Anita, Author at Salty Sweet Journeys

Australia July 14, 2024

Top 8 Things to do in Merimbula with Kids

Merimbula in the NSW coast is a fantastic family friendly destination. With so many activities for kids of all ages, that includes fishing, outdoor adventures and even it’s own theme park, there is something to do for everyone! These are the Top 8 Things to do in Merimbula with Kids.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

Why Merimbula is a great family destination

Lots of natural attractions to explore and opportunities to learn about the local wildlife
A proper town centre well equipped with everything you need and with things to do for the whole family, for younger and older children
Magic Mountain theme park is lots of fun and makes for an exciting day out in Merimbula

Read on to find out more on the Top 8 Things to do in Merimbula with Kids!

These are the 8 Top Things to do in Merimbula with kids.

Magic Mountain

Guaranteed fun for all the family is Magic Mountain, one of the Top Things to do in Merimbula with Kids. Merimbula’s own theme park has been around for over 30 years and popular with locals and tourist alike.

It is located just a few minutes out of town. Entry to the theme park gives you access to all the rides. It includes a toboggan ride, minigolf, a rollercoaster, dodgem carts, tube rider and more. In summer there are also 2 extremely popular (and steep) water slides and a play pool for younger ones.

Magic mountain roller coaster — Rollercoaster at Magic Mountain

There is plenty of space for picnics, as well as a playground, a maze, bouncy castle and of course a café to fuel up for the day. We spent the whole day here and the kids had an absolute ball.

DETAILS: Open daily in summer and on selected dates during VIC/NSW school holidays from 10am to 4pm – 59 AUD for adults, 52 AUD for children 4 to 12 yrs. Children below 4 years have FREE entry. Discounts offered for pre-booking online and for season passes. Some days the park can be closed for private functions, check the website first! More info on the website HERE.

Bega Heritage Centre

A popular place to the take the kids for a tasty cheese toastie is of course Bega! Bega is the home of popular Bega Cheese and you can reach it in just 30 minutes drive from Merimbula.

Head to the Bega Heritage Centre, onsite where the Bega Factory is to see the wonderfully recreated farmhouse, machinery and cows that the kids will love looking at and learning more about. The in-house buzzing café is great for lunch or to stock up on local goodies and cheese for a picnic.

DETAILS: Open daily 9 am to 4 pm. Entry to the Farmhouse is FREE for a look around! More info on the website HERE.

Merimbula Beach & Ford Park

The pristine 5 km stretch of sand of the Merimbula Main beach is a must see for families. It’s patrolled over summer and has plenty of space to play in the sand and water.

Ford park a popular playground — Ford Park

Just backing on the beach, Ford Park playground is perfect for little ones and popular with locals and families here on holidays. It’s fully fenced and also has lots of sitting areas and BBQs. The Merimbula Seaside Market is also hosted here on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Merimbula Boardwalk

This stunning walk is an easy stroll for kids and stroller friendly. The Merimbula Boardwalk stretches from just off the main street at Market Streets and stretches for just over 3 km (return loop). Young ones will enjoy being able to see up close all the oysters, fish and oyster farms on the shallow wooden boardwalk.

Top Fun

For rainy days, Top Fun is an indoor and outdoor fun place for the whole family. Top Fun has a 10 pin bowling alley, laser tag, 18 hole minigolf, as well as a full arcade with heaps of games.

DETAILS: Open daily 10 am to 8 pm, longer weekends and summertime. Each activity is charged separately. Prices starting from 8 AUD for kids and 15 AUD for adults playing minigolf. Discounts offered COMBO deals starting from 26 AUD per person to play in 2 attractions to include Minigolf, Lasertag and Bowling. Check the website for the most up do date opening hours HERE.

Barefoot Bowls at Club Sapphire

Barefoot bowls in Merimbula — Barefoot Bowls at the Club Sapphire

Club Sapphire in Merimbula is a huge entertainment complex with restaurants and a full sized lawn bowls club. A fantastic budget family friendly activity in Merimbula is Barefoot Bowls, the spacious undercover lawn bowls also has a playground for kids right next to the lawns!

The attached Pacific Bistro serves up delicious pub meals with a kids menu and perfect for a feed after a game of bowls. Kitty’s Bar and Restaurant also onsite is a popular dining spot for delicious Asian fusion meals and has kid friendly dining on Wednesdays and Thursday nights.

Seafood platter in Merimbula — Dining at the Pacific Bistro

DETAILS: Club Sapphire is Open daily 10 am to 10 pm, longer weekends and summertime. 2 hour Barefoot Bowl sessions Prices can be booked HERE starting from 10.50 AUD for kids and 16 AUD for adults playing. Discounts Family Pass for 2 adults and up to 3 children at 42 AUD. Check the website for the most up do date opening hours HERE. Bookings necessary HERE for dining in the bistro or at Kitty’s.

Potooroo Palace

Another family – friendly popular attraction in Merimbula is Potoroo Palace. If you are an animal lover and are looking for experiences to interact and get up close with local wildlife and see some potooroos, Potooroo Palace is the perfect place. This wildlife park is less than 10 minute drive from the centre of Merimbula and allows you to Feed free roaming kangaroos, ride the miniature train and have close up encounters with koalas, reptiles and many more incredible animals.

DETAILS: Open daily 9am to 4pm – 25 AUD for adults, 16 AUD for children over 3 yrs. Children below 3 years are charged 5 AUD. Discounts offered for family tickets.

Merimbula Wharf and Aquarium

Merimbula Aquarium, one of the top attractions in Merimbula with kids — Merimbula Aquarium

Perched at the top of a popular fishing pier in Merimbula, the Wharf in Merimbula is not only a amazing seafood restaurant, it’s also a full size 70,000 litre aquarium with over 20 tanks with local and tropical sea creatures!

A highlight for little ones is seeing the fish during feeding times at 11.30am every Wednesdays & Fridays and on Thursdays also during school holidays.

DETAILS: Open Wed to Sunday 10am to 4pm, longer on weekends – 25 AUD for adults, 17 AUD for children. Discounts offered for family tickets. Check on the website for the most up to date details.

Where is Merimbula

Merimbula is located in NSW, 75 km from the Victorian Border, and approximately 7 hours drive from Melbourne. From Merimbula, you can reach Sydney in 6 hours drive, and Canberra in a 3 hours drive.

Merimbula is also served by Merimbula Airport that has local and charter flights operating across regional cities as well as Melbourne and Sydney (just one 1 hour flight time).

Where to stay in Merimbula

There are so many places to stay in Merimbula for families. From self catering accommodation to caravans parks, there is something to suit all budgets!

Luxury Family friendly accommodation

Coast Resort Merimbula is a great accommodation option for families! The resort offers luxury townhouses and apartments with stylish interiors as well as 2 swimming pools and a tennis court. The resort is also located just a short walk to the main beach in Merimbula and the popular Ford Park Playground, just across the road. You can read my full review here.

Check out prices and availability for Coast Resort Merimbula HERE

Midrange/Budget Family friendly accommodation

NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort is a fantastic resort for kids. A playground, pool and school holidays club will keep the kids entertained. With holiday cabins ranging from budget friendly standard cabins up to Spa Villas and Glamping tents, there is something to suit every budget.

Check out prices and availability for NRMA Merimbula HERE

NRMA Resort Merimbula – Photo Courtesy of Expedia

Want to read more about Merimbula?

Hope you enjoyed this post on the Top 8 things to in Merimbula with Kids!

Want to venture to more places in the area like the hidden Eden Rockpools or the Killer Whale Museum? You can read more about it in my other post on the Top 7 Experiences in and around Merimbula HERE.

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Australia July 6, 2024

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with Kids in 2024

If you are thinking of taking the family to the snow in Victoria, Lake Mountain is the perfect place as a first experience of the snow for young kids. Read through these tried and tested Frugal Tips and FAQ for visiting Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with kids in 2024 snow season that will save you time, money, and STRESS! All that will be left to do is to HAVE FUN!

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

Where is Lake Mountain

Located in the Yarra Ranges, at just 2 hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain is the closest place to the city where you can get to the snow. Its perfect for a weekend away this winter!

Getting to Lake Mountain

You can get there on the Maroondah Highway and via Healesville and Marysville, through the lush green forest of the Black Spur. The best way to get there is by self driving, no shuttle is available this year to reach the mountain from Marysville.

Where to stay in Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with Kids

There are plenty of places to stay near Lake Mountain for a fantastic snow getaway with the family.

Marysville is the perfect place to stay when visiting Lake Mountain and that is 30 minutes drive to the entry for Lake Mountain. Peppers Marysville is a popular accommodation resort located right in the centre of Marysville, this beautiful resort has rooms that can cater for families with 2 double beds or a double bed with a sofa bed.

Healesville is also another popular destination to stay when going to Lake Mountain and is 1 hour away.

Check Prices and Availability for Peppers Marysville HERE

Top Frugal Tips when visiting Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with Kids in 2024

Save time and Pre-Book Resort entry

Entry to the resort is set for the 2024 season at 64 AUD per car. You need to pay this just to enter the mountain, even if you do not want to use the toboggans or cross country ski. The entry fee can be paid at the gate when you arrive at the mountain.

You can pre-book online to save time! The process to book online is easy and you can do it in the morning before you drive up, just don’t forget to check the Live Cam first on the website to check snow / access conditions!

Get there early to get a car spot close to the slopes

The resort and facilities at Lake Mountain open at 8am so ideally you want to get there as early as you can (by 8.30-9am). Not only the snow conditions are generally better first thing in the morning but you also want to get a car park ideally as close as the toboggan runs as possible.

You will be bound to be going back and forward to the car for food, drinks etc..so having the car close by rather than a long walk away will be super handy. On the weekends – by about 10 am (and sometimes earlier) both the upper car parks are full!

In that case you would need to park the car further along the road, and sometimes even on the secondary car park that is even further down.

Pack your lunch and take lots of snacks

Playing in the snow is tiring and makes kids HUNGRY! Take lots of snacks and food for your day at the snow. If you have a Thermos / Insulated Flask to take some hot water to make hot chocolate, tea/coffee for the grown ups it will go down a treat to warm you up.

There is one café onsite but it does get extremely busy during lunchtime with wait times of sometimes an hour especially on the weekends. Having things with you will save you lots of time and money for your day to the snow!

Bring some beach toys and things to build a snowman

Taking snow toys to play is a great way to keep kids entertained

Pack some playing tools like shovels/diggers to play in the snow. It’s a great way to keep the kids busy if they need a break from the toboggans or for younger ones.

And don’t forget CARROTS to build a snowman too of course!

Buy or hire your snow gear in advance

Lake Mountain gets cold. The average temperature during the winter months of June, July and August are between 4 and -1 degrees! Jeans, runners, tracksuit pants or gumboots just won’t do the job in keeping you warm and dry. There isn’t really any seating on the top of the mountain in the play area too! Kids, especially will need that extra layer of clothing to be comfortable on the day.

I prefer to buy my gear rather than hiring it – as the cost for the kids clothing is not much more than hiring and I can keep it for the following year!

You might already have some winter clothing items to wear from home without needing to buy / hire them. If you have a thick winter or puffer jacket, preferably waterproof already at home, that will be suitable for the snow (provided there is not too much rain on the day).

Beanies, thick jumpers, scarves and long socks will be needed to for the snow too.

Essential snow gear required

If you are just planning to do some tobogganing on Lake Mountain, and want to buy your gear to keep, the essential gear that you will need to buy is this (this goes for adults and kids):

Snow boots: Gumboots just won’t do the job in keeping little feet warm and dry as snow can easily get in!
Snow pants: These are worn over pants and are waterproof, as well as being lined and tied at the bottom to keep the snow out and keep you dry
Snow gloves: To keep hands dry and warm. TIP: Younger children might prefer snow mittens, as they are easier to wear than snow gloves
Plastic Toboggans: 1 adult and 1 small child (under 5) can ride on one toboggan so you would usually have 2 for a 2 adult & 2 small kids family to all ride together. Our older son wanted to go on his own, so we found 2 were sufficient anyway with me and my husband taking turns in taking the kids.

Make sure to also pack a spare change of clothes and socks for the car ride home or to your accommodation so that everyone is warm and dry!

Hiring gear from Lake Mountain

You can also HIRE your snow gear in Lake Mountain. Note though there is only 1 hire shop on the mountain and it can be quite busy during weekends and peak period.

Price wise, you are looking at around 55 AUD for a package to hire a child snowsuit, toboggan and boots. The cost for an adult to hire a snow jacket, pants, toboggan and boots is around 75 AUD. If you are staying in Marysville, you could also hire all your snow gear in Marysville in advance to save time!

Also note that in Lake Mountain you cannot hire snow gloves. You would need to purchase these onsite at the retail shop! Or buy those in advance at your local outdoor shop instead!

FAQ

When is the Snow Season at Lake Mountain Alpine resort?

The official 2024 snow season at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort begins on 8th June and ends of the 6th of October 2024. Lake Mountain Alpine Resorts operates Thursday to Mondays, from 8 to 4pm. During Victorian school holidays the Resort is opened every day.

Make sure to ALWAYS check on the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Website for live updates on opening days and weather conditions before travelling to the mountain!

What kids age group is Lake Mountain Alpine Resort best suited for?

Lake Mountain is perfect for a first family trip to the snow for a day so suitable for kids as young as toddlers. The resort area is small, easy to get around and the snow is easily accessible from the carpark.

What snow activities are available at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort?

The resort caters for tobogganing, cross country skiing and snow play. There are 3 toboggan runs at the resort. From this 2024 season, if you wish to use the toboggan runs, 2 of these are ticketed.

Village Toboggan Run and Mini Toboggan Run are included with the Toboggan Park Access (20 AUD per person, free for under 5s). The Magic Carpet (the conveyor belt that takes you back up the hill) is also included in this price. These 2 toboggan runs are topped up with artificial snow throughout the season if there is not sufficient snow.

NOTE: Don’t forget that Toboggan hire is separate from the Toboggan Park Access. For each person that has a Toboggan Park Access over 5 years old – they must have their own toboggan to ride too. Under 5s can ride with an adult on their toboggan.

Magic Carpet on the Village Toboggan Run

One of the Toboggan Runs is accessible without the Park Access, the Koala Creek Toboggan Run. Note this run is only open if there is natural snow.

If you don’t want to go on the toboggan runs, there are still many viewing areas and plenty of play snow areas for younger children!

There are no skiing on snowboarding facilities in Lake Mountain. No ski lessons this 2024 season.

How much does it cost for a family to go to Lake Mountain for a day trip?

If you are travelling for a day trip to the snow, account for:

Resort Entry per car 64 AUD
Toboggan Park Access 20 AUD per person (free for under 5 yrs)
Lunch costs / snacks
Hire of snow gear / toboggans, Around 55 AUD per child and 75 AUD per adult

Can you stay overnight in Lake Mountain?

No, there are no hotels on the mountain itself and camping is prohibited. The closest towns to stay are Marysville (30 minutes away), Narbethong (35 minutes drive) or Healesville (1 hour away). You can read more about it in the Where to Stay Near Lake Mountain section. You can also browse on Expedia on the link below!

Check Prices and Availability here on Expedia for accommodation near Lake Mountain Alpine Resort

What weather is best for the snow at Lake Mountain Resort?

A sunny, clear day is best when going to the snow! Any rain or snow makes the day cold and wet, especially for little ones. Always check snow conditions on the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Website before travelling. The website has a live snow camera where you can get live footage of the snow conditions too!

Do I need to carry snow chains at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort?

On snow days, you may be required to have snow chains to carry in your car. Check ahead of your visit on the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort website for weather conditions. Always check if you are required to carry or fit snow chains on your car before travelling to the mountain. More information on Chain days HERE. Wheel chains are available for hire in Marysville.

Want to read more?

Thank you for reading this post on Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with Kids in 2024. You can read more about Things to do in Healesville in my other post here.

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Hotel Reviews June 22, 2024

Dorsett Melbourne Review

This newly opened cozy boutique hotel in Melbourne is the perfect place for a staycation in the city to be enjoyed by everyone. Kids will enjoy the FREE arcade games room and amazing pool, and couples will love the cool interior, trendy rooms and bar! This is my Dorsett Melbourne Review.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

Dorsett Car — At the Entrance of the Hotel

Things to love about Dorsett Melbourne

State of the art fitness facilities like a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room
Central city location in Melbourne, only an easy walk to restaurants and the main shopping district
FREE Arcade Games in the lobby! Try your luck at winning the Dorsett Teddies on the claw skill tester or have a game of old school pinball

To check out Prices and Availability For Dorsett Melbourne, click HERE

Dorsett Melbourne Entry — Hotel Entrance

Rooms – Dorsett Melbourne Review

Room types at the Dorsett Melbourne

Rooms at the Dorsett Melbourne cater for everyone! There are 316 rooms and they range from Standard Dorsett rooms up to Suites. Rooms with Balcony, Accessible rooms and Pet Friendly Rooms are also available.

Lift Lobby Dorsett Melbourne — Lift Lobby

Dorsett King or Twin Room (27 sqm)
Deluxe King or Twin Room (30 sqm)
Deluxe Room with Balcony (35 sqm)
Accessible Room (42 sqm) – fully accessible with roll in shower
Dog Friendly Room with Balcony (35 sqm) – 1 king bed and up to 1 pet (up to 20 kg)
Executive Rooms (from 29 sqm) and Suites – with access to the Club Lounge

Deluxe Twin room

We stayed in a Deluxe Twin Room, which is set up with 2 double beds.

The room felt pretty spacious, the beds were plush and comfortable! The room is modern with Melbourne artwork. A small table with one chair are in the room too.

Storage wise there is just some hanging space and a small luggage compartment, not much cupboard space, making this hotel more suitable for shorter stays (1-2 nights).

High speed wi-fi and a 50 inch TV with Chromecast is super handy to stream all your favourite shows!

A pod espresso machine is also provided in the room with capsules. A small safe is located under one of the bedside tables and a small bar fridge (empty) is in the room too.

The stylish bathroom is compact, but is fitted with a large walk in rain shower. There is no bathtub in the room, this is only available in some of the larger suites.

Bathroom and shower Dorsett Melbourne — Bathroom & shower

Celebrating special occasions at Dorsett Melbourne

The Hotel was so accommodating when we mentioned that we were staying to celebrate a birthday. When we arrived, the room had an amazing set up with helium balloons, a card signed by all the front desk staff, treats and a hotel teddy. It was a wonderful surprise!

To check out Prices and Availability For Dorsett Melbourne, click HERE

Birthday set up Dorsett Melbourne — Birthday set up

Environmentally conscious initiatives at Dorsett Melbourne

Environmentally conscious with reduced use of paper with a QR compendium — Keycard and QR compendium

The hotel the Compendium is accessible via QR code. There are NO plastic water bottles provided in the room, and no toiletries bottles, only soap dispensers.

Hotel Facilities – Dorsett Melbourne Review

Pool & Fitness centre

One of the highlights of the hotel is the amazing indoor pool and spa. Plenty of pool towels, loungers and chairs are available to chill. During peak times (mid morning or afternoon) it can although get quite busy.

A unisex Steam Room and Sauna are also next to the pool.

On the upper level above the pool there is also a large gymnasium.

FREE Arcade Games Room

A drawcard for us coming to the hotel was the games room. Although not that big, it really was more than enough to keep the kids busy for ages!

Free Arcade Games at Dorsett Melbourne — Games Arcade

Located in the lobby next to the reception desks, the arcade room included a PacMan machine, 2 Pinball machines and a claw game to win the fluffy hotel teddies.

Teddys to be won at the claw skill tester at Dorsett Melbourne — Dorsett Teddies

Parking at Dorsett Melbourne

The hotel has only limited parking so they offer a Valet Service where they will park the car for you overnight at 65 AUD per night. It’s a fantastic service and it was so easy to have the car ready for checkout the next morning!

Reception

Friendly and helpful staff was also a standout at the hotel! Self checkout kiosks are also available for speedy checkout.

Bar & Dining

Jin Bar is the Dorsett Melbourne Bar, located on the ground floor as you enter the hotel to the left. The bar is gorgeous, with velvet interiors and comfy chairs. The hotel serves up cocktails, mocktails as well as food that can be enjoyed there too. Happy Hour also runs with discounted drinks 5-7pm from Sunday to Thursdays.

In Room Dining is also available and can be ordered from the QR code in your room.

View from Dining room balcony — Balcony at Port Bistro

Breakfast Buffet at Dorsett Melbourne

Entry to dining area — Entrance to the Port Bistro

Who does not love a good buffet breakfast?? It was indeed worth having as part of the room for our stay!

Breakfast at the Dorsett Melbourne is served at the Port Bistro on level 2. The dining room is spacious, airy and has a beautiful wrap around balcony that looks over the surrounding buildings.

continental buffett — Continental Buffet

The cold buffet included, mixed Danishes, croissants, toast and bread assortment. A variety of yogurts, fruit and condiments, honey, jam and toppings.

The hot buffet included sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, baked beans, as well as mini dim sum, and congee with lots of toppings.

What I loved about the breakfast also is that at the table there is a QR code to scan where you can order via to choose a serve of eggs your way (included in the breakfast price). That included poached, scrambled, sunny side or made-to-order Omelettes with added options like ham, onion, mushrooms etc.

Drinks and Coffee station — Breakfast Drinks and Coffee Machine

For drinks, there is a section with Juice dispensers (3) as well as a modern coffee machine for coffee. Barista made coffee can be ordered from the coffee counter at an at additional charge.

Breakfast can be added prior to check in for 25 AUD per person instead of 39 AUD per person! Free breakfast for kids under 5 years old and at a reduced rate 5 to 12 yrs (15 AUD).

Family Friendly Facilities at Dorsett Melbourne

This hotel ticks all the boxes in term of being a relaxed, family friendly environment. Free arcade games, pool, buffet breakfast and a kid friendly bar are always a winner with families!

During Australian school Holiday Periods, a variety of family friendly activities are run like kids treats buffet, free choc tops and movie screenings. Check with the hotel directly for all the details!

Location of Dorsett Melbourne

Melbourne Southbank Area — Melbourne – Southbank

Located on Little Lonsdale Street, it’s only a 5 min walk from Southern Cross train station and a 15 minutes walk from Melbourne Central and the main shopping district in Melbourne.

BOOK Dorsett Melbourne

Hope you enjoyed reading this Dorsett Melbourne Review.

To check out Prices and Availability For Dorsett Melbourne, click HERE

Still looking for Melbourne Hotels?

Still looking for a hotel? Check out all the hotels in Melbourne on Expedia HERE.

You can also read Check out my other review on Melbourne Marriott Docklands HERE.

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Australia June 12, 2024

7 of the Best things to do in and around Merimbula

Nestled halfway between Melbourne and Sydney – the town of Merimbula is perfect for a week’s escape along the NSW coast. Breath-taking scenic hikes, fishing and sampling the freshest oysters are some of the best things you can do in this fabulous town. These are my Top 7 Best Things to do in and around Merimbula.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

Reasons why to love Merimbula

Beautiful, unspoilt expansive beaches and shallow boardwalks along the lake to explore.
A great dining scene with lots of choice of restaurants and eateries specialising in fresh seafood and of course, OYSTERS!
A proper town centre well equipped with everything you need and with things to do for the whole family.

These are 7 Best Things to do in and around Merimbula

Merimbula Boardwalk

Located alongside Merimbula lake, walking the Boardwalk is a must do activity. The walk runs along the water from Market Street, all along a wooden boardwalk through oyster farms, mangroves and gum tree forests. The boardwalk is shallow and great to explore and see what is in the water too! Signs along the way explain how the oysters are farmed too.

The walk is about 3.4 km return so allow 1.5 hours. At the end of the boardwalk, Sunny’s Kiosk is perched over the lake and a great place to stop for breakfast / lunch.

This is also an easy walk to do with strollers or kids and they can spot the oysters on the open/shallow boardwalk. You can read more about the Best Things to do with kids in Merimbula in my other post HERE.

Try the local Oysters

If there is something you have to try in Merimbula – it’s the seafood! This town is especially well known for producing plenty of Sydney Rock Oysters. These are a MUST TRY when visiting Merimbula and readily available to purchase from local fishmongers and a staple menu item across restaurants and cafés in town.

Oyster farms along the Boardwalk at Merimbula lake — Oyster Farms along the Boardwalk in Merimbula

Look around the water in Merimbula and you will notice the Oyster farms are everywhere. Millions of Oysters are harvested here each year, with the peak producing months from October to June. You can read more about Merimbula Oysters and where to get the BEST ONES in my post HERE!

Go Fishing

No matter if you are a beginner or a pro, this is the place to give a go at fishing! Merimbula is a renowned fishing destination – recreational fishing as well as game fishing are a popular thing to do in the area. Several fishing charters organize fishing trips starting from AUD 100 per person for a half day of fishing.

Tathra wharf, an ideal spot for fishing in Merimbula — Tathra Wharf

Some popular catches include flatheads (from Merimbula Lake) as well as salmon, whiting, bream, trevally, tailor and kingfish. Mitchies Jetty & Merimbula Wharf are where most people fish from. The nearby town of Tathra is also a popular fishing location on the historic, heritage listed wooden pier, the Tathra Wharf. Fabulous views to look at too!

Whale Watching

Another drawcard for the area is seeing the whales during migration season. Huge Humpback Whales make their way down from the Barrier Reef to Antarctica with their baby whales and they can be seen splashing around the water! Taking a charter will give you an even closer look at the whales as well as other animals like dolphins. Prices from AUD 75 per person for 2 hours of whale watching.

Eden lookout to spot some Whales — Eden Lookout

The best time to view these beautiful animals is September to November and can be seen during other times also, but not as frequently and can be harder to spot. The nearby town of Eden also has a long running history with whales and runs a yearly Whale Watching Festival.

The best spots to view the whales during migration season are Short Point Beach in Merimbula, Eden lookout and Tathra Wharf.

The Pinnacles Loop

An incredible, and easy scenic walk nearby Merimbula that is an absolute standout is the Pinnacles Loop. Tucked away off the main road in the Beowa National Park the scenery when you get to the Pinnacle lookout, with its incredible rock face in bright red and orange colours, is amazing to see.

The Pinnacles, one of the best things to do in Merimbula — The Pinnacles

The easy walk is just 1.1 km and takes around 30 minutes. It’s a loop walk from the carpark through pine and gum forest to reach the Pinnacle viewpoint and you can also venture down to the stunning unspoilt Pinnacle beach. A must-see and only 25 minutes drive from Merimbula.

Take a day trip to Eden

A short 20-minute car ride away from Merimbula and you can reach Eden, and this little town has a mighty history of whales and whale hunting. For many years in the 1800′ local whalers had a working relationship with killer whales (Orcas) to hunt other whales for their blubber to use as oil and for some ‘interesting’ experimental medical treatments, such as curing arthritis when standing inside a whale carcass. Yes, you read correctly!

Skeleton of Old Tom, one of the most famous killer whales in Eden — Old Tom – One of the most famous Killer Whales in Eden

The Eden Killer Whale Museum in Eden is definitely worth a visit to learn about the whaling history of the town. It has been operating for over 80 years and showcases many artefacts as well as full-scale skeletons of some of the killer whales. A great way to spend the morning / afternoon while in Eden.

A short drive from the museum in Eden is also the incredible Aslings Beach and Rockpool. The natural landscape and rock formations change from golden to pink depending on the time of day, are a photographer’s dream. Park near Bass Street, head down to the beach and walk about 200 metres to reach the rockpool. You will need to climb over a few rocks to reach it but It’s incredible with amazing views over the coast.

Aslings Rockpool, one of the best natural attraction to see not far from Merimbula — Aslings Rockpool in Eden

Visit the Bega Heritage Centre

With a long history of dairy making dating back to the 1850’s, Bega is the home of course, of popular Bega Cheese, a staple dairy and cheese readily available in all Australian supermarkets. Only 30 minutes drive from Merimbula and you are transported from sandy beaches to a scenery of rolling green pastures that never seem to end.

Bega Lookout over the hills — Bega Valley Lookout

Head to the Bega Valley Lookout for great views, then head to the Bega Heritage Centre, onsite where the Bega Factory is to see the wonderfully recreated farmhouse and machinery, eat some Bega cheese toasties at the in-house buzzing café or stock up on local goodies and cheese for a picnic.

Where is Merimbula

Merimbula is located in NSW, 75 km from the Victorian Border, and approximately 7 hours drive from Melbourne. From Merimbula, you can reach Sydney in 6 hours drive, and Canberra in a 3 hours drive.

Merimbula is also served by Merimbula Airport that has local and charter flights operating across regional cities as well as Melbourne and Sydney (just one 1 hour flight time).

Where to stay in Merimbula

Accommodation is plentiful in Merimbula and with lots of different types of places to stay to suit different budgets.

Luxury

Coast Resort Merimbula is a great accommodation option for couples & families. The resort offers luxury townhouses and apartments with its own private parking, as well as 2 swimming pools and a tennis court. The resort is also in an enviable location right next to the main beach in Merimbula and a short stroll from the centre of town. You can read my full review HERE.

Check out prices and availability for Coast Resort Merimbula HERE

Midrange

Pelican Motor Inn offers quality motel style accommodation located right in the centre of town. The rooms are comfortable, clean and within walking distance to the shops and dining in the centre of Merimbula.

Budget

Chapman Holiday Units offers basic apartment style accommodation in the Fishpen area, a short walk from Merimbula main beach.

Want to read more about Merimbula?

Hope you enjoyed this post on 5 of the best things to do in and around Merimbula!

Travelling with kids? Check my other post on the Top 8 things to do in Merimbula with Kids

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Hotel Reviews June 3, 2024

Coast Resort Merimbula Review

Located in a wonderful family-friendly destination on the NSW coast, just over the Victorian border, Coast Resort Merimbula has all that resort-style feel, with the advantage of being right near the ample Merimbula beach, and just a short walk away from the centre of town. This is my Coast Resort Merimbula Review.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

What you are going to love about Coast Resort Merimbula

Spacious, modern and luxurious apartments and townhouses, the larger ones with 2 bathrooms perfect for families and big groups travelling together

Fantastic quiet location that backs onto Merimbula main beach (and a great playground). Merimbula town centre is just a 15 minutes walk away too!

Great guest facilities to enjoy that include 2 pristine swimming pools, a tennis court and BBQ facilities

To Check out prices and availability for Coast Resort Merimbula, click HERE

Coast Resort Merimbula Review: Facilities and Accommodation Summary

The Resort complex is made up of a combination of holiday apartments / townhouses and privately owned residences. The resort has the following facilities available for guests:

2 Swimming pools: Both outdoor. One family friendly with shallow end, and one lap pool
Tennis court
BBQ facilities
Secure undercover parking for most of the apartments/townhouses
DVD rental

Coast Resort Merimbula - resort pool — Pool view from townhouse

Pools and Tennis Facilities

Coast Resort Merimbula has 2 swimming pools that guests can use:

The Main Pool: with shallow end and ideal for younger children
Lap Pool

Both Pools are Solar Heated throughout the year. During the colder months they are also gas boosted (to 24 degrees) from September to May and during winter school holidays periods. The Pools are open throughout the day and close at dusk.

Lap Pool at Coast Resort Merimbula — Lap Pool

A Tennis Court is also available for guests – free to book a slot via reception. We brought our own from home but you can hire these from reception for 10 AUD per hour.

To Check out prices and availability for Coast Resort Merimbula, click HERE

Accommodation options

Coast Resort Merimbula has many types of self catering apartments and townhouses available and suitable for couples or larger families too.

The following categories available for booking, most of these vary slightly in style and face different parts of the resort complex such as the concourse (middle of the resort), pool, beach or lake. The views are specified as you book your chosen accommodation.

1, 2, 3 Bedroom Apartments facing the concourse or the pool
2, 3 Bedroom Townhouse
3 Bedroom Sub-Penthouse Apartment

We booked a 3 Bedroom Poolside Townhouse – pictured below. All the apartments vary slightly in style and furniture as they are individually owned.

Bedroom at Coast Resort Merimbula — King Bedroom in Townhouse

The Townhouse was set across two floors – ground floor with 1 master bedroom with ensuite with bath and shower, 1 king room with walk in robe, 1 twin room and one main bathroom with shower and laundry.

On the first floor, a large lounge room / dining area, balcony, kitchen with view over the pool and powder room / toilet.

Lounge room in 2 storey townhouse Coast Resort Merimbula — Lounge Room and Balcony

Some great facilities available in the townhouse included:

Generously stocked kitchen with high quality cookware & serving dishes
Dishwasher, microwave and full sized fridge
Heaps of storage in the wardrobes
Fully fitted laundry with washer and dryer

Kitchen, upper level — Kitchen in Pool View Townhouse from the First Floor

Room servicing Information

All the accommodation is fully self contained and there is no room servicing. A basic pack of cleaning products in included as you check in but it not replenished throughout the stay and guests must replenish their own. For stays longer than 8 nights a linen pack is provided. No room servicing provided.

Family Stays at Coast Resort Merimbula

I’ve summarized some of the amenities that makes this resort a great choice for families:

Family Pool with shallow end perfect for children
Children cutlery available in the kitchens
Single beds provided in the larger apartments, cots also available (additional fee per day)
Ford Park playground is a great play space located just behind the resort
The resort backs onto Merimbula Main Beach, right next to Ford Park

Ford Park, a popular family playground in Merimbula — Ford Park Playground, directly behind the resort and full fenced

Coast Resort Merimbula Location

Merimbula is located 75 km from the Victorian Border, and approximately 7 hours drive from Melbourne. From Merimbula, you can reach Sydney in 6 hours drive, and Canberra in 3 hours drive.

The resort is located in the stretch of land between Merimbula Lake and Merimbula beach, on 2 hectares of land. Coast Resort Merimbula is about 15 minutes walk from the centre of Merimbula (1 km).

Merimbula is also served by Merimbula Airport that has local and charter flights operating across regional cities as well as Melbourne and Sydney (just one 1 hour flight time).

Popular Tourist Attractions nearby

Whether it’s fishing, swimming, hiking or seeking thrills at the local theme park Magic Mountain, Merimbula has lots of things to do for everyone. You can read more about 7 of the Best Places to See in and around Merimbula HERE as well as the Top attractions for Kids COMING SOON.

Popular Dining nearby

Local Oysters, Merimbula — Fresh Merimbula Oysters

The most popular thing to eat around Merimbula is of course seafood – particularly, Oysters! You can ready more on my other post HERE to learn more about Merimbula Oysters and where to eat them from!

Some popular dining spots in Merimbula include

Club Sapphire: Huge entertainment complex with bars, restaurants, and Barefoot bowls also available onsite. Kids playground alongside bowls club also. The restaurants include the Pacific Bistro, and Kitty’s Restaurant (asian fusion).
Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant: Perched over the water and specialized in fresh seafood, with an aquarium onsite too! (Paid entry, Fish feedings 11.30am Wed & Fri)
Dulcies Cottage: Beautiful original weatherboard cottage serving burgers, oysters and craft beers

Club Sapphire Barefoot Bowls and Playground — Club Sapphire Barefoot bowls and playground

Coast Resort Merimbula – Final Thoughts

It was hard to fault! I could have stayed longer and recommend it to anyone looking at a stay in Merimbula. The townhouse was so comfortable and the facilities were kept immaculate. The only thing that would have been a good addition is a service/clean of the apartments if staying longer than 7 days.

BOOK Coast Resort Merimbula

I hope you found this review on the Coast Resort Merimbula useful!

To Check out prices and availability for Coast Resort Merimbula, click HERE

Want to read more about Merimbula?

You can read more about Merimbula in my other post HERE on the Top 7 Attractions in Merimbula and Things to do with Kids around Merimbula COMING SOON. You can read more about Merimbula Oysters HERE.

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Australia May 27, 2024

Merimbula Oysters

The town of Merimbula, on the NSW Sapphire coast, is most famous for one thing. OYSTERS! Find out more about them and where to eat the best oysters around Merimbula.

Where is Merimbula?

Merimbula is located in New South Wales on The Sapphire Coast. It covers around 90 km of the NSW coastline and stretches from Bermagui to Eden.

Merimbula is 75 km from the Victorian Border and approximately 7 hours drive from Melbourne. From Merimbula, you can reach Sydney in 6 hours drive, and Canberra in 3 hours drive.

The small Merimbula Airport has local and charter flights operating across regional cities as well as Melbourne and Sydney (just one 1 hour flight time).

A Merimbula local specialty

If fresh oysters are your thing, Merimbula, is one of the best places to get the freshest Sydney Rock Oysters in New South Wales. Take a walk along the famous Merimbula Boardwalk, and all along the water on Merimbula Lake you can see kilometres of oyster farms!

Oysters is serious business here. The Sapphire Coast is in fact an area that produces some of the best oysters in Australia! 5 major estuaries are dotted along the coast, including Merimbula Lake, and they produce millions of oysters annually.

Sydney Rock Oysters vs Pacific Oysters

The variety that is most popular in the region is the Sydney Rock Oysters, which can be found across all of the eastern coastline.

They vary slightly from the equally as popular Pacific Oysters, which are found in cooler waters like in Tasmania. The main thing that is noticeable is the size, the Sydney Rock Oysters are a little smaller.

Flavour wise, Sydney Rock Oysters are slightly saltier, whether Pacific oysters have more of a creamier texture. One thing for sure though, equally as delicious when you can get them so fresh!

Pricing of Oysters in the Merimbula area

In Merimbula and surrounding towns like Pambula, you will see several places selling oysters. Oysters are seasonal, with the peak supply is usually from October to June. A heads up – as there is lots of competition selling oysters you could be fooled by some of the cheap prices you see at the door.

Here is one thing to look out for. The cheapest ones usually mean the oysters are very small (cocktail size). The oysters are generally priced according to size (small/cocktail, medium or large/premium) or for being unshucked or opened.

Expect to pay at least 20 AUD per dozen for opened medium-sized oysters. Premium, larger size oysters are usually sold at 30 AUD + per dozen.

Merimbula Oysters: Where to buy

All of the Sapphire coast has a number of farms dotted along it, you can even do a self guided tour of the most popular ones if you travel along the Oyster Trail.

Some popular spots to buy fresh Oysters to takeaway and eat in around Merimbula are:

Mckay Oysters (102 Arthur Kaine Dr, Pambula, Open 9am-5pm everyday), priced from 12 AUD per dozen for cocktail oysters, Take away.
Broadway Oysters – Pambula Lake, Shed 1/52 Landing Rd, Broadwater, Open 9 am – 4 pm Mon to Sat. Priced from 17 AUD per dozen for cocktail oysters. Also offer tours of the Oyster Farm Tours and small group as well as private dining experiences to learn more about the Oysters and how to shuck them. Eat in and take away.
Sunny’s Kiosk – 68 Lakewood Dr, Merimbula. Open 8 am – 2 pm Thu to Mon, changes seasonally. Located at the end of the iconic Merimbula Boardwalk and perched on a picturesque location on the lake. Eat in.
The Oyster Barn / Merimbula Gourmet Oysters – 49 Oyster Trak, Millingandi, is Open 10 am – 3 pm Wed to Sat. Priced from 20 AUD per dozen. Eat in and take away.

Sunny’s Kiosk, at the end of the Merimbula Boardwalk

Want to read more about Merimbula?

Learn more about Merimbula in my other informative posts on the Top Attractions in Merimbula and Things to do with Kids around Merimbula.

Need somewhere to stay in Merimbula? You can read my review of Coast Resort Merimbula HERE.

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Recipes May 21, 2024

Halloumi Pearl Couscous Salad with Hummus Dressing

This Halloumi Pearl Couscous salad is so zingy and fresh and is perfect to accompany BBQ meats and seafood. The nutty pearl couscous pairs beautifully with the creamy hummus and crispy halloumi, making every mouthful a delight! This couscous is so easy to make and one of my favourite salad recipes!

Ingredients needed for this Halloumi Pearl Couscous Salad with Hummus Dressing

A super easy salad that comes together in just 30 minutes. The ingredients you will need:

Pearl Couscous: Normal or Wholemeal (also called Israeli couscous). I love the texture and nutty flavour of this type of couscous and find it holds the dressing better than normal couscous. I cook it in some stock or water as per packet directions and stir some olive oil through it at the end of cooking to stop it from sticking together.
Halloumi: A 200 gr piece (I love Dodoni), chopped in small pieces
Peas: Frozen peas that you cook along with the couscous in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Capers
Parsley: Finely chopped
Artichokes: Not essential – but I like to add these to the salad. I used half of a 400 gr can of whole artichoke hearts, cut into quarters or a small jar of deli marinated artichokes.

For the Dressing:

Hummus: The best quality one you can find from your local supermarket or if you homemade it even better!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plenty of it!
Lemon Juice
Salt & Pepper
A splash of water to thin out the dressing so it better coats the couscous salad

How to make this Halloumi Pearl Couscous Salad

Cook the Couscous

First off you start with cooking the couscous. It will need to cool so you can leave all the chopping of the rest of the ingredients for later! Follow packet directions as each brand might vary.

The process is similar for most pearl couscous where you start by heating a few tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pot (with lid).

Once the oil is warm add the cous cous and toast gently in the oil for a few minutes. The couscous will change to a slightly darker toasted colour. This adds to the nutty flavour and allows for the couscous to hold it’s shape better!

You then add double the amount of hot water (straight from your kettle), add salt (or stock powder if you prefer), stir, lower the heat and pop the lid back on for 8 minutes. Makes sure you keep an eye on the timer as the cous cous can overcook easily and become a gluggy mess!

Fry the Halloumi cheese

The crispy Halloumi is the star of this pearl couscous salad! Chop the halloumi into small pieces and fry it in a non stick pan with a tablespoon of oil till golden and crispy. Set aside.

Cook the peas

After 8 minutes that the cous cous is cooking add the frozen peas and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Turn off the heat, remove the lid, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and stir. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.

In the meanwhile, prepare the dressing and chop the parsley and the artichokes (if using).

Make the dressing

Make the dressing by combining the hummus with the lemon juice, a splash of water (a few tablespoons), olive oil, salt and pepper and combine well till you get a thin dressing.

Combine & Serve

To the cooled couscous and peas add the parsley, artichokes, capers, halloumi and half the hummus dressing and combine. Serve warm at the table with the dressing to the side and add more to your liking!

Enjoy!

salad ingredients combining with peark couscous

Serving suggestions

This Halloumi Pearl Couscous salad is delicious served warm, but can also be eaten cold. I like to reserve some of the dressing to add to later for extra creaminess especially if the salad has been stored in the fridge.

Perfect to bring to dinner parties, BBQ and goes well alongside grilled meats or seafood. Great on its own too for a simple lunch or dinner.

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Loved this recipe? Want more?

If you loved this recipe you will love this Black Rice Salad and this Healthy Soba Noodle Salad.

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Halloumi Pearl Couscous with Hummus dressing

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings 6 servings

Pearl Couscous Salad with crispy halloumi and a creamy dressing

Ingredients

2 cups Pearl couscous (uncooked)
1 cup Frozen Peas
1 block Halloumi cheese (200 gr approx, cubed in 1 cm pieces)
2 tbsp Capers
1 small bunch Parsley (finely chopped)
1/2 cups Canned or Marinated Artichoke hearts, quartered (optional)
4 tbsp Hummus (store brought or homemade)
10 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (approx)
half Lemon (Juice of)
1 tsp Salt
Ground Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

First off you start with cooking the cous cous. It will need to cool so you can leave all the chopping of the rest of the ingredients for later! Follow packet directions as each brand might vary.
The process is similar for most pearl cous cous where you start by heating a few tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pot (with lid).
Once the oil is warm add the cous cous and toast gently in the oil for a few minutes over medium heat.
Add double the amount of hot water (straight from your kettle), salt or stock powder if you prefer, stir, lower the heat and pop the lid back on for 8 minutes.
While the cous cous is cooking, prepare the haloumi.
Chop the halloumi into small 1 cm cubes and fry it in a non-stick pan with a tablespoon of oil till golden and crispy. Set aside.
After 8 minutes that the cous cous is cooking add the peas and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat, remove the lid, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and stir. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
In the meanwhile, prepare the dressing and chop the parsley and the artichokes (if using).
Make the dressing by combining the hummus with the lemon juice, a splash of water, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper and combine well till you get a thin dressing. Set aside.
Once the couscous has cooled down, add the parsley, artichokes, capers, halloumi and half the hummus dressing and combine. Serve immediately warm at the table with the rest of the dressing to the side and add more to your liking.

Notes

Recipe is for 6 Servings as a side dish.

Serving suggestions:

This salad is delicious served warm, but can also be eaten cold. I like to reserve some of the dressing to add to later for extra creaminess especially if the salad has been stored in the fridge.

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Course: Salad

Keyword: couscous, couscous salad, easy dinner, haloumi

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Australia May 14, 2024

Art of the Brick Melbourne Review

LEGO® brick lovers, this place is for you! A must-see if you (or your kids) are fans of the humble brick. This amazing CNN exhibit has toured all over the world and is unlike any other I have seen before. Colourful LED displays and immersive projections that make the larger than life sculptures come to life. This is my Art of the Brick Melbourne Review.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I make a small commission. This is at absolutely NO additional cost to you and helps me keep the site running!}

What is Art of the Brick Exhibition?

The Art of the Brick Exhibition is an immersive art exhibit of all sort of sculptures made solely of LEGO® pieces. The artist, Nathan Sawaya is an award winning artist (and ex- lawyer) that has displayed his realistic, and in most instances, life sized sculptures all over the world.

The Art of the Brick Exhibit is currently displayed in Melbourne (till June 2024), London, Paris, Miami & Philadelphia. The exhibit moves to different cities so keep an eye on their site to check the dates and locations. More than 100 sculptures are on display in Melbourne and over a million LEGO® pieces have been used. Mind-blowing when you see the scale of some of the sculptures.

This is the second time that Art of the Brick has come to Melbourne (in 2011) and this time the show is bigger and better!

***EXHIBIT IS ENDING ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2024***

Things to love about the Art of the Brick Exhibition

Immersive displays with projections, lights and sounds that make you feel like the room and sculptures come to life
Suitable for all ages of LEGO® brick lovers! Kids and adults alike will appreciate the work and imagination that has been put into this colourful display
Each display is individually explained with how many brick pieces have been used for the build as well as the meaning to the artist on why he created each sculpture

Art of the Brick Review

As you enter the exhibit there are 11 Sections to explore. At the ticket desk before you walk in – don’t forget to look closely at the yellow walls, which are filled with thousands of minifigure heads!

Sections 1 / 2 – Introduction of Exhibition

As you enter there is a LED self-portrait of the artist Nathan Sawaya. The portrait is the largest ever LEGO® built installation!

In the room to the side of the portrait, you watch a short 2-minute intro video where Nathan explains how he came about to become an artist by creating sculptures entirely made of LEGO® bricks, one of his favourite childhood toys.

Sections 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 – Brick Sculptures

Sections 3 to 6 are all galleries of brick sculptures. You start with the impressive Yellow (and many more smaller colourful versions of it). This huge sculpture of a man opening up his chest with LEGO® spilling out, represents how the artist opened up to the world with his work, and his true ‘inside’, Bricks!

You then move onto the Infinity Rainbow, where 7 figures are standing connected all in different colours. A bright floating umbrella and clouds make this room perfect for a photo (or many), insta-worthy shots.

Across to a smaller room you then see this huge bright fluro yellow replica of Lando Norris helmet (the F1 star driver). This impressive piece took over 80 hours to complete!

Humanity is the next section. All the sculptures represent emotions, and states of mind and are visual representations of being human. I love how Nathan can portray these so vividly with grey bricks for the outside of the sculptures but with coloured LEGO® for the inside.

Section 6, Masks, is a cool gallery with colourful 7 shimmering skull masks hanging on the walls.

Section 7 – Interactive display, Kinetic Skulls

This interactive gallery is called Kinetic Skulls. More than 250 floating LEGO® skulls are in a room of mirrors that move to sound and light. The mirrors give the illusion that the room is endless. Incredible display!

Section 8 – Immersive Display, Larger than life

The first of the 2 immersive galleries, Larger than life has floating sculptures and a giant ‘Big Swimmer’ made of only blue LEGO® pieces that is almost 10 metres long, and made with over 110,000 bricks.

It’s well and truly a labour of love, and no doubt, a lot of time. This huge gallery also has projections all over the walls of colourful bricks falling and floating!

Section 9 – Immersive Display, Perniciem

The second large immersive gallery is my favourite. Perniciem displays 19 rare and endangered animals across a huge room. In the middle, sheer curtains surround a display of water animals.

The projections all around the room go from a forest to an underwater wonderland, making the shimmering curtains shine like waves and almost trick your eyes making you think the sculptures come alive.

Bean bags are scattered around the room where you can relax and enjoy this amazing display.

Section 10 – Brick Sculptures

The final sculpture room focuses on the endangered white rhinos, which 4 representations of the animal in various stages.

Section 11 – Merchandise, Gift Shop and Children’s Play Area

This is the final room where kids can play with LEGO® and larger bricks and do some other LEGO®-themed activities (more details below in the FAQ section).

Don’t miss the full size Pac-Man arcade game, entirely made of LEGO® which totally looked like the real thing. The only thing that gave it away was the big DO NOT TOUCH sign at the top!

There is merchandise from the exhibit here as well as LEGO® sets to purchase in this area before you head for the exit.

FAQ

How long does it take to Visit the Art of the Brick?

It took us around 45 minutes to move through all the displays but you can stay as long as you want. We spent around d 15-20 mins in the last section where the kids could play.

How much does entry Cost to Art of the Brick?

Prices starting from AUD 33.90 per Adult & AUD 23.90 per Child. Kids under 4 are FREE and do not require a ticket.

Where can I get tickets for Art of the Brick?

Tickets can be purchased online on the Art of the Brick website via Fever.

Where is the Art of the Brick exhibit?

Art of the Brick in Melbourne is currently on display at the Melbourne Showgrounds (Epsom Road, Ascot Vale). Enter via Gate 5, on Langs Road. Paid parking is available onsite.

When does Art of the Brick exhibit close?

Art of the Brick Melbourne is ending on September 1, 2024.

Who is Art of the Brick best suited for?

All LEGO® lovers, of any age will appreciate the incredible sculptures, as well as the exhibition’s immersive displays with lights and sounds.

Is Art of the Brick Suitable for young children?

Yes! This exhibit is suitable for all ages to enjoy. Entry is Free for children under 4. Please note that the displays in the galleries cannot be touched. There are although plenty of LEGO® bricks to play with in the final room.

Alongside the merchandise shop, there is a (small) play area with lots of LEGO® and larger bricks to play with. There is also a colouring area to scan to the wall and make the drawing appear in the ‘art gallery’ and LEGO®-themed videogames that you can play with.

Plenty of merchandise from the exhibit and LEGO® sets also for sale (although a bit pricey) here too.

Is Art of the Brick worth a visit?

My answer is a resounding YES! Having seen some of the LEGO® exhibits that have come to Melbourne in recent years (Jurassic World by Brickman, Bricktionary & Relics: A New World Rises) this is the most impressive because of the immersive galleries and the sheer size of some of the displays.

Relics: A New World Rises Exhibit in 2023

Want to read more?

Thank you for reading my Art of the Brick Melbourne Review! More review posts coming soon on things to do in Melbourne with kids!

Disclaimer: LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site

Check out some other Activities to do in Melbourne

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Pasta March 26, 2024

Healthy Pizzoccheri (Buckwheat pasta) with Kale, Potatoes and Parmesan

This filling pasta dish is unlike your usual bowl of wheat or egg pasta. It packs a punch of nuttiness and a distinctive chewy consistency that comes from the buckwheat flour. If you are a pasta lover this Healthy Pizzoccheri Pasta is one to try!

What is Pizzoccheri?

Pizzoccheri is a type of pasta similar to wide tagliatelle, made from a combination of wheat and buckwheat flour. The traditional recipe is mainly made up of buckwheat flour, with the ratio usually 4 parts buckwheat flour to 1 part 00 flour, giving the pizzoccheri a really distinct texture and flavour.

You can read more below in the section about Making Pizzoccheri Pasta too.

Where does Pizzoccheri pasta originate from?

Its origins date as far as the 16th century and is a traditional dish from the Valtellina region of the north of Italy. Valtellina is in the Lombardy region, close to the Swiss border.

Valtellina in Lombardy – Image by 6557056 from Pixabay

How is Pizzoccheri traditionally served?

Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese is a buckwheat pasta dish that is traditionally served with potatoes and savoy cabbage, which are boiled together with the pizzoccheri. The pizzoccheri are then dressed in garlic, butter, sage, Grana Padano (parmesan) and Valtellina Casera cheese.

Valtellina Casera Cheese is a DOP typical cheese made in the Valtellina region only so it can be hard to find. If not available is commonly replaced in recipes with Fontina, Gruyere or Gouda.

For my Healthy Pizzoccheri pasta dish, I reduced the cheese and butter amount compared to the traditional recipe. The recipe is of course though full of flavour and makes for a satisfying & delicious one plate meal!

Where can you buy Pizzoccheri?

Ready-made Italian dry Pizzoccheri pasta can be hard to find and is generally not available in supermarkets. Look for this in delicatessen stores or online italian importing specialists to get this type of pasta.

Alternatively, you can also buy a good quality buckwheat pasta from your supermarket. Look for one that has a high buckwheat content to be a similar version to Pizzoccheri.

Making Pizzoccheri Pasta

The other option to is to make Pizzoccheri pasta at home! There is a traditional recipe HERE on how to make Pizzoccheri.

NOTE: In the traditional recipe the ratio of buckwheat flour to wheat flour is 4 to 1 meaning the pasta is quite dense and nutty compared to your standard wheat pasta. If you prefer a milder, smoother pasta – the ratio of the buckwheat can be reduced to half buckwheat and half wheat.

To give you a comparison of texture, If you have eaten Soba noodles before, the shop brought varieties are usually 70% wheat and 30% buckwheat.

Ingredients needed to make this Healthy Pizzoccheri Pasta dish

For this Healthy Pizzoccheri Pasta dish you will need a handful of ingredients:

Pizzoccheri – or buckwheat pasta this recipe is using 250 gr of dried pizzoccheri, which will yield 2 very generous serves or 3 smaller serves of pizzoccheri.
Potatoes
Kale, Cavolo Nero or Savoy cabbage
Parmesan or Grana Padano
Garlic Cloves
Butter, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper

How to make this Healthy Pizzoccheri Pasta

Cook the pizzoccheri together with the potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add Pizzoccheri and chopped potato and cook for about 10 minutes.

Sautee garlic and kale in olive oil

In the meantime, in a large non-stick pan add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and over low to medium heat sautee the garlic for 1-2 minutes, add the kale and half a cup of the pizzoccheri cooking water and cook down till softened for 3-4 minutes

Combine pizzoccheri and add parmesan and butter

Once the pizzoccheri are cooked, add them to the large pan, along with the butter, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the grated parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper and gently combine over low heat for 1 minute.

NOTE: Don’t overmix as the pasta can easily break!

Serve immediately

Serve immediately with additional olive oil, parmesan and pepper to taste, enjoy!

Want to read more?

If you love buckwheat pasta, you will love the recipe of Healthy Soba Noodle Salad!

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Healthy Pizzoccheri (Buckwheat Pasta)

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

250 gr Dried Pizzoccheri Pasta
1 Potato (250 gr approx, peeled and chopped into 2-3 cm cubes)
3 cups Kale (roughly chopped with stalk removed)
6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Plus extra for serving)
2 Garlic Cloves (Finely Sliced)
5 tbsp Butter (50 gr approx)
50 gr Grated Parmesan (Plus extra for serving)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil
Add Pizzoccheri and chopped potato and cook for about 10 minutes
In the meantime, in a large non-stick pan add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and over low to medium heat sautee the garlic for 1-2 minutes, add the kale and half a cup of the pizzoccheri cooking water and cook down till softened for 3-4 minutes
Once the pizzoccheri are cooked, add them to the large pan, along with the butter, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the grated parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper and gently combine over low heat for 1 minute. Don't overmix as the pasta can easily break!
Serve immediately with additional olive oil, parmesan and pepper to taste

Notes

This recipe is using 250 gr of dried pizzoccheri, which will yield 2 very generous serves or 3 smaller serves of pizzoccheri.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: buckwheat pasta, easy dinner, healthy pasta, healthy pizzoccheri, pizzoccheri

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Australia March 11, 2024

Things to do in Port MacDonnell: Rock Lobster Capital of Australia

Just 30 minutes towards the coast outside of Mount Gambier, you get to Port MacDonnell. This little beachside town might seem unassuming as you arrive. It’s not just the stunning white limestone beaches that the locals love. It’s also one tasty thing this place is well known for. CRAY! Welcome to Port MacDonnell, the Southern Rock Lobster Capital of Australia.

Visiting Port MacDonnell

port macdonnell man holding lobster statue

Once you are done visiting all of the popular Sinkholes in Mount Gambier, on the most southern point of South Australia is Port MacDonnell.

Just a 30-minute drive south of Mount Gambier, the little town of Port MacDonnell is famous for being Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital. The statue on the jetty makes it clear that this place is about one thing, (a common name also for lobster) CRAY!

What is the difference between regular Lobster and Southern Rock Lobster?

When it comes to lobsters, Port MacDonnell and the surrounding areas along the Limestone Coast are the places for it. Southern Rock Lobster is said to be the best tasting lobster you can find in Australia.

This type of lobster has a distinct dark red, almost purple shell, and no claws, just long legs, spines and antennae’s that are much larger than a regular lobster. The meat is sweet, rich in flavour and quite firm. There is plenty of meat in the tail and a 1 kg lobster is sufficient for 2 people.

Things to do in Port MacDonnell

Relatively a small town, as you get to the water near the jetty, there are lots of signages explaining the history of Port MacDonnell, which was the site of many shipwrecks.

The Maritime Museum is a popular attraction in town and has lots of historical artefacts and details the history of the many shipwrecks along the coast.

The most well-known one (and not for good reasons) was the shipwreck of the SS Admella, which claimed most of its passengers and crew in 1859, after crashing into a reef at nearby Carpenter Rocks.

beach that can be driven on in port macdonnell — Woolwash Beach

The beach in Port MacDonnell is a must see and a popular destinations during the warmer weather. A popular spot to swim is the Woolwash area, near the Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park.

The white, compact limestone sand is also great to drive on and Wollwash Beach has car access. This is just outside the main town centre of Port MacDonnell. To reach it, take Racecourse Bay in the direction of Eight Mile Creek Road) where you will pass The Penguins.

These penguin statues are made of local limestone, from there you can actually drive right onto the perfectly flat white beach and stop for a swim.

playground in Port macdonnell — Jetty Playground

For kids, Port MacDonnell also has a new Jetty playground, which is very well equipped with slides, swings, a climbing frame, trampolines and an accessible liberty swing. BBQ facilities and shaded picnic tables are also available to have lunch. There are some fish and chips stores just across the road too.

Sandy limestone beach with compact, white sand

Last but not least, Fishing is of course is a popular thing to do in the area and all along the Limestone Coast. Lots of people take boats out, and fishing can be done off the jetty and depending on the season, salmon, whiting, squid and garfish are popular catches.

Eating Lobster in Port MacDonnell

Because Cray/Lobster is so popular here, across town and on the main street you will see Rock Lobster for sale and advertised in the menus of most restaurants.

cray pizza from a local restaurant in Port MacDonnell

Local pizza restaurant Bay Pizzaria sells a delicious Cray Pizza for AUD 37. Salt and Tide Café are the other 2 popular spots for brunch & dining facing the sea.

You can also purchase Rock Lobster directly from the seafood stores. A popular one in Port MacDonnell is Five Star Seafoods. Here you will find cooked Lobster from AUD 75 per kilo during lobster season (October to May).

Attractions nearby Port Macdonnell

If you travel by car towards Frog Rock further up the coast, you will find Shelly Beach. Shelly Beach has a beautiful small beach with rock formations that you can walk across to to explore.

Continue on the coast to Cape Banks lighthouse for some great views of the Limestone Coast.

For other places to swim, the Little Blue Lake is just 15 minutes drive away in Mount Schank, on the way back to Mount Gambier.

Want to read more about the Limestone Coast?

You can read more about Mount Gambier in my other post! Most Popular Sinkholes and Volcano Craters to visit in Mount Gambier and Things to do in Mount Gambier with kids.

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