Macarthur Meanderings

Australia Day

2012-01-29T14:32:00.000+11:00

Last year for Australia Day we went down to Bulli and I got badly sunburnt. Even if the weather had been conducive to a beach visit, I wasn't keen to repeat the experience so we decided to visit somewhere we've never been before - Macarthur Park in Camden.

It's hard to believe we've lived in the area for 12 years but not visited this well-known park previously. Macarthur Park is a great place for taking photos with lots of different settings from the rose garden to the wisteria-covered pergola and 'fern walk'.

The park and especially the playground area were clean and well maintained but there were some broken beer bottles in the bandstands. There are a few steps but the park can largely be covered with a stroller although some sections are quite steep. At the top of the park and in Menangle Road there are some fantastic views across the region.

Afterwards we drove down to the new and somewhat controversial McDonalds (there was initially a lot of resistance to having a Maccas in Camden) for a 50c cone then walked a little way up Argyle Street to watch the parade. I have never seen so many fire engines in one place! There were lots of vintage cars and where else but in Camden would you find a float with a real cow on the back?

Squash Spectacular

2012-01-18T19:00:00.002+11:00

If the kids have had too much screen time during these summer school holidays and you want to get them moving, how about a game of squash? Ambarvale Recreation Squash (ARC) have $8 squash or racquetball hire throughout January. $8 gets you an hour of court time and if you don't have your own racquets, equipment is available to hire.

The ARC is open 9am to 9:30pm until 24th Jan and thereafter from 5pm to 9:30pm. Closed on Australia day. Bookings after 8pm are essential.

The centre also offers squash training for juniors. Give them a call on 02 4626 3033 for more info.

Review: Christmas Carols at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens

2011-12-20T20:18:00.000+11:00

I know, I'm not supposed to call it Mount Annan Botanic Gardens anymore. It's now the Australian Botanic Garden. Why the name change, I really don't know but anyway it's been a favourite venue of ours for many years, even before the entry fee was abolished.
However, we hadn't attended the annual Landcom Carols in the Garden event before this year due to clashes with other events. Our calendar was free last Saturday night, and the rain promised to hold off for the evening, so we packed up the picnic rug and headed down. We arrived at around 5.15 ready for the show kick-off advertised to start at 5.30. The garden was already packed - you have to get there early to get a spot in front of the stage - and people continued to arrive for the next couple of hours.
We took a picnic dinner but there were plenty of stalls available selling food and drink. The older kids took off for a game of soccer. The younger kids were entertained by dancers from Commotion , a local performing arts school, and the Smurfs Christmas Show. Following that were many talented singers supported by a 4-piece band. The night culminated in a spectacular fireworks show.
Despite the huge number of people - apparently the biggest ever, according to host Monica Trapaga - getting out at the end of the evening wasn't too big of a challenge, helped by the new entrance/exit on Narellan Road.
We'll no doubt be visiting the gardens again over these school hols and we'll definitely be making room in our calendar for the carols next year.

Wizard of Oz Funland

2011-12-20T19:56:00.000+11:00

I first went to the Wizard of Oz Funland a few years back with our local playgroup and I found the place a bit bemusing. It seemed to be a cross between a putt-putt venue, an indoor play centre and a theatre. It had recently been converted from a pool/snooker centre and was still a bit dark and dingy.
Our second (attempted) visit was last Christmas hols when I took my older kids there to play mini-golf but was advised putt-putt wasn't open because there was a show on so we went to Mega mini-golf instead.
We visited Wizard of Oz Funland again last week, on the recommendation of a friend and I'm pleased to report the place has brightened up considerably since then. On entry we were advised it was $5 per child (adults are free) or for $8 we'd get unlimited play with free fairy bread and chips. The website states $8 entry per child during school holidays so we paid $8 for two children and were given a voucher that stated 'free fairy bread and Smiths chips'.
The 2yo headed straight for the good-sized and well-stocked toddler area. The 5yo was a bit bamboozled at first - there is a LOT of merchandise on display. There are also a number of additional pay-for amusements such as ride-ons and arcade games. Fortunately my kids don't use pester power and the 5yo was happy to play in the play maze and jumping castle.
Mini-golf / putt-putt is unlimited games but it's only available at scheduled times because a guide has to provide access. You are required to pay $2 deposit which is refunded provided you return the ball. After a game of putt-putt, we redeemed our fairy bread & chips vouchers. The kids each received half a slice of fairy bread and some chips. We adults didn't order any food or drink but there is a range of food available on the menu. As with most indoor play centres, food and drink is not permitted to be brought in from outside. Also, socks must be worn by children. All of the staff were very welcoming and friendly. There is also a good-sized party room available.
The kids were entertained mid-morning with face painting and a music session and then we went on a daily tour of Santa's workshop. This was by far the highlight with singing, a meeting with Santa, and falling 'snow' in the magic forest.
Due to all the props and displays, there are a lot of 'keep off' signs around (although you are welcome to take photos). One sign leading from the putt-putt area stated that unauthorised entry will result in a $50 fine. The notices leading to the putt-putt area would take a good few minutes to read. As most pre-schoolers are unable to read at all, it's not a venue where you can sit and relax with a cuppa because there are various areas where children can wander out of sight and therefore they have to be supervised constantly.
After two hours my two were ready to leave but at $5 per entry for kids and free for adults weekdays (according to the website), it is most definitely worthwhile doing the Santa's workshop tour. (I would advise ringing ahead to check what's on because they regularly run events.) It's also an absolute must for any fans of the Wizard of Oz movie with props and trivia throughout. At $8 entry for kids and free entry for adults, the Funland is worthwhile checking out as a venue to provide a couple of hours entertainment for pre-schoolers and younger primary school-aged kids.
The Funland is located at 2/11 Hollylea Road, Leumeah (near Campbelltown City bowl) and is open from 9:30 onwards, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during school terms. For more information, check out the website. Wizard of Oz Show and Funland also has a Facebook page.

Reading Eggs

2011-12-12T11:51:00.000+11:00

If you've got little ones at home going crazy with cabin fever due to all this wet weather, or even thinking of ways to entertain primary school aged kids during the school holidays, I can highly recommend the ABC Reading Eggs program.

Aimed at 3-12 year olds, the program combines fun activities with educational tools to familiarise children with reading. Sign up for a free trial here.

Recommended websites

2011-07-01T15:40:00.001+10:00

I've heard and read about some great websites recently with resources for Macarthur parents so I thought I'd list them here. I'll also add them to the Macarthur's Most blogroll permanently. Let me know if you'd like to see any others listed.

macarthurparents.com.au - provides articles and resources aimed at parents in the Macarthur area. Much of the information is focused on careers, training and employment so it's great for parents of adolescents and teens.

camdenmacarthurchildcare.com.au - a directory of child care services in Macarthur. It's doesn't provide comprehensive details of all centres but it's a good place to start if looking for child care and also provides links to professionals and other local services.

aroundyou.com.au - simply enter your postcode to find a list of upcoming events, courses, activities, shows and performances in the local area. You can sort by category (such as 'kids activities' or search by keyword and add events to your calendar with the click of a button. You can also get involved in charities and causes, and discover places to go.

Running away with the circus

2011-06-29T10:02:00.000+10:00

We went to see the Weber's Circus show at Camden Equestrian Park on Saturday afternoon. I haven't been to the circus since I was about 6 years old so I really didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised, although the performers made some of the stunts look way too easy. There really was something for everything and while keeping the 2yo still was sometimes a bit of a challenge, the older kids were focused on the ring the whole time. The staff were all friendly and helpful. We had A reserve seats and had a good view. The circus packed up and left yesterday but I highly recommend a visit next time they come to town.

On the way home, as the sun was setting over the pastures and wineries of Camden, hubby asked, "Where else can you live that's 15 minutes from fields and country?" Where else indeed. We love Macarthur.

More paediatric services needed

2011-06-22T19:50:00.000+10:00

Campbelltown Hospital has a fantastic paediatric department and children's ward. But families with children requiring surgery or more serious illness often have to travel outside the area to Westmead Children's Hospital. A paediatric surgeon at Campbelltown Hospital would mean that some families wouldn't have to incur the heartache and cost of travelling substantial distances for treatment. Please sign the petition for an expanded paediatric team at Campbelltown Hospital because Macarthur kids deserve to be treated close to home: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/ctownpaediatric

My Macarthur Schools Challenge

2011-05-31T18:38:00.000+10:00

The My Macarthur Schools Challenge is on again. If you shop at Macarthur Square, please consider supporting our local schools. All you have to do is present your receipt at the information desk on level one (near Dick Smith). $1 = 1 point for the school of your choosing. Click here to see what the participating schools would spend their prize money on.

Narellan Playmaze

2011-04-28T19:18:00.000+10:00

MM hope you had a wonderful Easter break. Unfortunately the weather wasn't very conducive to exploring outdoors over the long long weekend so much of our time was spent in the garden. We did pop out to Playmaze at Narellan earlier in the week and was pleased to discover they have expanded and fortified (security gate) on the toddler play area. They also ran a few Easter activities for the kids - basket and mask making. Check their website for more upcoming events and activities.

Mega mini-golf / putt-putt

2011-01-22T19:53:00.002+11:00

One of the newest attractions is Mega Mini Golf located in Rose Street, Campbelltown (off Blaxland Road on the other side to the pound). We went today for a 5 year old birthday party. It's a great place for kids aged 3 and up and they supply different club sizes to suit ages / height.
The golf 'course' of 18 holes is divided into three sections - jungle, Egypt, and Wild West. Some of the holes are easy, others challenging but all are fun. There's a 'cafe' area outside of the course with a small selection of drinks and foods which is stroller friendly for parents waiting for older kids to complete the course, although it's fun for adults too! You can take a stroller around the course but it's challenging negotiate and some lifting may be required over small steps. The course is not wheelchair accessible.
For parties, there's a party room upstairs and a staff member plays party games with the kids and serves chips, lollies and hot food (party pies, sausage rolls). Kids aren't taken around the course by staff but adults are allowed to go with them to supervise. The staff members we spoke today were all helpful and friendly.

During the school hols, Mega Mini Golf is open from 9am everyday. Normal opening times are 10am to 6pm Mon-Thurs and to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission prices are $8.90 for children 15 and under and $12.50 for adults. A family pass (2 adults, 2 children) is $36. Party packages start from $179 for 8 children.

Here's the website: http://www.megaminigolf.com.au/ and they're also on Facebook.

It's that time of year again...

2010-11-04T17:46:00.001+11:00

The Fisher's Ghost Festival has kicked off and there's lots happening this weekend with the street parade, family fun festival and Fisher's Gig on Saturday, and Fisher's Kids on Sunday at Campbelltown Arts Centre. As part of Fisher's Gig, there'll be fireworks going off at 9pm on Saturday so if you're near Bradbury Oval, a) head outside for a look and b) make sure your pets are locked away safe.

If you feel like heading out of Campbelltown for some tranquility, Bingara Gorge at Wilton are running some free events including a yoga class and story time plus a twilight cinema on Saturday. On Sunday they've got kids gardening and a science show. For more info, check out the website.

For something cultural, the 141st Scottish Highland Gathering is being held at the Castle Hill showground. This is a family event with dancing, bagpipes, haggis hurling (what the?), a vintage car display plus food and drink stalls. For more info, check out the Facebook page.

With so much happening in the Macarthur area and surrounds this weekend - and predicted good weather - it's going to be hard to make a choice. Where are you planning to be?

Little Kids Zone

2010-11-03T09:01:00.001+11:00

Club Playdays at Minto has reopened as Macarthur Indoor Sports Arena as Little Kids Zone indoor play centre. It features the same set up and equipment as Playdays with a slightly different menu.

The centre is great for children aged 2-5. There's lots of room for them to run around, jump, ride and pretend play. The play area takes up a couple of fully shaded netball courts and all areas are easily overlooked by the tables in the cafe section where you can get drinks, snacks and light meals.

Little Kids Zone is open from 9:30 to 2:30 Monday to Friday. I can't find a website for them but they have a Facebook fan page. Prices are around $7 entry per child.

Shining Stars Baby and children's market

2010-10-29T14:48:00.001+11:00

This is a great initiative for both parents struggling financially to buy all the things needed for a new baby and young children, or for people wanting to sell baby and children things in good condition but no longer needed.

The Shining Stars Baby and Children's Market is being held this Sunday 31st October (Halloween!) at Campbelltown Civic Centre (91 Queen Street, just down from the police station) from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Entry is $3 per adult.

The markets are held indoors so will go ahead whatever the weather and there's plenty of parking just across the road in Broughton Street.

Man Vs Wild parody - Campbelltown

2010-10-27T09:06:00.001+11:00

Last week, a friend sent me a link to this YouTube video via Facebook. It's a take-off of the popular Man Vs Wild show featuring Bear Grylls and features 'Bear' taking on the 'wilds' of Campbelltown. I thought Part 1 was very funny. Part 2 is a bit slapstick and juvenile. I was going to post it on here but it's definitely not rated PG.

This week, the video has made the front page of the Macarthur Chronicle. Apparently it's upset some local big knobs although I think there have been worse portrayals of the area, including episode two of the Secret Millionaire which describes Campbelltown as: "...has a long history of public housing, low-income families, substance abuse and crime..." The show was widely criticised for only focusing on the very worst areas. At least the YouTube parody features the beautiful grounds of the University of Western Sydney.

I guess when it comes to Campbelltown Council, Uni students are an easier target than Channel Nine. At least we can thank Eric Grothe Jnr for his video, Campbelltown My Home Town by Eric Grothe Jnr as featured on the Matty Johns Show (Channel 7).

Have you seen the Man Vs Campbelltown video? What do you think?

Christmas shopping with kids?

2010-10-22T11:17:00.001+11:00

We received our first Christmas card this week. With only nine week 'til Christmas, it's time to think about Christmas shopping. Shopping for presents can be hard with little ones in tow so why not make it easy on yourself - and fun for them - by booking them in to the KU Macarthur Square Occasional Child-care Centre.

KU Children's Services have a child-care facility on level 4 of Macarthur Square. They are open from Tuesday to Thursday, 9 to 3 and take babies/children from 6 weeks to 5 years. Bookings can be made from a minimum of 1 hour to all day (6 hours). Morning or afternoon sessions are available (3 hours) at a reduced rate to the hourly fee.

We've been using the centre since 2003 both as regular child-care and also casually while attending appointments such as the doctor or hairdresser. The staff are qualified, dedicated and friendly. Bookings are preferred but not always essential though I do recommend you book if using the service in silly season when KU child-care is popular with Christmas shoppers.

The centre can be a little hard to find. From the ground floor, there is a lift (blue doors) between Harmony Natural (the chinese medicine place) and Dusk (the candle shop). Don't be put off by the sign that toilets are currently under redevelopment. From the first floor, the entrance is opposite Best and Less. You can use the lift next to the parenting / baby change room or go up the stairs. Follow the corridor and you'll see the centre on the left-hand side.

KU Macarthur Occasional Care Centre
L4, Macarthur Square, Shopping Complex, Gilchrist Street
CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 2560
Tel: 4626 3564
ku.macarthurocc@ku.com.au

Click here to download Centre Brochure

Want to know more about Panjo?

2010-10-16T10:56:00.001+11:00

If you've driven into Campbelltown from the North, you no doubt would have noticed the imposing building on the corner of Rose Payten Drive and Campbelltown Road that is destined to become the Panjo Destination Centre 4 Children.

The development of this centre stalled a few years ago due to financial difficulties but is now back on track and set to become a landmark for the area. The multi-story building is designed to be a one-stop-shop for parents and will include a child-care centre, swimming pool, themed restaurants and cafes, a medical centre, skating ring, shops and more.

For a look inside, check out this video or join the Facebook fan page. The website is still under construction.

What's On in Macarthur

2010-10-13T18:51:00.000+11:00

Every month, Visit Macarthur produce a guide to what's on in the area. This can be picked up at various spots around Campbelltown including the Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre in Old Menangle Road (just down the road from Rydges Hotel), libraries and swimming centres. You can visit their website or download the October guide here. (PDF)

There's a few things happening in October that have caught my eye including an open day at the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living which is also holding some free workshops this month, and the OPA! Greek Festival at the Wizard of Oz Funland in Leumeah.

There's always something happening in Camden and Campbelltown so be sure to check out what's on.

Recipe for a rainy day

2010-10-11T12:39:00.002+11:00

If your little ones are starting to get cabin fever from all this wet weather Macarthur's been having, here's a recipe for home-made playdough:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup salt
1 cup flour
2 tbs cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
Few drops of food colouring.

Method:
Mix the dry ingredients in a saucepan then add the wet ingredients. Stir over a low heat for a few minutes until the mixture starts to congeal. (I know when this happens because my hand and arm start to ache!) Once it's a solid lump, allow to cool before turning out onto a floured board and knead lightly to ensure all heat from the middle is released before giving to children.

This recipe is based on the one in the ABA's NMAA Cooks - Recipes for Busy Mothers, which is a fantastic cookbook full of old-fashioned cheap and easy to make recipes. You can buy it from Mother's Direct or get more info from the Facebook page.

You can also find the recipe in double the quantities on the back of packets of McKenzie's Cream of Tartar. I sometimes also add glitter and / or a few drops of lavender essential oil. For older kids, if you don't mind messy hands, add the food colouring drops into the middle after it's been cooked and cooled and then let the kids knead the dough which changes colour as if by magic.

Home-made playdough will keep for several weeks in an airtight container.

Sunflowers in the garden

2010-10-06T11:03:00.001+11:00

If you're lucky enough to have a patch of dirt, growing plants is a great way to keep the kids occupied in the long summer evenings now that daylight saving is here. Even if you don't have a garden, a large pot, some dirt and a packet of seeds is a great way to teach children where some of our food comes from.

Sunflowers are a great first plant for children because they're easy to grow and their rapid growth means kids can see changes daily. Junior Landcare in conjuction with Yates are encouraging kids to get gardening this spring by supplying free sunflower seeds and running a competition to see who can grow the biggest sunflower. The Sunflower Challenge website has everything you need to know about growing sunflowers.

Free activities these school hols

2010-10-02T10:10:00.000+10:00

We all seem to be feeling the pinch these days so if you're looking for some free activities to keep the kids occupied these spring holidays, read on.

The bike education centre is open 10-3 every day during the school holidays except for Monday 4th which is a public holiday. This is a great location for kids aged 2-10. Scooters or bikes are allowed but helmets must be worn. Entry is free.

For older kids, the skate park on Hollylea Road at Leumeah is a great place to hang out. For skaters, skateboarders, scooters and BMX bikers, it has rips, a wave wall, a mini-pipe and a square rail. I have no idea what any of that is but the word on the street is that Leumeah skate park is "da beast". I suspect the fact that it's just across the road from Woodbine Maccas, Hungry Jacks & Krispy Kreme Donuts adds to the appeal. It does get very crowded though.

I've mentioned Mount Annan Botanic Gardens a few times in this blog as one of our favourite places to visit because of the great playground and picnic areas. But the $9.00 entry fee for cars puts us off visiting more often. However, on Tuesday 5th October, the gardens are having a free entry day and according to their Facebook page, there's going to be some craft activities happening too.

The blue tree: one of the many attractions in Mount Annan Botanic Gardens

Daylight Saving reminder

2010-09-30T08:49:00.000+10:00

A reminder that Daylight Saving Commences in NSW this weekend on Sunday 3 October 2010, at 2:00 am when clocks are put forward one hour.

(Daylight Saving ends on Sunday 3 April 2011, at 3:00 am summer time when clocks are put back one hour.)

Monday 4th October is a public holiday in New South Wales.

Fancy a farm stay?

2010-09-28T20:03:00.001+10:00

We're lucky here in Macarthur to not have to travel too far out of Campbelltown to experience the bush and produce from local farms. But there's nothing like spending time on a farm to give kids an appreciation of where some of our food comes from.

The Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome (Heritage Hills) is just over a two and a half hour drive from Campbelltown. It's a popular place for school groups during the week but they also have 8 spacious units for families wanting to experience a quiet, relaxing weekend in peaceful surroundings. There are both native and farm animals in the animal nursery.

So if you find yourself explaining to your kids that cheese, eggs and milk do not originate in the supermarket or answering the question, "Does chicken come from cows?" then maybe a farm stay should be your next holiday.

The Rubie Appeal

2010-09-23T10:05:00.000+10:00

On Thursday September 30th, United Cinemas at Narellan Town Centre is hosting a special screening of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' with $10 of every ticket sold going to The Rubie Appeal to raise funds for Rubie, a 14yo Macarthur lass who was born with Neurofibromatosis in her right leg. Rubie will be having her leg amputated next month and the funds raised will go towards buying her a prosthetic leg and tutoring so that she can keep up with her studies while having to take time off school due to the operation.

We love United Cinemas at Narellan, it has all the glitz and glamour of a big city cinema but without the inconvenience of travel. Tickets for this special screen are $20 each (remember, 50% of that goes to The Rubie Appeal) and starts at 6:30pm. Sounds like a great night out for a good cause.

Your favourite coffee place?

2010-09-22T11:20:00.000+10:00

My friend Kathie has recently started a brand new blog dedicated to good coffee spots. "You can register as an author and post about your favourite place to go for coffee and if you have a photo of yourself and a friend having coffee, feel free to add that too."

It got me wondering, where is your favourite place to have coffee in Macarthur? Mine is the Yummy Cafe in Woodhouse Drive, Ambarvale. Not only do you get to sit outside watching the littlies play in a secure playground, but the coffee (mine is a decaf latte) is always excellent. Yummy is open Tuesday to Saturday.

Another favourite place is Flower Power at Mt. Annan, sitting outside surrounded by beautiful, healthy plants (very unlike our own garden at the moment!) and watching the kids play on the climbing equipment.

Coffee anywhere peaceful with something free to keep the kids occupied is always good!