
Visiting Taronga Zoo with Kids: Our Family Day Trip to Sydney’s Biggest Zoo
A family day trip to Taronga Zoo with our toddler, from giraffes and seal shows to practical tips for parents planning a full day with kids.

A family day trip to Taronga Zoo with our toddler, from giraffes and seal shows to practical tips for parents planning a full day with kids.

A visit to Lox in a Box Bondi feels like a warm slice of weekend happiness – toasted bagels, ocean air, and that easy Bondi rhythm. From classic lox to katsu chicken, this Sydney bagel spot proves that simple food done right is always worth the trip.

There’s nothing quite like a picnic at King Edward Park in Newcastle with the ocean as your backdrop – with simple food, good company, and a salad that actually stays fresh. I took the new Prepara Salad Pod for a spin, and it quickly proved itself a picnic essential.

Stepping into Sir Manong Eastern Creek felt like being transported back to Manila – jeepney stoplights, lively vibes, and food that tastes just like home. From crispy pork belly rice to comforting chicken adobo and creamy kale laing, every dish was a reminder of the bold, generous flavours of Filipino cooking.

Markets are one of our favourite parts of living in Newcastle. Here are three we keep going back to – for food, treasures, and that unbeatable community vibe.

Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle is the perfect spot for families to spend a day outdoors. From kangaroos and koalas to a playground that kids will adore, plus BBQ areas and a café, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours exploring, playing, and relaxing together.

Light Years Newcastle is more than just dinner – it’s an experience. With modern Asian flavours, a stunning art deco setting, and cocktails worth lingering over, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Susuru Japanese Izakaya in Newcastle has reopened with a fresh new look and the same comforting Japanese flavours locals love. From rich, velvety tonkotsu ramen to crispy karaage and sticky honey soy wings, here’s what we tried — and which dishes we’d order again.

Looking for the best play parks in Newcastle and Maitland? Discover our family’s top 5 playgrounds, from harbourside favourites to quiet suburban gems.

This month’s roundup is wrapped in winter warmth, big life shifts, and little joys worth savouring. From comforting bowls of pho to some of the best shows out there recently, and a few beauty gems in between, here’s everything I wrote, loved, and recommend from July.