This is a picture of Amigo’s Castle in Lightning Ridge. Quirky and independent, Lightning Ridge has long been known as a… ahem…shall we say…unique place? I’ve been told by one long time resident of Wellington that Byron Bay used to be considered drop out country but now it was just a big tourist spot. He went on to say that Lightning Ridge is the current “Drop out country- the place you go to avoid the sheriff and alimony.” Another man from Wellington told me that …
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A couple of months ago I flew to Adelaide for the U2 concert. Since I was headed to the area, I was on a mission to try and experience some of the local produce both in eaten and imbibed forms.
I have to relay a funny but relevant story first. This past week a van full of girls went on a trip. As we drove past a vineyard, one of the girls eyed the vines laden with fruit, rubbed her tummy, smacked her lips and stated- a few of you are going to have to die tonight…
While I’m guessing the grapes in the wines we tried on the trip to d’Arenbergs had given up their lives and been sent to the smasher a few years before, their sacrifice was not in vain.
d’Arenbergs prides themselves on doing things just a little bit differently. Whatever it is they are doing I heartily approve. Desperate for food, we showed up to the winery a bit road weary and not in our Sunday finest (on a Sunday at that). Fully expecting to be turned away as we had been from another local restaurant, we pulled up to d’Arenbergs. A beautiful country space and a gourmet restaurant, we were graciously and warmly welcomed. Huge acolades for the very kind and thoughtful staff !
A bustling Sunday afternoon in the popular McLaren Vale, we were not surprised that they were completely booked out. With a genuine smile, the Maitre’d said she’d see what she could do and directed us to go enjoy ourselves in the tasting room while she could figure something out.
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Late last week I received an invitation to the Spalding exhibit opening at the Arthouse Hotel at 275 Pitt Street. While the invitation looked appealing, I was puzzled how they had gotten ahold of my name and address. Upon closer inspection, I noticed www.wildbrumby.com in very small print. A HUGE grin came to my face and I remembered a completely enjoyable and slightly tipsy afternoon in the Snowy Mountains spent at the gorgeous Wild Brumby Schnappery.
After this discovery, I HAD to go and see if …
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G’day Folks! I’ve had a request for information from other cities outside of Sydney… What! Is there really life outside of Sydney!…He He just kidding. Check out some of these amazing events in Australia’s other city… Melbourne.
What’s on Melbourne. City Search
Come out and help turn your liver…err I mean the beer green! St Pats
The Wicked Food and Wine Festival. 16-30 of March sees events such as Wicked Sunday (25 March) which is promised to be the “Tiffany diamond of the festival – indulgent, decadent and a must-taste!” …
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Looking for something to do on Wednesday nights in this crazy old city that will save you a bit of money? The White Horse in trendy Surry Hills is promoting local talent. Every Wednesday night they are hosting local musicians.
There is no cost to attend, unless of course you count the 1-3 drinks you plan on purchasing. At any rate, you would have probably purchased those drinks somewhere else, so why not come support some local musicians.
The White Horse Hotel is also …
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If your are headed to the Northern Territory, the operators og Pungalina Safari’s have discovered 4 new caves. The new caves have been discovered on the Pungalina Station which is in the Northern Trritories gulf country. In total, 19 caves have been discovered on the 202,000 hectare cattle property. Four, however, are now accesible to visitors. One of the caves features a crystal clear swimming hole. Brrrr! Click here to check out their other activites at the wildeness safari camp. or phone 03 9882 4236 …
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Do you feel the need for speed? Easter Weekend sees lovely Bathurst turn into a motor revving, testosterone fuelled metropolis when the Bathurst International Motor Festival rolls into town. The oldest inland settlement, Bathurst, on the far side of the Blue Mountains, is always a picturesque little town. It also happens to be home to the very famous Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit which is is 6.213 kilometres in length, 874 metres above sea level and has grades of up to 1 in 6.13.
The track is a …
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Sunday and Sunset @ Subi Concert Series
Perth is proud to present a series of free concerts for the community throughout the year.
The Sunday @ Subi series runs through the winter months on Sunday afternoons and features a range of performers, styles and entertainment, all in the newly refurbished Subiaco Arts Centre at 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco.
During the summer months, the concerts move to the beautiful parks of the City, commencing in December and continuing through to February. Muller Park, Cliff Sadlier Park, JH Abrahams Reserve, the Oaks Lawn in the …
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Looking for an affordable surfie get away? Want to see some real wild and untamed ocean? About 2.5 hours south of Sydney, the Culburra Hide Away, located on Culburra beach near Jervis Bay, is sooooo chillaxed.
A true 1960’s beach pad, it has modern amenities, but beachy charm. Capable of sleeping up to 7, it has an eclectic decor, and not posh, but comfortable and homey furnishings. Bring your friends, own linens, food, and sporting equipment. There is a BBQ, DVD, TV and radio available if you plan to spend anytime indoors. With so much to do and see in the area, that is a major challenge.
Perfect for a weekend getaway or a week long total relax session, the house itself is opposite the surf beach, main beachfront and about 200M from the local surflifesaving club. Access is via a walkway. Penguin Point at the end of the street is breathtaking at high tide. There is a beautiful reserve lake 200 metres away at the end of the road with forest around it. The famous Jervis Bay town of Huskisson is a short drive away where you can snorkel, dive, most times see dolphins, and grab a beer and a meal at the Husky.
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The hustle and bustle of Sydney can become overwhelming to even the most hardened of city dwellers at times. If you feel like you’ve been abused by the city, your boss, or chewed up and spit out- maybe it is time to get out of town and see a bit more of this great land down under. I had one of those weekends this past one.
Just 2 hours south of Sydney is Kangaroo Valley, one of only 7 fully enclosed valleys in the world, or so they claim. Regardless of claims, it was gorgeous, calm, clean, and just what the doctor ordered. A bit of physical exercise and falling asleep to the sound of wombats thundering by can work magic on one’s outlook and help recharge those batteries.
Kangaroo Valley Safari’s is one of a couple of outfitters in the area. They provided efficient and organized service. Their equipment was in excellent shape, and were timely in their pick up. That is especially fantastic after you have been sans shower and toilet for two days.
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