Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Newcastle

"Blackbutt Reserve is a 182 hectare reserve in the middle of Newcastle’s suburbs which features walking trails, children’s playgrounds and tranquil picnic areas with free electric barbeques. However, its wildlife exhibits at the Carnley Avenue entrance are the main attraction as it is home to koalas, emus, wallabies, wombats and peacocks. A series of boardwalks make it easy to push a stroller and let young ones view the creatures up close in the enclosures."

"This 182-hectare oasis is the perfect spot for a picnic and is a quick 10-minute drive from the city centre. The playground is awesome and the peaceful pond and symphony of birdsong provide a sublime backdrop for lunch. There are picnic tables and barbecues aplenty, but if all you feel like is a drink and an ice-cream, there’s an on-site kiosk."

"Designed with children in mind, The Hunter Valley Gardens is a fun two or three hours for the whole family. The garden’s do some great school holiday exhibits including their Spring Holiday display, Mega Creatures, running until October 14. Soon the Christmas lights display will be live."

"The Gardens are a place for the appreciation of nature and peaceful reflection…but they are also a place for families and fun. Our unique events like Snow Time and our Christmas Lights Spectacular bring generations together for a fun day out and feature our beautiful custom-built rides."

"The Hunter Valley Gardens is a vast landscaped park with 10 feature gardens spread out over 25 acres. Take a soccer ball for a kick around, or simply let the kids run free. In school holidays the Gardens have extended opening hours."

"Transformed from a dump and abandoned sporting fields into a magnificent conservation sanctuary, this swampy centre is home to over 200 species of bird, including magpie geese, freckled ducks and egrets, and a..."

"For more nature, visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland. It’s a great nature outing with kids with a playground and plenty of picnic spots. Just don’t forget the Aerogard!"

"With views of Newcastle Harbour and close to the beach, Foreshore Park is a top spot to visit. The Foreshore Park playground features a swing set including a liberty swing, a large climbing structure and rockers. In a nod to its tramshed history, the playground contains a play train for kids to climb on."

"Swap ocean views for harbour views and walk along Newcastle’s working harbour. The wide harbour path is perfect for pushing a stroller or following kids on a tricycle or a scooter. Children will love the hustle and bustle of the working harbour."

"Kids will enjoy splashing in the beachside creek and rock pools. Redhead Beach is home to Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club."

"Of all the Lake Macquarie beaches, Blacksmiths Beach is considered the most family-friendly. Located at the southern end of a long stretch of coastline, Blacksmiths Beach is an east-facing patrolled beach. Due to the breakwall, it enjoys calmer conditions than neighbouring beaches."