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)

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

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