Saturday, 11 October 2014

Wet'n'Wild Sydney

As part of our "Enjoy Sydney" campaign, we bought ourselves season passes to Sydney's Wet'nWild. The water theme park opened a few years and we still had not been. To be honest, the entry tickets are not cheap. However, with a special offer on to get one pass season pass for free, it made the price acceptable. We had about 4 months to make the most of it...

We arrived there just on opening time and were able to enter quickly. There were already many families and many of the "good" shady spots were taken. However, there were many tables under shade that were still available. So what did we think? In no particular order:

1) Having bands per person is a good idea. However, they all look the same so if you happen to mix it up, there's no way of telling them apart! This wouldn't really be a problem unless you are a big family at the entry gates having to rearrange bands between you...

2) The bands only came in one size! It kept sliding off Jonah. We tried his wrist and his ankle to no avail. In the end, it came completely off on one of the slides. The staff were kind enough to replace it for him but it still meant taking time to go to customer service which was time away from the slides.

3) The locker system was not intuitive and despite trying several lockers, our bands didn't work on them. Once again, this took us 30 minutes to sort out!

4) There were no consistent service levels from the staff. Some were fantastic, some were just atrocious!

5) There was very little shade in the walkways that link the various areas of waterslides. The ground got very hot and it wasn't a particularly hot day on the day we went.

6) We went within the school term and so the lines were not too bad, but I can imgaine how awful the wait would be in peak season. 

7) The slides were actually quite good and a lot of fun. Be prepared though, the water is very cold! The loading system though could have been a lot more efficient. They need to look at the major theme parks around the world to learn a few things or two! Waiting 15-20 minutes per ride would be alright, but not if you had to wait an hour or two...

8) Food, as expected, is not cheap. The quality is average.

9) The park was easy to find but from our cursory research, if you don't have a car, it might not be the easiest place to get to by public transport! We were there early and so did not have trouble finding a parking spot. However, the parking lot seem large enough with good capacity.

All in all, we had a good time. We probably won't renew our passes until they improve the services and facilities around the rides. It is a shame as the rides themselves were quite fun.


Carpark still empty

The slides that can be seen from the carpark

The entry

Finding a place to base ourselves for the day

Monday, 6 October 2014

Friday, 3 October 2014

Seaside Escape

We took the opportunity to take a short weekend break during the school holidays with Nanna and Grandpa at the beautiful Port Stephens. Nanna and Grandpa had somehow managed to get a great accomodation deal at the sleepy Lemon Tree Passage. It was a relaxing few days fishing, eating and just having fun!

We're there!

Tide is low so grandpa suggested looking for bait

Our abode for the next few nights. Basic but comfortable and clean.

The beautiful Birubi Poimt (Anna Bay)

So happy to be on holidays with Nanna and Grandpa!

Camel riding! Elliot still remembered the name of his camel from when we last came here 8 years ago!

Grandpa on kiddie duties


Mother, meanwhile, enjoyed her coffee in the cool shade...

Sand dune activites next!


Getting ready to sandboard down the dunes

How many calories does walking up a sand dune at 45 degrees burn?!?!



Back to the sleepy fishing village. A great base as it was not as crowded as the more popular towns of Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay

Fishing at 8am!

Just loves it

The small one that he did catch

A trip to Nelson Bay. Crocodile pie anyone?!?

The famous Red Ned's gourmet pies

The beautiful waterfront

No trip would be complete without a hike!

Back to fishing!






Sunday, 28 September 2014

Kurringgai Chase National Park

It was a gorgeous day to spend with the family at Kuringgai Chase National Park.

Seats with shade. Tick!

Hats on. Tick!

Malcolm has a toy...tick!

Poppy enjoying the sun and snoozing

Jonah very happy to be able to fish with Grandpa

The gorgeous National Park

Can you spot the crabs?!

Sunday, 21 September 2014

A Big Day Out

As part of our "See Sydney" campaign, we embarked on a journey to the city with the children. We had Merlin Passes to utilise! The Merlin Pass is a single pass to several city attractions which we bought on a special. It was our chance to visit Madame Tussaud's, an attraction we've never been to.
Initially wary (for how much fun could one have with wax figures?), we did end up having fun! It is small though, and would not be fun if there were big crowds.
Let's go to the city!

The children always seem to enjoy a train journey

Looking at the Sydney half marathon runners crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Our first destination for the day

Captain Cook


Ned Kelly

The Dalai Lama

A Day in the Office...

C'mon!

Eeek!

Warnie!

The choker...

Katy

Gassing for a legend

Xray shots

No Rove, this is how it goes...

Psycho!!!

Swoon...Hugh

Ironman Jonah's hero!

Elliot in ET!

Mr Chan, are we related!?!?

Bit of Cate Style
Conveniently, Sydney SeaLife Aquarium, another attraction included in the pass, was right next door. Although we have been here before, it remains one of Jonah's favourite. We strolled to the nearby, Home Thai for lunch. A quick tasty lunch was needed. We had to get to the Sydney Opera House for an important occasion. Uncle James was running the Sydney Half Marathon to raise funds for autism awareness, and we wanted to support and cheer for him at the finish line.

Aquarium time!

Delighted to point out the various sea creatures

The Shark Tunnel

Thai Iced Milk Tea, one of my favourite drinks!

Soft shell crab green papaya salad

BBQ beef!

Beef noodle soup

Uncle James ws running in the Sydney Half Marathon to raise funds for autism awareness

Urging him on at the finish line. Go Uncle James!!!

Time to relax by the Harbour...

...and eat the Thai dessert that we had to take away

One more person to meet up with in the City...

Our favourite...Uncle Yap!