One region, four ways
The Hunter
Cessnock is 160 kilometres north of Sydney The Hunter incorporates four very different cities – Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland and Cessnock – each packed with plenty of fun for families.
1.
While the Hunter Valley’s special grape juice might be the biggest lure for mum and dad, it’s not all about wine. There are myriad parks, playgrounds and reserves to explore, animals to pet at the Hunter Valley Zoo, and lots of cheese, chocolate and freshly made fudge to be devoured. Explore the region on horseback or Segway, or take to the sky in a hot air balloon. Little ones will love the storybook garden at Hunter Valley Gardens, where timeless tales come to life among the flowers. Mid-year, the garden transforms in to a winter wonderland with ice skating, tobogganing and a snow play zone, and from November to January the gardens boast the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest holiday lights display. winecountry.com.au
2.
One enormous lake, 32 kilometres of pristine coastline, mountain ranges and swathes of unspoiled wilderness link the 90 villages in lovely Lake Macquarie. The centrepiece is, of course, the lake itself, which at twice the size of Sydney Harbour, promises a world of fun with boating and fishing to swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and jet boating. There are numerous patrolled ocean beaches to explore, or head to the hills to explore the extraordinary Watagans National Park and its waterfalls, rainforest gullies and bushwalking trails. Got a need for speed? Hoon through the rainforest on two wheels at the Awaba Mountain Bike Park. visitlakemac.com.au
3.
Along with its beautiful beaches, parklands and playgrounds, Newcastle – Australia’s seventh-largest city – is also a haven for history buffs. Visit Nobby’s Lighthouse, the earliest surviving lighthouse in New South Wales (and enjoys spectacular views), and Fort Scratchley, perched high on Flagstaff Hill, to clamber around cannons and tunnel your way through 200 years of history. There’s more to explore at the Newcastle Museum, where the past, present and future come alive in awesome interactive style. If you prefer to get active, join an eco-tour of the harbour by kayak, or take to the trees at Treetops Adventure Park, where 96 challenges (including 20 scream-inducing flying foxes) await. visitnewcastle.com.au
4.
Last but by no means least is magical Maitland, nestled on the banks of the pretty Hunter River, where an irresistible combo of city convenience and country fun awaits. Surrounded by some of the most fetching countryside in NSW, the city is rich in history, with a bounty of fresh food and a thriving creative arts community. Pack a picnic to watch the birds at Walka Recreation and Wildlife Reserve, cycle or kayak along the river, walk in the footsteps of early Australians in the historic town of Morpeth (leaving time for a sneaky stop at Miss Lily's Lollies), explore the iconic Maitland Gaol and get lost among the masterpieces in the world-class Maitland Regional Art Gallery. mymaitland.com.au