Sizzling Summer School Holiday Guide

Six Sizzling weeks

of Summer School Holidays

SIX WEEKS IS AN EXTRAORDINARILY LONG TIME, RIGHT? ESPECIALLY ON THE BACK OF MANY, MANY WEEKS OF HAVING THE KIDS LEARNING FROM HOME. WHETHER IT BE A TANTRUM OVER A FAVOURITE SHIRT IN THE WASH, SIBLING BICKERING, OR JUST GENERAL PANIC, ONE THING IS FOR SURE - SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AREN'T FOR THE MEEK AND MILD. SO WHEN THE WRAPPING PAPER IS IN THE RECYCLING BIN AND THE TOYS THAT WERE THE 'BEST THING EVER' LAST WEEK BECOME A BIT HO-HO-HUM, HOW CAN YOU TURN THE REST OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS INTO AN ACTION-PACKED SUMMER ADVENTURE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS? READ ON, OF COURSE!

Six Summer Weeks of super-fun activitiesfor kids (big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays!

GREAT BABY DINOSAUR SHOW

Come and vote for your favourite roaring dinosaur at Newcastle Museum's brand-new dinosaur exhibition. Enjoy a great day out with the family, perfect for little people to meet roaring dinosaurs face-to-face! Grab some dinosaur toys and goodies after the show from the Visitor Information Centre outside at the Old Civic Railway Station WHEN: Every day of the School Holidays. WHERE: Newcastle Museum COST: Family pass is $25 (2 adults, 2 kids). MORE INFO: www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

LEGO® CHALLENGE

It's back! Join the crew at Newcastle Libraries for the first LEGO® Challenge in a long time. They supply a tub of LEGO®, but the rest is up to your budding lego masters' creative mind – all under the pressure of the LEGO® timer. For ages 5 to 14. WHEN: Wednesday 12 January @ Wallsend Library AND Tuesday 18 January @ Newcastle City Library COST: Free BOOKINGS: Essential – www.newcastle.nsw. gov.au/library/experience/what-s-on

PICNIC WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR PAUL RUSSELL

Come along to meet Paul Russell, who will read his newest book, The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp and take part in some fun activities, including a treasure hunt with prizes. Bring a rug and some food and enjoy this twilight storytime in the park. Ages: All ages. Children aged eight and under will need to be accompanied by an adult. WHEN: Friday 14 January. WHERE: Civic Park BOOKINGS: Essential www.eventbrite.com.au (Search Paul Russell)

READY-TO-RACE SWIM CLINICS

Help your budding swimmer get ready for the racing season and school carnivals! These are aimed at swimmers competing in school carnivals over eight years of age who can comfortably swim 100 metres freestyle unaided. WHEN: 5 and 7 January, 9-10am; 12 and 14 January, 9-10am; 19 and 21 January, 9-10am. WHERE: Swansea Swim Centre. COST: $9 (8+ years). www.eventbrite.com.au (Search Swansea Swim Centre).

NATURAL HISTORY ILLUSTRATION

Be inspired by the SEEN exhibition Capturing Nature, and learn how to capture the true character of an object at our natural history illustration workshop. Learn from a professional, experienced artist and teacher in a relaxed and friendly environment. All materials supplied. Suitable for ages 12 years plus. This workshop is aimed at beginners to natural history illustration. Includes a tour and entry to the Capturing Nature exhibition. WHEN: Monday 10 January. WHERE: SEEN @ Swansea, Level 1 The Swansea Centre. COST: $8. MORE INFO: www.natural_history_ illustration_seen.eventbrite.com.au.

Continued next page ▶

See

in Newcastle

this summer whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

JD'S WORLD OF MAGIC SHOW

Fun for the whole family! Be amazed by awardwinning magician Joel Howlett from JD's World of Magic at his all-new show. Suitable for all ages. WHEN: Saturday 15 January 2-3pm and 5.306.30pm. WHERE: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba. COST: Adults attending at children's price - $10pp (adults and children) or Family ticket (5 tickets- children or adults) $45. MORE INFO: www.jds_magic_rathmines_jan. eventbrite.com.au

CLAYMATION: DIGITAL ANIMATION WORKSHOP

Students will write, shoot and edit a short Claymation movie using the latest equipment. All materials will be provided, and each participant will have their movie available for download at the end of the workshop. Small group tuition. Morning and afternoon tea provided. Suitable for ages 9+ WHEN: Thursday 13 January 9.30 – 3pm. WHERE: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba. COST: $100. MORE INFO: www.claymation_rathmines_ january.eventbrite.com.au

IT'S ON! NELSON BAY

The It's On! program is jam-packed full of free family entertainment, including an encounter with dinosaurs or even your favourite superhero. Whether it's markets, musicians, Zumba in the park, boot camp or a pop-up show for kids — It's On! Wind down with some afternoon music and entertainment after a full day at the beach before picking up dinner and settling in for the night. WHERE: Nelson Bay CBD COST: Free MORE INFO www.portstephens.org.au/itson-in-nelson-bay

TOURS, TALKS AND MORE AT MAITLAND GAOL

Maitland Gaol has something on every day these summer school holidays; explore the historic hallways with an expert guide, embark on an escapes tour or learn what it takes to work behind bars with an experienced exwarder. From fingerpainting to paper models, there's hands-on arts and crafts for families too. Don't want to be locked in? You can always do the self-guided audio tour at any time. Visitors over 15 might even like to see the Gaol from a different perspective on a night tour. WHEN: 27 December to 30 January during opening hours. WHERE: Maitland Gaol (6-18 John St, East Maitland). MORE INFO: www.maitlandgoal.com.au/ whats-on

FREE ART JANUARY

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Free Art January 2022 is full of creative experiences for all ages, and you are invited to join in the fun at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Entry is free; just register on arrival to enjoy the workshops, exhibitions and selfguided activities. All materials are provided. WHEN: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm. WHERE: Maitland Regional Art Gallery (230 High Street, Maitland). COST: Free (bookings required). MORE INFO: mrag.org.au/ whats-on-mrag

MAP MIMA: SCHOOL HOLIDAY IMAGE CREDIT: LEIGHSA COX

STORY QUEST ADVENTURE

Be inspired by the larger-than-life inflatable installations on display in the park around MAP. Suitable for ages 6-10. WHEN: Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 January. Session 1: 11am-12noon; Session 2: 1pm - 2.00pm. WHERE: MAP mima Speers Point Park, Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point. COST: $5 MORE INFO: www.eventbrite. com.au (search: MAP mima).

RETRO GAMES & PIZZA

Challenge your friends and family to any one of the dozens of games available! Suitable for all ages. WHEN/WHERE: Raymond Terrace Library, Wednesday 19 January, 10:30am to 4pm. Tomaree Library, Tuesday 18 January, 2pm to 4pm. COST: Gold coin donation. MORE INFO: www.portstephens. nsw.gov.au/play/events/eventcalendar

Sand Dune Safaris

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES

Come on the ultimate adventure! Join Sand Dune Safaris in one of our purpose built o road vehicles and experience the magnificent Stockton Sand Dunes - the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in beautiful Port Stephens.

Discover the remote outpost of Tin City and learn about the history of the ecosystem and inhabitants. You also can’t miss Sand Boarding, fun for all the family. Don’t forget your camera, the scenery is spectacular!

School holiday activities: We will be open every day for our Sand Boarding Adventure, between 10am and 4pm. Price includes a 10 minute 4WD trip over the dunes, board hire, instructor and unlimited Sand Boarding. Also fantastic for kids birthday parties! Bring along your esky with food and drinks and relax in our shaded picnic area on the dunes whilst the kids have a ball!

DETAILS Open every weekend, 10am - 4pm, weekdays by appointment. Open every day during Summer school holidays from 9:30am until 4:30pm and later. Please call to confirm last shuttle times as they may vary according to weather conditions. Departure location - Lower car park, end of James Paterson St, Anna Bay. Look for the big army bus! PH 0425 213 096

www.sanddunesafaris.com.au

Mini Golf & Footgolf!

HOME OF MINI GOLF & FOOT GOLF

With a relaxing 11 hole golf course, the only FootGolf course in the Hunter and a 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Beresfield Golf Course provides a fabulously fun day out for family and friends with something for everyone!

At Beresfield you can enjoy great undercover outdoor areas and a BBQ – making it the perfect and a ordable destination for your next kids party, social or work group and even that first date too. Hire charges apply. • Mini Golf open weekdays 10am–5pm; • Footgolf open weekdays 10am–5pm and 12pm–5pm on weekends

Use your Dine & Discover Vouchers here!

Hunter Valley Horseriding & Adventures

ALL AGES

Get away from city living and go horseriding! It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures o ers trail rides for both beginners and

a guided 5.5km off road tour through scenic hunter valley vineyards and backcountry. Awesome family experience, what are you waiting for! Minimum age 11YRS.

BOOK YOUR PARTY HERE!

DETAILS Open everyday 7am–5pm 260 Anderson Drive, Beresfield PH 4966 4665

www.beresfieldgolf.com.au

AND FOOTGOLF

experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. We also o er full day horse riding camps for the teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride! Other activities on o er include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities, mountain bike trails (BYO bike), ATV tours and bush walking. If you feel like staying a little longer, we o er great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only). Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available.

DETAILS Open 7 days 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required. PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

find us 917 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW T 4943 7223 E tours@nswsegway.com.au nswsegway.com.au Bookings essential!

FINITE GALLERY

Join us for some fun

School Holiday Art workshops!

Find out what’s on at www.finitegallery.com

60 Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach PH 0419 471 660 E info@finitegallery.com

Horo Scope

ASTROLOGER TANYA OBREZA ON WHAT’S IN THE STARS THIS MONTH.

STAR OF THE MONTH

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY This year Jupiter encourages you to reach out in as many directions as possible. Jot down all your ideas and intuitive flashes so they're not forgotten by the time you need them. Widen your circle of contacts if you can. Relationships with siblings and close family should also improve - perhaps even bring a reconciliation. It's also an excellent time to make significant investments of lasting value, such as real estate. Other potentials include greater interest in your community. Perhaps, too, close friends or family become more prosperous. Travel could be on the agenda, especially short trips related to work or family matters. Just beware of extravagance.

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY If money and possessions are your priority this year, a generous Jupiter can promote a substantial increase in cash flow. At times it may even seem you're blessed with the Midas touch. Although it may not be a huge windfall, your financial circumstances could greatly improve. If your values are more spiritual, then expect personal growth in this area. Of course, there's no reason why it can't be a combination of the two.

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH January marks the beginning of a new 13year cycle. Think back 13 years, and you may recognise that then, too, was a time of good fortune or new beginnings. In 2022, a confident Jupiter promises significant change, particularly a brand-new image. If single, prepare for a veritable parade of admirers. If attached, expect to be especially close to your partner. This is also likely to be a year of travel and gaining new experience. ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL As Jupiter moves through your sector of subconscious and psychic sensitivity over the next year, Ariens learn even more about the spiritual dimensions of their lives. If you feel more spiritually protected - you are. And if you need to be taught or healed, a guardian or new mentor will be close by. The really lovely news? If and when you truly need help, it's likely to arrive - sometimes from the most unexpected sources.

TAURUS 21 APRIL – 20 MAY Jupiter becomes a favourite houseguest this year, bringing joy, new friendships and optimism - as well as unlimited potential. As we rarely get something for nothing, expect some hard work as well. Be prepared to ditch dead-end plans. This will ready you for the new challenges ahead. Travel, love and laughter also feature. Fortunately, money is not too much of a problem, so you can afford to play as hard as you work.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 21 JUNE Jupiter brings a year of increased work satisfaction via a new job or better career or financial conditions. If you haven't yet found your proper calling, you'll probably do so now. And with Jupiter in this most public of places, you may also receive a tad more attention. So rather than trying to avoid the limelight - take this opportunity to flaunt your ambitions to a wider world as new frontiers become real possibilities.

CANCER 22 JUNE – 22 JULY Jupiter is happy in the 9th house, it's natural placement. So if you've suffered any self-doubts recently, this positive planet's influence should help you get back on track. This next year can also have a powerful maturing influence - a time of personal and spiritual growth. Expect some beneficial contact with those living overseas - so listen up when you hear an interesting accent. You may also move house this year, perhaps long distance.

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST This year Jupiter transits your sector of property, joint finances and intimate partnerships. For some, this can indicate an inheritance or financial benefit - possibly via a windfall. Whatever happens, it's a time when Jupiter encourages you to try something new. Your mind is energised, you're busier with friends, projects and meetings. But, don't rule out passion either - kiss those loveless nights goodbye. VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Sociable Jupiter steps into your house of friendships and fun and stays for an entire year. Jupiter will take all of your favourite things, like love, parties, children and entertainment - and make them even better. Venus, too, has surprises up her sleeve. This sexually-alluring planet triggers the law of attraction your way. Money should also come more easily. Just don't take foolish risks. Clear credit cards, don't add to them.

LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER You're good at making money, Libra. Even more so this year. Splitting expenses will help, as does an untapped new source of income - which means you could end 2022 feeling much more financially comfortable. Playful Jupiter also sparks a plethora of pleasurable appetites. Your capacity for personal enjoyment expands, as could your waistline. Just don't overdo a good thing—everything in moderation.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER Thanks to a super-confident Jupiter this year, you find the courage to be yourself without fear or apology. Work, too, is a happier place to be - especially for those involved in creative work. Singles may marry or form a relationship with an older or mature individual - very likely, karmic in nature. The great news? The promise of a love that lasts. For those with children, this is a year when you could feel particularly proud of them.

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER This year, it's time to put down emotional roots. Family numbers may grow, perhaps through marriage or a partner, a new flatmate, birth or even a new pet. Parents could offer also help, be it financial or otherwise. One special individual, in particular, could inspire you towards new ventures. But you may also have to face a few truths about yourself, even those you'd rather not acknowledge.

TANYA OBREZA was born

in Slovenija and emigrated to Australia with her parents as a young girl. It was during her first visit to England that Tanya was introduced to astrology, and in 1980 she gained her London Faculty of Astrological Studies qualifications.

Over the years, Tanya has established an extensive and wide-ranging international following, mostly due to her reassuring, down to earth presence.