by Guest contributor | Nov 1, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
After a relaxed retreat boasting wineries, stunning gardens, mountain hikes/lookouts and a world-famous cricket museum? Well, Bowral in New South Wales’ southern highlands should be on your holiday hit list. Nestled at the base of Mount Gibralat and just 1.5 hours from Sydney, Bowral is a cute town full of things to do for a country escape.
As you explore Bowral you’ll notice how serene the place is, especially during spring when its country gardens and fields are alive with tulips.
Here are some of my favourite things to do in Bowral in New South Wales
Books and breakfast
For a unique café experience be sure to head to the Elephant Boy Café. From the moment you enter you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920’s novel. The walls are lined with books, 1920’s antiques, spices and jams and tea merchant posters. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, write/work, read a book or simply sit back and relax.
The meals are delicious and the portion sizes are generous. During my visit I couldn’t resist the Big Breakfast with everything you would expect (sausages, beans, eggs, bacon, mushrooms and even black pudding). Also the salmon omelette with chives is scrumptious and filing.
Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and to secure a table.
Home to Australia’s greatest batsman
One of the most famous attractions in Bowral is The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. For any cricket fan this is a must-do activity as it commemorates the game’s greatest batsman, Sir Donald Bradman who grew up and learned his craft in Bowral.
Even if you aren’t a cricket enthusiast it’s a pretty impressive museum featuring state-of-the-art interactive experiences, theatre screenings and rare memorabilia and exhibits, all showcasing ‘The Don’s’ significant contribution to cricket and Australian history.
Tip: Don’t forget to explore outside and see the Bradman Oval.
Follow the wine trail
No visit to Bowral is complete without sampling the Southern Highland’s vineyards. With over 60 wineries to visit in this region (spanning across the towns of Bowral, Exeter, Moss Vale, Sutton Forrest, Berrima and Mittagong), you’ll have a blast wining, dining and soaking up the views.
Producing award-wining sparkling wines and specializing in pinot noir and pinot gris, you’re sure to walk away with a few new favourites and bottles for keepsake.
One of my favourite spots is Mount Ashby Estate, a charming French farmhouse style winery. On the property you’ll see cattle grazing, a provincial 17th to 19th century antique shop and of course, its cellar door and Café La Palette which serves delicious pinot gris, merlot and chardonnay wine and modern-French cuisine.
Tip: It’s a nice spot to grab lunch, soak up the vineyard views and unwind with a bottle of vino.
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.
Feature image via Flickr creative commons.
by Guest contributor | Sep 16, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations
There’s no better time to look towards a fresh start than spring time. It’s the perfect opportunity to spring clean your house, mind and life. Whether it is spring where you live or not however, you can take action with these five easy ways to spring clean your life, starting now!
De-clutter your home
Let’s start this journey by focusing on the space that you wake up to each morning – your home. A household that is messy and in disarray can cause added stress to your life.
Clear out your wardrobes and cupboards. Wash blinds and curtains, wipe the dust from walls and surfaces. Clean out the pantry, removing winter comfort food and stocking it with healthy choices.
Make your space beautiful – a new rug, cushions, candle or even fresh flowers can dramatically change the energy of a room. The chi (energy) within your home will flow better. Create an environment that uplifts your spirits.
Clear your mind
Your mental health is boosted when you de-clutter. This involves dealing with anxiety, stress, worry and other negative emotions.
Many of us hold onto negative emotions such as jealousy, anger, hatred, worry or fear. These emotions don’t add anything to your life and are detrimental to your health and wellbeing. Stop giving your energy away to someone else and focus on giving it back to you.
Clear your schedule
It’s time to clear your diary and make time for priorities. To follow your dreams and live the life you want, you need to make time for things that are important to you.
Push beyond your comfort zone, the easier path isn’t always the right way for our higher learning and growth. Maybe it’s time to take the road less travelled. Engage in activities you’ve never done before, are passionate or curious about, or that fulfil a purpose or dream.
Time is precious and valuable, make every minute count by making time work for you. Plant the seeds today for a better tomorrow.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
With our busy lifestyles, we are too stressed to deal with the things that make us feel stressed! It could be our overwhelming to-do list, or the constant mind chatter that preoccupies our thoughts.
A calmer presence can be found when you stop over-analysing everything, become less rigid and ‘go with the flow’.
Smile yourself out of a bad mood. Your brain cannot tell the difference between a posed smile and a genuine one – they have the same result.
Detox your relationships
Moods are infectious, and are not only affected by our own emotions and inner conflicts, but also by those whose company we keep.
Toxic relationships zap your energy (in my clinic, the term I use is energy vampires). Don’t underestimate how much energy vampires can affect not only your mood, but your self-esteem.
By embracing change and letting go of the stagnant energy in your life, you create space and invite possibility, fulfilment, adventure and the opportunity to follow your dreams. Make the all-important decision to detoxify and de-clutter in all aspects of your life. There’s no better time than spring time.
About the writer
Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.
by Guest contributor | Sep 16, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
It’s a haven for foodies, market-lovers and families – The Grounds in Alexandria is one of the hottest café spots to experience and workout your tastebuds in Sydney. Located in an old pie factory from the 1900’s, The Grounds is now a whimsical secret garden that has a rustic/industrial feel. From the outside you never expect such a sanctuary to exist – a lovely surprise making you feel like a kid in a candy store, wide-eyed and excited to explore. On any given weekend The Grounds is jam-packed with visitors, especially over the ‘holiday weekends’ which hosts sprawling market stalls and live music.
Here’s why it’s a perfect spot to check out – explore The Grounds of Alexandria
Kevin Bacon calls it home
Unfortunately not the actor, but The Grounds has its own Kevin Bacon celebrity – a lovable pig who made headlines all over the country for being kidnapped last year. He is now safely back home and can be seen lapping up the attention in his barn. Along with Kevin Bacon, there are sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits and more in the petting zoo area.
Greenhouse garden dining
For a dining experience that’ll make you feel like you’re in a greenhouse garden, drop by The Potting Shed. With hanging plants, flowerpots and garden tools everywhere, this venue is one of a kind. It also features a funky bar offering an extensive cocktail list and wine menu. The venue even has its own resident pet, Fluffy, a magnificent blue and yellow macaw that is perched freely on top of its cage and playing happily amongst the diners. What’s great about The Potting Shed is it’s open till midnight and the food is scrumptious, and surprisingly well priced. Some highlight dishes include the steamed black mussels, bite-sized pork-belly buns and buttermilk popcorn chicken. On the beverage side be sure to try a cocktail – my drink of choice is the Toiler’s Tonic.
Coffee is their passion
The Grounds is renowned for its coffee and it would be a sin if you didn’t get your caffeine fix here. With a coffee research and testing facility on-site – they mean serious business when it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Sourcing the finest beans from all over the world including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and India, The Grounds constantly change blends (largely determined by seasonality) to ensure the best-flavoured coffee is produced.
Tip: While waiting for a table at The Potting Shed, grab a coffee and sit in the main garden area.
Eat your heart out
On premises is the Salt Meats Cheese venue, a warehouse-style delicatessen offering the finest products stocked sky-high – from olives, antipasto, dips, truffles, prosciutto, cheeses, jams, gelato, pasta and more. It’s a gourmet foodie’s dream but it doesn’t stop there, with Italian cooking classes also available to indulge in. Each weekend they run classes in making fresh pasta and ravioli, woodfire oven pizzas (matched with a glass of wine) and mozzarella. It’s a great activity for families, friends and groups – bound to produce a lot of laughs and tasty treats in the process.
Find The Grounds of Alexandria at Building 7A/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
Have you explored The Grounds of Alexandria? Tell us what you think.
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.
by Guest contributor | Aug 26, 2014 | Career and mindset
Change is as inevitable as warm days in summer. Some choose to make the most of the day and head to the beach, or somewhere cool. Others just choose to complain about the heat, all the while making themselves ‘hot under the collar’. Some decide not to even let it bother them.
Whether or not you like change, sometimes it happens anyway. You can embrace it and transition or put your head in the sand and see what happens. Others seek change as they are sick of the status quo and want to let go of monotony.
Many of my clients share these predicaments. Some are looking for change in their career. Others have had a divorce thrust upon them and they’re not sure how to pick up the pieces. Some just have an emptiness inside and are not sure how to feel good anymore.
Here are some strategies I suggest to help make positive change.
- What’s your vision?
A wise man once said, “Without vision the people perish”. When was the last time you asked yourself, “What is it that I want out of my life?” If you don’t know what you want, how are you supposed to get it? Asking questions is a valuable tool in the process of self-discovery.
A new life is a changed mindset. Focus on success and you attract success. Focus on fear and doubt and you attract failure. Become a creator and visualise your life unfolding exactly the way you want it to.
- Plan of attack
Why do we write a list to get groceries, but don’t write a list for the important things we want from life? By writing a list of what we want, we get the ball rolling. This simple step will light the flame of creativity deep within you and fuel your imagination to create the life you want. Despite what we think or feel, our lives are shaped by what we do. By making the effort and being committed, you will increase your chances of achieving what matters most to you. At the end of your life you will be asked not what you have read, but what you have done.
- Your life is like a garden
To live the life that you want, treat your life like it’s a garden. To have a beautiful garden you must watch out for weeds (problems) before they take over. You must take time to nourish the soil (positive beliefs and thoughts). Cultivate the soil (with action and effort) and sow seeds (positive habits and behaviours) so you can create an abundant garden (life). Remember your dreams are the seedlings of your reality.
- Burst your bubble
Until you burst your bubble and head towards uncertainty, life will give you much more of the same. Don’t let fear paralyse you. You must reach out and soar and take some chances in life. By taking the initiative and going to places that scare you, life will open up new pathways and opportunities for your growth. It’s time to say yes to life.
About the writer
Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.
by Guest contributor | Aug 11, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations, United Kingdom
August is my favourite time of year to visit Edinburgh, and I’d love to share with you my favourite Edinburgh tours and other essential information for your trip.
Edinburgh tours and activities in summer
Not only is it summertime and the perfect time for a tour to and around Edinburgh, but the city has a serious case of ‘festival fever’ with the Fringe Festival, International Festival, Book and Art Festival, Mela Festival and Military Tattoo all running over the month.
However, it doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit – the Scottish capital always boasts a vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, bloody history and never-ending list of attractions, events and sights.
Edinburgh essentials
Edinburgh is a small city and easy to walk around and explore on foot. There is a City Sightseeing tour that you can take to get an overview though.
Also, Edinburgh is a base for tours all over the region, for a day or a few including to Inverness and Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and even film and television set locations.
Here are my top things to experience in Edinburgh:
Military Tattoo
With the Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop the Military Tattoo is an amazing and patriotic experience. Each year 220,000 people attend this spectacular event, which features over 1,000 performers from across the globe.
This includes Massed Pipers and Drummers, the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and cultural troupes. What is great about the Military Tattoo is its crowd – they really get into it – all clapping and cheering along to the marching performers. The most moving performance is always the Lone Piper, a real heart-tugger.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from 1-23 August 2014.
Fringe Festival
Welcome to the largest arts and entertainment festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Over three weeks (1-25 August 2014), the city is host to more than 42,000 performances and 2,600 shows ranging from stand-up comedy, cabaret, dance, music and theatre.
The Fringe will leave you dizzy with amount of entertainment available – its no wonder the guidebook is over 200 pages. It’s also a great opportunity to check out the city’s venues and performance spaces. Even if you don’t catch a show – the street vibe is electric with demonstrations and busking happening all over.
Tip: Head to the Virgin Money Half Price Hut located at the Mound Precinct on Princess Street for some great deals.
The Real Mary Kings Close
Without a doubt one of the best all-year-round attractions in Edinburgh! At the Real Mary Kings Close you are taken beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where you’ll see a maze of hidden streets and buildings that have remained frozen and preserved since the 17th century.
See how people lived back then and hear eerie tales of murder, plague-caused deaths and hauntings.
To this day – visitors have been known to hear scratching coming from inside a chimney where a child perished, sounds of a crowded tavern and a mysterious man has been seen roaming.
My favourite tale is of ‘little Annie’, an upset ghost searching for her missing doll. She now has a constant shrine full of toys left by visitors from all over the world. It’s truly an entertaining and fascinating attraction, giving you a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.
Ghost Walking Tour
No visit is complete without jumping on a ghost-walking tour. Renowned for its dark and bloody history, Edinburgh has endless tales of murder, grave robbing, torture, plague, treason and witch executions.
Explore every nook and cranny of the city and see where harrowing events occurred such as where serial killers, Burke and Hare trawled for their next victims. If you dare join a tour – then be prepared to visit such sights as Greyfries Graveyard at night, be cursed by the South Bridge Vaults and go searching for the terrifying Mackenzie Poltergeist (all available via the ‘City of the Dead’ tours).
Various operators offer ghost walking tours all-year-round.
Have you visited Edinburgh? Let us know your essential things to do – drop us a line in the comments below.
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.
