It’s the stuff of local legend or urban myth – depending on who you listen to – but the one constant is that the Canoe Pool/Mariner’s Pool/Geographical or Map Pool at the southern end of the Newcastle Ocean Baths is a fabulous place for families to cool off on hot summer days. Combining the fun of the beach with its sandy shore and the safety of a wading pool, this gorgeous city icon is always packed when the sun comes out. The Ocean Baths kiosk is handy for beachy snacks and you can pass the hours watching locals parade on the promenade. There may or may not be a coloured concrete map of the world underneath the sandy bottom but that doesn’t matter to the little ones who create their own imaginary worlds populated by pirates, fishermen and mermaids.

Where: Ingall Street, Mayfield

Having received a stay of execution from Newcastle City Council last year, Mayfield Pool is a popular recreation spot for hundreds of local families.Given to the Newcastle community 42 years ago by the BHP, the pool was considered belated compensation for the loss of Mayfield’s Shelley Beach. The 50 metre ‘big’ pool provides for both the serious swimmer as well as the older kids looking for some fun, while the shaded ‘little’ pool is deep enough for younger kids to have a decent swim, but shallow enough so that mum and dad can watch from the sidelines. The grassy area has plenty of shade sails and leafy trees to relax under and, if you can smell the delicious aroma of sausages sizzling, it’s probably coming from the free BBQ which always gets a workout.

Where: Dobinson Drive, Swansea

If you are the type of person who loves nothing better than a quiet, casual day with your family, then look no further than Swansea’s Coon Island. Situated on the Southern side of Lake Macquarie, it boasts easy access, parking, picnic facilities, public amenities, plenty of shady trees and crystal clear water over a soft, sandy bottom-perfect for those delicate little feet (and the not-so-little ones). So grab your esky, swimmers and towel (and your copy of Sunny Days), and head down for a blissful day of relaxation. The children will love frolicking in the water without any horrible seaweed!

Where: Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach

Do you have a budding mermaid or would-be pirate at your place? You might like to have an adventure at your own local cave! Pack a picnic, grab your cossies and load up your little explorers. Head to down the Pacific Highway to Caves Beach, and turn left at the roundabout at Swansea. Investigate the amazing caves at low tide and see how far around the point you can walk. With a patrolled beach for swimming, rock-pools to dabble in and huge boulders to jump off, Caves Beach comes with one warning- be aware that your kids may never want to leave.