NYE

If you're a long-term resident of Macarthur, you'll know about the wonderful New Year's Eve (NYE) party that Campbelltown Council host in Koshigaya Park. There's food stalls, top notch live entertainment and (weather permitting) terrific firework shows at 9pm and midnight. All set in a family friendly park with three playgrounds for the kids.

But it does get very busy - you have to get there early to reserve a good spot and spending hours in the park doesn't always go down too well with the littlies. Last year we discovered an alternative - Marsden Park in Park Central. Just up the road. There's no entertainment but the other few families celebrating make for a wonderful atmosphere. There's plenty of room for the kids to run around (or have a game of cricket), plus the playground and best of all, if you position yourself right, you'll still get a great view of the fireworks.

Take a picnic or dine at one of the restaurants in Kellicar Lane or Hyde Parade and stroll on over for the show. Just be ware of the red-bellied black snakes! (We spotted one on the way home near the ambulance station.)