Christine Knight, Author at Adventure, baby!

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Glebe Foreshore Walk, Sydney

October 14, 2020 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Glebe Foreshore Walk, Sydney

The 2km Glebe Foreshore Walk stretches from Pyrmont’s Sydney Fish Market around Blackwattle Bay to Bicentennial and Jubilee parks. The trail is perfect for running, cycling or walking.

The Foreshore Walk is a fave local haunt of ours, and we often enjoy weekends grabbing food or a gelato at the Tramsheds before taking this walk.

The walk can be started at the Tramsheds (where there is free parking available) or at the Pyrmont Fish Market. I suggest starting the walk with the intention to enjoy breakfast or lunch at the destination.

The path is fully paved, making it ideal for scooters, bikes, wheelchairs and strollers. There is a section with large stones however which make for a bumpy ride.

Along the walk you will enjoy stunning views of the ANZAC Bridge as well as open grasslands, playgrounds at both Jubilee Park and Bicentennial Park, off-leash dog walking areas and a cafe with public restrooms around the halfway point. There are also public restrooms located in Jubilee Park near the sports oval.

Read about Jubilee Park & Playground Glebe.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/america-bay-walking-track

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

A Glamping Stay at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

October 13, 2020 / Australia, NSW, Port Stephens, Travel / 0 comment

A Glamping Stay at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

See koalas in their natural habitat and help support the care of sick and injured koalas at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary was founded in mid-2020 in partnership with Port Stephens Council to create a first-class facility with urgent care for koalas in need as well as support long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation in the wild.

Set in stunning bush lands near Anna Bay, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary offer visitors the chance to peek inside the state-of-the-art Koala Hospital with Intensive Care Unit treatment rooms and holding pens, take a stroll down the Sanctuary Story Walk, a 250 metre in length meandering pathway offering an immersive educational experience telling the story of koala and its habitat, and enjoy a stroll up the 225m Newcastle Airport SKYwalk elevated pathway and viewing platform, for a ‘tree top’ perspective into the koala’s natural habitat.

The Fat Possum Café onsite offers basic food like pre-made sandwiches, pies and sausage rolls (several vegetarian varieties on offer) plus pastries and muffins, drinks and a range of souvenirs.

For a really unique stay, try the overnight glamping experience like we did. The four-star glamping tents are set within the sanctuary grounds, in the shade of beautiful tall trees.

The glamping tents fit groups of two or four people – our deluxe tent had a queen bed and two single beds. Each tent has its own ensuite and kitchenette with fridge, toaster and microwave.

Also included in the stay is a breakfast hamper and a mini bar full of local treats. We highly enjoyed the wine, beer, cheese and snacks on our verandah while we watched the suns et through the trees.

Other facilities for overnight guests include a swimming pool with a heated spa and BBQ facilities.

Accessible glamping tents are also available.

The following morning, a guided tour is offered to overnight guests where a staff member takes the group on a tour of the sanctuary and gives a great personal talk on the role of the sanctuary, the plight of the local koalas, and incredible information on these unique creatures.

We learned so much in this tour, including how fussy koalas are about eating only the particular types of trees in their area, which makes it hard to transport and treat them elsewhere, and how the population has dropped significantly from 30K koalas in the area only 30 years ago to a few hundred today.

The hospital has an ICU section with around 15 koalas receiving medical treatment for injuries, mostly from motor vehicle accidents, or sickness, which is most often chlamydia, which flairs up when a koala is under stress and can cause blindness.

While the aim is for the koalas to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, there are times when a koala isn’t able to be released because their sickness or injury is too severe. These koalas are offered a permanent home at the sanctuary.

In the future the sanctuary hopes to embark on a breeding program to then release more koalas into the wild and build back up the local population.

If you are keen to stay but not keen on glamping, there are also a range of standard rooms available for a more conventional accomodation choice.

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is located around an hour from Newcastle or a 2.5 hour drive north of Sydney. There is a shopping centre a 5-minute away in Salamandar Bay with an excellent supermarket for stocking up.

Check in for overnight is from 2pm. I suggest checking in around then to leave yourself enough time to get settled into the room, look around the sanctuary, and leave plenty of time for relaxing in the pool before sunset drinks and dinner. Check out time is 10am the following morning.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
562 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile
Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
pportstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au

Find more things to do in Port Stephens.

Find fun things to do in Newcastle.

Check out where to stop on a Sydney to Brisbane road trip.

Exploring the America Bay Track Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Sydney Australia

September 27, 2020 / Bush, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Exploring the America Bay Track Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

America Bay track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a short, moderate walk with waterfalls, Aboriginal engravings and a stunning picnic spot at the end of the track.

The track is 1km return, starting from West Head Road off McCarrs Creek Road. Look for the large sign on the side of the road. There is parking on the roadside available.

There are no bathrooms nearby, so make sure you go before you start the trail.

While the walk is quite short, it’s a winding walk with plenty to look at along the way, over uneven surfaces. There are plenty of rocks to climb and little water cascades to explore. Right near the entrance there is a a detour to see the Aboriginal rock engravings. The detour is not sign posted so we actually missed it, even though we were looking for it.

Walking quite slowly, the trail took us 45 minutes to reach the rock platform overlooking America Bay, which is located near the mouth of the Hawksburry River. It used to extend further, however the next park is closed due to hazards.

There is a little waterfall at the rock platform and plenty of shady wide rocks to sit on. We brought a picnic blanket and lunch to enjoy at the lookout.

Be sure to bring good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen when doing this walk.

The walking track is one of many on offer in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, so you could very easily do this short walk in conjunction with others.

Entry to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is $12, so I would definitely advise making a day of it.

Along the walking trail you’ll encounter woodlands of scribbly gum and bloodwood, and a little creek with crystal clear water. In August and September the wildflowers bloom bright yellow and pink throughout the bush.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Explore the most beautiful Sydney gardens

September 24, 2020 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Explore the most beautiful Sydney gardens

Sydney gardens are stunning to visit in any season, particular so in spring and autumn. With a huge variety of gardens and parks across the city and extending into day trips, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy beautiful blooms and stunning foliage.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, was established in 1816, making it the oldest botanic garden and scientific institution in Australia. The garden is home to a collection of plants from around the world, with a focus on Australian plants and also a collection from the South Pacific.

The gardens have so many areas to explore, our favourites being The Calyx, which is home to one of the largest green walls in the southern hemisphere and cafe, the lion sculptures, the Palace Rose Garden and the Spring Walk. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, are particularly stunning in spring when the Spring Walk and Rose Garden are in full bloom, and in November when the jacarandas carpet the garden in a stunning shade of purple.

Read more about visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Wendy Whitely’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay

Sydney’s Lavender Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy the spectacular Sydney scenery and let time pass by. If you turn your back to the gorgeous view and walk a up a stealthy flight of stairs, you’ll find yourself somewhere a bit magical – Wendy’s Secret Garden.

The garden was created in 1992 by Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse to artist Brett Whiteley, following her by then ex-husband’s death. Before Wendy turned the patch of land into the whimsical retreat it is today, it was a dumping ground, overgrown with weeds. The lot is officially owned by NSW State Railways, but after Wendy’s incredible efforts to turn it into a treasure to be enjoyed by the general public, the government has agreed lease the land to North Sydney Council on a 30-year renewable lease, securing it for hopefully generations to come.

Read more about visiting Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden.

Paddington Reservoir Garden

Paddington Reservoir Gardens is an award-winning location in Sydney’s east. It was completed in 1864, created as part of Sydney’s third water supply to contain water pumped from Lords Dam at Botany Bay.

The garden contains wide boardwalks and green spaces free for the public to use. Pull up a deck chair or lie on the grass with a book. It’s a quiet spot in an otherwise very busy part of Sydney.

Read more about visiting the Paddington Reservoir Garden.

Auburn Botanic Garden

The delightfully zen Auburn Botanic Gardens are located in Auburn, in South-West Sydney. Established in 1977, the gardens are surprisingly tucked away in a suburban pocket between rows of houses. Spread over 9.7 hectares, the gardens are a serene place to enjoy nature.

This Sydney garden is particularly well known for it’s stunning Japanese Garden and native animal enclosures. Auburn Botanic Garden is particularly beautiful in the spring, where the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in autumn where the fall colours are spectacular.

Read more about visiting the Auburn Botanic Garden.

Fagan Park, Galston

Fagan Park in Sydney’s Hornsby shire is a 55 hectare park with themed gardens, playgrounds, historic Netherby Cottage and an Eco Garden to explore.

E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens, Caringbah South

The beautiful Camellia Gardens in Southerland Shire are filled with hundreds of types of camellias which flower from the start of autumn till early springtime and are at their best between April and August each year. The Rose Garden blooms from the end of September until the end of summer, so there is always something beautiful in bloom to see.

Enjoy high tea or a coffee in the Teahouse or take kids to one of two playgrounds located inside the garden grounds.

Read more about The Teahouse and visiting the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens.

Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden

The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a 123-hectare garden on Sydney’s north shore. Established in 1968, the garden is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Australian plants.

The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a beautiful spot to picnic, bushwalk and learn about Australian flora and fauna.

While some areas of the garden have been cleared from bush such as Lambert’s Clearing, which has a large grassed area with picnic tables and a children’s playground, most of the garden is in a natural bush state.

Read more about visiting Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden.

Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour

The gardens were built in 1988 as a symbol of friendship between Sydney and the southern Chinese city of Guandong. It was designed and built by Chinese landscape architects and gardeners to reflect the “yin-yang” Taoist principles and the elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood.

Read more about visiting the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Gardens to Day Trip To

Wollongong Botanic Garden

The Wollongong Botanic Garden is a 30-hectare garden in the suburb of Keiraville featuring a large collection of native and exotic plants from around the world.

During winter, the succulent garden is in full bloom, and spring sees many blooms around the Azalea Bank and Middle Creek. The Japanese Drum Bridge is a popular spot for a photo.

Read more about visiting the Wollongong Botanic Garden.

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is a 416-hectare garden set in a hilly area of the southwestern Sydney suburb of Mount Annan. During September, the gardens have a stunning display of paper daisies.

The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan are free to enter. They are popular place for families in Sydney’s west and south-west to visit for picnic lunches, due to their large grassed areas, huge playground, and excellent facilities including a great cafe.

Read more about visiting The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is the only botanic garden in the world located in a World Heritage area. Home to 21,000 plants of 900 species, the 69-acre garden is located 100km west of Sydney at Mount Tomah, in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia.

Established in 1972, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is heritage-listed and focusses on the conservation of cool climate plants that do not grow in the warmer climate of Sydney.

During September, the gardens have a stunning display of daffodils.

Read more about visiting Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

Wildwood Garden, Bilpin

Enjoy seasonal colours in the fresh mountain at at Wildwood Garden, a privately-owned cool climate garden in the Blue Mountains, 90 minutes drive west of Sydney.

Wildwood Garden was created over 38 years by Wayne and Sue Tapping. Located in Blipin, on the fringe of the Blue Mountains and deep in apple country, the garden has a glorious collection of plants which are stunning to behold throughout the year.

The gardens are particularly stunning in autumn and spring with cherry blossoms, however in summer the rose garden is also in full bloom.

Read more about visiting Wildwood Garden.

Everglades Historic House and Gardens Leura

We love a beautiful garden and the Everglades Historic House & Gardens certainly ticks all the boxes. A beautiful 1930s, Art Deco home set amongst 5.2 hectares of stunning gardens, the Everglades is destination that will transport you to a bygone era of grace and charm.

This private garden is stunning to wander around in any season, particularly so in autumn and spring. Be sure to enjoy a scone from the cafe.

Read more about visiting Everglades Historic House and Gardens.

Norman Lindsey Gallery, Museum & Sculpture Garden, Faulconbridge

Norman Lindsey (1879-1969) was an Australian artist, cartoonist, and writer. His former home and studio have been turned into a gallery and museum run by the National Trust, showcasing his work and life.

We love to wander around the landscaped gardens and admire his sculptures, or wander through the gallery to see his beautiful paintings and etchings. You can read more about Norman Lindsey and his work here.

Norman Lindsey is also the creator of the Magic Pudding. Visiting the gallery is a great introduction for kids to this Aussie masterpiece.

Read more about visiting Norman Lindsey Gallery, Museum & Sculpture Garden.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Nestled on the outskirts of the Blue Mountains, in the central tablelands area of NSW, lies a hidden gem called Mayfield Garden.

Created by the Hawkins family in the mid 1990s, Mayfield is now one of the world’s largest privately-owned cool climate gardens. Set on a working farm spanning thousands of acres, the European-inspired garden is at once both intimate and immense.

Mayfield is open year-round. I would strongly advise visiting in different seasons; waterlilies in summer, colourful foliage in autumn, raw structure of plants in winter and fragrant blooms in spring.

Read more about visiting Mayfield Garden.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

A Purriffic Time at the Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney

September 23, 2020 / Inner West, Surry Hills, Sydney / 0 comment

A Purriffic Time at the Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney

Enjoy a coffee with a side of cat at the Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney. Catmosphere is Sydney’s original cat cafe, and while it offers several kitty experiences, it is first and foremost a cat rescue.

About the Catmosphere Cat Cafe

Catmosphere’s owners are passionate cat rescuers, who have been rescuing and rehoming cats for over a decade. Catmosphere partners with two rescue groups; the World League for Protection of Animals and Kitten University. “The former works to find homes for all displaced cats and the latter specialises in nursing young, orphaned kittens, and rehoming them when they are healthy and old enough.”

Catmosphere fosters these displaced cats and kittens and cares for them financially as well as ensuring all of their welfare needs are met. It’s the dream of the Catmosphere team to “provide a sustainable, safe space for rescue cats and kittens until they find their forever homes, and provide people with all the information and resources they need about rescue cats”.

Where do the cats come from?

All of the cats at Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney are rescues. The majority are permanent residents who have been adopted by the Catmosphere owners after having been observed for one to two years to ensure their suitability for cat cafe life. According to the Catmosphere website, “most of these cats were either surrendered to their rescue group or found on the streets, unowned, and unable to survive on their own in the outside world”.

There are also cats at the cafe who are adoptable and looking for a new home. Living at the cat cafe helps the cats socialisation skills, as well as giving them added exposure to the public and making the adoption process easier for those looking to add a kitty to their family.

The majority of the kittens who come to Catmosphere have been orphaned at an early age and raised in foster care by Kitten University volunteers.

What are the rules for interacting with the cats

Don’t pick up the cats. This ensures the cats interact with visitors only on their terms.

Let the cats com to you. If the cats are up high on shelves or inside their boxes, let them rest.

Talk at a normal sound level.

Keep mobile phones on silent and turn flashes off.

No food is allowed inside.

All bags must be checked into lockers on arrival.

Visitors must stay seated at all times due to physical distance regulations.

Tips for interacting with the cats

Stay low on the floor, be calm and gentle, and let the cats come to you. We sat quietly on the chairs and floors and had plenty of the cats approach us to play with them or for a pat. Some jumped onto our laps.

Sometimes the cats will not want to interact with visitors. They might stay in hidey holes or up on shelves.

“The cats of Catmosphere, and cats in general, tend to be more active in the morning (10am – 12pm) and later in the evening (5pm onwards).”

Cat Experiences

Cat Lounge

The Cat Lounge is for people aged 8+ who enjoy a more peaceful experience. The adult cats here are generally calm and chill, so the Cat Lounge experience is perfect for those looking for a zen experience.

Visitors to the Cat Lounge must be aged 8-years-old and over as the noise and energy levels of younger children and babies is often too much for the cats.

This experience takes place in a shared space, unless you have booked it privately.

A Cat Lounge experience includes:
50 minutes with adorable rescue cats in the Cat Lounge
A complimentary drink from our standard menu (you can choose to upgrade to our optional Premium Menu when making a booking)
A briefing from one of our dedicated hosts who will help you better interact with the cats in their space

The Cat Lounge is located on the first floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

The Treehouse

The Treehouse experience is for people aged 5+ who are looking to hang out with an energetic group of adoptable juniors/kittens.

The ages of the kittens/juniors varies. When we visited The treehouse, the youngest cat was 8 months old and the oldest in the room was a year and a half.

Visitors to the Treehouse must be aged 5-years-old and over as the noise and energy levels of younger children and babies is often too much for the cats.

A Treehouse experience includes:
50 minutes with adoptable juniors/kittens in the Treehouse
A complimentary drink from our standard menu (you can choose to upgrade to our optional Premium Menu when making a booking)
A briefing from one of our dedicated hosts who will help you better interact with the cats in their space

The Treehouse is located on the second floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible

Catflix Cat Cinema

Watch a movie in comfy reclining floor lounge seating accompanied by some fellow film-loving cats.

A Catflix Cat Cinema experience includes:
Comfortable reclining floor lounge seating (standard seating available upon request, though the cats don’t respond as well to this)
A movie on our big screen
Wireless headphones so you can control your own volume and the cats hear nothing but sweet, sweet silence
A complimentary drink from a curated menu including milkshakes and mocktails
A blanket and very small portion of treats to help attract and woo a cat when your natural charm just isn’t working

Children and babies under 5-years-old are not permitted into the Catflix Cat Cinema experience and children 12 years old and under must be supervised at all times by a paying parent/guardian.

Individual screenings will have different age limits.

Catflix Cat Cinema is located on the first floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Cat Yoga

Enjoy, yep, a yoga class with cats! Kids aged 8+ are welcome.

A Cat Yoga experience includes:
45 minutes of yoga amongst the cats
15 minutes of pure cat interaction
An experienced yoga instructor
Inner peace, probably
Should you forget your yoga mat, we do have some spare.

Cat Yoga is located on the first floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Catmosphere Cat Cafe
66 Foveaux St, Surry Hills
catmospherecafe.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Van Gogh Alive: A Digital Art Experience

September 18, 2020 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Van Gogh Alive: The Digital Art Experience

Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s paintings at Van Gogh Alive, a multimedia art experience with digital surround sound in Sydney’s The Royal Hall of Industries.

Van Gogh Alive is a multi-sensory art exhibition celebrating the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Over 3,000 images, including Van Gogh’s works, imagery and animations are projected by forty high-definition projectors onto large screens, accompanied by digital surround, to create a completely multi-sensory experience unlike any other.

The exhibition is housed inside the historic Hall of Industries at Moore Park, in a custom-built facility that is visually spectacular as well as Covid-safe. While Van Gogh Alive has been experienced in 50 cities across the world, including Roe, Berlin, Milan, Shanghai and Moscow, the Sydney exhibition is the largest yet.

Van Gogh Alive is the brainchild of Bruce Peterson, the owner/director of Melbourne based company Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions. The company has developed SENSORY4TM™ system, using the the state-of-the-art technology to bring Van Gogh’s most famous works to life. SENSORY4™ is a unique technological system that combines multi-channel motion graphics, cinema quality surround sound and up to forty high-definition projectors to create an exciting multi-screen environments.

The exhibition is a wonderful way for art-lovers to experience beloved works in a new, immersive way, or for those who aren’t a fan of quiet galleries to enjoy art in a more interactive fashion. It’s also a great way for kids to enjoy art as an entertaining and enchanting experience that gives the sensation of walking straight into a painting rather than looking at a flat object hanging on a white wall.

Inside the venue, the experience begins with a simple gallery with examples of Van Gogh’s paintings and informative signs on his works and life.

There is a charming set up that brings his famous painting of his own bedroom to life in a life-size model. Visitors are free to roam this section prior to the start of the main exhibition.

Through another door way lies the full multi-sensory experience, where guests are welcomed at the designated time, and encouraged to fill out the entire space. The exhibition is a 45 minute show that stops for 10 minutes then resets for each session.

The show is projected onto large screens throughout the room. Visitors can experience it from the one spot or roam around while it is in process.

Van Gogh’s masterpieces come to life in a symphony of colour, light and sound. They are displayed in the timeline of Van Gogh’s life, broken into sections that represent the different stages of his art-making. The art works are animated, paired with photographs, video and music, and give a whole new perspective to the life of one of the world’s most revered artists.

Important information for experiencing Van Gogh Alive

Entrance to the exhibition is by ticketed, timed entry.

Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to the time printed on your ticket for access control and health and security checks.

Masks will be required by all guests aged 12+ prior to entry and throughout the experience. If you have forgotten your mask, a disposable mask will be available for purchase.

Visitors will have their temperatures checked on arrival. Guests with a temperature reading of 37.5 degrees celsius or above will be asked to wait for 10 minutes and rechecked. Should their temperature read above 37.5 on the second check, they will not be permitted entry.

The exhibition is suitable for children of all ages. Children under the age of four are free.

The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Photos and video are allowed, however please don’t use a flash.

Get more information on what the venue is doing to ensure Van Gogh Alive is a Covid-safe experience here.

There is a cafe and gift shop at the exit. Please bring cards not cash.

Two hour free parking is available in the Wilson ‘EQ Carpark’.

If taking public transport, get information here.

The Royal Hall of Industries, Entertainment Quarter, 1 Driver
Avenue, Moore Park.
Dates: Van Gogh Alive is on display for a limited season, starting September 18, 2020.
Prices: Tickets start at: $30 for Adults. $85 Family Four pack, $22 for youth ages 13-17, $15 for children ages 5-12. Free for children under 4 years old when accompanied by an adult. Special pricing is available for seniors, students and groups of 8+.
Buy tickets here.
vangoghalive.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.