An immersive puppet show in Sydney’s Paddington Reservoir Gardens is tackling environmental issues with a playful performance. Best of all, this spellbinding all-ages production is free to see.
Meet Fauna, a four-metre-tall gentle monster who speaks on behalf of the trees. She’ll appear this month in Sydney’s Paddington Reservoir Gardens as part of Soft Forest, an immersive, free puppetry performance exploring the fragility of nature and the urgency of conservation. The show is the latest creation from Erth Visual & Physical Inc , a trailblazing theatre company that has been captivating audiences since 1990 with their artistic approach to puppetry and theatre.
“Puppetry is a very broad spectrum, from very small things to very, very big things," says Erth Visual’s Artistic Director, Scott Wright. Erth Visual has become known for its unique, inventive creatures, which are often super-sized. Their productions embody deeper concepts, communicating complex ideas in a way that appeals not just to children, but parents too. “Children appreciate being spoken to on an equallevel, because children love to learn. I think we live in a world where so much work for children can be quite patronising – we’re not those people," says Wright.
Fauna is the newest invention to come out of Erth Visual, standing four metres tall and requiring multiple puppeteers to bring her to life. For Soft Forest, she’ll wander around amid a moody soundscape while a swarm of fireflies dance in her wake.
It takes multiple puppeteers to bring this immersive performance to life. (Image: Abril Felman)
Meet Fauna, a four-metre-tall puppet who is sharing a message about conservation as part of Soft Forest. (Image: Abril Felman)
“The [concept behind] Fauna is that she is a creature that is born from the trees, so she speaks for the trees," Wright says. “The reason we chose a monster is because monsters are quite ambiguous. We have good monsters like the Cookie Monster or Totoro from Studio Ghibli. Children can relate to them on a very differentlevel because they’re not a human…they come with this sort of other world, which is magical and mysterious and compelling."
Ultimately, Soft Forest uses storytelling and performance to communicate that nature is not something that is separate from humans. The production will run through the month of September in Sydney’s historic Paddington Reservoir Garden, a whimsical setting for this spellbinding show.
“This is only the beginning," Wright says. “This [performance] in Paddington Reservoir Gardensis just one part of Fauna’s bigger story. She’ll come with more stories and more messages; she’ll appear not just in Australia, but all over the world."
Find out more about Soft Forest on the City of Sydney website . The performance is free and all-ages, but best suited for kids aged four to 12 years old.
Session dates:
4, 5 & 6 September
11, 12 & 13 September
18, 19 & 20 September
Session times:
5:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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.
Slip, slop, slap.
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Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.
1. Underwater worlds
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
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
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
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
Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)
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
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
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
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.
Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.
