Christine Knight, Author at Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Bitton Oatley: Sydney’s Best Cafes For Families

April 23, 2018 / Oatley, Southern Sydney, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

We have been fans of the flagship Bitton cafe in Alexandria for years, so were extremely happy to hear about the new Bitton Oatley site when it recently opened. Both Bitton cafes offer a French-inspired menu and share the same philosophy of “five star gourmet at café prices in a friendly atmosphere”.

The new Bitton Oatley has a huge outdoor area wth a little play area and some cute landscaping features to discover. The menus are seasonal and baristas serve Grinders coffee.

The family-friendly atmosphere of Bitton Alexandria is mirrored here, and on our mid-week visit we see mums and bubs enjoying babyccinos in the spacious yard.

The cafe is extremely accessible for strollers and also wheelchairs. There is a flat path that leads from the front all around the back and directly into the back of the cafe and yard. There is also clear access to the bathrooms and a large family and wheelchair accessible bathroom with a change table and even a few spare nappies and wipes.

I also appreciated how easy it was to park at the cafe! There is plenty of street parking available on the site streets.

There is a dedicated kids’ menu featuring Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon and Toast, French Crêpes, Steak and Fries, Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, Crumbed Fish Fillets and a Kids Beef Burger (French Crêpes pictured above).

We ordered Breakfast Salad Bowl (Soft Boiled Egg, Avocado, Quinoa, Pistachios Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Kale, Crispy Bacon, Baby Spinach, GF, $17) and the Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Sourdough Toast with Basil Oil ($17).

I always know what to expect when we dine at Bitton and this time was no exceptions. Delicious food made with the freshest of ingredients and served quickly. Impeccable and friendly service. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, every single time.

This brunch was made even sweeter by the surprise gift of two free mini creme brulees for dessert. Yum!

Bitton Oatley
119a Mulga Rd, Oatley
Hours: Tues & Sun 7am-4pm, Wed-Sat 7am-9pm, Mondays closed.
Phone: 02 9570 5777
bittongourmet.com.au

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.

Australian Reptile Park: Mini Kids 2 Keeper Experience

April 22, 2018 / Australia, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

The Australian Reptile Park is located on the Central Coast of NSW, about an hour north of Sydney. Established in 1948, the park is a privately owned attraction featuring native Australian wildlife and other exotic, international species. The Australian Reptile Park runs three Kids 2 Keeper programs for kids to engage with animals and learn a bit about their care and habitats.

Mini Kids 2 Keeper (3-6 years old)

Little Kids 2 Keeper (7-12 years old)

Big Kids 2 Keeper (13-18 years old)

We did the Mini Kids 2 Keeper program, which is based on the five sense (hear, see, taste, touch and smell). The program is a guided tour of the zoo and is designed to be both hands-on and educational.

All of the Kids 2 Keeper programs run only during the school holidays, usually on a Monday. Each program is different so kids can attend programs on multiple occasions and find them to be different each time.

During our Kids 2 Keeper program, adults were required to attend with their child. The older programs are drop-off.

Our tour included meeting reptiles, a snake, a tawny frogmouth owl, feeding parrots, patting a koala, watching a special feeding of the alligators, patting an echidna, meeting a ring-tailed possum and, the highlight, going into the Galapagos tortoise enclosure and meeting Hugo, the 67-year-old resident tortoise.

A morning tea of banana bread and water was served halfway through the program.

Get more info on the Mini Kids 2 Keeper Program here.

Read about what else you can see and do at The Australian Reptile Park here.

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park

April 22, 2018 / Australia, Central Coast, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

The Australian Reptile Park is located on the Central Coast of NSW, about an hour north of Sydney. Established in 1948, the park is a privately owned attraction featuring native Australian wildlife and other exotic, international species. The Australian Reptile Park has won plenty of awards for excellence, including the 2016 Australasian Zoo Keeper of the Year. A perfect day trip from Sydney, there’s plenty to keep kids and adults occupied at the zoo!

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park

Meet Elvis, the cranky croc

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Australia’s crankiest crocodile is the star of the show here at the Reptile Park. Elvis the crocodile came to the zoo from the Northern Territory where he was attacking fisherman’s boats. He’s also well-known for attacking a keeper’s lawnmower.

Catch the reptile show & hear about the venom project

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

An entertaining and educational way for kids to learn about reptiles. During the show visitors also learn about the venom milking project undertaken by the park (see below for more details). You’ll also find all 11 of the deadliest snakes in the world at the Reptile Park.

Watch a funnel-web spider milking

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

The Australian Reptile Park is the only zoo in Australia with a venom milking program in place. Over the past 50+ years the program has saved over 300 lives each year. The Australian Reptile Park is the sole supplier of a variety of venoms which are used for snake and funnel-web anti-venom in Australia. Watch a funnel-web spider being milked inside the Spider World exhibit.

Wander through interactive exhibits

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

The Lost World of Reptiles, Spider World, Frog Hollow and Platypus House are all very well designed exhibits, created to be fun and engaging for kids. Spider World, featuring Tarantula-ville, is home to some of the largest spiders in Australia!

Play in the animal-themed playground

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

The playground at the Australian Reptile Park is so unique that you’ll have a hard time reminding kids that there are animals to be seen as well! The main climbing structure is in the shape of a frilled-neck lizard.

Kids 2 Keeper program or VIP tour

Want to get super up close to the animals? Check out the options available on the Kids 2 Keeper programs or VIP tours. We did the Mini Kids 2 Keeper program for kids aged 3-6 and loved touching reptiles, patting a koala and going inside the Galapagos tortoise enclosure.

Get more info on our experience with the Kids 2 Keeper program here.

Meet Australian wildlife

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Feed kangaroos, get up close to a koala, meet a wombat and play hide and seek with the ever-elusive platypus. The zoo is also home to Tasmanian devils, echidnas, wombats, cassowaries and dingos.

Say g’day to Hugo

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Hugo the Galapagos tortoise arrived at the park in 1963 as a teenager. Now aged 67, he is a gentle giant and a favourite at the park. The Galapagos tortoise is classified as “vulnerable”on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Dance with the devil

Meet the iconic Tasmanian devil and learn about The Australian Reptile Park’s conservation project, Devil Ark.

Snap a selfie with a new furry friend

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Snappy Hour, where visitors to the zoo can get their picture taken with the park’s scaly and furry animals, runs between 11am and 2pm daily.

Tips for visiting The Australian Reptile Park

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Arrive early
It’s a full day at the park, with a big schedule of events.

Prepare for the weather
That means sunscreen and hats, and I would advise close-in shoes.

BYO Food
There are free barbecue facilities in the picnic grounds or you can enjoy a picnic lunch from home.

Sydney Day Trips: The Australian Reptile Park #sydneydaytrip #familytravel #australia

Australian Reptile Park
Pacific Highway
Somersby NSW2250
https://reptilepark.com.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.

7 Awesome Day Trips On Sydney Harbour Ferries

April 13, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sydney Harbour is such a showoff. Sparkling blue water with white cut cliffs, pristine beaches and fascinating history to boot. It’s easy to see the best Sydney has to offer by simply heading out for a day trip on the Sydney Harbour ferries.

7 Awesome Days Trips On Sydney Harbour Ferries

Cockatoo Island

The largest island on Sydney Harbour is also a fascinating historical site. Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the only remaining dry dock in Australia built using convict labour. Before the First Fleet arrived and used convict labour to turn the island into a prison and then shipbuilding dock, the island was a base for the local Aboriginal tribe, the Eora people, to fish from and built canoes.

After a significant restoration, Cockatoo Island has been opened to the public and makes for an incredible day trip exploring the convict relics, industrial buildings and historic maritime dock.

The island also plays host to events and exhibitions such as the Biennale of Sydney, Australia’s largest contemporary visual arts event. Open until June 11, 2018, the exhibition is held in multiple venues across Sydney. On Cockatoo Island the artworks reflect the history of the site around themes such as movement, migration, production and participation. The artworks, by 20 artists from all over the world, are designed to evolve over the course of the Biennale.

The Biennale of Sydney is brought to Cockatoo Island this year with the support of principle partner TWT Property Group, whose mission is to enrich the communities they create with art.

You can read more about a day trip to Cockatoo island here.

Taronga Zoo

Catch the ferry directly to Taronga Zoo for a walk on the wild side. A non-profit organisation supporting wildlife conservation, a visit to Taronga is as educational as it is entertaining. There are over 4,000 animals to meet at the zoo, including Australian native wildlife and rare and exotic animals.

The QBE Free-Flight Bird Show is a highlight for us, to witness spectacular birds, most of whom have been rescued and rehabilitated, soar across the sky with the Sydney Harbour as an impressive backdrop.

Kids will love the two playgrounds, water features, up-close animal experiences such as the lemur walk-in enclosure and the new Wile Ropes adventures through the treetops.

Get more info on a day at Taronga Zoo with kids here.

Watson’s Bay

A short 20 minutes ferry trip from Circular Quay will take you to Australia’s oldest fishing village, Watson’s Bay. This sparkling gem of a spot is home to the iconic seafood institution Doyles, perfect for grabbing takeaway fish and chips or, for a more upmarket dining experience, try the celebrated restaurant Doyle’s on the Beach.

We love Robertson Park, the large, leafy park behind the beach, for a picnic or a run around the excellent playground.

Don’t forget to pack the swimmers as Watson’s Bay is excellent for a splash on the beach with the gorgeous city view behind you.

Get more info on a day trip to Watson’s Bay here.

Manly Beach

A 30 minute ferry trip will take you to Manly, the site of the first world surfing competition in 1964. Manly Wharf has plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy, and, if you’re lucky, you might even see some of Manly’s Little Penguins underneath the wharf.

Stroll down the Corso, a pedestrian mall filled with cafes, surf shops and pubs, to the ocean beach.

At the beach you’ll be enticed by the white sand and sparkling water to dive on in. If you want to give surfing a go, local businesses Manly Surf School and Manly Surf Guide can lend a hand.

We love to take the scenic walking path south to Fairy Bower Pool and Shelly Beach, the later of which is the perfect family spot for a swim in calm waters.

Get more info here on a day trip to Manly.

Luna Park, Kirribilli

Catch a Sydney Harbour ferry to Kirribilli and Luna Park, an historical Sydney icon that was listed on the State Heritage Register in 2010. Constructed in its current scenic spot at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1935, Luna Park is an amusement park with the best view in town.

We particularly love Cony Island Funnyland, which is the only operating example of a 1930s funhouse left in the world.

Coney Island was built in 1935, and although there have been some changes made over the years, the layout is almost identical to when it opened, including the rotating barrels, moving platforms, long slides and arcade games that line the walls.

Get more info on visiting Luna Park here.

Darling Harbour

This entertainment precinct is jam packed with attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Get up close to rescued dugongs and king and gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, meet a koala and gigantic croc at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, or take a selfie with a celebrity at Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum.

We also love the ever-changing exhibitions at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), which is particularly kid-friendly and offers plenty of kid-focussed activities during school holidays, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship for a tranquil afternoon.

The Darling Quarter Kids Playground is one of the best in Sydney. The slides, flying fox, swings, climbing ropes and splash area are not to be missed.

Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

Get more info on visiting SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Penguin Expedition at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, the ANMM, Chinese Garden of Friendship and Darling Quarter Kids Playground.

Parramatta

Catch a Sydney Harbour ferry along scenic Parramatta River to Parramatta Wharf and enjoy a day exploring Australia’s fascinating past and vibrant, culturally-diverse present.

Parramatta was founded in 1788 and is the second-oldest city in Australia, only 10 months younger than Sydney. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Australian Convict Sites: the Convict-built Old Government House, which was the country residence of the first 10 Australian governors, and Parramatta Park, where colonists, both convict and free, grew their crops before being gazetted as a People’s Park in 1858.

Parramatta Park has two playgrounds, including the exceptional Domain Creek Playground, and an enclosed, formal rose garden featuring a are collection of heritage roses.

Stroll down Church Street for a diverse variety of restaurants and a scoop of innovative gelato at Messina Gelato.

We love nearby Elizabeth Farm, family home of wool pioneer, John and his wife Elizabeth Macarthur, and Australia’s oldest European building.

Get more info on visiting Parramatta, the Domain Creek Playground and Elizabeth Farm.

Get more info on catching a Sydney Harbour Ferry here.

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.

This post is a collaboration with TWT Property. All opinions are my own.

Travel Hacks: Top Tips For Flying With Kids

April 12, 2018 / Travel with kids / 0 comment

Flying with kids can be a stressful experience. There, I’ve said it. As a mum who has flown with her baby, toddler, preschooler and now grade schooler many times over the years, I can tell you that the better prepared you are, the easier it is, and, thankfully, it just gets easier and easier – especially when you have a few tips for flying with kids to help you plan your trip.

I have partnered with Expedia.com.au to bring you these flying hacks, accumulated through years of flying with my own tricky traveller, to help you and your family enjoy (or, let’s be honest, survive!) your next flight with kids.”

Travel Hacks: Top Tips For Flying With Kids

Flying with a baby

Ticketing rules for babies

In the aviation world, a baby or infant is a child under the age of two years old. They can be carried on an adults’ lap or placed in a bassinet if available. They are not required to have their own seat purchased for them.

Bassinet requests

Request a bassinet from your airline at the time you book your flight. Note: a bassinet is never guaranteed. If you have a large baby, check the dimensions of the bassinet on the airline’s website to check your child will fit.

Taking car seats on board

If you’re planning on taking a carseat on board, you will need to reserve a seperate seat for it and contact the airline in advance of your trip to receive pre-approval for your device. You will also need to show your car seat to airport staff on the day of travel, including at check-in.

Get tips on travelling with car seats here.

Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bridge Australia

Flying and ear pressure

Babies’ ears are particularly sensitive to pressure changes when flying. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding on takeoff and landing can help equalise the pressure in their ears.

Bring lots of extra clothes

Pack plenty of extra clothes for you and the baby, and double the nappies and wipes you think you might need. Bring antibacterial wipes to clean all surfaces.

Baby food on board

Request a baby meal if available on your flight at least a week before takeoff and if your baby is eating solids, bring plenty of snacks and food they will reliably eat. Some airlines, like Qantas, will provide a limited range of top brand baby food, milk, baby bottles, cereals and rusks.

Infants and liquids

Babies have special allowances made for them regarding liquids being brought on board. There is no hard limited however which makes it tricky to work out how much to take.

The rules from Qantas state:

Passengers travelling with an infant or toddler are permitted to carry a reasonable quantity of liquid, aerosol or gel products for the infant or toddler onboard for the duration of the flight and any delays that might occur. A ‘reasonable quantity’ will be at the discretion of the security screening officer at customs.

Baby products may include, but are not limited to:

baby milk, including breast milk;
sterilised water;
juice;
baby food in liquid, gel or paste form; and
disposable wipes.

Products such as baby milk powder that are not liquids, aerosols or gels can be taken onboard.

Baby carriers and slings

Since our baby had bad reflux and wouldn’t sleep in a bassinet, we used a baby carrier or sling when we flew so we could hold her and still have our hands free. I highly recommend one if your baby is similar.

Babies and passports

While a baby doesn’t need a seat, it does need a passport or visa to wherever you’re going, so make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Baby gear luggages allowances

While generally children have the same carry-on and checked-in luggage allowances as adults, they can also include a collapsible stroller, car seat and collapsible cot or bassinet. Check with your airline before flying.

Looking at which stroller to buy for travel? Here are the best strollers to choose from.

Flying with a toddler

Ticketing rules for toddlers

Children aged two and over are classified as a toddler and require their own seat to be purchased.

Toddler gear luggages allowances

Bring extra clothes a blanket

Pack plenty of extra clothes for your toddler, including pjs if it’s an overnight flight, and double the nappies and wipes you think you might need. Bring antibacterial wipes to clean all surfaces. We always pack our own blanket too as airplane ones are not regularly cleaned.

Toddler food on board

Request a toddler or child’s meal if available on your flight at least a week before takeoff and bring plenty of snacks and food they will reliably eat. Bring an empty refillable water bottle and fill it as soon as you’re through the security check.

Sleep aids

A range of sleep aids have come on the market of late to help kids sleep on planes. They include Fly LegsUp, the Plane Pal, 1st Class Kids and the JetKids BedBox. The aids are devices that hang from the tray table, or are a blow up cushion / hard box with cushion on top that extend the seat for kids to lie down flat.

Some airlines have banned the use of sleep aids on flights so check with your airline before purchasing one.

Read a review on the BedBox here.

Toddlers and liquids

Infants and toddlers have special allowances made for them regarding liquids being brought on board. There is no hard limited however which makes it tricky to work out how much to take. The rules from Qantas state:

Baby products may include, but are not limited to:

baby milk, including breast milk;
sterilised water;
juice;
baby food in liquid, gel or paste form; and
disposable wipes.

Products such as baby milk powder that are not liquids, aerosols or gels can be taken onboard.

Entertaining toddlers

Take lots and lots and lots to keep this tricky age entertained. Stickers, small toys, Play Doh, crayons, magnets etc, and dole them out one by one. If you have an iPad, fill it with new videos and games. Bring child-sized noise restricting headphones. Some airlines will hand out excellent kids’ entertainment packs, but they are never guaranteed.

I also like the Very Busy Bag made by a Sydney mum for flying with toddlers – it has 10 activities for kids aged 2-3 in a cute, reusable bag.

Flying with a preschooler / grade schooler

This is the jackpot age for travelling with kids! Travel suddenly gets a whole lot simpler when they hit age four or five.

Kids and food on flights

Request a child’s meal at least a week before departure. If you have a picky kids like I do, pack their own meals and bring an empty refillable water bottle to be filled once you pass through the security screening.

Kids and seating

Check that you have all been allocated seating together with the airline or travel agent, and check again at the airport. You might need to request seating in advance which may incur an additional fee. It’s not guaranteed that you will be seated together with your kids.

Entertaining kids on board

Pack a bag that contains whatever they need to occupy themselves: iPad, child-sized noise-restricting headphones, books, drawing pad, etc.

I also like the Very Busy Bag made by a Sydney mum for flying with toddlers – it has 10 activities for kids aged 3-5 in a cute, reusable bag.

Do you have any tips for flying with kids?

Get more tips on travelling with kids here.

Top Tips For Flying With Kids #flyingwithkids #familytravel via christineknight.me

Visiting the Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum, Faulconbridge, Australia

April 3, 2018 / Australia, Blue Mountains, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

I’ve been visiting Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge for over 15 years and it always enchants. Norman Lindsey (1879-1969) was an Australian artist, cartoonist, and writer. His former home and studio have been turned into a gallery and museum run by the National Trust, showcasing his work and life.

We love to wander around the landscaped gardens and admire his sculptures, or wander through the gallery to see his beautiful paintings and etchings.

I’ve always admired Norman Lindsey as he was quite the trail blazer and controversial figure in his time. You can read more about Norman Lindsey and his work here.

Norman Lindsey is also the creator of the Magic Pudding. Visiting the gallery is a great introduction for kids to this Aussie masterpiece.

There is a cafe at the gallery serving food and beverages and guided tours that can be taken of the gardens and house.

Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum
14 Norman Lindsay Cres, Faulconbridge
normanlindsay.com.au

Find out why you should visit Scenic World in the Blue Mountains here.

Read about more museums and galleries in Sydney and surrounds here.

Homeschooling vs traditional schooling: what we’ve chosen and why

April 2, 2018 / Family / 0 comment

So one of the greatest ironies of mine and my husbands’ lives is that we’ve created the kind of life that we want as digital nomads, and yet we choose to live in Sydney, a crazy expensive place, and have chosen traditional school for our daughter instead of traveling and homeschooling as many digital nomad families do. This isn’t a blog post about the merits of homeschooling vs traditional schooling, but rather a look into why this family has chosen the path we have.

While I won’t get into why we decided to live in Sydney rather than elsewhere or to travel constantly, I did want to touch on why we have chosen the schooling that we have for Cheese.

Traditional schooling vs homeschooling vs distance education

Traditional school

Enrolled in a public or private school.

Distance education

“Distance education or long-distance learning is the education of students who may not always be physically present at a school. Traditionally, this usually involved correspondence courses wherein the student corresponded with the school via post.” (Wikipedia)

Homeschooling

“Homeschooling, also known as home education, is the education of children inside the home. Home education is usually conducted by a parent or tutor. Many families use less formal ways of educating.” (Wikipedia)

If you’re interested in homeschooling or distance education, I suggest reading excellent this post by Ytravelblog.

Traditional schooling vs homeschooling: what we’ve chosen and why

We’ve chosen a traditional school path for Cheese for a number of reasons.

1. She thrives on stability

Cheese is the type of kid who loves having roots. She loves feeling like she belongs somewhere and for her that means the stability of having a permanent home and being entrenched in a community.

2. The quality of teachers

Yes I’ve looked into home schooling and distance education but when it comes down to it I’m not someone who is particularly good at teaching others and I’m not skilled in a lot of areas where she has interests. At her school she has teachers who are passionate about one thing – education – and she is receiving lessons from people who are experts in their fields as opposed to my delivering material I’m either not passionate about myself or have very little knowledge of. I found out this year that her homeroom teacher is a mathematician as well as well as her year 1 teacher so the education she is receiving is being delivered by top-notch professionals in their fields rather than my bumbling through it.

3. The breadth of education

At her school right now, Cheese has dedicated teachers from a variety of areas who teach her throughout the day. She receives 90 minutes of language lessons a day and will be fluent in a 2nd language by the time she’s finished primary school. A dedicated music teacher takes music lessons and a choir teacher prepares the kids to sing at the City of Sydney Eisteddfod.

A piano teacher takes her out of class during the day to teach her piano, and the school has dedicated staff who focus on STEAM programs for the kids to participate in. When she’s a bit older there are musicals she can participate in, school excursions to NASA and foreign exchanges on the cards. All I see when I look at what’s offered for her in the traditional system is incredible opportunity followed by an even more incredible opportunity.

4. I would be a rubbish teacher

Honestly, I would be a shocking teacher. I have zero patience at the best of times and it’s no wonder Cheese doesn’t listen to me when I try to tell her something!

5. Cheese doesn’t listen to me

When I try to help her practice the piano world war three sometimes breaks out! Despite the fact that I have had rudimentary piano training, enough to know the basics, when I try to show her the right note to start on it the right fingering for a piece, she’ll completely disagree. And that’s just piano practice!

6. She is highly engaged at school

I’ve had the privilege of assisting her class a few times and I love being a sticky beak and peeking into the class before the session to see how she behaves. What I’ve witnessed at school is she is an absolute angel for her teacher. She sits up the front and watches her with rapt adoration, and is even attentive and receptive with me when I’m volunteering. It must be something about the class environment that she loves? She participates. She listens. She is a leader. She’s learning responsibility and working with a team.

7. I need to follow my own path too

This is a big one as I feel like in order to take on the role of educating Cheese myself it would mean giving up my own career even more so than I’ve already done. I gave up my full time job when she was born and decided not to return to a regular job afterwards as I wanted to enjoy her childhood rather than place her in full time care, or take a part time role that was too junior for me, which has been all I’ve managed to find available that’s not full-time.

As she has gotten older and been to preschool and now big school, I’ve had more and more time to work on my own career again and I’ve been loving getting my writing business off the ground and doing something that I’m very passionate about.

I think it’s healthier for me to be focusing on myself as well as on the family quite frankly, and I also think it’s good for Cheese to have parents who are hard working role models.

8. She craves community

As an only child, Cheese gets very bored with just me and hubby. She is always desperate for the company of other kids. Being at school means she is forming friendships with kids not just of her own age but also with her buddies in other years and kids who are in her choir and chess club.

Being with these kids day in and day out over the years gives her the stability and community she craves and it also forces her to learn to deal with other people and learn to compromise, work through arguments and learn to face mistakes.

9. The little things that make school fun

I made a rookie error last year and took Cheese out of school over special days that I didn’t think would matter, but I failed to realize that they would matter to her. She missed the school book parade and hasn’t let me live it down. She missed her dance school presentation day where she missed being given an award, as well as her kindergarten speech day where she was meant to perform with her class. Things of great importance in the life of a small child that I had failed to recognize.

What will the future hold?

Will we always continue down this path of traditional schooling? Probably not to be honest. For for time being it’s an excellent choice for our family but in the future I foresee us doing a mix of the two, with longer travel over several months while we school Cheese on the road at an age where she is able to do work that is set for her, but then return to the environment she loves with her peers at the end of it.

I’m certainly not someone who is set on education in its current form as being a perfect institution, so I am extremely open to other ways to educate her as her needs change.

What I don’t like about traditional schooling

1. I miss her

This is the biggest thing of all! I really miss her when she’s at school all day and I badly want her to be with me instead.

2. Letting go of control

I have to trust in the school that we’ve chosen and her teachers to make good decisions and treat her with respect and kindness. It’s hard to hear stories of unfair treatment or when things go awry at school and know there’s nothing I can do about it!

3. The school routine

We all find it so tiring. For digital nomads to be getting up early every day and working around school runs is pretty crazy in some ways.

4. Travelling in school holidays

While we will take time off here and there is better for her if we stick to the school holidays which makes for expensive and short travel. I really miss travelling for longer periods in cheaper times, but honestly we all start to miss home after about 6 weeks anyway and long for our simple little home.

5. The education system is archaic

From what I’ve read, the whole education system as we know it was designed during the industrial era. High school (well my experience of it anyway!) is about rote learning, with the designed outcome being a score at the end of year 12 that will get you a spot in the course you want at university. It’s certainly not designed to encourage free thinking and in a lot of ways crushes creativity.

Since we are a very liberally minded family who loves the arts, we will certainly consider other schooling options for Cheese if we find her passions lie in a direction that isn’t assisted by traditional schooling.

What are your thoughts on education for your kids? I’d love to know what you’ve chosen and why. Homeschooling vs traditional schooling: what are your thoughts?

Read more about how I balance being a mum and a freelance career here.
Read about the school run blogging rut here.

16 Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day (Or a Stinking Hot One!)

March 26, 2018 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sydney is known for it’s beautiful harbour and the great outdoors. But what to do when it’s too wet to go out, or there’s a heatwave, and all you want to do is find entertainment indoors? This list of things to do in Sydney on a rainy day will help you beat the bad weather blues.

17 Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day (Or A Stinking Hot One!)

See a movie

Is there anything more relaxing than cozying up watching the latest flicks on the big screen? Check movie times at a cinema near you by clicking here.

Image credit: Event Cinemas

Watch a live show

Check out what’s on at the Sydney Opera House, the Capitol Theatre, Sydney Lyric Theatre or Parramatta Riverside Theatre. Each venue shows for all ages and demographics.

Check out the Monkey Baa Theatre Company for shows the kids will love.

Image credit: Daniel Boud

Zap and chase at laser tag

Dashing through the dark with neon lights and laser guns sound like fun? Team up and challenge your friends and family to a game of laser tag.

M9 Laser Skirmish at Darling Harbour, laser tag at AMF (various locations), laser tag at Kingpin Bowling (North Strathfield and Darling Harbour), Laser Siege (Turrella), laser tag at Strike Bowling (various locations)

Indoor skydive with iFLY

See what it feels like to fly without jumping out of a plane at iFly in Penrith (second location coming soon to Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Anyone aged 3 and up can iFly!

Let the wind take you higher in an state-of-the-art, fully-controlled, ultra-safe vertical wind tunnel.

How does it work? Just lean into the wind inside our giant glass tunnel and a column of air lifts you up! You’ll float effortlessly into flight, guided by qualified instructors.

Get more info on iFLY here.

Image courtesy of iFLY.

Strike it lucky at ten pin bowling

Retro fun all across Sydney. Challenge the whole family to a game of ten pin bowling.

Check out locations and prices at AMF Bowling (various locations) Ten Pin City (Lidcome), Strike Bowling (various locations), King Pin Bowling (various locations).

Find your inner Pac-man playing arcade games

Go old school with classic and new arcade games. From air hockey to dodgem cars and a bit of Street Fighter, there’s something for everyone to play.

Find arcade games at Playtime (various venues) and Archie Bros Cirque Electric at Alexandria for a circus-themed arcade extravaganza.

Tee off at mini putt putt

Putt putt has gone upmarket with mini golf courses that have a bar serving drinks and cocktails. Holey Moley turns traditional putt putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes that’ll keep you on your toes across the craziest round of golf you’ve ever played. Choose between 9, 18 or 27 holes, or try karaoke at one of Holey Moley’s three Sydney locations: Newtown, Darlinghurst or Castle Towers.

Putt Planet in Miranda is indoor miniature golf course is travel themed and accessible, so a great option for strollers or wheelchairs. The theme of the mini golf course is a trip to Mombasa, with a plane at the entrance symbolising the start of your journey.

The Putt Planet website says, “Discover another time and place when you board your Putt Planet flight from Miranda to Mombasa. Putt through the bustling market places, homes and even the sewers of Old Mombasa whilst exploring this ancient doorway to Eastern Africa. We’ve put a roof over the charming streets and laneways so any time is a good time to visit; the weather is always fine!”

Get more info on Putt Planet.

Burn off steam at an indoor play centre

Kids going bananas? Take them to an indoor play centre to run out their crazies. There are plenty all around Sydney to choose from!

Check out this list of indoor play centres in Sydney to find one near you.

Bounce the day away at a trampolining centre

Visit an indoor trampolining centre to literally bounce your cares away. Check each centre to see that facilities they have for kids before taking little ones – some have special toddler times available.

Find a trampolining centre in Sydney on this handy list of indoor play spaces.

Test your agility indoor rock climbing

Kids and adults can all enjoy scampering up walls at indoor rock climbing centres. Start at the easiest level and work your way up to pro. Kids can try the beginner walls or special areas designed just for little ones.

Find an indoor rock climbing gym in Sydney on this handy list of indoor play spaces.

Channel Your Inner Ninja

Try one of several ninja courses or parkour centres popping up all over Sydney. They’re suitable for kids (generally over aged 5) and adults – why should kids have all the fun?

Find a ninja gym or parkour centre in Sydney on this handy list of indoor play spaces.

Spend the day at an art gallery or museum

Enjoy the peaceful calm of one of Sydney’s excellent museums and art galleries. All are extremely kid-friendly as well as having top-notch exhibitions year-round.

Check out this list of Sydney’s art galleries and museums to find one near you.

Take a dip in an aquatic centre

It may seem counter intuitive but rainy days are perfect for getting even wetter indoors! Swim some laps and take kids to splash in the water features of these excellent centres all across Sydney.

Check out this list of aquatic centres in Sydney to find one near you.

Get your Tonya Harding out ice skating

Trying to twirl on ice is the perfect way to forget miserable weather outdoors. Spend a few hours getting exercise as well as having fun working on your triple axel.

Check out this list of ice skating rinks in Sydney to find one near you.

Image courtesy of Macquarie Ice Rink.

Dine in style with a high tea

A rainy miserable day is the perfect excuse to eat something delicious! Take your mind off the weather by dining on scones, finger sandwiches and delectable pastries.

Check this list of high tea venues in Sydney to find the right one for you.

Read a good book at a library

Head to the stunning State Library of NSW to check out their exhibitions or read a book. Established in 1862 it’s the oldest library in Australia. I personally love the idea of reading when it’s raining, so a library always tops my list of things to do in Sydney on a rainy day!

Get more info on visiting the State Library of NSW here.

You could also visit your local library! Check this site for the City of Sydney libraries and locations. You can also visit here to find the location of every library in NSW.

Find your inner Picasso while plaster painting

Little and big kids will love painting up a masterpiece at one of these plaster painting studios across Sydney. Candyland Playhouse even offers ceramic painting, which is where the art work is baked in a kiln after being painted.

Check out your nearest plaster painting venue: Little Plaster House (Bella Vista), Candyland Playhouse (Hawkesbury) who offer plaster and ceramic painting, Plaster Painting Studios (Moore Park), Plaster Master Fun (North Bondi), The Little Plaster Shop (Concord).

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.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney here.

26 Of The Best Museums In Sydney

March 26, 2018 / CBD, Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Sydney is renowned for it’s natural beauty, but it’s also full of history and culture. We love to spend our weekends learning about art, anthropology and archaeology, particularly when the weather is not so favourable outside. Check out the best museums in Sydney below.

The Best Museums In Sydney

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Wander through galleries of exciting modern art from leading Australian and international artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA). Grab a coffee at the rooftop cafe and sculpture terrace and enjoy the stunning harbour view.

The MCA runs lots of free and small donation activities for kids throughout the year too, from their monthly Sunday Family Fun Days to a drop in activity room and school holiday crafts.

MCA
The Rocks
General Admission is free
australianmuseum.net.au

Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM)

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Grab a free ticket from the front desk for admission into the permanent indoor galleries and under 5s play area “Mini Mariners”.

For entry into our fave spot, the “Kids on Deck” craft area, visiting exhibitions and the ships, a paid ticket is required. The ANMM runs lots of programs for kids all year round including live shows, “Mini Mariners” for kids aged 2-5 and the cabinet of curiosity that contains all kinds of wonders for kids to touch, like the tooth of a blue whale. Check their calendar for upcoming events and look out for when Bailey, the museum dog, is scheduled to make an appearance.

Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray St, Sydney
anmm.gov.au

Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW)

Stroll through five levels of masterpieces including an extensive collection of Aboriginal art, European masters, Asian art and visiting exhibitions. The general galleries at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) are all free to enter.

Children can use online booklets to explore artworks or download free audio tours that have been created just for kids. The AGNSW frequently runs free activities for kids on Sundays and school holidays.

Get info on visiting the AGNSW with kids here.

Art Gallery of NSW
The Domain
General Admission is free
artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Australian Museum (currently closed for renovations)

The oldest museum in Australia, The Australian Museum has excellent exhibitions focusing on natural history and anthropology.

When it opened in 1897, The Australian Museum became the first museum in Australia, with an international reputation in the fields of natural history and anthropology. The museum’s dinosaur exhibition, containing 10 complete dinosaur skeletons and eight life-sized models is very popular with kids.

The dedicated Kidspace area is a hit with littles aged five and under (as well as the slightly bigger kids who still like to sneak in!) while older kids will love the Search & Discover research centre.

The Australian Museum also runs family-focussed programs year round for kids aged 9 months and up. School aged kids always have a large range of science-based activities to choose from during the school holidays.

Read more about visiting the Australian Museum here.

Australian Museum
1 William St, Sydney
Admission required a fee
australianmuseum.net.au

The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS)

The MAAS is Australia’s contemporary museum for excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences. Their venues include Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and Discovery Centre.

Powerhouse Museum

An interactive art and science museum located in Ultimo.

The museum’s collection encompasses science, technology, design and decorative arts, engineering, architecture, health and medicine, fashion and contemporary culture.

Locomotive No. 1, the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger train in New South Wales, is a popular drawcard just inside the museum’s entrance, as is the ever-popular interactive Wiggles Exhibition. More on the Wiggles exhibition here.

Throughout the year the Powerhouse Museum hosts temporary exhibitions plus a wide range of kid-focussed activities and workshops with a strong focus on science and coding, particularly during the school holidays. The focus on science and technology in a very family-friendly environment makes the Powerhouse Museum a top choice for things to do with kids in Sydney. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.

Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris St, Ultimo
maas.museum/powerhouse-museum

Sydney Observatory

Located in The Rocks, the hill is is a gorgeous spot for a picnic with a view, as well as being home to the Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed museum and public observatory. The Sydney Observatory runs and family tours and activities throughout the year which are perfect for mini star gazers.

Sydney Observatory
1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point
maas.museum/sydney-observatory

Museums Discovery Centre (MDC)

Inside the Museums Discovery Centre you’ll find millions of treasures and the opportunity to learn about museum collecting, conservation and research practices.

Museums Discovery Centre
172 Showground Rd, Castle Hill
maas.museum/museums-discovery-centre

Museum of Sydney

Located on the site of the first Government House of NSW, the Museum of Sydney tells the story of Sydney’s history and its people.

The Museum of Sydney offers family-friendly exhibitions and programs year-round (check what’s on here) and kids eat free with each adult meal purchased at the downstairs restaurant, The Governors Kitchen.

Image credit: Edge of Trees Photograph (c) Brett Boardman

Museum of Sydney
Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/museum-of-sydney

NSW Rail Museum

Bring your locomotive-loving kids to get up close to trains at the NSW Rail Museum in the historic town of Thirlmere. Since 1975 this little town has been home to a large collection of NSW’s railway heritage, including over 100 vehicles that move on a railway including locomotives, railroad cars and more.

Get info on visiting the NSW Rail Museum here.

NSW Rail Museum
10 Barbour Rd, Thirlmere
https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/

Sydney Bus Museum

The 100-year-old Leichhardt Tramshed is home to a vast collection of historic buses, open to the public every first and third Sunday of the month. Jump aboard a vintage double-decker bus over the ANZAC Bridge to the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD and back again.

Sydney Bus Museum
25 Derbyshire Rd, Leichhardt
sydneybusmuseum.info

Museum of Fire

Enjoy exhibits focusing on fire safety and firefighting and explore historic fire trucks at the Museum of Fire in Penrith.

Junior firefighters will enjoy puzzles, dress-ups, fire safety activities and computer games.

Museum of Fire
1 Museum Dr, Penrith
museumoffire.com.au

Image credit: Destination NSW Adam Hollingsworth

Sydney Jewish Museum

The Sydney Jewish Museum is dedicated to the documentation of the Holocaust and the history of the Jewish people in Australia.

Sydney Jewish Museum
148 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

Justice and Police Museum

Housed inside the sandstone buildings that contained the original Water Police Court (1856), Water Police Station (1858) and the Police Court (1885), the Justice and Police Museum features 1890s holding cells, offices, charge room and courts, forensic evidence, historic weapons and forensic photography.

The Justice and Police Museum runs family-friendly programs throughout the year for kids to learn about the law, hear true life tales and take park in mock trials. Get info on events here.

Justice and Police Museum
Phillip St & Albert St, Sydney
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/justice-police-museum

Image credit: Police Station Charge Room, Justice & Police Museum

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks is a cutting-edge museum that brings Sydney’s past to life through a series of innovative and immersive experiences.

Built in 1819 by convict labour under the commission of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the Hyde Park Barracks were originally designed as a place to house up to 600 male convicts.

The Barracks, over time, have also been an immigration depot, asylum, law courts, government offices hospital and mint. It is now a museum and cafe and one of 11 Australian convict sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Hyde Park Barracks runs family-friendly programs year-round to engage children in its history. Get info on upcoming events here.

Find out more about visiting the Hyde Park Barracks Museum here.

Casula Powerhouse

Located in South West Sydney, the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is a place to experience the arts including performances and exhibitions. As well as featuring six galleries with rotating exhibitions, the Powerhouse also has a pair of three-story decommissioned tanks that are open to the public as legal graffiti spaces.

The Casula Powerhouse runs family-friendly art programs throughout the year. Check out their upcoming events and workshops here.

Casula Powerhouse
1 Powerhouse Road, Casula
casulapowerhouse.com

Image credit: Casula Powerhouse

The Rocks Discovery Museum

Rocks Discovery Museum, a free museum located inside a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse with an interactive kids corner upstairs, or grab one of the best scones in Sydney at The Tea Cosy (their kids’ Devonshire tea is adorable and delicious).

The Rocks Discovery Museum
Kendall Ln, The Rocks
therocks.com/things-to-do/the-rocks-discovery-museum

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre

The Big Dig Cumberland Street Archaeological Site is a heritage-listed archaeological site in The Rocks. The centre is part of Sydney Harbour YHA,, and while it is no longer an “active” excavation site, it does facilitate hands-on archaeology educational experiences and opens the archaeological site to the public.

The general public are welcome to visit the Big Dig site during daylight hours. This visit is best in conjunction with The Rocks Discovery Museum, where significant finds from the site are displayed.

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre
110 Cumberland St, Sydney
thebigdig.com.au

Savannah Place

Built in 1844, Savannah Place is a heritage-listed former grocery store and workers’ cottages. The terrace of four houses was built by Irish immigrants, home to more than 100 families over 150 years.

Savannah Place is now a historic house museum, telling the stories of the people who called this place and this neighbourhood home.

Savannah Place
58/64 Gloucester St, The Rocks
https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/susannah-place

White Rabbit Collection

Stroll through four floors of one of the world’s largest and most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. There is also a tranquil street-level Tea House to enjoy.

Rea more about visiting the White Rabbit Art Gallery.

White Rabbit
30 Balfour Street, Chippendale
whiterabbitcollection.org

Elizabeth Farm

Built in 1973 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm is one of the oldest homes in Australia. Inside the house you’ll find reproductions of furnishings and objects that belonged to the home’s original owners. Wander the recreated 1930s garden or enjoy a Devonshire tea at the tea room. The scones are some of the best we have ever tasted.

Elizabeth Farm runs year-round family tours and programs to engage kids in the history of the property and introduce them to what life was like during the early 19th century. Kids will get a kick out of trying to do the laundry in a tub, throwing quoits or doing some craft. Get info on upcoming events and programs here.

Elizabeth Farm
70 Alice St, Rosehill
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/elizabeth-farm

Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House was built in 1803 and was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution. It’s one of Sydney’s few remaining 19th-century mansions that is still surrounded by its ten hectares of original gardens and grounds.

Take a tour through the house for a glimpse of what life was life for the families who once lived there, stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a high tea at the tea rooms.

Vaucluse House runs year-round family-friendly programs to immerse kids in colonial life. Get info on events here.

Get more info on high tea at Vaucluse House here.

Vaucluse House
69A Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/vaucluse-house

Carriageworks

Carriageworks is the largest multi-arts centre in Australia. The centre is free to enter and see the contemporary works commissioned for the space by Australian and International artists. The works displayed inside the Carriageworks are usually ambitious and monumental in size, and are always inclusive.

This is an excellent venue for wheelchairs and strollers. The Carriageworks also contains a theatre where shows are held, often with a family-focus.

Carriageworks
245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
https://carriageworks.com.au

Museums Outside of Sydney

Early Start Discovery Space (Wollongong)

This is one just for the kids! The Early Start Learning Space is Sydney’s only dedicated children’s museum, so well worth the drive to Wollongong to visit.

Inside the museum, kids can let their imaginations run wild with interactive and engaging playful exhibits. Everything is designed to be touched!

Kids will particularly enjoy crawling through a giant stomach, constructing a house, acting on stage and captaining a ship among many other things.

Get more info on visiting the Early Start Discovery Space here.

Early Start Discovery Space
UOW Building 21 Early Start Facility
Keiraville, Wollongong
earlystartdiscoveryspace.edu.au

Space Science (Wollongong)

Science Space is the only dedicated science experience in NSW and is home to DIGISTAR 6, Australia’s most digitally advanced Planetarium.

The museum focuses on educating and inspiring through hands-on learning with over 100 interactive exhibits, science shows and workshops.

Space Science
Innovation Campus, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong
sciencespace.com.au

Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum (Blue Mountains)

We love to wander around the landscaped gardens and admire his sculptures, or wander through the gallery to see his beautiful paintings and etchings. Norman Lindsey is also the creator of the Magic Pudding. Visiting the gallery is a great introduction for kids to this Aussie masterpiece.

Get more info on visiting the Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum here.

Norman Lindsey Gallery and Museum
14 Norman Lindsay Cres, Faulconbridge
normanlindsay.com.au

Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame (Southern Highlands, Bowral)

Take a trip back to the glory days of cricket with a visit to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in the country town of Bowral in the NSW Southern Highlands.

The museum features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a large collection of cricket memorabilia. Adjacent to the park where the Bradman Museum is housed you’ll find a cricket-themed children’s playground.

Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame
St Jude Street, Bowral
bradman.com.au

Image courtesy of DNSW.

More things to do in Sydney

Looking for more things to do in Sydney with kids? Head over here.

Find the best beaches to visit in Sydney here.

Get a list of free things to do in Sydney here.

Find the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Novotel Darling Harbour: Sydney Hotel Review

March 22, 2018 / CBD, Darling Harbour, Sydney / 0 comment

The Novotel hotels are renowned for being an extremely family-friendly choice, and the Novotel Darling Harbour is no exception. We took a tour of the hotel recently and thought it made an excellent choice for Sydney accomodation.

Novotel Darling Harbour

The Novotel Darling Harbour was the first Accor and Novotel hotel in Australia. All rooms are undergoing a soft refresh in 2018 with new carpet and furniture.

Of the 525 rooms at the Novotel, 50% face Darling Harbour, and 50% have inter-connecting rooms. The rooms are comprised of 441 standard/superior rooms and 72 executive rooms and junior suites. The interconnecting rooms have one room with a queen bed and one with two double beds, a perfect set up for families.

As with all Novotels, the hotel has a kids’ only activity space next to the Trenery Restaurant. Kids also receive a welcome pack at check in. During the school holidays the Novotel Darling Harbour offers special family activities such as movies in the conference room. They also partner with merlin Entertainment year-round to provide guests with great deals on attractions as part of their stay at the hotel.

The Novotel is the only Sydney CBD hotel with its own tennis court – this can be found on the roof, next to the pool. There is also a gym for guests over 16.

The Trenery Restaurant is a beautiful, bright space for dining in. They offer a very reasonably priced Kids menu with activities and crayons.

Location is one of the most important factors for choosing a hotel and the Novotel Darling Harbour is in an excellent position. It’s a short walk over a walkway into the Darling Harbour shopping centre, where you’ll also find plenty of restaurants. Nearby attractions include the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC), Australian National Maritime Museum, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, the Powerhouse Museum and Star Casino.

If you are relying on public transport to get around, there is a nearby light rail station including light rail (nearest station is Convention), ferry (nearest stop is Pyrmont Bay Wharf) and train is only a 15 minute walk to Town Hall station.

In April 2018 the Novotel also launched new wellness items for kids including in-room programs and menus.

The kids in-room program stars Sally Fitzgibbons and Rachael Coopes and takes kids through exercises designed to keep them active on vacation, or help them wind down in the evenings.

A new menu has been designed for kids featuring classics including spaghetti bolognaise with hidden vegetables, fruit smoothies and tasty desserts like berries and yoghurt.