Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Glenbernie Family Farms: Sunflower Picking Farm

Glenburnie Farm Sunflowers

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.

Glenburnie Farm Sunflowers

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.

Glenburnie Farm Sunflowers

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.

Glenburnie Farm Sunflowers

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 Farm Sunflowers

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.

Glenburnie Farm Sunflowers

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

Glenburnie Farm Sunflowers

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.

The Ugly Mug

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

Wulaba Track Gladesville

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. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville

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.

Wulaba Track Gladesville

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

Wulaba Track Gladesville

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

Wulaba Track Gladesville

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

Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville

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. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville

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. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville

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

Elouera Reserve Macquarie Park

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

Come From Away Sydney

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.

Come From Away Sydney

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.

Come From Away Sydney

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.

Come From Away

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.

Come From Away

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. 

Come From Away

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.

Come From Away

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.

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. 

Come From Away

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.

Come From Away

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

Canola Cowra Mayfield

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.

Katoomba Falls

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 Oberon

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. 

Things To See & Do In Historic Bathurst, NSW

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.

Orange Lake Canobolas

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.

Read more about things to do in Orange.

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.

Milthorpe Millthorpe

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.

Carcoar

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

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.

Read more about things to do in Cowra.

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.

Canowindra

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

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.

9 Tips For Visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, Australia

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.

Gulgong

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

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.

Mudgee

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

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.

Mudgee

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.

Back to Sydney (125km, 2hrs)

Central West NSW Road Trip Map

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Step back in time in Gulgong NSW

Gulgong

Step back in time in Gulgong NSW

Take a walk through 19 century regional Australia in Gulgong, a former gold mining town in the Mudgee region of NSW.

Gulgong

In the 1870s people flocked to the town hoping to strike it rich. Gold was found at nearby Red Hill and 20,000 people came to the area seeking an easy fortune. Prior to the gold rush, Gulgong was just a large property for used for raising sheep. You can learn more about the gold rush at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum and on the Gulgong Gold Experience.

Gulgong

Gulgong has around 130 National Trust-listed buildings, many of which still have their original verandahs and iron-lace balconies.

Gulgong

The town is also home to Australia’s oldest operating opera house, the Prince of Wales Opera House. Dame Nellie Melba once performed at the Oper House, which opened in 1871.

Gulgong

Another museum to check out is the Gulong Holtermann Museum which features a collection of more than 350 photographs of the region from the UNESCO-listed Holtermann Collection and uses interactive displays to immerse visitors in the past.

Gulgong

Gulgong was also home to the great Australian writer and bush poet Henry Lawson, who spent his childhood in the area. Drop by the Henry Lawson Centre to learn about his life and legacy.

Gulgong

Read more about things to do in Gulgong NSW.

Read more about things to do in nearby Mudgee.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Things to do in Mudgee (with or without kids)

Mudgee

Things to do in Mudgee (with or without kids)

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. There are plenty of things to do in Mudgee!

Mudgee

Mudgee is a town with a lot of family history for us, so we have visited many times over the years.

Mudgee

A few of our favourites things to do in Mudgee:

Mudgee

Stroll through Lawson Park and along the Cudgegong River, stopping at the children’s playground or enjoying a picnic.

Mudgee

There are some lovely sculptures dotted around the river walk.

Mudgee Mudgee Mudgee

Taking a dip in Mudgee Swimming Pool and enjoying a splash in the new play area which includes a large water slide, rock pool, water spray platform, dumping bucket, spray cannons, jets and streams.

Mudgee Mudgee Mudgee

Tasting honey at Mudgee Honey Haven, watching the bees hard at work and enjoying their delicious scones.

Mudgee Honey Haven Mudgee Honey Haven

Wine tasting at Bunnamagoo Estate, which also has lots of green space for kids to run around.

Mudgee

Mudgee Mudgee

Delicious brunch at Market Street Cafe and have your photo taken with the ping wings painted by Kelsey Montague in the alley around the corner.

Mudgee Mudgee Mudgee Mudgee

Pizzas or brekkie at Mudgee Brewing Company.

Mudgee Mudgee Mudgee Mudgee

The prettiest and tastiest cupcakes at Cake and Dessert Co.

Mudgee

We stayed at the excellent Soldiers Motel.

Mudgee

Mudgee

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Things to do in Dubbo

9 Tips For Visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, Australia

Things to do in Dubbo

Visit the vibrant regional city of Dubbo. Go wild at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and discover the region’s history and heritage. There are plenty of things to do in Dubbo!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

9 Tips For Visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, Australia

The highlight for us of all the things to do in Dubbo, and indeed to prime reason why many people head to this city, would have to be Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The 6km circuit of animals is a huge outing, often requiring two days to cover. 

Staying at the Zoofari Lodge, Taronga Western Plains Dubbo Zoo, Australia

We highly recommend staying onsite at the Zoofari Lodge if your budget extends to it. You can read about our experience at the Zoofari Lodge here, and at Taronga Western Plains Zoo here.

Old Dubbo Goal 

Old Dubbo Goal is a heritage-listed tourist attraction built in the 19th century and home to historic buildings and artefacts telling of its former life as a courthouse lockup and goal. The Goal features a large range of animatronics and holographic displays to create a realistic look into its brutal history. 

olddubbogaol.com.au

Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden 

Enjoy 10 hectares of green space at Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. Features include a traditional Japanese garden.

drbg.com.au

Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience

Learn about the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with hands-on, interactive displays that cover topics including aviation, communication, history and healthcare.

Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, the Flying Doctor is an invaluable service to people living in rural and remote areas of Australia. From emergency medical care and evacuation to regular clinics for remote communities,

flyingdoctor.org.au

Dubbo Observatory

Explore the universe at Dubbo Observatory. Far away from the smog of big cities, stars, planets and galaxies can be seen at night through one of six telescopes.

dubboobservatory.com

Wellington Caves

Discover an ancient, underworld landscape, home to the first megafauna discovery in Australia at Wellington Caves. Book ahead in peak times like school holidays as the cave tours do book up.

wellingtoncaves.com.au

Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground

Let the kids run wild at this exciting playground, located next to the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. The Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground has 40 elements to explore, including a flying fox, giant slide and basket swing. The playground includes a barbecue facilities, toilets and accessible elements including a wheelchair-friendly Liberty Swing. 

Coronation Drive, Dubbo

Where to stay and eat in Dubbo

We enjoyed dining at the Dubbo RSL which has an excellent indoor kids’ play area. 

dubborsl.com.au

We stayed at the Best Western Bluegum Motel. We highly recommend this 4.5 star property that was quiet, friendly and catered extremely well to families with large rooms and plenty of beds, plus removal of items in minibars, a kitchenette and free milk.


bluegummotorinn.com

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

Things to do in Parkes NSW

Parkes

Things to do in Parkes NSW

The world-famous Parkes Radio Telescope ‘The Dish’, the Henry Parkes Centre, Peak Hill Open Cut Experience and vibrant street art are just a few things to do in Parkes.

Parkes

The shire of Parkes is best-known for the Parkes Radio Telescope ‘The Dish’, however there are plenty of things to do in the town and surrounding area to justify more than an overnight stay.

The Dish

Parkes

The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, star of the movie ‘The Dish,’ (2000) is located 20km north of Parkes, a a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway. It’s free to enter the Visitor Discovery Centre to explore the world of astronomy and learn about the role The Dish plays in ‘listening to the stars’.

Parkes

The hands-on exhibits will entertain the kids, as will the scavenger hunt activity option. There is also an excellent gift shop with a wide range of astronomy and space science books, DVD’s, science toys and souvenirs and a 3D theatre that runs every half hour (additional fee applies to watch the film).

Parkes

A snack at the Dish Cafe is an excellent way to enjoy the view of The Dish while recharging with brekkie, lunch, morning tea, coffee or a milkshake. 

The Discovery Centre is open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 4.15pm.

Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes

Newell Highway, Approx 20km North of Parkes
http://www.csiro.au

The Henry Parkes Centre

The Henry Parkes Centre incorporates four museums and the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. 

The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum adjoin the Visitor Information Centre. One pass gives entry to both collections. A separate admission fee applies to access to the Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery Collection, which feature exhibits from traditional family history collections and agricultural machinery and equipment.

The Kings Castle is a collection of Elvis’ personal artefacts owned by Greg Page, the original ‘Yellow Wiggle’, expressing some of Elvis Presley’s life and career highs and lows. 

The Parkes Motor Museum is a collection of motor vehicles owned by the Parkes Antique Motor Club representing all heritage motoring eras. Up to 24 cars, 10 motorcycles and other motoring memorabilia are in display including 1914 Alldays and Onions, 1940 Holden bodied Oldsmobile Convertible, 1986 Jaguar XJ6 Paris Show display car.

Learn about Sir Henry Parkes inside Moat Cottage, a replica of where the Australian Statesman and ‘Father of Federation’ was born in Country Warwickshire, near the city of Coventry, England. The 20 min free theatre experience inside Moat Cottage tells the story of Sir Henry Parkes and his connection to Parkes.

The Henry Parkes Museum and Antique Machinery Exhibit depict early life in Parkes through objects, photos and historical information. A collection of historic buildings are houses on the site including a wooden schoolhouse and two churches, blacksmith shop, Silver City Comet carriage and 45 tractors.

Newell Highway

Kelly Reserve

Parkes

A lovely green space with covered BBQ area, picnic facilities, off-leash dog park, play equipment and a 3075 ‘S’ Class steam locomotive.

Parkes Parkes

Cnr Newell Highway and Thomas Street

HARS Parkes Aviation Museum

Parkes

The HARS Parkes Aviation Museum is currently housed in a former RAAF hangar from the airport’s time as a World War Two air force base. Exhibits on display or being assembled include a Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra, De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (A4-275), De Havilland DH.114 Heron (VH – AHB) and Convair 580 (VH-PDW).

Parkes

It’s a truly fascinating experience to wander around the museum and watch the exhibits being restored and assembled. 

Parkes Parkes Parkes

End of Muzycuk Drive at Parkes Airport

Public Art Trail

Parkes

Download the Public Art Trail map to your phone and wander the Parkes CBD to enjoy public art installations that represent the region’s local culture and icons.

Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes

Big Fish Fossil Hut

Drop by the Big Fish Fossil Hut to enjoy a collection of specimens that lived across Eastern Australia over 700 million years ago. On display are trilobites, ammonites, seastars and arinoids through to fish, amphibians and dinosaurs. The collection includes the largest fossil fish on display anywhere in Australia – the Xiphactinus, which lived during the time of the dinosaurs and is about 4.5 metres long. 

Peak Hill Caravan Park, 2 Ween Street.

Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience

The historic Peak Hill mine operated from 1893 to 1917. Redeveloped in 2002 as a tourist attraction, the Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience is a great way to learn about mining techniques by strolling along the self-guided walking trails.

Mingelo St, Peak Hill 

Where to eat and stay in Parkes

We really enjoyed dining at Bellas Cafe & Licensed Italian Restaurant (245 Clarinda St, Parkes). It’s extremely family-friendly and serves great food.

Parkes Parkes Parkes Parkes

We stayed at the Station Motel (82 Peak Hill Rd, Parkes). The Station Motel features comfortable basic rooms with free WiFi, ac/heating and parking.

Parkes Parkes

Get your complete Central West NSW Road Trip itinerary.

Find more things to do in the Orange NSW region including a visit to the Heifer Station.

Find things to do in Cowra NSW including the Cowra Japanese Gardens.

Enjoy the towns of Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Find plenty of things to do in Parkes.

Find things to do in Dubbo.

Read more about things to do in Mudgee.

Read more about visiting Gulgong NSW.

Find more NSW road trip ideas.

The Grounds of Alexandria

Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria

The iconic Grounds of Alexandria is an iconic cafe, restaurant, bar, garden, bakery & patisserie, coffee roastery, animal farm, florist and more.

Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds opened in April 2012 on the site of a former pie factory in the industrial area of Alexandria. The concept for the Grounds, by the entrepreneurial duo Ramzey Choker and Jack Hanna, was to create a thriving urban sanctuary to bring people together.

Grounds of Alexandria

Since its opening The Grounds of Alexandria has grown and changed to include two dine-in venues: The Cafe, The Potting Shed, an outdoor takeaway dining area, multiple event spaces, a florist, kids play area and animal petting area.

Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds is extremely popular and is most busy Friday through to Sunday. There is parking on site, however it can be hard to find a spot on these popular days.

Grounds of Alexandria

I highly recommend booking a table in advance to guarantee a spot, or grabbing takeaway and eating it outdoors.

Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria hosts fantastic seasonal events such as Easter brunch and Mother’s Day high teas and themed installations – the current one at writing being The Secret Garden, which you can learn more about here.

Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly and even dog-friendly. Dogs can dine in The Cafe but must have an outdoor table and must not sit on the chairs.

Grounds of Alexandria

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Grounds of Alexandria via christineknight.me Grounds of Alexandria via christineknight.me Grounds of Alexandria via christineknight.me

The Grounds of Alexandria: Kid-Friendly restaurants in Alexandria, via brunchwithmybaby.com

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

The Grounds of Alexandria
Building 7A/2 Huntley St,
Alexandria NSW 2015
Phone: 02 9699 2225
Get Directions

Read about our previous trips to The Grounds.

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