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Cold Snap Brings Snow To NSW

16/07/2015 By All Mum Said 6 Comments

The cold snap that hit New South Wales saw the onset of freezing weather, icy roads and snow in areas including Barrington Tops, Bombala, Orange, Tenterfield and Walcha. Having never seen, felt or experienced the beauty of snow before Mr C made sure we were not going to miss out.

Barrington Tops Snow

The alarms went off at an unpleasant 4am and saw everyone rugged up and piled into the car. The journey from our part of the Hunter Valley to the Barrington Tops took approx. two and a half hours. Before we had even hit the mountain, we could see snow covering the grass, trees and rocks.

While I begrudgingly got my arse out of bed at that ridiculous hour of the morning, once we saw the snow it was so worth it! If we had left it much later we would not have been able to enjoy the day as the road conditions deteriorated quickly and the gates get closed.

We made our way up the slippery Barrington Tops nice and early. This is where we were greeted by overly excited and keen campers who had stayed the night in hopes to catch the first glimpse of snow for the season. It was absolutely beautiful!

With frozen noses, toes and fingers, we all embraced the white fluff and took advantage of our surroundings by taking part in many snowball fights. We trekked around the area and took in the amazing scenery. An abundance of photos were taken so we could remember our first family snow adventure for years to come.

With more snow expected later this week, there will be crowds making their way up to see. For safety reasons it should only be accessed by four wheel drive vehicles. If you would like more information on the Barrington Tops, see the Barrington Tops National Park website. If you are interested in camping at the Barrington Tops make sure you print out my essentials camping checklist (<<<< can be found at the link) so you don’t forget anything!

What do you like to do in Winter? Have you been to the snow?

Share your snow and Winter stories in the comments below!

Filed Under: Camping, Children, Family, Men, Out and About, Women Tagged With: Barrington Tops, family, out and about, snow

Top 5 Things To Do In Hunter Valley With Kids

07/07/2015 By All Mum Said 8 Comments

Things To Do In Hunter Valley With Kids

Are you planning a trip to the Hunter Valley with your family? Before you book it all in, read this so you don’t miss out on the must see and do activities.

You have saved your money and can finally afford that family holiday; the Hunter Valley is full of excitement for both adults and children. Although the Hunter Valley is well-known for its gorgeous wines and delicious food, it has so much more to offer. Here are some of the top things to do in Hunter Valley with kids.

Hunter Valley Attractions

If you are looking for places to see and things to do in the Hunter Valley region, than you will not be disappointed. There is an abundance of options for you and your family to enjoy a weekend away, annual family holiday or even for locals to explore.

1. Hunter Valley Gardens

The Hunter Valley Gardens are more than just perfectly manicured grounds. Throughout the year they host some of the Valleys’ most exciting exhibits, extravaganzas and shows. Regardless what you and your family are interested in, the gardens will have something that takes your fancy.

In November – January they display the Christmas Lights Spectacular and New Year’s fireworks, Winter calls for Snow Time in the Gardens where families enjoy playing in the snow and ice skating, along with a many other exciting activities throughout the year.

Across the road from the Hunter Valley Gardens, there is an array of fun family activities. You can enjoy the children’s park, putt putt and aqua golf along with some of the Valley’s best hot chocolate.

Located: Broke Road, Pokolbin, New South Wales 2320, Australia.

2. Hunter Valley Zoo

Located just out of Cessnock and only 45 minutes from Newcastle, the Hunter Valley Zoo will have your kids learning, laughing and enjoying nature’s beauty and amazing animals. There is a vast range of animals located at the zoo so there is something to suit everyone.

With the option to participate in interactive encounters from farmyard animals, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, birds and much more your children will be talking about it for years to come.
Make a day of it and take time out to enjoy a picnic or BBQ lunch. The zoo offers families free BBQ facilities so you can bring your esky and feed the family whilst you are there.

Located: Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia.
Open: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Open 6 days (closed Wednesday, excluding school holidays)
Cost: Family (2+2) – $65, Adult – $22, Child (3-15) – $13, Child (under 3) – FREE.

 

3. Speers Point Park

There will be no need for electronic devices; your children will have hours of fun at Speers Point Park. This well designed park has everything you and your kids could want in one vicinity, it is fun for the young and old. It features flying foxes, large slides, climbing equipment, water features, swings, age appropriate sections and so much more.

With plenty of free parking close by, toilets, shelter facilities and BBQs you can enjoy a cheap lunch and a great day out with the family.

Located: Park Road, Speers Point, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia.

 

4. Nobbys Beach

In the mood to relax and breathe in the fresh ocean air? You cannot go past the soft sanded Nobbys Beach. It is clean and the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some lunch and build sandcastles with the kids. If going for a swim is more your style than it is an ideal beach for the kids with amazing views for that walk to dry off.

On occasion you will be lucky enough to sight dolphins and whales coming in close.

Located: Nobbys Road, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

 

5. Inflatable World

What could be more fun than a building jam packed full of bouncy, inflatable floors and walls? Inflatable World will keep you and your family entertained for hours on end with obstacles, activities and the ability to fly, jump and bounce.

Designed to have parents enjoying the fun, the whole family will leave exhausted after their two hour session.

Location: 1/10 Glenwood Drive, Thornton, NSW 2322, Australia.
Open: 7 days – 10am – 4pm.
Cost: Adults – $15.00, Child (5 years+) – $15.00, Child (4 years and Under) – $8.00, 1 Adult + 1 Child (4 Years and under) – $15.00, Spectators – Free.

Hungry?

We all get peckish and over-eat whilst on holidays and the Hunter Valley has that department covered. Don’t feel that just because you have children you cannot enjoy a nice meal in a beautiful location. There are plenty of family friendly restaurants, cafes and take-away stores at your convenience.

6. Beaumont Street

The alluring smells of food will have you coming back so you can try it all. Beaumont Street, Newcastle, is home to some of the most delicious and surprising cuisines.

Enjoy the flavours of Germany, China, Thailand, Itlay and much more. Just make sure you save room for the desserts, pastries and good coffee!

Located: Beaumont St, Newcastle, Hamilton, New South Wales, Australia.

The Hunter Valley is a well-known holiday destination not only by Australians but travellers worldwide. Having an insight into what you and your family can discover while visiting the region will not only maximise your time but will also save you money.

Want more information on what the region has to offer visit? Check it out here.

Enjoy your vacation and ensure your children do as well by considering these top 5 things to do in the Hunter Valley with kids.

What are your favourite things to do in the Hunter Valley with kids?

Filed Under: Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Out and About Tagged With: Hunter Valley, out and about, travel, travelling with kids

Hunter Valley Gardens Mega Bugs

10/01/2015 By All Mum Said 2 Comments

Mega Bugs have invaded the Hunter Valley Gardens! You may have seen last week that we visited the Hunter Valley Gardens to view the Christmas Lights Spectacular and as usual we were not disappointed. If not you can read about it here. It hadn’t occurred to me until yesterday that we have never actually been there during the day to admire the wonderful gardens themselves. They are incredible. The reason we returned on Friday was to experience the Mega Bugs and as per usual the kids loved it!

The beauty of the Mega Bugs is that you can enjoy the elegance and hard work of the amazing gardens, features and fresh air while the kids look in awe and interact with the animatronic Mega Bugs located throughout the gardens. When visiting the Christmas lights you don’t realise how much beauty you are missing out on; this is of course replaced by incredible displays of lights though.

Throughout the gardens you will find a wide range of Mega Bugs that move and replicate their real life movements and sounds. Included are:

Ladybug – The ladybugs wings move up and down.

Spider – This Mega Spider has adopted the name Spider-saurus because it is so huge!

Blue Poison Arrow Frog – Just between you and me, I am petrified of frogs.

Praying mantis – This is absolutely huge! So large in fact it was difficult getting it all in the picture.


Wasp – I cannot explain how much detail is involved in this Mega Bug. Absolutely amazing!

Snail – This was one of my favourites!


Cricket – I got B1 & B2 to stand next to the cricket so everyone could see how big these bugs are. The cricket was one of the smallest there.


Bee on Flower – This bee buzzes about its business on a flower.


Unfortunately I couldn’t get photos of them all but there are heaps more to see. Including: Cicada on tree, Scorpion (this shoots water out of its stinger), Bee, Blue Winged Butterfly, Red Winged, Caterpillar, Dragon Fly Male, Dragon Fly Female, Bean Worm, Green Frog, Centipede, Ant Family, Spider.

The gardens and Mega Bugs were definitely worth seeing! It was such a fun day for the whole family and one the kids will remember for a long time to come.

If this is of interest to you and your family, you can purchase tickets on the Hunter Valley Gardens website OR WIN yourself 1 of 2 family passes over by clicking over here and entering the giveaway. You can experience both the Christmas Lights and Mega Bugs at once!! These family friendly events close on the 26th January.

Is there a bug lover in your house?

Disclosure: I received a family pass to the Mega Bugs for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. 

Filed Under: Giveaways, Hunter Valley, Out and About, Products for Kids, Products for Men, Products for Women, Reviews Tagged With: Around the Hunter Valley, Christmas Lights Spectacular, Discover the Hunter Valley, Hunter Valley, Hunter Valley Gardens, Mega Bugs, out and about, things to do in the Hunter Valley

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