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Spend a perfect day in Cameron Park & surrounds
When it comes to planning your weekend or holiday itinerary, you might not immediately think of spending it in Cameron Park and surrounds. But if you’re looking for some different places to meet with friends or entertain the kids, you might be surprised by what you’ll find in these outer Newcastle suburbs. Here’s how we’d spend a perfect sunny winter’s day in Cameron Park and surrounds.
Cameron Park NSW 2285
Harrigan’s Cameron Park
It was a momentous day for locals when Harrigan’s Cameron Park opened its
doors in 2023. But you certainly don’t have to be a local to enjoy a great day
out at Harrigan’s. If you’ve ever visited another Harrigan’s location (such as Hunter Valley) you’ll be familiar with the relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, good food and equally good times – and this new location is certainly no exception.
With indoor and outdoor seating options, this is a great all-weather option for your next catch up. Kids can keep themselves busy in the indoor play area, while adults will enjoy the regular live music, trivia or other special events. The outdoor dining space overlooks Cameron Park Lake and the food is a mix of classic pub fare plus authentic pizzas and pastas, with a focus on locally-sourced produce.
Edgeworth NSW 2285
Newy Distillery, Edgeworth
One for the grown ups – a visit to Newy Distillery’s tasting and cocktail bar at their Edgeworth Distillery. This family-owned boutique distillery, which started in a backyard shed, now specialises in gin, vodka and high-quality liqueurs.
Owners Luke and Kimberly Storer love getting creative with their drink flavours, and it’s no surprise that they’ve gained international recognition with a number of awards to their name.
Head to their Edgeworth facility for a free tasting session (bookings essential) before browsing their extensive range of products and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they’re made. Newy Distillery is open to the public Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, with their new cocktail bar open Fridays 4pm-10pm. You can also book the entire space for your own private event.
Cameron Park NSW 2285
Pasterfield Sports Complex, Cameron Park
This truly is the park of all parks. It’s a massive outdoor space which combines a playground, skate park and fitness area, with netball courts and a cricket and AFL field. Despite its refurbishment being complete for a number of years now, we feel like this playground is still quite the hidden gem.
The playground itself is suitable for all ages, with large climbing frames for the more adventurous, as well as soft fall areas for the little ones. There’s a large fully accessible toilet block available, as well as sheltered picnic tables and barbecues, and one of the best parts is that despite its large size, the park is laid out in a way that parents have a good view of all areas from the seating areas.
The paved netball courts provide the perfect spot for bikes, scooters and wheelchairs, or kids can head to the skatepark just below.
The complex is just a five minute drive from the main shopping area in Cameron Park, so you can pick up supplies and spend a good few hours outside. We think all parents will agree that this park truly does tick all the boxes.
Edgeworth NSW 2285
Edgeworth Miniature Trains
Young (or older) train lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to jump on board a miniature train the next time it rolls into Edgeworth.
Hosted by the dedicated volunteers of the Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society, head along to a picnic and ride-on day on the last Sunday of every month between 12.15pm and 3.30pm. The volunteers have been running the train rides for a couple of decades now, and many Novocastrians may even remember their parents taking them as a child.
There’s a variety of different miniature trains to either ride on or watch, and at just $2.50 per ride (plus kids under two years ride free) – it’s an affordable way to spend your Sunday.
You’ll find plenty of shady areas, bbqs and picnic tables available on the grounds, so be sure to pack some lunch and make a day of it. It’s a popular spot and can get busy, but lines for the train rides generally move quickly.
If you’ve got a super avid little train lover in your life, you can even book a private spot for their next birthday – which includes the use of a designated BBQ area and unlimited train rides.