This was published 6 years ago
Reader trip: Day trip from Sydney to The Tweed Regional Gallery
By Pauline Williams
The road leading towards Mount Warning, near Murwillumbah, Northern NSW.Credit: iStock
NAME Pauline Williams, Lane Cove, NSW
THE TRIP Day trip from Sydney to the Margaret Olley Art Centre at the Tweed Regional Gallery, Murwillumbah, NSW.
Pauline Williams.
THE ITINERARY
We flew from Sydney to the Gold Coast at 7am, and then drove to the gallery, where we had time for a coffee before the 10am opening.
The Tweed Regional Gallery is located in a lush green valley along the banks of the Tweed in the shadows of Mt Warning in far Northern NSW.
We headed for the Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC) within the gallery. The exhibition and rebuilt rooms from the Paddington home of this iconic Australian still life artist make you feel like you are actually visiting with the artist. Unlike most artists who have studios in which they produce their creative masterpieces, Margaret Olley chose to mingle life with her art. In every room, including the kitchen, you will find brushes, paint tubes, palettes and still life ''sets'' left in situ for her to keep coming back to. Pomegranates left … to rot … just in case! Not so much cluttered but occupied.
We had more than enough time to take in the wonderful MOAC exhibit, going back to some parts twice, as well as view other exhibitions.
A gourmet lunch was shared back at the on-site cafe that has stunning views over the cow-dotted hills, flowering jacarandas and undulating Tweed valley. Enough time left to visit the gallery gift shop before we head to our car for the drive back to the airport. By 6pm we are back at Mascot ready to jump in city traffic. Was today a dream?
BEST BITS
A cultural escape from the city for a day for a total cost $460 split between three.
WORST BITS
You need to plan ahead – pre-book airport parking and car rental at Gold Coast airport and pay for airfare using direct debit to avoid additional fees.
BEST TIPS
Spend a few minutes setting alarms on your phones to make sure you get back to the airport on time (Airport is in Qld = No daylight saving. Gallery in NSW = daylight saving).
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP
Send 350-word submissions for The Trip to travellerletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au with THE TRIP in the subject line. Use the same format as above and attach a high-resolution headshot. Published entries win a Lonely Planet guidebook.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.