Art Gallery of NSW

After a bit of culture? A bit of inspiration through art? WE either love art galleries or hate them. I am a lover of art galleries, I've been to some of the most famous ones in Europe, the UK, Singapore and China. Dont be too quick to dismiss how awesome our art galleries are in Australia. I think going to art galleries in AUstralia in an experience in its entirety. That is, the grounds of our art galleries are always stunning, and most them are situation with a far bit of land around them, allowing for a lovely stroll to take in the surrounds.

The Art Gallery of NSW is just beautiful. Set amongst the outskirts of the city centre, it gently falls onto the botanical gardens.

Most Sydney siders don't visit as frequently as they should, or, haven't visited at all.

You don't need a full day to visit, but I would save a good half day - Walk to the gallery from Hyde Park in Sydney - Its a lovely walk.

What's even better - if you're on a budget - It's free to enter!However, if there is a specific exhibition on, there is normally a charge to view.

My favourite thing is the Auslan guided tours. Check the galleries website for dates and times.

www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Kirribilli markets

Markets are always fun. They are jammed packed with many different characters, colours, tastes sights and smells. They really do stimulate all of your senses. and best of all, if you're on a tight budget and backpacking - they are free!

One of the best markets to visit when in Sydney has to be the Kirribilli markets. Set at the northern end of one of the most icons landmarks in the world - the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Kirribilli markets makes for a great days of sightseeing.

I would recommend starting the day by strolling over the Harbour Bridge, that is of course if you are staying in the city.

Save breakfast for when you get to the markets - There are so many food stalls with a wide range of food on offer. Aromatic coffee fills the air and gets your taste buds salivating. Save some room though if you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of cupcake and macaroon stalls to feed your sugar kick!

There are there different market themes.

General markets
Art and design markets
Fashion markets

These run on different days of the month, alternating between the three. For market dates and theme click here.

If you're a local and feel you have a excess of clothing or shoes building up, why not hire a stall. My friend Kim did just that and was able to sell her once loved goods to someone else who will love them! What a great way to make some extra pocket money and spend the day!

www.kirribillimarkets.com

The Hardware Societe

I love Melbourne, I don't know how to explain the love I feel for a city - but it's there...and its real. I feel so at home when I am here (which it should, as it is where I am from, originally).

Melbourne is full of arty eclectic boutique shops, bars and cafes. No space is wasted. Down alley ways and side streets are some of the best hidden delights that you will ever find.

During a recent short trip to Melbourne, a few friends and I went into one of these side streets to the famous 'The Hardware Societe'.

Its a mix of modern country French dining for breakfast or brunch. The best thing is - They do Gluten free and vegan options! Yep! One of the image below is a vegan rice pudding with coconut cream and sour cherry.... YUM!

This place gets packed fast - If you love breakfast (its my favourite meal of the day) and you're an early bird - get you bottom down here early! If you're not an early bird - set your alarm!

You can find this tasty gem on Hardware Street. Look here on - Google maps

Bowral - Tulip Time and the parade

From the 18th of September to the 1st of October Bowral, in the Southern Highlands, springs to life (Spring pun intended hahaha) for the annual Tulip Festival.

The town becomes a wash of colour as everyone welcomes in the change of season. The festival has been running for a few years - starting back in 1958, the town pride for this event is overwhelming beautiful.

The open gardens (there is an entry fee of $10 pp) are carefully manicured with row upon row of delicate flowers. Carefully selected and placed into geometric shapes and pattens.

Markets venders line the side streets selling trinkets and home made produce, and like any market completely stimulate all of your senses. Scattered throughout the town you will find buskers jamming out and entertaining the crowds.

The highlight of the day is the town parade that takes place in the high street Bong Bong. It starts at around 3pm and pays respect to the town members. Vintage cars, local shop owners, businesses and even a marching band proudly stroll down the high street waves and smiling at onlookers.

I have mentioned Bowral once before in my blog, its still not a place that many people would think to visit. But I highly recommend it. Its is a nice weekend escape from Sydney (about a 2.5hour drive) giving you the best of the relaxed country lifestyle that it is so famous for.

 

Nan Tien Temple

Take a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney and you will hit the old working beach-side town of Wollongong. If you are heading south down the freeway you may notice a very large temple popping out from the side of the mountain on your left. Most people will gaze in awe as they continue to drive past it. STOP! Its well worth it!

Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere and is a hub for the Buddhist community. It welcomes everyone from all backgrounds to come and experience the majestic practices of this sacred way of life.

The temple is free to visit! There are donation boxes through the complex and if you have spare change  - throw it in! You are allowed to enter the prayer rooms and halls (just remember to remove your shoes) and there is an amazing vegetarian cafe that serves home style veggie food.

Downstairs there is an amazing tea house with a large variety of yummy green and herbal teas and fine vegetarian food (try the Jasmine Flower Jelly dessert - its softly scented with jasmine and tickles your taste buds!)

The temple offers retreats (daily, weekend and longer) and for those interested in practicing Buddhism, they even have their own university.

Check out their web site for upcoming events and information!

South Coast Beach Life - Kiama and Gerringong

I find the South Coast of NSW to be a soothing and tranquil place. Its strange that I take such delight in this place. It's not like I come down here to escape the hustle and bustle of city life - I live on the beach! No, the South Coast has an aura about it, it pulls you in and makes you want more.

Along the coast line is the perfect mix of country farms and chic little beach towns. A weekend get away is sometimes all you need to experience and fall in love with the South coast.Depending on how much time you - is the direct relation as to how far down you can go. For a weekend trip from Sydney, I would recommend heading to Kiama or Gerringong.

Kiama is a hub for tourists, so the novelty can wear off pretty fast. But please do stop here! I recommend using it as a 'break stop'. Stop on the way down and on the way back! There are some great walking paths to stretch your legs and take in the sea air - after being couped up in a car for hours, this will be welcomed!

Sites worth seeing around Kiama:

• Kiama Blowhole - This is actually great to see when the weather is not so good - Take an umbrella or a poncho

• Little Blowhole - Is the little brother of the big blowhole
• The Lighthouse

There are plenty of things to see and do - This website here has a great list.

Moving further south, 20min from Kiama is the very small town of Gerringong. I LOVE this town.

It is quiet, peaceful. the beaches are pretty and the people are friendly.

If you are looking for a weekend get away and want to splurge than I would recommend staying at www.mercuregerringong.com.au - This was formally known as the Bella Chara and was very famous amongst the locals. It still has beautiful rooms and great service!

The restaurant there serves amazing food and If you up for a bit of a night out - Start you Friday with Cheap Cocktails during happy hour!

Eating out in Gerringong is easy! There are plenty of dining options - My favorite is Point Break Cafe - Its a veggie cafe and serves amazing food (The nachos are the best), it is connected to the major surf shop in town.

Into swimming and surfing? The beaches around this area are sure to please, they tend to pull in a good swell. Gerringong also has an ocean bath for though who do not like to swim directly in the surf!

To wrap it all off - If you are a keen hiker (like me) you can put your hiking boots on and head out on the Gerringong to Kiama coastal walk - Its not too hard - and has the MOST amazing views!

It smells as sweet as a... Rozelle

Looking for a trendy place to idle away your Sunday, with some good coffee, food and shopping? Rozelle is the place you will want to head to.

Classed as the inner western suburbs of Sydney, it is a short (depending on traffic) 15min bus ride from the city, most of the '500' buses will get you there, or close to it. You can also walk there...yes, its actually not that far. If you're around the Pyrmont/ Darling Harbour area and have some good walking shoes on...take a stroll over there. Its a good 60min walk, but you get to walk over the ANZAC Bridge and take in the sites while preparing your body for all the amazing food you will eat!

Rozelle is famous for its 'high street' - Darling Street, which is very long and stretches over several suburbs. It doesn't really matter which direction you head in - both ends of Darling Street have something to offer. But, I suggest you start by heading towards Balmain.

On the weekend the Rozelle Public School plays host to the ultra trendy and always popular Rozelle Markets. You can find ANYTHING here, and I dare say it is one of the best bric-a-brac markets I have been to in Australia. Every store is overflowing with past loved items, treasures that hold amazing stories and eclectic gift ware.

You will not be led astray with an abundant choice of cafes and coffee houses, some of my favorites include:

• Piccolo Padre (this is where Vic and I ate on this visit to Rozelle)
• Iku - amazing vegan food (nom nom nom)
• C'est Bon - It is good! trust me. Amazing french pastries and coffee! You cannot walk past the window without your mouth watering!
• About Life Cafe - This is also a massive organic supermarket that I love. They stock a great range of organic, vegan, and gluten free foods as well as everyday products.

You can easily spend a whole day wondering around this area, but to get the most out of it, I would go there in the morning and spend a good half day!

If you're feeling like getting in touch with your zen side. There is an awesome yoga studio here also. Its hot yoga, so you will sweat. The teachers are amazing and the classes are always fun -
Body Mind Soul