THE MARIA ISLAND WALK

I have a list, a list of places to visit, things to do/try - a bucket list.

On the list is The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania. On the website it reads "Four days that will last a lifetime" and I don't doubt that for a second. Day 1 - The walk is only 8km (approx 4 hours) departing from historic Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart and heads eastward through rolling countryside to Triabunna. Here you board a charter boat exploring the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage en route to Maria Island. You will tread in the footsteps of great explorers and enjoy alfresco lunch on the way with million dollar views. You then stop at Casuarina Beach Camp where you spend the afternoon on short trails along the camp, have a fabulous gourmet dinner. Day 2 - about 13km (6hrs) after a hearty breakfast you retrace the steps of French Explorer Thomas Nicolas Baudin who walked the trail in 1802 along the beach and into the bush. Day 3 - 9km (about 4hrs) you will head inland and enjoy lunch at the Painted Cliffs then continue to the summits of Mt Maria or Bishop retire to a restored home and relax again with dinner and wine. Day 4 - 4km (approx 2hrs) your final steps begin, a circuit route from Darlington through woodlands and forests around Half Moon Bay and return via charter back to Hobart via Richmond and the beautiful Coal River Valley. The pictures above says everything, for more information visit http://www.mariaislandwalk.com.au/c/

AN INVITATION...

Stationery says a lot about a person. All good event or party should have beautiful invitations, and Alannah Rose has some really gorgeous stationery for all occasions.For more information visit http://www.alannahrose.com.au/

PEKING TO PARIS

This has to be the greatest motor race in the world with the grandest of cars!

From 10th September - 16th October 2010, the 100th anniversary of the Peking to Paris Rally will be run. The route for 2010 drives from China, through Mongolia, then briefly into Russia before turning south west into Kazakstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This is the historic Silk Route where there are days off in such fabled cities as Almaty and Samarkand. All the cars entered are vintage 1930 - 1960s cars with some exceptions (support vehicles), the images above are just some of the 300 competitors. In 1907 the first-ever trans-Continental motor-rally between Peking and Paris became an epic challenge between a Prince and a Pauper. Prince Borghese had the best funded entry and carefully researched the conditions of setting out on a journey where the first 5,000 miles saw no roads, at all, so, no maps and no garages. His chief rival was a fair-ground worker who until he read news of the race in a Paris newspaper, Le Matin, picked up blowing in the wind, had never even sat in a motor-car, so had no idea how to drive one.

Five cars set out from Peking, four made it to Paris to a tumultuous welcome and world-wide fame and hence began the annual Peking to Paris rally drive. For more information please visit http://www.pekingparis.com/index.html

CATHERINE THE GREAT

Catherine Martin was born in Lindfield NSW and is one of Australia's leading costume & production designer. She is best known for her work in Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and AUSTRALIA working along side her collegemate (now husband) Baz Luhrmann. I'm a massive fan of her 'Circus Silouhette' range from Porters Paints and Designer Rugs as well as her love for all things "Australian" with her Cockatoo & Lyre Bird inspired range of wallpaper and rugs. http://www.catherinemartin.com/

TREE HOUSE FASCINATION

I want to live in a tree house!

SOUTHERN DRIVE

Thinking you need a break from Sydney but don't have time to go too far away? About an hour from Sydney CBD you'll hit the Royal National Park, you can either take the scenic route (Grand Pacific Drive) which goes through the National Park and adds another 40 mins to the trip, or skip this exit and go left down Lawrence Hargrave Drive - either way you'll hit the Sea Cliff Bridge which is just spectacular. Don't park at the car park tourist trap, keep driving and park on the other side off road and walk back. Along the bridge some 'lovers' have started a cool trend, padlocks are engraved and attached to the poles of the bridge either for anniversary remembrance or a memorial for love ones who have passed. Just beautiful... After your walk drive into Thirroul Town and the pub there has the best food!!! And you must visit a little shop across the road called 'THE NEST'.


Then another 20 mins from Thirroul you'll find NAN TIEN TEMPLE http://www.nantien.org.au/ . It's just so peaceful and beautiful. You can walk around the grounds, drink some tea enjoy some peace and quiet :) the pictures below say everything...

STANLEY STREET STATION

Another small bar to try - Stanely Street Station http://stanleystreetstation.com.au/ launched a couple of months ago and getting some great reviews. Located at 85a Stanley Street, East Sydney, the bar has a great cocktail/wine list as well as a nice shared platter menu. Comfy lounges, board games - I love where Sydney is heading!

ROZELLE & BALMAIN

Love Rozelle and Balmain area, wandering down Darling St on a sunny Saturday morning really is a great way to spend the day. Start at the top and visit Rozelle Markets http://www.rozellemarkets.com.au/ reminds me of my grandfather with old clocks, bottles, carpets, and great food stalls.



Then if you feel like a good cup of coffee visit Rosebud Cafe http://www.rosebudsydney.com.au/ very cool and cosy cafe to relax and dine.



About half way down there is a little shop called Infancy they have a great website http://www.infancy.com.au/ they have old school wooden toys, unique light fixtures, clothes and much more. There's a couple of places that I noticed was really the only places on Darling St with a long que to get in, assuming that it's the place to be I did some research and these places look fantastic. Firstly there is Kasbah http://www.kazbah.com.au/ Middle Eastern and North African dining. Menu looks fantastic and from the crowds at the restaurant this is definitely one to try. And another place was the Circle Cafe, didn't look anything spectacular from outside but reviews are great and the que out the door surely is a good sign :) http://www.circlecafe.com.au/


I've definitely left the best for last - ADRIANO ZUMBO http://adrianozumbo.com/
MY GOD.... I know I'm behind the 8 ball here as the rest of Sydney has been here, but have to tell you about the cakes we demolished.

Firstly the WHEELY LEMON (see below): Lemon agar agar, Kalamansi creme legere, lemon dacquoise, lemon meringue batons, lemon puree & Kalamansi curd (Gluten Free)

Then (below again) 4 Times the Vitamin C: Blackcurrant jelly, blackcurrant marshmallow, vanilla violet mousse, pistachio feuilletine, pistachio dacquoise & blackcurrant glacage. OMG!

And lastly (below) ROSES ARE RED MANDIES ARE ORANGE: Biscuit macaron, rose creme brulee, mandarin curd, mandarin creme legere (Gluten Free)

COOLEST KID IN TOWN

One website to visit http://www.urbanbaby.com.au/

Take a look at the 'Ubabub Pod'.

Pod cot to junior bed in one. Very cool design, ultra-safe, durable and eco friendly. Very cool indeed! RRP $1800 (think long term, don't gasp)

And the ultimate in designer change tables, again thinking long term can be used as storage RRP $599

Now this is innovative, useful and well priced. Instead of lugging around those massive travel cots, the KinderKot Travel Bed is light, durable, fully screened sleep anywhere camping style RRP $159.

This is too cute, but I'm not sure about the products sales pitch "Dress your child like a little creature you love"?? If the Bee doesn't grab you, you have a choice of turning your loved one into a Kangaroo, Koala, Leopard or Giraffe :) RRP $49

And of course everyone needs a SOAR SWING - soar like a bird I say :P

STOP THE PRESS

MAMAK a very popular Malaysia restaurant on Goulburn Street in China Town is opening a new location. The rumour mill is spinning and looks like it might be Neutral Bay!!! Definately North Shore - stay tuned.

Visit http://www.mamak.com.au/ & thanks to http://littlemissmay.com/index.php/?m=200711 for images and love of all things Malay :)