Train yarns . . .on the right track

www.trainworks.com.auAt a tiny town called Thirlmere, just 90km south of Sydney is Trainworks, a fantastic complex that offers up Australia's newest (about to celebrate its first birthday) and biggest train experience. Even if you're not a train afficionado or worse! this museum is fascinating and not only displays the big, small, old, newish an unusual locos it tells much of the history of New South Wales and how it began to be connected by rail and traversed by tracks.
In the future I'll write up more of this museum but for now I want to share these lovely images.
One of my favourite things is 'yarn bombing' or 'knitting graffiti', see older blog posts on this subject. The local knitters here 'yarn bombed' various parts/extremities of the trains and on some of the exhibits. In a display case there's a piece of knitted toast, knitted sugar cubes; knitted 'eyes' with eyelashes on the buffers and on the big levers - cheery covers . . .love your work ladies and thanks for the marvellous museum - Trainworks.

Top 10 Green Travel Ideas in Mudgee

Mudgee is in the Cudgegong Valley in mid-west NSW.

Mudgee Region Tourism Inc has compiled a list of its ‘Top 10 Green Travel Ideas for 2012’ to encourage people to take a clean, green and environmentally friendly holiday in the region. Visit Australia’s first organic winery, go bird-watching, take a tour in a National Park, join a bike tour and stay in eco-friendly accommodation. To leave a low carbon footprint and feel good about saving the planet, try these ideas on for size:
1. Visit Australia’s first organic winery - Botobolar was Australia’s first certified organic winery and you can now visit its new cellar door and shop in town at ‘Botobolar Wine & Things Organic’
2. Go Bird-watching at Munghorn Nature Reserve - 35km north east of Mudgee this bird-watching area is home to 160 species including the rare Regent Honeyeater, lyrebirds and emus
3. Cycle with Green Pedal Tours - Mudgee’s flat, vine-covered landscapes are perfect for cycling and Green Pedal Tours run half to seven day guided or self-guided tours
4. Star Gaze at Mudgee Observatory - witness the wonders of the stars and distant galaxies, away from city lights, from the powerful telescopes at this unique spot
5. Stay at Goulburn River Stone Cottages - stay on the banks of a river in a self-contained timber and stone cottage, and soak up the sounds of native flora and fauna
6. Eat from within 100 miles at the Mudgee Farmers Markets - buy local and seasonal produce at the renowned Mudgee Farmers Markets held on the 3rd Saturday of every month
7. Walk from Rylstone to Kandos - a scenic seven kilometre path connects the two country villages of Rylstone and Kandos, pack a picnic with local produce and enjoy it by the river
8. Farm Walk and Wine Dinner at Lowe Family Wine - David Lowe is a wine guru and shares his knowledge and wine-making secrets on regular Farm Walks and Wine Dinners
9. The Drip at Goulburn River National Park - walk through a cathedral-like atmosphere at The Drip, a towering sandstone cliff-face dripping clear spring water into the rocky river bed
10. Dine at Market Street Café - this new café in town is a champion for sourcing locally and seasonal produce from within 100 miles including Ormiston Free Range Pork

The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in Central NSW or a 40 minute with Aeropelican.

To book any of these activities and for more information go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au or contact the Mudgee Region Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6372 1020.

Where you should be travelling in 2012

According to Abercrombie & Kent's compilation of trends (hot list) of destinations for 2012 we should be thinking outside the box. Try these on for size:
Cuba - classic cars, Cuban cigars and an array of colonial attractions, romantic Havana - just the beginnings of discovery.
Mongolia - one of the last travel frontiers - think yurts, wild horsemen, nomads and dramatic landscapes - and imagine Genghis Khan.
Myanmar - beautiful, peaceful and unspoilt, Myanmar (Burma) has ancient culture, modern turbulent politics and beautiful, glistening temples.
Nepal - Boasting the world's highest mountains, beautiful, sweeping Himalayan scenery, mediaeval architecture and charming rural villages.
Orissa - traditional delights of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh await you. This is the star of East India.
Russia - still an intriguing and fascinating place to explore, Russia offers up a profusion of historic monuments and cultural attractions. For galleries and museums, St Petersburg is where it's at.
Tanzania - home of the famous Serengeti, Tanzania will appeal to first-time visitors to Africa and seasoned travellers alike. Great game viewing - with Africa's highest mountain and deepest lake.
Tasmania - quaint colonial villages, magnificent, rugged landscapes, pristine national parks, fine food and wine and brilliant boutique accommodation - and so close to home.
Uganda - the 'Pearl of Africa' is an unexpected pleasure. A spell at the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp' offers you one of the best chances of an encounter with this amazing primate.
Have you discovered somewhere that is well worth exploring?

Still in South Australia

My previous blog, regaling the wonders of a B&B in South Australia - I called it Thorn Hill - THE NAME IS Thorn Park by the Vines, a couple of hours north of Adelaide towards Clare, and I misspelled Michael's name - his correct moniker is Michael Speers, and a lovely man too. I've added a couple of extra South Aussie pics to keep you keen.
Images - my favourite tree outside of Mintaro Maze and Gift shop - check out the trim! Breakfast at Thorn Park and some doughnut peaches at Adelaide Central Markets . . .

South Australia - hot stuff!

A two hour drive back from the Clare Valley - hot as Hades out here, and even in Adelaide 34deg. beautiful stay at Thorn Hill in the Vines - a luxe B&B, that is top shelf - decor (my 'white' room so elegant, a gourmet meal last night that set me back a few paces - avocado salad soup, mmmm and a hearty 'yum', barramundi fillets with chilli roast potatoes on a stack of thinly sliced zucchini, couldn't fit the citrus salad in - but did manage the three fruit sorbet and a caramel ice cream that will be my last meal on earth.
After a breakfast o

f champions we reluctantly left the premise! David Hay and Michael Spears had been our pleasant and welcoming, and incredibly talented - design, decor, decoration and dining . . . (pictured).
Stopped at Martindale Hall (remember the school in Picnic at Hanging Rock?) - that's the one. Pictures of Martindale next blog.
Hit the big smoke and headed for central Markets - an Adelaide institution - what fresh food and - have you ever heard of doughnut peaches ? More on that next postong . . .

Summer is well and truly here . . .

Summer 2012

Get Up & Go summer edition is on sale now. This bumper beauty has 10 pages of '50 Ways to Spend the Kids' Inheritance' - we show you how to rob the/your family bank! Outrageous, luxury, sensible, crazy, innovative and thoughtful ways to enjoy this amazing time of your life . .. but that's not all . . .there's more, much more.

We take you sailing in Greece, walking in Victoria's goldfields, coaching it in Provence, France and cookin' with gas in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Ever considered a house swap holiday? How about a house in Iceland - we've got the story.

The issue shows you a starry ski in New Zealand and an amazing, colourful festival in New Guinea. Play a round of golf in Brunei and take the train from London to Edinburgh; and did you know there was another Niagara? Read all about it in this issue of Get Up & Go magazine - and check out the competition, win a holiday in Turkey

Visit Korea for FREE!

I thought I would share this with you. I love Korea and have had a couple of great trips there - I love the food; the countryside - 70 per cent of the country is rural bushland and mountains; the cities which are all different and have their own special appeal and the people who are friendly if a little shy. 

READ ON:

If you have dreamed of visiting Korea, here is your chance to visit for FREE!

Select three places you would most like to visit in South Korea and explain why and you can have the chance to win one of seven major prizes of a trip to Korea for two including return air tickets to Korea and three nights’ hotel accommodation.

Korea Tourism Organization is running the competition via their website www.visitkorea.or.kr Log on and become a member and then enter your details for the competition and have the chance to win a memorable trip to Korea all for free.

Winners selected should be able to visit Korea within the period from July, 2011 to October, 2011 and should have a valid passport and visa if required. Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Korea for up to 90 days.

The event period runs from 16 June to 15 July, 2011. All seven winners will be contacted individually following the selection from 25 July, 2011. The announcement of the winners will be posted on the ‘visitkorea’ website immediately afterwards.

Following the winner’s trip to Korea they should be able to present ten (10) photos and a single A4 page trip review of their trip to Korea Tourism Organization.

There are also 140 supplementary prizes of 4GB USB mother of pearl flash drive.

Full details of the competition are available on the website www.visitkorea.or.kr click on flash banner – Visit your dream destination in Korea!