Experience The Best Of Australian Art At Bundanon Art Museum

With its own eco-accommodation, fine dining and award-winning architecture, art museum and community, Bundanon is so much more than the perfect weekend getaway.

I’m standing as still as a statue despite the excitement making my heart beat faster. I’ve just spotted my first wild wombat ever (though believe me, I’ve been trying) and I haven’t even left the Bundanon Art Museum car park yet. I consider this an incredibly good omen of what’s to come.

It’s hard to understand all that Bundanon is just by reading about it. Tucked into Shoalhaven, It’s not just an art gallery and a creative space, nor is it just a relaxing and unique weekend away. It’s a place to disconnect from the world and fully immerse in the creative spirit and natural environment.

wombat grazing at bundanon art museum — Meet the adorable locals. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

The history of Bundanon Art Museum

Bundanon was home to one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, Arthur Boyd, and his equally artistic wife, Yvonne. The 1000-hectare property was so loved by them both – and inspired much of Boyd’s artwork – that in 1993 they donated Bundanon to the Australian people.

Since then, it’s grown to become a major destination art museum. Guests will also discover sophisticated eco-accommodation, the acclaimed onsite Ramox Cafe, an extensive program of art exhibitions and residencies, activities to connect with the natural surrounds, and stunning architecture that at once catches the eye and blends into its environment.

woman wandering through bundanon art museum looking at Wilder Times: Arthur Boyd and the Mid-1980s Landscape exhibition — Check for the latest special exhibition in the gallery. (Image: Zan Wimberley)

The experience

Once I’ve recovered from my car park wombat encounter, I follow the path to the reception. From this angle at the bottom of the property, I can really take in the whole scope of Bundanon. Its wide grassy fields which are sometimes home to events, carefully manicured gardens and the striking form of The Bridge and two quaint cottages that are now used as offices are all on display, backdropped by the wild bushland. It’s a lot of juxtapositions that somehow work in perfect harmony.

I’m here for the weekend for an experience held for the public once a month. It includes a changing itinerary to help guests disconnect from the chaos of the real world so they can slow down and reconnect with nature, be inspired by cultural experiences and form a community with the other art appreciators who join the stay.

From the moment that wombat entered my peripheral, I forgot about deadlines, phone calls and Instagram. And from the minute I was handed my key and entered my room in The Bridge, I switched my phone to aeroplane mode (reception and wifi are minimal anyway) and let the meditative vibe of this place engulf me.

the bridge at bundanon — The Bridge is an architectural marvel. (Image: Zan Wimberley)

The Bridge itself is a marvel. Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, every feature is a very deliberate choice to provide comfort while remaining eco-friendly, from the windows framing the bushland outside so you can view nature as the artwork it is (especially at sunrise) to a temperature control system that’s managed through passive design principles. It’s won several architecture awards since it opened in 2022.

Communal stations between rooms invite guests to share conversation over tea, coffee or the incredible view. The Bridge is also where we all come together in the dining room for a three-course meal prepared by the Ramox Cafe chefs. Communal tables encourage us to learn more about each other (and the flowing wine certainly helped form bonds), while the food leaves our mouths watering. Most of the guests enjoy confit pork belly and haiwaj spice kingfish; as a vegetarian, I’m served a delicious tart and the best pan-fried gnocchi I’ve tasted in a while

communal area on the bridge at bundanon art gallery — Bond with fellow guests in communal spaces. (Image: Anna Wiewiora)

While this alone is enough to make a great weekend getaway, a range of other activities on our itinerary help open us up to the rest of the property.

First on the list is a bushwalk with Michael Andrews, Bundanon’s natural resources manager, where we learn about the incredible level of thought put into returning this property to its original state. Over a couple of hours, Michael shares the circulatory system of lakes and rivers and how he’s been working to return a natural waterflow to the land. He shares tales of endangered frog reintroduction, plant regeneration and the native wombats and kangaroos (whose appetites sometimes make all this a little bit more difficult). A wave of excitement runs through our group as he points out a lyrebird dashing its way through the shrub.

Later, a wander through the gallery.

the landscape of bundanon — Explore the landscape at Bundanon. (Image: John Janson-Moore)

After dinner, we join Jervis Bay Stargazing to witness the clear night sky through telescopes that make the moon feel as close as the person next to us. Being able to make out every nook and cranny floods me with a feeling of insignificance, while at the same time making every little thing seem so essential to make this universe what it is. It’s a wild feeling.

The next day is for taking all that’s inspired us and channelling it into our own art. As someone who loves to see art, but has no skill in making my own, I start the session with anxiety shared by some others in the group. By the end, however, our guide on this journey – Brendan Smith – puts all fears to rest as we get caught up in the fun of pulling colours from nature. No, really: flowers and leaves were rubbed with rocks, charcoaled bark was crushed, river sands and muds were turned into paste, and more.

art supplies for art workshop at bundanon art museum — Derive art supplies from nature during your workshop. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

On the way home, I drive an extra 20 minutes to see Boyd’s Homestead (now a museum for the Boyd family’s collected artworks) and Studio. It’s the perfect way to bring the weekend together by combining historic context for all that Bundanon is today.

In intentionally returning to a simpler past of nature and creative nurture, it feels like Bundanon is a solution for the future – both for the planet and finding our place within it.

boyd homestead museum at bundanon — See the Boyd Homestead Museum. (Image: Katherine Lu)

The details

The Bundanon Stay Experience

Held once a month, The Bundanon Stay Experience is $1300 for two (king bed or twin singles) or $900 for singles. While it’s designed to create community, guests are welcome to join in as little or as much as they prefer with the planned itinerary (though I recommend taking advantage of these unique offerings).

guest room in the bridge at bundanon art museum — Check in and switch off. (image: Anna Wiewiora)

The food

All meals are catered during your stay. But in case you need an extra coffee or snack (or whole extra meal – it’s your weekend, after all, and the menu is to die for), onsite Ramox Cafe is also open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The cafe has beautiful views overlooking the property and the Shoalhaven River, plus there’s often a live musician creating a laidback ambience.

dishes on an outdoor table at ramox cafe at bundanon art museum — Delight in the tastes of Ramox Cafe. (Image: Anna Wiewiora)

The Homestead and Studio

Not part of the stay itinerary, The Homestead and Studio is located a 20-minute drive through beautiful bushland from the main Bundanon property. Guides will show you around both venues, allowing you to delve into the life and inspiration of Arthur Boyd and his family.

arthur boyd's art studio at bundanon — Visit Boyd’s studio, exactly as he left it. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

This immersive art experience is the only of its kind in Australia