Sorry Charles, whilst this is the second ever King’s birthday long weekend since we’ve been alive, it’ll never be as good as the Queen’s Birthday long weekends of our childhood! In days of old, the Queen’s birthday long weekend involved crackers, bonfires and lots of them! As kids, we were always dressed in highly flammable plastic parkers and dressing gowns, standing way too close to crackers being let off by dads who had consumed too many Reschs or VB tinnies. We’re not sure why they banned them, ha ha! Party poopers! We’ll be grabbing a pack of sparklers and glow bands for old time’s sake this weekend. Here are some other ideas for you.
GLOW at Sydney Zoo. Running until Saturday 15 June.
After two sell out years, GLOW at Sydney Zoo is back – BIGGER than ever before!
Immerse yourself in the largest GLOW yet, featuring new, never-before-seen installations, a reimagined and interactive light walk, and returning favourites like the iconic GLOW Lion Lantern, magical KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel, Glowy Golf, and the mind-blowing Vortex Tunnel. Explore the Aquarium after-dark and encounter hundreds of critters in the largest Reptile and Nocturnal house in the world. Plus food trucks, rides, GLOW bar and so much more. To find out more and buy tickets click here.
Galston Valley Railway Open Day. Sunday 9 June. 9.30am – 3pm.
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Galston Valley Railway is open to the public on Sunday! It’s a great day out for the whole family if you have little train fanatics! Read more about visiting here.
All Things British at the Australiana Pioneer Village. Monday 10 June. 10am to 4pm. Wilberforce.
PHIVE presents: Dumpling and Zongzi Workshop. PHIVE Parramatta. Monday 10 June. 10am to 12pm.
PHIVE Parramatta invite families and community members of all backgrounds to come together and create their own unique zongzi (traditional Chinese rice dish). Children will also have the opportunity to learn how to make delicious dumplings. During the workshop, you will get hands-on experience making zongzi and dumplings, which you can take home to cook and enjoy with family and friends. No previous experience required, everyone is welcome.
Public Holiday, Monday 10 June 2024. 10am to 12pm. Level 3 Makers Space, PHIVE Parramatta.
The workshop is free however registrations are essential. Children under the age of 13 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Book here.
Visit a local market
- Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Market – Saturday 8 June. 8am to 12pm. Castle Hill Showground.
- Sydney Boutique Markets – Sunday 9 June. 10am to 4pm. Rouse Hill Town Centre.
- Dural Village Markets. Sunday 9 June. 9am to 2pm. Dural Country Club.
Pick your own fruit – Mandarin season
Throwing all the kids in the car and heading off fruit picking is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy! It’s a great way to show kids where their fruit comes from while also being out in the sunshine and fresh air. We’re lucky here in the Hills to have fabulous farms right on our doorstep so the journey isn’t too far – as we all know, with young kids there’s no such thing as enjoying a long, leisurely drive!
Here are our tips for places to visit this Winter. Most places charge a price for for what you pick. Also, things change due to seasons and weather, so make sure you check the farm’s website or Facebook page for opening times before you set off. And don’t forget to take your own bags.
Long Weekend at Bella Vista Hotel
- Friday 7 June – Bella Fridays White Glow Party
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Saturday 8 June – Bella’s signature Italian Long Lunch starts from 11am, followed by Retro Saturdays featuring a live band and resident DJs.
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Sunday 9 June – Jellybean Jam Live band from 8pm – 11pm, with a resident DJ taking over until 2am.
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Monday 10 June – Bella will operate as usual with the bistro and bar open.
Other ideas
- Rouse Hill Estate open to the public. Every Sunday. 10am to 4pm.
- The Farm at Lynwood Country Club. Every Sunday 11am – 2pm. Bring the kids along to see rabbits, birds and sheep! They’ll be entertained by the animal feedings and learn about life on the farm.
- Go for a bush walk. Here are our favourite kid friendly bush walks in the Hills.
- Go for a bike or scooter ride. Parks in the Hills with bike and scooter paths.
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