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

Love Miss Tilly Devine

Amongst the back back alleys and sides streets of Eastern Sydney awaits a wino's dream bar. Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city life is Love Tilly Devine. Bringing a bit of Melbourne to Sydney (in my opinion) and gracing our lips with some of the most decadent wines, Love TIlly Devine is a hot spot for a night out in Sydney.

The wine selection will blow your mind. Boasting an impressive selection from all around the globe, there will be a wine to match you!

Not a wine fan or don't know a lot about wine? Never fear - the hosts and hostess' will listen to what you may or may not like in a wine and perfectly match one for you. I mean it! They will. Each time I have been they have hit the nail on the head.

They have a small bar menu, but it is of the highest quality, just enough to line your tummy and accompany the wine list.

It is not cheap, but I mean come on - your paying for good good good wine here. Make it a cheaper night though by going with a group of friends and opting for a bottle rather than per  glass.

www.lovetillydevine.com

Vegan baked goods

Nom nom nom... a tummy grumble and a quick dash to the Townsville Vegans stall at The Willows market and the empty tummy grumble is satisfied.

To Join in on the World Wide Vegan Bake Sale, Townsville Vegans hosted a stall at The Willows Market on the 11th May.

Their goal was to raise money for Farm Animal Rescue Australia and spread the word about compassionate life styles.

I was lucky enough to be able to assist as a volunteer on the day and took some happy snaps!

Vegan and non-vegan alike enjoyed devouring yummy baked goods - $307 was raised on the day! well done guys!

These markets are not just for us veggie-heads though, there are plenty of stalls selling everything under the rainbow!

The markets happen every Sunday in The Willows Shopping Centre car park. They are free to wander through!

A chilli night in Sydney

I'm the first to admit, I find Melbourne to be better in the food stakes than Sydney. But, if you're after a good night out, great mexican food and maybe a jug or two of sangria.. lock up your rucksacks, put on your walking shoes and head over to Cafe Pacifico!

Trust me - it will be a night out! Walk your way down the side streets of Darlinghurst and fins your way to a mexican service station. Up the flight of stairs await a tantalising feast for your eyes, ears and taste buds.

Boast a huge selection of tequila - you may want to elect to not be the designated driver for tonight - 1 Tequila, 2 Tequila... I dont normally remember much after the second shot.

The food is yummy - I haven't been to Mexico or South America, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the food... but it is spicy (if thats how you like it) and full of flavour.

Are you a Veggie head and GF person, like me? Never fear - They can cater for us foodies too!

Grab a bunch of friends, take an empty belly and enjoy a night of food, drinks and laughter!

www.cafepacifico-laperla.com

Ravenswood

A ghost town of the gold-rush era, Ravenswood is serenely and eerily beautiful. I took the turn off to Ravenswood on the way back from Charters Towers (about 140km South West of Townsville). I wasn't sure what to expect, this is a country town that is literally in the middle of no where.

The Town was booming back in it 'hay-day' first settled in 1860, gold was soon discovered a few years later. It still boasts to this day a massive mine - there are lots of Ariel photographs of the mine in the local 'souvenir shop'. I spoke with the lady who was working in the shop - She advised me that the mine is still pull gold from the earth to date. There is a look out that you can drive to that shows you the open mine.

You don't need a guide to visit this town - The town (now operated by the National Trust) has an information 'station' and clear markers and information plaques everywhere - take a wonder around at your own leisure.

There are two pubs, a post office/general store and the souvenir shop (which doubles as a little museum ) There is a museum and other buildings that you can visit - The opening hours are short however (10am-1pm), so plan around this accordingly.

If you love Australia history you will love this little town. It is a bit of a photographs paradise in that there are so many old structures and textures everywhere.

For more information check out this website - http://www.heritageaustralia.com.au

Charters Towers

Are you a historian buff? Love a good tale about the Gold Rush era? Love antiques and museums from this period?

Then head to Charters Towers. If you find yourself on a great Australian road trip whether it be carvaning, backpacking - or just cruising your way from town to town, you may find Charters Towers interesting.

Its about 140KM south west of Townsville in Australia's far north Queensland, it truly is a town the Time forgot. Boasting only a few of the modern day cons (a new McDonalds, a Subway and a Woolworth supermarket) most of the buildings here are still original Dating back to the days of the Goldmine boom.

There is a Country Target here - No its not the shop we are interested in, but the building. It still has the original arcade type display cases at the front. There is the old Stock Exchange building, which is just beautiful and the entrance to the 'Bank' (the converted theatre) is also quiet lovely.

There are plenty of tours to see and do - A ghost tour at night, The Old Miners Cottage, The Venue Battery - you can find a full list of things to do at this website, just make sure you plan your day as the tours operate at weird times and sometime not at all. So phone ahead, just to be sure.

www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

In terms of accommodation - I didn't stay the night, I just drove out and back. There are plenty of options which can be found on the website.

Food wise - not that great. I found it hard to get soy milk! If you have allergies, bring your own food - or stock up at the Woolworth  There are plenty of places to eat at reasonable prices... but its nothing fancy - Basic sandwiches etc...

St Mary's and Hyde Park

I was walking through the famous Hyde Park in Sydney the other day, it really is a very pretty park.

Here are some simple images I took.

Hyde Park is a great mid-city escape at lunch time you will see it strewn with office workers taking in their daily dose of Vitamine D and relieving themself from the stressfu environments of their offices.

Across the way from Hyde park is St Mary's Cathedral. I hadn't been into the Cathedral - ever. Now that I think about it, I don't know many people who have. So when I went in I was both shocked and surprised. It is such an amazing building. the coloured glass of the windows delicately dance around the interiors stone work.  It has the typical features you would expect to find in a Cathedral, its just surprising that it is here in Sydney. I guess we Sydney-siders tend to take this for granted and dream up big ideas of Gothic architecture belonging in Europe.

If you do happen to find a few spare moment and you are in Sydney, take a stroll through the park and finish with a quick visit to the Cathedral, its impressive!