January 2019 - Adventure, baby!

Month: January 2019

What To Expect When Staying At Aulani A Disney Resort And Spa, Hawaii

January 31, 2019 / Disney Travel, Hawaii, USA / 0 comment

What To Expect When Staying At Aulani A Disney Resort And Spa, Hawaii

We visited Aulani back in June 2016 and have wanted to return ever since because we loved our holiday so much. You can read the full hotel review from our previous visit here. This time I thought I would do a diary-style write-up to give an idea of what life is like when staying at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

We booked our stay using Disney Vacation Club point rentals. You can read more about the DVC point rental system here.

Day one: Arrival

We fly in late in the afternoon, pick up our car rental and drive to Target at Kapolei Commons for groceries, then head to Aulani, arriving around 5pm.

When we check in the staff tell us that there are hundreds of Menehune – the legendary “little people” responsible for mysterious happenings on the islands – hidden all over the resort, so we start what will be a week-long search for these mischievous creatures and find them absolutely everywhere!

At check in I inquire about the Disney buttons that we collect from the other Disney resorts. We are in luck and are given buttons for first visit, wedding / anniversary and birthday, plus a special one for Mickey’s 90th birthday.

Our garden-view room is on the 16th floor of the Ewa tower (1671) and features an excellent view of the luau lawn and even some ocean. Inside the room we are given a queen sized bed and a pull-out sofa bed.

The bathroom features a rain shower/tub combo, and we also have a microwave and mini fridge.

We booked our room using Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rental points. Basically this meant we were able to stay at the hotel for a bit cheaper by “renting” points off someone who owned a timeshare through DVC. DVC members get a range of special benefits – however since we were only renting points and now owners of them, we were only able to benefit from the free daily parking. This saved us $37USD a day so it was an excellent benefit. You can read more about the Disney Vacation Club here and David’s Vacation Rentals (where we rented the points from) here.

Pizza Corner

After unpacking the basics we walk across the road to grab dinner at Pizza Corner at the Ko Olina Center. At $29 the pizzas are not cheap, but they are huge, big enough for two adults and one kid with still some left over. We also ordered a $10 pasta – penne and marinara sauce, which was also massive.

Kalepa Store

While Alec take Cheese to the room to get her ready for bed, I head down to the Kalepa Store to pick up a PhotoPass card and waterproof wristbands. While the photographers do also hand these out, I like to be prepared. The store stocks general grocery items plus beach supplies and a wealth of Aulani merchandise.

I can’t resist buying Cheese one of the new Ulu plushies.

Back at the room we watch the luau from our room before heading to bed.

Day 2: Auntie’s Beach House, Meeting Moana and “Menehune Mischief” Character Dinner

Auntie’s Beach House

First up today we check into Auntie’s Beach House, the Kids’ Club at Aulani. I had registered Cheese in advance online but still needed to fill in some extra info when we arrived, as well as getting our photos taken for identification purposes, choosing a secret password for child collecting and getting Cheese’s Kids’ Club wrist band fitted. The wrist band is water proof so it can stay on the entire time you’re at the resort – return it before you leave to get your security deposit back!

As it was open house at Auntie’s we went in to take a look around. Auntie’s features two different wings, with dress ups, a movie screening room, arts and crafts tables, a stage and video games. Outside there is a huge yard with a climbing structure and shade cloths.

Auntie’s Beach House is open 8am-9pm daily and is included in your stay – AKA it’s free! Open House is 8am-9:30am daily (no check-ins or drop-offs during this time). Auntie’s is available for drop-offs for kids aged 3 to 12 and all ages during the open house (kids must be accompanied by an adult).

Pre-register your child at least two days before your arrival here.

Meeting Moana

After leaving Auntie’s we chanced running into Moana and had a photo taken with her. You can call the hotel character hotline each morning to find out where the characters will be each day and at what time. Some characters come out every day but some only come out every few days.

Swimming in the pools

Next: pools! We collect our wristband that shows we are guests of the hotel (you need to collect a new wristband daily) and head to the Waikolohe Stream. Waikolohe means “mischievous water” in the Hawaiian language, which is the perfect name for this part of the resort. We grab a donut-shaped tube and jump aboard, letting the gentle current of the lazy river carry us through the Waikolohe Valley.

We sail past Menahune, rocks, trees and water features, then head up the top of Pu’u Kilo (the volcano-shaped peak in the middle of the pools) to try the two slides. Volcanic Vertical is a single-rider enclosed slide that is extremely fast and deposits you in the Waikolohe Pool below. We prefer the Tubestone Curl, which is an open-air slide that you take while sitting on a tube and can be ridden solo or with a partner. It ends up in the Waikolohe Stream.

A note on water temperature: Aulani Resort pools are heated year-round. The Waikolohe Stream is approximately 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Menehune Bridge

Next Cheese wants to head to the 2,100 square feet, Menehune Bridge water play space for kids 48 inches in height or shorter. The Menehune Bridge features two water slides, interactive water elements, spinning gourds and a climbing play structure. There are also lots of Menehune hidden everywhere!

Keiki Cove

There is a cute toddler play area nearby, Keiki Cove, which is designed for kids aged 5 and under and open to all ages. It features rainbow water jets and more hidden Menehune.

Kakamora Chaos with Moana

After swimming we drop Cheese off at Auntie’s for her special activity Kakamora Chaos with Moana. The 90-minute drop-off activity involves playing traditional Hawaiian children’s games with Moana, who teaches her new friends a game from her home island of Motunui—the Kakamora Relay.

Kids also stamp their own take-home oar and also receive a cute little Kakamora luggage tag. Kakamora Chaos with Moana is a premium activity, available Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12:30 – 2:00pm and costing $59USD plus tax per child. We make sure Cheese has her PhotoPass wrist band on so later we can receive the photos taken at Auntie’s when we collect the PhotoPass disc at the end of our stay.

Off The Hook

While Cheese is at Auntie’s, Alec and I enjoy a casual poolside lunch and cocktail at Off The Hook. It’s a basic lunch and we aren’t overly impressed by the food which is soggy and doesn’t taste amazing, but the cocktails are great, so cheers to that!

We take a walk around the resort and check out the beautiful beach and facilities. There is a great lagoon walk that runs from the Aulani resort front down south to the Marriot resort. To the right of Aulani is the Four Seasons and where the trail ends. You can walk over the rocks to Paradise Beach next door where turtles are often see in the ocean and on the beach.

Popcorn and Shave Ice

I pick up Cheese from Auntie’s after her activity ends and we pick up a popcorn bucket from Ulu Cafe and a Mickey-shaped shave ice from the Papalua Shave Ice stand.

Menehune Mischief Character Dinner and Show

Next is dinner and we are booked into the early session of “Menehune Mischief” Character Dinner at Makahiki restaurant. The dinner is a buffet with musical entertainment from “Uncle” and a few Disney Characters. Uncle tells the story of the Menehune – magical little people of Hawaiian legend – with songs and interactive fun for kids, while Disney characters join in and roam around the tables before and afterwards for photos.

The buffet is very meat and seafood heavy with only a few vegetarian options, however the chef very kindly offered to make a few other options for us to eat, which was extremely appreciated.

The food quality was great, especially our custom food. There is a dedicated kids section of the buffet as well as a dessert section. So much food!

Before and after the meal we met Stitch, Chip and Dale. We also met Donald Duck who was stationed at the entrance to the restaurant.

The Menehune Mischief Character Dinner and Show runs Sunday, Monday and Thursday – 2 shows each day. Show times and seatings are:
Show #1 – 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM
1st Seating – 4:30 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:00 PM – No seating from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM

Show #2 – 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM
2nd Seating – 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:00 PM – No seating from 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM

Price for Character Show Dining: Adults: $54USD, Keiki (Ages 3 to 9): $27USD.

Day 3: Paint The Sky Spa, Fish Are Friends, North Shore Drive and KA WA‘A Lū‘au

Paint The Sky Spa

The day began with a special “makeover” for Cheese. We took her to Painted Sky, the spa facility, to enjoy a HI Style fashion transformation. The “transformation” or “makeover” is suitable for girls and boys aged 3-12 and includes hair styling, clothes and accessories. There are several options to choose from, with Cheese selecting the Luau Bound option as we were heading to the Luau that evening.

After choosing and changing into her outfit, Cheese selected her hairdo and was seated in the luxe chairs for a fancy new ‘do and a bit of kid-friendly “make-up”. The whole experience took about an hour, and she was thrilled with her new look.

Luau Bound!
Girls
Prices starting at $160 (plus sales and service tax)

Hairstyling
Organic Shimmer Makeup
Aulani Dress
Plumeria Color Changing Necklace
Plumeria Color Changing Bracelet
Aulani Resort Flower Clip Set

Fish Are Friends

Once the “transformation” is complete, I drop Cheese off at Auntie’s again for the Fish Are Friends premium activity. During the activity Cheese learns about the colourful fish of Hawaii including how the animal specialists train, feed and care for the marine life at Aulani Resort. The highlight for the kids is preparing fish food and feed it to the fish. During the three-hour activity, kids are fed lunch. Since Cheese is a pescatarian I enquire about the meals and was thrilled that they not only made sure to cater for her, but that the chef also gave me a call to make sure we were happy with the food they would be serving her. Really thoughtful.

All the kids took home a “Fish Are Friends” logo cinch bag with a DVD of Disneynature Oceans and a water bottle.

Fish are Friends is available Monday and Friday and runs from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Cost: $69 plus tax per child, lunch included.

North Shore Drive

While Cheese was at Auntie’s, Alec and I went for a drive up the North Shore for lunch. It’s a long way to get there, about an hour to an hour and a half in each direction, so it was a long drive for a quick lunch, but also nice to spend some time together. We stopped in Haleiwa for delicious acai bowls at Hale’iwa Bowls and checked out Waimea Bay before driving back to the resort.

KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au

After picking up Cheese from Auntie’s it was time to head to the KA WA‘A Lū‘au. We selected the VIP Package from the options as we wanted a table that was closer to the front. The whole VIP area was sold out on the night we attended and consisted of the front four rows, so I was glad that we had selected this option.

The KA WA‘A Lū‘au is a beautiful evening of storytelling and singing, with Hawaiian stories brought to life on stage. Held on the Hālāwai Lawn, the festivities begin at 5pm with seating and pre-show activities.

Tables are assigned however not the seats at the individual tables, so I advise lining up earlier to get the best seats possible at your table. We lined up at 4:40pm and were second to our table, which meant while we had a decent view, there were still heads right in front of us we had to dodge around to see.

As VIP we receive an “upgraded lei” which was really quite fancy and we are really happy to be taking them home. We also receive unlimited alcoholic drinks as part of our package and enjoy an evening full of cocktails.

The pre-show activities include traditional arts such as kapa printing, flower arranging, temporary kakau tattoos, ukulele playing and paʻi ai taro pounding. The activities are really fun and we do some of them twice before the luau introduction and welcome begins.

The buffet opens before the show, and we enjoy a wide variety of food. It’s also very meat heavy as you would expect, but there are still plenty of things for vegetarians to eat among the tables filled with seafood, salads and the carving station, plus the chef very kindly makes me a special pasta dish incase I couldn’t find enough to eat at the buffet. There is a special table just for kids with things like mac and cheese and Moana cupcakes, and an entire dessert table with cakes and fruit.

The show is fantastic. Beautifully told stories accompanied by talented dancers and singers. Some numbers are breathtakingly beautiful and the fire dancing leaves us in awe. There are several interactive moments for the kids, including a section where they learn the hula and at the end where they are invited to play instruments up on stage with the cast. Afterwards we have the opportunity to take photos with the wonderful cast on the way out.

VIP Seating – $169 Adults/$109 Keiki (ages 3 through 9). There is no charge for keiki under 3.*
General Admission – $129 Adults/$79 Keiki (ages 3 through 9). There is no charge for keiki under 3.**

Beginning May 1, 2019, the seating package prices are changed to the following:

VIP Seating – $179 Adults/$109 Keiki (ages 3 through 9). There is no charge for keiki under 3.
General Admission – $139 Adults/$89 Keiki (ages 3 through 9). There is no charge for keiki under 3.

VIP Guests receive early check-in, priority up-front seating, complimentary beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and an enhanced welcome lei.

Day 4: Swimming pools, Ukulele playing and the Ko Olina Center

After a morning walk, I line up at the Pau Hana Room to sign up for ukulele class.

After collecting the sleepyheads, we start the day off with swimming in the Ka Maka Grotto, which is stunning infinity pool overlooking Ko Olina Beach and an incredibly cool grotto attached, which has a whirlpool spa.

Then it’s off to Cheese’s fave, the Waikolohe Stream, where we float around in tubes until it’s time for lunch.

Island Vintage Coffee

Today we head across the road to the Ko Olina Center for bagels at Island Vintage Coffee. I get a vegetarian one that is overflowing with sprouts, tomato and avocado. They have great options for kids and also fantastic iced tea.

Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlour

Since it’s hot we stop at the Two Scoops Ice Cream parlour next door before heading back to the resort.

Ho‘okani Pila – Learn the ‘Ukulele

In the afternoon we head to ‘ukulele class and learn the history of several Hawaiian instruments as well as the basic four chords on the ‘ukulele. By the end of the class we are able to play several popular songs, much to my amazement. We decide to buy our own ‘ukulele to take home after the class, we love it so much.

The 45 minute class is free and books up fast. I suggest lining up at 8am to book it in.

Menehune Adventure Trail

Next we sign out a tablet for the Menehune Adventure Trail at the Pau Hana community center, a free high-tech scavenger hunt around the resort. There are two trails, one short one in the lobby and one longer one outside in the resort grounds. Using the tablet we solve riddles, discover magic and have a really great time. The Menehune Adventure Trail is only available at certain times of day – ask at the community center for the updated hours. The scavenger hunt is best suited to older kids due to the difficulty of the clues, but younger kids can also enjoy it with the help of their parents.

Monkeypod Kitchen

For dinner we head back across to the Ko Olina Center to our fave restaurant in the area, Monkeypod Kitchen. The food is always excellent and they have options for kids as well as vegetarians (not a lot, but at least some!). We always dine here when we come to Oahu.

Day 5: Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki, animation class

Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki

After signing up for animation class at the Pua Hana community center, it’s time for
Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki, AKA the character breakfast. Mickey awaits outside for a photo op, while inside awaits a buffet breakfast, roaming Disney characters, singing and entertainment.

The buffet breakfast includes a custom omelette station, pancakes, waffles, French toast, fruits, Asian offerings, house-baked pastries, lots of sliced meats, plus a dedicated kids section. The excellent server brings me iced tea after iced tea, which is all included in the price.

Disney character roam around the room – Minnie and Goofy both visit our table.

“Auntie” leads the entertainment with singing and interactive fun for the kids including musical instruments and parading around the room. The breakfast is a really fun experience that we highly enjoy – it’s the third time we’ve done it!

Price Adults: $41USD, Keiki (Ages 3 to 9): $21USD. The Mickey photos are separate from the PhotoPass and have to be purchased separately.

Waikolohe Valley pool

After breakfast we hit up the Waikolohe Valley pool area for a swim. It’s a beautiful lagoon pool with a graduating slope leading in, perfect for little kids.

Disney Family Fun Animation

Next is animation class, another free class that goes for an hour and includes learning to draw a Disney character in pencil, and then painting an animation cell.

The class is really fun and all three of us really enjoy it.

Character meet and greets

Earlier in the day I called the character hotline and found out where Pluto and Daisy would be meeting guests later in the day. The characters are popular to meet so I suggest lining up a few minutes before the scheduled meeting times.

Daisy and other “minor” characters aren’t scheduled every day so get in to see her quickly if she’s a fave of yours. She is one of the most fun characters to meet (along with Stitch) and always makes us laugh.

Pluto is another favourite and will often try to “lick” or sniff guests.

Sunset on the beach

We have a lazy afternoon and head down to the beach to watch the sunset. Every evening around sunset, Disney PhotoPass photographers can be found on the waters edge taking photos on request. We pose for some photos before heading out to dinner across the road at Monkeypod again.

Day 6: Pools, Characters, Kāpala Ki’i t-shirt stamping and sunset at ‘AMA‘AMA

I sign us up for Kāpala Ki’i t-shirt stamping at 8am, then we all swim for the last time in the beautiful Aulani pools. After our swim we head to Island Vintage Coffee one last time for lunch.

Kāpala Ki’i t-shirt stamping

Our next activity today is Kāpala Ki’i t-shirt stamping, where guests stamp their own designs on white T-shirts based on the art of Native Hawaiian kapa printing. The stamps are nice big blocks, easy to stamp with, so it’s an ideal activity to do with kids and take home a really unique souvenir of your stay. The price for this activity is adult $15 per shirt plus tax and kids $12 per shirt plus tax, and the class runs for around 30 minutes.

Chip and Dale

While leaving the community center with our wet tees we see Chip and Dale arriving for a character meet and greet.

It’s a great photo op so we ditch the tees in our room and run back in time to get a photo with the mischievous pair.

Mickey and Minnie

We’ve had many Mickey and Minnie photos in our time with the characters separately, but never together, so this was a great opportunity to get a shot with both iconic characters together.

‘AMA‘AMA – Contemporary Island Cooking

For our last day at Aulani we book a sunset dinner at ‘AMA’AMA, the upmarket restaurant within the resort, overlooking the beach.

The view is sensational and it’s the ideal spot to watch the sun go down. I am delighted to discover the restaurant has an entire vegetarian menu as well as kids’ options, so we are more than well catered for.

Mo‘olelo Fire Pit Storytelling

While we eat, we watch the Mo‘olelo Fire Pit Storytelling right outside the restaurant, with a special visit from Moana. Moana only comes to some of the storytellings, not all, and there is no way to know which one she will show up to. Lucky us!

Sunset photos

It becomes clear that sunset this night is going to be extraordinary, so we head back down to the beach to get some more photos with the Disney PhotoPass photographers.

What a way to end our amazing week at Aulani!

To purchase your PhotoPass photos, head to Kālepa’s Store at the end of your stay. Once the CD is printed no more photos can be added to the disc.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali’inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707
disneyaulani.com

Read more about our most recent stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa here.

Read a full review of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa here.

Read a full review of the Grand Californian Hotel here.

Get tips for Disneyland first-timers here.

Read about celebrating Halloween at Disneyland here.

Find out about celebrating the holidays at Disneyland here.

Read about saving money at Disney hotels by using the DVC Point Rental System here.

Thinking about a Disney cruise? Here’s why you should!

Get Disney Cruise planning tips & tricks here.

Sail to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder here.

Milk Beach Sydney: Australia’s Best Beaches

January 14, 2019 / Beaches, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Milk Beach is located at the base of Hermit Bay in the Sydney National Park, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. A small, isolated beach, Milk Beach is known for its breathtaking views of Sydney in the distance.

The beach has calm water thanks to protection on both sides, its gentle waves making it great for kids to splash around, or for bringing novelty pool floaties.

There is a rock shelf to the right of the beach which is often full of sun-seekers but is also great for little rock pools. Watch out for sharp barnacles if you wander this way.

Also to the right of the beach is a large rock pool area that is great for wading in – it is only around ankle deep.

To the left of the beach are rocks that are great for climbing on and around, and a gorgeous wave rock feature.

Milk Beach is great for snorkelling, so BYO flippers and goggles.

There are no cafe or toilet facilities at Milk Beach so bring a picnic lunch and visit the bathrooms at either Nielsen Park or Shark Beach if needed. There are picnic tables in the park area behind the beach.

While Milk Beach can be reached by taking the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, the easiest way is to park on Vaucluse Road as near as possible to Strickland House. Walk down the driveway entrance to Strickland House, pass the house and keep walking down the track to the right and you will reach the beach.

Parking is limited so if you’re heading there on a weekend, consider taking a bus. The 325 stops nearby.

Milk Beach
52 Vaucluse Rd
Vaucluse
Get Directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Check out these gorgeous kid-friendly beaches around the world!

Restaurant Review: The Galley at Sydney Boathouse

January 12, 2019 / Inner West, Rozelle, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Kick back in the sun and enjoy the waterfront views while dining on super delish food at the Galley at Sydney Boathouse. The rustic, beachy vibes are reminiscent of seaside holiday while the food is fresh, colourful and seriously tasty.

The Galley at Sydney Boathouse has stunning harbour views, while nestled into a little nook near the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle. It’s a quiet spot, ideal for whiling the morning away with a solid meal and big iced coffee.

Kids and dogs are both welcome at The Galley. Dogs have to stay outside but it’s good to know you can bring your furry friend and grab a pretty harbourside spot to dine with them.

Kids, however, can step inside with their parents and head straight for the toy area that offers a selection of entertainment options for the tiny diners who visit – so very thoughtful and much appreciated. There are also kids’ offerings on both the brekkie and lunch menus.

Brekkie is served 7-11:30am, lunch 11:30am-3pm. We arrived for lunch and were delighted to see how many vegetarian options were on the menu, and also a veggie option for kids.

We highly enjoyed the Avocado and Haloumi Tortilla (with pesto, rocket, roast tomato, spinach, $18) plus Beer Battered Chips ($3), Black Sausage (with spinach, scrambled egg, pomegranate, dill yoghurt, roast tomato, herbs, sourdough, $22), kid’s Corn Omelette (with tomato sauce, $10) and Iced Coffee ($6).

We found the food absolutely delicious, the staff friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. It was a perfect dining experience and we will be returning to try the brekkie menu next.

To find The Galley, take James Craig Road off The Crescent and then right onto Waterways Court at the first roundabout. There’s easy free 1 hour parking.

The Galley at Sydney Boathouse
2 Waterways Court
Rozelle, NSW 2039
Ph: 0455 723 555
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat & Sun 7:30am to 3pm
Online: thegalleycafe.com.au
Get Directions

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Not seen.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

16 Of The Best Free Water Parks In Sydney

January 11, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

16 Of The Best Free Water Parks In Sydney

When it’s molten outside, there’s only one thing to do – head to one of these free water parks in Sydney to cool off, pronto!

Variety Livvi’s Place, Bankstown

The Canterbury-Bankstown area’s first all-abilities playground opened in late 2018, a joint project between Variety, the Children’s Charity, and the Touched by Olivia foundation. The fully-fenced playground features picnic and bbq facilities, bathrooms, Variety Livvi’s Place includes a sensory zone, flying fox with accessible seats, a climbing net, trampoline, swings with accessible seats, water play area, a climbing tower with ground level play features, two nest swings, roller table, accessible carousel, slides, a nature trail, sand play and a lizard log carved from wood.

Get more info on visiting Variety Livvi’s Place here.

Ollie Webb Reserve Parramatta

Parramatta’s first all-inclusive playground opened in early 2019. It features climbing structures, water play with a splash play area and water pumps, an elevated sandpit, an accessible carousel, swings, BBQ facilities and excellent bathrooms.

Read the full review of Ollie Webb Reserve playground here.

Putney Park Playground and Water Park

A great spot to take kids in summer, Putney Park features climbing equipment for kids of all ages plus two shallow pools connected by a pebble creek and a large climbing web.

Livvi’s Place Ryde

Livvi’s Place is a full-enclosed playground located in Yamble Reserve, Ryde. The reserve features formal gardens, deciduous trees, picnic shelters, large green grassed areas, barbecues and the excellent all-abilities playground, Livvi’s Place. Livvi’s Place playground includes a water pump play area, dual flying fox, nest swing, musical instruments, climbing frame and tunnels.

Read more about Livvi’s Place Ryde here.

Green Square Library

The underground Green Square Library opened in late 2018. It features a water play area in the outside plaza, public artworks, dedicated kids zone with books and DVDs, vintage game stations for rent, a piano for hire, a sunken garden, kid-friendly cafe and take-home makerspace kits for kids aged 5+. The library also runs school holiday workshops and story time sessions.

Get more info on Green Square Library here.

Pirrama Park Playground, Pyrmont

This beautiful playground in Pyrmont has shiny, well-designed equipment, a water play area, sand pit with shade cloth, new, well-maintained bathrooms (including baby change facilities) and a cafe with shaded seating. Street parking is available. Pirrama Park features grasslands, wide avenues for scooting and entry into the harbour for swimming.

Get more info on Pirrama Park Playground here.

Bigge Park, Liverpool

Bigge Park in Liverpool, a south-west suburb of Sydney, received a $5 million upgrade a few years back. The upgrade included a fantastic free water play area, much of which is covered by shade cloth, and an excellent water tipping bucket. Bigge Park also includes an accessible playground, a regular playground and climbing equipment.

Get more info on visiting Bigge Park.

Mary O’Brien Reserve, Zetland

A lovely park with seperate playgrounds for kids of different age groups, a water play area and BBQ facilities.

Read more about visiting Mary O’Brien Reserve here.

Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park

The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden opened in Centennial Park in October 2017. The 6500sq m nature-based play area features a 7m-high climbing tower, wooden bridge, water play area and an open play area where kids are encouraged to use sticks and natural materials to make their own shelters, artworks and games.

Get more info on visiting the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden here.

Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park

A gorgeous spot for families with one of the biggest playgrounds in Sydney set among three hectares of rolling hills and big open spaces. The playground caters for kids of all ages and abilities with a fantastic water play area (the largest outdoor water play facility in NSW), moving play elements, high and steep landforms and hidden and confined spaces. There’s a double flying fox, mega-swing, tunnel slides, scramble wall, spinning play disk, Viking swing and a multi-level tree house to be discovered and enjoyed.

Get more info on Blaxland Riverside Park.

Darling Quarter Playground

The most centrally-located Sydney playground features a 21-metre flying fox, water play area with pumps and buckets and plenty of slides, climbing structures and swings. It’s a must for kids visiting the city.

Get more info on the Darling Quarter Playground.

Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park

The site of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games is now a monument to sporting legends and a peaceful parkland. Visit Cathy Freeman Park to see the Olympic Cauldron that was used throughout the games and has been transformed into a water feature that kids love to play under in summer, located next to a shady playground and vast grassy field.

Get more info on Cathy Freeman Park here.

Plough and Harrow, Abbotsbury

The Plough and Harrow park is part of the massive Western Sydney Parklands that spans across the suburbs of Abbotsbury, Eastern Creek, Prospect and Horsley Park. The entire parklands covers 5,280 hectares, and includes several playgrounds, events centres and sporting venues. The playground features include a hamster wheel, flying fox, sand pit, little kid play area, large climbing spiderweb, basket swing, big kid swings and a water pump feature.

Get more info on the Plough and Harrow here.

James Ruse Reserve Playground, Parramatta

Our go-to when it’s hot, this playground has an undercover water play area that is a fave of ours. The splashpad features a large variety of water jets and water guns. James Ruse Reserve Playground also features climbing structures and is close to cafes.

Get more info on the James Ruse Reserve Playground here.

Bungarribee Park, near Blacktown

Opened in 2017, Bungarribee is a 200-hectare recreational space that features walking and cycling tracks, 20 barbecues, 13 picnic shelters and a playground with a climbing tower, flying fox, plenty of slides, swings and a water play area. Since reviewed, shade sails have been put up in the park.

Get more info on visiting Bungarribee Park.

Curry Reserve Water Play Space, Camden

Opening in December 2018, Curry Reserve brings much-needed water play to Western Sydney. The water park features a large splash pad with 36 play features for all inclusive, accessible fun, suitable for kids of all ages.

The low water play canal area is great for little kids, there is a shade cloth covering much of the water play area, and there’s shade and seating for parents supervising. The park is accessible for wheelchairs.

Thanks to Have Wheelchair Will Travel for reporting on the park and pics.

Curry Reserve Water Play Park, Camden Valley Way, Elderslie

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Livvi’s Place Ryde, Yamble Reserve

January 10, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

The all-inclusive playground was designed to allow children of all abilities to play, learn and socialise, with a combination of traditional and purpose-built play equipment and landscaping.

Livvi’s Place includes themed play zones, designed to stimulate and calm children with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities, as well as give them some sensory features, too.

The playground features a dual flying fox, accessible carousel, climbing net, water pump and play feature, tunnels, musical instruments and a nest swing.

There are two free parking areas. Visitors with mobility restrictions are better off with the one off Clermont Avenue.

Lastly, there is a fully accessible amenities block which includes both child and adult change tables.

Livvi’s Place Ryde
Yamble Reserve, Quarry Road, Ryde
Get Directions

Green Square Library: Sydney’s Underground Literary Oasis

January 9, 2019 / Indoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Green Square Library: Sydney’s Underground Literary Oasis

Green Square, located in Sydney’s inner-south, is on its way to becoming Sydney’s most densely populated suburb. As 90% of its residents live in apartments, a library located underground is a genius solution to the eternal issue of space.

The new Green Square Library was designed by architect Stewart Hollenstein. It has a stunning subterranean design, with a glass pyramid entry that juts up above the ground and leads down into the main library level. The library is bright and light, thanks to a central sunken garden, amphitheatre and large circular lights.

We loved the kid-friendly cafe at the entrance, where Jenga and ceramic letter tiles are on offer for kiddies to play with and caffeine is on offer for the adults.

A 6-storey glass tower contains five levels of additional public resources, including a music and piano room that is available for hire.

The library also offers the public a new collection of acoustic, electric and bass guitars that can be used for free, plus classic video game consoles pre-loaded with games. Choose from Atari, Sega, Nintendo and the C64Mini and let your retro self run wild.

If robotics or electronics are your thing, ask the library staff about the take-home makerspace kids, suitable for ages 5+. The kits have the ability to create instruments with a modular synthesiser kit or turn a banana into a touchpad to play online games.

The library also has its own computer lab which offers workshops in areas like coding, robotics, 3D printing, Adobe Creative classes for beginners to advanced in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

Kids will benefit from the computer lab too, with the library’s school holiday and after-school programs where they’ll get to create with the makerspace collection or learn programming with MIT Scratch.

Down in the lower ground level of the library there is plenty of space to browse the books, particularly for kids.

The littlest library patrons have been given their own dedicated space to read, play and create and the little wall nooks are cute and enticing.

A family room is available with change table, padded seat and child and adult toilets.

The sunken garden is also a hit with the kids.

If kids aren’t your thing, try the reading room in the tower. With its insanely colourful and need art installation on the wall, you’ll be hard pressed to focus on your book and not take pretty pictures instead.

There is also an additional quiet reading level which is filled with bean bags to relax in.

Books not your thing, but movies are? Borrow a GoChip Beam and enjoy hot movies and TV shows. Each small GoChip comes loaded with 5 movies or a TV series and can be wirelessly connected your device.

Connect to the library’s free wifi to enjoy your shows in the comfy air-conditioning.

At the plaza level, a water play zone offers kids a place to run around and cool down in summer.

We seeing loved the artwork Cloud Nation from both inside the library and at the plaza level. The artwork features a repurposed vintage aircraft which has been suspended from the library’s ceiling.

The wings of the plane have been outfitted with the most incredible miniature lands that visitors can inspect using the monoculars outside in the plaza.

If you live in NSW you can join the library for free.

The library is currently best accessed by train – it is right near the Green Square train station. If driving, be aware there is currently only limited 2 hour ticketed parking available.

Green Square Library
355 Botany Rd
Zetland NSW 2017
Ph: (02) 9288 5010
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Variety Livvi’s Place: Bankstown Playground

January 8, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Variety Livvi’s Place: Bankstown Playground

The Canterbury-Bankstown area has its first all-abilities playground! The new Variety Livvi’s Place officially opened late in 2018, a joint project between Variety, the Children’s Charity, and the Touched by Olivia foundation. More than 6% of Bankstown City’s population live with disabilities, which is the highest percentage of any community in NSW.

Variety Livvi’s Place is a completely fenced playground located inside Bankstown Central Gardens. Outside the playground is a wide scooting / bike path, picnic and bbq facilities and bathrooms.

Inside the playground, Variety Livvi’s Place includes a sensory zone, flying fox with accessible seats, a climbing net, trampoline, swings with accessible seats, water play area, a climbing tower with ground level play features, two nest swings, roller table, accessible carousel, slides, a nature trail, sand play and a lizard log carved from wood.

The playground has two areas with shade clothes but the majority of the playground is not shaded. Trees have been planted around the playground but it will be a while before they give full shade.

There is ample unrestricted parking outside the gardens.

Variety Livvi’s Place
Ross St, Bankstown
Get directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour Australia

January 4, 2019 / Animal Experiences, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour Australia

Wander beneath the waves with more than 700 species of fish at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. There are more than 13,000 sea creatures to discover including a dugong, sharks, rays and penguins.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is divided into seven sections, each themed to reflect its aquatic residents.

Start your voyage under the ocean at Jurassic Seas, where visitors can see where life began and meet living fossils. Discover creatures such as the mysterious nautilus, Port Jackson sharks, jellyfish and lungfish. Kids will love Darwin’s Lab where they can touch things like shark eggs and coral, and the Jurassic dig pit.

Meet Pig at Dugong Island. Pig, the dugong, is one of only two of his kind to be in human care in the world.

Take a look at Pig from above or from below in the viewing tunnels where visitors can also see other animals including the perennially cheerful rays, sharks and fish.

There are several interactive elements in Dugong Island that kids will love, such as experiencing what it’s like to see as a dugong does, and to “speak” their language. Really fun!

Face your fears at Shark Valley. Take the Shark Walk and watch Grey Nurse Sharks swim overhead! Keep an eye out for the huge Queensland Groper.

Meet the locals at the South Coast Shipwreck. In this section, you’ll find a range of animals native to our Southern Oceans, including a colony of Little Penguins, as well as Port Jackson Sharks and Moon Jellies.

Get a glimpse at what lies outside the aquarium at the Sydney Harbour exhibit, with a snapshot of the native creatures on display.

Learn about King and Gentoo Penguins at the Penguin Passports exhibit, and take a trip on the Penguin Expedition ride. This 2 minute sub-Antarctic boat journey gets up close and personal with the penguins and is included with admission.

You can read more about the Penguin Expedition experience here.

Experience the newest section of the aquarium: Day and Night on the Reef. This brand new exhibit highlights the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as it transitions from night to day. 24 hours of life on the reef is on display for visitors to enjoy, using state of the art technology to create an immersive and interactive experience.

This exhibit is the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world! We particularly loved spotting endangered creatures such as the sawfish and green sea turtle, walking through the new jellyfish swarming area and watching a turtle come ashore to lay its eggs thanks to modern technology.

If you’re feeling peckish after your visit, there is a large cafe at the exit with a range of sandwiches, hot and cold pastries and burgers. I ordered a veggie burger combo which was reasonably priced and tasted excellent.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
sydneyaquarium.com.au

Madame Tussauds Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

January 1, 2019 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Madame Tussauds Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

Get up-close and personal with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds! Take a selfie with Hollywood stars, sporting legends and historical figures without leaving Sydney.

Madame Tussauds was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in London in 1835 and has delighted visitors around the world ever since with its host of A-list celebrities.

A visit to Madame Tussauds is quite the unnerving experience. The wax sculptures of well-known people are so lifelike that it feels as though they might reach out and touch you when you’re posing for a photo.

It’s as close as most of us will get to people such as the British royal family and Barak Obama, so it’s a unique opportunity to take a look at what the person behind the photographs really looks like up close. Some are surprisingly petite, some taller than you’d think! All are incredibly lifelike!

Madame Tussauds is broken up into nine themed zones: Australian History, World Leaders and Politicians, Sports Legends, Fashion, Marvel Super Heroes, Music, Movie and TV Stars, Justice League: A Call For Heroes and Party.

Figures included feature modern and historical A-listers, ranging from Captain Cook and Albert Einstein to modern sporting stars like Cathy Freedman and movie characters like Wonder Woman and the brand new Aquaman.

Madame Tussauds has done a great job of making the scenes educational, with plaques on the wall giving information on each sculpture, as well as entertaining. Many of the sculptures have hands-on elements such as costumes to try on.

The Fashion section features a catwalk and makeup counters where visitors can give themselves a digital makeover, while in the Music section visitors can try the recording booths and accept an MTV music award.

Justice League: A Call For Heroes is the newest section, transporting visitors into the streets of Metropolis and Gotham City. Summon Batman into battle with the bat sign, race the Flash, wield the power of the sea with Aquaman and lift a helicopter with Superman.

Take home your own wax souvenir with a wax hand mounding of your own hand.

Madame Tussauds
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
madametussauds.com.au

Star Wars Identities The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

January 1, 2019 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Star Wars™ Identities The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

Feel the force and discover the psychology behind how our identities are formed at the interactive and absorbing Star Wars™ Identities exhibition now open at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney.

The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages, from kids to adults, and for newcomers to the movies as well as for die-hard fans.

Browse the 200 original Star Wars objects on display that include costumes, props, models and artwork while exploring your identity and creating your own unique Star Wars character.

At the start of the exhibition visitors are given radio transmitter with an ear piece and a smart technology bracelet to wear on their wrist which is used to engage with a series of interactive stations. Over the course of 10 stations visitors are given a series of choices to form their new persona, while also learning about the forces that shape us into the people that we are today.

Rare treasures from the Lucasfilm archives are dotted throughout the exhibition, including BB-8, R2-D2, the Millennium Falcon, Yoda, Darth Vader’s suit from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™, Hans frozen in carbonite and Leia’s famous metal bikini!

The exhibition also lets visitors learn more about the depths to the familiar characters they know and love. A fascinating look into the history and personality of characters such as Luke, Han, Leia, Yoda and Anakin will teach even diehard fans like us a new thing or two.

While the focus of the exhibition is forming a new character and discovering the Star Wars universe in more detail, visitors will walk away mulling over the question, “What the forces are that have shaped you?”.

We found the scientific component of the exhibition fascinating. Who are we? How did we become the people that we are? Star Wars Identities explores the theme of identity using ten components that help make us who we are: species, genes, parents, culture, mentors, friends, events, occupation, personality, and values.

These components are displayed in three groups in the progression from childhood to adulthood: Origins, Influences and Choices. One video per component, containing clips from Star Wars films as well as animated graphics explains how each component plays its part in shaping the person who we are, with references to Star Wars characters as well as to the visitors watching.

At the end of the exhibit get ready to meet your character. Don’t forget to email your character’s full profile to yourself before exiting.

This is the character I created, an Ewok named Quip!

Must Know Facts

The exhibition takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.

Costumes are allowed but no helmets or masks covering the face are permitted.

Lightsabers and replica weapons must be left at cloak check.

There are film clips including lightsaber duels that young children might find frightening.

Entry is timed. You can book tickets on the website to secure the time of your choosing, which I do suggest doing.

Star Wars Identities The exhibition
Nov 16 2018 – June 10 2019
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris St, Ultimo
http://www.starwarsidentities.com

We were guests of the Powerhouse Museum for the purpose of reviewing the exhibition. We are life-long Star Wars fans and all opinions, costumes and hair buns are our own.