Brisbane, QLD


Sunday, July 1, 2018

TOURING THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS IN NSW.


After we explored the gardens surrounding the Milton Park Country House Hotel, Carol and David took us for a driving tour around the Southern Highlands. The highlands are just south of Sydney about 1.5 hours drive. The scenery is beautiful but in winter it is cold. Us Queenslanders, had to rug up. Luckily we had sunny days.

First stop was a little town called Moss Vale. We checked out the market but wasn't impressed so we pushed on to Hillview Sculpture Park.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much information about the sculptures or the artists.

 We guessed this is St George and the dragon. You can see why it is called Hillview, the park is situated on top of a hill with views of rolling hills and pastures. (See my new header)







It was quite a walk from one to the other sculpture so we managed a little exercise and warmed up. Then the next part of the tour included a few local wineries.

 We enjoyed talking to the owners of the wineries and hearing their stories of pioneering wine growing in the district. This Italian/Australian made very nice Chianti.

Carol found the best restaurant in the area but it was full so we had to wait some time for a free table because we hadn't booked. It was Bendooley Estate Wines and Berklouw Book store as well as the restaurant.

We scored a table next to the fire where we had a two great Pizzas to share for lunch. It was well into the afternoon when we finished so we decided not to go out for dinner. So we stopped by the supermarket in Bowral and stocked up with cheese, salami, apples, crackers and wine for a snack in our hotel room. It was a delightful end to a wonderful day.



21 comments:

  1. Sounds like it was lots of fun and what a wnderful present. Great memories and far better than something solod. Take care t'other Diane

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  2. A fabulous day. I love the weather.

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  3. The sculptures are interesting. The love the human head one, even if it does do my own head in a bit.

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  4. A wonderful day for sure. Your new header is very pretty. Enjoyed the tour, the family pics and those interesting statues. Bet those pizzas by the fire was lovely.

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  5. yet another trip I would love, I would snap myself silly in that park with all the gorgeous trees and views and art.. I love the melted face sculpture. your header is perfect

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  6. The blue sky, and leafless trees makes it cold looking. I see why you're bundled up. A nice day out and about!

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  7. I looove your new header shot Diane! What a wonderful weekend you had. I recognised some of the sculptures on your walk from Sculpture by the Sea over the years. Always loved to see them in their new homes. Your daughter is so like you, she's gorgeous!

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  8. Hello, the sculpture garden looks wonderful. I would enjoy both the gardens and the wineries. Sounds like a fun time with your daughter. Enjoy your day and new week ahead!

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  9. It was a lovely ft for sure and I can sense the cold as we get is here but at the opposite time. Today we will hit 36C and it will feel like 40.
    I love the dragon guy on the hill. And it is July 1 here as I type. Canada Day for us.

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  10. interesting sculptures and your daughter is lovely

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  11. You can appreciate sculptures so much more when you have information about them, Such a pity there was no descriptions available. The wineries sounded fun.

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  12. What a wonderful day those sculptures are so unique I like them

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  13. Looks a lovely place for a walk.
    Photos are good.

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  14. It's too bad there wasn't more information about the sculptures -- they were very interesting. The park is in a beautiful setting.

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  15. We used to visit the Book Barn whenever we could when it was a big second hand bookshop with cafe on the side. But now it's more restaurant with fewer books so not so compelling. Nonetheless it's a lovely area to visit. I have enjoyed your tour.

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  16. Every bit of that day sounds wonderful except for the 'rugging up' -- a term I'd not heard, but understand perfectly (I noticed the coats and scarves on your header before I even read the post!).....

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  17. Those sculptures looked very interesting to see in person, Diane, and enjoy with your daughter and son-in-law.

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  18. It does look like you might have been a bit chilly while touring that very interesting sculpture garden, Diane. However that nice fire when you were able to be seated in the winery looked very warming and sure the pizza was good too.

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  19. Now I have read all your posts ! You really had a wonderful birthday ! What a beautiful landscape everywhere.

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