Your couples getaway at Lilypad would not be complete without a relaxed browse around some of Bellingen’s best attractions. Be sure to check out the Bellingen Community Markets, held on the third Saturday of every month in Bellingen Park. It is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse markets in the State with over 200 stalls featuring a wide range of art and craft, handmade clothing, jewellery, pottery, woodwork, candles, soaps, honey, fresh produce, plants, alternative therapies and bric-n-brac. If you get hungry you can choose from a selection of food stalls, take a break to watch local live music, or listen to the many buskers dotted through the park. Full of positive vibes, friendliness and fun, the market is always a great buzz and all profits are donated back to the community.
If your accommodation booking dates at Lilypad don’t coincide with the Community Market, you don’t have to miss out as there are other Bellingen market experiences. Check out the Growers Market held on most Saturday mornings at the Showground, or the Farmers and Producers Market on Wednesday afternoons.
As you enter Bellingen on Waterfall Way, the first thing you will see is the Old Butter Factory – a Bellingen landmark. Originally built to support the thriving dairy industry in the early 1900’s, the building has been reinvented as a thriving hub of creativity, culture and community with a number of local artisan shops and galleries set amongst the gardens. If you like fine Australian timber craftmanship, check out the Woodcraft Gallery showcasing a collection of handcrafted items. At the Silver Mill the focus is on bespoke jewellery made with ethically sourced silver and gold as well as boulder opals and sapphires. If art is your thing, the Nexus Art Gallery run by volunteers features month long exhibitions by local artists and sculptors.
If you’re walking down the main street, you can’t miss the Emporium Bellingen situated in the heritage listed Hammond & Wheatley building. Once a department store and now an exclusive clothing and homewares shop, go in for a browse around, but be aware you’ll need a full wallet! Even if retail therapy isn’t your thing, don’t skip a visit, it’s worth going in to relish the original hardwood flooring, ornate pressed metal ceiling and the mezzanine stairwell at the back with its turned timber posts made from local cedar, rosewood and hoop pine. On the stairwell make sure you don’t miss the historic photos that show the store in its heyday.
If you enjoy a little more activity with your luxury accommodation, consider getting out on the water with Bellingen Canoe Adventures. The Bellinger River is the perfect place to while away a few hours on a hot day enjoying the bucolic scenery slipping by you. You may even see the famous swimming cows as they do their daily migration from one side of the river to the other. There are many different options for beginners to the more advanced so don’t be afraid to give it a go. The sunset and full moon tours are particularly popular for those of you enjoying a romantic couples retreat.
Bellingen holds a number of fun and well renowned festivals every year that may be of interest to you. When booking your accommodation at Lilypad, think about timing it to work with one of these festivals – you’ll need to get in fast though as these are usually popular dates.
JANUARY – In the 2nd week of January, get your creative juices flowing at Camp Creative, a Summer School that has been running for 40 years with over 80 different original and eclectic workshops including drumming, acting, photography, canoe building, writing, dance and all the more traditional forms of art as well.
APRIL – River Sounds in April, is an all ages music and art festival held at the Showground in Bellingen. With three stages for live music, the event is fully licenced and offers food, unique market stalls, a variety of activities and creative workshops.
JUNE – The long weekend in June sees the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival, where literary lovers gather to hear from contemporary Australian voices, acclaimed fiction writers and storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds.
SEPTEMBER – Bellingen Muse is a boutique music festival in September that is renowned for intimate and diverse performances of fine music.
EARLY OCTOBER – The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival is a three day weekend of acoustic music in early October. Featuring some of the very best Folk and Bluegrass artists along with old-time country musicians from around Australia and overseas.
LATE OCTOBER – Bellingen Taranta Festival in late October is a multicultural arts event that includes theatre, art and music workshops, dance and music performances, and a street parade.
Treat yourself to a stay that’s genuinely relaxing with nothing but the sound of birds, trees, and the occasional cow in the distance.
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