Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. The past few days I have been really hopeful to find some festive doors for the lead up to Christmas and my luck came in at the beginning of the week when I took a walk through Surry Hills in the city. Lots of beautiful doors with festive wreaths! As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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I love them all but I will choose number three as my favourite this week. I absolutely love the shade of green and how the wreath matches beautifully. What do you think?
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week, seeing as it is Halloween tomorrow, I thought I would focus on one building, Fremantle Prison. I want to give you a little history whilst also showcasing a couple of doors that I spotted.
High on the limestone ridge above Fremantle stands one of Western Australia’s most striking reminders of its convict past, this striking prison. Built in the 1850s by the very men it was meant to contain, the prison’s pale stone walls still echo with the stories of those who carved them from the earth.
The convicts who built Fremantle Prison were transported from Britain and Ireland, often for minor crimes (such as stealing a loaf of bread) or acts of defiance. Under the burning Western Australian sun, they quarried local limestone by hand, shaping it into the massive cell blocks, watchtowers, and walls that would soon imprison them. Every stone they laid was both their punishment and their legacy.
Life inside was harsh and silent. Prisoners slept in tiny cells, just large enough for a hammock, a desk, and a bucket. Discipline was strict, and the worst punishment of all was solitary confinement, known as the Separate Division. Here, men were locked alone for 23 hours a day, forbidden from speaking or seeing another soul. For some, the silence proved more unbearable than chains – can you imagine how this would affect your mental health!?
Steel iron doors that once locked away lives,Solitary confinement
When their sentences ended, few found true freedom. Many were granted a ticket of leave or a conditional pardon, allowing them to live and work in the colony, but NEVER to return home. They had served their time, yet remained prisoners of Australia, forever separated from the lives and families they once knew.
Today, Fremantle Prison stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a powerful monument to endurance, punishment, and the beginnings of a new nation built by those who had no choice but to stay.
A tragic chapter in Australia’s past, yet one that tells a fascinating story of endurance, punishment, and the making of a new colony.
Our final destination on our Western Australia adventure, nestled in the southwest corner of WA, you have Margaret River, a small but world-renowned region famous for its premium wines, pristine beaches and laid-back charm. Once a quiet surf town, it has grown into one of Australia’s leading wine regions, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends.
The highlight of our trip to Margret River was a wine tour with Wine for Dudes (not that I’m saying I’m a dude!), a relaxed and entertaining day that showcased some of the region’s best vineyards, cellar doors and local producers. Basically you have a driver who takes you around the vineyards, providing information and history of the region. We had wanted to attend a wine tour here and this company ensured we had the best experience possible and it always helps when the other attendees are good fun.
Our first stop was Walsh and Sons, a boutique family-run winery where creativity and character shine through in every bottle. The wines are vibrant and expressive, perfectly reflecting the region’s coastal influence. This wasn’t a favourite of ours but not bad for our first pit stop.
Next, we visited Peacetree, a charming and welcoming spot surrounded by rolling vineyards. The wines here were beautifully balanced and elegant, a real taste of Margaret River craftsmanship.
After that came Gabriel Chocolate, where we discovered that wine and chocolate truly are the perfect match. The rich, handcrafted chocolate is made directly from cacao beans, and it was hard to leave without a little bag (or two) to take home.
Lunch was at Swings and Roundabouts, a rustic winery known for its relaxed atmosphere and incredible woodfired pizzas. We also got to try our hand at wine blending, which was both fun and surprisingly competitive, creating our own blend to have with lunch.
Blending wines was funThe best pizzas Bubbles outside with some new friends
The next stop was Windance Estate, a family-owned, organic vineyard with a strong focus on sustainability. The wines were fresh and full of character, and the hospitality was warm and genuine.
Trying the stickys aka desert wines The best group of people (all Irish / English and one Aussie who once lived in Northern Ireland! Love having a wine at the vineyards
We finished the day at Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., swapping wine glasses for craft beers with a view over the lake. It was the perfect way to wind down after a full day of tasting and touring.
In town, The River Hotel and Bar was a favourite spot for good food, great drinks and a lively atmosphere. For dinner, The Grande Escape offered an excellent locals’ night menu, relaxed, friendly and full of flavour. The $5 glasses of house wine were the ticket and we were literally a five minute walk to our air b’n’b, winner winner, chicken dinner!
Loved this pub for a couple drinks and a bite to eatThis place was lovely and handy for us. Our quaint little stay
Another highlight of our trip was Cape Mentelle, one of the pioneering wineries of the region. The setting is stunning, surrounded by vineyards and native bushland, and the wines, especially their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2022 Zinfandel were outstanding. It is very easy to see why Margaret River has become such a celebrated destination for wine lovers, we absolutely loved it!
On a side note, Margaret River town was very charming with its stunning cafes, restaurants and boutique stores. We also found a very cheap launderette which was great for washing our clothes (I’m easily pleased) as we were coming to the end of our trip.
I always love finding the local art
That rounds up the end of our WA trip. We drove back to Perth for a final night with our friends and were able to share our experiences from our unforgettable trip. Perth you have a piece of our heart, the most amazing place, we can’t wait to return.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I am showcasing a beautiful door and building from Surry Hills that I spotted a few weeks ago. It really caught my eye when I just happened to walk down a certain road. Don’t you just love those unexpected finds?!
Durham Hall: Where Heritage Meets Healthcare
In the heart of Surry Hills stands Durham Hall, a Georgian gem of a building with a quiet kind of power. It was originally built in 1834–1835 for George Hill, a wealthy merchant, magistrate, and influential figure in early Sydney politics, even becoming a city councillor and later the Mayor of Sydney.
After the Hill family sold the property in 1889, Durham Hall went through a series of transformations until eventually being restored in 1983.
Since 1986 it has become the headquarters of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), consequently blending history with medical leadership.
Inside, pathologists and scientists shape the future of healthcare, diagnosing disease, setting lab standards, and training the experts behind every biopsy and blood test. It is the brain behind the scenes, elegant, essential, and deeply Australian.
Durham Hall doesn’t just house medicine, it holds a significant history and I for one am delighted the building has been reused for such an amazing purpose. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a heritage space like Durham Hall not just preserved, but repurposed with intent. It isn’t simply bricks and mortar, it’s a living legacy, quietly supporting the health of millions through the work of pathologists and scientists.
Welcome to “The Numbers Game”. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number.
This week garnered two photos only taken in 2018. I love these photos of two incredible landmarks in Sydney. When I see these in person, I remember where I live and feel extremely grateful to call this amazing city my home.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. As it continues to lash from the heavens with rain, I thought I would brighten the day with three absolute beauties. These doors POP with colour and are sure to bring a smile to your face. They were discovered in Paddington, Sydney that I have showcased on numerous occasions. I swear this suburb in Sydney has thee absolute best doors around and I am pretty sure I am close to having photographed every single door there!!! Let me know if you have a favourite this week and have a great day.
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I love them all but number three is my stand out for this week. I mean, the colour is exquisite and quite unusual I would say for a door. I also love how the window matches the door and the colour of the house blends so well with the colours of the door / window. The little canopy over the door adds to the aesthetic also.
Today I hit a HUGE milestone (for me) with achieving one thousand subscribers.
That’s a thousand humans (and possibly a few bots) who clicked follow, subscribe or ‘I’m kind of curious with what Wayne is rambling about today’.
From Wayne’s Word to tray bakes, travel highlights to colourful doors, you have stuck around and I am incredibly grateful for that. Whether you have read, may it be one post or a hundred, I want to say, THANK YOU!
This is my 21st day posting in a row and I have to say this has been the key for me, posting often. With creating Wayne’s Word and joining in different blogging prompts, it has kept the fire burning within me to keep blogging. The community here is fantastic for encouraging you and making you feel extremely welcome when the world around us can seem hard and sad at times.
Here is to the next thousand followers, the next word, travel adventure or whatever wonders lie in between.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I had the pleasure of walking around one of my old stomping grounds in Sydney. It’s the suburb of Paddington and I have shown you many, many doors from here before but I knew there were more to see. This area is a real treasure trove for door lovers and I was absolutely in my element. Let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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Although, I love all these doors, I am going to pick my favourite this week as number one, simply because of how inviting it looks. I also love the little stained glass windows in place.
Nestled in 16 acres of lush gardens on the edge of the Illawarra escarpment, Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh offers a uniquely immersive wildlife experience for families, nature lovers, and curious explorers alike. Just a 30 minute drive from our home in the Shire, this is a fantastic place to take visitors who want to see some of the famous Australian wildlife.
Reasons to visit Symbio:
– Get up close and personal with wildlife. Here you can meet and great with iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas.
– Interactive Experiences . You can hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, alpacas and goats, engage in lively keeper talks, and dive into immersive behind-the-scenes encounters. This is such a novelty that not many other zoos can offer.
– Exotics Meet the Natives. Say hello to cheetahs, red pandas, meerkats, lemurs, small monkeys, crocodiles, alligators, and more. However, as much as I love to see different animals, I can’t help but feel sad that they are here in a foreign country against their will presumably.
– Great facilities including a fantastic playground for kids, a pretty decent outdoor cafeteria, ample toilets and a gift shop.
Some of the animals on show. I love the fact that this zoo is also an animal sanctuary, caring for animals that have been injured and cannot return to the wild. Can you name all of these animals??
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is KNACKERED.
Do you ever get home, flop on the sofa and think, “I am absolutely knackered”? If so, you are in good company. In Northern Ireland, knackered is the go-to word when you are completely exhausted, physically, mentally or even both. It is one of those brilliant words that sounds exactly like what it means. For me, it can be shorthand for needing a sit down and a cup of tea. This is how I feel after competing in Hyrox on Friday. I felt fine yesterday and even worked a full shift but today my legs are tired and I am mentally drained.
However, it was a beautiful winter’s day here in the Shire and we wanted to make the most of it. We took the ferry to a favourite place of ours near the National Park, known as Bundeena. I have a previous post on this place here but it was just lovely to visit for a few hours this time. After walking from the ferry terminal, around the village, checking out the local markets, I am definitely ready now to sit down with a cup of tea. I hope you all have a lovely Sunday too. I can hear the thunder roaring here and a big storm is on its way so I won’t be leaving the house for the rest of the evening.
Tom Thumb 3rdLoved this friendly passenger Checking out the local art
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showcasing a few more doors from one of my favourite suburbs in Sydney, Paddington. I have shown SO many doors from Paddington that I am truly amazed that there are still more to discover, it’s the gift that keeps on giving and I am here for it. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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My favourite this week is number three due to the unusual colour for a door, the transom window and arch above it. I also love how the security door is the same colour. How about you?
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is SALAMAT PO.
I have used this word A LOT over the past two weeks and it simply means thank you. A little word that goes a long way. Let’s break it down –
Salamat = thank you
Po = a particle added to show politeness and respect, especially to elders or people in authority.
Every time I say this to a Filipino, they are so extremely grateful, they even double take when I say it, strange as it sounds, as it’s only a word but I think it really makes them happy. The Filipinos I have met have been tremendously friendly and helpful, reaffirming what I already know about Filipino people.
It has been an absolute joy to attend a Filipino wedding here of my good friends and be immersed in their colourful, warm and loving culture. More to come from the Philippines! We are about to board our flight home to Sydney in a couple of hours so I will hopefully see you all from Down Under.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I am still on my holiday in the Philippines, currently in Manila with one more day to go. I thought I would have found an array of doors but sadly I have found only one!!! In saying that, I could still find more later today.
This door was found in D’Mall in Boracay, one of the many Filipino islands. D’Mall, Boracay is the vibrant heart of Station 2 on White Beach, an open-air “mall” blending shops, dining, entertainment, and services all within easy walking distance. Don’t be fooled like us by thinking we were going to a well air conditioned mall haha. We were in for a shock but this was ten times better. So much character and soul here with a fantastic door just waiting to be photographed. I think it leads to a store room but to me it looked like it could well lead to Aladdin’s cave, a cave full of treasures.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am featuring three doors from a lane that I discovered a couple of weeks ago in the heart of Sydney, known as Hayden Lane.
Hayden Lane in Darlinghurst has undergone a remarkable transformation from a neglected alleyway into a vibrant urban oasis, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local residents and artists.
From Neglect to Renewal
Once a dimly lit laneway plagued by illegal dumping and antisocial behavior, Hayden Lane was revitalized during the COVID-19 lockdown by a couple of long-time residents. Frustrated by the lack of action from authorities, they initiated a self-funded project to clean up the lane, removing rubbish and introducing greenery and art to the space.
The transformation was a community-driven effort and the organisers received donations of plants, pots and other materials from local residents in the area, in addition to murals and paintings from a variety of artists.
Recognition and Impact
The revitalized Hayden Lane has become a symbol of community resilience and creativity. It has been featured on programs like Gardening Australia and recognized by local officials, including Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, who commended the residents’ efforts in the NSW Parliament.
I love the vibrancy of this lane and it is a real feast for the eyes. It’s somewhere to come and reflect and just appreciate the simpleness of beauty that nature can provide. It was so good that I came to visit a week later. The colourful doors are charming and you can imagine my excitement to even see some doors in this laneway. What a great place to come home to! Well done to all those involved, what an achievement!
This is what I completed yesterday. So happy I was able to finish this and it actually didn’t kill me.
I wrote a post last week about loving fitness and the gym and yesterday I had the opportunity to compete in the above challenge at a nearby running track. Thankfully I had a partner from the gym with me to share the labours (not the running) and we managed to complete the challenge in fifty minutes; 12 X 400 m runs and 12 X labours.
In addition, I have to say, it was really great to see so many people loving the fitness challenge, different ages, shapes and sizes – there’s a real shift happening and it’s not just about looking good. It’s about mental clarity, resilience, community, and taking ownership of your health. What was once niche or even seen as strange and obsessive is now becoming the norm and it’s really inspiring.
Absolutely buzzing to have finished my first real fitness challenge, now bring on the next one, Hyrox in July!!! 💪🏼
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. It is currently lashing here in Sydney so I am happy to be looking through my Adelaide doors and reminiscing of drier times. Let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – Shutter doors in the Central Market2 – Scots Church345 – these are all taken from the University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus6 – Adelaide Central Ward
Number six is my favourite this week. It has a certain rustic, old school charm and the colour is fantastic against the brickwork.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is HABIBI.
Today’s word is a term of endearment from the Middle East and simply means “my love” or “my dear.”
It isn’t just for people you love, in Arabic-speaking communities, habibi is used for friends, family, kids, even the guy who makes your coffee just right every morning. It’s affection packed into a single, beautiful word and can be thought of as of the equivalent of “darling” or “sweetheart,” but with more cultural soul and musicality.
I first heard it in my nursing profession, when some Arabic patients would call me habibi for looking after them as a term of gratitude. I heard it again today and I thought, yes that’s a fantastic word.
I thought I would tie in my word today with a flower of the day, seeing as it’s Friday. Today I am showcasing the classic red rose.
In many Middle Eastern cultures, red roses often symbolize romantic love, so they’re commonly used in music, poetry, and art alongside terms like habibi. For example: in Arabic love poetry and songs, phrases like “ya habibi” are often paired with floral imagery.
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class wine regions, and festivals like the Adelaide Fringe. Often called the “City of Churches,” it’s also famous for its well-planned layout and proximity to stunning beaches and hills.
We had always wanted to visit Adelaide for the wineries but also to see the architecture and churches for ourselves. I love exploring new cities and while we’re living in Australia, I want to see as much of it as possible.
This city FAR exceeded our expectations! We absolutely loved it and could have stayed longer than the five days we had there. It’s such an easy city to navigate, very close to the airport, offered lots to see and had some very friendly people. I will showcase the highlights of our trip by providing the top ten things that we loved. There is so much more to do and see, therefore, we will have to return again in the not so distant future. We actually said we could see ourselves living here, it’s much quieter than Sydney and with less hustle and bustle.
1 – Adelaide Central Market
Bustling with local flavor, the Adelaide Central Market is a sensory feast of fresh produce, gourmet goods, and multicultural bites. It’s the perfect spot to sample the heart of South Australia’s food culture. Our hotel was just across the road so we were able to pop over for breakfast and lunch on a couple of occasions.
2 – Adelaide Botanic Garden
A serene oasis in the city, the Adelaide Botanic Garden features beautifully curated landscapes, historic glasshouses, and an impressive array of plant life. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment of inspiration. There was also an art installation when we were there, much to our delight. “Chihuly in the Botanic Garden” was an exclusive Australian exhibition showcasing 15 of Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures throughout Adelaide Botanic Garden.
3 – Wine Tour
South Australia’s wine country offers an unforgettable journey through rolling vineyards and cellar doors. Whether it’s Barossa, McLaren Vale, or the Adelaide Hills, each sip tells a story of the region’s rich environment. We booked a tour called ‘Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour’ with Viator and we couldn’t recommend it enough, too good. We stopped at Dog Ridge in McLaren Vale and The Broad Church (inside an actual church) – both offering delicious wines and a fantastic wine tasting setting.
Dog Ridge & The Broad Church
4 – Hahndorf
Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf charms with its half-timbered buildings, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. It’s a delightful blend of heritage and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed strolling through this historic village with its quaint little shops and historic architecture. A lot of history here and having a German background, I really loved this place.
5 – Architecture
Adelaide’s architecture is a thoughtful mix of colonial elegance and modern innovation. From grand sandstone buildings to sleek urban design, the city’s skyline tells a story of evolution and identity. Personally, the University of Adelaide was a stand out feature.
University of AdelaidePalm House
6 – Art
Art thrives in Adelaide, from its dynamic street murals to world-class galleries like the Art Gallery of South Australia. Creativity pulses through the city, making it a haven for lovers of the visual and performing arts. We didn’t have time to visit any galleries this time but the street art was exquisite.
7 – Food & Drinks
Adelaide is a foodie’s paradise, blending local ingredients with global influences. Whether it’s fine dining or a street food stall, every meal is crafted with pride and flavor. A couple of highlights were the markets and The Little Hunter for a good steak dinner and glass of red wine.
Paella from the marketsOur faves Cheese kranskyAperol spritzCentral Market Chicken salad from HIBERNIA was stunningThe Little Hunter
8 – Glenelg
A classic beachside escape, Glenelg offers sun, sand, and seaside charm just a tram ride from the city. It’s perfect for a sunset stroll, a swim, or fish and chips by the jetty. We only stopped here for a short time and it was raining but it looked fantastic. This is one place I would love to return to.
9 – Penfolds
One of Australia’s most iconic wineries, Penfolds offers an elegant experience rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. A tasting here is a journey through history, innovation, and world-renowned wines. This was the highlight for my partner, being a complete wine connoisseur and we were fortunate to have a private tasting that was both delicious and informative.
10 – Hotel Indigo
Stylish and contemporary, Hotel Indigo blends boutique luxury with local flair. Its design, dining, and service make it a standout stay in the heart of Adelaide. We absolutely loved staying at this boutique hotel, with its quirky charm, rooftop bar, eccentric restaurant and friendly staff. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, making it a very busy spot so it was lovely to be actually staying here. The location of the hotel is great, across the road from the markets and just a stones throw away from China Town. You can also walk to the city centre in about fifteen minutes.
Thank you all for checking out my Adelaide post. I hope you all enjoyed it and maybe feel inspired to visit Adelaide one day. Ps. I will feature this in my Thursday Doors too as I have included a couple of doors 😜 . Be sure to check out some more of my Adelaide doors next week!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is BANTER
After reading Dan Antion’s post today, I realised the characters were having great banter and it reminded me how cool this word is. I think it’s a word used in Australia and it is definitely popular in the UK and Ireland, however, I’m not sure about other English speaking countries. For those of you who haven’t heard of banter, it can be described as a playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. For example,
“There was plenty of banter between the teammates after the win.”
Banter is often associated with camaraderie and quick wit. It’s especially common in British and Irish cultures, where trading jabs among friends is a sign of closeness. However, banter walks a fine line—what’s funny to one person might come off as cutting to another. The best banter is mutual, clever, and never cruel.
In Northern Ireland, banter is practically a social glue. It’s more than just joking—it’s an art form. Friends “slag” each other off (tease) with sharp, often hilariously cutting remarks, all in good fun. If you can’t take a bit of banter, you’re seen as a bit soft.
Common phrases:
“He’s full of banter.” (He’s funny and sharp-witted.) “Just a bit of banter, don’t be getting thick!” (“Getting thick” means taking offense.)
I like banter the best when it’s lighthearted, not a joke with a jag! It should be fun for all parties involved 😊. BTW, happy Saturday to you all. I’m on my way home from work and couldn’t be happier!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. This week I am still showing some doors that I spotted a few weeks ago in Surry Hills, Sydney. This area is a door haven and I’m sure there must be some friendly competition here or the need to have a door that makes an impression. Again, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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I have to admit that I love ALL these doors and number 4 is a very close winner (the curtain makes it for me), however, number 5 is just something else! What a fantastic building for a police station, I love it. It reminds of something from The Flintstones!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is AUTUMNAL 🍂
Autumnal (adjective) means relating to or characteristic of autumn, the season. I’ve always known Autumn to be the season after summer and it was only when I lived in America that I learned it was known as ‘Fall’ there. I’m not sure why, maybe someone can enlighten me. I’m guessing it is because the leaves fall from the trees. It’s funny that we’re in Autumn here in Sydney in April / May and luckily we still experience the same colours.
Autumnal can describe physical things, like autumnal colors (reds, oranges, browns), weather (crisp, cool air) or moods (reflective, mellow, even a little melancholic). Personally I use it to describe anything with Autumn colours, “that looks very autumnal” and they are some of my absolute favourite colours.
I love these colours. Taken in one of my favourite places, Hillsborough Forest Park, Northern Ireland
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I’m doing something a little bit different but I am still showcasing four fabulous doors. I was in Paddington a couple of weeks ago and many of you will know that this is one of my favourite suburbs in Sydney. I used to visit here all the time for its beauty and quaintness, fortunately it also boasts a copious amount of fantastic doors.
As I was walking through I spotted two fantastic doors on a main street. They looked vaguely familiar but I couldn’t remember if I had ever photographed them before. It’s unusual and extremely fortunate if you are able to photograph them without parked cars in front, so I was delighted to catch a quick snap.
It was once I returned home and searched through my archives that I discovered that I had indeed witnessed these doors before and had also photographed them…without any cars in front again!!! I thought today it would be fun to play a little game of spot the difference. The first photo was taken in 2018 and then now again seven years later. I can spot at least eight differences in that timeframe. Let me know if you can spot them and / or any more in the comments section.
Feb 2018April 2025
What an absolutely amazing building, so much character and fantastic doors and windows!!!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is WHIRLWIND
Literal Meaning:
A whirlwind is a spinning column of air, like a small tornado. It moves quickly and unpredictably.
Figurative Meaning:
Used to describe something that happens very fast, often confusing or overwhelming – this is me today, crazy, busy day at work, train home, quick change and out again to meet a friend for dinner. Anyone else have these whirlwind days, where you don’t have time to even think straight?! I am currently sitting on the train back into the city and thought this would be my word for today.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is AGAINST
I love this quote from Henry Ford, spotted at Adelaide airport yesterday.
This is a great inspirational quote, reminding us that life rarely moves in a straight line. Progress is often made, not by going with the flow but by moving against it.
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
The moments of greatest resistance are often the moments right before we lift off into something greater.
Today, I’m reminded that being against the wind isn’t a setback — it’s part of the journey upward.
We recently treated ourselves to a stay at Crown Sydney (my partner’s birthday), an indulgence I wouldn’t make a habit of but certainly one I’m glad I experienced at least once. We have always wanted to stay here for a night but could never justify the price. Yes, it’s expensive but if you’re after a splash of luxury, it definitely delivers… mostly.
The room was sleek and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the harbour beautifully. The views were spectacular even with a grey sky. I was never so delighted to see blue skies later in the day, it just sets the view off beautifully. Everything felt plush—from the bed linen to the marble bathroom. I experienced my first electronic toilet with remote control, absolutely loved it and the shower was really powerful with both an overhead and hand held (both which worked simultaneously, a feature I have never experienced before).
Room view
The gym was one of the best I’ve seen in a hotel: modern, well-equipped, open 24/7 and offered stunning views again. For me, the number one feature was the outdoor pool — serene, with panoramic views, plenty of loungers to sink into and a large jacuzzi that was very welcoming considering it was a cool morning when we tried it out.
Breakfast the next morning at Epicurean was absolutely stunning. The buffet had everything from fresh pastries and eggs made to order to more indulgent options like dumplings and smoked salmon. I always like to start with something healthy like fruit, yogurt and muesli, moving onto a cooked breakfast of eggs, sausages, tomatoes, toast etc (nothing beats a Northern Irish cooked breakfast, if you know, you know).
That said, just because a hotel is expensive doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Check-in took far longer than it should have, and while the staff were friendly, they felt rushed and not particularly helpful (in their defence, they were two members down), a small letdown that stood out in contrast to the rest of the experience.
On a brighter note, dinner at Noodle—the in-house Asian restaurant—was a highlight. Fantastic flavours, quick service, and a menu that nailed the balance between comfort and elegance.
The location’s a win too: right on the water at Barangaroo, with some of Sydney’s best dining and bars just a short walk away.
Would I stay there again? Of course but only if someone bought it for me! It was definitely a great experience but not something I could afford regularly. You might also be interested to check out the casino in the Crown, it’s something that we didn’t indulge in but is a very popular place.
Thank you for reading my Crown Sydney review and I hope you enjoyed seeing it a little.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I am currently on a city break to Adelaide, South Australia so I will not be blogging too much but fear not, I am still on the lookout for great doors. I will share a fantastic door that I spotted today. Let me know your thoughts but I think it is very majestic / regal, reminding me of London. I can’t wait to share my trip of Adelaide with you all soon. All the best!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is FUTTER
(Northern Irish slang, pronounced “footer”).
This is one of my all time favourite words, a very local, colloquial word that is a verb (a doing word, e.g. to futter) and it’s got that great, flexible Northern Irish charm to it.
It typically means to fidget with something, mess around or waste time doing something in an unproductive or clumsy way. It’s a bit like procrastinating but doing silly things that really don’t need to be done at this current moment of time.
Examples in use:
– “He’s been futtering about with that car all morning and still hasn’t fixed it.”
– “Quit futtering and get a move on!”
It is usually lighthearted or teasing — it’s not harsh. Someone who is “futtering” might be tinkering, daydreaming or just not getting on with it.
Let me know if you have ever heard of this word or maybe you have another word to describe futtering.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is CRAIC.
I thought it might be fun to introduce you to a very common Irish word today, which you might have already heard before. Craic is basically a word for fun / good times, not to be confused with crack (as in the drug), although it sounds the same as crack but can only be spelled as craic. I hope that makes sense. Here are a couple of ways we can use this fantastic word :
“Having the craic” basically means having fun, enjoying good conversation or being in good company. It can involve laughter, music, storytelling, maybe a pint or two—just generally having good vibes.
“What’s the craic?” is like asking, “What’s going on?” or “What’s the news?” It’s a casual greeting, sort of like saying “What’s up?” or “How are things?”
Here are a couple of examples:
“We were out at the pub last night, great craic altogether!” or “it was great craic”.
“What’s the craic, Wayne? Haven’t seen you in ages!”
It’s a key part of Irish culture, mixing humor, storytelling, and a laid-back spirit. Please do not say “Having a craic” which I have heard some Aussies say haha.
Let me know if you have heard this word being used. I love to hear it being used and it always reminds me of home.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I was glad for the break last week but equally happy to show off some doors again this week that I discovered at the weekend when I was in Sydney visiting a friend. I often like to go into the city a little earlier and have a wonder around and see what I can discover.
Last weekend I was in Woollahra to meet a friend for lunch. I have lived near this suburb before and often walked through on my walk home from work. It was very nostalgic to walk through Woollahra again and appreciate the wonderful buildings, homes and of course, the doors. I could have easily spent all day here walking about but alas, that wasn’t on the agenda.
Please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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I love the first building a lot but I can’t help but smile when I see a yellow door. It’s not that common and it’s just so bright and cheery. However, my favourite door this week is number five. Firstly, I love the door for its rustic charm but also because of the door number. Our family home growing up was 112 and it is a number that I see quite frequently and it always makes me smile. I had a big grin when I spotted this door. I’m sure you already know that I am easily pleased haha.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showcasing some doors that I spotted last weekend when I travelled to the city to meet friends for lunch. These doors are all from a quirky neighbourhood known as Surry Hills. I’m pretty sure I have shown doors from here before but these are from a side of Surry Hills that I don’t frequent often. I was delighted to see so many beautiful homes, many of which had the most amazing and colourful doors.
I’m not sure if it’s just me but the world seems pretty gloomy at the moment and I can’t help but follow what is happening with Trump in America and think about how his decisions are affecting the world as a whole. I’m splashing some colour to you all this week and hopefully put a smile on your face. These doors certainly made me smile!
Let me know of you have a favourite this week.
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My favourite this week is number four. This is such an unusual colour for a door, at least for me. I have never seen one quite like this and I feel that it blends really well with the cactus growing beside it. I love the leaves on the floor too, very autumnal feeling, yet I feel like it could be a home in the desert haha.
Happy Thursday and welcome to another week of doors. This week I am showcasing my remaining doors from Redfern, Sydney, when I visited there two weeks ago. I feel like there are a lot more doors to discover here so I will definitely have to return one day soon.
As always, please let me know if you have a favourite door this week.
Number three is a security door but I love its design and the cat being on guard just adds to the image. I love the aesthetic of number four, the whole design of the house is exquisite. There’s a lot happening from the tiled flooring, the colours and the bench outside that would be perfect for people watching on. I really love it but my favourite door this week is number five. The colour looks very regal, simple yet effective. I love even the leaves at the porch, reminding us that autumn has arrived in the southern hemisphere.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. This week I am highlighting some doors that I spotted when we visited the local Sydney Tramway Museum in the Sutherland Shire. To be honest I didn’t even know this existed but one of my colleagues mentioned it to me as I was looking for something different to see / do on my day off. First a little bit of information on this attraction.
The Sydney Tramway Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich transport history. Located in Loftus, a village within the Shire, the museum houses an impressive collection of beautifully restored trams from Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond — including some international vehicles. Visitors have the opportunity to step aboard these historic trams and experience a ride along the museum’s dedicated tramway, providing a sense of what public transport was like in decades past. It even takes you along an old train line into the Royal National Park (sadly not used anymore).
Operated by a dedicated and extremely friendly team of volunteers, the museum combines historical preservation with hands-on experiences, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Sydney’s urban development. With indoor displays, outdoor exhibits (including old advertising posters that I LOVE), a gift shop and picnic areas, the Sydney Tramway Museum offers an engaging and educational day out, celebrating the important role trams have played in shaping the city. An absolutely fantastic day out and I was just simply in awe with the beauty of the old trams, including their doors! I often wish we still had these trams working today in Sydney, as can be seen in Melbourne.
One of the brilliant volunteers. I wish this tram still existed!Funny they have a smoking carriage!Love these old advertisements All aboard!Do not spit in the car. Penalty £2. The currency must have been in GBP back in the day. Now it’s the Australian dollar. I love how the seating plans are different in different trams.
Thanks for taking a look at my trams and doors. I would highly recommend visiting here and I can’t wait to show people here if they’re visiting in the future. All in all, a great place to see.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. Last weekend we had the absolute privilege to be invited for lunch at a beautiful home on the water. We were invited by friends to celebrate a special birthday and enjoy some food, drinks and good company in this lovely home, inhabited by a lovely couple who have been living by the water here for years. We had the best morning / afternoon with the most fascinating conversation and lots of laughter. Good times were had all round and upon leaving I managed to spot a fantastic door that leads out into their garden. I love the hallway and the look of suspense the door effortlessly emanates. I also have a picture of the home from the water as we had once passed the house when on our river cruise.
We were very fortunate to be able to sit with the patio doors open and later have some wine sitting on the terrace when the sun wasn’t as strong. Absolutely magical.
I hope you’re all keeping well and having a great week.
After living in the Sutherland Shire now for just over a year, I thought this would be the perfect time to share why it’s such a great place to live and highlight some of my favourite things about the area.
First of all, what is the Sutherland Shire?
The Sutherland Shire, often called The Shire, is a local government area in southern Sydney, New South Wales, known for its beaches, national parks, and strong sense of community. Geographically separated from the rest of Sydney by the Georges River, it can only be accessed by road via two main bridges. However, public transport offers alternative routes, with trains and ferries providing convenient connections to and from the area.
Moving to the Shire
Before moving here, we had lived in Sydney’s eastern suburbs until we relocated to Ireland for 17 months. When we returned to Sydney, we found the eastern suburbs had become overwhelmingly crowded, with skyrocketing rental prices making it nearly impossible to secure a decent place to live. We had always wanted to escape the Sydney rat race and experience a more suburban lifestyle, and this move gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that.
1 – Proximity to Sydney
The Sutherland Shire is only 30 minutes to central station by public transport, meaning you can still come to the city to meet up with friends etc. and you don’t have to trek too far to get home. There are train stations in many of the Shire suburbs and the trains work pretty frequently (when they’re working). Bus services are also an option as well as driving if you have a car.
2 – The variety of suburbs where each one will attract you for their own unique reasons. The most frequent ones that I seem to visit are Miranda, Gymea, Kirrawee, Caringbah, Sutherland and Cronulla (although there are heaps more).
3 – Shopping at Miranda Fair (Westfields) – this shopping mall is HUGE and has everything you could possibly want / need. We live in Miranda and I find myself in this mall at least once a day, even just for groceries. You could spend all day here and it’s great for your steps if it’s a rainy day or a hot day as it has the best air con. Try to avoid visiting at weekends or public holidays as it gets extremely busy. Thank goodness we can walk here as parking appears to be problematic.
4 – Irish pub at Gymea – who doesn’t love an Irish pub?! This pub, known as The Snug is one of the best Irish bars I have seen in Australia. It is fantastic. As the name suggests, it’s a snug. Very cosy and inviting with lovely staff and a friendly crowd. They have a great area at the front where you can semi sit outdoors under cover and watch the world go by. They often have live music, make great toasties…with Tayto crisps (if you know, you know) and the absolute BEST Guinness I have had in Sydney! I cannot recommend this place highly enough. WE LOVE IT HERE.
Good times at The Snug
5 – Wine bar at Caringbah – I was walking through this suburb a few months ago thinking wouldn’t it be nice if the Shire had a wine bar…and lo and behold…this wine bar appeared. I kid you not! The Black Swan is a quirky little wine bar with a great wine list, lovely snacks, live music (fitting for a wine bar) and friendly staff again. Friendly is a common theme here with Shire people!
6 – The beaches at Cronulla – this seaside suburb has it all. The beaches that are really stunning, beach walks, rock pools, cafes, beautiful restaurants and bars and a real seaside feel to it. You genuinely feel like you’re on holiday when you come here to visit and the great thing for us is, it’s only 10 minutes away by train.
7 – Cafe culture – I must say, after a year being here in the Shire, we are STILL finding new cafes to try. We feel very fortunate to have such an array of cafes that serve great breakfast, lunches and coffees here. I’m pretty sure every suburb in the Shire has at least one great cafe. We particularly love Gymea for their coffee culture that has a real European feel as you walk through the suburb and we just found an amazing cafe in Miranda last week called Oli’s that was a huge hit with us. We sat outside in their well designed garden, tucked away on a side street that I had walked past nearly every day and hadn’t even noticed. We cannot wait to come back for their smashed avocados.
Smashed Avo – bursting with colour and flavour. Oli’s, we will be back soon! The Nun’s Pool at Cronulla. Absolutely stunning food.
8 – Bundeena – To think we used to come to this suburb for a holiday. You can drive here via the Royal National Park or you can take the ferry from Cronulla (which I highly recommend). I have a previous post all about Bundeena if you wish to check it out here but just know, this place is great for beach / bush walks, relaxing, enjoying some lovely food and drinks and is a good base for visiting the Royal National Park.
Ferry from Cronulla to BundeenaSunset at BundeenaThe Salty Pearl – a great spot for a cocktailBeach walks
9 – The Royal National Park – this is the world’s second-oldest national park (established in 1879). Covering over 15,000 hectares, it features stunning coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and popular hiking trails like the Coast Track. The park is perfect for bushwalking, swimming, cycling, and picnicking, with highlights including Wattamolla Beach and Wedding Cake rock.
Natural poolsWattamolla BeachOn the walk to Wedding Cake rock
10 – Como bridge walk – This is a scenic pedestrian path running alongside the old Como Rail Bridge, connecting Oatley (not in the Shire) and Como (in the Shire) over the Georges River. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying water views, with a peaceful atmosphere and links to nearby bush tracks and parks. We like to have a drink in the brilliant Como hotel, then walk over the bridge which takes about 30 minutes and then reward ourselves with lunch in the Oatley Hotel, another fantastic pub.
Como Hotel – love the architecture as well as the food and drinks
11 – Port Hacking River – We’re lucky to have friends with a boat who love taking us out on the river. Cruising along, we get to soak in the stunning scenery the Shire has to offer, it’s amazing to see it all from a different perspective. We usually make our way towards Audley, where we stop for breakfast. Every trip is an unforgettable experience.
12 – Breweries – The Shire is also home to some fantastic breweries, including Hairy Man and Sunday Road. Both are well worth a visit and often host great food trucks. If you get the chance, try the Pop Ale at Hairy Man, I’ve never had anything quite like it. Delicious!
There you have it! I absolutely love living in the Shire for all the reasons mentioned above and I could go on and on and on, but I’ll spare you the details! It’s a place with so much to offer, and there’s a real warmth to the community (people still say good morning). The people are friendly, always willing to help one another, and I hope that never changes.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I am digging deep into the vault and showing some of my favourite blue doors, in honour of summer resuming in Sydney after lots of rain last week. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite.
I think for the first week ever, I cannot choose an obvious favourite. I love all of them for different reasons. I think if I was able to buy one of these doors for my house, I would pick number 3 from Kells but number 5 looks so regal (definitely wouldn’t be my house door). What do you think??
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. It’s a wet and wild day in Sydney today with huge thunderstorms yesterday evening and all through the night. I’m staying dry indoors and looking at my doors taken from our trip to Berry recently. I have featured a couple in my Berry blog but they’re too good (in my opinion) not to share again here. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – I love this old wooden door seen on our way to Berry in a place called Thirroul.2 – Berry. I’m not sure about this building but when we were having Thai food one evening, this building was our backdrop.3 – Church door in Berry4 – Gerringong. I love this unusual design and a great door to boot. 5 – Kiama6 – Another church in Kiama
I really love number 5 this week. I’m not sure what the building was for, now used for a few businesses but the door really stood out for me. It is so unique and the design and colours are extraordinary. Love love love.
Hope you’re having good weather where you are in the world. All the best wishes,
Nestled between rolling green pastures and stunning beaches, Berry, New South Wales, is a picturesque town that captures the charm of the South Coast. Just two hours south of Sydney, this quaint destination is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. We had been here before for a couple of day trips but I really wanted to return and spend a couple of days here to really take it all in. From our place in the Shire, it was only a 1.5 hour drive.
A Historic Haven
Berry is steeped in history, evident in its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and small-town atmosphere. Established in the 19th century, the town is a window into Australia’s colonial past, with sites like the Berry Courthouse and the Berry Museum offering a glimpse into days gone by. There is a beautiful Thai restaurant that is worth checking out that is situated in the old Berry post office. We were lucky to be able to sit outside on the garden and appreciate the beautiful nature and architecture surrounding us.
I love the architecture and quaintness of this village. Beautiful views of the mountains on the background and everyone is welcome! The Berry Museum is worth checking out and was perfect for us when there was a short bout of rain.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Known as a hub for food lovers, Berry boasts a vibrant café culture and a variety of gourmet experiences. Whether you’re indulging in artisan baked goods at The Famous Berry Donut Van, enjoying a farm-to-table meal at one of the local restaurants, or exploring the Berry Farmers’ Market, you’ll find fresh, locally sourced delights at every turn. We discovered a lovely little Italian restaurant with a homely atmosphere and we also frequented the Berry Hotel on a couple of occasions (in Australia hotels are mostly pubs) which was fantastic and gave us the opportunity to meet locals and tourists alike. They had live music one evening and we needed up chatting to the musicians at the end of the evening. I think our Guinness drinking caught their attention and they were not surprised that we were two Irish men!
This Donut van is seriously famous! Love these storesBeers in the Berry Hotel
Shop, Stroll, and Explore
The town is a treasure trove of boutique shops, offering everything from homewares to handcrafted goods. Strolling along the main street, visitors will find unique gifts and souvenirs, along with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the village vibe. The Berry Barn is worth checking out and has some fantastic Aussie clothing, leather bags and traditional hats. I had always wanted an Australian leather bush hat and I found the perfect one here, much to my absolute delight.
Nature’s Playground
For outdoor enthusiasts, Berry is the gateway to stunning landscapes. Nearby Seven Mile Beach offers serene coastal views and plenty of space for picnics and long walks. We took a drive to the nearby suburbs of Gerringong and Kiama on the way home to take in more breathtaking ocean views, check out the architecture and treat ourselves to some fish and chips.
Ocean views at Gerringong and fantastic buildings at Kiama. The council chambers building is the building I mentioned in my previous doors post. What an exquisite building, including the door!
To conclude, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a culinary adventure, or a touch of history, Berry, NSW, has something for everyone. With its blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, this charming town promises an unforgettable experience.
Pack your bags and discover the magic of Berry today, we highly recommend it! It was also recently voted the number one place to visit outside of Sydney for a day trip by Timeout Sydney.
Happy Thursday everyone and a happy new year to you all. I cannot believe it’s the ninth of January 2025 already! I’ll be honest, I was excited to start the year with the Bloganuary challenge, where you receive a daily prompt to blog for every day in January. Sadly, without any notification, there was no challenge this year from WordPress. I was really looking forward to starting the year on a blogging high but I think the opposite has happened. This will change I’m sure and I’m happy to have Thursday Doors to keep my motivation alive.
I thought this week I would show the last three festive doors that I have in my collection, spotted over the holiday season. Let me know if you have a favourite and I look forward to seeing other doors posts this week.
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The last door is my absolute favourite and I look forward to showing the whole building in my next blog post.
Another year comes to end, hard to believe right?! I love looking back through the months and picking a highlight, sometimes there’s more than one and sometimes it’s just the little things in life that stood out that month.
This was a quieter year for us with no holidays as such as we had just moved back to Australia from Ireland. We had to start from scratch, finding a place to live, buying furniture again and purchasing a car. This year was about fitting back into Aussie life and trying to save some money, whilst working hard and enjoying life at the same time. Luckily, we were fortunate to be able to fly home to Ireland for a month which was really lovely as I always miss the kids in our family.
That being said, I was happy to look back through the months of this year and see that we actually have done more than I first thought and it makes me appreciate that 2024 was a pretty good year.
JANUARY – Back in Sydney at the height of summer. I have seen this view hundreds of times but it never gets old. It was good to be back in Oz, we just had to find somewhere to live, which wasn’t the easiest thing to do as there is a severe housing shortage in Sydney.FEBRUARY – we decided to move out of Sydney and look for a place in the Sutherland Shire, about 45 minutes south of Sydney. Luckily we found a place near the Royal National Park and a beautiful coastline. Cronulla beach is a 10 minute drive from us and perfect for beach walks and ocean swims. MARCH – We visited our good friends in the Southern Highlands, an area that I have mentioned many times. We love this place for weekend getaways, lots of wineries, bush walks and cosy pubs. APRIL – We tried our first ever puppy yoga! I wanted to do something different for Brian’s birthday and he loves dogs so this was the perfect fit. You practise yoga for 30 minutes and then the instructors release the puppies to run amongst you all. Needless to say, not much yoga happens thereafter. It’s also a great initiative for you to adopt a puppy as these are all rescue dogs looking a new home. MAY – Good friends of ours from the Shire here just happen to own a barge and love to take trips along the Port Hacking River. We were delighted to be asked to come along, not once but twice on this idyllic river cruise. We dock at a local cafe for breakfast and then sail along the river, meandering through the different suburbs of the Shire. Very tranquil and great for wildlife watching. JUNE – One of my favourite ever sunsets in Bundeena, a quick ferry ride over from Cronulla. I was excited to show friends this area and we were treated to this absolute spectacle. We used to come here for weekend breaks, now we live close by and can call over any time. JULY – Home! It was great to be able to come home again for a few weeks. Belfast, when it gets the sun, is one of my favourite places to be. AUGUST – This is the Grand Opera House Belfast. I worked here for a few years as a student and it was like my second home. I met Brian here also, so it holds many positive memories for me. For my birthday, I really wanted to see a show here and luckily for me, there was a Simon & Garfunkel story being told with all their music being performed. Right up my street! The Opera House had a major refurbishment lately so it was really enjoyable to see for myself, 20 years after I first started working there. I was always really impressed by the amazing architecture of this building, designed by Frank Matcham. SEPTEMBER – Back in the Sutherland Shire and exploring the area even further. There are so many great suburbs here. This one is Oatley and the home to Oatley Castle. Not as grand as the castles we have in the UK and Ireland but still worth a visit. OCTOBER – Our friends finished building their new home in the Southern Highlands. We were thrilled to be invited down to stay for the weekend. Just look at the view they have from their balcony with unbelievable sunsets. NOVEMBER – We were fortunate to be invited to the hospital ball where I work. I had never been to a Christmas ball before so this was a big deal. All expenses paid and really fun to get dressed up for once. Best of all, the venue was 10 minutes from my home. Usually for us living in the Shire, everything is miles away, especially as many things tend to happen in the city. DECEMBER – Attending the Christmas markets in Sydney at central station. This was a lovely day with friends where we had lunch, wine at a little wine bar on the side of the street, followed by the Christmas markets. They had stalls, food, drinks, Christmas music and snow!!!! This truly felt Christmassy and magical. I don’t often feel like it’s Christmas here in Australia as it’s so warm, so this was lovely to feel the joy of Christmas, at least for a few hours.
Thank you all for reading this post and all your support again through 2024. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the time with those nearest and dearest and I will see you in 2025 where I’m sure I will be partaking in Bloganuary once again.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I thought I would share some of my favourite “outdoor” doors. As I was thinking about this concept, I realised that many doors are “outdoor” doors, however, in my mind, I am thinking of those doors not attached to a house but rather they are outside, away from houses, sometimes acting as entrances to someone’s property or land. Please let me know if you have a favourite this week or do you have an “outside” door?
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These first three doors are from Bellevue Hills, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I guess these doors may also be considered as gates, especially number three but for today, it is considered a door haha.
4 – Woollahra 5 – Auckland6 – Downpatrick, N. Ireland
My favourite this week is number two. It’s a fine looking door and I love the arch above it. The image catches my eye also due to the blue sky and greenery in front. I used to love walking past this door at the weekends and I used to imagine what kind of beautiful home would be behind this door with its astounding ocean views.
Hi everyone and happy Thursday! It’s been three weeks since my last doors post and I must say I have enjoyed the break. I was debating whether I should rename my doors series since hitting 100 posts but alas, I have continued on from where I left off, with this week being volume 101.
This week I wanted to show you all a fantastic place that I visited a couple of weekends ago in a beautiful place called Menangle, a small village in NSW, about an hour from where we live in the Shire. We have been to this village before when I spotted this great general store and I was dying to take a look inside and around but never had the chance. On this occasion, I purposefully parked nearby to take some photos and have a nosey.
The Store Menangle
This store was built in 1904 and quickly became an integral part of the local community. Over the years it has served as a barn, a general store, accommodation, an event space, a bottle shop and post office. Today it operates as a quirky coffee shop with an outdoor seating area and a beautiful flower shop attached with some local products for sale also. I was hoping for it to be a general store too but even without, it was a really stunning space and I couldn’t help but admire the architecture, craftsmanship and of course its doors. I also appreciated the Christmas feels that were on display here, even if the weather was stifling hot and couldn’t have felt any less Christmassy. We didn’t have time for a coffee this time but we will definitely be back.
Thanks for taking a look and have a great weekend everyone. My work is quietening down now towards Christmas so I will hopefully be more active on the old blog!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another magnificent week of doors. Today is my 100th edition of doors of WordPress and I wanted to create something a little different to mark the milestone.
I couldn’t think of how to choose my most favourite doors and it was very hard to narrow down my collection, so I thought a video might be a quick way to show some of my favourites. I managed to narrow it down to my top 250 doors!!!
I am so grateful that I have found a community that love doors as much as I do and a big thank you to Dan for creating this great space on our blogging platform. I have met lots of blogging friends through the Thursday Doors club and I love how we support each other by checking in and interacting through our appreciation for a good door.
I created a video to a song that I love by the Cranberries and shared to my Instagram account. It’s called Dreams and I’m sure many of you will know it. Sadly I cannot download my video with the song, I’m guessing due to copyright reasons so I have posted the video below mine in case you want to listen to it.
My top 250 doors to celebrate my 100th doors post. I hope you all enjoy!
Thank you all for your interest and continued support of my doors and everyone else’s too. Long may the love of doors continue.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another fantastic week of stunning doors. This week I am showing a few doors from Northern Ireland. I seem to have a never ending supply from when I visited home two months ago. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – Portrush2 – South Belfast3 – Belfast City Centre4 – Belfast Cathedral Quarter5 – Armagh
I love all these doors for various reasons. The first door was taken in a thrift shop with lots of antiques and bric-a-brac. I spotted this door at the back and was very interested to see what was behind it but I didn’t have the courage to look as I think it was meant for staff. I love door number three simply for the absolutely stunning building that it is part of. It used to be a department store but has now been transformed into a fine dining restaurant from the Ivy group (best known for its sister restaurant in London). However, I LOVE door number five in Armagh for its really unique design and fantastic colour. It looks like something you would see belonging to Scrooge McDuck, with lots of gold coins being kept behind this door. If you’re an eighties child, you will know what I mean.
Have a great week everyone and I look forward to creating my next doors of WordPress post as it will be my 100th edition!!
Hi everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showing only one door from a fantastic building that I was able to see last weekend when visiting the Southern Highlands.
First a little bit of history –
The Burrawang General Store is a renowned café and store located in the small village of Burrawang, in the Southern Highlands. It was originally established in 1867 and has retained much of its old-world charm while offering modern appliances and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The General Store is known for its delicious, locally sourced meals and coffee, often enjoyed in a rustic setting that includes indoor seating, a veranda and garden views. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors exploring the scenic Highlands region.
However, we were saddened to discover that this store has actually just recently closed. The specific reason for its closure hasn’t been made public, however, it seems that management changes or evolving business conditions might have led to the closure. While the original café has closed, there are occasional events and pop-up dining experiences held at the site. Fortunately, this fantastic structure continues to be a beloved location in Burrawang village, attracting interest for its charm and heritage alike. I love the actual design of this store and although the door is not one that stands out, I feel like the door blends well very with the style of the building. I love the shutters on either side of the door and what a great sign above it. I doubt you would find a newspaper for one penny today!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I thought it was about time to show some local doors again from Sydney as it has been a while. Even though I live outside of Sydney, I still work in the city a couple of days a week so I am delighted to be able to keep discovering new doors there. I still have a good few from Ireland and England but will keep those in my collection for a rainy day.
As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – Coogee 2 – Sans Souci3 – Sans Souci4 – Darlinghurst5 – Darlinghurst
I love the first door from Coogee. It’s an old classic with a rather interesting bill board in the left hand corner of the photo! Fortunately, it’s an advert for a brand of wine here in Australia but actually made in France. According to Time magazine, it is a wine for the anti snob…and I happen to know it’s actually not a bad drop.
To be honest I love the first four doors, especially the homes in pictures two and three. The last door isn’t overly special or easy to spot but I loved the colour and character of the building, even the house number is pretty retro.
What are your thoughts? Have a great week everyone and keep your eyes peeled for some interesting doors.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I’ve realised that my weekly doors posts are the only things that are keeping me blogging at the moment, thank goodness for doors and to Dan for having the weekly door challenge.
With work being so busy, I just haven’t been able to travel much but hopefully that will change in the coming weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to be busy at work and grateful for the opportunities here in Australia.
This week I am showcasing a few doors from Huntington in England where my sister lives. I have visited many times, with the most recent trip being last month when I visited home. I was looking back through my doors and couldn’t believe that I actually haven’t posted many doors from Huntington as yet. Surprisingly to me as the doors there are exquisite.
As always, please do let me know if you have a favourite or if one simply stands out more.
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I absolutely adore number five for the quaintness of the door, the glass panels, the wreath in situ and the exterior. I love everything about this cottage, including the thatched roof, the lantern on the wall and even the dog on top of the roof, apparently in remembrance of their previous pet pooch. What are your thoughts?
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I have returned after a two week hiatus and feeling good for the break. I have been exceptionally busy with work but also I have found a new obsession, commencing my family tree on ancestry.com. I will have to write a blog post about that but for now I will showcase some doors from my trip to England last month.
We visited an amazing place called Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire and not for the first time. We had previously visited in late 2023 when we took my niece and nephew to a light installation show. However, this time we visited to appreciate the grounds and scenery during the day and with some lovely warm weather.
Managed by the National Trust, Wimpole Estate includes a grand mansion, extensive gardens, a working farm and parkland. The estate dates back many centuries, with its development influenced by various owners who made significant changes to both the house and the landscape.
It’s a very popular destination for tourists, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts, offering walks, seasonal events, and educational activities. It is also used for filming and cultural events due to its scenic beauty and historical significance. However, for me, I just couldn’t help but appreciate the venue for all the fantastic doors it had to showcase. As always, let me know if you have a favourite one this week.
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I absolutely love the door on the church from picture number 9 but I really love the simplicity of door number 1. Those doors that are split in two halves are really cool and always remind me of old country and western movies. I think the tractor also adds to the shot.
Thank you all for having a look and I hope you’re all having a great September thus far.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of spectacular doors. This week I am showcasing just one door that I found within the grounds Antrim Castle, located in the Platinum Clockwork Garden. I have wanted to visit this garden since it opened in 2022 and it did not disappoint. The door itself is quite simple, a beautiful green door set within a stunning tower made of bricks.
The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle is a unique and enchanting installation that captures the spirit of both history and creativity. It was designed to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, however, it is not just a tribute to her 70 years of service but also a testament to the power of innovation in art and horticulture.
Interestingly, there isn’t an actual clock in the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden. The “clockwork” theme refers more to the garden’s artistic design rather than to the presence of a functioning clock. The installation uses mechanical elements and sculptures that create the idea of clockwork, symbolizing the passage of time and celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.
The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden
If you ever find yourself in Northern Ireland, a visit to the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle would be recommended. It’s a place where history, nature, and art come together to create a truly magical experience.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. As you may be aware, I’m currently visiting home in Northern Ireland and have just over a week left of my trip. Fortunately, I have seen an abundance of fantastic doors, something that has been lacking for me in Australia of late.
We visited a place called Armagh last week, the county where I am from. We simply took a stroll around the city and breathed in all the amazing history and architecture which I will have to show you all later at some point. In addition, I also stumbled upon some amazing and very colourful doors. I thought, seeing as it’s Pride month here in Northern Ireland, where people come together to stand for LGBTQA+ rights, it would be a fitting time to show case these colourful doors. Apparently the pride flag colours represent the diversity of the LGBTQA+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Personally, I just love the colours and they make me feel happy when I see them.
As always please let me know if you have a favourite this week and I hope you’re all keeping well in the blogosphere.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I was rummaging through my collection and realised I still have a few doors from my trip to Dijon, France from almost a year ago now. I love how each door conveys a certain rustic and historic charm…if only doors could talk, I’m sure they could tell a tale or two.
As always, please let me know if you have a favourite.
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Personally, I love numbers four and five but my winner this week is the last door at number five, a door leading to under the stairs. Could there be a French Harry Potter living in there?
Thank you for the reminder WordPress that I have been blogging for the past seven years. I actually always remember this myself anyway, as I started this blog when I emigrated to Australia seven years ago.
I find it insane that I have actually lasted this long as I never imagined it to be a long term project. My aim was to show case places that I was visiting in Australia and maybe inspire others to visit them. This has continued but I would say that my journey has changed throughout the past few years, meandering my way throughout the blogging world, always on the hunt for tips and advice, learning new things and meeting new people along the way. It’s a journey that I thoroughly enjoy, however, my only wish would be to have more time to invest in blogging. Also more time to travel would be lovely but alas, one still has to work and bills to pay 😜.
When Covid hit, I thought I had nothing left to blog about as we could no longer travel. However, I soon learned that you don’t have to stick to what you normally blog about. The blogging community taught me that it’s my blog and I can write about whatever suits ME and whenever suits me. I participated in many writing challenges throughout the covid lockdowns and beyond, with some of them now firmly in my psyche, for example, being a member of the Thursday Doors club hosted by the amazing Dan!
I have found the blogging community to be strong, supportive and for the most part, inclusive. Thank you all for having me in your blogging space and I really hope to still be around for the next seven years. I will continue my doors posts and hopefully share some new travel experiences now that I have moved back to Australia. Next week I am heading home to Northern Ireland to visit my family which I am extremely excited for. It’s only been seven months since I have last seen them but I really do miss my family, especially as I have a new niece to meet!! I will keep you all posted on what we get up to.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I was on my lunch break during the week and took a walk around a little park that I like to frequent. It’s like a small rainforest in the middle of the town, a tranquil oasis that most people don’t even know exists.
Fred Hollows Reserve in Randwick, Sydney
I was walking along the boardwalk provided when I stumbled across the most AMAZING door…in a tree!!! Who do you think lives through that door? The quaintest door I ever did see and it really allows your imagination to run wild.
Could it be a mouse or a squirrel…or possibly a couple of robin Redbreasts?
I’m guessing someone placed this door here but what a great idea. It certainly brought a smile to my face ☺️. Enjoy your Thursday everyone and keep dreaming.
WrookieSchU 