Families @ CSC 2026

Dedicated Parents Room

The CSC organising committee supports parents with young children who will be attending the CSC 2026 in the Hunter Valley. A parents’ room has been made available as a viewing room for parents with children. The room provides space for activities and play for children while parents are able to listen to the presentations from the main auditorium with the same AV projection.

The room will feature amenities including a feeding area, changing table, and food preparation space, all easily accessible.

The room will be open during conference hours 800-1700 daily.

Next to the main pool is the Water Park – a family favourite at Rydges Hunter Valley. While the kids splash, slide and play, parents can kick back on sun loungers and soak up the relaxed resort vibe. With Lovedale Bar + Grill just steps away, you can enjoy chef-made meals and refreshing drinks delivered straight to your poolside seat from the dedicated menu.

What to do in the Hunter Valley with the kids?

Treat the family to a fun day outdoors enjoying the Spring School Holidays!

Watch out for the school holiday programs.

The Hunter Valley Gardens have eight kilometers of walking paths wind their way through 14 hectares of gardens which include over 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground cover plants, man-made waterfalls, statues imported from around the world, murals designed and painted by local artists and much more. The 10 individually themed gardens showcase gardens from around the world utilising both native and exotic varieties of plants.

Let the Meerkats, Marmosets, Big Cats and Alligators make your Hunter Valley getaway the best one yet!

Rooted in a deep commitment to providing a sanctuary for the world’s most endangered and captivating species, the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is a home to a remarkable array, including binturongs, lions, rare birdlife, Australian native animals and more.  A local favourite for over 30 years, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park has now evolved to be one of Australia’s most diverse collections of rare and endangered species from across the globe. 

Hunter Valley’s biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track.

The Hunter region’s biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track with a massive 850m long track!

Horse riding in the Hunter Valley….ride with us through beautiful Hunter Valley bushland and vineyards or hop on one of our horse-drawn carriage wine tours. Experience the beautiful views, country fresh air and award winning wine and produce that our wine region has to offer. Our friendly staff, beautiful horses and comfortable carriages will ensure you have a fun, and relaxing day out with your family and friends.

Will there be a creche at the CSC 2026 Hunter Valley?

Creche facilities will not be available at the CSC 2026 Hunter Valley.

Following the impact of COVID-19, there has been a significant decline in the number of childcare providers willing to offer off-site services. Factors including insurance and risk management requirements, costs, staff availability, and the provision of appropriate equipment have contributed to this shift.

The venue and surrounding facilities remain accessible to delegates accompanied by children, as well as partners, grandparents, and carers.

Ensuring the safety of children during a CSC meeting has always been, and continues to be, a paramount priority. Where we are unable to confidently guarantee both safety and a high-quality service from a provider, we believe it is in the best interests of delegates and their families not to offer a creche facility.

The Healthcare Industry Drinks

The Health Care Industry (HCI) drinks is available to CSC delegates to network, learn more in regard to medical devices, pharmaceutical and health practices and innovations and to engage with sponsors and presenters.

We are committed to creating a safe and productive environment for all people who attend and support our major meetings. We also acknowledge that the HCI is an extremely busy space with catering, medical equipment and often large numbers of people.

For delegates who are attending the meeting with a baby, we understand that you may need and want to have the baby with you especially during morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea breaks.

We respectfully request that all young walking-age children please not enter the HCI area due to the presence of medical grade equipment including sharps and other hazardous and loose objects.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Wonnarua people, traditional owners and keepers of the Hunter Valley area where CSC 2026 will be hosted. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. The Wonnarua people have a deep spiritual connection to the land.

We commit to respecting the land, people and culture of the Wonnarua Nation during the congress, and at all times.