CANBERRA
ong anberra, Wollong C to e id u G ily m 21 The No.1 Fa er 2020 - June 20 b m te p Se st a o C & The South
Out & About Play
SOUTH COAST Sapphire Coast Narooma Batemans Bay Ulladulla
MILY!” A F S G N I H T “FOR ALL FREE
Find us on Facebook /LetsGoKids
Find us on Instagram @LetsGoKidsAuNz
VOU CHE RS INSI DE
Get off the couch and get out there!
Wot’s On • Games • Vouchers
Huskisson Nowra
THE ILLAWARRA Kiama Shellharbour Wollongong
Stay Wot’s On
www.LetsGoKids.com.au
Canberra, South Coast & Wollongong September 2020 - July 2021
Contents CANBERRA 6 13
Out & About
Help Me, Help Me - I’m a parent?!?!?!?
Play
You’ve run out of ideas, the weekend is coming up and you’ve got that birthday to plan. OMG! The holidays are next week and they’ll be home for a fortnight. Aaargh! Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! At LetsGoKids we’ve done the hard yards, kicked the tyres, found the best spots to eat and play, where to shop, what to see and even where to stay! We’ll let you know what’s on and where, how much it is and try to help the budget with some special deals and vouchers! There are also puzzles, games, competitions and birthday party ideas to keep the kids entertained.
Travelling somewhere else???
SOUTH COAST Sapphire Coast
17
Narooma
18
Batemans Bay
21
Ulladulla
26
Huskisson
29
Nowra
33
THE ILLAWARRA
We’ve got that covered too! Check www.letsgokids.com.au to find out all the things for families in WA, VIC, NT, TAS, Sydney and NZ. Order the books online or consult the distribution list to see where to get one! Check our website for updated events, deals and specials. Follow our tips and ideas on (@LetsGoKidsAuNZ) and LetsGoKids
Kiama
36
Shellharbour
38
Wollongong
40
Wot’s On
46 48
Also, make sure you sign up for our FREE monthly E-newsletter at www.letsgokids.com.au It has great tips and events, stories, reviews, competitions, give aways and games.
Stay
The LetsGoKids UPDATED smartphone app is here!!! Take us with you everywhere! Loaded with all the latest events, deals, vouchers for discounts and GPS mapping to get you there! It’s FREE to download for Android or iOS at the Google play store or the Apple store.
Advertiser’s Index General
Canberra ACT Visitor Centre Blundells Cottage Quizzic Alley Canberra Reptile Zoo Cockington Green Gardens National Zoo & Aquarium
Play/Party Softball ACT Basketball ACT
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Narooma Charters BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park The Kinema Narooma
18 Shoalhaven Leisure Centres 19 Trees Adventure Nowra 20 Holiday Haven Holiday Parks Shoalhaven Tourism
13 15 17 17
21 22 23
26 27 28
Huskisson Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Jervis Bay Wild Holiday Haven Holiday Parks
33 32 34 35
Kiama
Batemans Bay 6 BIG4 Batemans Bay Easts Holiday Park 7 Club Catalina 8,9 Clyde View Holiday Park 9 9 Ulladulla 10 Funland Ulladulla Kings Point Retreat Holiday Haven Holiday Parks
Sapphire Coast Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary
Nowra
Narooma
National Capital Authority Inside Front Cover Cluey Learning 3 Shoalhaven Tourism Back Cover
29 30 31
Granties Maze Jamberoo Water Park
36 37
Shellharbour Shellharbour City Council The Shell Harbour Club
38 38
Wollongong HARS Museum Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort Flip Out- Albion Park Illawarra Golf Complex Illawarra Light Railway Museum
40 41 42 43 44
Stay Mercure Canberra
48
3
Really, really important stuff Public Holidays ACT 2020/21 5 Oct 25 Dec 26 Dec 1 Jan 26 Jan 8 Mar 2 Apr 5 Apr 25 Apr 31 May 14 June
School Holidays ACT 2020/21
Labour Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Australia Day Canberra Day Good Friday Easter Monday Anzac Day Reconciliation Day Queens Birthday
Spring 25 Sept - 12 Oct Summer 18 Dec - 2 Feb 2021 Autumn 1 Apr 2021 - 19 Apr 2021 Winter 25 Jun 2021 - 12 Jul 2021
Public Holidays NSW 2020/21 5 Oct Labour Day 25 Dec Christmas Day 26 Dec Boxing Day 1 Jan New Year’s Day 26 Jan Australia Day 2 Apr Good Friday 5 Apr Easter Monday 25 Apr ANZAC Day 14 Jun Queens Birthday
School Holidays NSW 2020/21 Spring 25 Sept - 12 Oct Summer 18 Dec - 27 Jan 2021 Autumn 2 Apr 2021 - 18 Apr 2021 Winter 26 Jun 2021 - 11 Jul 2021
Time
Weather
With a mainly dry climate, the weather in Canberra is warm in Summer and cold in Winter. The hottest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 27.7°C and the coldest month in Canberra is July with an average maximum temperature of 11.2°C
The whole of the ACT and NSW is on the same time zone Eastern Standard Time (EST). This is the same time zone as Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart and Brisbane! Adelaide and Darwin are half an hour behind Canberra. Perth is two hours behind. Daylight Savings begins on 4th October 2020 in ACT and NSW, and will conclude on 4th April 2021.
Tourist Information Centres Canberra Barrine Dr, Parkes Ph: 1300 554 114 Wollongong 93 Crown St, Ph: (02) 4267 5910 Batemans Bay Princes Hwy Ph: 1800 802 528
Kiama Blowhole Point Rd Ph: 1300 654 262 Nowra 42 Brdige Rd, Ph: (02) 4421 0778 Narooma Princes Hwy, Ph: (02) 4476 2881
this is toooo boring for kids… Ok
But some grown-ups might need to read this info cos they are interested in this or whatever.... LetsGoKids Pty Ltd - ABN: 85 122 538 103 95 Chapel Lane, Doreen, VIC 3754 Advertising & Listings (Print, Web & App) Terry Wilson - office@letsgokids.com.au Ph: 0407 012 940
Merimbula 4 Beach St, Ph: (02) 6495 1129
Ulladulla Princes Hwy, Ph: (02) 4444 8820
Hussikson Dent St, Ph: (02) 4441 5999 Goulburn 201 Sloane St, Ph: (02) 4823 4492
Bermagui Bunda St, Ph: (02) 6493 3054 Shellharbour Wentworth St, Ph: 1300 656 169
Photos - Uncredited photographs used are owned by LetsGoKids or Tourism ACT and NSW Visual Library (and used with permission) unless otherwise stated. All photos & logos for listings supplied by individual business owners. Unauthorised use of images or text will be subject to legal action. Disclaimer - Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions in the LetsGoKids publication. Vouchers and discount expiry dates are up to the discretion of individual business owners unless otherwise stated.
Graphic Design - The LetsGoKids in house studio led by Cassie Wilson can design and produce graphic art for your advertising needs, whether it be print, web or app. For a no obligation and highly Indemnity - Listing photographs/logos/text and advert artwork, competitive quote, email Cassie at letsgokidsgraphics@gmail.com have been supplied to LetsGoKids by business owners or their advertising agencies, graphic designers or representatives. Special Thanks / Contributors Tourism ACT & NSW Visual Library, Nagalakshmi Thyagarajan, Download advert & listing specs from our website Darcy Paveluc, Cooper J Wilson & Cassie Wilson. www.letsgokids.com.au © Copyright 2020
4
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Really, really important stuff
When schoolwork’s a struggle, Cluey can help 1-to-1 online tutoring tailored to your child’s learning needs Over 500 supportive and nurturing tutors across Australia Highly flexible and effective learning plans mapped to the Australian National Curriculum
Introducing Australia’s largest online tutoring service for Years 2-12
Learn more: clueylearning.com.au/subjectsupport 1300 182 000
LetsGoKids 2020/21
5
Really, really important stuff
6
LetsGoKids 2020/21
ide Adela ds oun & surr
OUT 2021! Have LetsGoKids in your pocket at all times with our fantastic updated app!
Canberra -
Out & About
Discover one good thing after another in Canberra. Just a short two hour drive from pristine beaches and beautiful snow-capped mountains, Australia’s largest inland city is the perfect base for a selfdrive holiday with no road tolls, ample parking and minimal traffic. Whether it’s iconic national attractions or breathtaking adventures in the great outdoors, Canberra has everything you need and it’s all really close by.
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
So let’s get exploring – Firstly, lace up the walking shoes and take a hike up Red Hill for spectacular views over the city.
Discover the smarter way to have fun at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. Free-fall down a six-metre slide, freeze your own shadow, experience an earthquake or challenge a robot to a game of air hockey. Questacon’s exhibitions cover a range of science topics, from astronomy to zoology and everything in between.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Australia’s stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. The Museum’s stunning architecture provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people. Take a guided tour or wander solo through the many exhibitions. Get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history. At Kspace, the Museum’s new interactive kids’ adventure game played in teams of 4, kids design a time-travelling robot and enter a Time Pod blasting them back to a mystery location in Australia’s past.
Canberra
The National Capital Exhibition tells the story of Canberra as the capital city of Australia. Canberra is unique in design and innovative in the history of town planning by being the result of a worldwide competition.There is a short film introducing the story of Canberra and films on the day the Capital was named Canberra and the construction of Lake Burley Griffin.
No visit to Questacon is complete without watching—and perhaps taking a starring role in a Spectacular Science Show. Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day are introduced to kids early in their schooling, and a trip to the War Memorial can help bring war history to life. The beautiful building, statues and exhibitions are worth going for alone, and a number of free, guided tours operate daily. On top of this, the Discovery Zone lets kids interact with replica WWI trenches, the Australian home front, a helicopter, a submarine and peacekeeping strategies used in war-torn communities.
9
Out & About
- Canberra Quizzic Alley has Australia’s largest range of official Harry Potter merchandise. Visiting this magical store is an absolute must for any sirius Harry Potter fan. It would be just Ron to miss it! But it’s more than just a store!
Head for Old Parliament House where politics and history are not just for the adults. Kids can follow clues around the House to find the answers to some of the secrets of the building on the Super Sleuth Clue Hunt; dress up as the Duke and Duchess of York as they were when they opened the building in 1927. See the peep hole into the Prime Minister’s office and experience the sound and light show Order! Order! At Old Parliament House, there are always extra special activities for kids during school holidays.
Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra. The Zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, as well as a large saltwater tank. It has some of the most amazing hands-on animal experiences in Australia.
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
Visit the Royal Australian Mint to learn the stories behind every Australian coin in your pocket, purse or piggy bank.View fascinating historical coins, see robots make tomorrow’s coins and strike a coin yourself!
While you’re there Quaff a QBrew (the beverage of choice for witches and wizards everywhere), get sorted into your rightful house or try your hand at driving the world’s most famous magical car. See you at Quizzic Alley - it’s Ravenclawesome!
Canberra
“Amazing collection of Harry Potter related stuff. You can literally find anything here. Can’t believe it took me so long to finally come. See for yourself!” Tara
10
Open every day in the school holidays. Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm Sat-Sun 10am – 4.00pm
5 Pirie St, Canberra (02) 61798856 - Quizzicalley.com
!
Magic
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Canberra -
Out & About
# LetsGo Lets GoKids Kids Voucher
Present Voucher on entry, one time use. Book Online - Valid to 30/9/2021
#
#
LetsGo Lets GoKids Kids
FREE
Voucher 30/09/21
# Voucher
FREE Dobby notebook worth $22.95* *When you spend $50 or more in-store. While stocks last.
5 Pirie St, Canberra - (02) 61798856 - Quizzicalley.com
#
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Expires 30/09/21
Canberra
LetsGo Lets GoKids Kids
# Australia’s most magical store
11
Out & About
- Canberra
Old Parliament House is home to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD). It tells the story of Australian democracy, offering a range of innovative exhibitions, tours and activities for all ages. The kids will love filling out the interactive booklets, dressing up in costumes and playing in “Play Up” – a kids only zone!
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
For something a little different, take a visit to Australia’s only cultural centre dedicated to contemporary glass art. At Canberra Glassworks in Kingston, visitors can meet artists, see glassmaking as it happens, view exhibitions, take tours and even have a hands-on experience working with glass.
For an exciting array of attractions, boutique shopping, cafes and even an old English Pub, the Gold Creek Village precinct has plenty of options to keep everyone entertained (and well fed!). Delight the kids at Cockington Green Gardens (voucher p.9), hear the dino’s roar at the National Dinosaur Museum or visit the awesome Canberra Reptile Centre (voucher p.9).
12
Sometimes the best days spent together as a family are the simplest. A day spent riding bikes around iconic Lake Burley Griffin is guaranteed to be a hit. Pedal past the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and perhaps finish up with a play on the fantastic “Castle Playground” (complete with stone towers and tunnels). Canberra may be an inland city, but the call of the coast is still close enough to enjoy as well!
So, let LetsGoKids show you how to spend a day, a weekend or even a week in and around our nation’s capital “on the cheap” - where you can see and do lots ....... and spend nothing (or just a little). 1. Ride the FREE City Loop bus to get your bearings and see many of the major sights. 2. Teach kids that money doesn’t grow on trees and see real robots live in action on a trip to the Royal Australian Mint. The tour is free but you’ll need $3 if you want to print your own coin at the end.
3. Find out what the life of a soldier is like at Australian War Memorial, where youngsters can dodge sniper fire in a First World War trench, take control of an Iroquois helicopter and peer through the periscope of a Cold War submarine in the Discovery Zone. 4. Go on a guided tour of the High Court of Australia. Learn about what type of cases are heard and how they are settled. 5. Relax and take in a free film at the National Sound and Film Archive. Check website for screening details. 6. Get arty at the National Gallery of Australia. They have a LOT of kids, activities that change regularly. 7. Head to the National Capital Exhibition (inside front cover) and discover how the city went from the drawing board to reality. 8. At Canberra Glassworks you can watch glass artists at work or make your own piece to take home. Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
Canberra
Cockington Green is of great appeal to children, especially if they are into trains or dolls. Miniature trains make their way through meticulously crafted miniature buildings set within beautiful gardens. A mini steam train ride is a good way for kids to see the village without getting tired legs – and is big enough for parents to go along for the ride.
Whoever said “You don’t get something for nothing” was WRONG!! Canberra is not just the capital of Australia, it is, (thanks to our tax dollars), jam-packed with FREE stuff!!!!!
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Rooms with a wild twist
WINNER - Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia 2017 Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence
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.
02 6287 8444 | www.jamala.com.au
Canberra
info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au
Out & About
- Canberra Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
9. Take the bikes out and explore the Capital on two wheels. Lake Burley Griffin offers a stack of picturesque routes to choose from and little ones will love feeding the ducks. 10. Get climbing at The National Arboretum’s Pod Playground (see play section p.13). 11. Take a drive up to the Telstra Tower, the iconic symbol (other than Parliament House) of Canberra (costs a little). 12. See what early Canberran life was like at Blundells Cottage. Tours and activities are run regularly.
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
13 Rug up, and in the middle of winter, take a toboggan down the slope or build a snowman at
21. Soak up the scintillating views at Red Hill, a lookout located to the south of the city centre. In autumn and winter, the brilliant red and orange hues of the treetops are especially breathtaking. 22. Quizzic Alley is the most magical shop in Australia. Pile into a replica of the Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia, sip on a creamy butterscotchy QBrew (a delicious take on Butterbeer), pop on the sorting hat and talk all things magical. 23. They’re a little off the beaten track but Gibraltar Falls, Canberra’s only waterfall, makes for a gentle, picturesque bushwalk. 24. See a whole community of miniature buildings, people, animals and adventures at Cockington Green Gardens. Don’t miss the details - look closely to see what those tiny people are doing. Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
Corin Forest. 14. Just 25 minutes out of the CBD, Cotter Avenue Reserve has everything you need for a day out. Cook lunch on the barbeque facilities, go for a swim in the Murrumbidgee River and check out the Cotter Dam wall before taking one of the reserve’s many walking trails.
20. Canberra’s fantastic Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Taste, smell, look, touch and listen to all the colourful creations that the clever local craftspeople have to offer.
15. Head downhill at speed. Stromlo Forest Park is the ultimate active outdoor circuit – for cycling, mountain biking, running, walking or horse-riding.
Canberra
16. Look at our Wot’s On section (p.46) to see what other events or happenings are on for families this week!
14
17. Tackling a serious issue facing children across Australia and giving children the chance to get hands on, Play Up - The Right to Shelter, is a not-to-be missed exhibition and experience at the Museum of Democracy. 18. The Australian National Botanical Gardens are a great spot to have a picnic before getting acquainted with some native flora and fauna. See how many different birds you can spot. 19. Enjoy a dip in Yarralumla Bay.
25. Mount Ainslie Lookout offers an impressive and well-earned view after a trek up the mountain starting near the Australian War Memorial. 26. Head to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and explore the wetlands for an elusive platypus.You can watch the daily pelican feeding, take a hike, or watch the kangaroos from the playground. 27. Lanyon Homestead is one of Australia’s premier historic properties.The 1859 Homestead, has been beautifully restored and furnished.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Play
Whether it’s playing sport, visiting a park or a lakeside beach, petting an animal or “tearing it up” at an awesome playground - There is something for all tastes, no matter what the season!!
PARKS
The National Arboretum Canberra A massive botanical garden with a focus on trees. The Arboretum is the most renowned of all the Canberra parks and a must visit for enthusiasts. You can visit 94 different types of forest and see lovely sculptures, enjoy the shop and the cafe. They have heaps of kid’s activities too. Cockington Green Gardens Features a model village and miniatures of iconic buildings from around the globe. This is one for the whole family with miniature cricket grounds for the budding sports players, fairy-tale castles for the Princesses in training and fascinating replicas of international architecture for the “culture vultures”.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
Canberra’s great weather means you can spend lots of time out and about in the great outdoors (although you may have to rug up a tad in winter!)
Cotter Avenue Cotter Avenue is a popular recreation venue ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation. Facilities include short walking tracks to the Cotter Dam and river and limited camping at the adjacent Cotter Campground.Take the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, lined with stories of Canberra’s water history. It features a 16-metre wide, amphitheatre style viewing platform with majestic views of the dam wall. Black Mountain Peninsula This is the perfect summer playground – 22.2 hectares of foreshore parkland with lots of grass for natural play, water for swimming and paddling, and some lovely beaches and water’s edge to stroll along. There are also picnic areas, drinking fountains and all-ability-access playgrounds, which make it a great option for everyone.
15
Play
The park has expansive views, water rapids and recreational opportunities for all ages including the Woodlands Fitness Trail.
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
The playground includes a tree house, flying fox and play sculpture. The Snake House has a large timber climbing unit featuring a wave board and nest spinner, a climbing net and a play structure with ramp for access.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Tidbinbilla is without a doubt a place not to be missed in the Nation’s Capital. Explore more than 20 marked walking trails, ranging from an easy 15-minute stroll to an all-day bushwalk. Some of the most popular trails allow for glimpses of platypus, possums, wombats, echidnas, emus and many other birds and reptiles. Lennox Garden Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offers beautiful views of Black Mountain, the Brindabella Ranges and the city centre. Lennox Gardens is home to two landscaped gifts from Japan and China; each celebrating the sister city links between Canberra, Beijing and Japan’s ancient capital, Nara. The Beijing Garden is designed in the imperial Chinese garden style of the Qing Dynasty. It features a traditional Chinese welcome gate, paths that meander past Chinese stone sculptures and a Chinese pavilion offering a place for quiet retreat to enjoy the garden’s serenity.
16
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
John Knight Park John Knight Memorial Park is a large 12-hectare park located on the eastern foreshores of Lake Ginninderra and is accessible from Aikman Drive. Park facilities include picnic areas, barbecue facilities, public toilets, fitness equipment, playgrounds, a disc golf course and a fixed orienteering course. Australian National Botanic Gardens Located minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Canberra city centre, it offers a breathtaking array of native plants in a spectacular bushland setting.This is the only place in the world you’ll see this diversity of Australian native plants in one location. With year-round events, school holiday programs, exhibitions, guided walks and talks, a cafe, botanical gift shop and even a day spa, this is the perfect way to connect to nature.
Corin Forest During winter Corin Forest provides Canberra’s only snow experience. Rug up and get set for beginner skiing or boarding, with lessons from trained instructors available. Join snow play for tobogganing, snowmen and snowball fights. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by the roaring open fire in the lodge.
PLAYGROUNDS
Boundless Playground in Kings Park, just off Kings Avenue Bridge The fully secured playground has a massive fort, a glider, a maze, giant swings and even water cannons. Ramp access, low swings and loads of sensory features are throughout the playground making it inclusive for all ages and abilities. The playground is not far from the National Carillion so you will be able to time how long you have been at the playground by listening to the chiming bells every quarter of an hour!
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Play
The Pod Playground Canberra’s coolest and most unique playground (and probably the most expensive as it cost 3 million bucks to build!). The central feature of the playground is the Pods otherwise known as acorns and banksia huts. It’s a multi age playground so your big kids can climb through the acorns in the sky, and your little kids can play in the banksia huts on the ground. There are rope tunnels and tube slippery slides connecting all of the acorns as well as port holes for kids to see out of – the views over the surrounding Arboretum are spectacular.
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
Back down on earth little ones will love playing with the musical instruments in the banksia huts and mucking around in the sand pits as well as crawling and climbing all over the intriguing natural sculptures located throughout the playground.
Adventure Playground Kambah Springbett St, Kambah This playground has been designed to meet the needs of toddlers, juniors and teenagers. There’s a tree house, junior and senior flying foxes, giant swings, space net and wheelchair accessible liberty swing. Skaters and BMX riders can try the challenging half-pipe.
18
Photo courtesy of Tourism ACT
Commonwealth Park and Tunnel Playground Albert St, Parkes This 34.5 ha park is home to interesting sculptures, hidden walks and ponds as well as lots of perfect picnic spots with BBQ facilities available. The “Tunnel Playground” is a like an underground playground, where kids can crawl through stone tunnels and also up and over them.
Weston Park Weston Park Rd,Yarralumla This park has been a favourite with families for many years. Located on the water, it has a beach, cycle tracks, picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets, a cool playground and a miniature railway. All of the play equipment is spread out so you don’t feel as though you are too crowded. The kids will love playing with the mechanical sand diggers, climbing on the rope tower and yelling through the speaker phones. Check out the mini golf, petting zoo, miniature railway and other attractions at Yarralumla Play Station. Yerrabi Pond District Park Nallie Hamilton Ave, Gungahlin If you’re exploring northside, this is a wonderful adventure playground which includes an allabilities swing, multiple flying foxes, and a slide/ climbing structure with cubby spaces underneath. Other features include a skateboard/scooter area, BBQs and shaded picnic areas under the trees. Like John Knight Park, Yerrabi Pond also features heaps of watery wildlife. Fadden Pines Bugden Ave, Fadden This brilliant Tuggeranong park is well worth the drive if you’re on the other side of the city. Set on 41 hectares, there’s an adventure playground, skateboard area and picnic areas in a gorgeous open green space.There is plenty of room for the kids to run around among the trees, and you can make use of the free barbeques and sheltered areas.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Merimbula -
Out & About
Escape the city on a family getaway to the Sapphire Coast. The coastline is a natural playground for kids, adults and everyone in between. From animal encounters to adventure challenges, the outdoor experiences are like nothing else on earth. A natural paradise, Eden is one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia between May and early November. The third-deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere,Twofold Bay has a long history with whales.The self-drive Killer Whale Trail is an intriguing trip into the past when whales were hunted for oil and cosmetics. You’ll find plenty of shoreline vantage points around Twofold Bay and along the coast in Ben Boyd National Park for spotting whales. Green Cape lookout is a popular spot. A visit to the Killer Whale Museum at the top of the town is a must for those budding history buffs. Through its comprehensive collection of artefacts, it tells the story of the most incredible human and killer whale partnership ever witnessed.
If you hear a siren whilst you’re in Eden, that’s alerting the townsfolk that there’s a whale in the bay - ask the staff where it is!
Sapphire Coast
LetsGoKids 2020/21
19
Out & About
- Narooma At Potoroo Palace Native Sanctuary, animals roam freely in the park and can be hand fed, and others you can meet in special one-on-one close encounters. Many of the animals at the sanctuary are native to the Merimbula area and some are very rare now. Savour the rare opportunity to see a koala, wander among the kangaroos, touch a snake, stroll through the cooling mist of the walk-through aviary, feed an emu or grab a snack for yourself at the Blue Wren Cafe.
With beautiful ocean beaches and tranquil coastal lakes, Merimbula is an enchanting seaside town.Wonderful things to do and see include a range of water sports, whale watching, exploring an aquarium and wildlife sanctuary, and tasting delicious fresh seafood. The waters of the Merimbula’s lakes and beaches were impressively clear and pristine. Down at the harbour you can watch marine animals, including large rays glide under the wharf into the clear waters below. From sharks to shrimps, octopus to the tropical fish, it’s all on display at the Merimbula Aquarium. It has 27 tanks and a fantastic 70,000 litre oceanarium full of large ocean fish and sharks. Head upstairs for fish and chips, or cake and coffee and enjoy the spectacular views of Merimbula’s bay and main beach.
Dairying began in the verdant Bega Valley in the 1850s and the original Bega Cheese factory opened in 1900. Today, you can visit the site of the original factory in Lagoon St, where cheeses are still made today. Learn about cheese making at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, a faithful reconstruction of one of the first buildings of the Bega Cooperative Creamery Company, the forerunner of Bega Cheese. Bermagui is famous for deep-sea game fishing. With the continental shelf only 20km offshore, discover the thrill of game fishing in the deep blue waters for black marlin and ellowfin tuna on fishing charters that depart from Bermagui Harbour.
Eurobodalla
Head to Magic Mountain for some serious family fun. Start with the treetop climb. Families can scramble through the treetops, climb through ropes and zoom high above the ground on flying foxes. If it’s hot - head to the waterslides. Little kids will love the magic slide, the jumping castles and the pirate’s playground.
Race your family members and soak up the coastal bush on 50+ kilometres of single track that snakes through the hills and gullies of Tathra.The trails have it all - climbs, descents, bridges, ferny gullies, ocean views, beach destinations and local wildlife. If you want to take it easy, bike along the flat path from Tathra to Mogareeka Inlet instead and end it with fish and chips upon your return!
20
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Narooma -
Out & About
Load up the car, grab the kids and hit the road to Narooma... A place where time stands still! This is utterly one of the most perfect escapes from the city and everyday busy life. A three hour trip from south-east Canberra... it is certainly worth the drive! The inlet waters are crystal clear and with the backdrop of Gulaga Mountain and the old bridge, the waters and the mountain have become an iconic image of this quiet South Coast town. Centred around the Wagonga Inlet, the town has amazing views, great beaches and of course the oyster filled lake system. On the northern side of the inlet, the Mill Bay Boardwalk meanders scenically along the water’s edge. Part of the Batemans Marine Park, schools of fish, as well as rays, dolphins and seals are often seen scooting by. Wide enough for walking and cycling, the boardwalk leads to Apex Park, where the nearby clear netted waters at Bar Beach provide the perfect spot for a sheltered swim or snorkel.
To truly see the beauty of Narooma you must see it on water! You can hire a kayak or a boat and spend as much time as you want exploring the tranquil and pristine waters that Narooma has on offer. The fishing around Narooma is superb and can be as easy as casting a line from the shore. Narooma has great beach options. To the north of the Inlet you will find Bar Beach which is a popular surf break. To the south is Narooma main beach which is patrolled and further south of Narooma you will find Handkerchief Beach which has a tidal inlet much enjoyed by families. This beach is a local secret. Shhh!
The best waterfront location, accommodation from luxury 3 bedroom Condo Cabins to grassy caravan sites.
MONTY’S ISLAND OASIS • • •
Indoor heated waterpark 7x7m spa pool Crystal clear pool
• • •
Two Slides Dumping Bucket Jumping Pillow
Fun for the entire family! 02 4476 2046 - www.eastsnarooma.com.au
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Eurobodalla
BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park
21
Out & About
- Narooma
The “Kinema” has become an icon in Narooma with its art deco influence and ambiance, is something appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
Step back in time and uncover the historic Tilba area which is only a short 10-15 minute drive from beautiful Narooma. Central Tilba is a national heritage listed, restored and maintained period village. Stroll around the many shops and galleries or enjoy lunch or a coffee at one of the cafes, browse through antiques, unique modern jewellery and traditional crafts and make sure to sample some of the wares of the ABC Cheese Factory. The iconic two-story Dromedary Hotel has been a Tilba gathering place for over 120 years and retains much of its original feel and charm. Across the road, the old-school lolly shop with its huge range of treats and sweets is another well-known meeting place and a delight for families discovering old favourites together.
Eurobodalla
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
If it’s breathtaking natural beauty you’re after, then look no further than Montague Island. It is home to a large colony of Australian and New Zealand fur seals and one of the largest penguin breeding sites in Australia. Peregrine falcons, crested terns and silver gulls patrol the skies and migrating whales feed off the water’s abundant krill. Take an exhilarating boat trip out to the island where you will meet the resident seals. You can jump in the water and snorkel or dive for an up-close and personal encounter with these curious animals. Montague Island Tours are available daily dependent on minimum numbers and sea conditions.
Narooma has two sides. The boisterous ocean side with whales, rocks, beaches and ocean views. Then there is the quiet side of the Wagonga Inlet with its boathouses, cafes, oyster sheds and marinas. This side also has a great area for family safe paddling with cycle, kayak and stand up paddle board hire in summer. Rent a barbie boat for a great day out.
22
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Batemans Bay Heading up the highway, The Bodalla Dairy and its cafe (The Dairy Shed) is in the heart of the historic village of Bodalla. It continues the age old tradition of gently pasteurising their herd’s beautiful milk. Enjoy milk like it used to taste fresh, simple and sweet, bottled and on the shelf just hours after the cows are milked. You can see the process through the factory’s large viewing windows, learn about the dairy industry, and taste the acclaimed milk, cheese and yoghurt products. In the retro cafe, treat yourself to a thick old-fashioned milkshake.
Tuross Head is a place many visitors never want to leave. The beach area to the north of the inlet is sublime, with the water ranging from crystal clear to deep blue as it alternates the sandy depths and shallows.
Out & About
The country heart of Eurobodalla, Moruya has charm and secrets to share with those ready to explore. Historic Quarry Park on the river’s edge tells the story of how Moruya provided stone for many of Sydney’s landmarks, including the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tales of quarrying and loading granite onto barges for the sometimes perilous ocean journey are largely unknown. On your explorations, around town, you will notice large timber carvings such as the three metre tall ‘The Airman’ in Vulcan Street. Hand crafted from large slabs, there are 11 more of these to be discovered. Moruya is a cultural hub with a thriving arts community and hosts a full and surprising events calendar. Broulee is the quitessential Aussie seaside holiday town, surrounded by crystal clear waters, great surf and wide stretches of sandy beach. Broulee has a true surf culture, with beaches to suit every leel of experience. North Broulee is one of the best learn-to-surf beaches in Australia, with a sheltered position and a flat sandy bottom.
The best choice for a family holiday - Batemans Bay & Moruya Heads! Moruya Heads - unwind in the beautiful tranquil bush setting with direct access to the beach Batemans Bay - on the banks of the beautiful Clyde River, you can fish from your cabin Moruya Heads
BIG4 Batemans Bay Easts Riverside Holiday Park 02 4472 4048 BIG4 Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park 02 4474 2748
www.easts.com.au
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Batemans Bay
Eurobodalla
Accommodation from luxury 3 bedroom Condo cabins to powered caravan sites. With a Playground, Crystal Clear Swimming Pool, TV Room, Table Tennis, Giant Chess Set.
23
Out & About
- Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay has many attractions for people of all ages. Whether you’re into beaches, scenery, or zoos, there’s always something to do. A happy mix of seaside village and cosmopolitan town, Batemans Bay has an easy and relaxed charm that reminds us that life is to be enjoyed. Surrounded by forests and waterways, the town unfolds along the banks of the Clyde River, forming a gateway to the Eurobodalla region beyond.
Fun for the Whole Family SPEND A DAY WITH US IN BATEMANS BAY 154 Beach Rd, Batemans Bay (02) 4472 4022 www.clubcatalina.com.au FB: @ClubCatalinaBatemansBay
The Batemans Bay Heritage Museum explores the local history of the Batemans Bay area, including the early days of European settlement when timber cutting and milling became the first major industry of the area. Take a tour of the buildings, where each room tells a different, but related story.
Eurobodalla
Explore pristine coastal lakes, tidal estuaries and open coastline of the Batemans Marine Park in the Eurobodalla Shire.
24
WORTH A LOOK!
Just 10km from Batemans Bay is a lovely country town called Mogo. There is plenty to do there. Lots of great little shops from antiques to lolly shops, homewares and books. There’s something for everyone. There is also the famous Mogo Zoo which is a must see if you haven’t been before. This lovely zoo is the home to Australia’s only white lions which are absolutely beautiful.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
MV Merinda (established 1988) leaves the Boatshed daily on a relaxing and informative tour of the Clyde River. Whilst enjoying fresh fish, chips and salad, travel to Nelligen for a short stop over to visit local historical sites.
Kayaking gives you the best seat for a view of the marine environment as you skim across the shallows or break out into the open water in search of dolphins and whales. You can join a tour or head out on your own to explore some quieter waters with a rental. Getting your own kayak? Personal tuition will help you to get off to a safer start. To the north of the town, the beaches at Surfside, Long Beach and Maloneys Beach offer protected waters ideal for families, relaxed walks, and picnics with local Eastern Grey Kangaroo’s. Cullendulla Creek, a hidden marine sanctuary flanked by a raised mangrove boardwalk, is particularly striking – with crystal clear swimming and expansive sand flats to lose yourself in.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
LAKESEA PARK Between the Lake and the Sea • Multi award winning. • Only 15 minutes drive North of Batemans Bay. • On peninsula bordered by Durras Lake and South Durras Beach. • Accommodation for all budgets 4.5 star to 2.5 star cabins. • 3.5 star camp sites and 3.5 star ensuite camp sites. 1 Durras Lake Road, South Durras NSW 2536 Phone: (02) 4478 6122 Email: info@lakesea.com.au www.lakesea.com.au
CLYDE VIEW HOLIDAY PARK Location… Location… Location • Villas right on the beach. • Only 10 minutes drive South of Batemans Bay. • 4.5 to 3.5 star villas and powered camp sites. • Solar heated swimming pool. • Opposite shopping centre, day spa, bakery and restaurants. • Next door to adventure playground and beach reserve. 107 Beach Rd, Batehaven NSW 2536 Phone: (02) 4472 4224 Email: info@clydeview.com.au www.clydeview.com.au
Games WHAT WORDS CAN YOU FIND? Arboretum Belconnen Blundells Cottage Burley Griffith Canberra Theatre Capital Hill Cockington Corin Forest Glassworks Gold Creek Jamala Parliament House Queanbeyan Royal Mint Telstra Tower Tidbinbilla
WHERE IS COOPER
THE LETSGOKIDS
PUPPY HIDING?
26
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Games HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW CANBERRA?
ACROSS 5. What is the event held in September set around flowers? 8. What is the name given to the Prime Minister’s residence in Canberra? 9. The red room in Parliament House 10. The name of Canberra’s NRL team. 11. Where would you find the Pod Playground? 12. The interactive national science centre. 13. Name of the institute that the elite athletes train at? DOWN 1. Name of Canberra’s Super Rugby team. 2. What is the name of the Wildlife Lodge you can stay at? 3. By what name was the Canberra region previously known? 4. What is the name of the lake that sits in the middle of Canberra? 6. The nature reserve where you can see elusive platypus’. 7. What is located at the top of Black Mountain?
LetsGoKids 2020/21
27
Out & About
- Ulladulla
In the middle of the Shoalhaven region, Ulladulla is 3h 30 min drive from Sydney and 2h 45 min from Canberra. It has a beautiful boat harbour, with its distinctive rocky breakwater, which is the hub of this delightful seaside township. The whole area is pristine – river, beaches, lakes, forest - it has a real feel of peace and beauty!
Ulladulla
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
Ulladulla is renowned for its seafood, and the local co-operative at the harbour is a great place to buy ‘fresh off the boat’ fish-of-the-day. The colourful Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony is held annually on the harbour breakwater.
28
This is a time-honoured custom borne by local Italian/Australian fishermen, where trawlers are decorated and blessed and a carnival-like family atmosphere pervades, all capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour. Water sports such as fishing, swimming, diving and surfing are popular. Tours range from heritage walks and Aboriginal cultural experiences to fishing charters, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and diving. Funland (see below), has games, activities and is (as the name suggests), fun for the whole family. There is a bowling alley and cinema as well.
O PE N 7 DAYS F R O M 9. 3 0A M
e e r ThFLOORS OF FUN!
◆ L A S E R TAG ◆ D O D G E M CA R S ◆ S U PE R S L I D E S ◆ PR I Z E G A M E S ◆ ◆ S I M U L ATO R S ◆ T I C K E T G A M E S ◆ C L A S S I C A R CA D E ◆ D R IVI N G G A M E S ◆
AWESOME PRIZES & UNLIMITED FUN Find us on the 1st Floor in Rowen’s Arcade Princes Hwy, Ulladulla NSW 2539
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Out & About
- Ulladulla Nearby, Mollymook Beach is a major attraction, sweeping 2km. At the southern end is the Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club, which patrols the beach during the warmer months. Relax on the fine white sands and soak up the views and the sun, and enjoy swimming.The grassy knoll behind the beach is perfect for picnics.
One of the highlights in town is actually the accommodation! Surrounded by natural bushland, their unspoilt beauty provides excellent fishing spots and safe boating, sailing and windsurfing. Accommodation is available in motels, caravan parks and holiday cottages, all close to the lake and beach. Kings Point Retreat (voucher p.27) has an awesome water park that locals and visitors can use for a fee. The other holiday parks have great kids’ programs and activities as well. They are clustered around nearby townships of Burrill Lake and Dolphin Point.
A large natural rock pool is at the southern end near the Mollymook headland.The tidal pool is called Bogey Hole and great for swimming and snorkelling. Nearby, the charming township of Milton, with its arts and craft stores, excellent cafes and restaurants, unique designer shops and quality accommodation has long been a favourite with visitors and provides
a great base for exploring the local attractions. The character of Milton is enhanced by its many historic buildings, to the extent that the entire town has now been classified by the National
Explore the South Coast with our six family friendly holiday parks
Ulladulla
We offer a range of accommodation options such as holiday cabins, caravan and camping sites. For the kids, there are plenty of recreation areas including swimming pools, splash pads, jumping pillows and mini golf.
30
Holiday Haven Swan Lake Holiday Haven Bendalong Holiday Haven Lake Conjola Holiday Haven Ulladulla Holiday Haven Burrill Lake Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie
1300 555 517 1300 733 025 1300 133 395 1300 733 021 1300 555 525 1300 559 966
Call us or book online today!
holidayhaven.com.au LetsGoKids 2020/21
Huskisson -
Out & About
The Jervis Bay area has become increasingly popular in recent years, in no small measure due to the natural attractions of the Bay itself and to its exquisite coastal landscape. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday with lots of outdoor time, this may be the ideal seaside escape, you’ll love the crystal-blue waters, white sandy beaches and the plethora of water sports activities. Huskisson is at the centre of it all and is a beautiful town with a rich shipbuilding heritage.
Huskisson sits on the shores of the spectacular Jervis Bay Marine Park where the crystal blue waters are home to abundant marine life, including fur seals, little penguins, weedy sea dragon’s, sea eagles, garnets and over 1000 resident bottlenose dolphins! One of Shoalhaven’s biggest draw cards for nature-lovers though, is it’s incredible whale-watching opportunities. Jervis Bay has become a thoroughfare for whales making their yearly migration.
During their 5,000km journey, they put on quite a show as they pass along the South Coast. Shoalhaven has some of the best vantage points to see these incredible mammals in action. A mini industry of whale watching tours has developed to site these great mammals, which can be reliably sited during June and July and again in the September to November season. Jervis Bay Wild operates eco-tours on board their vessel ‘Port Venture’. Wheelchairs get the best seat in the house, and people with any kind of disability can be hoisted direct to the boom-net for some summer fun! This is a truly unique experience for the whole family. You can take organised sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboard or snorkelling tours for a higher chance of marine life encounters. If you prefer a little more adrenaline, you can also give kiteboarding lessons a go. Jervis is also packed with surf schools, for those wannabe groms after the best breaks in town.
#
Voucher
Huskisson
LetsGo Lets GoKids Kids
# LetsGoKids 2020/21
Expiry 30/06/21
31
Out & About
- Huskisson
Rent a bike and explore natural attractions along the foreshore on the many bike paths. Golfers will marvel at the views from Vincentia Golf Club, which also has a restaurant. Beautiful beaches stretch along the 6.5 km Vincentia foreshore, to Huskisson in the north and Hyams Beach in the south. A great way to experience the splendour is on the White Sands Walk, which begins at the boardwalk on Greenfield Beach. This memorable trail takes you to Hyams Beach.
The return route is via the Scribbly Gum Track. Greenfield Beach is lined by old growth forest and a lovely park and picnic area. Blenheim Beach is a great snorkelling spot and there’s a nearby reserve with a playground and a picnic ground. Orion Beach is one of Vincentia’s best-kept secrets.
Huskisson
WORTH A LOOK!
32
For the history buff, head to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in Huskisson. It’s great fun exploring the Lady Denman, an old Sydney Harbour passenger ship that was in service for nearly 70 years. The museum boasts a lovely waterfront location, with native gardens, historic buildings and a mangrove boardwalk.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Huskisson The Jervis Maritime Museum (p.29) features a world renowned collection of maritime artefacts and navigational and surveying instruments.
HANDY HINT
The complex includes a large recreation area with native gardens, a mangrove boardwalk, fish feeding pond, boathouse and historic buildings.
A fabulous beach for a big day out is Honeymoon Bay. It’s on the opposite side of the bay to Vincentia and Huskisson, the drive takes 40 minutes or so. The horseshoe shaped bay is small and sweet with lovely beach to play on, clear waters and rocks to explore. Then drive over to the delightful village of Currarong for fish and
The historic Huskisson Pictures is a great place to relax, unwind and hide out for a couple of hours. The charming building was constructed in 1913 and has been screening movies since the 1950s. When Jervis Bay National Park was handed back to its rightful Aboriginal owners, it was renamed Booderee – the bay of plenty. It’s owned by the Koori people, and their ancestry reflected in the wind and water.
Out & About
It is the home and spirit of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal people, and the community remains within the National Park. Venture down scenic walking trails into the depths of Booderee National Park, where you’ll stumble across secret waterhole and ruins. See if you can find the gorgeous Green Patch swimming spots, or the Cape St George Lighthouse ruins, perched on the Booderee cliffs. There’s a small fee to enter, but it’s well worth the experience.
Take in the water views
Holiday Haven White Sands 1300 733 028 Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach 1300 733 027 Call us or book online today!
holidayhaven.com.au LetsGoKids 2020/21
Huskisson
Located on beautiful Jervis Bay, our holiday parks boast pristine waters, white sand and spectacular views of the bay. We offer a range of accommodation options such as holiday cabins, caravan and camping sites.
33
Out & About
- Nowra
Sitting as the commercial hub of the Shoalhaven is the riverside centre of Nowra. Taking its name from the Aboriginal word meaning “camping place” or “black cockatoo”. Its distinctive bridge and elevated helicopter herald the entry to this thriving cultural centre. Pretty landscaped gardens and parks make a great stop for travellers looking for a drive-revive ‘cuppa and cake’ and a good selection of restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets are located in the main centre and points of entry.
The streets of Nowra showcase a bunch of epic street art murals and the tongue-in-cheek Toilet Mural Trail features some stunning paintings that have brightened up local parks such as Currarong foreshore. A visit to Nowra Aquatic Centre is one of the best kids activities Nowra has to offer. It can get very busy on a hot, sunny day but you can always go early to beat the crowds. This pool and slides is a great spot to visit with the family when you’re in town. A trip to Shoalhaven Zoo is guaranteed to put a huge smile on the kid’s faces. Get up close and personal with over 100 species of animals including lions, koalas, monkeys and wombats. Make sure to take advantage of feeding times where the experienced handlers will help your children hand feed the cute and cuddly creatures!
Nowra
For those looking to stay, there’s plenty of accommodation and lots to do and see in the local area. The Shoalhaven City Arts Centre houses an ever changing array of excellent works by local artists, while nearby is the gracious Meroogal, an Historic Houses Trust property, its contents a tribute to the four generations of Australian women who lived there.
WORTH A LOOK!
Just up the Shoalhaven River from Nowra, is the heritage listed Bundanon, home of the great artist Arthur Boyd who donated it to the public in 1993. The homestead and land includes the adjoining property of another great artist, Sidney Nolan. The historic homestead and Boyd’s studio are open on Sundays from 10.30am to 4pm.
34
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Out & About
- Nowra
Get the heart rate going with Trees Adventure. Kids older than 4 years can spend a couple of hours navigating through this treetop ropes course and zip lining experience. Climb as many courses as you can fit in your 2-hour session. Swing, climb, leap and fly through the lush green canopies and satisfy the entire family’s inner thrill seekers. Surprising to many is Nowra’s growing list of local wineries. Most have cellar doors and also house local art in the tasting areas, while on weekends jazz-style entertainment is becoming popular. Sunday sessions at Cupitt’s Winery are a fabulous free way to spend an afternoon in the sun. Throw down a picnic blanket and listen to live music with a glass of wine and slice of woodfired pizza while the kids run amok on the huge lawn area.
HANDY HINT The Shoalhaven is a beach lover’s paradise and we urge you to take the family and tick some off your bucket list. Log onto the 100 Beach Challenge and spend the day soaking up the sun, sand and surf. Moona Moona Creek Lagoon and Honeymoon Bay are excellent swimming spots thanks to the calm and quiet waters. Pack a hamper filled with delicious local produce and set up a picnic down at Bawley Point or Narrawallee. If you’re planning an adventure in Booderee National Park, a long time family favourite is secluded Green Patch Beach which boasts beautiful white sand. At the mouth of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, Shoalhaven Heads is perfect for a beach holiday and a great base for exploring colonial heritage and acclaimed wineries. A short drive southeast of Berry and two hours from Sydney, you’ll be delighted with the wonderful things to do, see and taste in this charming seaside town.
Four Holiday Parks the whole family will enjoy
Nowra
We offer a range of accommodation options such as holiday cabins, caravan and camping sites. For the kids, our parks offer a range of recreation facilities along with an activities programme available during school holidays.
36
Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Haven Culburra Beach Holiday Haven Currarong
1300 559 977 1300 782 222 1300 733 026 1300 555 515
Call us or book online today!
holidayhaven.com.au LetsGoKids 2020/21
#100beachchallenge
100BeachChallenge.com
How many can you tick off?
Out & About
- Kiama
The Kiama area loves families- and the feeling appears to be mutual. In fact, there’s a reason some adults have been coming back to the Kiama area year after year since they were children. Blowhole Point is the ideal place to get your bearings – and also the best place to enjoy 360 degree views. Located at the eastern end of town it’s here that you’ll find the world famous Blowhole, Kiama Lighthouse and the Visitors Centre.
Get Lost In Amazed You will be • Maze • Canoes • Haycart ride • Mini golf • Picnics
h there is to at how muc
do....
• Archery • Birthday parties • Giant chess • Paddle boats • Pony rides
The Blowhole’s natural rock formation spouts seawater 20 meters or more into the air. Spectators are drenched if they go too close to the Blowhole! The area is floodlit until 1 am, offering an amazing night-time attraction. If the water spout is placid, drive 10mins south to the Little Blowhole which relies on the prevailing northeast seas.
The nearby lighthouse has breathtaking views and plaques with historical stories that tell the history of the area. The Pilot’s Cottage Museum is located there too.
Kiama
Ocean views, spectacular rock formations and unspoilt beaches are to be seen on The Kiama Coast Walk - an unbroken ribbon of exploration stretching 22kms from the mouth of the Minnamurra River south through Kiama to Gerringong’s Werri Beach. It hugs the edge of our mighty continent while offering a mix of sealed paths, grassed tracks and beach walking. The views are simply breathtaking.
38
If it’s the right time of year, grab a towel and hit up the two harbourside ocean pools or surf Kendalls or East Beach. Drive up nearby Saddleback Mountain and soak up the views. On a clear day, take in the view from Cronulla in the north to Milton in the South. While the north facing viewing platform is excellent, be sure to check out the southern platform further up from the main carpark.
For information on many more attractions go to www.grantiesmaze.com.au 25 Princes Highway, Foxground (8 klms north of Berry)
Ph: 0407 284 888
AW3174764
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
more than 60 attractions
Minnamurra Rainforest is a great place for bushwalking, wildlife spotting and chasing waterfalls. See Lyrebirds, Whipbirds, Yellow Robins, Water Dragons and ancient figs as you take the Loop Walk (1.6kms) or take on the Falls Walk (2.6kms) with views onto the canopy below. Nellies Glen is another great spot to visit. Relax with a picnic and the sights and sounds of nearby waterfalls. An idyllic swimming hole is a great place for bird watching. Just a short drive out of Kiama, set amongst rolling green hills is Jamberoo Action Park (see opposite). It boasts The Perfect Storm, the tallest, longest, fastest water ride ever built! It has lots of shade, plenty of different rides to accommodate all ages and the luxury of allowing you to bring your own food and drink. Open between September and April, it pays to buy your tickets early in the peak of summer to avoid missing out.
DID YOU KNOW
Kiama was one of the first locations in Australia to receive highspeed NBN internet. Kiama’s central business area offers free WiFi for all – simply connect to Kiama Council Free WiFi.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
THE PERFECT SUMMER
FAMILY DAY OUT CONTROL THE ACTION THIS
SUMMER AT JAMBEROO
WWW.JAMBEROO.NET
Out & About
- Shellharbour
Shellharbour is located only 90 minutes from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra. The Shellharbour region bridges lush hinterland with the dramatic southern coastline of New South Wales. World-class surf breaks and magnificent national parklands draw families to this picturesque seaside holiday spot all year round. Whether you’re seeking a seaside escape, an adventure or a great value family holiday, you’ll be delighted with Shellharbour.
CRAZY SOFT-SERVE CREATIONS
It’s no surprise that the beaches are best enjoyed in the warmer months. However, Shellharbour gets pretty busy during the peak of summer. Make sure you book accommodation well in advance when travelling over summer and during school holidays. Shellharbour offers five stunning beaches including “The Farm”, a National Surfing Reserve located within Killalea Reserve where the little and big kids can learn to surf by taking a lesson with a local surfing school.
Visit us Cnr Wattle & Shellharbour Rds, Shellharbour Call us 02 4296 7155 shellys.com.au
The three-kilometre stretch is dotted with sculptures from local artists, highlighting the local history, Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty of the area. The calmness of the lake is also the ideal place to give Stand Up Paddle Boarding a try with Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
Shellharbour
Lake Illawarra is the perfect backdrop for a sunset picnic. Kick a ball around, have some nibbles and watch the sky turn pink over this huge 33-square-kilometre lake.
40
Shellharbour North Beach is the most popular spot in the region for a swim. Patrolled during the summer months, the conditions are usually great for swimming and boogie boarding.
The new Ninja Warrior course will be a hit with the kids along with other children’s playgrounds along the lake foreshore, and the kiosk and facilities will keep the kids entertained for hours.
Bushrangers Bay is a great place to spend an afternoon in the sun. The inner bay is protected from the swell and is a fabulous place to have a snorkel. The rock pools are home to hundreds of sea urchins, fish and corals. Walk or hire bikes for a ride along the water’s edge of Lake Illawarra, the extensive shared pathway network will take you past the Lake Illawarra Art Trail.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Shellharbour -
Out & About
Oh, and don’t forget to have some old-time rollerskating fun at District Skate Oak Flats. The Illawarra Light Railway Museum will be a hit with steam, diesel and miniature train rides as you ride in carriages that you just don’t see on the railway lines anymore. Take a picnic to the museum for a fun day for the whole family.
When visiting Shellharbour, passing through the busy historical village is a given. But, make sure you take the time to wander through the specialty shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the many local cafes and restaurants, or grab yourself some fish and chips before you explore the harbour area. Little Park is a fantastic park for kids, designed by kids. The tree fort, rock climbing wall, rope bridge, flying fox and inground trampoline will keep young ones entertained for hours or take a dip in the ocean pool at the foreshore and soak up the relaxed vibe of Shellharbour Village. Tee off at one of the golf courses or enjoy some mini golf with the littlies at Crazy Putt for some challenging fun. Kids with a need for speed can do a few laps at C1 Speed Indoor Go Karting track in Albion Park. The 400-metre track is the first electric indoor karting track in Australia.You can also test your combat skills with some Laser Tag.
The family will love taking to the sky for a scenic helicopter flight or they can enjoy some aviation history at the HARS Aircraft Museum where you can go on board the “Connie” the Super Constellation, the airline of the 1950’s. Here you can also take a tour of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747-400 or sit in the cockpit of an F-111 fighter jet. Walking on the Wing of the a 747 will top off the HARS experience. The Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures offers some fabulous views while overlooking the rainforest below or better still, the zipline will be sure to thrill the young and young at heart. Stay for a while, there are many accommodation options available including at Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park which is in close proximity to accessible play equipment, grassy picnic spots and the ocean pool is just steps away. The staff at the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre can help you plan and book your next Shellharbour holiday. Take a browse on our website www.visitshellharbour.com.au or give us a call on 1300 656 169.
90 mins south of Sydney 2.5 hours from Canberra
k Boo e n i l On
1300 656 169
Open 7 days (9am to 5pm) Cnr Addison & Wentworth Streets, Shellharbour Village
www.visitshellharbour.com.au
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Shellharbour
South Coast NSW
For a FREE Visitors Guide or informaaon & bookings on accommodaaon, events, and aaraccons please call
41
Out & About
- Wollongong
Tired, burnt out and desperate for a holiday? Yep, we know how you feel. Luckily, Wollongong is perfect for families and affordable too! Sometimes a weekend away is all you need to recharge your batteries and families love escaping to Wollongong for some R&R. Only 90 mins south of Sydney, and 2.5 hours from Canberra.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
There are plenty of reasons to go no further than Wollongong and the Illawarra. You can horse ride, ‘fly’ above the treetops, catch some water park action, get close to some cuddly critters, or simply stroll along the beaches. A range of bush walking trails offer beautiful views of the mountain surrounds and coastline.
Traverse the spectacular 140km drive, stopping at the magnificent Bald Hill Lookout - which offers a great vantage point to take in the magnificent views all the way south towards Wollongong. There’s so much to do on the waterways of the Wollongong region, from relaxing on gorgeous beaches and swimming in more than a dozen ocean pools, to sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The area is also home to some of the country’s best surfing beaches, with plenty of surf schools to choose from. Historically the area was first inhabited by the wodi wodi aboriginal tribe who enjoyed the temperate climate and natural features as much as anyone today. It is thought that Captain Cook attempted a landing here in April 1770 but was unsuccessful due to rough conditions. Eventually settlers arrived and the first of these were timber getters and farmers. The Bulli Pass was established in 1868 and enabled more settlers to arrive from Sydney by land.
Wollongong
Discover charming towns with postcard-perfect beaches, like Thirroul, Austinmer and Bulli, a village which retains its colonial and mining heritage. Don’t forget the cliffside Scarborough Hotel, which opened in 1887. The pub has ocean views you won’t believe.
HANDY HINT The FREE Gong Shuttle runs every 10 to 20 mins. The service operates in both directions on a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University via Wollongong Hospital, Burelli Street and the Innovation Campus. The route numbers for the Gong Shuttle are 55A and 55C.
42
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Wollongong The rail connection to Sydney was completed in the late 1800s and the local coal mining industry commenced around the same time. Wollongong’s famous manufacturing steelworks industry was established in the late 1920s and is now a major economic element of the city.
WORTH A LOOK!
Nan Tien Temple the largest Bhuddist temple in the southern hemisphere. This is a peaceful oasis set on 55 hectares of gardens. Little Buddha sandstone sculptures dot the grounds and you can climb up the hill to sound the gong of prosperity! Entry is free or you can take a guided tour (costs a little).
You can take a guided bus tour of the Steelworks with Inside Industry and get a fascinating tour of the site and its history. This industry attracted many immigrants in the mid 1900s and this has left the city with a legacy of a multiculturally rich population that celebrates all year round with a fascinating calendar of cultural events. Colourful and inspiring, these festivals attract and entertain visitors of all nationalities from near and far.
Out & About
Take the self guided Wollongong City Centre Heritage Trail. The Trail features 23 locations across the city, including some of the most significant and historic landmarks post-European settlement. This is a must see for locals and visitors alike that have an interest in history and heritage. Maps are available at Council. Alternatively, you can stroll the beautiful Blue Mile and take in Wollongong’s stunning harbour and ocean front cafes. Whilst you’re strolling the harbour, take note of Wollongong’s rich history as you explore the preserved forts and cannons that dot the Blue Mile. These were built in the late 1800’s to provide a deterrent to a possible Russian attack on Wollongong Harbour!!! ce.
st Options and Pri
Book Direct for Be
4283 6999 201 Pioneer Rd, Fairy Meadow Book Direct for Best Options and Price. www.WSLR.com.au
Affordable
Cabin & Camping Adjacent To Beau
Accommodation
tiful Wollongong Be
Huge Heated Pool
LetsGoKids 2020/21
ach
& Heaps of Activiti
es.
Wollongong
Family Friendly
43
Out & About
- Wollongong
Wollongong also boasts a plethora of family friendly attractions including the Science Centre and Planetarium, Symbio Zoo, Jamberoo Action Park, The Illawarra Museum and The Australia Motorlife Museum.
HANDY HINT The Wollongong to Thirroul trail is a 15km bike track that follows the coast, starting from Belmore Basin (to the west of the Levendi cafe) to Thirroul. It’s one of the best places for running and cycling in Wollongong.
The Early Start Discovery Space has a rolling program of activities throughout each day with something new happening every half an hour from 9.30am – 3pm. Sticking with the hands-on learning theme, the Science Centre is the largest hands-on science learning facility in the state. They are constantly updating their exhibition and cater to children of all ages, with over 100 of them, spread across two floors on dinosaurs, fossils, illusions and motors. Symbio Wildlife Park has the full offering of native animals as well as exotic Sumatran Tigers, Meerkats, Red Pandas and Cotton Top Tamarin monkeys. It also features a range of great animal encounters.
Wollongong
The kids (and big kids) will absolutely love the Early Start Discovery Space. It is Australia’s only dedicated “children’s museum”. It’s a fun, innovative, hands-on, creative venue for all children from birth to 10 years.
With dozens of interactive experiences both indoor and outdoor, it is the ultimate learnthrough-play destination that evokes discovery and inspires the imagination.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
The city offers a variety of activities such as shopping in Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central, golf courses with escarpment and ocean views, museums and art galleries including Wollongong Art Gallery – one of Australia’s largest regional art museums with regularly changing exhibitions and of course adventure activities for those young at heart!
44
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Wollongong -
Out & About
Wollongong and the surrounding beaches offer some safe, beautiful places for your little ones to explore the water. Many of the beaches are patrolled during the summer months and you could honestly spend the whole day enjoying the sand, exploring the rock pools and paddling in the waves.
North Wollongong Beach
With its rock pools, wading areas and great surf. It is ideal for families. There is plenty of shade, picnic booths and grassy areas for picnics with full BBQ facilities provided. It has a children’s playground close by, and shops, cafes and a bike and walking track and free parking.
Woonona Beach
Woonona Beach is the Northern end of what is also Bellambi Beach and is a very popular beach with the locals and can be busy during the hotter days. If you take a short walk to the northern end of this beach, there is an ocean pool and great rock formation for the little ones to explore and find crabs and sea creatures. Behind the beach is a large playground, open fields, picnic tables and toilets.
DID YOU KNOW Wollongong has 23 beaches, 17 of which are seasonally patrolled with North Wollongong Beach patrolled 365 days a year.
Fairy Meadow Beach
With fantastic views of Wollongong and the distant light houses and harbour, Fairy Meadow beach is a popular spot, especially for university students and families staying nearby in the Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort.
Windang Beach
Located at the entrance to Lake Illawarra,Windang Beach offers spectacular views of the famous Five Islands off the Wollongong coastline. The beach is very popular with families as there is a large park with BBQs, sheltered picnic areas, a playground, and a cycle path. It’s the perfect spot for the whole family so pack the bikes, a blanket and a picnic and make a day of it.
Corrimal Beach
Corrimal Beach is backed by fenced sand dunes, a grassy reserve and caravan park. Holidaymakers and locals alike enjoy this beach as it is long and private. Kids loves the small lagoon which proves popular for shallow paddling. East Corrimal Beach, located to the north, is an off lead dog friendly beach.
#
Voucher
Wollongong
LetsGo Lets GoKids Kids
# LetsGoKids 2020/21
45
Out & About
- Wollongong Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
Times are tough? Not much money? (or you might be just a little bit tight) Don’t let that stop you getting out there and experiencing what the great Illawarra area has to offer! We’ll tell you how to spend your time in the region and spend NOTHING (or maybe just a little).
20 Things to do on the cheap!! 1. Jump on the “Gong Shuttle” to get your bearings and take a FREE tour of the city. It leaves every 10 to 20 minutes in both directions on a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University via Wollongong Hospital, Burell Street and the Innovation Campus. The route numbers for the Gong Shuttle are 55A and 55C. 2. Stroll the beautiful Blue Mile around the harbour. Take notice of the forts and cannons dotted along its length. They were built in the late 1800’s to protect us from …The Russians! 3. Take the self-guided Wollongong City Centre Heritage Trail. The trail features 23 locations across the city, including some of the most significant and historic landmarks post European settlement.
7. Pack a picnic and head to the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, a place of natural beauty where people come to relax, explore and learn about the Gardens and surrounds. 8. To take in the amazing local scenery, visit the lookouts at Sublime Point, Bald Hill, Mt Keira, Mt Kembla and Hill 60. All are accessible by car and have amazing views.
DID YOU KNOW In the whole of Australia, Wollongong is the only place on the eastern coast which has two lighthouses located in close proximity of each other. 9. Take a drive on the amazing 665m Sea Cliff bridge. It’s jaw droppingly spectacular!
46
4. Pop into the historic Illawarra Museum. It traces the history of the area with fascinating exhibits and artefacts. It is located a short walk from the harbour and Wollongong City Centre. 5. Pay a visit to the Wollongong Art Gallery, one of Australia’s largest regional art museums with regularly changing exhibitions and has dedicated kids activities. 6. Catch a kid’s show at the Merrigong Theatre in the city centre. They have regularly themed children’s theatre productions and workshops (costs a little)
11. Grab your towel and go for a dip at one of The Gong’s 17 patrolled beaches. Our fave?? North Wollongong! Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
Wollongong
10. Go whale watching from the lookout at Bald Hill and enjoy the spectacular sights of the daredevil hang gliders on most Sundays.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Wollongong -
Out & About
12. Explore the rocky shoreline at Bellambi Beach. Surfers, boating lovers and dog owners flock to this under-the-radar beach, located a short coastal drive north of Wollongong. At its most beautiful at low tide, the highlight is the endless figure-of-eight shaped pools along the rocky shoreline.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
13. Take the kids to Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the southern hemisphere. Nan Tien is a place of tranquillity that offers a spiritual experience as well as culture, temple tours and peaceful gardens.
14. Ride the trails around Lake Illawarra and take in the scenery, grab some fish and chips or have a swim. With a dedicated bike track from Oak Flats to Shellharbour Village there are plenty of places to start and stop along the way. Pelican Park and Reddall Reserve Park are a handy stop along the way to play between rides.
16. Visit the Illawarra Light Railway & Museum. The Museum is traditionally open on the second Saturday and the fourth Saturday of the month. The museum is a great place for families to have a day out with train rides and a museum to explore. 17. Visit the HARS aircraft museum.The kids will love sitting in the cockpits of a jumbo and fighter plane.
LetsGoKids 2020/21
19. Take a train ride up the coast to check out the quaint northern villages of Thirroul and Austinmer. Get off, go for a swim, have lunch and catch a later train back. 20. Take an inexpensive tour of Port Kembla steelworks with Inside Industry.
HANDY HINT There is certainly no shortage of playgrounds in Wollongong. A favourite is Stuart Park, a short walk from the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach. The playground features a 8.6 metre high SkyTower, complete with three giant slides coming off it. It also boasts two flying foxes and a beginner’s cycle track. There are also some great playgrounds in Bulli, a short 15 minute drive from North Beach. There’s the well equipped Bulli Beach playground and the renovated playground at Austinmer Beach Reserve with fun climbing challenges and new equipment.
Wollongong
Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW
15. Explore Helensburgh Tunnel. The tunnel was constructed in the 1800s. The tunnel is sandwiched between two rock cliffs and is home to glow worms and, according to some, ghosts!
18. Have a game of mini golf at the Illawarra Golf Complex (voucher p.43). Fun for all the family.
47
Wot’s On We want YOU! Yes, YOU! - So round up the family, kids, mums, dads, aunties, uncles, sisters, brothers, grandma and grandpa - even you! Canberra, Wollongong and the South Coast is alive and happening all year round with family events and acitivites, shows, movies, concerts and sport. Don’t forget the old favourite - the weekend market!! There is enough to keep everyone entertained AND best of all - most of them are FREE!!!
Apart from the regular markets, at the time of going to print, a lot of events were in the process of being rescheduled. For up to date information, go to the “Wot’s On” button on our website at www.letsgokids.com.au and while you’re there, sign up for our great monthly e-newsletter and download our app. Weekly/Monthly Every Second Storytime - Nowra Library Tuesday Join our vibrant, fun storytime sessions at 10am every second Tuesday during school terms. There will be books, songs, and crafts suitable for 2-5 year olds. Nowra Library, 10 Berry Street, Nowra. Every Second Friday
Toddler Time - Nowra Library Join us at Nowra Library for Toddler Time every 2nd Friday during school terms! Come and enjoy 30 minutes of songs, dancing, finger plays & movement. Designed especially for children aged 18 months to 3 years. 10:00 am, Nowra Library,10 Berry Street, Nowra.
First Wednesday of Monthly Toddler program at the National Museum the Month Enjoy a special time for the under-fives to have fun and explore the Museum. Two sessions available at 10am and 11.30am. Bookings essential. 1800 026 132, Lawson Crescent, Acton. Every Wednesday
Kiama’s Farmers Market You couldn’t wish for a more picturesque backdrop for your weekly shopping expedition! This is a true farmers’ market that cares about the origin of food and the protection of local growers, producers and makers. A market where kids play on the beach and at the park, or sit on the grass to have an afternoon picnic snack or early dinner. 3pm-5pm. 72 Manning St, Surf Beach, Kiama.
EveryThursday
Berry Farmers Market Each week you will find a wonderful selection of seasonal produce, sold directly to you by the farmer or maker. 35 Alexandra St, Berry.
Every Thursday
Thursday Eat Street Eat Street is a street style food market offering unique and culturally diverse food offerings with music, entertainment and a licensed bar. The event is family friendly and there are activities for children to enjoy such as a jumping castle and face painting. 5-9pm. Crown St Mall, Wollongong.
Every Tuesday
Sage Farmers Market An authentic marketplace for locally grown or harvested food, connecting local producers directly to the community. 3pm, Riverside Park, Moruya
Every second Sunday
Batemans Bay Sunday Market No weekend on the coast is complete without a wander around these markets on a Sunday morning. With fantastic stalls, great food, plenty of parking and a location next to the all abilities playground and opposite Batehaven shops, the Sunday Market has something for everyone! 226 Beach Rd, Batehaven.
Second Sunday of Huskisson Market the Month You’ll find live plants, unique arts and crafts, fresh produce, bric-a-brac and much more. Something for everyone, right in the heart of the seaside town. Huskisson Sports Ground, Huskisson.
48
LetsGoKids 2020/21
Wot’s On Weekly/Monthly First Saturday of Super Saturday Family Matinees at the Science Place Every Month Join and watch a special family-friendly film in the Science Place Planetarium. Tickets for these special screenings are just $6 with a general admission entry ticket. That means your STEM loving family can start the day with a fun film and spend a relaxing afternoon exploring all that Science Space has to offer. They encourage weekend guests to bring their own picnics to enjoy in their outdoor area as well. 4286 5000. www.sciencespace.com.au October 2020 12 September to 11 October 2020
2nd to 3rd October
Floriade ReImagined 2020 has seen Floriade reimagined, bringing the annual spring celebration out of its traditional home in Commonwealth Park, to bloom across Canberra’s suburbs, city and screens. This year, flower fans, whether local or far and wide, will be able to enjoy Floriade: Reimagined through a vibrant mix of virtual and in-person experiences. www. floriadeaustralia.com Room On The Broom at Canberra Theatre The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick – until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things, and they all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – the broom snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? 02 6275 2700. www. canberratheatrecentre.com.au
December 2020 12th to 13th December
Canberra Christmas Market Shoppers will uncover wonderful gifts, specialty items, gourmet foods and more...many items not available in regular retail outlets or shopping mall stores. Gather family and friends and get into the Christmas spirit. Listen to wonderful carols. Meet Santa. Get the kids to help decorate gingerbread houses. Celebrate the most special time of the year. 9am - 4pm. Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park, Canberra.
13th December
Kiama Christmas Market Join them for their famous Christmas Market. Buy something unique for a loved one. They have fashion, homewares, candles, children and baby wear, jams, cakes, flowers, plants, street food and fun for the kids including the Matilda’s animal nursery. It is a make it, bake it, grow it, sew it market, so you will find something different for your Christmas gifts. 3 Shoalhaven St, Kiama. www.kiamamarkets.com
22nd December
Callala Bay Christmas Market Callala Bay will come alive with the spirit of Christmas. They will start the festivities with Market Stalls, Free Jumping Castles, Face Painting and Games all while the lovely performers get the festive spirit happening on stage. Come on down and get a photo with Santa and get into the Christmas Spirit. The main event starts where the magic of Christmas comes together with all the wonderful singers for the carols. 4pm - 8.30pm. 44 Emmett Street, Callala Bay.
Janurary 2021 3rd Janurary
March 2021 7th March 2021
Moruya Cup Join in for a fantastic day at the Moruya Races. Great views of the track, so you don’t miss any of the action. The racecourse is a picturesque country field with plenty of grassed areas for picnics. You can even set up a small marquee for your group. Dress up and go in the running for a prize in Fashions on the Field. Or dress down for a relaxing afternoon! 110 Donnelly Dr, Moruya. www.moruyajockeyclub.com.au Canberra Kids Market Discover new, handmade and pre-loved clothes, toys, books, games, accessories, furniture, prams, strollers, equipment for babies, toddlers and young ones. There are plenty of stalls to explore and great bargains too. You’ll find quality treasures for boys and girls, including designer labels and big-brand names, including Country Road, Jack & Milly, Esprit, Fred Bare, Peg Perego, Mini Hahha and Seed--just to name a few. 9am-12pm. www.canberramarkets.com.au
LetsGoKids 2020/21
49
St ay Coming to our Capital or heading for the coast, the region has some amazing family friendly accommodations. Here are some your family will love. CANBERRA
The Mercure (see below) have family rooms, spacious surroundings and a relaxed welcoming feel. East Hotel has family friendly rooms with bunks and games for kids. Mantra on Northbourne has self-catering apartments and Alivio Tourist Park has many great features for families and is just a 4km drive from the centre of town. They have an awesome new water play area and cafe.
BATEMANS BAY
There are numerous holiday parks situated on the river, near the beach and in the nearby bushland. Clyde River (p. 23) around in peaceful Batehaven has swimming, fishing or sailing within metres of your accommodation. The Lakesea Park (p.23) is between the lake and the sea and only 15 mins from Batemans.
NAROOMA
The Easts Big 4 (p.19) is located on the river in the “flats” part of town. It is smack bang right in the action with easy access to river, beach and lakes. It has playgrounds, tennis courts, an unbelievably good indoor pool area and other activities!
ULLADULLA
There is a plethora of Holiday Parks in the area centred around the river and the beach, but some are actually destinations in themselves. Kings Point Retreat (p.27) has an amazing waterpark that will keep the kids entertained for hours.
HUSKISSON
This quintessential beachside town has many options. Motels and apartments are plentiful and the Holiday Haven (p.31) has playgrounds, pools and magnificent views, whilst Jervis Bay Holiday Parks has its own private boat ramp.
NOWRA & SHOALHAVEN HEADS
Lots of motels and apartments here. If it’s a holiday park you’re after then look no further than Holiday Haven (p.28) Shoalhaven Heads, it’s ideally located for that well-deserved break.
WOLLONGONG
From high rise hotels and apartments to affordable motels and holiday parks in amazing locations, in “The Gong” you are spoilt for choice. Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort (p.41) is just out of town but has an indoor heated pool, playgrounds, tennis, nearby playing fields and (as the name suggests) is located right on the sand. We even stay there on business!!
Visit www.mercurecanberra.com.au, Call 0262430000 or Email stay@mercurecanberra.com.au to book your room today.
• • • • •
Centrally located - 600 metres from the The Australian War Memorial. Ample above ground parking including space for caravans & other recreational vehicles. Deluxe loft rooms with kitchenette, dining table & living area. 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available on request with reservations. Relaxed bar and bistro onsite with a great kids menu.
*Quote code LETSGOKIDS to secure your free parking (normally $10 per car per day)
50
LetsGoKids 2020/21
LAKESEA PARK Between the Lake and the Sea • Multi award winning. • Only 15 minutes drive North of Batemans Bay. • On peninsula bordered by Durras Lake and South Durras Beach. • Accommodation for all budgets 4.5 star to 2.5 star cabins. • 3.5 star camp sites and 3.5 star ensuite camp sites. 1 Durras Lake Road, South Durras NSW 2536 Phone: (02) 4478 6122 Email: info@lakesea.com.au www.lakesea.com.au
CLYDE VIEW HOLIDAY PARK Location… Location… Location • Villas right on the beach. • Only 10 minutes drive South of Batemans Bay. • 4.5 to 3.5 star villas and powered camp sites. • Solar heated swimming pool. • Opposite shopping centre, day spa, bakery and restaurants. • Next door to adventure playground and beach reserve. 107 Beach Rd, Batehaven NSW 2536 Phone: (02) 4472 4224 Email: info@clydeview.com.au www.clydeview.com.au
#100beachchallenge
100BeachChallenge.com
How many can you tick off?