In May I had to make a quick, 1,400 km (approx 875 mile) drive to Wagga and Griffith for work. It was great weather for it and I was surprised how green it was considering the lack of rain we've had recently.
Showing posts with label NSW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NSW. Show all posts
Friday, June 13, 2014
Long drive in the country
May 2014
In May I had to make a quick, 1,400 km (approx 875 mile) drive to Wagga and Griffith for work. It was great weather for it and I was surprised how green it was considering the lack of rain we've had recently.
In May I had to make a quick, 1,400 km (approx 875 mile) drive to Wagga and Griffith for work. It was great weather for it and I was surprised how green it was considering the lack of rain we've had recently.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Pottery Green Bakers, Gordon, Sydney, Australia
March 2014
Pottery Green Bakers is a bakery/cafe located in Gordon and Lane Cove on the North Side of Sydney.
I'd definitely stop buy again, particularly to try their baguettes.
Pottery Green Bakers is a bakery/cafe located in Gordon and Lane Cove on the North Side of Sydney.
When we initially entered we thought it was order and then sit, but we were relieved to find out it was table service (or at least at the Gordon branch where we ate).
Caramel Milkshake $6
Grilled Haloumi Stack with side of Bacon $18
Salmon Stack $14
I'd definitely stop buy again, particularly to try their baguettes.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Sangoma Retreat, NSW, Australia
February 2014
Located at the base of the Blue Mountains, the Sangoma Retreat is a 5 "suite" adult only retreat and the perfect place to get away from it all.
We survived the the chaos of the M2 and Richmond Rd on a Friday afternoon to an automatically relaxing environment. We were welcomed by our hosts and showed around the common areas before being introduced to our accommodation - The tent. All that was left for us to do was eat, drink and relax.
Stay
The tent isn't your typical tent, even in the glamping world.
Its perched on the edge of the bush, with a large deck on one side, and in the tent a large bed and bath.
Brunch on the final day is eaten at 11 am, part of me appreciated eating at a later hour, but eating at 9 am (as we had the previous day) would have allowed us to get a bush run in and shower before heading home.
Do
Relax overlooking the bush in the tent suite
Swim in the outdoor heated pool, with the great view
We survived the the chaos of the M2 and Richmond Rd on a Friday afternoon to an automatically relaxing environment. We were welcomed by our hosts and showed around the common areas before being introduced to our accommodation - The tent. All that was left for us to do was eat, drink and relax.
Stay
There are five accommodation options at Sangoma - the Tent was the only option still available when we booked - and the best option for us.
The tent isn't your typical tent, even in the glamping world.
Its perched on the edge of the bush, with a large deck on one side, and in the tent a large bed and bath.
Eat
All meals are taken in the common dining room, each couple getting their own table.
Food is set, and its a great opportunity to try new things and reintroduce yourselves to old favouites.
Brunch on the final day is eaten at 11 am, part of me appreciated eating at a later hour, but eating at 9 am (as we had the previous day) would have allowed us to get a bush run in and shower before heading home.
Relax overlooking the bush in the tent suite
Swim in the outdoor heated pool, with the great view
Hike in the Bowen Mountains, we did one through Burralow Fire Trail, down to the Burralow Picnic and Camping Site.
Monday, February 10, 2014
The Landing Bar & Kitchen, Newcastle, Australia
February 2014
It was another nice day for a drive and of course a relaxing lunch.
The Honeysuckle area in Newcastle was the location of Newcastle's former disused harbour front and has now been developed into a residential and eating area. The Landing Bar & Kitchen is a great place to sit outside and enjoy a drink and/or some food.
For other things to do in Newcastle check out some older posts here, including what to do, what else to eat and where to sleep.
It was another nice day for a drive and of course a relaxing lunch.
The Honeysuckle area in Newcastle was the location of Newcastle's former disused harbour front and has now been developed into a residential and eating area. The Landing Bar & Kitchen is a great place to sit outside and enjoy a drink and/or some food.
Mocktail $8 -
one of the best things about Newcastle is mocktail isn't a dirty word and they are willing to experiment
Fish taco (x3) $16
w/ crispy iceberg, jalapeno mayo &
tomato& pineapple salsa
The Landing beef burger $18
wagyu beef w/ lettuce, tomato, cheddar,
pickled cucumber & spicy mayo served with fries
For other things to do in Newcastle check out some older posts here, including what to do, what else to eat and where to sleep.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
The Golden Door, Hunter Valley, Australia
January 2014
For my mothers birthday this year I took her for the long weekend to The Golden Door Health Retreat - Elysia in the Hunter Valley.
Locating a dry retreat in one of Australia's top wine regions is a bit strange, but it was a stunning spot for it.
As soon as you enter the Golden Door you relax, it might be the sound of the running water, it might be the crisp white tiles.
Stay
Mum and I stayed in a two bedroom villa, overlooking the Hunter Valley. The biggest surprise was that it had a full kitchen (oven and microwave!) and both rooms had a full bath.
Eat
This was my biggest concern, the food. Would I enjoy it, would there be enough of it (I thought about packing contraband i.e. anything food related but decided that would defeat the point, but I needn't have worried. The food was fresh, it was flavoursome and it was just enough to make you feel full but not overloaded.
Breakfast dishes...
So would I recommend a stay at the Golden Door. Absolutely. We had three days and for me that was a good length of time (most stay between 5 - 7 days, some over 2 weeks!). But watch for specials.
For my mothers birthday this year I took her for the long weekend to The Golden Door Health Retreat - Elysia in the Hunter Valley.
As soon as you enter the Golden Door you relax, it might be the sound of the running water, it might be the crisp white tiles.
Stay
Mum and I stayed in a two bedroom villa, overlooking the Hunter Valley. The biggest surprise was that it had a full kitchen (oven and microwave!) and both rooms had a full bath.
This was my biggest concern, the food. Would I enjoy it, would there be enough of it (I thought about packing contraband i.e. anything food related but decided that would defeat the point, but I needn't have worried. The food was fresh, it was flavoursome and it was just enough to make you feel full but not overloaded.
Breakfast dishes...
Omelettes
Rice porridge with orange and coconut
Yogurt with fruit and muesli
Lunch dishes....
Turkey salad
Fish curry
Dinner dishes....
Vegetable soup with...
Thai fish cakes
Barramundi with...
Coconut ice cream..yes ice cream!
Hungry yet?
Do
You can do as much or as little as you want here. There are plenty of new things to try and if you don't like it don't do it again. We tried:
- Tai Chi at 6:30 am on Meditation hill
- Deep water running at 7 am before breakfast in the indoor pool
- 10K hike, which had a spectacular view
- Indoor cycle (aka spin)
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Stretch
- Some downtime in the lounge area
So would I recommend a stay at the Golden Door. Absolutely. We had three days and for me that was a good length of time (most stay between 5 - 7 days, some over 2 weeks!). But watch for specials.
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