Can’t decide what to do with the kids this weekend? If only there was somewhere with a 1km toboggan track, a tractor train, a giant maze, rock climbing walls, race cars and boats, kids bumper cars, mini golf, hot ice skating and jumping castles…but wait there is! Toboggan Hill Park at Nelson Bay in Port Stephens has it all, and more.
It’s hard to know where to start with this article as there is just so much to do at Toboggan Hill Park. We visited the park when our kids were 3 and 5 years old. To say that they had a blast would be an understatement.
We started the day on the toboggan ride, which is the main attraction. Kids under 8 ride on a toboggan with an adult while kids over 8 can ride by themselves. There’s no minimum age for the toboggan.
The beginning of the track is a 300m automatic uphill tow, which is quite a relaxing ride. The track runs through beautiful bushland, which is full of Gymea lilies and gums. Once you reach the top, a staff member is waiting to give you the go-ahead, once the coast is clear.
Then the real fun starts. You can go downhill around the 11 track bends as fast or as slow as you like (I preferred to ride with my 3-year-old, who was slightly less of a daredevil).
When you get to the bottom, you can go again if you want to, without having to line up.
After we had our speed fix, it was time for the tractor train. The train runs hourly and provides access to the giant maze. This was a bit of fun, and if you’re lucky, you might see some wildlife like the resident goannas or wallabies along the way.
At the top of the hill, the train stops at the giant maze and then continues down the hill to take everyone back again. The round trip including the maze took about 40 mins.
There are lots of indoor activities to do at Toboggan Hill Park as well (perfect for a rainy day).
We spent some time on the jumping castles (there’s one for kids aged 3 – 12 years and another for kids under 3 years).
Our two also enjoyed the Kiddie Karz (bumper cars), which are suitable for kids aged 4 – 7 years.
We finished off our day driving around some cool remote control cars and boats (these cost $2 extra, change is available from the kiosk).
There are some other activities to try out, which we missed on the day. There is a huge rock climbing wall with various options for advanced climbers, children and adults.
The ‘hot ice’ skating also looked fun (this is a synthetic ice rink with regular metal-blade ice skates).
We could also have played mini golf (and perhaps will next time, when I’m more confident our 3 year old won’t hit anyone with the golf club).
This really was a great day out for the whole family. There was something for every age, from toddlers to adults.
Address: Toboggan Hill Park is located behind the aquatic centre at 16 Aquatic Close (off Salamander Way), Nelson Bay. There is car parking available on-site.
Ideal Age: There is no minimum age and there are activities suitable for everyone.
Public Toilets: Yes, in the Kiosk.
Water Fountain: I didn’t notice one, but there are drinks available from the Kiosk or you can bring drink bottles.
Picnic Facilities: You can bring your own picnic lunch to the centre if you want to. There is a grassy area near the toboggan run which is suitable for picnic blankets.
BBQ: Yes (for hire)
Nearby Cafe: There is a kiosk at the park with some food and drink options.
Bring: Bring hats, sunscreen, mozzie spray and picnic blankets (if needed). There are lots of mozzies in the bush (although staff were very helpful and were offering some spray on the day). If you want to ride the toboggan, best to wear shorts or pants as skirts can be a bit awkward when hopping on and off.
Pricing: There is a range of ticket and pricing options, and family activity passes are available. Kids under 3 years are free.
For more information, visit the Toboggan Hill Park website.
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received complimentary admission for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.
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Alex moved to Newcastle with her family in 1998 and has called Newcastle home ever since. Alex is a mum to two busy boys who keep her on her toes. She has worn a few different hats over the years but is currently working part-time as a practice manager for an engineering consultancy. Alex loves travel, indoor plants and exploring rockpools at the beach with the kids.