Dawson-Damer Park, Oran Park

Our first day of 2021 was spent exploring the recently opened Dawson-Damer Park in Oran Park. 

 

There are plenty of access points to the park for both prams and wheelchairs, with wide pathways although the park is not flat. There is ample seating though in some places it is far away from the playground so not suitable for children who need constant supervision. There is also plenty of parking but I imagine it will fill up quickly in warmer weather when the water play splash park is more in demand.

The change rooms and toilets are spacious with baby change tables in most. There is a park for smaller children at one end and a park for bigger kids at the other with the splash park in between plus ping-pong (table tennis) tables and a half basketball court. There are water bubblers / drink fountains available.

My kids aged 14 and 11 enjoyed the 'ninja course' although the timer didn't appear to be working. They also enjoyed seeing a herd of cows come down to a nearby damn for a drink.

Dawson-Damer Park is located at the corner of Dick Johnson Drive and O'Toole Avenue in Oran Park, just down from the Camden Council office and Oran Park Library. More information about the facilities available can be found via Camden Council website.

Marsden Park

Marsden Park in Park Central, Campbelltown is a great spot to spend a lunch break. Tranquil and peaceful, it's easy to forget you're in the heart of a city.

 

 

 

Tranquil and peaceful, it's easy to forget you're in the heart of a city.

 

There's also a great kids playground at Marsden Park in Park Central, and with coffee shops and eateries just across the road it also makes for a great spot to stop for a bite to eat.

A view towards the duck pond in Marsden Park in Park Central, Campbelltown.

 

 

Whether you're walking the dog or taking the kids for a bike road, the wide level paths are very accessible. There's also gym / workout equipment free for public use at Marsden Park.

Why did the swan cross the road?

More wildlife crossing the streets of Park Central!

I just read in the local paper about a kangaroo seen hopping down the street in Gregory Hills. Have you seen any wildlife near you?

Caravans for hire

Caravanning is one of the best ways to see Australia. Have you thought about going camping or caravanning but been hindered by the lack of equipment? Camping shops sometimes have sales but it's a big outlay and a lot of gear to store if you're only able to get away once a year. Or perhaps you're worried about ending up trying to sleep on a  cold, flat air-mattress with torrential rain hammering down on your tent and instead want to holiday in a little more comfort?

You can hire this!

Camplify is Australia's largest caravan hire and RV sharing community, linking owners of caravans and RVs together with holidaymakers in a secure peer-to-peer sharing environment. Hirers are able to experience the joy of caravanning without having to purchase their own van.

You can hire a 2-berth camper trailer from around $50 per night, or pop-top caravan like this one from $60 a night. You can choose to self-tow / self-drive or arrange for the caravan owner to set the van up for you on site. There are many different van styles to choose from, and you can filter searches by location, price, berth and required dates.

For more information about hiring a caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or campervan check out the Camplify FAQ.

Macarthur Wildlife

This wasn't something we expected to see while out running errands. A lace monitor (I think) crossing the road near Campbelltown Hospital. Perhaps he'd been to Marsden Park in Park Central for a play on the swings.



With all the new development going on it, local wildlife may be having to relocate. This lizard looked to be in good health. If you see or find an injured native animals on your travels, please call Wires Wildlife Rescue on 1300 094 737 otherwise just leave them alone.

Learn to swim for life

There has been an unprecedented number of drownings in NSW over the past couple of weeks, and an increase in drowning deaths overall, particularly in children under five. (Link to news story)

The Macarthur region offers many opportunities for learn to swim programs, including intensive programs during the school holidays. Some swim schools even visit playgroups and community groups to conduct safety sessions. No pool is necessary; they use visuals and demonstrations to teach young children about safety around pools.

Kings swim school visit to Campbelltown Halfpints playgroup

Below is a list of venues in the Macarthur region offering swimming lessons. Some public schools also offer intensive learn to swim programs during term time. It is never too early or too soon to learn to swim.

Each of Campbelltown Council's leisure centres - Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre, Eagle Vale Central, and Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre in Bradbury offer swimming lessons for children (from six months) and adults. For more information on fees and timetables, check out their website.

Camden Council offers premium swimming and leisure facilities in the Camden Local Government Area.

• Camden Pool (open September to March)
• Mount Annan Leisure Centre (open all year round)

Private swim schools in Macarthur

Kingswim at Macarthur Square
Jump! swim school at Minto
Starfish swim school at Leumeah
Swimaway in Camden and Narellan
Atlantis Aquatic Swim Centre in Smeaton Grange
Smeaton Grange Learn to Swim School can be found on Facebook

Special needs
Rainbow Club runs swimming programs for children with a disability, currently operating out of Eagle Vale leisure centre.
The Melissa Corby learn to swim school also caters for children with special needs and operates out of Mary Brooksbank school in Rosemeadow (Facebook link)

 

And a reminder that if you're heading to the beach this summer, please swim between the flags.

iMag

If you happen to find yourself at Campbelltown library, be sure to pick up a copy of Southern Highlands and Illawarra iMag information guide which covers events in the Macarthur Region including Wollondilly, as well as the Southern Highlands and Illawarra.

The magazine lists cellar doors, regular markets and fairs, and exhibitions. Whether you're into browsing antiques in Bowral or cheese tasting in Robertson, searching for unique and handmade Christmas gifts in Picton, or attending folk festivals in Bulli, the magazine will have something for you.

The November / December edition is out now. More information can be found at http://www.monthlyimag.com.au/southern-highlands/