Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Carcoar, the town that time forgot

Carcoar, the town that time forgot

Visit the historic village of Carcoar in the NSW Central Tablelands. Take a walking tour of the preserved 19 century buildings set amongst picturesque green hills.

Carcoar

The tiny town of Carcoar can be found 260 km West of Sydney, and approximately 40 minutes equidistant from Bathurst, Orange and Cowra. 

Carcoar

The third-oldest settlement west of the Blue Mountains, Carcoar is a beautiful spot to visit year-round, but particularly during autumn when the leaves are changing colour.

Carcoar

Nestled in a valley alongside the Belubula River, Carcoar is an historic gem with a large number of well preserved 19th century buildings. A walking tour is the best way to enjoy the town, with maps available from the National Trust.

Carcoar

The oldest building in the village is believed to be the 1849 convict-built stables of Stoke House, which is now a museum full of interesting historic gems to peruse.

Carcoar

Highlights also include well-preserved Georgian buildings along the main street, St Paul’s Anglican Church built in 1848 and the century-old courthouse.

Carcoar

The buildings now house museums, shops and cafes, with the highest capita of museums to people of anywhere in Australia. If you wish to stay the night, Carcoar has a wide range of accommodation options, from restored heritage buildings to boutique B&Bs.

Carcoar

Carcoar was settled by Europeans in 1821. There was extensive bushranging in the area particularly after the discovery of gold (which is still mined commercially in the area). The first daylight bank robbery in Australia occurred in Carcoar in 1863, at Carcoar’s Commercial Bank. Today, the building is home to a private toy museum with over 2000 toys of various kinds on display.

Carcoar

To reach Carcoar, take the turn-off on the Mid-Western Highway, the A43.

Carcoar Carcoar Carcoar Carcoar Carcoar

Get more information on Carcoar here, here and here.

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Millthorpe Day Trip: How To Spend A Day In Milthorpe

Milthorpe Day Trip: How To Spend A Day In Millthorpe

The perfect day trip in the Orange region, Millthorpe is a heritage-listed village with historical buildings, restaurants, shops and wineries. There are plenty of ways to spend a lovely day in Milthorpe.

Milthorpe Millthorpe

A stroll through Milthorpe is like taking a step back in time to the 1900s in regional NSW. The cobblestoned streets are lined with relatively unchanged 19th century buildings that now house contemporary restaurants, boutique homewares stores and charming accommodation. 

Milthorpe Millthorpe

For a detailed look at Millthorpe’s past, take a tour of the Golden Memories Museum, or download the village walking map to your phone and take a gentle walk around the streets while soaking in its charm. 

Milthorpe Millthorpe

We enjoyed dining at the Railway Station Cafe and browsing the Millthorpe Chocolate shop inside. The Millthorpe Railway Station is a fine example of 19th century building that has been well maintained.

Milthorpe Millthorpe

Millthorpe Chocolates is a locally grown business using the finest Belgian Couverture Chocolate and ingredients. The chocolate is hand tempered and is hand crafted. Milthorpe Millthorpe

Millthorpe Chocolates is a locally grown business using Belgian Couverture Chocolate. The chocolate is tempered and crafted by hand.

Milthorpe Millthorpe

There is a lovely lolly shop on the main street that is impossible to walk past without buying something.

Milthorpe Millthorpe

How to get to Millthorpe:

 The historic town is 20 minutes’ drive southeast of Orange, 10 minutes from Orange Airport, and 30 minutes west of Bathurst. The drive from Sydney is 3 hours 30 minutes. 

Milthorpe Millthorpe

By train: the Western XPT arrives every day from Sydney at 11.48am on its way to Dubbo, then departs at 4.11pm. Book tickets online with NSW Trainlink or by phone 13 22 32. 

Milthorpe Millthorpe

Read more about Millthorpe Village here and here.

Milthorpe Millthorpe Milthorpe Millthorpe

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

6 Things to do in Orange NSW

Orange

Six Things to do in Orange NSW

Orange is a large regional centre with art galleries, wineries, hikes and leisure activities. There are plenty of things to do in Orange on a regional NSW road trip. Here are three of our favourite discoveries:

Lake Canobolas

Orange Lake Canobolas

Lake Canobolas is a man-made reservoir located near Orange, a popular spot for recreation since the 1970s.

Orange Lake Canobolas

Cycling, sailing, canoeing, walking, swimming, triathlons and dragon boating are some of the sports/activities held here.

Orange Lake Canobolas

Kids will love the Apex Adventure Playground on the eastern bank.

Orange Lake Canobolas

Bring a picnic or bbq lunch or grab a bite from the Lakehouse kiosk.

Orange Lake Canobolas

There is a walking track around the lake that is great for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

Orange Lake Canobolas

Be sure to walk over the top of the reservoir, it’s a great view of the water gushing over the side.

Orange Lake Canobolas

Lake Canobolas is open daily from early morning until sunset. Dogs are permitted within the park but must be on a lead.

Heifer Station Winery

Orange Heifer Wines

The Heifer Station was built on land that was once one of the biggest cattle stations in Orange. In 2016, Heifer Station opened their cellar door in a 100 year old wool shed, nestled in a beautiful garden with farm yard animals dotted around (or free roaming). 

Get more info on visiting the Heifer Station.

heiferstation.com

Cook Park

Orange

Enjoy the stunning seasonal colours of Orange in Cook Park, a 4.5 hectare park in the centre of Orange named after Captain James Cook.

Orange

The park was laid out in a traditional Victorian design in 1873, with straight paths and rows of trees.

Orange

Cook Park also features duck ponds, kids’ swings, an aviary with birds, the Lattice Fernery and Cook Park Guildry.

Orange

Cook Park is an easy 10 minute walk west of the Orange CBD via Summer or Kite Streets.

Orange Orange Orange Orange

Spilt Milk Gelato

You must try this delicious gelato made with the best ingredients from Aussie farms.

Orange

spiltmilkbar.com

Racine Bakery

Orange

This bakery is a must-visit – if you can manage to find it! Racine Bakery can be found behind a strip of shops, with the entrance in the Woolworths car park. They sell the most delicious bread, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, pies and sausage rolls, all hand-made on site.

Orange

Entry via woolworths carpark, 166B Summer St, Orange

racinerestaurant.com.au

Gracie Burger

Orange

We loved these brightly coloured burger and fries meals from Gracie Burger, with an option for a chickpea patty in lieu of meat for adult and kids meals. 

Orange

Fantastic fries and shakes, too!

Orange

gracieburger.com.au

Accommodation

We stayed at the Mercure Orange during our stay. The hotel was clean, conveniently located and well run.

Orange Orange

Get more info on visiting Orange.

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Little Succers: Build Your Own Terrarium Bar Neutral Bay

Little Succers

Little Succers: Build Your Own Terrarium Bar

Get your hands dirty at Little Succers Build Your Own Terrarium Bar in Neutral Bay. Create your own succulent masterpiece to take home.

Little Succers

The Little Succers Build Your Own Terrarium Bar and Succulent Shop in Neutral Bay is a place to let your creativity run wild. Book in for their popular Build Your Own Terrarium events with a $20 ticket that is redeemable on the day towards your terrarium purchase.

Little Succers

Choose from a wide variety of terrariums to start your creation, each with a different cost point. Then, under guidance from the staff, choose from a wide selection of vases, succulents, cacti, coloured pebbles and sand, crystals and other decorations to build your own personalised mini-garden.

Little Succers

During the school holidays Little Succers runs special events for kids (which we attended), as well as hosting private parties, kids parties and corporate gigs. The classes run for approximately two hours.

Little Succers Little Succers Little Succers Little Succers Little Succers Little Succers Little Succers

Little Succers also hosts private events, kids parties and corporate gigs.

Little Succers: Build Your Own Terrarium Bar & Succulent Gift Shop
Shop 5 and 6, 81-91 Military Road
Neutral Bay
littlesuccers.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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

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

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Avoca Beach NSW Australia: Great for kids and dogs!

Avoca Beach NSW Australia

Enjoy the sparkling water of Avoca Beach, the perfect spot on the Central Coast for families (and dogs!). 

Avoca, NSW, Australia

Located about 30 minutes from Gosford, Avoca Beach is a popular spot for locals and Sydney-siders. Avoca Beach stretches 1.7km, with a beautiful shallow rock pool at the southern end.

Avoca, NSW, Australia

There are plenty of cafes to enjoy a hearty brunch at the southern end also. The cafes all feature outdoor seating, making this a fab spot for families and dogs to enjoy casual meals right by the water.

Avoca Beach NSW Australia

We love to grab snacks or smoothies from the Avoca Beach Kiosk next to the life saving club, or a delicious meal at Point Cafe.

Avoca, NSW, Australia Avoca, NSW, Australia Avoca, NSW, Australia

Point Cafe offers all-day breakfast, a kids’ menu and a variety of dishes to suit dietary requirements.

Avoca, NSW, Australia

There is a large, fenced playground behind the surf life saving club, and a grassy park next to it. 

Avoca Beach NSW Australia Avoca Beach NSW Australia

A large bathroom block is located next to the playground.

Keep walking past the rock pool and you’ll find a rock shelf with more little rock pools that are great for exploring.

Avoca, NSW, Australia Avoca, NSW, Australia Avoca, NSW, Australia

For more aquatic fun, hire a kayak, pedal boat or stand-up paddleboards from Aquafun Avoca Lake and splash around the lagoon.

Avoca Beach NSW Australia

The official off-leash dog area is from the surf club parking lot down to the North Avoca end of the beach on the opposite side of the lagoon. This is technically the space between two beaches, Avoca Beach and North Avoca Beach. 

Avoca Beach NSW Australia

Avoca Lake backs on to the beach. Hire kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards from Aquafun Avoca Lake and splash about the sparkling waterway or paddle to the large island in the middle of the tranquil lagoon.

If the weather isn’t in your favour, catch a movie at the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, which opened in 1948 and is a lovely little single screen vintage theatre.

The fourth Sunday of every month you’ll find the Avoca Beachside Markets creating some extra bustle in town, with lots of local food and crafts on offer.

Avoca Beach NSW is an easy 90 minute drive north of Sydney and an 80m drive south from Newcastle. To reach it by public transport is a bit of an effort but do-able – catch the train from Central to Gosford or Newcastle to Gosford, then change to a bus to take you to Avoca Beach. It will take around 2 hours to reach Avoca Beach via public transport.

Avoca, NSW, Australia

I’d suggest staying a few days either at Avoca Beach or in the general area to explore all of the Central Coast gems. 

Avoca Beach NSW is located at the end of a long no-through road. There is limited parking so allow time to find a spot if you are on a schedule, or arrive early to ensure an easy park.

Avoca Beach NSW Australia

Get more info on Avoca Beach.

Find more things to do on the Central Coast.

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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

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

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Hillbilly Cider Shed & Pizza, Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider Shed & Pizza, Bilpin

Enjoy crushed cider using Bilpin, Blue Mountains apples and woodfired pizza at Hillybilly Cider Shed. 

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider is the creation of Shane and Tessa McLaughlin, who moved to an orchard in Biulpin in 2007 and were inspired by their surrounds to brew this now local favourite Blue Mountains cider. 

Hillbilly Cider is the only cider in the world that uses the Julie™ apple, the first new commercial apple discovered in the Sydney/Blue Mountains area since the Granny Smith apple 100 years ago! The Julie™ was a chance seedling discovered by Bill and Julie Shields at their orchard located next door to the Hillbilly Cider shed.

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

Drop by the Hillbilly Cider Shed to try their cider and also to enjoy some very fine woodfired pizza. 

There is plenty of outdoor seating and a large grassed area for kids to run around. Dogs are welcome!

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

During winter, there is a log fire burning inside the shed to keep visitors cosy and warm. 

Bookings are always advised, but you can also drop by and grab whatever table you can find that’s free. 

The pizzas are Neapolitan-style pizzas. All bases and sauce are made at the Hillybilly Cider Shed. Gluten-free bases are available, as it a vegan pizza. 

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

We highly enjoyed Margheritas (Neapolitan tomato sauce, Fior di latte, Grana Padano & fresh basil, $19) and a Pepperoni (Neapolitan tomato sauce, Fior di latte and beef pepperoni, $23).

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider
2230 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin
Hours: Mon-Thur 10am-4pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm.
Wood fired pizzas available from 11.30am to eat in or take away.
https://hillbillycider.com.au/

Find more things to do on a Bilpin and Blue Mountains day trip.

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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

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

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Breenhold Gardens Mount Wilson Sydney

Visiting Breenhold Gardens in Mount Wilson, Sydney

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

Enjoy spring and autumn colours at the heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens in Mount Wilson, a two-hour drive from the Sydney CBD. The Garden Estate of Breenhold is one of the most extensive privately owned garden properties in Australia.

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

Breenhold Gardens are only open during autumn and spring to the public, however are also available throughout the year for private hire for weddings, film shoots and special events. The Great Gatsby was filmed here!

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

The garden estate is comprises of 45 hectares of gardens, parkland and native bushland. It was the creation of the late Thomas Breen (Snr) and his wife Charlotte, who commenced its planting and landscaping in 1965.

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

Breenhold Garden has grown and developed over the years, and now includes thousands of exotic and indigenous trees and flowering shrubs from every continent.

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

Set aside a good few hours to leisurely explore the six stone walled gardens, bush trails and forest walks. There are extensive lawns for playing and picnicking. 

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

We visited during autumn, when the deciduous trees of Breenhold Gardens were in full colour. Japanese maple, beech, birch, oak and many varieties of pines and cedars have been planted alongside native tree ferns and eucalypts. 

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

Spring is also a beautiful time to visit Breenhold Garden, when hundreds of flowering azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as Japanese cherry trees, magnolia and dogwood fill the estate with beautiful colour once again.

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

Breenhold Gardens are dog-friendly! Well behaved dogs are permitted to enter but must stay on a leash at all times. 

Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney Breenhold Gardens Mt Wilson Sydney

There are very basic bathroom facilities available at Breenhold Gardens, but no cafe / shop to purchase food or drinks. I highly suggest bringing your own picnic from home and a blanket to spread out on, or stopping by the Grumpy Baker in Bilpin on the way past to pick up some of the most delicious pastries you’ll find in Sydney. 

Grumpy Baker Bilpin

You can also do what we did and drop by Hillbilly Cider for pizza afterwards. It’s also super dog-friendly!

Hillbilly Cider Bilpin Hillbilly Cider Bilpin

Breenhold Gardens
Price: Entry fee

29 The Avenue, Mount Wilson
breenhold.com.au

Find more things to do on a Blue Mountains day trip.

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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

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

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

acre Artarmon: Bar, Cafe & Bakery

acre Artarmon

Enjoy farm-inspired food grown on-site at acre Artarmon. This open-air urban oasis features indoor and outdoor seating, picnic style areas, kids’ play area and chicken coop.

Acre Artarmon

We are frequent visitors to acre at Camperdown Commons, so were extremely keen to check out the new acre in the family, located at the HomeHQ Artarmon. 

acre Artarmon is a cafe, restaurant, bar and bakery set within sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens that produce the food that goes straight into kitchen to produce the meals. 

Acre Artarmon

Featuring local and exotic fruit trees, a kitchen garden, vertical plantings & hydroponic growing systems and planted pergolas, acre Artarmon is a fascinating place to dine and discover, where you can browse the gardens where your food was grown. You know your meal is going to be made with super fresh produce when you can see it growing on the vines!

Acre Artarmon

There are several dining options at acre Artarmon. There is a cafe bakery with freshly baked items that can be quickly consumed or taken to go, such as pies, sandwiches, quiche and delicious croissants. 

Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon

The restaurant extends inside and out onto the terrace, with a breakfast menu offered until 11:30am and a dedicated lunch menu. The breakfast menu features traditional brekkie staples like eggs as well as dishes that hero the fresh plants such as tomatoes and avocado.

The lunch menu offers delicious homemade pizzas and an eclectic menu with burgers, salads and pasta. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes on both menus and the kids’ menu has the usual favourites, served up in a generous portion. Adults might want to try a garden-inspired cocktail.

Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon

We ordered the Kids Margarita Pizza ($10) and Smoked Beetroot, Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Ricotta ($22). Kids also get a cute colouring in sheet if they like.

Acre Artarmon

Outside, there are picnic style seating areas, a kids’ playground and chicken coop.

Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon Acre Artarmon

If you’re driving there, park in the HomeHQ where the first three hours are free. acre Artarmon is also located 1km from Artarmon or St Leonards station on the North Shore line.

Acre Artarmon
1 Frederick Street, Artarmon
Hours:
Cafe Bakery: Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm | Sun 7am – 3pm
Restaurant: Thursday 4.30pm – 10.30pm | Fri 12pm – 11pm | Sat 12pm – 11pm | Sun 12pm – 4pm
acre-artarmon.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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

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

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove

Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, is a dog and kid-friendly oasis with a calm beach, shady playground and grassy picnic space.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly hideaway in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney’s lower north shore. Often referred to as Little Sirius Cove, this charming natural treasure boasts a quiet beach, a playground and a large picnic area.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

This peaceful paradise is an oasis for families and even for well behaved doggos. Sirius Cove is the perfect spot for both kids and dogs to enjoy a splash in the ocean. 

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Named after HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet that arrived in New South Wales at the end of the 18th century, the reserve is located just west of Taronga Zoo. With a huge, grassy area including picnic tables, shady trees, a fenced and shaded children’s playground, drinking fountain and a toilet/shower block, Sirius Cove is a popular spot for locals to spend their weekends.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove beach is 250m wide and surrounded by a sandstone wall. It faces south into a deep bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. As a result of its sheltered location, the water is very calm. There is a large sandbar that extends right out from the shore, making it shallow enough for kids and dogs to walk out onto.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Unleashed dogs are permitted in the park, on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays this is restricted to non-peak hours before 9am and after 4pm. Dogs are permitted on-leash the rest of the time.

While these rules are in place, when we visited on a weekend at around 10am, ours was the only pooch in the park on a leash.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove is also a great starting point for walking trails that head to Taronga Zoo Wharf, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or to Cremorne Point. 

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

It’s also a great starting point for the walking trail going east to Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or going west to Cremorne Point.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

If you take the Taronga Zoo Wharf trail, it will take you past the “Curlew Camp Artist’s Walk”. Curlew Camp was a famous gathering spot for artists, writers and musicians in the late 19th century.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

The camp was located just around the corner of Sirius Cove, at Little Sirius Cove. The camp was ultimately abandoned in 1912 when the area was chosen to build the new Taronga Zoo.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove has a designated parking area, however this often reaches full capacity especially on weekends. parking then overflows into the free street parking nearby.

You can also catch the ferry to South Mosman and Mosman Bay wharves west of Sirius Cove, and Taronga Zoo wharf east of Sirius Cove and take the 20min hike to arrive at the Cove.

Buses also service the area. Check the bus timetable on the NSW Transport Info website.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove
Sirius Cove Road, Mosman

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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

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

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Rose Bay Dog Beach: The Best of Sydney with Dogs

Rose Bay Dog Beach

Enjoy 24 hour off-leash play with your doggos at Rose Bay Dog Beach, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. 

Rosy Bay Dog Beach

The Rose Bay dog beach is a happy off-leash zone, where city pups can stretch their legs in the sand and calm ocean water.

The beach is very shallow and calm, making it a great place for dogs to run through the water. Low tide is the best time to visit. The beach can get crowded with dogs at peak weekend times. 

Rosy Bay Dog Beach

Dumaresq Reserve, on the north side, has off-leash play times are before 8.30am and after 4.30pm.

Rosy Bay Dog Beach

Walk along the shoreline to Lyne Park, an off leash dog park 3.30pm-10.30am and on-leash at all other times. There is a children’s playground and public toilets available here.

There are no public bathrooms at the Rose Bay foreshore.

A short walk from the Rose Bay Dog Beach lies the Rose Bay shops and cafe strip. There are plenty of dog-friendly cafes here to pull up a table at. We enjoyed the Rose Bakehouse and happily met other friendly pooches while we dined.

Rose Bay Bakehouse

Rose Bay Beach
New South Head Road,
Rose Bay
Get Directions.

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