Arts & crafts places to visit & things to do on the central coast NSW Australia

Me, my partner and our son emigrated permanently to Australia nearly a year ago. Im originally from the U.K, i grew up in Leicester in the Midlands. A very different environment from where i live today. Change in my opinion makes you a stronger more diverse person and opens your mind to many different styles of art and expression. There are lots of things and styles i love that you just don't get here living in Australia on the coast and lots of things you don't get in Leicester that you get here. I consider myself very lucky to have experienced both sides of the world. Although i miss my family i have become addicted to the beach life and find it very inspiring as a person and a art lover. There is no better feeling than walking bare foot on the beach, the sun is shining and the smell of sea air. There is always a light warm breeze from the sea and ever green from the trees. You've got to just love trees! If I'm ever in a bad mood then a walk along the sea front sorts me out.

Its a fantastic place to bring up children. There is a sense of innocence and freedom where we live. My son loves the beach. He loves playing with the sand, collecting sticks and stones. It is the simple things in life that entertains them for hours, something you often over look when living in a city.

PLACES WORTH A LOOK:

Avoca Beachside Markets

Avoca beach Nsw
Every 4th Sunday of the month
www.fixxevents.com.au
http://www.situp-bike-art.com/

A friend told us about this little gem so we went along for a look and we were very grateful they told us about it. You can't miss it, lots of bustling stalls, the smell of food in the air and lots of live music. What i fantastic location with all the trees and near by beach. It is a real family day out, just don't make the same mistake we did which was to eat before we went. We were gutted becuase of all the delicious food stalls but i did still managed to force some treats in but i would recommend going there hungrey because you don't want to miss out. For the smaller children there is a mini park in the middle, lots of seating areas you will love. My favourite bit is the cushioned bohemia area where you can just chill. The stalls are super cool, it has a hippy vibe with all the live music which i love. Lots of arts and crafts to be seen here! A fanstastic varity of handmade, new and old.

Ken Duncan art gallery 414 the entrance road erin a heights NSW 2260

What a beautiful setting & building not to mention his photographs. It is worth a visit & you won't want to go home without buying one of his books on his photography. They also have wonderful food & coffee. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. 

Terrigal Lions Club car boot

Terrigal oppersite the scout hut. Corner of Terrigal drive & Willoughby road.
Every 1st Sunday of the month

Again set in a fanstastic location backing onto the lake. You will find many treasures here. There is new, old, vintage and craft. Theres always a sausage on the barbie. You never know what your going to bring home with you. I love car boots and you know what they say one persons junk is another persons treasure.

Head down to Terrigal beach & shops for the day

Terrigal has grown so much in the 3 years we have lived in Australia & defiantly worth a day visit. You not only have the fantastic beach, there are loads of home ware gift shops with plenty of art work for sale, you will not leave without buying something or you could have a coffee at one of there many cafes get out your sketch book & create your own art. Its also is a fantastic place to take photographs, lots of people have their wedding pics taken at the haven in Terrigal because its just so beautiful.

The Gosford Regional Gallery 

36 webb street, east Gosford NSW 2250

Fantastic gallery with a diverse collection of art which changes all the time. Every time i have been, there is a new collection of artists on display. There is a good selection of fine art, sculpture, textiles & ceramics for all to see and its a free gallery where you can leave a donation if you want. They also have a very impressive garden which is a tranquil spot and very pristine, in-fact a piece of art in itself but also child friendly. My son enjoyed watching the massive carp swim around the hugh pond they have and we got some amazing photos. There is a cafa on site too if you fancy a cuppa. They do various art work shops and run competitions too. There is a gift shop which sells local artists work.

carp fish feeding at gosford art gallery gardens

Trim hedges at gosfors art gallery gardens

gallery garden gosford

Gosford art gallery garden

SALVOS the salvation army store

30B Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250

They have many all across Australia but one of my favourites is the one in west Gosford. It is massive and i have been known to spend more than an hour in this store much to my fiancés dislike because he was waiting for me at the time. There are so many treasures to be found from vintage cloths to painting, buttons, wool and home-wear. If you are into your craft like me you will find lots of stuff to recycle into a project. There is also always lots of material and curtains which can be cut up and reused at a fraction of the price new would cost. Also every penny you spend goes to a good cause and if that wasn't enough they also do a loyalty card where you get stamped for future discounts.

Vintage Buttons from Salvos

Rojo Rocket mexican restaurant Avoca NSW

I just love this place! not only is the food fantastic but also the decor. Your eyes will be alive with the vibrant colour & many trinkets from mexico. The place has a fantastic atmosphere & if you like mexican art style you will be inspired.

My mexican inspired art work

mexican sacred hearts on the wall at Rojo Rocket

Mexican sugar skull fabric lights at rojo Rocket

Drinks at Rojo Rocket

mexican fire place Rojo Rocket

mexican painted cow in water rojo rocket

mexican trinkets

Blackbirds Tattoo studio 17b/8 Karalta road life drawing session 

I found out about this from walking by the studio & then looking then up on Facebook. I went to the one last week on monday night 6:30-8:30 & it was great. I havnt done life drawing since college so a long time ago & felt a little nervous but they are so friendly & i was really pleased with my progress just after one session. They run it once a month so find them on Facebook to get more information.

Im still finding new places to visit, eat, and be merry all the time, so i will keep adding to this post as i find new interesting things to see and do. Please post any surggestions or great experiences you have had at interesting arty places.