If you’re looking for an art gallery that offers something for the whole family, then visit Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery.
The gallery is located in Booragul on the Lake Macquarie waterfront and with sparkling views, it offers both indoor and outdoor sculptures and exhibits.
The Sculpture Park
When you first arrive, you’ll be greeted by exhibits in the Sculpture Park. In preparation for your visit, you can either print a brochure or pick one up from the information desk inside.
For a few activities to keep curious minds busy, you can also download a worksheet for the sculptures.
Inside Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery
Inside the building, the foyer has an open and spacious feel. New exhibitions are launched every six to eight weeks so the content is always fresh. The gallery also hosts national touring shows and you’ll find all about upcoming exhibitions on their website
Family Activity Corner
The Family Activity Corner is located at the far end of the foyer and is devoted to budding artists. The activity sheets available here are of a high quality and designed to match each exhibition. Bold primary colours were the theme for the exhibition on graphics from the 1960s and 1970s when I went.
Art Space
Art Space is offered as a free drop-in session for families on Sundays between 10:30am to 12:00pm. This session is quite a popular session with tables setup from the studio out into the foyer.
Art Lessons
The gallery offers paid lessons and more details about these can be found on their website. Lessons are hosted in the studio and may be something to keep in mind when the Creative Kids Voucher becomes available in January 2019.
For all the other kids’ art offerings, check out the website.
Gallery Shop
The gallery shop offers a large array of books on art and unique crafts from artists who work around the Hunter and Central Coast region.
Art classes for adults
If you feel like you want to give art a try, there’s a schedule of art classes that range from beginners to advanced.
How do I get there?
From Five Islands Road turn left into First Street, Booragul and follow it all the way until it ends at the point. There is ample parking and toilet facilities available.
Opening times
The gallery is usually open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4:30pm and select public holidays. Be sure to check the gallery’s website for opening times.
Admission
Admission is free and the Family Activity Corner is free but there are costs associated with most of the art classes.
Sculpture Park Play
The gallery has bubbles, ribbon twirlers and other outdoor toys available for purchase if you would like further entertainment in the Sculpture Park.
Walk to Marmong Point Marina or Five Islands Bridge
Once you’ve finished your visit, you can take the opportunity for a quick walk around the walking paths that follow the waterfront. You can either walk around the lake to the Five Islands Bridge and through to Teralba. Or you can follow the other direction, through a short bush track and around to Marmong Point Marina.
Anthony lives near Lake Macquarie and is a dad to four children. He has published two children’s picture books (Flaming Charli and Dancing Charli) and is currently working on his second novel. He has a teaching background and an MA in Writing.