villages all combine to give the area a relaxed feel.  On the eastern shore, Belmont and Swansea lie between Lake Macquarie and the beaches.  On the western shore, Toronto and Morisset enjoy the scenic backdrop of the Watagan Mountains, while on the northern side, Warners Bay is a thriving hub with restaurants, galleries and a foreshore cycleway.

Dine

With a diverse range of waterfront dining, including cafés, lakeside restaurants, bistros, pubs and clubs, there’s always a culinary delight awaiting you just around the corner. Or you can simply pick up some freshly caught seafood at Swansea or Morisset.

Stay

Lake Macquarie provides the visitor with a surprisingly varied choice of accommodation to set up a base from which to explore what the area has to offer.  Choose from absolute waterfront boat cottages and beach houses on the coast, peaceful mountain retreats, cosy guesthouses and charming B&B’s.  For tourist park holidaymakers, modern cabin accommodation and campsites provide the perfect family-holiday getaway.

It's Business as usual at Raffertys Resort

It’s Business as usual at Raffertys Resort

After much local media attention and a change in management Raffertys Resort is pleased to announce that its business as usual.

The resort, situated on 35 acres, offers absolute waterfront on to Lake Macquarie. The beautiful location incorporates self contained accommodation, tantalising food and wine as well as a diverse range of recreational facilities including four swimming pools, four tennis courts, exclusive sandy beach, Raffertys kids club and lakeside jetty.

Raffertys continues to offer fabulous conference facilities tailored for those who require natural lighting, relaxed atmosphere, stylish and spacious interiors and the latest in audio visual equipment. The resort has the capacity to cater from small executive retreats of 10 delegates to annual conferences for up to 400 people. The conference centre boasts 180 degree views over Lake Macquarie.

 For the leisure market Raffertys Resort is running a weekend winter promotion. This includes 2 night’s accommodation, 2 course dinner on Friday or Saturday evening and a full buffet breakfast daily for two. While at the resort you can have a relaxing massage at our Galgabba Health & Beauty centre or take a leisurely stroll by the lake and watch the sunset. Prices start at $495.

Watch out! This school holidays Raffertys Resort is putting on an abundance of kids and family activities. These include recreational sports such as cricket, beach volleyball, fishing, art and crafts such as plaster fun painting, movie nights, and cookery classes. But hurry it will be a busy time here at Raffertys Resort and bookings are essential.

A past winner of the NSW tourism excellence in meetings and business tourism. As well as a distinction from Qantas link hunter region awards for excellence in tourism, Raffertys Resort is clearly the main attraction to Lake Macquarie and the place to be this winter.

For further information visit www.raffertysresort.com.au

For all conference enquires please contact Kiera Cullen on (02) 4972 5555 or email at kcullen@raffertysresort.com.au

Raffertys Resort Lake Macquarie

1 Wild Duck Drive, via Raffertys Road, Cams Wharf NSW 2281
Ph: 61 2 4972 5555 Fax: 61 2 4972 5253

Website: www.raffertysresort.com.au

Wallarah Penninsula

Why not warm up over the winter months and try the walking and cycling trails at the Wallarah Penninsula.

The Wallarah National Park is an area of pristine natural beauty on your doorstep. Take a walk through this wonderland and enjoy the bounty of birds, animals and native plants. 

Wallarah National Park is located between Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay, on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie. The park is in three sections on the east and west of the Pacific Highway. The Coastal Walk in the park links Caves Beach starting at Spoon Rocks Rd with the headland just south of Pinney Beach. The walk is an easy 1 hour walk of approximately 3km in length. There are information signs along the walk, highlighting landscape features and common plants in the park. The coastal views are spectacular and a good spot for whale & dolphin watching. The shady forested area around Camp Yondeo is a great place to stop for a rest.

Directions: The coastal section of the national park is best accessed from Spoon Rocks Road at Caves Beach. Take the Caves Beach turn-off at the Swansea roundabout, turn right at the T-intersection at the end of the road.

The Wallarah Peninsula Track is a moderate 2 hours one way from Murrays Beach to Caves Beach Park at Caves Beach and you can complete a car shuttte to Murrays Beach