HELLO Newy | Summer 25

FESTIVE FUN FOR EVERYONE

Newcastle’s Christmas & New Years Eve Spectacular

CURTAIN RISES ON FRESH CHAPTER for Newcastle Theatre Company

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO In the Hunter this SUMMER!

SUMMER 2 0 25

EXPLORE

Newcastle,Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Morpeth & the Hunter Valley

TO ISSUE #1

We're thrilled to launch this magazine as your ultimate guide to the vibrant and diverse experiences awaiting you in Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and the Hunter Valley.

This summer promises an extraordinary blend of celebrations and attractions. Newcastle is embracing the festive spirit with an exciting lineup of holiday activities, from the magnificent 12.5-metre Christmas tree lighting in Wheeler Place to our spectacular New Year's Eve harbour celebration, featuring the Big Bike Parade and dazzling fireworks that will light up our summer skies.

For adventure seekers, our region offers everything from pristine beaches to rolling vineyards. Cool off at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, catch waves at Merewether, or discover dolphin watching and sandboarding in Port Stephens. Don't miss Newcastle Museum's world-first dinosaur exhibition, an extraordinary journey through time for curious minds of all ages.

Food lovers, explore our dynamic culinary scene, from Hao Chi's stunning blend of Cantonese flavours and Shanghai glamour to the true gastronomic heart of our region among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley vineyards.

The arts are also flourishing, with Newcastle Theatre Company's newly branded Laneway Theatre launching an ambitious 2025 season of Shakespeare and contemporary drama, while sports enthusiasts can perfect their swing at Rippit Golf, our newest tech-savvy social hub.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, HELLO Newy is here to ensure you make the most of your time in our region. From festival highlights to hidden gems, we've got you covered. Let us be your guide to an unforgettable summer of discovery!

Read the magazine on the go and check out the website for some of the best of the best, sorted by area. You’ll also find a comprehensive Events Calendar, so you won't miss a thing! Discover it now at www.HELLONewy.com.au.

Credit: Destination NSW ON THE COVER

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© Copyright 2024 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.

Marvel at our 12.5m Christmas tree, enjoy FREE live music, and snap a jolly pic with Santa in his sleigh. You can even bring your pet to “take the reins” for an adorable holiday paw-trait!

Kids can craft letters to Santa and post them in his special mailbox while parents explore Santa’s Shopping List for enticing offers from businesses and find out how they could WIN the ultimate holiday staycation! Fridays 5pm - 7pm and Sundays 4pm - 6pm 29 Nov - 15 Dec

Visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Christmas24 for full schedule and more information

Dinosaurs Surviving Extinction

AT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

OPEN UNTIL 2 MARCH 2025

◆ This exhibition brings revelations to life with something for all ages, offering a glimpse into the evolutionary journey from dinosaurs to modern birds. Children of all ages will be enlightened and entertained as this immersive exhibition allows them to dig for dinosaur fossils and eggs, touch a giant dinosaur leg bone, and marvel at the 9-metre-high Tarbosaurus skeleton. Through captivating displays, artworks, and interactive exhibits, this exhibition allows visitors to journey through time and discover how the legacy of the dinosaur lives on today. For more information, visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.

Music in the Podium

AT WARNERS BAY PODIUM

EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL MARCH 28

◆ Featuring a lineup of popular local musicians, running from 6pm to 9pm each Friday, this event is perfect for families and music lovers. Sit back and relax in an outdoor setting by the lake, ideal for enjoying the sunset with friends. Attendees can bring their own seating and food, or choose from on-site food trucks and nearby Warners Bay eateries, creating a casual lakeside atmosphere for enjoying music and dining. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ musicinthepodium.

Shakespeare Under the Stars

AT PACIFIC PARK

WEDNESDAY 27 NOV – SUNDAY 8 DEC

▲ Whale Chorus is thrilled to present the third season of Summer Shakespeare Under the Stars with Shakespeare's comedy ‘Twelfth Night’ at Newcastle’s Pacific Park. Following last year's sold-out success, this December's event will expand to accommodate larger local and visiting audiences. The popular park will be transformed into a round theatre, where a local professional theatre company will stage the classic comedy with a modern flair, live music, and familyfriendly entertainment. For more information, visit www.whalechorus.com.

Bjorn Again - The Waterloo Anniversary Tour

AT PACC

SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER

▲ Join Bjorn Again as they celebrate ABBA's iconic Eurovision victory from 1974! This electrifying tribute band gives you the chance to unleash your inner Dancing Queen or Super Trouper for a night filled with nostalgia and nonstop fun! The stage will dazzle with vibrant lights, stunning costumes, and an infectious energy that will have you grooving like you’re at an ABBA concert! For more information, visit www.mypacc.com.au.

Lake Mac Carols

AT SPEERS POINT PARK

SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER

◆ Lake Macquarie City Council is proud to present a spectacular evening of entertainment, as we count down to Christmas at the Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight event at Speers Point Park. The free event will feature kids’ activities, food trucks, roving entertainment and a jam-packed main stage program including a visit from Santa! For more info, visit www.lakemac.com.au.

Hunter IDPWD Community Fun Day

AT CESSNOCK PCYC

TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER

◆ You are invited to join in a day of fun, connection and celebration of people with disability and our inclusive Hunter community. The event is proudly co-designed with people with disability as well as local disability employment, NDIS and allied health providers. It offers a unique opportunity for everyone to gather, enjoy live entertainment, games, interactive sessions, stalls, food and prizes in an inclusive setting. For more information, visit events.humanitix.com.

Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Source: Whale Chorus

Carols in the Park

AT CESSNOCK SPORTSGROUND

FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER

▲ Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Carols in the Park is back! This free, family-friendly event invites you to enjoy food and market stalls, fun activities, and live entertainment. And, of course, the evening wouldn’t be the same without a special visit from Santa. Gates open at 5pm, with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9pm. For more info, visit www.huntereventsnsw.com.au.

Sondheim on Sondheim by the Newcastle Theatre Company

AT WILES AUDITORIUM

FRIDAY 6 – SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER

▲ Sondheim on Sondheim is an intimate tribute to the legendary composer and lyricist, offering a revealing portrait through exclusive interview footage and music. This revue explores Stephen Sondheim's personal life, inspiration, and creative genius, featuring two dozen songs, from the beloved to the obscure, set against in-depth video interviews. Curated by James Lapine and arranged by David Loud, Sondheim on Sondheim combines theatrical potency with multimedia elements, making it suitable for both large stages and smaller venues. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit newcastletheatrecompany.com.au.

Groove Train

AT CROATIAN WICKHAM SPORTS CLUB

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER

▲ Funky people, funky tunes, let's get funky! Groove Train Newcastle promises to provide a night of fun, food, drinks, entertainment and learning! Prepare to experience live art, performances and visual odyssey, as well as browse the market stalls and workshops, taste delicious foods and non-alcoholic drinks from the bar, or sip on a tasty drink from the Aether Brewery and bar! If you are looking forward to learning a thing or two then take part in a percussion workshop at The Rhythm Realm or some of the workshops and kid’s activities! For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit events.humanitix.com.

Source: Hunter Events

Kids’ Christmas Disco

AT MAYFIELD WEST BOWLING CLUB

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER

◆ Get ready for the magical Kids' Christmas Disco, providing a festive evening filled with music from DJ Jingle Beats. Wear your best holiday attire and bring your little elves for a fun time! Perfect for kids of all ages, join the merriment! For more information, visit www.mayfieldbc.net.

Dashville Community Xmas Party

AT DASHVILLE

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER

◆ Dashville is the ideal destination for a relaxing and enjoyable family reunion. They invite you to join them, reconnect, and unwind in a serene setting. Let Dashville ease the pressure of your holiday gatherings or family photos by offering the perfect solution for a group get-together. Enjoy a weekend filled with fun activities, live music, vibrant markets, and plenty of picnics! For more info, visit www.dashville.com.au

National College of Dance

50th Anniversary Gala

AT CIVIC THEATRE

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER

▲ The National College of Dance is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Gala, marking five decades of dance excellence. The Gala will honour the college's history and its impact on the arts, highlighting alumni who now perform globally and showcasing performances by both current students and former. Hosted by actress Chloe Bayliss, the gala will also feature special appearances by Artistic Directors Marie Walton Mahon OAM and Brett Morgan OAM, recognising their pivotal role in the college's legacy. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

11 DEC

The Wiggles

AT NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER

▲ Inspired by their hit YouTube series, this exciting performance will feature all eight Wiggles! Sing along to favourites like "Hot Potato" and "Fruit Salad" as the Wiggles bring their high-energy, colourful characters to life. Join in on the fun as you encounter special friends from the Wiggles universe, including fanfavourite characters and a special surprise visit from the Great Big Man in Red! This is an event you won’t want to miss, perfect for kids of all ages and their parents. Arrive early to enjoy the pre-show festivities, and bring your camera for some memorable photo opportunities. For more info, visit www.nec.net.au.

They Promised Her The Moon

AT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

WEDNESDAY 11 – FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER

◆ Hunter Drama’s Actors Company, in partnership with Newcastle Museum, presents the Australian premiere of They Promised Her the Moon. This true story follows Jerrie Cobb, the first woman to test for spaceflight, who broke records but was denied a place in NASA’s Mercury 13 program. Set in the Supernova Exhibit, this powerful production is directed by James Chapman. Recommended for ages 12+. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit events.humanitix.com.

Two Door Cinema Club & Declan McKenna

AT BAR ON THE HILL

SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER

◆ Prepare for the collaboration of the year! The ultimate night of live music is coming to Newcastle when Two Door Cinema Club and Declan Mckenna co-headline a tour of Australia for the very first time! Dance to old favourites such as ‘Brazil’ by McKenna, or ‘What You Know’ and ‘Undercover Martin’ by Two Door Cinema Club. Make the most of live music this spring and get your tickets now! For more information, visit www.livenation.com.au.

Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Credit: Erica Lorimer

Credit: Double Denim Studio

Lambton Park Carols AT LAMBTON PARK

SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER

▲ Lambton Park will once again be turned into a Christmas family carnival as thousands of locals come together for a night of carol-singing fun! Enjoy a host of local Newcastle food trucks, activities and amusement rides, jumping castles, fire trucks, all your favourite carols performed live, and an epic fireworks finale. Invite your picnic pals and bring the kids for an evening of celebration, live music, local food, and Christmas cheer. For more information, visit www.lambtoncarols.com.au.

15 DEC 15 DEC 21–22 DEC

Carols by the Lake AT THOMAS HALTON PARK, CROUDACE BAY

SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER

▲ Carols by the Lake is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever! The perfect event for an unforgettable evening celebrating the true spirit of Christmas. Sing along to your favourite carols in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with stunning views of Lake Macquarie. Enjoy local community stalls, free kids’ activities, a sausage sizzle, food trucks, and more. Pre-show entertainment kicks off at 6:00 pm, followed by the talented New Vine Lakes carols band taking the stage at 7:30 pm. Bring your family, friends, a picnic mat, and your best singing voice for a night filled with joy and holiday cheer. This event is proudly supported by Lake Macquarie City Council and New Vine Lakes Baptist Church. For more info, visit www.newvinelakes.com.au.

Portside

Festival AT THE STATION

SATURDAY 21 – SUNDAY 22

DEC 24

▲ Earp Distillery is kickstarting the festive season this year, bringing some of the country’s greatest names portside just in time for Christmas! Local music lovers have the chance to sing along to the likes of San Sisco, Birds of Tokyo, The Living End and many more over the two epic days of performances. We all know one of the best parts of the Holiday season is the amazing choices of food, and Portside Festival is no different! Come hungry and thirsty, there will be plenty of local vendors such as Good Folk Brewing and El’s Fried Chicken to keep you satisfied. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of music, food, and festive cheer! Get tickets now, visit www.earpdistillery.com.au.

Source: Lambton Park Carols

Credit: Lauren Jane Clarke

Source: Lake Macquarie City Council

Source: Carols by the Beach

Carols by the Beach

AT EMPIRE PARK

SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER

▲ Sing along to your favourite festive tunes and Christmas carols while basking in the summer air! Carols at the Beach embraces the fundamentals of an all-Australian Christmas, including great friends, amazing food and of course, the beach! With plenty of food trucks, entertainment, face painting for the kids, and maybe even a surprise visit from Santa, there’s something for all ages to enjoy! Don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks, it's the perfect way to end a great evening. For more info, visit www.carolsbythebeach.com.au.

Christmas Buffet Lunch

AT NINETEEN

WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER

◆ Enjoy spending time with friends and family this Christmas without having to do the cooking at NINETEEN Bar & Bistro in the Hunter Valley. Enjoy a sumptuous spread, including fresh oysters, glazed leg of ham, a variety of delectable desserts and a 3-hour beverage package. Adding to the holiday cheer, there will be a special visit from Santa. With a mouth-watering Christmas buffet, there is no better place to celebrate with friends and family. Book your tickets via, www.nineteenhuntervalley.com.au.

creators market

SHOWCASING THE HUNTER

Christmas Day Lunch

AT SHOAL BAY COUNTRY CLUB

WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER

▲ Remove the stress of preparing a feast this Christmas Day and focus on spending the day with the ones you love! Bask in the sunshine, take in the waterfront views and enjoy great company at Shoal Bay Country Club. Choose from three incredible options– a Greek feast in Atmos, a seafood banquet on the Patio or a seafood buffet in Whitesands. It’s time to sit back, relax and book now! For more info, visit www.shoalbaycountryclub.com.au.

NYE Featuring The Viper Creek Band

AT HUNTLEE TAVERN

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER

◆ Ring in the new year with The Viper Creek Band in true Huntlee fashion! Dine in before the show then make your way to the dancefloor to party with the iconic Australian country-rock band for a night to remember. The fun doesn’t end there, dance the night away with DJ’s until 2PM! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.huntleetavern.com.au.

DECEMBER EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, 18TH 8AM - 2 30PM

SUNDAY, 22ND 8AM - 7.30PM

Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Source: Shoal Bay Country Club

Maitland New Years Eve

AT THE LEVEE

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER

▲ Ring in 2024 along the charming banks of the Hunter River this New Year’s Eve. This family-friendly celebration offers something for everyone, featuring free entertainment, live music, a variety of delicious food and dessert trucks and stalls. Join in for a festive evening filled with joy and laughter culminating in a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the night sky at 9pm. Don’t miss this memorable start to the new year! For more information, visit www.maitlandevents.com.au.

New Year’s Eve Degustation

AT VOCO™ KIRKTON PARK HUNTER VALLEY

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER

▲ Bring in the New Year in style with a delicious degustation dinner at voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley. Celebrate with a 4-course menu, bubbles, festive cocktails, and fireworks, surrounded by stunning views and luxurious accommodations. For more information, visit www.huntervalley.vocohotels.com.

NEWY NYE 24/25

AT THE QUEENS WHARF

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER

▲ This New Years Eve, the Queens Wharf Precinct will be transformed into a colourful community hub, offering family-friendly activities, inflatables, bike parades, live music, delicious local food, and the spectacular 9 pm fireworks display. NEWY NYE 24/25 is proud to be an event for everyone, with various accessibility options available for visitors with disability or access needs. Enjoy everything from a creation station to decorate your bike, pram, or wheelchair, to a quiet zone for relaxation. Don't miss this unforgettable celebration! For more information, visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au.

The Night Market, Newcastle

Credit: Ready Aim Media

Source: Maitland Events

A Day on the GreenThe Teskey Brothers

AT BIMBADGEN

SATURDAY 18 JANUARY

▲ As some of Australia’s most soulful siblings, The Teskey Brothers remain in high demand after their tours across the globe throughout 2024. Remembering where their roots are, the brothers will embark on their very first Day on the Green tour! Set to light up Bimbadgen this summer, there’s no better duo to sing along to whilst sipping on some of the Hunter Valley’s greatest drops! Don’t forget your chair and your best picnic basket, you’re going to want to kick your feet up for this. Get more info or purchase tickets here, www.adayonthegreen.com.au.

The Script ‘Satellites World Tour’

AT BIMBADGEN

SATURDAY 25 JANUARY

◆ Dublin four-piece The Script are set to return to our shores this Summer for their first shows in Australia since 2022’s Greatest Hits tour! Enjoy the sounds of their new album and their greatest hits, whilst sitting on the hill sipping on some of the Hunter Valley’s greatest wines and snacking on many of the tasty food options. For more info, visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au.

Timeless Summer Tour

Australia

AT HOPE ESTATE

SATURDAY 25 JANUARY

◆ Timeless Live is thrilled to announce the Timeless Summer Tour Australia – a spectacular new concert series celebrating iconic musicians from across the globe. This inaugural series will feature performances by Boy George of Culture Club, Bonnie Tyler, Tony Hadley (formerly of Spandau Ballet), and Starship with Mickey Thomas. They will be performing at the picturesque Hope Estate, in the heart of wine country where you can enjoy a diverse array of food and local wine options from gourmet food trucks and stalls. Bring your picnic rug and get ready for an unforgettable evening with legendary artists! For more information, visit www.timelesssummertour.com.

Beach 5s Australia Day Weekend Festival

AT NOBBY BEACH

SATURDAY 25 – SUNDAY 26 JANUARY

▲ Beach 5s offers an inclusive and fun summer sport that combines Rugby Union and Rugby League on the sand for a weekend of fun! Designed to bring fun and excitement to players and spectators in the warmer months of the year while celebrating the beach culture of our country, you don’t want to miss out. For more information, visit www.beach5s.com.au

Island Triathlon Festival

AT GRIFFITH PARK, STOCKTON

FRIDAY 31 JAN – SUNDAY 2 FEB

◆ Prepare for a weekend of swimming, cycling, and running in Stockton! The Island Triathlon Festival has 12 race options, suitable for recreational and professional athletes. The flat and fast course is perfect for all skill levels and for serious athletes, it's a qualifying event for the Standard Distance World Age Group Championships. Get active and embrace the beautiful scenery of Newcastle and Stockton! For more information, visit www.hevents.com.au.

Hunter Valley Air Show

AT CESSNOCK AERODROME

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY

◆ Get ready for a weekend packed with exhilarating family fun, featuring a thrilling mix of hair-raising aerobatics, vintage warbirds, exciting amusement rides, bustling markets, a beer and wine garden, mouthwatering street food, and so much more. You can soar through the sky on a helicopter or adventure flight, compete in a paper aeroplane contest, experience the thrill of a virtual fighter jet cockpit, or simply relax and enjoy the continuous airborne spectacle unfolding above. For more information, visit www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au.

Source: Beach 5s

Credit: Ben Houdijk

Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Jimeoin’s Pandemonium

AT BELMONT 16’S

FRIDAY 10 JANUARY

◆ A night spent with this comedy legend is not only funny but also full of handy tips. Jimeoin will teach you how to make your bed with minimal effort, how to prank your partner and get away with it and how to talk dirty in a nice way…. You’ll come out the other side having laughed yourself stupid and maybe with a life hack or two. For more info, visit 16s.com.au.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

AT CIVIC THEATRE

THURSDAY 13 – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

◆ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious musical that explores the chaos of adolescence and competitive spelling. Six quirky teens compete for the championship, each driven by their own hopes and fears. With a Tony Award-winning script and a lively score, this fastpaced show proves that winning isn't everything, and losing doesn’t make you a loser. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

Howlin Country

AT FORESHORE PARK

SATURDAY 15 FEB

Red Hot Summer Tour

AT SPEERS POINT PARK

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

▲ Celebrate the hot Australian Summer with the help of a few of the country’s best rock bands! The iconic homegrown acts, such as headlining act, ICEHOUSE, Eskimo Joe and Wolfmother will be hitting the stage from 1:30 pm! Set up your chairs and picnic blankets and take in the sunshine and some of the artist's greatest hits. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.redhotsummertour.com.au.

Hangmen by the Newcastle Theatre Company

AT WILES AUDITORIUM

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY –

SATURDAY 1 MARCH

◆ Prepare to have your socks blown off by the Newcastle Theatre Company in their latest rendition, Hangmen! In 1965, capital punishment is abolished in the UK. In a northern pub, former hangman Harry enjoys his newfound celebrity among a group of sycophants. Tension rises with the arrival of a mysterious stranger from London. This darkly humorous, biting play by the writer of In Bruges and Three Billboards condemns state-sanctioned murder. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit newcastletheatrecompany.com.au.

Operation Ouch Live on Stage!

AT CIVIC THEATRE

SATURDAY 18 JANUARY

Kate Miller-Heidke: The Telling Tales Tour

CIVIC THEATRE

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY

◆ Spend an evening with the talented Kate Miller-Heidke as she combines her talented singing and songwriting abilities with her passion for storytelling. With influences from the genres of opera, musical theatre, pop and folk, prepare for an intimate performance by Kate, accompanied by Keir Nuttall on guitar. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

Over the Ditch Festival

AT THE STATION

SATURDAY 22 – SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY

▲ In a toast to the end of an exciting festive season and hot summer, Over the Ditch Festival is hitting the shores of Newcastle to celebrate trans-Tasman music culture and live music. The two day music festival combines homegrown and international talents, with artists from both Australia and New Zealand. Day one features local acts such as the Temper Trap, Jack River and Cub Sport, meanwhile, the second day shifts the focus to a series of New Zealand born artists, such as South Summit, Kora and L.A.B. Grab your tickets and prepare to sing along to Aussie Anthems and Kiwi hits! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.earpdistillingco.com.

▲ Howlin Country is bringing some of the biggest and best country music artists right to our local beaches. Connecting the country to the coast, Newcastle Foreshore is the perfect meeting point for lovers of all things country this summer! Relax by the water under the golden sun, letting yourself be carried away by heartfelt stories and the vibrant sounds of seventime Grammy nominee, Tyler Childers, joined by Brad Cox, Austin Mackay and many more! Gather your friends, mark your calendar, and prepare for a fresh, exciting take on the country music experience. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.howlin.country.

◆ Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand return to Australia with "Quest for the Jurassic Fart!" Packed with wild experiments, this show will take you back to the age of dinosaurs, blending science with laughs and a bit of gross-out fun. It’s the perfect school holiday activity, perfect for all ages! For more info, visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au. 15 FEB 15 FEB

Newcastle Fringe Festival

AT VARIOUS NEWCASTLE VENUES

THURSDAY 20 – SUNDAY 30 MARCH

◆ Australia's 'biggest little fringe' is returning to our city across two action-packed weeks. With a diverse range of events held throughout the festival, get ready to experience the unexpected creativity of local, Australian and international artists. Keep an eye on socials to see artist announcements. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastlefringe.com.au.

Credit: Sheldon Ang Media

Friday Night Vibes & Sunset Melodies

Music in the Podium is an iconic Lake Macquarie event that runs from the first Friday in November until the last Friday of March, returning this year from Friday, 1 November until Friday, 28 March 2024.

Gracing the Warners Bay Foreshore for its 27th year, the longevity of this event is a testament to its popularity, the community's ongoing support and the generosity of sponsors. Once again, Lake Macquarie City Council takes the lead as the major sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to fostering arts and culture in the area. The event promises another great lineup of popular local musicians, carefully selected to appeal to a wide audience. Families and music enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying these performances from 6pm to 9pm each Friday evening.

Music in the Podium provides an ideal Friday evening setting to relax and enjoy the sunset over the lake with friends. The event combines live music with a picturesque outdoor environment, offering a pleasant way to start the weekend.

Visitors can bring their own seating and food or take advantage of the available options. On-site food trucks provide quick meals, while nearby Warners Bay eateries offer additional dining choices. Whether you prefer a picnic or takeaway, the event caters to various preferences, allowing attendees to enjoy music and food in a casual, lakeside atmosphere.

Check out the Music in the Podium Facebook and Instagram pages for a complete program and information about pending weather cancellations. Music in the Podium is a free, family-friendly event made possible by valuable sponsors and the Warners Bay Business Network. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/musicinthepodium.

Night Markets Launch at Newcastle Showground

Newcastle's summer evenings are set to sparkle with the launch of the eagerly anticipated Night Markets, transforming the historic Newcastle Showground into a vibrant community hub starting Friday, 6 December.

As twilight descends from 4pm, visitors will discover a feast for all senses. The air will be filled with the enticing aromas of international street food while local artisans showcase their unique creations under twinkling market lights. The inaugural event promises to be particularly special, featuring an outdoor cinema screening of the heartwarming film "IF" under the stars.

"We're creating more than just a market – it's a community celebration," says event organiser Jodie Lee.

"Where else can you enjoy gourmet food trucks, watch your children delight in Thomas the Tank Engine and pony rides, then settle in for a family movie night?"

The family-friendly atmosphere is enhanced by unlimited access to entertainment, including a jumping castle, with the modest $5 entry fee covering all rides and activities. Children under three enter free, making it an affordable evening out for families.

The Night Markets will return on Friday, 20 December, offering Newcastle residents another chance to experience this magical evening before Christmas. With convenient onsite parking available for just $3, the markets are set to become a must-visit destination for summer evenings in the Hunter region.

Don't miss being part of Newcastle's new night market movement –where community, culture, and cuisine come together under the summer sky. Visit www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au.

BY MELANIE TAIT DIRECTED

PRISCILLA JACKMAN

STAGING SUCCESS

Newcastle's Youngest Producer Takes Centre Stage

WORDS JACK MADDEN

When Seb Smee saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the West End, he was not even double digits, but he knew that making theatre was his destiny.

Now, fresh off completing the HSC at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Seb is focused on a fruitful 2025 and for his new production company, Hyde Entertainment, whose mission statement sees younger performers centre stage.

“As a young person, it’s exciting to give opportunities to other young people, and Newcastle has some of the best young talent I’ve ever seen,” says Seb.

Producing is not entirely foreign to Seb, having staged and performed in a run of Enda Walsh’s Chatroom in January 2023 at his alma mater and then having restaged it in collaboration with Jopuka Productions on the Central Coast in June 2024.

In 2025, audiences have two musicals that Hyde Entertainment is mounting to look forward

to - the Tony Award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in February, which he will be directing, and another very exciting musical comedy to be staged here in Newcastle this July, which puts a contemporary spin on an old classic.

“One of the best things about Newcastle is the amount of theatre,” he opines on the pivot to directing Spelling Bee, “being able to work alongside other people, see how they do things, and bring it to my own rehearsal room is wonderful.”

The musical follows six ambitious preteens competing for a cash prize, each with their own quirky approach to navigating the challenges of the English language’s orthography.

“Something fascinating about Spelling Bee is the contrast to our inaugural show [Chatroom], which was very dark. We’re excited to show that we can offer more than that kind of show.”

More to the point, Seb relishes the notion that Spelling Bee offers young performers the opportunity to play roles that address their demographic and experience rather than the usual older characters offered in the modern musical theatre canon.

To stay abreast of Hyde Entertainment, look them up on Facebook or follow them on Instagram @Hyde_Entertainment

SPELLING BEE SPELLING BEE

World-First Dinosaur Exhibition Roars into Newcastle Museum

The dinosaurs have arrived at Newcastle Museum in a groundbreaking exhibition that explores the fascinating evolutionary links between the prehistoric giants and modern-day birds. Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction showcases an impressive collection of fossils and bones and interactive displays that tell the remarkable story of survival from the Cretaceous period to the present day.

The world premiere exhibition, created by Gondwana Studios, features over 100 items, including a massive nine-metre skeleton of an apex predator. Visitors can explore interactive dig pits, handle authentic fossils, and discover how some dinosaurs evolved to survive extinction, eventually becoming the birds we see today.

"Whether you're fascinated by prehistoric predators or curious about their connection to modern wildlife, this exhibition offers something for everyone. It's a glimpse into a tumultuous period when life on Earth hung in the balance,” said Museum Director Julie Baird, highlighting the exhibition's unique appeal.

Star attractions include the feathered Utahraptor, the Griffin-inspiring Tarbosaurus, a close relative of T-Rex. The exhibition also features replica dinosaur nests and baby dinosaur displays, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

2 March 2025, this family-friendly exhibition is perfectly timed for school holidays. Tickets start from $7.50 for children and $15 for adults, with family passes available for $40. Pre-book online at www.newcastlemuseum.com.au to avoid disappointment.

What’s On

in 2025

National College of Dance Celebrates Golden Anniversary with Star-Studded Gala

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Newcastle's National College of Dance is marking its 50th anniversary with a spectacular reunion gala at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, 7 December. The celebration brings together generations of dancers who have emerged from this prestigious institution, originally known as the Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy.

Hosted by television star and alumna Chloe Bayliss, the evening promises an extraordinary showcase of talent featuring both current students and distinguished graduates. Headlining the performances are The Australian Ballet's Principal Artist Sharni Spencer and Senior Artist Jarryd Madden, who will perform the Pas de Deux from Sir Peter Wright's The Nutcracker. Former American Ballet Theatre artist Stephanie Petersen will join Madden for Christopher Wheeldon's After the Rain Pas De Deux, while Moulin Rouge alumnus Zeak Tass will bring his signature style to the stage. The evening will also include the talented Grace Humphris performing Dying Swan.

A highlight of the evening will be a special jazz performance featuring over 30 alumni, including notable graduates such as Veronica Mahon, Claudia Lawson, and Daniel Baker. The gala will also showcase contributions from alumni-led dance schools, including Dance North Academy and The Academy Australia.

"This gala is more than a celebration of dance—it's a celebration of community, artistry, and the countless lives touched by the studio over the last 50 years," says Brett Morgan OAM, Artistic Director of the National College of Dance. Founder Marie Walton Mahon OAM adds that the event demonstrates the school's legacy in inspiring generations of dancers.

The evening will feature messages from industry luminaries, including renowned choreographer Graeme Murphy AO, who praised the institution for "producing wonderful dancers" and noted the "creativity, excellence, and care" evident in its students.

Under the artistic direction of Brett Morgan OAM and the creative direction of Jake Burden, this historic event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of dance excellence. Tickets are available through the Civic Theatre Ticket Office and website.

Image Source: National College of Dance

Curtain Rises on Fresh Chapter for NEWCASTLE THEATRE COMPANY

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

IMAGES SOURCE NEWCASTLE THEATRE COMPANY

The Newcastle Theatre Company is proud to announce the Laneway Theatre and the launch of Season 2025. The Lambton-based theatre company is one of Australia’s longest continuously run community theatres with over 200 loyal and dedicated members, all of whom have lots of new and exciting things to look forward to over the next year.

Opened in 1957 as Newcastle Repertory Theatre, it was the dream of Peter and Shirley Bloomfield, who wanted to create an all-inclusive training ground for theatre practitioners of all skill levels. Their legacy continues today with the annual production of several mainstage productions each year and the broad range of theatre-based activities for members, including not just performances, auditions and rehearsals but play readings, set design and construction, lighting and sound design and tech, art exhibitions, workshops and even ushering.

In 2007, the Newcastle Repertory Theatre changed its name to the Newcastle Theatre Company. Originally housed in what is now the rehearsal space, in 2012, the company moved into a new 147-seat building that had been 25 years in the planning.

Newcastle Theatre Company is a memberbased, incorporated association run by a volunteer Management Committee, with all decisions going through the voting process at the Annual General Meeting. President Zac Smith has been in his role for three years and is passionate about modernising not just the space but also the offerings, as well as finding

ways to make what they do more commercially viable.

“There were renovations made to the outside of the building in 2018 and 2019, but since then we’ve done more work inside, for example, raising the proscenium arch by 1.5 metres which has made a big difference in the staging of our works,” said Zac.

“One of our most exciting new changes is the rebranding of our venue as the Laneway Theatre. This will make it easier to hire the space to other theatre companies and performance groups, removing the confusion of who is actually presenting the work.

“One of the reasons we want to do this, aside from the fact that it’s financially savvy, is that by hiring the venue out to other performance groups, especially those that are presenting very different works to those that we present, we are building awareness in audiences that may have never been here before. We want to be a destination venue. When people are wondering what to do, they might wonder what’s on at the Civic Theatre, but they might also wonder what’s on at the Laneway Theatre.

“We’ve been here a long time, but people still don’t know what we do, and we want to change that. It’s vital that we get new people through our doors, and offering different types of shows, such as comedy, magic shows, and burlesque, will help us grow our audience base.

“In 2025 we’ll also be welcoming cinema to the stage with a screen being installed over Christmas. There will be a weekly program featuring things such as National Theatre Live, old horror classics, and international films, and the bar will open.

Season 2025 features six plays and one musical. Directors submit a pitch to the

Mainstage Programming Committee with a play reading and their ideas, and then the recommendations are presented to the Management Committee. In 2025, Newcastle Theatre Company will present Hangmen by Martin McDonagh, a brilliant, funny, and offbeat play that won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Play. It will be directed by Patrick Campbell. Then, in March, Florian Zeller’s The Father (the play that the Oscar-winning film with Anthony Hopkins was based on) will be a poignant and powerful piece on aging and is directed by Aiden Clark. May will see Morning Sacrifice by Dymphna Cusack with an all-female cast directed by Pearl Nunn on the stage. William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, directed by Jo Cooper, will explore the consequences of political power and ambition in June. A black comedy about infertility and infidelity, Every Second, written and directed by local playwright Vanessa Bates, runs from 23 August to 6 September. At the end of October, director Michael King takes on The Birds by Conor McPherson, which is an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s short story and also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film. Finally, towards the end of November, Silvia Martinez and Jason King will direct Lucky Stiff.

“We’re encouraging people to become season ticket holders,” said Zac.

“We’ve developed a new loyalty rewards program that unlocks exclusive benefits that grow with continued support. It’s about becoming a part of a community that values the arts and live theatre.”

For more information and bookings, visit www.newcastletheatrecompany.com.au.

Festive Fun for Everyone: Newcastle's Christmas & New Years Spectacular

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

IMAGES SOURCE CITY OF NEWCASTLE

The uplifting music of Christmas carols and children laughing in excitement and delight are the sounds of Christmas in the city, and there’s no better place to be this Christmas and New Year than Newcastle.

The city is celebrating in style this year with giant Christmas displays, activities for the whole family (including your pets!), musical performances and the party of the year along the harbour for New Year’s Eve. Make memories and get into the festive spirit by immersing yourself in all the wonders that the city has to offer.

Christmas in Wheeler Place, Newcastle

The festive season kicks off when Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge hits the ‘big button’ as children do the countdown to light the 12.5 metre Christmas tree in Wheeler Place on Friday, 29 November, from 5pm to 7pm accompanied by the vocal talents and festive sounds of Marmalade Sky. Santa will be there with his sleigh, and photos will be encouraged. Across three weekends, the magical spirit and sounds of Christmas will continue at Wheeler Place on Friday evenings from 5pm to 7pm and Sunday afternoons from 4pm to 6pm

when Santa will make his special appearances accompanied by live musical performances from local schools, community groups and professional performers including the Novotones, the Bel-Air School Band, performers from the Hunter School of Performing Arts, and the Newcastle Music Academy. On Friday, 13 December, the Newcastle Youth Orchestra will be a highlight performance featuring instrumental ensembles, and emerging local vocalists leading traditional Christmas carols.

Parents who may be wondering how they can afford their annual Santa photos this year amid a cost-of-living crisis may be pleased to learn that photography with Santa, his sleigh,

and his elf helpers is encouraged and free. Pets are welcome, and ‘paw-traits’ will be a fun addition to family Christmas traditions. It will even be possible to clip your pet to the front of Santa’s sleigh in place of his reindeer! Children will be able to get busy on the craft table, assisted by Santa’s helpers, to write and craft their annual Santa letter which they can post at the on-site mailbox next to the reindeer. After posting their letter, let the kids run through the Christmas tree tunnel for extra fun.

The grown-ups can explore Santa’s Shopping List, which features special offers, promotions, discounts and vouchers from participating local businesses in the CBD and Darby Street precincts to encourage local shopping. There are approximately 12 businesses involved, including Blackbird Corner, Cooks Hill Books and Records, Blank Store and Foghorn Brewery. Christmas shopping in the city provides a more diverse range of options than suburban shopping centres. Find that quirky something for your difficult-to-buy-for relative, something artsy, trendy, handmade or bespoke. There is a ‘spend-to-win’ promotion where shoppers who spend in participating stores have a chance to win a staycation. The prize includes a Civic Theatre voucher, one night’s accommodation at Quest Apartments Newcastle West in a studio apartment with a bottle of sparkling on arrival, a drinks voucher for Miss Mary’s at Crystalbrook Kingsley and a $50 voucher for Banana Blossom Newcastle and is drawn on Friday, 15 December.

Christmas in Hunter St Mall

As if that’s not enough festive fun for the family, you can also head up to Hunter St Mall where a purpose-built Christmas installation is designed to encourage selfies and social media interactivity. This giant double-sided Christmas

gift lights up and allows people to hop inside, look out of the four little windows and take photos to post across social media. Created in collaboration with local artists and curators, Sawtooth Timber Creations, Mitch Revs and Canvas Events, the installation will be at the Market Street Steps from 29 November to 26 December.

“These Christmas activities aim to bring the community together, create a festive ambience, and drive support for local businesses while celebrating the holiday season through music, interactive displays, and community engagement,” said Alissa Jones, Executive Director Creative & Community Services, City of Newcastle.

“It’s part of our Community Strategic Plan to be a creative and vibrant city. Christmas and New Year are flagship events, and we’re very proud to be able to produce opportunities for people to come together to celebrate in a positive way. I love that it’s free so that everyone can participate and have fun.

“We want as many people as possible to come into their city, to gather here, stay for a bit longer, to shop, eat, to patronise local businesses. As a city, we’re very proud to support major community events, to celebrate the work of local artists and producers and to create a safe and inclusive space where the people of our region can come together to lean on the spirit of Newcastle and create a colourful and happy time for everyone.”

The Novotones

In this ‘spirit of Newcastle’, the Newcastle City Business Improvement Association and NHM Newcastle Hunter Mummas are presenting Santa’s Big Newcastle Toy Swap on Saturday, 30 November, at Hunter St Mall.

“Talking to local business owners, we were hearing that people were delaying their Christmas shopping this year because so many are doing it tough,” said Mel Sargeant of NHM “In our own NHM network, we hear from 80,000 mothers monthly. There’s a lot of stress out there at the moment, so we see this as an opportunity to help out. We’ve run toy swaps before within our NHM community. Families show up with their picnics and their toys and do a swap. It’s great for sustainability, and kids don’t care about packaging. Some of my kid’s favourite toys came from toy swaps.”

The concept to sell it to your children is that Santa has been super busy in his workshop this year but wants your help to save the planet. He and Mrs Claus know many children don’t play with toys anymore that other children would cherish and still enjoy; that’s why he’s bringing the children of Newcastle together just in time for Christmas so they can meet him, have a photo with him, give him their Christmas wish list and take home a toy they love that another child has once loved. He’s even invited your furry dog friends to be included in the Santa photos.

Toys can be dropped off from 9am to 10am, then from 11am to 12 noon; the toy swap will take place and finish with a prize draw where mums can win $1000 thanks to Grace Family Law Solicitors and Genea Newcastle.

Other raffle prizes drawn on the day include a Surrender Spa treatment from Endota, a two-night stay with wine on arrival at 291 on King Newcastle, a Humbug experience, awardwinning Serum Laboratory transformational skincare, a stay at Quest Newcastle with breakfast from The Happy Wombat, a red light therapy treatment from Cryoking, a class package from The Yoga Loft Newcastle, a Pilates Space experience, Hunterbelle Diary Co cheese pack and a Woolworths voucher and grocery hamper.

There will be free coffee and baby chinos from several cafes to enjoy, a sustainable Christmas craft workshop by Full Circle Collective, face-painting and wine tasting from Artisanal Cellars and a choir for the musical entertainment. People are encouraged to bring both toys and books for the swap, to come along, have some fun and take some pressure off. Any leftover toys will be donated to the Toy Library at New Lambton, and NEW FM will broadcast live from the event.

New Year’s Eve

The most common question asked about everyone’s favourite party night of the year, New Year’s Eve (NYE), is, ‘Will there be fireworks?’ The short answer is yes –absolutely – but so much more! Newcastle’s NYE celebrations will take place along the harbour from 5pm to 9.15pm and will be a creative, colourful, light-filled, inclusive community event with something for everyone

Credit: Little Ruby

Wishing Dome

to enjoy. Produced by local creatives Fingers Crossed Creative and Canvas Events, it features a breathtaking Giant Newy NYE Inflatable tunnel ten metres by five metres, a magical illuminated Wishing Dome featuring giant floating Jellyfish and flower characters creating a hopeful and inspiring atmosphere where you can write your wishes anonymously on a tag and tie it to the dangling strings to set your intentions for the new year, and a quiet zone for those wishing to unwind that includes ambient elements that tie into the thematic aesthetic, with seating, headphones, and tactile experiences to help calm and reset.

Of course, there will be the usual amazing array of local cuisine from diverse food vendors, dedicated zones for families and picnics, DJ stations at different points of the harbour path, face-painting and texta tattoos and inflatables for the kids to play on. The Station will feature live acoustic music and Eat Street with food provided by local restaurants and providers.

Perhaps, aside from the 9pm fireworks, the other highlight event of the evening may well be the Big Bike Parade which will be due to kick off at 5.30pm.

“We wanted to pull out all the stops this year,” said Zackari Watt, Creative Producer at Fingers Crossed Creative.

“It will be bigger and better than ever. We’ve made sure that 99 per cent of what we’ve created has been with local content, suppliers and materials. This is by Newcastle for Newcastle.

“The aim this year was to provide an experience where the community could be part of the action. The Big Bike Parade will include several wacky inflatables, puppets, and creatures attached to bikes, as well as anything

with wheels. The community is invited to join the parade with their bikes, prams, skateboards, wheelchairs, scooters, and anything unmotorised with wheels.

“They can decorate their wheels beforehand, or we’ll have Creation Stations, a dedicated area for participants to get inspired and receive assistance in decorating their ‘wheels’ before joining the parade, which will run for 45 minutes, break for 15 minutes and then run again on a one-kilometre loop continuously until 8.30pm. People without wheels can still join in and walk the course, and if you miss one parade, you can join the next one, or you can sit back and watch. No pressure!”

It's important to note that the entire event is inclusive, with dedicated accessible parking and a drop off zone located near the event. There are accessible toilets, a quiet zone, continuous paths of travel, and dedicated viewing areas for the fireworks for people with accessibility needs. The fireworks will also see registrations for an audio description through dedicated headphones for people with low vision or blindness.

At 9pm the fireworks will begin, providing a dazzling finish to the New Year's Eve celebrations. The fireworks will be visible from the Newcastle Foreshore. They’ll run for 15 minutes, and the event will officially close.

“This inclusive event promises unforgettable connections and memories as we ring in 2025 together,” said Alissa Jones.

“It celebrates local talent, creativity, and

community engagement. The objective is to create an inclusive, vibrant atmosphere that resonates with our community. As we usher in 2025, this event will not only put a colourful

lens on the spirit of Newcastle but also foster connections and lasting memories for all who attend.”

Newcastle Christmas and New Years at a Glance

Light Up Your Summer

Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

IMAGES SOURCE HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS

No visit to the Hunter Valley is truly complete until you've experienced Hunter Valley Gardens. This rings especially true during the festive season when the gardens transform into a magical wonderland, hosting Australia and the southern hemisphere's most spectacular light display - the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, running from 1 November 2024 until 26 January 2025

This year's display boasts an incredible four million lights, creating the most dazzling spectacle yet. Whether you're with family, friends, that special someone, or work colleagues, you'll find endless enchantment across eight acres of stunning illuminated displays, complete with exciting rides, entertaining performances, delightful picnic spots, and fantastic food and beverage options. It's an unforgettable evening out that captivates visitors of every age!

Kim Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Hunter Valley Gardens (HVG), describes this year's event as their most ambitious to date.

"We're thrilled to welcome both returning guests and first-time visitors to Hunter Valley Gardens this festive season," said Kim.

"The holiday period is our favourite time of year, and we can't wait to share the Christmas

magic with newcomers experiencing it for the first time. Between our stunning four million lights, exciting carnival rides, incredible displays, and entertaining live shows, we're proud to help create lasting family memories throughout the Christmas and Summer seasons."

The Christmas Lights Spectacular is a massive undertaking, requiring six months of dedicated work annually. A skilled team of over 40 staff spends three months installing the displays and another three months carefully dismantling them. As the nation's largest light show, it's perfect for any escape, whether midweek or at the weekend.

"The Christmas Lights Spectacular has become a cherished holiday tradition for countless families. But its appeal extends far beyond that - we see romantic couples, sweet proposal moments in the Lover's Tunnel, young couples on dates, and organised senior group visits. What truly warms our hearts are the families who return year after year to capture photos of their children at their favourite displays, similar to an annual Santa photo,” says Kim.

“Watching these children grow through yearly visits makes us feel privileged to be part of such precious family traditions."

This Christmas Lights Spectacular has the family holiday card sorted, with more photo opportunities than ever across the gardens,

including a brand new 13-metre-tall Christmas tree or the giant Mr & Mrs Claus installations at the Big Red Chair, to name just a couple. Enter a new world around every corner with themed event zones, including Rocking Reindeers, Toyland, Festive Shores, Up Up & Away, Candyland, Fairyland, 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Christmas World. Families can also take a picture with Santa Claus until 24 December at an additional cost to cap off all the fun.

The Christmas Lights Spectacular opens at 5.30pm and closes at 10.30pm (last entry at 9.30pm). On arrival, it’s a good idea to download the QR code, which contains a map you can follow, ensuring you don’t miss seeing anything.

From the top of the Gardens, near the entry, head left to check out the Festive Shores and Toyland, featuring giant Christmas toy soldiers, biplanes, Santa delivering presents and teddy bears before checking out the Up Up & Away balloons. Candyland is next on the lights trail with lollies, candy canes, and lollipops to check out before arriving in Winter Wonderland, a beautiful snowscape of snowflakes and reindeer. Backtrack a little and visit Fairyland, a formal garden with a fountain featuring fairies on the hedges, Snow White and Cinderella. Now you’re in the thick of rides, stage shows, and glorious food, so it's time to take a break and

refuel! You’ll also find Mr and Mrs Claus nearby. Work your way along the trail to the 12 Days of Christmas, which many consider a highlight and not to be missed.

Along the way, you’ll encounter The Christmas World Marquee, where children can write letters to Santa and drop them in the mailbox, a Santa sleigh for photo opportunities, Santa’s workshops and reindeer in the trees (so be sure to look up!)

In addition to the fabulous light displays, there is a packed show program ready to dazzle guests. Throughout November, the program includes the Pretty Amazing Jono & Bravissimo Christmas Magic Show and the Little Scallywagz Christmas Show. December sees everything from November plus combined shows, and of course, a highlight of the season is the New Year’s Eve fireworks display at 9pm and the special kids' NYE Stage Show featuring the Little Scallywagz.

After the New Year, the program changes slightly to include more stage shows for the kids, featuring the amazing Little Scallywagz Pirate Show. Argh! The full program is available to view on the HVG website at www. huntervalleygardens.com.au.

It's impossible to miss the gorgeous 25-metre Ferris Wheel that dominates the backdrop of the gardens and from which you can relax and soak up the views to feel the magic of the twinkling lights below you. Children and the young at heart will enjoy a spin on the amusement rides that are always a popular favourite, such as the spectacular 35-metre-long Superslide for the bold and daring, the classic dizzy-making Swing Chairs, a traditional vintage Venetian Carousel that was handmade in Italy and the twisty twirly Spinning Teacups for the little ones will all help to make it an unmissable event.

If all this fun makes you hungry, feed the family with an abundance of food and beverage

options available throughout the grounds; food offerings include woodfired pizza, burgers, loaded fries, nachos, hot dogs, corn on a stick, dumplings, samosas and loads more. Beverages include mango lassi, bubble tea, soft drinks, juice, slushies and more. For those with a sweet tooth, enjoy family favourites, including doughnuts, churros, gelato, dessert cups, waffles on a stick, and ice cream cups drizzled with Belgian chocolate, to name a few.

For families who wish to have a BYO picnic, there is the option to enjoy a packed meal or BBQ in the park near the HVG Shopping Village (picnics are not permitted in the gardens themselves).

HVG offers re-entry passes if you’re coming back in the same session. You’ll need to see the staff at the entry gate to take advantage of this option.

HVG again offers a combined day and evening pass so visitors can enjoy the full garden experience during the daytime and the evening’s Christmas Lights Spectacular. Enjoy everything the gardens have to offer during the day, exit by 4.30pm when the gardens have to be vacated, enjoy a beverage at a nearby winery or pub and then return from 5.30pm when the light shows begin. It’s the perfect day out.

There are accommodation packages available that include entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular, six ride tickets per person, accommodation for one night and a breakfast buffet. The package through The Mercure is for two adults and two children and starts from $389/room per night midweek or $489/room per night on weekends. Harrigan's accommodation offering is for two adults and one child at $309/ room per night midweek or $409/room per night on weekends. Note that weekends attract a minimum stay of two nights.

It is annual events such as this one that make the Hunter Valley so special. From luxurious accommodations to family-friendly resorts, world-class wineries, and award-winning restaurants, the region caters to everyonewith many venues offering dedicated children's activities and expansive spaces for young explorers. Summer in the Hunter Valley creates magical memories for families with children of all ages. The kids explore manicured gardens, challenge each other at aqua golf, get up close with native wildlife, or saddle up for horseback adventures - then cap off your perfect day amid the enchanting glow of the Christmas Lights Spectacular. And for locals, why not start a new tradition? Gather your friends or colleagues for an evening that promises to ignite the festive spirit.

One thing's certain - wonder and joy await at every turn. For more infor and tickets, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au

Festive Spirit Returns with Newcastle Permanent Carols in the Park

The magic of Christmas returns to Cessnock Sportsground with Newcastle Permanent Carols in the Park on Friday, 6 December, promising an evening of entertainment and holiday cheer from 5pm.

Local country music star Tara Naysmith will host the event, accompanied by Santa's Little Helpers – a spectacular 14-piece big band featuring the Hunter's finest musicians under the direction of Greg Paterson, renowned for his work in stage musicals and arrangements.

The evening's entertainment includes food trucks and market stalls curated by Hunter Events Group, perfect for dinner options and Christmas shopping. Carol performances begin at 6:30pm, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display at 9pm.

"This is one of our community's most anticipated events," says Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton. Newcastle Permanent Cessnock Branch Manager Lisa Weston adds, "We're proud to return as naming sponsor for the third year."

Bring your picnic rugs for this alcohol-free event, presented by Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Cessnock City Council, Hunter Water, and Hunter Events Group.

Top Five Things To Do in the Hunter this SUMMER!

IMAGES DESTINATION NSW

Sometimes the best adventures aren't found in distant lands, but right in our own backyard. While Newcastle might not have the global fame of Paris or the exotic allure of Bali, it boasts something even better: an intoxicating blend of sun-soaked beaches, rich culture, and hidden gems that many tourists (and even locals) have yet to discover.

From our glittering waters to the vibrant pulse of our city streets and sundrenched vineyards, the Hunter region is a playground of possibilities that doesn't require a passport or currency converter to enjoy. As your local guides, we've combed through the countless experiences our region has to offer to bring you five unmissable adventures that prove paradise isn't always a plane ride away.

Whether you're a longtime local looking to rediscover your hometown or a visitor seeking authentic Newcastle experiences, these handpicked destinations showcase the very best of what makes our corner of Australia truly special. So grab your sunscreen, charge your camera, and join us as we explore the must-see spots that make Newcastle worth staying home for.

#1 Stretch Your Legs

There's something magical about exploring a city on foot, and Newcastle's crown jewel of urban walks is the stunning Bathers Way. This 5.8-kilometre coastal trail strings together the city's five beloved beaches like pearls on a necklace, stretching from the historic Merewether Ocean Baths to the iconic Nobbys Beach.

The true highlight of this journey is the Newcastle Memorial Walk – a masterpiece of

urban design that does double duty as both a breathtaking viewpoint and a powerful tribute to our history. This 450m elevated walkway, commemorating both the ANZAC centenary and Newcastle's steel-making heritage, offers what might just be the most spectacular coastal views in New South Wales.

Looking for a shorter but equally rewarding adventure? Take the 1-kilometer stroll along the break-wall to Nobbys Head. Time it right on a Sunday (between 10am and 4pm), and you can climb to the top of Nobbys Lighthouse for a 360-degree panorama that will quite literally take your breath away.

#2 Take a Dip

While Newcastle proper boasts five stunning beaches within a 6km stretch, it's worth venturing just a little further south to uncover one of the region's most enchanting coastal secrets: Caves Beach. This 300-meter stretch of golden sand isn't just another pretty beach – it's nature's own adventure playground.

The real magic happens at the southern end, where a mysterious network of sea caves

awaits exploration. These natural sculptures, carved by countless millennia of waves, create an otherworldly landscape that begs to be photographed and explored. Just remember to check the tide times before you visit – Mother Nature only reveals these hidden treasures during low tide.

For history buffs and wild swimming enthusiasts, Newcastle's Bogey Hole offers an equally compelling experience. Hand-carved by convicts in 1819 for Major James Morisset's private use, this heritage-listed ocean pool is now the oldest of its kind on Australia's east coast. Tucked beneath the cliffs of King Edward Park, it's a dramatic reminder of our colonial past that still provides an exhilarating swim today.

Don't miss the magnificent Merewether Baths either – the Southern Hemisphere's largest ocean baths complex. With its twin pools (including one perfect for families with young children), it offers all the thrill of ocean swimming without the surf, making it an ideal spot for visitors of all swimming abilities.

#3 Step Back in Time

Just a short drive from Newcastle lies a perfectly preserved slice of colonial Australia. Morpeth, with its cobblestone streets and sandstone buildings, isn't just another pretty heritage town – it's a living museum that tells the story of how our region grew from riverside settlement to thriving port.

Founded in 1821 on Lieutenant Edward Charles Close's land grant, Morpeth quickly became one of NSW's busiest river ports. Today, its historic streetscape houses a delightful mix of artisan shops, cozy cafes, and boutique galleries, all while maintaining its 19th-century charm. Walking down Swan Street feels like stepping through time, with architectural gems like the grand CBC Bank (1889), the stately Morpeth Court House (1862), and the famous Arnott Bakehouse (1851) – the birthplace of Australia's beloved biscuit empire.

For history enthusiasts, the free Morpeth Heritage Walk showcases 25 significant sites throughout the former port. But for those seeking a darker twist on local history, the Morpeth Ghost and Heritage Tour reveals the village's shadowy past through tales of hauntings, murders, and mysterious local folklore.

Newcastle itself boasts its own impressive collection of heritage sites. Don't miss the majestic Christ Church Cathedral, the perfectly preserved Miss Porter's House, or the historic Fort Scratchley – the only coastal fortification in Australia to have fired upon an enemy vessel during wartime when it engaged a Japanese submarine in 1942.

#4 Wine & Dine in Wine Country

While Newcastle's urban dining scene continues to flourish, the true gastronomic heart of our region beats among the rolling hills of

the Hunter Valley vineyards. This isn't just wine country – it's a food lover's paradise where centuries-old vines meet modern culinary innovation.

The historic Pokolbin region forms the epicentre of this viticultural wonderland, but don't overlook the intimate charm of Lovedale and Broke, where family-owned boutique cellar doors offer personalised tasting experiences that larger establishments can't match. Each sub-region brings its own character to your glass, from Pokolbin's prestigious Semillon to Broke's boutique organic wines.

Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, the Valley offers two perfect ways to explore: take the wheel for a self-guided adventure at your own pace or relax aboard one of the many guided tours where local experts share insider knowledge between stops. From barrel-aged classics to experimental natural wines, from hatted restaurants to rustic cellar door platters, every turn in the road promises a new flavour to discover. Check out www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com.au for some of the region's best wine and food experiences.

If you’re short on time and want to stay a little closer to the city, there are a number of emerging foodie precincts and eat streets to taste your way through. Check out Darby St in the city and Beaumont Street in Hamilton. For waterfront dining, take a stroll along Honeysuckle and onwards towards Queens Wharf.

#5 Thrills & Spills

For those who measure their holidays in heartbeats, Newcastle's natural playground offers enough adrenaline-pumping adventures to satisfy even the most dedicated thrill-seeker. The crown jewel of local excitement has to be the Stockton Sand Dunes – the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere –where adventure meets pristine wilderness in spectacular fashion.

Carve across the sweeping dunes on a quad bike adventure, feeling the rush as you navigate this otherworldly landscape of endless sand. Or, for a more unique perspective, join a camel trek at sunset, when the dunes cast long shadows, and the sky puts on a spectacular show. Sandboarding offers another rush entirely – picture yourself perched atop a towering dune before sliding down its face on a custom board, with nothing but smooth sand and blue sky ahead.

But the thrills don't stop at the dunes. Take to the waves with a surfing lesson at one of our world-class beaches, or soar above them all with a tandem paragliding flight along our stunning coastline. For the ultimate highaltitude adventure, join the team at Balloon Aloft for a sunrise balloon flight over the spectacular vineyards of the Hunter Valley – floating over the picturesque landscapes of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke at the height of 2000 feet or more.

Check out www.HELLONewy.com.au to discover everything the region has to offer.

• Sharni Spencer and Jarryd Madden to perform Sir Peter Wright’s ‘Nutcracker’

• Stephanie Petersen and Jarryd Madden to perform Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘After the Rain’

• Also performing is ‘Moulin Rouge’ – Zeak Tass, and ‘Introdans’ – Grace Humphris

• Master of Ceremonies – actress Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor)

• Special performances from Dance North Academy and The Academy Australia

Sharni Spencer Chloe Bayliss

Stephanie Petersen Zeak Tass Grace Humphris Jarryd Madden

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WHERE TO SHOP

THINGS TO SEE & DO AFTER DARK

WILLIAMS THE JEWELLERS

A Legacy of Excellence in Custom Jewellery

Williams the Jewellers has been a cornerstone of The Junction for over three decades. The family-owned and operated business, led by the husband-and-wife team of Mark and Vanessa Williams, has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, customer service, and unique designs and with 34 years of experience, Williams the Jewellers has consistently exceeded customer expectations.

"It's all about the customer," says Vanessa.

"We've found that treating people with integrity and honesty and giving good advice has served us well."

The business is renowned for its on-site manufacturing capabilities, with Mark, a passionate jeweller with a flair for unique designs, leading a team of talented craftspeople.

"Creating something unique that has meaning to the person who is going to wear it, and something that can be passed down to the next generation, is important to me. We don't like to repeat designs, so many are one-offs," he says.

This commitment to customisation sets Williams the Jewellers apart. Whether customers have their own design in mind or are seeking inspiration, the creative team is ready to bring visions to life.

"We can help you create a beautiful piece of jewellery as individual as you," Mark says.

The Williams' dedication to quality and ethics is evidenced by their Platinum membership in the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA). This affiliation assures customers of the highest standards in quality, workmanship, and service.

Their excellence hasn't gone unnoticed with Williams the Jewellers winning the Australian

Bridal Industry Award for wedding rings 16 times between 2000 and 2024.

At the forefront of emerging trends, Williams the Jewellers specialises in laboratory-grown diamonds—an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diamonds. These ethically sourced diamonds are currently the most sought-after option on the market, offered at significantly lower prices compared to natural diamonds.

"We are also witnessing a growing rarity in pink Argyle diamonds since the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine in November 2020, making them increasingly difficult to source," added Mark.

Williams the Jewellers offers a comprehensive range of services, from designing bespoke pieces to restoring family heirlooms. Their on-site workshop ensures that all work, from manufacturing to modifications and cleaning, is done under their watchful eyes.

As Mark and Vanessa Williams continue to lead Williams the Jewellers into the future, their dedication to craft, customer service, and creating lasting memories remains unwavering. For those seeking unique, high-quality jewellery crafted with care and expertise, Williams the Jewellers stands as a beacon of excellence in the heart of Newcastle.

The Ultimate Christmas Feast... Prawns,

As the warm embrace of summer coincides with the festive season, Australians are busy planning their Christmas celebrations. While the traditional roast dinner holds nostalgic charm, it often feels out of place under the blazing sun. Instead, prawns take centre stage as the perfect choice for an Australian Christmas feast. Their light, fresh flavour, versatility, and festive appeal make them a must-have for December and January dining.

Prawns are more than just a seafood staple; they’re an iconic symbol of Australian summer. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, a family picnic, or a fancy dinner party, prawns bring a touch of sophistication and celebration to the table. Their sweet, tender

dishes that require hours of preparation, prawns are quick to cook and effortless to present. A towering platter of perfectly cooked prawns, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread, is a show-stopping centrepiece that requires minimal effort but leaves a lasting impression.

Health-conscious eaters will be pleased to know that prawns are a nutritious option, too. Packed with high-quality protein, low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, prawns are a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies both the palate and the body. Their omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health, while their antioxidants support overall well-being –perfect for keeping your energy up during the festive season.

At the Fish Co-Op, we take pride in offering the freshest, sustainably sourced prawns, ensuring that your Christmas feast is not only delicious but also supports ethical fishing practices. Our commitment to sustainability means you can enjoy your meal knowing you’re making a responsible choice for the environment.

meat pairs beautifully with various flavours, making them a culinary dream for hosts and home cooks alike.

One of the joys of prawns is their incredible versatility. For a simple yet elegant dish, serve prawns chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce or a dollop of aioli. For something a bit more robust, toss them on the barbecue with a brush of garlic butter or a sprinkle of chilli and lime. Feeling adventurous? Pair them with tropical fruits like mango and avocado for a refreshing summer salad, or add them to a spicy prawn curry for a bold and memorable dish.

Not only are prawns delicious, but they’re also a time-saver. Unlike traditional Christmas

If you’re looking for inspiration to elevate your Christmas menu, our website, www.fishcoop.com.au, is brimming with ideas and our recipes are designed to make your holiday season unforgettable. You’ll also find tips on how to prepare, cook, and serve prawns like a pro, ensuring every dish is a hit.

This Christmas, embrace the Australian way of feasting by making prawns the star of your table. Their vibrant flavour, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal make them the perfect choice for celebrating the festive season. Whether served simply or as part of a gourmet creation, prawns are guaranteed to bring the taste of summer and the joy of togetherness to your celebrations.

Visit the Fish Co-Op and let us assist you in creating a prawn feast that your family and friends will remember for years to come.

Golden Age Glamour: Hao Chi Brings Shanghai Style to King Street

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

IMAGES AJM PHOTOGRAPHY

Hao Chi by Lee's Yum Cha has quickly become a landmark in Newcastle, marrying traditional Cantonese flavours with a modern, elevated dining experience. Located on King Street at the site of the former Chinois restaurant, which served traditional Cantonese fare to Novocastrians for a quarter of a century, the space has been transformed into an award-winning, luxurious space reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s, exuding glamour and good times.

The latest venture by Lee and Tifenny Li, the seasoned restaurateurs behind the multiple

successful takeaway outlets in and around Newcastle under the Lee's Kitchen brand, Hao Chi, represents a fresh chapter in their journey, with a commitment to offering high-quality, authentic Cantonese food within an elegant and thoughtfully designed space.

Lee and Tifenny Li’s story is one of dedication and resilience. Originally from Quanzhou, a city in China’s Fujian Province, the couple’s bond began as childhood friends and later blossomed into a partnership both in life and business.

“I first came to Australia in 1999,” said Lee.

“My father was already settled here, and I found myself a job working in a Mexican restaurant as a kitchen hand, then took a

second job at a Chinese restaurant. I worked both jobs for five years before I was able to realise the beginning of my dream when I opened my first takeaway outlet in Parramatta.”

The couple celebrated their engagement in 2000 and married in 2001 when Tifenny’s visa was issued. They now have five children ranging in age from 22 to 4, and Tifenny continues to work in the business managing administration and accounts. The family's desire for a better work-life balance prompted the move to Newcastle.

“The work in Sydney was unrelenting and non-stop. I worked 15-hour days, seven days a week. I was on the lookout for a change and saw an opportunity advertised in a newspaper.

We opened our first local outlet in Charlestown Square in 2006. There are now two more outlets here: two in Westfield Kotara and one at Marketown Newcastle West.

“The development of Hao Chi was a longheld vision that Tifenny and I have had to create a lovely inner-city venue with a beautiful space, showcasing excellence in Asian food at affordable prices. I knew a relative of the owner of Chinois and heard he was looking to retire. I saw it as an opportunity to preserve the original tradition of serving Asian food at that address.

“From an interior design point of view, it was important to me to reflect the "Golden Age" of Shanghai. On my visits back to China, I have been amazed at the swift transition of cities, where, in the space of a year, traditional buildings are replaced by high-rise buildings. I can get lost now in places I once knew well. We appointed Adesigneory Group to do the design, and we went on to win Silver in the Sydney Design Awards 2024 restaurant category against stiff competition statewide.”

The design of the space alone makes a visit to Hao Chi worthwhile, and it features plush booth seating in a vibrant teal colour that invites groups of family and friends to gather together. The textural wallpapers and dark timbers set off the nostalgic Asian art on the walls and what would Yum-Cha be without round tables and lazy Susans? There’s a private dining room, a striking bar with an opulently vintage vibe, and a live seafood tank. A quick look at online reviews makes it clear that the food and the service are equally impressive and that patrons are repeat customers.

encourage input from our front-of-house team when our chefs and I design the menus. All our food is made fresh on-site with authentic traditional recipes that we hope creates a culinary voyage through celebrated dishes across China’s diverse regions. Yum Cha is one of our most popular offerings.”

beef, a creative take on traditional hand-rolled dumplings, their house-made laksa paste, which has quickly become a favourite among regular patrons and the Peking Duck. Fresh seafood is ever popular – Mud Crab, Pipis, Abalone, Scallops, Oysters and more.

“We train our staff to a high standard. We employ Chinese and western hospitality workers, many of whom are students. We

The Yum Cha menu features classics such as San Choy Bau, Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce and Prawn and Crab Meat Dumplings. There’s Lobster Sashimi, BBQ Pork Buns, Egg Tarts and vegetarian options. Notable specialties at Hao Chi include black swans made of pastry and filled with wagyu

Complementing the food is an expertly curated drinks menu, featuring a selection of signature cocktails that add an innovative touch to the dining experience and an extensive wine list with many French offerings as well as Symphonia Wines from the King Valley, owned by the renowned Hunter Valley based Evans family.

Hao Chi has been met with enthusiasm by the Newcastle community. Lee and Tifenny attribute their restaurant's growing popularity to word of mouth and the support of a loyal customer base cultivated through their years of operating Lee’s Kitchen. Repeat customers frequent Hao Chi for its high standards of service and the unique cultural experience it offers, blending the Li family’s heritage with Newcastle’s vibrant dining scene.

“In terms of the future, I’d like to franchise Lee’s Kitchens in every state, and I plan to start on that project within the next five years,” said Lee.

“I want people who are new to Australia to know that if they work hard, they can be a success here too.”

As for Hao Chi, the goal is to remain a flagship restaurant that represents the pinnacle of their culinary ambitions and introduce a new level of sophistication to Cantonese dining in Newcastle.

Newcastle's Newest Social Hub Swings into Action

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

The owners of Newcastle’s latest ‘active-tainment’ venue, Rippit Golf, are on a mission to create Australia’s number one golf experience venue, and they’re well on the way. Rippit Golf has golfing technology that is unique within Australia, plenty of golf-based activities for novices and pros alike, a bar with 12 beers on tap and a kitchen that serves arguably Newcastle’s best pizza. Located in Broadmeadow, off Lambton Road, it’s open seven days per week.

The brainchild of John Schneider and Aaron Spalding, who worked together for 20 years at Schneider’s Computer Systems Australia, the pair are keen golfers who have both been on the board of the Merewether Golf Club and wanted to bring their skills in technology to improve golfing in Newcastle. Schneider sold the business in 2018, and they created Rippit Golf, which has developed in stages – Mini-Golf opened in 2022, the bar at Christmas 2023 and the state-of-the-art Driving Range in May this year.

“We’re at full capacity now,” said Operations Manager Mark Forster, who has worked for Rippit Golf for two years.

“John and Aaron are both proud Novocastrians who wanted to give back to Newcastle. When it comes to our technology, we are second to none anywhere in the world. It’s a game changer – literally!”

Forster refers to the technology behind the Driving Range, which features Uneekor Launch Monitors and Power Tee. This industry-leading technology provides feedback to the player on each shot in terms of ball flight and the

characteristics of the swing, enabling players to improve their game. The Power Tee tees up the ball for you!

“This technology provides greater access to the activity for different groups in the community. It’s popular with school groups because they get instant feedback and with the older sect and people on NDIS because they can participate without having to bend and move too much."

"We have golfers ranging from two years old to our oldest at 96!”

“We are a fun place for everyone. For serious golfers, we’ve got state-of-the-art technology, we have seven golf pros on site that give lessons and clinics, and our virtual golf courses (the Simulator Bays) have an unusually high level of capacity. After all, we are run by tech nerds! Golfers can virtually play on 650 courses worldwide; we have 95 of the top 120 courses.

“Then for the less experienced golfers and families they can have a go on the Driving Range, the Simulator Bays and, of course, enjoy the Mini Golf. We recently discovered that Mini Golf is a widely accepted safe first date option, and apparently, we’ve helped a lot of love on the way here!

There’s an outdoor seating area, and on Sundays over summer, there’ll be live entertainment with families encouraged to come and spend the day on the Mini Green to get the kids off their devices – there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Friday nights there will be a DJ on the Driving Range, targeted at the 20 to 40 age group, and the

Make Friday Funner promotion, which includes $10 Mini Golf, $3 bubbles and $15 schnitzels from 4pm to 6pm.

“The aim is to create a relaxed, chilled vibe after a big working week and to provide somewhere you can have some fun and keep some money in your pocket for the rest of the weekend. It’s also worth noting that kids eat free on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

“We’re on a mission to be the good guys in Newcastle. We support a lot of community groups, such as Newcastle Cricket and Newcastle Netball. We’ve just joined Newcastle Jets in Business, and we have three charity partners that we are passionate about. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter are our neighbours and we’ve built a great relationship, the Mark Hughes Foundation because we Kurri boys stick together, and Ronald McDonald House, which was there for my family when my daughter had a serious injury. Newcastle is the sort of place where if you give to the town, the town will give back to you.”

The team at Rippit Golf are heading into peak Christmas party time (they also sell Christmas Gift Vouchers and have a great selection of gifts from the Pro Shop), and in January, they will be running an event to search for Newcastle’s Longest across six Sundays with the finals taking place on 15 February. They’ll be searching for the longest male, female and senior golf drives. The winner will take away a pallet of Travla beer.

In terms of the future, Forster promises that there’s more to come, both for the venue and in terms of tech. Watch this space (and visit www.rippitgolf.com).

Rippit Golf's own Bar & Bistro - Tap Inn

Open 7 days a week from 10am through to 10pm (kitchen closes 9pm). We have a wide range of drinks to choose from including 12 beers on tap. Bookings can be made by calling the team on 4940 0372

$$19 19 .95 .95 /W/WK K FOR

Reformer pilates has just launched at ALL Urth Fitness Clubs! Take up one of Australia’s fastest growing fitness styles and find your ‘fit’ this Summer.

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AFTER DARK Explore

Hunter Valley

Emma White's Winemaking Adventure From High Heels to High Yields

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER

Republished with permission: Your Hunter Valley Magazine (www.yourhuntervalley.com.au).

IMAGES ELFES IMAGES

Fun with serious intent is the catch cry of Emma White, owner of Latitude 32 Wines. Her signature modern twist on the Hunter Valley wine and cellar door experience is all about having a good time, enjoying exceptional award-winning wines and fostering a connection with the land that grows the fruit from which her wines are made.

Located on Hermitage Road Pokolbin, her newly renovated cellar door features sweeping views of the vineyard, set against the backdrop of the Broken Back Mountains. A place where picnics are encouraged, lawn games can be enjoyed by young and old, and wine can be purchased by the glass and enjoyed on a stroll through the vineyard, this is one place you need on your itinerary when visiting the Hunter.

A relatively new kid on the block, Emma hails originally from Essex in the UK. She grew up in a tiny village and was always ambitious.

“Where I grew up, people married who they went to school with,” said Emma.

“I remember telling my teacher I wanted to move to London and be independent. She told me that that didn’t happen for ‘people like us’. I remember thinking that I wouldn’t let that happen to me. I wanted to wear high heels

and power suits and earn plenty of money, so I chose a career in accounting rather than following my interest in chemistry. Looking back, perhaps the chemistry would have been more useful in winemaking!”

Emma would go on to enjoy a highly successful career in corporate accounting, meet her future husband, David White, at work, and together they moved to Australia in the year 2000 for a two-year work secondment - they fell in love with Australia and stayed.

“It was because we thought we would only be here for two years that we prioritised travelling within Australia, and we spent every weekend visiting some new place. More often than not, it involved wine. We naturally gravitated to the wine regions rather than the beaches, and here in the Hunter, we really understood how much we loved it. At that point in time, Australian winemakers weren’t letting the good stuff out of the country. The Chardonnay we drank back in the UK was completely different from what we drank here, and we developed a passion for wine.

“We were fortunate enough that our jobs entailed a lot of international travel and corporate hospitality. Our friends called us wine-chasers because no matter where we landed, we would always head to the nearest wine region to develop our knowledge and taste what was available. It was in 2014 that we seriously began looking for a vineyard to

purchase. It became my dream to have a go, to give it a try and see what I could make of it. While we looked, I studied for my WSET Diploma. We settled on the Hunter Valley because of its proximity to Sydney and the fact that it was the region that sparked our initial passion.

“We found the right property in 2018 in central Pokolbin. It had been planted by Tyrrells in the 1980s and then ran as Duck Hollow before we purchased it. The 2019 vintage, our first, was off the back of three years of drought, so there wasn’t a big yield. There was no fruit in 2020 due to bushfires, and in 2021, we lost a whole block of fruit due to hail damage. The property also didn’t have a cellar door, and our DA to build one didn’t come through until early 2023 when material and labour costs had more than doubled. Over a glass or two of wine one evening with our viticulturist in May 2023, we heard that a vineyard was possibly going up for sale, one with award-winning wines and a cellar door. It was the old Mistletoe vineyard, and within 24 hours, we decided to purchase –it never hit the market.

“We immediately embarked on a major renovation of the cellar door, which opened in April of this year. I wanted to create a cosy home-style space. It’s like the front room of someone’s home, with various seating arrangements to suit whatever makes people feel comfortable, including outside seating on

the lawn. We used lots of glass in the cellar door so that people could enjoy the view across the vines. There’s a verandah and patio and lawn games.

“Kids of all ages love the giant Connect Four, giant Jenga, Quoits and Ten Pin Bowling. We’re dog-friendly and have a fire pit during the winter months. We sell wine by the glass and encourage people to take their glasses, wander around the grounds, stroll to the dam, and feel that connection to the land. It’s a relaxed atmosphere.”

Emma went on to study several viticulture courses on her never-ending mission to truly understand how things work. She developed a core belief that wine is made in the vineyard and that the quality of the fruit delivers the best results.

“One of the advantages of being new to this industry is that we are not beholden to multiple generations of traditions. We don’t have to deliver that history in the glass. We come at winemaking not from the traditional winemakers’ perspective but from a consumer’s perspective. This gives us enormous freedom and flexibility in terms of our vintages. We fully embrace vintage variation and respect what happens in the vineyard. We make what we like to drink and will not force our vintages to taste the same year after year."

"It’s more like the European winemaking style, where you talk about the different vintages and embrace the variation. We love it that way.”

In a recent exciting development, winemaker Adam Holmberg has joined the team at Latitude 32. Holmberg trained at Tyrrells and spent ten years at Leogate Estate as Assistant Winemaker. He has also worked on vintages across Europe and the Napa Valley. According to Emma, Holmberg shares her commitment to the fruit, and he will be overseeing much of the vineyard practices. This includes a goal of moving toward sustainable practices, which Emma prefers to call ‘regenerative’.

“It’s important to me to convert as much of our practice as possible to those that help the land regenerate. I want to look after our planet and our future, but I also want the best possible soil for our fruit to grow in. We’re committed to reducing our tractor and diesel use, and we’ve ordered native bees to pollinate our cover crop – we plant 20 different seeds in between the rows, things like canola, legumes, and rhubarb. It stops the vineyard from becoming a monoculture and reduces our need for chemicals and synthetics because it becomes a natural fertiliser when we mow it back into the soil. It becomes an ecosystem that looks after itself.”

This commitment to the land is the reason that Latitude 32 has taken a lease over another vineyard, one that grows the North Rhone Clone, which is very different from the rest of the Hunter Valley Shiraz. “It’s a bit geeky, but I love the North Rhone Clone, and so, rather than simply purchasing the fruit, leasing has enabled us to manage the vineyard and the growing conditions so that we can produce the best possible fruit.”

Latitude 32 produces Semillon, two different styles of Chardonnay every vintage, Semillon

Chardonnay blends, Shiraz, Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Rosé from the Shiraz and is looking at planting Spanish varietals Mencia and Tempranillo and the Italian Aglianico.

“We’re excited to be able to experiment and put a modern twist on our wines and wine experiences. It’s loads of fun. We must be doing something right because we recently picked up a Gold Medal at the Canberra Wine Show for our 2024 Semillon. One of our most fun offerings is something we call The Enigma. It's a wine that I have wanted to make for a long time, so a lot of research, love and energy went into the making of this, and it has turned out exactly how I wanted it to - I am very excited about this one."

In terms of the future, the team is currently exporting to China and looking to the European market next. There is also a focus on expanding the cellar door experiences.

Visitors to the cellar door can enjoy a delicious selection of light snacks with their wines, including a vegan cheese board, but the real point of difference here is the dumplings and wine pairing with various flavour combinations, pork and prawn, Schezuen beef, cheeseburger and vegetarian options.

Booked breakfast hampers are available from 9am to enjoy in the vineyards. Visitors can do walks through the vineyards with the winemaker and viticulturist. Once a month there is a Friday Night Jam Session, a relaxed event with a food truck serving dinner and plenty of wine on offer until 9pm. The cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Wine tastings begin at $15pp for seven tastings, or you can purchase a glass of wine for $12. Book your tastings at www.latitude32wines.com/cellar-door.

FUN WITH SERIOUS INTENT

Come join us in our newly renovated cellar door overlooking our award-winning vineyards. Whether you come in for a tasting flight, a glass of wine, a cheese plate, or a wine and dumpling pairing, we can promise there will plenty of fun had by all!

BOOK HERE

OVER 50 INDIVIDUALLY CREATED DESSERTS

· DESSERT + WINE/LIQUOR PAIRINGS

· GLUTEN FREE + VEGAN AVAILABLE

· SABOR’S OWN COFFEE

· HOT, COLD + ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

· TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN

· E-GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!

For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor Dessert Bar is a MUST! Indulge in our multi-award winning Portuguese chocolate mousse, decadent cakes, pastries, hand-made chocolates, Portuguese tarts and gourmet ice-cream.

Bookings are recommended –visit our website or call us for same day bookings.

• Trail rides for adults and children

• Beginners and Experienced Riders

• PONY RIDES | FAMILY RIDES

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Be part of the Hungerford Hill EPIC Experience

Look What’s Happening at Hungerford Hill

Join us for our EPIC Annual Lunch @ Muse Restaurant each June.

5 Courses matched to 10 Hungerford Hill aged and new release wines with entertainment included. Be among the first to taste our new vintage EPIC Shiraz. Invite friends and book online for a day you will remember.

All year (Tues – Sat) - Visit us at our Cellar Door for an EPIC Tasting Experience

Come along and enjoy our degustation wine tasting. Enjoy bite size 2 hatted Muse restaurant sample menu matched with Hungerford Hill wines. Bookings essential.

See what’s happening at Hungerford Hill

Four Weeks of French Fantasy The Hunter's Lavender Love Story

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE HUNTER LAVENDER FARM

There is a unique place nestled deep in the Hunter Valley near the little town of Broke that is open to the public for just one month per

year. Surrounded by boutique wineries and a stunning rural landscape, visiting this property is like stepping into Provence, France and is truly a ‘sensory journey’. Those in the know come every year, and this year, the owners are celebrating their third season.

This fleeting but extraordinary summer experience is, of course, at the Hunter Lavender Farm. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, JR and Marianne Villanueva, who both hail from the Philippines, the farm is a dream

Founder of Hunter Lavender Farm at the Lavender Fields in Provence, France

come true and one they’ve had to work very hard for.

The couple grew up in the countryside of Zambales, located along the northern coast of the Philippines and attended high school together. It was clear that they had eyes for each other from the beginning, but life took them on separate paths as they pursued their university studies. It was in 2007, when Marianne was just 24 years of age, that she uprooted her life and moved solo to Australia, where her skills were in high demand and where she climbed the corporate ladder. Years later, a work project in Malaysia for a year gave her a chance to fly home to the Philippines on the weekends, which was when she reignited her friendship with JR. Fast forward to 2014, when the couple was married in the Hunter Valley after JR migrated to be with Marianne. They lived the corporate hustle and bustle lifestyle in Sydney.

The couple celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary with a church wedding and a honeymoon trip to Europe in 2018, which became a life-changing and inspirational experience.

“I planned the trip very carefully, and when my husband saw that I had included the lavender fields in Provence, France, he was a bit sceptical. He wasn’t particularly into flowers and certainly didn’t expect visiting flower farms to be part of the itinerary. But when we both saw lavender as far

as our eyes could see, he was just as captivated as I was. It was surreal, and the memory has become an inspiration for our farm today.” said Marianne.

In 2019, on a visit to the Hunter Valley, they stumbled across a 14-acre property for sale and transformed it into a weekend retreat, taking the

2-hour drive every chance they could get and envisioning how they could bring the land to life.

"We spent a lot of time researching what we could plant that would make the most of our 14-acre property. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, we wanted something unique that would complement the area’s charm while being financially sustainable. Having experienced the therapeutic benefits of lavender firsthand and inspired by the breathtaking lavender fields we saw on our honeymoon, it felt like the perfect choice. This crop could thrive in the region and allow us to create something truly special."

A year later, COVID lockdown occurred, and as the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So, the couple turned this global pandemic into an opportunity to work on the farm. The family moved to their Hunter Valley retreat along with JR's mum, who was visiting at the time and started the laborious process of farming lavenders. They did all the clearing, tilling and planting themselves. It was truly a labour of love, and before long, they had over 4,000 lavenders on the ground.

"One of the benefits of farming lavender is that whilst it takes a lot of effort to set up, the routine care and maintenance is still manageable for the two of us. We chose the variety of lavender we had seen in Provence, Lavandin Grosso, and whilst we received a lot of advice to do test plots to see if they would thrive in our region, we went ahead and planted an acre with lavender. It was a case of 'go big or go home', and the gamble paid off as the lavender plants are now fully grown, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sea of purple with

Newly Planted Lavender in 2021

Lavender Fields at Hunter Lavender Farm Credit: Mist in Island Photography

every bloom. This season will be a true Provence experience for our visitors. I’m really excited about this summer.”

The couple harvested their first crop in December 2021 and launched their website and their first four products in April 2022. The initial products were Dried Lavender Sachets, Pure Lavender Essential Oil, Dried Lavender and Handmade Ceramic Vase and a Lavender at Home Gift Set. They opened to the public for the first time in December 2022.

“We ensure there’s something new for our returning customers every year. New products, new experiences, people look forward to it.”

Each season is defined by a unique theme, creating a fresh sense of excitement each year. This summer’s theme, A Sensory Journey, invites you, your family, and your friends to escape into nature and immerse yourselves in the beauty, fragrance, and taste of lavender. The farm’s short, carefully timed season coincides with the lavender’s peak bloom – when the

flowers are at their most vibrant and fragrant – drawing thousands of visitors. This year, the season runs from 14 December to 5 January, with the possibility of an extension depending on the weather and the condition of the flowers.

“While our farm is open to visitors for just a few weeks each summer, our certified Australian Grown and Made lavender products are available year-round through our online store, with delivery worldwide. We also participate in trade shows and handmade markets to share our passion for lavender directly with our customers and connect with other local makers.”

Hunter Lavender Farm produces and sells a range of ever-expanding products that now include Sleep Well Pillow Mist, Be Calm Lavender Roll-on, Unwind Lavender Candle, Lavender Eye Pillow, Lavender Soaps with Lavender Tea Towels, Relax Bath Salts, Nourish Body Oil, Refresh Shower Steamers, Dried Lavender Bunches, Pure Honey, Lavender Rock Candy, Lavender Tea, Lavender Simple Syrup, Culinary Lavender and Lavender Gelatos. There are specially curated wellness gift packs available, too.

Where there is lavender, there are bees, and Hunter Lavender Farm has built a home for these beneficial insects. They work in perfect synergy with nature, pollinating flowers and crops, foraging nectars from lavenders and native flora surrounding the farm, and creating exquisite honey. Visitors can enjoy a Honey Harvest Experience for $55 or do a Beekeeping for Beginners experience for $95 to learn the basics of beekeeping through a hands-on exploration of an active and buzzing beehive. You’ll don protective gear, light a smoker and inspect the hive – where you’ll see firsthand the inner workings of a productive beehive.

When it comes to experiences at the Hunter Lavender Farm, it’s all about the lavender, of course. Visitors can book a Lavender Field Walk for just $15 at certain times of the day. Numbers are limited to 50 people at a time to ensure an enjoyable farm experience and better photo opportunities. Stroll through the lavender fields in full bloom before enjoying the delicious lavender gelato and exploring the lavender products available.

Professional photography sessions are also available for $280 with a Lavender Mini Photo Session. Create a memento to last a lifetime with the lavender fields in full bloom set against various backgrounds such as a wooded creek, sprawling vineyards and a mythic Lizard Rock formation. The package includes an album of 15 images, making an ideal gift or celebrating a special occasion such as an engagement or impending motherhood.

The Dried Lavender and Flower Arrangement experience is on 4 January and costs $185. It’s a fun day learning the art of dried flower arrangements with an experienced florist who will teach you the basics of design and

colours and guide you through every step of the process. Complete with a grazing platter, it’s a fun two-hour workshop with family or friends.

“The event I am most excited about this year is our Yoga in Lavender Bloom - The Ultimate Summer Yoga Experience that we’re holding on 31 December to welcome the New Year with intention and serenity. It will be an unforgettable morning of yoga, mindfulness, and natural beauty. It includes a 60-minute yoga session for all skill levels, a Ceremonial Lavender Cacao to open the heart and awaken the senses, followed by a sound bath and breathwork. It will be a special morning and is the perfect way to bid farewell to the old and embrace the new.”

Since the initial planting, Hunter Lavender Farm is now home to around 15,000 lavenders of different varieties. When it comes to the future, Marianne and JR still have dreams and goals to reach, with a vision for Hunter Lavender Farm to become a complete visitor experience where you can stay, shop, and eat. To heighten the French-inspired experience, head to Mount Broke Wines, which is just a stone’s throw away from the lavender fields, and book a table at their French bistro-style restaurant. The farm is right in the heart of the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail, so you wouldn't run out of places to go or experiences to try if you are visiting for an extended period. Enjoy visits to farm gate producers, alpaca feeding, boutique cellar doors, and heritage-listed Wonnarua sites. If you’re new to the Hunter Valley or a regular, visiting Broke and Hunter Lavender Farm is a must-do. No need to fly to Provence – wander among the lavender blooms right here for a unique experience, but hurry, it’s a fleeting magical time that won’t last beyond early January. For bookings, visit www.hunterlavenderfarm.com.au.

LAVENDER FIELD WALK

Explore our lavender fields and soak in the beautiful countryside scenery

Daily 14 Dec – 5 Jan

MINI PHOTO SESSION

Capture memories in our picturesque lavender fields with the help of our talented in-house photographer

21 Dec, 22 Dec, 28 Dec & 29 Dec 20-minute session

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS

Learn the basics of beekeeping through a hands-on exploration of an active beehive

14 Dec, 21 Dec & 28 Dec | 11 am

HONEY HARVEST EXPERIENCE

Discover the fascinating world of busy bees and harvest raw honey straight from the hive

14 Dec, 21 Dec & 28 Dec | 9 am

DRIED LAVENDER & FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

Indulge in a day of creativity as you craft your unique dried flower arrangements

04 Jan | 11 am

YOGA IN LAVENDER BLOOM

Take a moment to slow down and be present with this unique yoga and meditation session designed to ground and nourish

31 Dec | 6:30 am

DEC 2024 to JAN 2025

BROKE, HUNTER VALLEY

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Scan the QR code or book now on our website

Adventure Tourism Operator of the year

From Our Wine Families to Yours

Discover the Penfolds experience at Ben Ean with one of the biggest collections of back vintage Penfolds wines for sale. We’re also the only location outside Magill Estate, South Australia, o ering tastings of the iconic Penfolds Grange. Come try this iconic wine today!

Still tasting from “Our Wine Families To Yours” Still House Wines, Petersons Wines, Savannah Estate, Weerona Wines, Neil McGuigan Wines, Lisa McGuigan and Gunpowder.

OPENING HOURS

MON – SAT 9AM–5PM, SUN 10AM–5PM 02 4993 3701 cellardoor@benean.com.au

Ben Ean is also availble for Weddings, Events and Corporate Functions. Contact us to find out more.

Event O ce Hours: 7 DAYS 9AM–4PM 02 4993 3700 | events@benean.com.au

OPENING HOURS

Lunch MONDAY–SUNDAY 11am–3pm

Dinner THURSDAY–MONDAY 5:30pm–8:30pm 02 4993 3705 baume@benean.com.au

Our restaurant located at the Tempus Two winery, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.Whether dining inside the minimalist Asian themed dining hall or on the outside undercover terrace overlooking the vines and an architecturally designed amphitheatre, Oishii has become a “must dining experience”. The fast take away options are delicious.

Open 7 days for Lunch and Dinner. Takeaway available 7 days.

Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rds, Pokolbin 02 4998 7051 | www.oishii.com.au

JAPANESE & THAI RESTAURANT

Our menu is a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcase the best of Asian cooking. From the fiery spices of Thai curries to the umami-rich flavors of Japanese rice bowl, each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion.

Open 7 Days 10AM–10PM

FOOD & DRINK

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

WHERE TO SHOP

THINGS TO SEE & DO AFTER DARK

Lake Macquarie

FOOD & DRINK

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

WHERE TO SHOP

THINGS TO SEE & DO AFTER DARK Explore

Maitland & Morpeth

Summer Sizzles in Maitland with Festive Fun and Family Adventures

Maitland is set to become the Hunter's ultimate summer destination, with an exciting lineup of events and activities that showcase the city's unique blend of heritage charm and contemporary vibrancy.

The launch of What's On Maitland, a comprehensive summer events calendar, marks the beginning of a season filled with memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. Available on the My Maitland website, this guide spotlights an array of free and familyfriendly activities that capture the city's dynamic community spirit.

"This summer promises to be extraordinary in Maitland," says Mayor Philip Penfold.

"We've curated a diverse program that brings our community together and welcomes visitors to experience the best our city has to offer. From a magical Christmas movie night under the stars at Maitland Regional Sportsground to capturing precious moments with Santa at The Levee, there's something for everyone to enjoy."

The summer calendar features signature events, including the eagerly anticipated New Year's Eve celebrations along the picturesque Hunter River and the popular Free Art January

at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. These events complement the city's year-round attractions, creating a perfect blend of special occasions and everyday adventures.

Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and immerse themselves in Maitland's distinctive offerings. The Levee Central Maitland buzzes with contemporary shopping and dining experiences, while the historic streets of Morpeth and Lorn charm visitors with boutique stores and local culinary delights. Families seeking outdoor recreation can enjoy the city's modern aquatic centres or explore the premier Harold Gregson Reserve sport and entertainment precinct.

"What makes Maitland special is our ability to combine rich heritage with modern experiences," Mayor Penfold explains.

"Whether you're browsing our boutique shops, participating in library activities, or enjoying our outdoor spaces, you'll discover why Maitland is the perfect summer destination."

To plan your summer adventure and explore the full calendar of events, visit www. mymaitland.com.au/whats-on-maitland. Make this summer unforgettable in Maitland, where community spirit meets seasonal celebrations.

One of Australia’s finest galleries, located on the banks of the Hunter River in historic Morpeth village. Specialists in traditional Australian art, featuring international award winning paintings – landscape, wildlife, marine, still life & photo realistic drawings.

If it’s boutique, delicious & unique...

Escape the ordinary, explore the Hunter River’s hidden gem.

FOOD & DRINK

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

WHERE TO SHOP

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Port Stephens

True Italian dining with a view over the Bay

Open Lunch and Dinner Daily

House made fresh pasta and traditional regional specialties created by Chef Stefano Grano

DAILY

Two hour Bottomless Spritz & Graze 12-6pm and Happy Hour 3-5pm

CHRISTMAS LUNCH BANQUET

11.30am–3.30pm

Seafood Banquet & Traditional Christmas Dishes Reservations Essential

NEW YEARS EVE

6–9pm | Super Grazing Buffet Reservations Essential

Gold Award Winner for ‘Tourist Attractions’ in NSW.