4 minute read
BeLonging
from 2022-06 Sydney
by Indian Link
BLUE MoUNTAiNS
Nestled in the Southern Highlands of NSW, the charming country town Bowral has attracted Sydney daycationers for decades.
It is 115 km or about 2 hours from the centre of Sydney. To get the most of your daycation, start early, and get there in time for coffee and croissants at the Press Shop, at the corner of Bong Bong and Banyette Streets.
Refresh the mind, soul and the palette as you browse through boutiques and antique stores and enjoy the local produce at gourmet restaurants and cafés.
Pop in to The Potting Shed and The Orangery for supplies to rejuvenate the garden – both indoors and outdoors.
At Dirty Janes Antique Market, over 40 independent dealers present anything from French tapestry to vintage jewellery to whacky wall posters – an engaging way to spend an hour, or three!
For cricket fans, a must-do activity is a visit to the Bradman Oval, Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, which are dedicated to the achievements of the legendary Sir Donald Bradman, and his contributions to the game of cricket. Take a peek also at Sir Donald’s childhood home at 52 Shephard Street, now lovingly restored by a fan to its former glory.
Try the Centennial Vineyards for a bit of wine tasting and a leisurely lunch. The restaurant overlooks the vineyard, and provides a unique alfresco experience in summer, and in winter the cosy and rustic appeal is enhanced by an enormous fireplace.
is an immediate connection driving down the South Coast of NSW, bringing back memories of the Malabar Coast. It edges along the Pacific Ocean, and includes Wollongong, Shell harbour and Kiama closer to Sydney, and Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Merimbula and Sapphire Coast around five hours by road. The opportunities to at every step along this picturesque coast, however far you want to venture out on your day trip.
The entire stretch is blessed with spectacular beaches and expansive national parks, making it ideal for a fun-filled daycation. There are trails in the National Parks, while for those more adrenaline-driven there’s spotting and kayaking it low-key, try one of the many
For many, the sense of connection comes early as the day sojourn begins with a prayer at the Venkateswara from Sydney. The Hindu temple draws visitors of all faiths to appreciate its grand architecture. Not far from here, the picture-perfect village of Stanwell Park is an internationally famous area for hang-gliding and paragliding. (This is where Australian aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave first flew his box kite in 1894.)
Don’t miss the 665m Sea Cliff Bridge, meandering along the coastline next to the cliffs. A wonderful walk across!
Day-trippers also take in the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhist sites in the southern hemisphere. All of these sites are on the way to Kiama, a perfect seafront nest for a day picnic with family and friends. The biggest attraction here is the blowhole.
SoUTH coAST connec Tion
Unite With Nature And With Heritage
cENTRAL coAST Joy
With its spectacular beaches, national parks and semi-urban water-fronted townships, the Central Coast is a wonderful choice for a quick getaway, less than 90 minutes north from Sydney. It provides a leisurely escape into the lap of unspoilt nature, offering delight as well as relaxation.
Well-connected also by rail, Gosford, a modern hideout on the Brisbane Water, is the hub of the region. It lies within close proximity of the magnificent Brisbane Water National Park and not far from the turquoise blue Tuggerah Lake. The Australian Reptile Park nearby is a great venue for the family. Home to exotic reptiles from Australia and around the world, this renowned hands-on zoo boasts loads of animal interaction and exciting wildlife shows to amuse people of all ages. The Central Coast is a beach lover’s paradise featuring many sandy patches, from quiet and secluded stretches through to those where big waves are the drawcard. All are panoramically stunning – but day-trippers prefer Avoca Beach, Copacabana Beach, Shelly Beach, Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and the Entrance. One way of going past all of the beaches is by cruising the edging waters on a high-speed boat, a rejuvenating adrenaline-rushing tour offered by Terrigal Ocean Tours from Terrigal, another beautiful and popular beachside haven.
It’s interesting to know that three Central Coast towns – Wyong, Woy Woy and Long Jetty – are finalists for the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards this year. Each can be explored as a day trip from Sydney.
Sydneysiders as well as interstate and overseas visitors in awe, is the winter festival of lights, Vivid Sydney. An annual event since 2009, it sparks the soul of the harbour city with a creative lighting wonderland and shows off this
Particularly loved is the illuminated version of landmark buildings like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Customs House and touristy domains like the Rocks, Darling Harbour and
Besides lights, the festival in its current form fuses art, innovation and technology into the program in collaboration with some of the top boundary-pushing artists, thinkers and musicians of present time. The festival makes a comeback this year after two years of COVID cancellations. It is on until 18 June, every day from 6 pm until late, swinging
This year there are new lighting venues and arrangements, cutting edge artists, immersive events, unmissable performances, and sensational experiences featuring more than 200 events and artworks, 50 dazzling light installations and 3D projection artworks, 111 eclectic music events and 87 thought-provoking ideas, talks and workshops. Never-before-lit buildings will add new sparkle to the city skyline and an epic water sculpture on a scale never seen before in Australia will rise from the waters of Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour. A key highlight this year will be the longest continuous Light Walk in the history of the event, from Sydney Opera House to Central Station. For other innovations, head to www.vividsydney.com
