The Weekend Agenda: January 2014

Livvi's Place at Yamble Reserve was opened with a colourful bang on the 3rd of February 2013. A huge number of partners contributed to the creation of this $1.5M playground, and yes, it looks like $1.5M was spent on it. It is truly stunning.

As in all of the Livvi's Place playgrounds, the equipment is very carefully chosen and laid out to allow for easy accessibility for people of all abilities. That includes young toddlers, older kids, children with different abilities and disabilities, parents, grandparents, friends, everyone! This is a community playground that entices parents to get in there and play WITH their kids, not sit on the sidelines, and there is plenty of room to allow this to happen.Some of the equipment includes a double flying fox, one with a pommel seat and the other a full seat with a harness; a spinning rope pyramid (seemingly with permanent kids attached as it's hugely popular); a sand play area; wonky mirror; musical and percussion elements; bird's nest swing; spring-rider car and bird; satellite dish spinner and much more.There is a large network of rubber turf that is most interesting and quite unique. The turf moulds up and down little hills, with one area hiding a tunnel underneath. The bright colours with high contrast assist people with vision impairments and gently direct and inform people as to safe areas and where to go next. I love the lumpy blue hill, although I didn't see many kids using it (I'll just have to go back!). However the yellow hill with the hand-holds down the side and the tunnel underneath was a huge hit with the littlies. This whole area allows for safe exploration for people with limited mobility and easy access for parents and carers.Another feature that really stands out is the beautiful sculpture. There is an animal theme meandering throughout the playground, with stone sculptures of frogs, possums, owls and many other animals. These are mostly at the quieter, less-busy end of the playground where there is a spiral pathway that circles its way amongst the totem poles and plantings and ends at a 'pole garden'. This is a beautiful area in which to explore, feel and bong the various elements, and admire the artwork. The playground clearly has busy and quiet areas so kids can retreat if they need to, but still be within the fenced area. There is a barbecue within Livvi's Place and another in the grassed area of Yamble Reserve. Toilets are down a pathway outside the fenced area. There are many shade sails, but because of the sheer size of the playground, there are still many areas in full sun. The softfall under all play pieces is rubber turf. A huge round of applause goes to The Touched By Olivia Foundation for bringing this superb playground to life.

View from the Quarry Street Car Park


walking track

Main Entrance: left and right side has big space for family

The huge playground - my son asked "where is the gate?"

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Palm Beach

I was lucky that this year (2013) I could get two weeks off from work during Christmas and New Year. I decided to plan a short trip with my family and my dad while he was visiting us.

Palm Beach. I heard a lot good things about this place and it is less than 1.5 hours away from my place. We started our journey after Boxing Day.

First, we stopped at Bilarong Reserve and Playground. Bilarong Reserve is located on Wakehurst Parkway at Narrabeen. It has playground, bushland reserve, foreshore reserve and boat ramp.

Bilarong Reserve has a lot of facilities: barbeques, seating, public amenities, picnic area, pay & display parking, tables, power, playground, pathway, cycleway, walking track easy, shade, tap or bubbler, native birds and native animal. The reserve attracts many visitors because of its scenic location and peaceful atmosphere. The lagoon surrounding Bilarong Reserve is popular for swimming, windsurging, canoeing and fishing.

From Google Map,

Enjoy the breath-taking view from Narrabeen Lakes....

The playground is state of the art and caters for all ages. It has a grotto, adventure trail which contains stone carvings of mythical creatures, space net combination, spica poles, supa nova and fenced, shaded junior play area. It has wonderful stone sculptures of wondrous mythical beasts and playground.

Isn't it he is cute?

Can you see how many creatures on the statue?

Although there are no cafes or restaurants near the reserve, there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants just a short drive away at Narrabeen or Warriewood. The Reserve has a paid parking area which is rarely full.

The Barranjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach was out next stop. But we didn't reach up to the top as the lighthouse and the cottages can only be accessed by a one kilometre walk from the car park.We looked at it from the Palm Beach.

The Barranjoey Lighthouse is on the headland jutting into the seaPhotograph: Winton Irving

From Google Map:

View the lighthouse and the cottages from the Palm Beach

We spent most of the morning by the beach.

Lunch at The Boat House, Palm Beach

The Boathouse Palm Beach has restored the lifestyle and culture of seaside eating offering modern Australian cuisine for breakfast and lunch. The contemporary beachside setting allows you to sit back and relax, whilst enjoying flavour some meals created by our chefs with the freshest local produce and seafood. The Beer Battered Flathead + Chips are the best on the Northern Beaches!

A display of fresh fruit and flowers welcome you as you enter the double doors, with some tables in small clusters out the front, where you can also set up a picnic rug. You can even buy milk and the paper here to take with you if you’re just strolling past.

There’s indoor seating too, amid the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and the coffee station, but the place to be is out on the timber deck overlooking Station Beach.Find a spot at a wooden picnic table, then order inside from a menu written up on a blackboard, which includes bowls of bircher piled high with peaches, passionfruit and yoghurt; a saucy bacon and egg roll; and avocado on toast layered with heirloom tomatoes and bacon for breakfast. Lunch includes bowls of prawns (totally my faourite!), Beachouse Burgers and beer battered flathead with homemade tartar sauce among other such seafaring dishes. If you are Seafood Lover like me I suggest Seafood Antipasto (Tiger Prawns, braised octopus, oysters, smoked trout pate & W.A Scampi) and this dish is enough for two persons.

Take your number at the counter when you order and let a wandering eye breeze over the selection of sweet things - muffins, lemon meringue tarts and caramel slices – to keep in mind for later. And don’t miss the milkshakes and smoothies, which come rich and creamy in old glass milk bottles.

Though brimming with diners from near and far, vying for tables to sit and linger on the weekends, the food here is deliciously fresh and full of flavour – all part of the incentive for the drive from the city. And if your breakfast is perhaps taking longer than it should, revel in the fact that you’re sitting on a waterfront deck sucking up the sun, experiencing picturesque Sydney as its best.

Address:1151 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach, New South Wales 2108 (Govenor Phillip Park)

Hours 7.30am-4.30pm daily
No booking but it is very popular and pack.



We ordered:

Bucket of Tiger Prawns $39.00

Housemade seafood sauce + miche bread

Seafood Antipasto $46.00

Tiger Prawns, braised octopus, oysters, smoked trout pate & W.A Scampi

The Boathouse Beef Burger $26.00

Beetroot tapenade, bacon, egg, pineapple, cheese + caramelised onion

Pineapple & Mink smoothies

From Google Map:

Newport Mirage Hotel

We were so full after our lovely meals then we decided to head to the hotel for rest..... The Newport Mirage is a multi-award-winning 4-star waterfront hotel.

Stayed in their only family accommodation - two single beds in first room & interconnecting into second bedroom with a queen bed. Bathroom off this room & smartly refurbished except for a dated toilet. Had small balcony overlooking driveway. Room is close to Reception - bathroom wall adjoins the Reception Lounge but very quiet for our overnight stay.

Opposite of our hotel is Newport Arm Hotel. Newport Arms has been a landmark amongst hotels, attractions and restaurants in Sydney for those who appreciate the best. Whether you live across town or on the other side of the world, a visit to Sydney's most famous pub icon.

As one of the top Sydney hotels and family attractions, The iconic Newport Arms is a dynamic entertainment and restaurants venue offering something for everyone! A great family location and functions spot for those looking for entertainment and activities over the holidays.
One of the attractions unique to the Newport Arms is the Northern Beaches largest outdoor cinema screen. Initially installed in the beergarden for the Sydney Olympics, it is a sports fanatic's dream. Sit back on the grass and watch your favourite sport whilst soaking up the sunshine and views. FoxSports shown daily including all special events.

Hotel facilities include:

Terrace on Pittwater Restaurant
Outdoor cinema feat. major sport events
Garden Bistro & Bar
Two Kids Playgrounds
Extensive waterfront seating
Hotels Accommodation Rooms
Extensive wine lists
All weather dining areas

Extensive dining menus
Multiple function options & rooms
World 1st, 18 tap beers at single pt
TAB, Fox sports
Ample Parking
Drive Thru Bottle Shop
City Bus stop at door

The next day we took Fantasea Ferry from Palm Beach to Ettalong.

A little friend in the ferry

Welcome to Ettalong Beach!

Ettalong Beach is a Central Coast popular and safe family favourite. It's a waterfront town overlooking Broken Bay and Lion Island.

Ettalong Beach’s appeal lies in its beaches, lagoons, waterways and safe swimming for children.

Ettalong Beach

friendly place for dogs too

Mantra Hotel | Ettalong Beach Club

My daughter said she loves seaweed

Ettalong Beach Touist Resort

Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort is located only 1 hour north of Sydney’s CBD, on the central coast of NSW. Just South of Gosford and Woy Woy, you’re far enough away from the city’s hustle and bustle, but close enough to get away for the weekend, host a conference wedding or private function.

Imagine a resort styled to reflect the ambience of a Mediterranean village, with beautifully appointed beachside accommodation, a choice of fine dining, the casual atmosphere of cafes & alfresco eateries, and the joie de vivre of shopping at the village markets. Take in a movie at the Cinema Paradiso, relax in the Roman Baths & Spa or just wander across the road to enjoy the pristine waters and white sands of beautiful Ettalong Beach - the choice is yours!

beautiful structure of the building

Taste of Istanbul


German Pastries


Antique Shop

old sewing machine

Art & Craft for kids and adults

Jumping Castle for Kids

Lunch @ Ettalong Beach Club

The Ettalong Beach Club is located just 90 minutes north of Sydney on the NSW Central Coast, nestled between Woy Woy and Umina.
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The first thing you'll notice is the view. At Ettalong Beach club you'll enjoy beautiful, sweeping views over Broken Bay and Lion Island, and all the way an hour south to Palm Beach.
As you look around the club you'll see impressive conference and special events facilities that cater for up to 900 people. There's the sun-drenched Tallow Beach Terrace, Rocky Point Cafe and Half Tide Brasserie.

The food choices cover every taste and mood, the regular live entertainment including roaming Jazz musicians is free and there's a certain feeling around the club that simply makes it a nice place to visit.