day tripper
The Bridge, Bundanon
A mini-break within an hour of home? We’ve found some favourite locations perfect for a delightful day trip – and you can be home by sundown!
Words Emily Perkins
Main Image Zan Wimberley
Bundanon
If you’re heading south from the coal coast, be sure to stop in at the art museum, Bundanon, located on the Shoalhaven River at Illaroo, and only a one hour and ten-minute drive away.
Internationally renowned artists, Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, gifted Bundanon to the public and an extensive collection of their family’s work that features there, with many inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Art works by Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley, Joy Hester, and Charles Blackman are also on display with a mix of contemporary work from previous artists in residence, commissions, and donations.
The site structures themselves are a unique experience, ranging from nineteenth century buildings to modern award-winning architecture that coexists with the environment.
A weekend highlight is touring the historic homestead and Arthur Boyd’s studio.
The seasonal exhibitions are not to be missed, with The Polyphonic Sea on display for most of Spring, which shows a wide variety of mixed medium work from twelve New Zealand artists.
This exhibit awakens the senses and explores the wealth of languages around us, from speech and writing, gesture and music, to communications from the natural environment.
To finish off your day out, you can wander the bush and its significant natural formations (boulders, caves, sandstone cliffs), pack a picnic, or salivate at the Ramox café’s locally sourced, paddock-to-plate produce.
Bundanon has a sensory-friendly day on the first Thursday of each month and accommodation for those who want more time to soak it in.
Audley Dance Hall
If you’re in search of a closer spot, look no further than Audley Dance Hall which is nestled in the Royal National Park.
With lots to do here, it is recommended you make your way through the flawless treescape early in the day, because once you reach Audley there are nature paths to be walked, trails to be ridden, boats to be paddled, and wholesome food to be enjoyed whilst taking in the fresh air, bird song, and rich history.
Located near the headwaters of the Hacking River, Audley Dance Hall was built in 1949 but has been a recreational community hub known as the ‘pleasure grounds’ since the mid-1800s.
Further back, The Gweagal people, a clan of the Dharawal tribe, are the original custodians of the land on which Audley sits and the park is home to many sacred sites.
A perfect day out can include a picnic brunch on the grass, exploring the scenery in a hired rowboat, or grabbing a coffee or glass of wine.
The hardest part will be deciding what to try from the café, open for breakfast and lunch, it has an extensive collection of delicious takeaways or eat-in/outside savoury and sweet options for everyone.
Oh, and they have an in-house pastry chef - yum!