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)

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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