Van Gogh comes alive
From September 18, the Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park in Sydney will come alive with the works of Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. This special exhibition is an immersive walk through light, colour, sound and fragrance. To give you an idea, while you stroll under a giant display of Sunflowers, you’ll get a spritz of lavender and citrus, scents you’d smell in a southern France summer.
The multimedia art experience has already toured 50 cities worldwide but Sydney will host the largest Van Gogh Alive; the projections are the size of IMAX screens.
Masks are compulsory for those over the age of 12 and your temperature will be checked at the entrance.
Van Gogh Alive runs until November 8 and tickets cost from $15/$30 per child/adult.
Explore more: premier.ticketek.com.au
A wild night out
Enjoy the wilderness in comfort with a family glamping package at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve this spring school holidays. It’s the ultimate sleepover, less than an hour’s drive out of Canberra.
Held as part of the Southern Highland’s annual nature festival, Wildfest, the pop-up wilderness camp will feature ranger-guided activities offering new ways to learn about the diversity of wildlife in the landscape.
Experience the best of nature and then retire to your real bed in an already set-up tent. Packages start from $195 per person, per night with the option of a night photography workshop. It’s open from 25 September to 10 October 2020.
Explore more: wildfest.com.au
Hit the Riverina rails
Step back in time as you visit the heart of New South Wales’ food bowl aboard the restored 1960s sleeper train Aurora Australis. On the four-night trip, days are spent riding rails that are otherwise closed to the public, showcasing everything slow travel has to offer. The train will not travel at night, so you can completely relax inside your sleeping carriage.
Departing Sydney Central Station you’ll travel the scenic coastal Illawarra Railway Line and stop to visit historic Goulburn, Coolamon Cheese Factory, Piccolo Farm, Emeri De Bortoli’s private garden at Griffith, Temora Rural Museum, Blue Mountains villages and more. Prices start from $3995 with departures set for March and October 2021.
Explore more: vintagerailjourneys.com.au
Once upon a time
At Nel Restaurant in Sydney chef Nelly Robinson likes to keep things interesting – and a little fantastical. His new Once Upon a Time degustation is no exception.
The 11 nostalgia-inducing dishes start off with “Eat Me” cookies and end with “Imagination” custard tarts sprinkled with fairy dust. The feast of flavours promises to be a magical journey that will make adults feel like kids again. The dishes are Disney-inspired and will keep you guessing from beginning to end. The degustation will set you back $135 per person, with the optional drink-matching package for $105 (or $50 for non-alcoholic). Get in quick: the menu is only available until November 7.
Explore more: nelrestaurant.com.au
