What better place to set up for a day of exploring than Riverside Park? Located at the northern end of Ash Island, near Newcastle, it’s a blissfully peaceful spot with sheltered picnic tables and a large deepwater jetty. What to bring with you? The kids, their bikes, a good pair of walking shoes, a fishing line, and your binoculars.

With its relaxing outlook over the Hunter River, you could easily open the Sunday papers and take it easy while the young at heart frolic on the large expanses of grass. But go for a walk and explore some of the other nearby landscapes there are wetlands nearby, as well as remnants of coastal rainforest. The roads here are especially suitable for cyclists of all levels and take you all over the island, including to the old World War II radar station. Take some time when you pedal past the river foreshore to stop and birdwatch, as this is a popular spot for pelicans and white-faced herons.

Take a virtual tour of Riverside Park captured with Google Street View Trekker.