Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Visiting Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park

November 11, 2021 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Visiting Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park

Jim Jim Falls are the tallest waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. Visit them by foot in the dry season or view them by air in the wet.

At 200m high, the mighty Jim Jim Falls are also bigger than all of the waterfalls at Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks in the Northern Territory.

Jim Jim Falls and nearby Twin Falls are special places for their Aboriginal custodians. They believe that Nayuhyungki, the creation ancestors, travelled across this area.

During the summer months the falls are only able to be seen by air, however, during the dry season, it’s possible to walk through monsoon forest and clamber over boulders to reach the base of the falls.

Before starting on the drive to Jim Jim Falls, check the daily access report to ensure they are open to visitors.

It’s not an easy journey to make. The 50km road into the start of the walk is 4WD access only, is unsealed and often corrugated. It is a narrow, winding road that involves driving across a creek with a firm concrete base that can be more than 0.4 metres deep. A snorkel is highly recommended – we managed the drive without one but it was a hairy drive.

At the car part, there are basic toilet facilities and picnic tables.

From the car park, it’ is a 2km return walk to a deep pool. 2km might not sound like much but it’s a really tough walk, particularly towards the end with massive sharp boulders to navigate. Allow a least an hour in each direction. The rocks and boulders can be extremely slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential.

The plunge pool at the base of Jim Jim falls is extremely deep and cold. Drownings have occurred here, and swimming is not recommended.

Bring energy foods and snacks, plus several litres of water. Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day.

While there are generally no crocs in the waterfall, be aware that there may be crocs in the area at all times so be cautious and follow directions on the signs.

Get more information on Jim Jim falls.

See the amazing jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River.

Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise

November 9, 2021 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise

See the Aussie saltwater croc up close on the Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruises.

A trip to the Top End isn’t complete without spotting one of our most fearsome apex predators – the Australian Saltwater Crocodile.

The crocodile was facing extinction 40 years ago, after 50 years of extensive hunting for their skin. In the early 1970s, the number of crocodiles in the wild had dwindled to as low as 3000.

Crocodile hunting was banned in the early 1970s, the result of pressure from conservation groups, and numbers since then have recovered to sustainable numbers.

One of the best ways to see wild crocodiles is on one of the jumping crocodile cruises run by Spectacular Crocodile Cruises.

The river cruise is an educational adventure, where guests learn about Croc biology, territorial habits and their value to the ecosystem.

You’ll see not only the largest saltwater crocodiles up close, but some of north Australia’s most interesting birdlife as well.

Tours are scheduled daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm, are scheduled to last an hour.

There are a few groups Adelaide River jumping crocs tours, however the Spectacular Crocodile Cruises is the only one that is Aboriginal owned.

jumpingcrocodile.com.au

Canoelands Orchard Fruit Picking

November 8, 2021 / Australia, Hawksbury, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Canoelands Orchard

Pick your own fruit at Canoelands Orchard. Nectarines, peaches, blueberries, strawberries and more are available seasonally at this orchard in the Hawkesbury.

Canoelands Orchard offers pick-your-own seasonal produce. Entry fee may vary but is generally $5 adult, $3 kids 5-15 and under 5s free.

Cost for fruit picked:

$6/kg for stone fruit, (nectarines, plums, peaches)
$6/kg Apples
$6/kg for tomatoes and eggplant
$10/kg Strawberries and
$20/kg blueberries
$6/kg citrus

Canoelands asks that if you wish to taste the fruit that you taste only one piece, the rest must be purchased.

Environmentally-friendly picking bags are available for $1 each, or you can bring your own bags and containers.

It’s a short walk from the entrance to the orchard. Carts are free to borrow and I highly recommend taking one as the fruit gets heavy, fast.

There are friendly farm animals to meet and feed (please purchase animal food there and don’t feed them anything else. Dogs are not welcome, so leave your doggos at home.

There is a small playground for kids.

Standard bookings are for 2 hours. Please depart promptly at the end of your time slot.

There is a cafe onsite. We ordered a cheese and fruit grazing box in advance ($39 for small). Large is $79.

The shop at the entrance sells fantastic locally-made produce such as honey and jams.

Canoelands Orchard
27-29 Canoelands Rd, Canoelands NSW
http://www.canoelandsorchard.com

More things to do in Sydney

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Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

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Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary at The Grounds of Alexandria

November 6, 2021 / Alexandria, Inner West, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Beauty and the Beast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Grounds of Alexandria.

Book a table in The Grounds of Alexandria Cafe or The Potting Shed to explore their latest creation before the last petal falls on Sunday, 30 January 2022.

The installation is stunning, with the laneway filled with roses and tiny details of the much-loved film.

As always I suggest visiting out of peak times when the crowds are less and having a lot of patience if you’re after good photos.

Belle of the Ball
Available in the cafe and The Potting Shed

This spectacular coconut sponge mini cake, layered with passion fruit curd, pineapple and mango compote is covered in delicious vanilla buttercream.

The Enchanted Rose
Available in the cafe and The Potting Shed

A combination of passion fruit, coconut water and lemon.

The Grounds of Alexandria
7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW
thegrounds.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.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Strawberry Picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl

October 26, 2021 / Australia, Bilpin, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Strawberry Picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl

Enjoy strawberry picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl. A visit to the strawberry farm is the perfect spring activity for families with kids of all ages.

Bilpin is a small town in the City of Hawkesbury local government area in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, approximately 1.5 hours from the Sydney CBD.

The Bilpin Fruit Bowl has a large range of fruit and vegetables available for picking throughout the year. They have recently put in a hot house and for the first time have strawberries available for picking.

The strawberry farm at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl is located inside a large hot house with open sides which allow plenty of fresh air for ventilation.

What you need to know about strawberry picking at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl:

There is an entry cost of $20 for adults, $10 for children aged between 3 and 12. Free for children under 3 years of age.

The entry cost allows you to eat as much fruit as you want as you pick it.

To take the rest of your fruit home costs $20/kg for strawberries.

Empty punnets and scissors for cutting strawberries off the vines are provided at the entrance. You can also BYO baskets and containers.

Bookings are essential and limited to 200 people every 2 hours.

There is a small shop/cafe onsite serving light meals and snacks as well as selling locally-grown fruit. Bathrooms are located next to the cafe/shop.

Picnics are allowed but expect everybody to follow COVID rules. Please bring your own picnic rugs and chairs and picnic in the designated picnic area only. There are no picnics allowed inside the farm.

You must pay for whatever you pick. (YOU PICK IT YOU OWN IT).

Please keep an eye on small children and ensure the vines aren’t damaged and fruit isn’t thrown.

While the hot house has a roof, we found the best strawberry vines to be located at the first aisle next to the entrance which was quite sunny – so bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

I would suggest wearing closed in shoes as it’s a farm and you’ll be walking through dirt.

There are plenty of lettuce and bok choi varieties available at the very back of the hot house.

Enjoy your strawberry picking! We spend about an hour gorging ourselves at the strawberry farm and still took home a lot for later.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl
2093 Bells Line of Road
Bilpin NSW

bilpinfruitbowl.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.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Glenbernie Family Farms: Sunflower Picking Farm

October 18, 2021 / Australia, Hawksbury, NSW / 0 comment

Glenbernie Family Farms: Sunflower Picking Farm

Enjoy sunflower picking at Glenbernie Family Farms in the Hawkesbury. Take photos galore and bring home a beautiful bunch from the sunflower farm.

Book an hour slot to take as many photos as your heart desires and pick a perfect bunch of sunflowers at this family-owned farm located in Kurmond, an hour and a bit drive from the Sydney CBD.

Bring a bucket, water and secateurs to cut the sunflowers. I would also suggest a hat and sunscreen. There are portaloos available but no proper bathroom facilities.

Entry is $10 adult, $5 kids, 2 and under are free. Sunflowers are $4 each to take home.

I would suggest going at the start of your session and also picking the first session of the day when the sun isn’t as hot and there are less people visiting the sunflower farm.

Glenburnie strictly follows the current NSW health orders which means until Dec 1 only fully vaccinated adults are able to visit. Unvaccinated kids are welcome.

Our sunflower picking was such a fun morning, with very enthusiastic reviews from the kids.

If it has been raining, bring gumboots. I would wear closed shoes regardless as there is a lot of dirt around the sunflowers.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Picnics are allowed – bring a blanket. We chose to drive back into Richmond for brunch at the Ugly Mug. There is a park with a playground situated directly across the road from the cafe. The Ugly Mug offers outdoor dining.

Glenbernie Family Farms
610 Bells Line of Rd, Kurmond NSW
Opening days and times vary.
0407945581
mrikalsaliba@gmail.com
glenberniefamilyfarms.com.au
facebook.com/glenberniefamilyfarms

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.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Glades Bay and Wulaba Track

September 30, 2021 / Historical Sydney, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Glades Bay Park and Wulaba Track

The Wulaba Track is a boardwalk that runs along along the Parramatta River, through a quiet mangrove, rich in history of the Wallumedegal people.

Access the Wulaba Track from Bill Mitchell Park, where there is a car park. Bill Mitchell Park itself is a lovely large green space and sports field to run around and is on-leash dog-friendly. There are public bathrooms available here.

At the end of Bill Mitchell Park is Glades Bay and the start of the Wulaba Track, at the left corner.

Follow the path to the new boardwalk, which winds through the mangroves.

Along the way you’ll find a boat ramp, benches to sit on, a street library and a brick maze.

There are also interpretative signs along the way to learn about the Wallumedegal people, the Aboriginal tribe who occupied the area prior to European settlers.

The boardwalk is around 200m long, and ends in Glades Bay Park. You can walk back the same way you came to the car park.

Learn more about the history of Ryde and find more areas to explore.

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.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Elouera Reserve & Playground, Macquarie Park

September 30, 2021 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Elouera Reserve

Elouera Reserve is a delightful playground and green space, located next to the Macquarie Centre and Macquarie University. It was upgraded in 2018 with new play equipment, and a BBQ.

Elouera Reserve includes a variety of play equipment such as six swings, two illuminated cubbies and a slide, two embankment slides, a flying fox, spinner, two in-ground trampolines and a hammock.

There isn’t a great deal of shade and the slides get hot in summer, however this is a great spot for a play and picnic on a not-so-hot day.

Other facilities at Elouera Reserve include:

Accessible BBQ
4 picnic setting (2 with umbrellas)
Water bottle refill station

There is also lots of space for kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee.

There are no bathrooms at Elouera Reserve. The closest one is either nearby Macquarie Centre or the train station.

Get more info on Elouera Reserve.

Elouera Reserve

82-84 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park

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.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

See “Come From Away” Sydney And Restore your faith in human kindness

June 10, 2021 / Sydney, Sydney Life, Theatre / 0 comment

See “Come From Away” Sydney And Restore your faith in human kindness

The multi-award winning musical Come From Away opens in Sydney this week at the Capitol Theatre. After being postponed in 2020 due to Covid, it’s been a long journey for this show to make it to the Sydney stage.

2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Washington and New York. US airspace was closed for the first time in history and 38 planes carrying 7,000 people from over 100 countries were diverted to the tiny island of Newfoundland where 9,000 locals welcomed 7,000 scared “come from aways” (visitors) and demonstrated extraordinary generosity and kindness to strangers in a time when they needed it the most.

This is not a story about the terrorist attacks. It is a detailed telling of the experiences of the terrified “plane people” as they came to be known to the locals and the remarkable outpouring of generosity and hospitality they received in Gander, Newfoundland.

Above all, it’s a story of kindness, perhaps the story we need to hear even more so today when the world is constantly torn apart by fear of the “other” and where we might look to outsiders with suspicion instead of reaching out a hand to help.

On September 11, 2001, 7,000 people arrived unexpectedly in Gander. They sat on the tarmac inside airplanes for up to 15 hours, after long flights from all over the world. They were told nothing of the terrorist attacks that had occurred that morning. They were scared, confused, exhausted.

The small town of Gander and its nearby communities took in these terrified visitors for five days, providing bedding, basic necessities, food, clothing, inviting them into their own homes for warm showers and a place to stay.

In 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Irene Sankoff and David Hein flew to Gander to interview locals and returning flight crew and passengers on the extraordinary events that had occurred. The 1000 of stories they heard of the incredible generosity of the Newfoundlanders inspired the team to write Come From Away.

Each character in Come From Away was inspired by a person they met in Gander, which is evident throughout the musical with the incredibly detailed experiences relayed by the cast.

The casting of the same 12 actors as both locals and “plane people” both shows the incredible versatility of the actors in being able to switch accents from the fascinating Newfoundland brogue to American, British, Australian, French and Egyptian, as well as reminding the audience that at any moment, we can be the ones helping or needing help.

Above all, Come From Away is a reminder of the impact of actions that we as individuals have on others, and the importance of paying forward the kindness thats sorely needed especially when the world is thrown into crisis as it is again in 2021.

Come From Away Sydney is playing at the Capitol Theatre from 3 June, 2021.
Times: Tuesday 7pm; Wednesday 1pm & 7pm; Thursday 7pm; Fridays 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8pm; Sunday 2pm & 6pm.

Tickets on sale now at http://www.comefromaway.com.au

I received tickets for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own. Show images courtesy of Come From Away.

Central West NSW Road Trip: Your Complete Itinerary

June 4, 2021 / Australia, Central West, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Central West NSW Road Trip: Your Complete Itinerary

Enjoy stunning scenery, try local cuisine and wine, and immerse yourself in history, culture and art on this epic family-friendly road trip through Central West NSW from Sydney to Orange, Parkes, Dubbo and back again via the Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountains (100km, 1.5 hrs)

Only 90 minutes from Sydney lies the first stop, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.

The region is full of art, history, thriving cafes and spectacular natural beauty. We highly recommend spending a few days in the area to explore Katoomba, Leura, Lithgow, Wentworth and Falconbridge.

Get ideas on bush walks, waterfalls, high teas and galleries to visit in the Blue Mountains.

Oberon (87km, 1.5hr)

This beautiful little rural town is home to many farm stays, bush walks and gardens, but is best known for Jenolan Caves and the stunning Mayfield Garden. Jenolan Caves are the largest and most spectacular caves in Australia, and among world’s oldest caves.

Mayfield Garden is one of the world’s largest privately-owned cool climate gardens, best visited in autumn and spring but stunning year ’round.

Read more about visiting Mayfield Garden.

Bathurst (48km, 40 mins)

Bathurst is home to 1000 heritage buildings, with over 200 years of European history, and tens of thousands of years of indigenous heritage.

This small town is a fab spot to stop for a few days or to base yourself for a longer stay and visit outlying towns. Bathurst has fantastic cafes and restaurant as well as an excellent adventure playground, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and the famous Mt Panorama racetrack.

We suggest driving from Bathurst to Orange and spending a few days at either town as a good base.

Read more about things to do in Bathurst.

Orange (56km, 1 hr)

Orange is a large regional town, with major facilities and shops. It’s also a wine region and known for its fine wine and excellent food.

The tranquil Lake Canobolas is a must-visit in the area, a lovely recreational area for the town with swimming beaches, a large playground and picnic areas. Orange is a great location to base yourself for a few days and see other towns in the region. A visit to the Heifer Station is a must.

We suggest driving from Orange to Cowra, with visiting Millthorpe and Carcoar along the way.

Millthorpe (22km, 20 mins)

The perfect day trip in the Orange region, Millthorpe is a heritage-listed village with historical buildings, restaurants, shops and wineries. There are plenty of ways to spend a lovely day in Milthorpe.

Read more about things to do in Milthorpe.

Carcoar (26km, 20 mins)

Visit the historic village of Carcoar in the NSW Central Tablelands. Take a walking tour of the preserved 19 century buildings set amongst picturesque green hills.

Read more about things to do in Carcoar.

Cowra (55km, 40 mins)

Discover Cowra’s stunning Japanese Garden, military history and outdoor activities. Visit in spring to experience fields of gold canola!

Cowra is a medium-sized country town with a fascinating history. The site of the largest Prisoner of War breakout in modern military history, Cowra has several sites to visit that speak to the town’s role in WW2.

Cowra is also well known for their tranquil Japanese Garden and beautiful fields of canola in spring.

We suggest driving from Cowra to Parkes, stopping at Canowindra along the way.

Canowindra (33km, 30 mins)

The historic village of Canowindra is home to hot air balloons, colonial history and a fascinating collection of prehistoric fish fossils.

Read more about a day trip to Canonwindra.

Parkes (75km, 1 hr)

We drove from Orange to Parkes stopping in Canowindra along the way.

Parkes has plenty of attractions, including the world-famous Parkes Radio Telescope ‘The Dish’, the Henry Parkes Centre, Peak Hill Open Cut Experience and vibrant street art.

Read about things to do in Parkes.

Dubbo (120km, 1.5 hrs)

Visit the vibrant regional city of Dubbo. Go wild at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and discover the region’s history and heritage.

Read about things to do in Dubbo.

Gulgong (109km, 1 1/4 hrs)

Gulgong is a 19th-century gold rush town in the Central Tablelands that is absolutely worth stopping by on your drive from Dubbo to Mudgee.

Mudgee (33km, 1/2 hr)

The famous wine town is a must-stop to enjoy strolling past the beautiful 19th century buildings, dining on excellent cuisine, sipping some locally-pressed wine and enjoying the country air.

Mt Wilson / Mt Tomah / Bilpin (160km, 2 hrs)

This stunning area is technically part of the Blue Mountains region, however is a bit tricky to reach from the Katoomba-side. The region is well-known for its stunning gardens, particularly in spring and autumn, and orchards which are open for fruit picking seasonally.

Read about our experiences at the Royal Botanic Gardens Mt Tomah, Breenhold Gardens at Mt Wilson and Wildwood Garden at Bilpin. You can also find out where and when to go for fruit picking in Sydney or more ideas for what to do in the Blue Mountains area.