After a busy morning of cleaning and tidying at home, my daughter and I decided to head out for a day in Kareela. Naturally, as we had spent the morning being productive and burning energy, we decided to reward ourselves with something a little bit special for morning tea, so we began our adventure with a visit to…
Baked Patisserie
Technically speaking, this gem of a joint is in Kirrawee, but it’s a stone’s throw from the next stop on our journey so we’re counting it as part of our day out in Kareela, and we know you won’t mind once you have tasted their delectable range of treats!
If you have a sweet tooth, likely even if you don’t, your mouth will begin watering the minute you lay eyes on the sweet, small morsels set out at Baked Patisserie.
Their range changes all the time but usually includes macarons, tarts, donuts and slices in flavours like salted caramel, mixed berry, lemon and chocolate. They also make cronuts, hot cross buns, mini cakes and other seasonal treats, so you never know what will be waiting for you when you walk through the door!
The young man who served us was very friendly and waited patiently while I agonised over whether to pick the chocolate caramel crunch, dark chocolate salted caramel, or lemon tart- but the dark chocolate won on the day. I thought being a richer flavour, it might stop me wanting to eat more treats. I was wrong- and polished off two macarons (strawberry and vanilla) immediately afterwards.
My daughter ate a Redskin macaron before I could even try a bite, and we shared a white chocolate and mixed berry mousse slice, all in the name of research, of course!
Satisfied with our sugar hit, we headed to…
Joseph Banks
Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve in Kareela is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the Sutherland Shire. We have visited the all-native plant reserve many times before and it has become a firm favourite of ours. The kids love to wander the paths, search for insects, feel the different textures of the leaves and flowers, admire the stingless bees, sit among the green space and enjoy a picnic lunch on the benches provided.
There are plenty of different routes that you can take through the reserve. Some are pram-friendly and wheelchair accessible, while others involve stairs.
The paths will lead you through different themed gardens like the scented garden, rainforest and Aboriginal food and medicinal plants. There is signage all along the way so that you can find out and tell the kids about, everything you’re looking at as you gaze in awe at the huge range of natural beauty that surrounds you.
For more photos and details, read about our previous visit to Joseph Banks Native Plant Reserve.
If you forget to BYO lunch or would prefer someone else do the cooking, you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from…
The Cove @ Sharkies Kareela
The Cove Bar and Grill is the bistro at Kareela Golf Club. Last year the club undertook some big changes in management, and much of the club received a bright, shiny facelift. We have been here for dinner before and our kids made use of the excellent Kids’ Club. Its theme “down by the river”runs throughout with wood stump hanging seats, a chill pen and pretend animals everywhere. There are ipads, dress-ups, large noughts and crosses, colouring-in supplies and baskets of toys.
On this occasion, we weren’t making use of the Kids’ Club as we were there for a late lunch and the Kids Club is currently only open for lunch on Saturdays, and dinners on Friday and Saturday nights.
You can read about another time we visited and view more photos of the Kids Club here.
Though the Kids Club will be closed, one of the perks of visiting on a Monday-Thursday is that Kids’ Meals, which are normally $10-12, are just $5 with every adult meal purchased. The Kids’ Menu includes spaghetti and meatballs, cheesy penne pasta, or hotdog/grilled chicken/nuggets with chips and salad. My daughter chose the battered fish cocktails with chips and salad and I ordered the Meditteranean Salad of warm eggplant, capsicum, feta, mushroom, zucchini and pine nuts.
While we waited for our meals, my daughter and I read a book together, but there is also a little outdoor area, which you could make use of if your child is not happy to sit still.
I’ve had mixed experiences dining here in the past, but this was a good one. The dish was flavourful and the service was excellent so we ended our day satisfied with full bellies.
What else can you do with kids in Kareela?
If you’re after something simple to eat, or maybe just a milkshake, Kareela Golf Club also boats Blue Barista Cafe, which offers crepes, pies, wraps and fries. Or just beside Baked Patisserie you can grab sandwiches, wraps, burgers, protein bowls and fresh juices from Johnny Black. You can meet all your shopping needs at Kareela Village (more on that another day, so stay tuned!) or head for a play with younger kids to Freya St Reserve.
Want some ideas for your next day out? Check out the rest of our “A Day Out in…” guides or visit our “What’s On” page to read about local events.
