When it comes to winter in Australia, we get it pretty good. On the Central Coast the air gets cooler and the water temperatures drop. We build fires in our backyard, we roast our marshmallows and we remind our kids to not leave home without their jumpers. There are plenty of fun things to do with them when the July school holidays roll around and they remind us that we’ve made it halfway through the year. Well done!

Here’s a list of winter holiday activities that will warm the whole family up (on the inside).

 

Ice Skating.

In Winter, even when we don’t have snow, we still have ice! Local city centres and ice rinks open up fun for all ages – and for you to try something new with your family! Kibble Park in Gosford in recent years has done a small and exciting open-air rink, check their website for more details closer to July.

Bondi Winter Magic – http://www.bondiwintermagic.org.au 
Erina Ice Arena – https://www.erinaicearena.com.au/session-times.html
Hunter Ice Skating Stadium – http://www.hiss.com.au/session-times.html

Movies

The holidays are perfect movie times, where new family movies are out and you can snuggle in with homemade popcorn and snacks. Coming out this winter are Incredibles 2 and Hotel Transylvania 3 and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Oh, how I love going to the movies with little ones and watching their faces light up as the cinema goes dark.

Hoyts Erina – https://www.hoyts.com.au/cinemas/erina
Hoyts Charlestown – https://www.hoyts.com.au/cinemas/charlestown
Event Cinemas Tuggerah – https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/Cinema/Tuggerah
Event Cinemas Newcastle – https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/Cinema/Newcastle

Whale Watching

The beautiful coastline that is our backyard is shared by some beautiful giants as the weather and water gets cooler. Humpback whales. Whale migration season begins in June as the whales travel north to give birth in warmer oceans. Here’s a list of popular vantage points to play hide and seek in our wide ocean with these enormous gentle giants. Walking along our scenic coastal walks is a beautiful way to take in the nature around us without getting too cold!

• Gerrin Point Lookout, Bouddi National Park
• Marie Byles Lookout, Bouddi National Park
• Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana
• The Skillion, Terrigal
• Crackneck Point, Wyrrabalong National Park (South)
• Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head

Tree Tops

Tree Tops is a fantastic way to spend the day. The zip line safari is perfect for any age and I should know because we tackled this on a team day. It’s exhilarating and it really is a good way to spend the day. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a few friends and make use of the park picnic benches and enjoy the beauty of the Ourimbah State Forest.

Check them out for more information here.

 

With all these exciting times to look forward to in the months to come, it’s important to just be still and savour the coolness of the season, have a family campfire night under the stars with blankets and stories and singalongs galore, remember to be grateful with every new day that is chilly and glorious. I hope this new season brings you joy and great memories!

Gosford Classic Car Museum

Now here’s something I didn’t know. Apparently, Gosford is home to the largest classic car collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Who knew? I certainly didn’t but what I do know is that this is meant to be a super fun day out. Whether you are a car enthusiast or you’re just looking for a way to entertain your kids, this promises to be an experience and it’s right on our doorstep.

Take the kids and spend a few hours wandering through the place, I believe there are 400 cars, with a total value of over $70 million. That’s incredible. I’m sure your kids will get a giggle from some of the oldies and you’ll have stories to tell and without knowing it a history lesson in the mix. Make sure you check out their opening hours as I’m sure they differ for the holidays. More information here.

Julie’s Place

And may we not forget Julie’s Place. A wonderful night out with friends or time spent with your kids/family at one of her cooking classes. Julie’s Place usually offers school holiday classes and they are definitely something to check out. Alternatively, maybe a night out with your girlfriends is what you need. Another great way to spend quality time together, enjoying a glass of bubbles and learning the art of pasta making, Thai sensations or cupcake decorating. The class options are endless.

We live in a spectacular part of the world. Whatever the season we are offered beauty whether it be on our doorstep and the great outdoors or through art, food and culture. Australia never comes up short. So, enjoy this Winter, find time to be with one another and enjoy getting rugged up and heading outdoors or countless cups of tea curled up on the lounge.

May your days be filled with wonder and awe.

Much love,

Susanna  #littlemiraclescommunity