School Holiday
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Six Summer Weeks of
Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays! www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 53
NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY
COLOUR EXHIBITION AT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM
Six long weeks OF SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE COMING! WORDS MIA KYRIKOS
AROUND THE CORNER LIES THE DAY WE HAVE ALL BEEN DREADING. THE DAY WE HAVE, FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS, PRETENDED DOES NOT EXIST. YES, 12-MONTHS HAVE COME AND GONE, AND THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR THE YEAR IS FINALLY HERE. ONCE MORE, THE DREADED SCHOOL HOLIDAYS HAVE CHASED US DOWN AND ARE KNOCKING AT OUR THE DOORS. SIX LONG WEEKS – HERE THEY COME! The last school bell for 2020 will ring on Friday afternoon, December 18. And so, the age-old question rears its head – what on earth can you possibly do to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? If you are anything like us, we are constantly on the lookout for new ideas to get the kids out and about, and we have collated the perfect list for you! We’ve found the best activities you need to survive these long Summer school holidays.
CIVIC CINEMA Discover the magic of theatre when you bring your family and friends to the newest (and oldest) inner-city cinema! With the installation of a new 7.5m digital projection widescreen, seeing your favourite movies in the iconic Civic Theatre is once again possible. Settle in for screenings that will appeal to all ages and tastes, with a variety of screenings across December and January. Find out more at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/whats-on NEWCASTLE REGION LIBRARIES It’s no secret; long holidays are well… long. Luckily, that’s where Newcastle Region Libraries can lend you a helping hand. With plenty on offer, you are sure to find holiday 54 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
activities that will keep the kids off the screens and inspired all day long. Muggles and wizards alike are invited to master the dark arts, learning to make crystals disappear and casting spells over colour-changing potions at the Harry Potter Science Workshop. If you are on the hunt for a more hands-on activity, get your kids to Go Animating Mad! Kids will get to construct their own cool clay characters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to visit the newest Digital Library space at 12 Stewart Avenue! Whether it’s dancing with Pepper, our Humanoid Robot, watching 3D printing or exploring space on the interactive screen, there is something for everyone. There is so much on offer at our local library branches, and bookings for all activities are essential. To find out what’s on near you, check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au NEWCASTLE MUSEUM Every day is a new opportunity to learn, and school holidays are no exception! Head to the museum and keep the little minds firing with a range of exciting exhibitions, shows, and workshops. Kids are invited to delve deeper and see the world in a new light with the help of a new exhibition! Developed by Questacon, kids can engage with more than 20 scientific experiences, ranging from coloured bubbles to iridescent insects to colour illusions. For kids who are fascinated by all the wonders of the world, head to the Super Sneaky Science pop-up! No bookings required, just come and find the scientists roaming around in the Museum. Discover all that is on offer for your mini-Einstein. To find out more and book your place, head to www.newcastlemuseum.com.au NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY Keep those creative minds buzzing when you head to Newcastle Art Gallery. Wander the gallery and discover
MAITLAND GAOL
incredible exhibitions or book into one of the awesome workshops. From decorating their own musical instruments, or creating beautiful porcelain plate patterns, kids can unleash their inner artist. Teens can join local artist Rosie Turner and learn how to create their own iconic rock music symbols. With Art Cart and plenty of guided tours throughout the holidays, there is plenty to stay busy. Newcastle Art Gallery is also open with sessions daily. To avoid disappointment, be sure to book your spot. For more details visit www.nag.org.au FORT SCRATCHLEY Boasting one of the best panoramic views of Newcastle and with space to roam, Fort Scratchley is top of the school holiday bucket list. Open six days per week (closed on Tuesdays) with guided tours and a gun firing at 1 pm daily weather permitting; eagle-eyed youngsters might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins from the headland. For more details, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/fort-scratchley LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES From creative workshops to learn more about the lost art of collaging, or fantastic opportunities to learn more about snakes with the help of reptile rescuer Teresa Purnell, kids are sure to enjoy all that’s on offer these school holidays. Delighting in a range of activities across the various Lake Macquarie Council Libraries, kids will even have the opportunity to join illustrator Jenni Goodman to learn to create their own koala picture to take home. Discover more information at library.lakemac.com.au/home MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE LAKE MACQUARIE Over at MAC at Lake Macquarie, there is plenty in store to keep creative minds active. With a range of incredible workshops and exhibitions, your little one is sure to be a Van Gogh in the making. Learn how to paint at the Watery Wonderland workshop, or try your hand at making figurative sculptures in the Body Language workshop! Head across to www.mac.lakemac.com.au to discover what is on these school holidays. MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY Drop into Maitland Reginal Art Gallery (MRAG) and check out all the latest exhibitions, including Ken Done’s ‘Paintings You Probably Haven’t Seen Yet’. You can also enjoy Free Art Sunday at MRAG, where families of all ages can let their creativity run wild in the inclusive and accessible venue with materials supplied free of charge. For more information, visit www.mrag.org.au MAITLAND LIBRARIES Stories are waiting to be discovered at Maitland Libraries with enthralling tales of bravery, adventure and love residing on the shelves and online. School holiday workshops will once again be available and not only that, but you can hear stories told by world-renowned speakers as part of the LookF
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exercise routine in the drill yard. Guided night tours have also returned including the 150 Years Under Lock and Key tour which delves into all parts of the site and the changes that have occurred in prisoner treatment throughout the life of this oldest continuously operating correctional facility in Australia. Learn more at www.maitlandgoal.com.au
Who’s Talking as well as watch movies, listen to music, make your own crafts, or just chill out. For more, head to www.maitlandlibrary.com.au MAITLAND AQUATICS Beat the heat and head to your local pool this Summer. The popular splash pad at Maitland Aquatics Centre will be operating daily throughout the school holidays, and the inflatables will also be returning to East Maitland every day except for Christmas. Visit www.maitlandaquatics.com.au to find out more. MAITLAND GAOL Explore the mystery behind the thick walls of Maitland Gaol with Workhouse Woes: Detainee Drills. It's one of the many great activities on offer and includes a one hour guided tour and learning a prison
OUT AND ABOUT We consider ourselves pretty lucky in Newcastle to have remarkable parklands and natural areas surrounding our city suburbs. These Summer school holidays are the perfect time to roam free and discover your local playground! At Lake Mac, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Enrol your little fish into the intensive swim programs at West Wallsend, Speers Point, Charlestown and Swansea Swim Centres. Explore the great outdoors paddleboarding at Wallsend, kayaking with the family at Cockle Creek or try disc golf at the Rathmines golf course. You can even spend time outdoors learning traditional Aboriginal weaving at Speers Point Park! For more info visit www.lakemac.com.au It’s an extensive list – but it’s a long holiday! Once you’ve exhausted this itinerary – check out our Top 10 Holiday at Home ideas on page 10. Happy Holidays! P
Swim with...
WILD DOLPHINS! AGES 7–70 YRS Treat your children to a snorkelling experience like no other these Christmas Holidays! Let us take them on an unforgettable, offshore adventure tour to swim with wild oceanic dolphins and leave them with a memory that will last a lifetime! Dolphin Swim Australia is in its 10th year of operation and is manned by experienced and safety-conscious staff. Join your child/ren in
the water or stay dry on board for a fantastic Dolphin Watch! DETAILS Cost is $329pp for the in-water experience (includes wetsuit, mask, snorkel, safety harness, 4 hr cruise, educational commentary and all above-water photos which are posted on our FB page for you to copy/share), or $70pp for the Dolphin Watch. Tours depart from d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay, just 50 minutes up the road from Newcastle. Tour meeting time is 5am and return time 10am. Come and #JoinThePod! E info@dolphinswimaustralia.com.au PH 1300 721 358 www.dolphinswimaustralia.com.au
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the Fun t h i s s um m er Open seven days a week and with enhanced COVID safety measures in place, the Gaol is the perfect family friendly outing to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.
Self Guided Audio Tours
Children’s Activities Bring your kids along to one of the Children’s activities taking place each Tuesday and Thursday during January. Limited tickets are available for these activities, please pre-book your ticket.
Explore the Gaol at your own pace with our Self Guided Audio Tours, available daily. Join Snitch the rat and his Gaol friends when you take part in ‘Snitch’s Gaol Exploration’ a self guided audio tour designed especially for kids. Don’t worry adults, we have something for you too! ‘Maitland Gaol Revealed’ audio tour is perfect, giving you an in depth understanding of how prisoners slept, ate, exercised and wiled away the many thousands of hours until their release. These audio tours are delivered through your own device by downloading the Maitland Gaol app, so make sure to bring along your device fully charged.
Workhouse Woes – Detainee Drill: Check out the prisoner’s accommodation on a one hour guided tour of the Gaol, followed by learning an exercise routine undertaken by prisoners to keep fit in the early 1900s to burn off some energy.
Guided Tours
Maitland Gaol – After Hours
During the school holidays a range of themed guided tours will be offered on different days to provide an opportunity to hear a different perspective on the Gaol’s history. These guided tours range from the history of the Gaol’s 150 years of operation, to the escapes and escape attempts prisoners took during their time behind bars or hear some first hand tales about what it was like to work inside Maitland Gaol from Keith, our Ex-Warder tour guide.
Junior Sleuth - Tattoo Tales: If your child is more of a detective, they’ll love this activity. Enjoy a one hour tour of the site followed by some detective work on some of the oldest tattoos recorded in Australia. As a bonus they receive a temporary tattoo to take home as a souvenir of their time behind bars.
For one night only you can explore the Gaol after hours at your own pace. From 6.00pm until late on Friday 15 January, enjoy one of the self guided audio tours as you experience the gaol as the sun goes down. Tickets are limited and will need to be pre-purchased for this evening. Entry will be controlled by session times due to enhanced COVID safety measures.
t 02 4936 6482 Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au 02 4936 6482
maitlandgaol
The ultimate weekend getaway
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers guests luxurious accommodation with an unparalleled experience of the wildest kind! Located within the grounds of the National Zoo and Aquarium, in the centre of Canberra, Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers a variety of opulent safari style suites and bungalows that not only boast sublime African art and décor, but are also surrounded by some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals. Please note that while the animals generally join guests as shown, no guarantees can be given as they are free to roam their entire area at all times.
Multiple prestigious award WINNER including Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia* and Trip Advisor’s Traveller Choice awards top 10% in the WORLD for both the Zoo and Jamala! 2017 Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence 56 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
Canberra 02 6287 8444 | www.jamala.com.au info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au
Richmond Vale Railway Museum
Creative
The Mining Museum will be open showing artefacts from the early days of coal mining in the area, with an audio-visual program showing film clips relating to mining and rail transport. The Canteen provides hot and cold drinks, food and snacks or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy in the bushland setting. Gates open at 9.30am each Sunday during the holidays. No pre-booking required. Check in on arrival using the ServiceNSW app.
ALL AGES Holiday fun continues throughout December and the January School Vacation. Christmas thermed displays, model trains and our popular teddy bear display are on show. Due to limited visitor opportunities in 2020, steam locomotive Marjorie will operate DETAILS 262 Leggetts Drive, Kurri Kurri. PH 4018 7230 an extended season, subject to fire danger www.richmondvalerailwaymuseum.org notices. Diesel haulage may be substituted.
Kids
at the
Wetlands! With Art Mania Studio FOR KIDS + TWEENS (5–12yrs) Bracing yourself for the inevitable “I’m bored!” from the kids these holidays? Art Mania Studios have the solution – at our new campus at the Hunter Wetlands! Let your kids' creative side be inspired by the beautiful scenery and interactive nature of the Hunter Wetlands. During each creative session kids will be able to explore the wetlands and learn about the importance of its ecosystem. They will then be able to create a craft project that will focus on the life of the wetlands, the natural environment and Aboriginal culture. Lesson structure: each lesson will include a look at the surroundings and then an art and craft activity. Each week will explore a different theme linked with the wetlands. Week 1: Dragonflies Week 2: Bugs Week 3: Aboriginal Art Our program runs in January holidays for 3 weeks, 3 days a week – multiple bookings receive a special discount! Check out our website, or phone us for details on cost, time and how to book.
DETAILS Art Mania Studio 12 Council Street Wallsend PH (02) 4955 0509 (Tues–Fri) E hello@artmaniastudio.com.au www.artmaniastudio.com.au Hunter Wetlands Centre 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland PH (02) 4951 6466 The venue is air-conditioned and wheelchair friendly.
@artmaniastudio
Hunter Valley
Horseriding & Adventures
ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding! It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the
teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride! Other activities on offer include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities and mountain bike trails (byo bike). If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only). Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available. DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required. PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 57
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and thank you for your support throughout this difficult year. The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for a family get together or picnic, with electric barbecue facilities available. • 33 hectares of themed gardens in a 133 hectare bushland setting • Venues available for special functions, weddings, birthdays and corporate events • Plant sales • Kookaburra CafÊ open daily – 9am–2.30pm
THE GARDENS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 24TH DECEMBER 2020 UNTIL JANUARY 4TH 2021. www.huntergardens.org.au
LOCATED 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae PH 4987 1655 E events@huntergardens.org.au
Toboggan Advertise Your School Holiday Activity Here!
Hill Park ALL WEATHER FAMILY FUN! Open every day through the school holidays from 10am, with plenty of action for kids big and small. Outdoor activities include the new Gyro Xtreme ride, 1km toboggan ride, 19 hole mini golf, tractor train ride, giant maze and splashdown water balloon game.
Advertising opportunities for the next School Holidays are open now. Phone 4998 0888 or email advertise@intouchmagazine.com.au
Indoor activities include rock climbing, jumping castles, kiddy karz, merry-go-round, happy caterpillar ride, plaster model painting and NEW roller skating rink. Bring your own roller skates or hire quad skates here. There are also a number of remote controlled and arcade style amusements. There is a kiosk providing refreshments, coffee and hot food, outdoor picnic areas and a BBQ available for hire. Please call for large group bookings, parties or special events. Visit website or contact for more information. DETAILS 16 Aquatic Close, Nelson Bay. PH 4984 1022 E toboggan@tobogganhillpark.com www.tobogganhillpark.com
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NEWCASTLE SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE 16-20 JANUARY 2021
Don’t miss the best Summer Dance Intensive of the year! One week of incredible classes. Suitable for 10+ to Pre-professional.
CHRISTIAN TÁTCHEV
LOREDO MALCOLM
VICKI ATTARD
JASON DUFF
SOPHIE HOLLOWAY
LAUREN MCDONALD
TIMOTHY GORDON
On sale 1st October. Early bird offers available at Trybooking. www.trybooking.com/BLOBG
ENROL NOW FOR 2021 Classes filling up fast. Limited spaces! TINY TOTS | BALLET CONTEMPORARY | JAZZ | STRETCH ACRO | BOYS CLASSES | ADULT CLASSES Visit our website or contact the studio for more information. P 02 4952 9294 www.nationalcollegeofdance.com
These holidays, give the gift of contributing to the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Koalas by purchasing a Gift Voucher experience. Recepients of a Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Gift Voucher experience will be able to enjoy: Waking up with Koalas! A unique oppurtunity to stay overnight in a 4 star deluxe glamping style tent within the Sanctuary grounds.
Koala Hospital Take a look through the hospital viewing window as veterinary staff carry out examinations and administer
Newcastle Airport SKYwalk A 225 metre in length elevated boardwalk and viewing platform, offering a unique ‘tree top’ perspective into a koala’s natural habitat.
Sanctuary Story Walk A 250m in length immersive educational experience telling the story of koala and its habitat through artistic sculptural representations.
Purchase a Gift Voucher Experience Online Today! Contact Us:
Connect With Us
02 4988 0800
portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au koalasanctuary@portstephens.nsw.gov.au