Mums and Bubs Pokolbin launched in October last year with 60-70 parents attending each of the monthly meet-ups so far. The Facebook group also has more than 400 members.

The idea behind the group is for local mums, dads, guardians and grandparents to have a day out with their kids and mix with other parents.

It started after the Maitland group put a call out on Facebook looking for ambassadors.

Amy Butler and Rachel Threadgate, who met in hospital before the birth of their children, put their hands up and established the group.

"I haven't been in the area very long, so it was a chance for me to meet people," Ms Butler said. "There wasn't a lot to offer in this area. There were a lot of online groups but not many face to face."

The first meet-up was attended by 65 parents, and Ms Butler said she had no idea it would be so popular.

"I was thinking there would just be a few people," she said.

The picnics involve a free raffle with prizes donated from local businesses and a guest speaker each month. The group also asks attendees to donate a small amount of money which is given to a different charity each month.

The most recent picnic supported homelessness support organisation, Hunter Hands of Hope, while others have aided a fire brigade, the John Hunter Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and Youth Off The Streets.

Ms Threadgate said she believed the group had been popular as it offered a relaxed environment for like-minded people.

"You can talk to people in the same situation as you," she said.

She said she and Ms Butler made sure to speak to everyone and introduce people to make them more comfortable.

"It can be quite overwhelming," Ms Butler said.

"It looks like everyone knows each other but they really don't."

For more information visit the Mums & Bubs Pokolbin Facebook group.