Parenting doesn’t stop when you’re on holiday, it just relocates. In this story, Hannah shares her honest (and slightly sleep-deprived) reflections on family trips over the years: the chaos, the laughter, and the unexpected moments that turn into treasured memories.
After a very drizzly old winter, we could not be more keen for some weekend adventures! Lucky for us, we don’t have to go too far from home to explore some amazing spots. From riverside towns to coastal gems, here are five easy day-trips from Newcastle to make the most of sunny days ahead (fingers crossed!)
Forget the nine-to-five – Dominic May’s office is the open ocean. As the founder of CoastXP, he spends his days exploring the coastline, spotting whales, and championing sustainable tourism in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. We spoke to Dom about launching his business, protecting the places he loves, and why there’s nothing better than working on the water.
Newcastle locals may have fond memories of school excursions to historic Morpeth, where they learnt all about the former major port town, toured the original Arnott’s Bakery and snapped a photo by the famous bridge. While the heritage vibes of this quaint village are still very much a draw card, thanks to a few more recent additions, food and wine lovers from near and far are also adding Morpeth to the must-visit list – and we encourage you to do the same.
Nestled at the foothill of the Broken Back Range in the NSW Hunter Valley lies Tinonee Vineyard Estate, a unique luxury accommodation offering cellar door and boutique vineyard. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind destination for your next special milestone, a visit to Tinonee Vineyard Estate (no matter how long you stay) will leave you feeling a million miles away.
Nestled high above the banks of the Barrington River is Barrington Hideaway – a beautiful rural retreat perfectly suited to families, couples or large groups. Whether you’ve got a special occasion coming up, desperately need to drag the kiddos away from their screens or just want to press the pause button for a minute and indulge in a cosy weekend away – the Barrington Hideaway Cottages are calling your name.
Got the post holiday blues? Still wanting to stretch out the summer vibes and go exploring this weekend? Sometimes the best adventures are right under our noses, or in this case, right next door.
Escape to wine country, without the crowds. Wollombi sits quietly on the fringe of the Hunter Valley, making it the perfect destination for a quiet weekender.
Amid seemingly endless stretches of coastline and unspoiled national parks, a tight-knit cluster of communities beckons.
