Life Out & About Author

Tramsheds Harold Park

All About Food & Drink

Who would have guessed an old Tram Depot could be such an exciting food destination, well Tramsheds Harold Park is just that! Under the one roof you will find a wide choice of restaurants and cafés serving delicious foods from around the world. There’s even a cosy dining area in one of the old trams.

If you also like to include a walk with your outing, head down to the waterfront and take the foreshore walk to Blackwattle Bay… it offers some fabulous views to the Anzac Bridge and city.

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University of Sydney & Glebe

Atmospheric Neo-Gothic

University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest university campus. With its striking neo-gothic sandstone structures and the impressive award-winning Law School Building, there is much to see and enjoy here… particularly if you love architecture. In addition, the University is in close proximity to the vibrant Glebe village where you will find plenty of eateries and bars, as well as boutique shops and art galleries.

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Southern Highlands Country Life

Villages & Rolling Hills

Connecting the historic towns and villages of the Southern Highlands is a network of quiet country roads. Rolling hills, tree lined farms and boutique wineries make the Highlands an idyllic place to explore by car, bike… or on foot! Also, with an impressive selection of fine dining restaurants and quality accommodation it’s easy to appreciate why many Sydneysiders find the Highlands a perfect destination for a weekend or day trip getaway, only 90 minutes drive south west of Sydney. Continue reading “Southern Highlands Country Life”

Creatives of the Southern Highlands

Antiques Arts Crafts & Homewares

90 minute drive south west of Sydney takes you to the heart of the picturesque Southern Highlands, home to a number of superb contemporary art and craft galleries, quirky antique shops and excellent eateries. There is also a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. It’s certainly easy to justify a weekend escape or day trip here!

Whether you plan a romantic weekend away, or a day trip with friends, you will be sure to enjoy this beautiful part of NSW.

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Sydney CBD Young at Heart

Holiday Destination

Down by the harbourside the open air bars and eateries are abuzz with the sounds of youthful excitement and celebration. The holiday crowds soak up the atmosphere, while the buskers entertain anyone and everyone. This is an exciting and stunning place to be, where Sydney is at its most vibrant… and where all the main tourist attractions are found!

If you venture beyond the waterfront you will find yourself surrounded by soaring glass towers and heritage sandstone buildings, and where impressive street sculpture and exotic palms bring a touch of art and greenery to the city streets. This is also where many of Sydney’s well known contemporary art and craft galleries are located.

The Rocks area and Circular Quay through to Martin Place is a holiday destination in itself, even if you’re not on holidays you will certainly feel like you are!

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Outdoor Eateries

Oasis Dining

Who doesn’t love to dine surrounded by nature! Whether it’s inside or out, a leafy outlook is always an inspiring place to eat… or drink 🙂 The Sydney area has many fine cafés and restaurants set in tropical gardens, parks and leafy neighborhoods. These are a few of our favourite places to enjoy the outdoors. Continue reading “Outdoor Eateries”

Lilyfield’s Venetian Clock Tower

Tower on the Hill

Dominating the Lilyfield skyline is the historic venetian clock tower of the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) complex. An impressive site, surrounded by a cluster of beautiful old sandstone buildings and massive wrought iron gates. There are also extensive lawns, large shady trees and tall palms dotting the estate, making it a perfect place for a picnic.

Alternatively, why not take a short stroll along the popular Bay Run. Head north toward Rozelle and Balmain where you will find a zillion cafes for a bite to eat… or plenty of boutique shops to explore! Continue reading “Lilyfield’s Venetian Clock Tower”

Harbourside Eateries

Be Inspired

One of life’s most enjoyable experiences is sharing delicious food in beautiful surrounds. Sydney’s Lower North Shore with it’s leafy harbourside suburbs offers an abundance of inspiring places to eat and drink… below are some of our favourites!

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Waverton Harbourside Transformed

Creative Redevelopment

Nestled between the harbourside suburbs of McMahons Pt and Wollstonecraft sits the beautifully transformed Waverton Peninsula. What was once an ugly industrial area has been redeveloped into a large parkland of walking tracks and lookouts. To add to the character, some of the industrial remnants have been left in tact, such as the old Coal Loader tunnels and crumbling wharves. While the bushwalks and harbour views are reason enough to visit the area, the quarterly Artisan Market at the Coal Loader provides an additional incentive! Continue reading “Waverton Harbourside Transformed”

Leuralla Toys Trains & Amphitheatre

Down Memory Lane

Sadly this wonderful museum and garden closed in October 2022. I am leaving this blog active for those who have visited and would like a little reminder of just how special a place this was!

On our last trip to the Blue Mountains we were delighted to visit the historic Leuralla Toy and Train Museum. Housed in a two storey mansion is one of the largest collections of 20th century toys and model trains in the Southern Hemisphere! Surrounding the home are 12 acres of mountain gardens… filled with old train station memorabilia from Sydney and surrounds. Then just across the road is an impressive stone amphitheatre, with spectacular views over the Jamison Valley. Continue reading “Leuralla Toys Trains & Amphitheatre”

Leura Village Charm

The Garden Village

Leura village is often referred to as The Jewel in the Mountains Crown. With a garden village atmosphere and an abundance of boutique accommodation, speciality shops, galleries and eateries, it is easy to understand why it attracts such attention. Beyond the busy mall you will find mountain vistas, inspiring bushwalks and historic gardens and homes.

Chinese Garden Hidden Oasis

Tranquillity

Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a hidden oasis. The walled Chinese Garden of Friendship is bursting with beauty. Ornate pavilions, exotic plants, ponds, waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Paths twist and wind their way over little bridges and streams, while carefully composed scenes unfold as you stroll your way through the garden. Continue reading “Chinese Garden Hidden Oasis”

Vaucluse Estates & Secluded Bays

Harbourside Heritage

There is much history and beauty concealed within the perfectly positioned eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Heritage estates, secluded beaches, coastal walks and beachside cafés are scattered along its shores. Hidden in a small sandy cove is the impressive Parsley Bay century old cable suspension footbridge, while close by is the historic Vaucluse House and Tearooms… surrounded by towering palms and ever so lush gardens. Then you have Nielsen Park with its lovely beach side café restaurant and the historic Greycliffe House. Continue reading “Vaucluse Estates & Secluded Bays”

Castlecrag’s Hidden Paths

Designer Homes & Secret Paths

Castlecrag’s architect designed homes sit perfectly in their natural bush settings, surrounded by old stone walls, gum trees and lush foliage, while bushy cul-de-sacs hide the access to a maze of meandering pathways.

The suburb was originally planned by husband and wife team Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their vision was to prevent unsympathetic development in the area, as well as protect the native flora and fauna.

Ultimo Architecture & Art

City Edge Transformed

An amazing transformation has taken place in the Ultimo area over the last 20 years. From derelict warehouses and industrial sites to a vibrant community of character cafes, restored terraces, art galleries and ‘out there’ Frank Gehry architecture! Also, close by in Chippendale is the well known White Rabbit Gallery, housing the largest and most significant collection of contemporary Chinese art. Continue reading “Ultimo Architecture & Art”

McMahons Pt Village Café Life

Village Vibe

McMahons Pt village has much to offer with it’s lively café scene, harbour views and leafy suburb walks. While it has a great selection of cafés, restaurants and bars, it is also a beautiful place to explore on foot. In addition, the charming Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is only minutes away. Wherever you wander in this area you will be delighted, it is truly one of Sydney’s hidden gems!

Explore Sydney Botanic Gardens

Oasis of Calm

The stunningly themed Botanic Gardens are a true oasis, the perfect place to unwind and experience the beauty and perfection in nature. Also, if you’re looking for an inspiring place to eat in the city, try the delightful Botanic Gardens Restaurant, located at the heart of the gardens, surrounded by a large lotus pond and tropical vegetation. Continue reading “Explore Sydney Botanic Gardens”