Hunter
Features the areas of Barrington Tops, Belmont, Broke, Cessnock,
Dungog, Gloucester, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Morpeth, Muswellbrook,
Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Pokolbin, Raymond Terrace, Scone, Shoal
Bay, Singleton.
Families will
find lots to excite them in the Hunter. From the good shopping
and nightspots of Newcastle, to the white sandy beaches of beautiful
Port Stephens, historic Maitland and water wonderland of Lake
Macquarie.
Capping off
the Hunter is the magnificent wilderness area of the Barrington
Tops National Park where the whole family can make snowmen after
a fresh winter snowfall or walk the sub-Alpine mountain tops in
summer.
Try these
unique family outings for something different:
Queens
Wharf Tower,
Newcastle Harbour Foreshore. This 30m tower has 180 steps to reach
the observation level where you get great views of the harbour
and city centre.
Discovery Tram, Newcastle City Centre. There's no better
way to discover the unique attractions of Newcastle than on a
45-minute tram journey. You'll see many tourist attractions from
the convict era including Christ Church Cathedral, Surgeon's
House, Hospital, Watch House, Wharf and Lumber Yard.
Fighter World, RAAF Base, Williamtown. This where you get
to sit in a real mirage fighter aircraft, work the controls and
feel what it's like to be a pilot. Air historians will love the
historic aircraft and engines on show. Go up to the observation
area and watch today's planes flying. Has restaurant & convention
facility.
Tomteland Leisure Park, Port Stephens. Experience the magic
of Christmas all Year Round, just 20 minutes from Newcastle on
the Nelson Bay Road. You'll see in Scandinavian style the Little
Elves Fairground, Trolls Playhouse, Craft Village, Laser Runner,
Mini-golf, Picnic Area, Lake, Waterpark, café and ice creamery
and other thrill rides.
Toboggan Hill Park, Nelson Bay. Set in natural bushland
this park is great fun for all the family. The toboggan run is
power assisted on the way up but on the way down the mountainside
you reach speeds of up to 40km/in the stainless steel chutes.
Young children are permitted to ride with parents. There is also
mini putt golf, indoor rock climbing, plaster painting, krazy
kars, mini jeeps, maze, train ride tour through park, remote controlled
boats, cars, trucks as well as table games, skill tester games
& video games.
Watagan Mountains, near Cooranbong. Lots of marked walking
trails all with signs telling you how long the walks will take
to complete. Check out the lovely lookouts, fascinating wildlife
(including bower birds) great waterfalls, unique picnic and camping
spots and some very majestic trees. Get a map at nearby Visitor
Information Centres or State Forests of NSW office.
Shortland
Wetlands Centre, Shortland. This is the place to see water
birds from all over the world in their natural environment. Walking
trails meander around the various wetlands and ponds where waterbirds
such as egrets, swans, ducks, magpie geese and swamphens can be
watched. You can also explore Ironbark Creek by hiring a canoe
at the Wetlands Centre. Join the guided expedition on Sundays.
Picnic spots available; also breakfast with the birds and twilight
walks.
Historic Morpeth. Many of the buildings in this historic
port town date from around 1850 and today contain a plethora of
art and craft shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries. Just take
a stroll. There's something for all the family here - from homemade
pies to decadent eating spots overlooking the river.
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