Pups, treetops and lights: new experiences arriving across the Hunter

A Brisbane business that combines exercise with animals has expanded into the Hunter and it is probably not what you would expect.

Yoga Paws, co-owned by Harry McCann and Tea-Maria Constantin, is the latest offering in the Hunter's fitness scene. Group classes combine beginner-friendly yoga with puppies. Do the downward-facing dog next to an actual dog. You get the idea?

"My background was in operations, and Tea-Maria grew up volunteering at animal rescues," Mr McCann told Newcastle Herald.

"We'd both grown up with dogs and loved animals, so building something together that involved them was a natural fit. The idea was to offer an enjoyable, approachable yoga experience while giving puppies a gentle introduction to different people and surroundings."

Newcastle is one of nine cities the business owners have expanded into, with the location of the yoga moving venues each week. For participants, the yoga runs like a normal class, but the puppies are unleashed into the space and they can choose whether or not to interact with people or each other.

"Puppy yoga is still a relatively new industry, and people quite reasonably want to know how the animals are being looked after," he said.

"Puppies choose whether to interact, have a separate retreat space, and are supervised by two dedicated staff independently of the yoga instructor. Full rest breaks are built into the day."

The RSPCA has spoken out against live animal-assisted fitness classes, saying the unregulated industry could potentially be using breeders with questionable practices. It has also pointed out that very young animals do not get any positive development gains from the interactions and need long periods of uninterrupted sleep, with gentle and predictable socialisation.

Mr McCann told the Herald that Yoga Paws was aware of the RSPCA's stance and had worked very hard to ensure the safety of animals was paramount to the business. Breeders and shelters are all vetted before they are approved to provide puppies for the interactions. Only one litter of vaccinated animals is featured per event to maintain optimal welfare, minimise stress responses, and support positive human-animal interaction. Studios are temperature-controlled, hygienically maintained with vet-grade F10, and equipped with soft mats, species-appropriate toys, and constant access to fresh water. Before classes, animals have a dedicated 60-minute rest period in their private safe space. Puppies must be fully weaned, eating independently and accustomed to spending time comfortably away from their mother before attending the sessions.

"The local rescue collaborations are something we're particularly proud of. In August, we worked with Working Paws Dog Rescue at Profile Studio in Maryville on a designated rescue puppy day that contributed $650 to the organisation," he said.

"The aim is to turn that momentum into regular support, with more opportunities for locals to meet the animals and get behind the rescues' work."

Readers can find current Newcastle dates, venues and bookings here: https://www.yoga-paws.com/puppy-yoga-newcastle

Sky-high adventure

For those looking to get the blood pumping, rather than the slow movements of yoga, a suspended net course has made its way to WildNets Adventure Newcastle, previously known as TreeTops adventure park.

The bouncy nets stretch from tree to tree where both children and adults can run and play like koalas, gliders and kookaburras. Each netted room has a different activity. There are ball pits, mazes, beanbags and treehouses. The nets are colour-coded to help identify the skill level required in each section of the course.

The Treetops Adventure business finished up at the Blue Gum Hills Regional Park site in October 2025, announcing the end-of-lease closure.

Wildnets took over operation of the Minmi park in November of that year after winning a tender from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Wildnets also runs an adventure park in Port Macquarie.

Southern hemisphere's largest Christmas lights display

Halloween has wrapped up, which means we are straight into Christmas. The Hunter Valley Gardens' Christmas Lights Spectacular, the largest display in the southern hemisphere, has been officially switched on for the festive season.

Now in its 19th year, the installation has a few new additions including glowing constellations and a candy cane entrance to the gingerbread house, as well as skiing reindeer and a classic Aussie ute.

"Every year, we look for new ways to bring the magic of Christmas to life, and this year we've introduced some really special displays that we think visitors of all ages will love," Julie Pettit from Hunter Valley Gardens said.

The display runs daily until January 31, 2027 (closed Christmas Day).