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- Summer’s Calling: 5 Northern Beaches Picnic Gems
Summer’s Calling: 5 Northern Beaches Picnic Gems
Edition #12 - December 2024
Liana
December 12, 2024
Switch up your pre-Christmas gatherings this summer to relax under the shade of a tree, soak up ocean views or tranquil bushland. Picnics combine the best of fresh air, good company, and the chance to connect with nature—no reservations required. If you’re looking for a fresh way to enjoy the outdoors this summer, here are five stunning picnic spots on the Northern Beaches worth packing a basket for:
Winnererremy Bay Reserve: Ideal for families with its playground, scenic waterfront paths, and the ever-convenient Flying Fox Café nearby. ☕
McCarrs Creek Reserve: A tranquil bush escape where you can paddle a kayak or explore light trails. 🚣🏻♀️
West Head Lookout: Marvel at Pittwater and Palm Beach from above, and discover indigenous rock art nearby. 🌅
Collaroy Plateau Park: Quiet and calm, it’s the spot for solo picnics or lunches with ocean views. 🌊
Clontarf Reserve: Shady trees, calm waters for a swim, and walking paths make it perfect for all ages. 🌳
Pack a book, card game or ball for the kids, and your favorite bottle of vino to turn lunch into a mini adventure. Got a top picnic recipe or a game you swear by? Share it with us—we’d love to hear!
Picnic In Argentina | HifuMiyo Illustration
Reader Spotlight: Deck the Stalls!
This week’s shoutout goes to Vicki, who found the Narrabeen Christmas Markets through our newsletter and had an amazing day out! Thanks for sharing your experience — we’re so glad you had a wonderful time! 🌟
Have you been inspired by our newsletter? Share your adventures with us, and you could be featured next!
Thanks for the beautiful pics!
What’s On?
Events & Activities
This Week:
Event | Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|---|
Brookie Brights🍺 | This month, the Brookie Collective breweries will transform into a festive wonderland, with Christmas light, festive offers, Santa competitions and a calendar of exciting events for the whole family. | Dates: 1 - 31 Dec Locations: Brookvale Breweries Cost: Free, Learn More |
Ways To Reduce Cost Of Living - Talk💸 | Discover practical ways to save money and reduce household expenses this holiday season. | Dates: Thur 12 Dec, 11:30am Location: Warringah Mall Library Cost: Free, Learn More |
Christmas By The Beach🎀 | Enjoy carols, a Christmas show, and a festive picnic with the whole family. | Dates: Fri 13 Dec, 4pm Location: Meehan Reserve, Dee Why Cost: Free, Learn More |
Watercolour Postcard Workshop🎨 | Create beautiful watercolour postcards to spread festive cheer. | Dates: Sat 14 Dec, 10am Location: Manly Art Gallery Cost: Free, Learn More |
Carols In The Park🎶 | Enjoy carols with live music, food stalls, animal farm and jumping castle with the community | Dates: Sat 14 Dec, 5pm Location: Ararat Reserve, Frenchs Forest Cost: Free, Learn More |
Lifeline Book Fair📚 | Shop for preloved books while supporting Lifeline’s important community work. | Dates: 12 - 15 Dec, 8am Location: St Augustine's College, Brookvale Cost: Gold Coin Donation, Learn More |
Free Santa Photos🎅🏻 | Bring the grandkids and your camera and take your photo with Santa. | Dates: 14 - 24 Dec Location: Dee Why Grand Shopping Centre Cost: Free, Learn More |
Next Week & Upcoming:
Event | Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|---|
Curl Curl Creative Christmas Markets🧺 | The perfect opportunity to find unique, hand-crafted gifts for your loved ones while supporting local makers. Hosted within the ‘Underwater’ art exhibition. | Dates: Thur 19 Dec, 6pm Location: Curl Curl Creative Space Cost: Free, Learn More |
Carols By The Lake🎇 | Celebrate Christmas and the local community with live music, carols, food stalls, Santa and fireworks! | Dates: Sat 21 Dec, 6pm Location: Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen Cost: Free, Learn More |
Groups
Description | Details |
|---|---|
Brothers4Brothers🫂 | The mission of Brothers4Brothers is to create a safe and judgment-free space where men can communicate about their mental health struggles so they can begin the healing journey and live up to their full potential. |
Knitting Group - Online Meetup🧶 | An online group of people who are interested in chatting about fiber-related crafts - knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning. bring your latest project and let's chat together. |
Running Stars Curl Curl🏃🏻♂️➡️ | Meet @7:30am every Sunday. There are 3 distances to choose: 2.5km, 5km & 10km. |
Volunteering
Opportunity | Description | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
Lifeline NB Book Fairs📘 | Lend a helping hand at the local bookfair stalls! | The next Fair is on Dec 12-15, at St Augustine’s College, Brookvale. |
One Meal Northern Beaches🥗 | Various opportunities to help feed those in need over Christmas, with cooking, baking, warehouse packing, deliveries, serving food and admin support! | Variable! |
Santa Fundraiser🎁 | Help collect donations for the Kids With Cancer Foundation with Santa in Belrose! | Nightly from 5pm - 8.30pm from 1st December - 18th December |
Christmas Event Volunteers (Sydney Children’s Hospital)🚑 | Volunteer Roles Include: Spreading Christmas Cheer, Collecting donations, Bump in/out of events, Selling SCHF Merchandise, SCHF Spin & Win Wheel, Santa Photo Booth, etc. | CHRISTMAS CONCERTS & EVENTS: Rosebery Christmas Concert - 7th December Rushcutters Bay Christmas Concert - 8th December Glebe Christmas Concert - 14th December Coogee Carols - 15th December |
As always, I’d love to hear if you tried any of the things I’ve mentioned above, or if you’ve participated in other great activities that the community should know about!
Until next week!
-Liana xx
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