Adventure, baby!

NSW

Mandarin Picking at Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

/ Australia, Hawksbury, NSW, Travel, Wisemans Ferry / 0 comment

Picking Mandarins at Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

Mandarin Picking at Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

Pick your own mandarins in the crisp country air at Watkins Family Farm, in Wisemans Ferry, NSW. 

Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

Watkins Family Farm is a family-owned business, the land being granted to James Watkins in 1867, and farmed by the next seven generations. 

The end of autumn / beginning of winter marks the start of mandarin picking season at Watkins Family Farm.

With over 2000 fruit trees to pick your own fruit from and farm animals to meet and feed, a visit to Watkins Family Farm is an excellent outing for all ages.

Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry
Chicken shed

Note: During COVID-19 the farm animals are not available and there are no picnics permitted on the property. Visitors are asked to responsibly comply with social distancing rules and maintain 1.5m distance from others.

Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

The farm specialises in mandarins: juicy imperial and hickson mandarins are on offer each season for picking.

We were surprised at how popular the farm was and how many people were there on the day we visited. A lot of the low-hanging mandarins had already been picked, but we found trees with fruit that was within the reach of our child when we walked right to the very back of the farm to the last rows.

Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

Tips for visiting Watkins Family Farm

The farm is cash only.

There is no mobile phone reception on the farm.

Wear shoes appropriate for mud and dirt.

Arrive before opening for the best experience. 9:45am at the latest. If you plan to arrive at the farm after 11am you will find it hard to get a parking spot and enter the farm.

Each adult must buy a bucket – $10 for a small bucket or $15 for a large one.

You may not take any bags into the farm, including handbags that are large enough to fit anything larger than a wallet. 

The only toilet facilities are portaloos – use the bathrooms in Wisemans Ferry beforehand if you have the time.

Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

Watkins Family Farm
1006 Singleton Road, Laughtondale
Hours: 10am-4pm
https://watkinsfamilyfarm.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.

Find the best animal experiences 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.

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.

Picking Mandarins at Watkins Family Farm Wisemans Ferry

A visit to Wildwood Garden Bilpin, Blue Mountains Sydney

/ Australia, Bilpin, Blue Mountains, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

A visit to Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Sydney

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 Bilpin Blue Mountains

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.

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

Currently the garden is only open each Saturday and Sunday between May 16 and June 7. Its final opening day before winter closure is Monday, June 8. During this time, the garden, cafe and shop will all be open in line with current Covid-19 restrictions. The garden will reopen in spring.

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

The garden features a waterfall, fairy grove and dragon den, lots of well-placed statues to discover, topiary animals, and plenty of seasonal in colour.

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

During autumn, the garden is alight with deciduous trees and shrubs change from green to red, orange and yellow. Spring brings a cheery walk which is in peak flower mid-September, a fragrant daphne hedge, and plenty of shrubs, climbers, bulbs and perennials bursting into bloom. WIldwood Garden is home to 600 camellia varieties, which bloom through late winter and spring. Summer brings roses and perennials to bloom.

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

Wildwood Garden is beautifully landscaped with wide gravel paths, which are suitable for some strollers and wheelchairs with bigger wheels. 

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

The onsite cafe is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a stunning view of the gardens below with a coffee, cake or lunch. No kids’ menu, however plenty of the items are suitable for kids.

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

There is also a gift shop and nursery to check out before leaving.

Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains

Wildwood Garden
29 Powells Rd, Bilpin NSW
0417 042 460
wildwoodgarden.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.

Find the best animal experiences 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.

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.

Chocolate Factory Gosford: Things To Do On The Central Coast

/ Australia, Central Coast, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Gosford Chocolate Factory, Central Coast, NSW

Chocolate Factory Gosford

Make a sweet stop at the Chocolate Factory Gosford, home of Australian confectionery producers Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and The Sydney Marshmallow Co.

Chocolate Factory Gosford

The factory is open for visitors to enjoy trying and buying locally made chocolate, nougat and marshmallows, take a guided tour or enjoy a signature hot chocolate and cake in the cafe.
Chocolate Factory Gosford
 
Kids can take part in a fun-filled Junior Chocolatiers Workshop.
 
The café is generally open Wednesday to Sunday 9am-4pm for all-day breakfast and brunch, serving up simple meals and a kids’ menu.
Chocolate Factory Gosford
Chocolate Factory Gosford Chocolate Factory Gosford Chocolate Factory Gosford Chocolate Factory Gosford Chocolate Factory Gosford Chocolate Factory Gosford
 
Factory tours are approximately 30 mins in duration and cost $10 pp, $8 for seniors and children under 14. Book your tour online in advance to ensure it’s not sold out.
Chocolate Factory Gosford
 
Junior Chocolatiers Workshop run during the school holidays, for 60-80 mins in duration and cost $40 pp. The workshops are available to kids between the ages of 5 and 14.
Chocolate Factory Gosford

Chocolate Factory Gosford
Hours: Daily, 9am-4pm
6 Jusfrute Dr, West Gosford NSW 2250
Phone: 02 4322 3222
chocolatefactorygosford.com.au

More things to do on the Central Coast

Find more things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park on the Central Coast.

Spend a day at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast. Get close to animals with their Mini Kids 2 Keeper program.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Find the best places to stop on a Sydney to Brisbane drive.

Gosford Chocolate Factory, Central Coast, NSW

Four Stunning NSW Road Trips To Start Planning Today

/ Australia, NSW / 0 comment

NSW Road Trips To Start Planning Today

Stunning NSW Road Trips To Start Planning Today

Dreaming of hitting the road? Us too. Start planning your NSW road trips that will take you to beautiful beaches, lush wineries, and cosy country towns.

North: Sydney to Coolangatta

Coolangatta, QLD

It’s about nine hours to drive straight from Sydney to the northernmost coastal NSW town of Coolangatta, perched on the NSW/Qld border. Along the way are some of the prettiest coastal towns you’ll ever see, each one worth a trip to alone. 

Only an hour north of Sydney you’ll find the beautiful Central Coast, followed by Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie and plenty of tiny little towns in between until you hit Coffs Harbour. Further north is Yamba, Lennox Head, Byron Bay and then Coolangatta.

I highly recommend a few days in the stunning Hunter Valley region, which is north-west of Newcastle, and renowned for its wineries, cheese and chocolate. 

Plot your route and plan your future northern NSW road trips between Sydney and Brisbane / Gold Coast with these tips.

North-West: Sydney to Dubbo

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

Go west and head inland to Dubbo (approx 5 hours direct), and stop off at some of NSW’s best country towns along the way. Head to the Blue Mountains and spend a few days exploring the stunning bush, flowing waterfalls and cosy cafes, then take the route that goes through the historic wine town of Mudgee in one direction, and return via the route with Orange (another great wine town), Bathurst and Mayfield Garden. 

When you get to Dubbo, spend a few days exploring the town (including the famous Dubbo Goal), and of course, Taronga Western Plains Zoo! If it’s on your budget, glamp overnight in a Zoofari Lodge.

South-East: Sydney to Albury

Gundagai, NSW, Australia

It will take around 5 and a half hours to drive direct to Albury, the town perched on the Murray River at the border of NSW and Victoria. Keep going to hit Melbourne, or just enjoy the little towns along the way such as Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn and Holbrook. 

Plan NSW road trips, with tips on where to stop inland between Sydney and Melbourne.

South: Sydney to Eden

Hyam's Beach, NSW, Australia

This spectacular road trip down Sydney’s south coast takes around 6 and a half hours if you do it all in one hit. We highly recommend taking at least a week however to do this stunning drive, which winds down through some of Australia’s most beautiful white sand beaches.

Start with a few days in Kiama and Jervis Bay, home to the world’s whitest sand beach, then stop by Mollymook, Ulladulla, meet the friendly kangas at Pebbly Beach, Bateman’s Bay, nearby Mogo Zoo, inland cheese town Bega, popular beach town Merimbula and Tura Beach, ending in Eden and the stunning Ben Boyd National Park.

Plan your NSW road trip, with tips on where to stop between Sydney and Melbourne.

Want more ideas on NSW roadtrips? Get ideas from the Destination NSW website.

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.

Find the best animal experiences 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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

NSW Road Trips To Start Planning Today

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast NSW

/ Australia, Central Coast, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast, NSW

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast NSW

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary on the Central Coast of NSW. It is located in Calga, which is about an hour to an hour-and-a-half from Sydney’s CBD.

The park is a sanctuary for animals who are unable to be released back into the wild. Also on the property are several Aboriginal sites with ancient petroglyphs.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Walkabout Park provides refuge for a animals that have recovered from injury but have some residual problem that makes it impossible for them to be returned to a completely wild environment. The park also breeds endangered animals for release back into the wild and provides an experiential learning space for students.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park has plenty of free roaming animals to meet, including some very friendly kangaroos, wallabies and emus. 

There are range-led activities from 10am to 4pm daily, included in the entry fee.

Typical Daily Activities

09:30 Meet “Waffles” the Pig

10:00 Emus & Kangaroos

10:30 Dingo Encounter

11:00 “Tonka” the Teenage Wombat

11:30 Boomerang Throwing

12:00 “Kambala” Koala

12:30 Pat a Python

  1:00 Echidna Encounter

  1:30 Bush Tucker Walkabout

  2:00 Cockatoo Encounter

  2:30 “Gumnut” Koala

  3:00 “Ally” the Wombat

  3:30 Devil Encounter

  4:00 Kangaroos & Emus

  4:30 Flying Fox Feed Time

If you want a personal tour with a ranger, this can be arranged for an additional price.

Animal Loop

The Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is a large property that includes the animal walk loop, plus longer walks that go to the Aboriginal sites. The animal loop can be completed in about 10 mins if you walk very fast and don’t stop to look at the animals. It can take all day if you go slowly and participate in the ranger talks. 

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

The animal walk loop starts at the Visitor Centre, which is where the cafe, bathrooms and animal camps are located, along with the majority of the free-ranging animals. 

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast, NSW

The animal loop is pram and wheelchair-friendly but be warned it is a dirt track with rocks and twigs etc. 

Aboriginal Sites

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is on Darkinjung and Guringai land and features sites with ancient petroglyphs. The Aboriginal Sites Walk takes about 45 minutes and is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. 

This walk takes you past ancient petroglyph sites and to the hand stencil cave dated at more than 4,000 years old. Please be respectful of these sites if you visit them.

The Mt White Lookout Walk

A longer bushwalk, the Mt White Lookout Walk takes about a hour and 15 minutes to complete and is also not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The walk goes to the highest point on the ridgeline where you will be able to look south and see Mt White and all the way to the Blue Mountains on a clear day. 

Visitors Centre

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

The visitors centre is where you’ll find maps, the shop to buy souvenirs and animal feed, bathrooms and a cafe. 

There is a baby change table available in the bathrooms and also a disabled bathroom.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

You will also find a few residents in the visitors centre, including the park’s eldest resident, an 18-year-old wallaby named Matilda, who gets a special feed from staff to keep up her health.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Rules

There are lots of rules for the safety of the animals.

When touching the free-roaming animals, pat them on the back, not the head, neck or chest.

Remember the animals are wild, not domesticated, so approach with caution.

Do not feed the wildlife. 

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

If you wish to feed animals, buy some bags of feed at the front desk (3 bags for $5) and feed the alpacas, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Be respectful of the Aboriginal sites and don’t damage them.

You may bring your own food into the park but please eat it in the enclosed picnic area only.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast NSW
1 Darkinjung Rd, Calga NSW
http://www.walkaboutpark.com.au/

More things to do in Sydney and beyond

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.

Find the best animal experiences 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.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Things to do on the Central Coast.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast, NSW Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park: Central Coast, NSW

A Guide To The Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains in Mount Tomah

/ Australia, Blue Mountains, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

A Guide To The Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains 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.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

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. 

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is approximately a two-hour drive from Sydney’s CBD, on the boundary of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Greater Blue Mountains area. 

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

As well as the cool climate plants, the garden is home to a diverse range of local fauna, including over 150 species of birds, marsupials, lizards and colourful insects. Brush-tailed and ring-tailed possums, sugar gliders and greater gliders might be spotted in the garden, as well as fairy wrens, lyrebirds and cockatoos. During our visit we saw kookaburras and skinks.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

The garden is set out into distinct areas that highlight various plant species. Pick up a free map from the Visitor’s Centre and take a self guided tour around the gardens at your own pace.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Guided walking and shuttle tours are also available daily. Walking tours are free but the 20-minute shuttle tours attracts a fee of $8.50pp (disability Pension card holders, Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Garden members and children under 5 are free.). Check departure times and purchase tickets for tours at the Visitor Centre.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Different parts of the garden bloom throughout the year so no matter when you visit, the garden is beautiful. We visited in spring to see the daffodil display.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Kids can pick up a Children’s Adventure Quest from the Visitor’s Centre for $7.50. It includes everything in the photo below. 

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

There is a discovery centre underneath the Visitor’s Centre that has lots of information about the plants and some hands-on elements for kids.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Eating at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Visitors are more than welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. If you would like to purchase takeaway coffee, snacks or light meals, the Ugly Mug Kiosk, located near the car park, is open Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 5.00pm.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

The Potager, Mount Tomah

The Potager Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

During our visit we dined at The Potager for Father’s Day, an upmarket restaurant with a botanic theme. While the balcony offers incredible views over the garden, it also offers little shade, so we chose to dine instead as we visited on a hot day.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

The Potager has a decent kids’ menu and various options for different diets. I had a vegan option, the Veggie Patch (with local kale, roasted cauliflower and sautéed mushrooms on a bed pumpkin hummus, avocado cream, sun flower seeds, fresh local herbs, $22.90).

The Potager Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Our group also ordered the kids’ Avo & Cheese Sandwich (with chips, $9.50), the Pan Fried Salmon, (with roasted fennel, pumpkin, tomato, spinach, hummus, topped with shaved shallot, $32) and the Botanic Burger (180g Beef patty, bacon, American cheese, pickled onions, house relish, served on toasted milk bun with chips, $26.90).

The Potager Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains The Potager Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains The Potager Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

The food and service were both excellent and I would highly recommend dining here for a bit of a special occasion.

The Potager Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Getting to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden can be accessed via the Bells Line of Road.

Driving from Sydney: From the CBD, cross the harbour heading north and follow the M2 motorway onto the M7 motorway. Take the Richmond Road exit towards Richmond. Follow the signs to Blue Mountains and follow Bells Line of Road from Richmond to the Garden.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Driving from Lithgow: Drive along Chifley Road from Lithgow to Bell. Continue on Bells Line of Road from Bell to the Garden. The Garden is about a 40-minute drive from Lithgow.

The Garden is not accessible by public transport.

Botanical Gardens Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah
Hours: Daily, weekdays 9am to 5.30pm, weekends and public holidays: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Prices: Entry to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is FREE.

Get more info on The Potager and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.

More things to do in Sydney and the Blue Mountains

Find more things to do in the Blue Mountains.

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.

Find the best animal experiences 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.

Pie Time in the Southern Highlands NSW

/ Australia, NSW, Southern Highlands, Travel / 0 comment

Pie Time in the Southern Highlands

Pie time in the Southern Highlands is the most delicious time of year. Located only an hour and a half southwest of Sydney, the Southern Highlands make for an easy day trip. Throughout the month of June the region is host to a plethora of delicious pie experiences.

Pie Time in the Southern Highlands, NSW

Pie Time

The Big Pie and Visitors Centre, Mittagong

The Southern Highlands is the home of Australia’s newest Big Thing – the Big Pie! Located at the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong, the Big Pie has been erected in recognition of pie month in the Southern ‘Pie-lands’ during June. The Big Pie sits at over 2 metres wide by 1.5 high. Following Pie Time ‘The Big Pie’ will be positioned in the forecourt of the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre to promote the year-round Southern Highlands Pie Trail.

Visitors Centre

Drop into the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre while you’re there to read up about the history of pies and try their award-winning toilets.

Stones Patisserie, Bowral

Stones Bakery

This beautiful bakery is lovingly run by owner Mark Stone, turning out award-winning pies and delicious dishes daily. After winning the Best Pie and Best Artisan Pie 2018 for NSW/ACT with Stone’s ‘head to tail’ pie, this bakery is a must to try their hero pie created for pie month, the Superman pie (a beef bourguignon with peas, bacon, mushroom and a veal jus). There are also vegetarian options to be found at the patisserie, and I particularly enjoyed their apple crumble pie. 

stonespatisserie.com

Heatherbrae’s Pies, Sutton Forest

Heatherbraes Pies

The iconic roadstop pie shop serves up small batches of handmade pies, baked under the watchful eye of owner and pie man Russell Cox. Each filling is cooked to a specific recipe rather than a generic base being made with flavours added to it. The result is the most delicious pies that keep people coming back time after time. As well as a large range of savoury pies and sausage rolls, Heatherbrae’s has a fantastic range of retro sweet pastries.

Heatherbraes Pies

While the Jillaroo (beef, bacon, cheese and onion) is a popular savoury pie, I highly enjoyed the vegan Red Lentil Curry pie and will be going back for more. Cox commented that the vegan pie is the fasted growing pie on the menu in terms of popularity.

heatherbraespies.com.au

Cuttaway Hill Wines, Exeter

Cuttaway Hill

Cuttaway Hill is the place to stop to try the Pie Time Festival’s Pies and Pinot. Enjoy a Cuttaway Hill Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris with a specially made Heatherbrae venison pie. Vegetarians can enjoy the Sweetie Pie and Bubbles for Pie Time, where you can enjoy their traditionally-made sparkling with a sweet Heatherbrae pie. 

Cuttaway Hill

Families are welcome at Cuttaway Hill and are catered for during Pie Time. The Pie in the Sky event looks particularly fun, where you can enjoy a glass of wine, a Heatherbrae’s pie and peering at the stars through telescopes from the vineyard.

cuttawayhill.com.au

Southern Highlands Winery, Sutton Forest

Southern Highlands Winery

Drop by for the Pie and Pinot and stay for the spectacular views from the cellar door restaurant at the Southern Highlands Winery. 

Southern Highlands Winery

Head chef Marco Salvestrin has crafted a rabbit and Pinot Noir pie for this special time of year, for a bargain $22. There are vegetarian options on the menu. I enjoyed the eggplant parmigiana and spinach. Kids also are catered for on the menu.

southernhighlandswinery.com.au/

Centennial Vineyards, Bowral

Centennial Vineyard

Choose between the Pie and Pinot with a braised beef brisket and tunnel mushroom pie or Sweetie Pie and Bubbles with a apple, ricotta and mulberry pie and glass of the vineyard’s Brut Rosé for only $15 during pie time. 

Centennial Vineyard

centennial.net.au

Military Vehicle Tours and Centennial Vineyards

Military Tour

Take a vineyard tour with a difference at Centennial Vineyards with restoration expert and owner of Military Vehicle Tours Vinh Tran. During Pie Time he is offering visitors a 15-minute drive around the vines in a refurbished personnel carrier or jeep. All money raised from the tours goes directly to Vietnamese orphans and people affected by the Vietnam War. Tours go every 30 minutes during Pie Time.

Military Tour

Book your tour here. 

Fairground Follies, Bowral

Fairground Follies

This warehouse of wonders is usually closed to the public. Fairground Follies is a collection of antique musical machines from the 1800s onwards, and is open this Pie Time on June 1 and 15 with a 1.5 hour tour by curator and owner Craig Robson with an apple or fruit pie and a hot drink. With proceeds going to Meals on Wheels, this is an incredible opportunity as well as a good cause.

Fairground Follies

Highlights from the collection include the original steam-powered carousel from Luna Park, pre-clockwork gravity-driven musical machines, a 1950s Decap Robot Orchestra and the grand Taj Mahal. 

fairgroundfollies.com

Glass Café, Mittagong

Glass Cafe

Housed inside a 1890 heritage building, the Glass Café is hosting a special Paint Pinot event for Pie Time, with alpaca pie and Pinot Noir from award-winning winery Artemis. Paint your own alpaca using pie condiments such as ketchup, brown and yellow mustard.

Glass Cafe

glasscafe.com.au

Cycle Tours NSW

Bike Tour

Burn off the pies on an e-bike with Cycle Tours NSW. Kick off and let the battery kick in, giving you power-assisted peddling. The tours take visitors through the regions breweries, wineries and restaurants and commence at the Mittagong Visitors Centre.

cycletoursnsw.com

Gumnut Patisserie, Berrima, Bowral and Mittagong

Gumnut Patisserie Bowral Berrima

This famous patisserie attracts day trippers like us from Sydney and a line out the door is not an uncommon sight. Gumnut Patisserie are famous for their savoury pies and exquisite pastries. Their individually-made single-serve cakes and tarts are masterpieces, but we also loved the nostalgic, old school pastries like their vanilla and caramel slices.

gumnutpatisserie.com.au

More things to do in the Southern Highlands

Find plenty more things do to in the Southern Highlands here.

Find things do to in Bowral here.

Find things to do in Robertson here.

Find things to do in Berrima here.

Pie Time runs from 1st – 30th June. Get the full run down of Pie Time events here. 

I experienced these Pie Time activities as a guest of Southern Highlands Tourism.

Hyams Beach Australia: Home to the whitest sand in the world

/ Australia, Jervis Bay, NSW, South Coast, Travel / 0 comment

Hyams Beach NSW Australia

On the NSW South Coast, around 3 hours south of Sydney, you’ll find the whitest sand in the world at Hyams Beach. Located in the Jervis Bay Marine Park of the Shoalhaven region, Hyams Beach is one of 16 stunning white sand beaches in the area, however has shot to fame in recent years after it was awarded the Guinness World Record for the whitest sand.

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

Hyams Beach is a quiet residential beach with fine white sand and clear, gentle water. It’s the perfect family beach.

While most beach seekers choose to just lie on the sand or paddle in the water, Hyams Beach is also good for snorkelling, paddleboarding and fishing. 

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

On the southern shores of the splendid Jervis Bay Marine Park, Hyams Beach is a charming seaside village in the Shoalhaven region with an eponymous stretch of fine white sand. Gentle waves from the bay lap onto the beach, a beautiful area for rolling out your towel and relaxing on the soft sand.

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

We love the north end of Hyams Beach which is a smaller little bay area that is very well protected from the ocean, and has rock pools at its south end.

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

Hyams Beach is also the last stop on the White Sands Walk includes Hyams Beach, which starts at Nelsons Beach in nearby Vincentia and takes you through Blenheim Beach, Greenfield Beach and Chinamans Beach before ending at Hyams Beach. The walk takes around 90 minutes one way.

To the south of Hyams Beach is the stunning Booderee National Park. You can read more about the Booderee National Park as well as other things to do in Jervis Bay here. 

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

If you’d like to stay in Hyams Beach there are plenty of holiday homes available for rent. You can find out more regarding accommodation options in Jervis Bay here.

Hyam's Beach, NSW, Australia

There is just the one cafe in the area: the Hyams Beach Store and Cafe. They are renowned for their excellent coffee.

Hyam's Beach, NSW, Australia

If you are headed to Hyams Beach be aware of the limited parking situation. On busy days the streets are blocked off and rangers patrol the area. There is also only the one public toilet.

Dogs are permitted but must remain on leash at all times.

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

Hyams Beach NSW Australia

Welcome to Paradise: Things To Do In Jervis Bay

/ Australia, Huskisson, Jervis Bay, NSW, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Travel / 0 comment

Things to do in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia

Jervis Bay, in the Shoalhaven region of NSW, is a seaside haven with white sand beaches and wildlife galore. Located two-and-a-half to three hours drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is the perfect spot for a getaway for all ages. Stay a weekend or longer if you can. Jervis Bay will steal your heart and make it hard for you to leave. There are so many things to do in Jervis Bay!

Things to do in Jervis Bay

Huskisson

Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW

The main town in Jervis Bay, Huskisson is always pretty busy during tourist season. It’s full of cafes, places to shop, galleries and other amenities but it’s also hard to find a parking spot. Huskisson is on the shore of the Jervis Bay Marine Park, which is full of marine life including bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, little penguins and weedy sea dragons.

Boat tours leave from the jetty here and you can also hire kayaks. Kayaking is the perfect way to explore the stunning waters of Jervis Bay.

The Huskisson Bakery & Cafe

Huskisson Bakery Jervis Bay NSW

Drop by the iconic Husky Bakery for a pie. They are famous for their pies for a good reason – they’re delicious! The bakery has a large outside undercover eating area with play equipment to keep kids entertained, too.

Huskisson Bakery Jervis Bay NSW

If you don’t like pies, not to worry – there are plenty of things on the menu to choose from that aren’t pie-related, too. Veggie pies and other options such as sandwiches and egg dishes are on offer.

Read our full review on the Huskisson Bakery & Cafe here.

Pilgrims

Pilgrims Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW

This vegetarian cafe serves up wholesome meals in generous portions. The menu is healthy and full of both vegetarian and vegan options for vegetarians.

Read our full review on Pilgrims here.

Huskisson Ice Cream Parlour

Ice Cream Parlour Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW

You can’t visit the beach and not have ice cream! Have a double scoop, it’s delicious.

Read more about the Huskisson Ice Cream Parlour here.

Fudge Addiction

The Woods Farm Jervis Bay NSW

Sweet tooths will adore this little shop, packed with a huge range of traditional confectionery such as house-made fudge, toffee, Turkish delight, nougat, rocky Road, Coconut Ice and a range of Chocolate-coated products. 

Read more about Fudge Addiction here.

Boobook on Owen

Book store Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW

Not just a bookshop, Boobook is a quirky collection of the most interesting, popular and ‘never want to put down’ books, handpicked by staff. There is an excellent kids section plus a 2nd hand bargain area.

Read more about Boobook on Owen here.

Vincentia

Nelsons Beach Vincentia Jervis Bay NSW

The next town south from Huskisson is Vincentia. It’s only a few minutes drive but is much quieter. It still has a few cafes and supermarkets but without the crowds. Vincentia has plenty of pretty beaches to choose from including the dog friendly Nelsons Beach.

Nelsons Beach

Nelsons Beach Vincentia Jervis Bay NSW

One of the quieter beaches in Jervis Bay, Nelsons Beach has lots of white sand and nothing else in sight. You won’t find shops or cafes here but you will find space to spread out on the beach and spend a peaceful day at the beach with your family. Dogs are welcome at Nelsons Beach and in the mornings and evenings it resembles a dog park! Sunrise and sunset are both stunning at Nelsons Beach.

Greenfield Beach

Greenfield Beach, Vincentia

Another stunning beach set in the Jervis Bay National Park, Greenfield Beach has crystal clear water and powdery white sand. It also has walking tracks, free electric barbecue, clean drinking water, cold showers, flush toilet, sheltered eating area and wheelchair access, making it a perfect day at the beach. There is also a lot of wildlife in the are to be discovered on the walking tracks. 

Greenfield Beach is also the start of the White Sands Walk.

Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

White Sands Walk

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

This beautiful walk takes you through the Jervis Bay National Park, past some of the South Coast’s most stunning beaches. 

The walk starts at Greenfield Beach picnic area in Vincentia and takes you past beaches that include Chinamans, Seamans and Hyams beaches, with easy-to-follow directions. Bottlenoiose dolphins are often seen from this trail, as are fur seals, little penguins and humpback and southern right whales during their annual migration along the coast between May and November. 

At Hyams Beach, where the walk ends, return via the Scribbly Gum track that goes inland through tall forests, back to the top of Greenfield Beach picnic area. 

Callala Beach

Callala Beach Jervis Bay NSW

Callala Beach is the longest beach in Jervis Bay and is also dog-friendly. Calalla is a small town that is quiet and has only a few basic amenities, and is a bit further drive north out of Huskisson. 

Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

A residential area, Hyams Beach is now inundated with tourists and busy during the popular tourist times. There is one cafe to drop by for lunch or a coffee – a better idea is to pack your food for the day.

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

With the influx of tourists, driving and parking around the area can be painful –  however, the beach itself is lovely and well worth visiting. The rock pools between the north and south beaches are a lovely spot for kids to splash around. Hyams Beach is a short drive south of Vincentia.

Farm Stay at The Woods Farm

The Woods Farm Jervis Bay NSW

A 15 minute drive inland from Huskisson, The Woods Farm is a farmstay with a bit of luxury. Daily animals feedings of the chickens, alpacas, feisty goats horse and miniature pony are a hit with the kids.

The Woods Farm Jervis Bay NSW

There are eight individual cottages to choose from, each with three bedrooms and 1.5 bath plus a glamping tent out the front that can be added on for an extra $150 a night. We stayed for two nights and enjoyed our stay, however found it a bit pricey for the experience offered. Be aware that there is a cleaning fee of $250 in addition to the nightly rate.

Get more information on The Woods Farm here.

St Georges Basin

 

The largest town on the late of the same name, St Georges basin is perfect for those who love fishing, boating and swimming. St Georges Basin is on the northern shore and near Sanctuary Point, only a short drive from Huskisson and Vincentia.

Read more about visiting St Georges Basin here.

Moona Moona Creek

Moona Moona Creek, Jervis Bay, South Coast

A top spot to swim with kids! The entrance to the Moona Moona Creek is popular with families who love to swim in the shallow water. Nearby Moona Moona reserve is a great spot for a picnic with barbecue facilities, outdoor showers and shady areas. 

Read more about visiting Moona Moona Creek here. 

Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

Point Perpendicular Lightstation

Point Perpendicular Lighthouse Jervis Bay NSW

I love a good lighthouse! It’s a bit of a drive to get to Point Perpendicular, but the view at the end of Jervis Bay escarpment is worth it. The historic lighthouse was active from 1889 to 1993. There is no access inside the lighthouse but I thought the view was worth the drive.

Read more about visiting Point Perpendicular Lightstation here.

Booderee National Park

Murrays Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

Booderee is a spectacular place to visit and stay, with white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and teaming with wildlife. You need a park pass to enter the Booderee National Park, which you can buy at the entrance. 

Jervis Bay Village

Jervis Bay Village Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

The Jervis Bay Village is the spot to to stop to pick up supplies from the general store or order a meal from the takeaway shop. We ordered burgers that came out old style and delicious. They even had several veggie options on offer including a spinach and ricotta roll and veggie burger.

Green Patch

Greenpatch Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW
Green Patch is a popular spot for its spectacular beach. The white sand and bright blue water is just as stunning as nearby Hyams, with the added tranquility of a bush surrounding. You will find plenty of wildlife in the surrounding bush such as kookaburras and kangaroos. There are extremely clean public restrooms here.

Greenpatch Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

We rated Green path as the prettiest beach and as one of our favourite things to do in Jervis Bay.

Cave Beach

Cave Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW
Cave Beach is famous for residential kangaroos who can usually be found munching on grass in the camping area behind the beach. Be careful as the kangas can get a bit aggressive if they smell food on you so leave food in your car.

Hole in the Wall Beach

Hole In The Wall Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

We loved walking along the beach to the sandstone rock wall at its eastern end with a U shaped hole in it that gave the beach its name: “Hole in the Wall Beach”. 

Hole In The Wall Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

The hole (well, now U shape) is a popular photography spot especially in the early morning. We also enjoyed the rock pools we found walking up the beach to the rock wall at the end. Around the U hole are more rock pools and a longer walk. Exploring amazing places like this is one of the best things to do in Jervis Bay.

Murrays Beach

Murrays Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

The perfect family beach, Murrays has pristine, calm water perfect for swimmers and snorkelers with sparkling white sand. Murrays Beach is located in a protected bay which is sheltered by Bowen Island. 

Bowen Island Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

You can take several walks around Murrays Beach for stunning views of the bay as well as Bowen Island, which is off limits to tourists and is a haven for penguins. We didn’t see any penguins but we weren’t there in peak penguin season.

Where to stay in Jervis Bay

There are plenty of options from hotels to vacation rentals and camping. 

Find the perfect accommodation in Jervis Bay for your budget and taste here.

Things to do in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia

Jervis Bay Accommodation: Where to stay in Jervis Bay

/ Australia, Jervis Bay, NSW, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Travel / 0 comment

Jervis Bay Accommodation, NSW, Australia

Jervis Bay, in the Shoalhaven region of NSW, is a seaside haven with white sand beaches and wildlife galore. Located two-and-a-half to three hours drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is the perfect spot for a getaway for all ages. Find your perfect Jervis Bay accommodation here and start booking your trip!

Jervis Bay Accommodation

Where to stay in Jervis Bay

Huskisson

Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW

The main town in Jervis Bay, Huskisson is always pretty busy during tourist season. It’s full of cafes, places to shop, galleries and other amenities but it’s also hard to find a parking spot. Huskisson is on the shore of the Jervis Bay Marine Park, which is full of marine life including bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, little penguins and weedy sea dragons. Boat tours leave from the jetty here.

Vincentia

Nelsons Beach Vincentia Jervis Bay NSW

The next town south from Huskisson is Vincentia. It’s only a few minutes drive but is much quieter. It still has a few cafes and supermarkets but without the crowds. Vincentia has plenty of pretty beaches to choose from including the dog friendly Nelsons Beach plus a quieter vibe, so is our pick of where to stay in Jervis Bay.

We stayed at a house called Kokomo that we rented on Homeaway. There was a Coles and Woolworths nearby so we had all the basics sorted for cooking and it was a short stroll down the end of our street to get to the beach. Winner!

Callala Beach

Callala Beach Jervis Bay NSW

Callala Beach is the longest beach in Jervis Bay and is also dog-friendly. Calalla is a small town that is quiet and has only a few basic amenities, and is a bit further drive north out of Huskisson. We’ve stayed here before and it was a bit too quiet and far from the main area and its amenities for our liking but a lot of families love it here. 

Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay NSW

A residential area, Hyams Beach is now inundated with tourists and busy during the popular tourist times. There is very little in the way of amenities and with the influx of tourists driving and parking around the area can be painful –  however, the beach itself is lovely. Hyams Beach is a short drive south of Vincentia.

St Georges Basin

The largest town on the late of the same name, St Georges basin is perfect for those who love fishing, boating and swimming. St Georges Basin is on the northern shore and near Sanctuary Point, only a short drive from Huskisson and Vincentia. There’s an IGA for basic groceries here and it’s not much further to get to the new giant Woolworths in Vincentia.

The Woods Farm

The Woods Farm Jervis Bay NSW

A 15 minute drive inland from Huskisson, The Woods Farm is a farmstay with a bit of luxury. Daily animals feedings of the chickens, alpacas, feisty goats horse and miniature pony are a hit with the kids. There are eight individual cottages to choose from, each with three bedrooms and 1.5 bath plus a glamping tent out the front that can be added on for an extra $150 a night. We stayed for two nights and enjoyed our stay, however found it a bit pricey for the experience offered.

Get more information on The Woods Farm here.

Book Jervis Bay accommodation

Find a wide range of holiday rentals, hotels and BnBs in Jervis Bay here: 

Holiday rentals

We found the best way Jervis Bay accommodation to suit us through holiday home rentals from Stayz. There are plenty of houses that make for a perfect family or large group holiday – multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchen and laundry, pools and pet-friendly options are all available here.

Hotels and motels

There are also hotels and motels to choose from in Jervis Bay, although not as many options to choose from as holiday rentals. You can browse hotel and motel Jervis Bay accommodation here.

Camping in Jervis Bay

There are lots of camping options around Jervis Bay to choose from. Read up carefully on the camp site requirements before heading down. Some require entering lotteries for peak seasons.

Booderee National Park

Murrays Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW

Booderee is a spectacular place to visit and stay, with white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and teaming with wildlife. You need a park pass to enter the Booderee National Park. If you are planning on camping, you must stick to one of the designated camping grounds and book your spot early to avoid missing out.

Booderee National Park Camping Grounds
Green Patch

Greenpatch Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW
Green Patch is a popular spot for its spectacular beach. With its natural setting and discrete campsites, Green Patch are ideal for families and small groups. Sites are either standard or large with a choice of drive-in or walk-in.

Bristol Point

Set among mature bushland, Bristol Point offers walk-in campsites only. Sites come in either standard or large sizes and are suitable for larger groups.

Cave Beach

Cave Beach Booderee National Park Jervis Bay NSW
Cave Beach is a grassy camping area is set amongst coastal tea trees and is ideal for lightweight camping. The camping area is 300 metres from the carpark and all equipment must be carried in.

Get more information on camping in the Booderee National Park here

Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon Bay is set in a picturesque location in Jervis Bay. It is approximately 10 kilometres from the edge of Currarong along the Point Perpendicular. Camping is available most weekends, school holidays and public holidays. Get more information on camping at Honeymoon Bay here.

Jervis Bay Holiday Park

A great choice for camping with kids when you still want a pool, cooking facilities and  bathrooms. Jervis Bay Caravan Park and Cabins offers varies types of accommodation including powered and unpowered campsites, cabins with shared bathrooms, superior tents and private villas. The park also has it’ own private boat ramp and jetty, a perfect spot to launch your boat, canoe or Kayak. 

Get more information on staying at the Jervis Bay Holiday Park here.

Jervis Bay Cabins & Hidden Creek Real Camping

Get a real bush camping experience on five acres of bushland surrounded by the Currambene Creek. Hidden Creek Campsite offers accommodation for all tastes and budgets. Whether you have a swag/2-10 man tent, camper van, motor home, camper trailer or caravan, they have a site to accommodate you, with secluded powered and unpowered sites, each with their own campfire pit. Hidden Creek Campsite also has a variety of cabins to suit all needs and budgets.  BYO Linen/Doona’s/Sleeping Bags/Towels. Some cabins have private bathrooms, some have shared.

Get more information on Hidden Creek Campsite here. 

Glamping at Jervis Bay

Paperbark Camp

This unique accommodation provides guests with a camping experience soaked in luxury. The tents are solar powered and all linen and towels are provided (except for beach towels). There are no cooking facilities onsite – there is a restaurant however for full-service breakfast and dinner and gourmet picnic baskets are available.  Each luxury tent has its own bathroom. Kids 6+ are welcome at Paperbark Camp, however no pets are allowed.

Get more information on Paperbark Camp here. 

The Woods Farm

The Woods Farm Jervis Bay NSW

Glamping tents are on offer at The Woods Farm, a country farmstay which is located in Tomerong, around 15 mins drive from the Jervis Bay beaches. There is a central bathroom for all glamping guests and cooking facilities.

Get more information on a glamping stay at The Woods Farm here.

Jervis Bay Accommodation, NSW, Australia

Affiliate links are used throughout this post. This means if you book through one of these links I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.