ACTIVITIES AVONDALE

Visit or stay at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Nan Tien is very different from most tourist attractions because there is so much to offer: the visual delights of grandeur architecture, art and culture including unique exhibitions and festivals, Buddhist festivals, vegetarian culinary delights, educational and healthy lifestyle classes and retreats, accommodation, top class conference and auditorium facilities. There is also the spiritual and religious experience that is unforgettable and even life changing for some. Pilgrim Lodge, Wollongong's most unique accommodation setting is a 100 room facility, which is open all year round and located in the grounds of the Temple. The Lodge overlooks the lotus pond, the peaceful Temple, splendid gardens, the beautiful rolling hills and famous escarpment of the Illawarra. Situated in Berkeley, which is only 10 minutes south of Wollongong City and famous beaches. Come and be inspired.

NSW Air provides Scenic Joy Flights from Albion Park Regional airport. The Bridge to Beach flight flies north to the Seacliff Bridge taking in the beautiful coastal views and northern beaches before returning south via Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama and back to the airport. Flights can also be extended to fly north and over Sydney Harbour, taking in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, or south down to the Shoalhaven via the coast and on to Jervis Bay. NSW Air fly seven days and can accommodate flights one to nine people at a time. They offer Trial Instructional Flights where the more adventurous can take the controls and fly. For more information please contact the operator or visit the website.

The Tongarra Bicentennial Museum was opened in 1988. The Museum collection includes artefacts significant to the history of Shellharbour, and those that tell stories about the people and places of past and present. It features pioneering and historical exhibits such as the Victorian Automatic Sock Knitting Machine and Handmade Patchwork Quilt; a large collection of early maps and panoramic photographs of the Shellharbour Local Government Area and a bronze bust of Caroline Chisholm, who is known as 'The Immigrants' Friend', who helped to settle families in Shellharbour in the 1840s.

New South Wales Tourism - The whole family will love cheering and waving from the steam or diesel train as it travels past the station and navigates its way through the quiet bushland setting in Albion Park. The museum has three rides to choose from being the main line, bay road or miniature rides that let the children experience a piece of Australia’s narrow gauge industrial railway history restored and in service, and also there is The Ken McCarthy Museum Building museum building to look at and the historic Yallah Station and the Former Otford Signal Box, these historical artefacts had been enjoyed at by their parents and grandparents alike. Food & Souvenirs are available in the tramway dining car, the grounds of the museum are a great place to escape to that trip back in time; the kids can play in the playground while the adults relax in the barbecue area. Train operating days when the Museum is in full operation including demonstrations are from 10am to 4pm are held on the second Sunday of each month, Sundays of Public Holiday weekends and the fourth Sunday of January. Donations are most welcome. Tickets for train rides can be purchased from the main platform station and donations are welcome, The Museum is on FaceBook and twitter and more information can be found at our web site www.ilrms.com.au or email us info@ilrms.com.au 

Macquarie Pass National Park is part of the Illawarra escarpment south of Sydney and provides some magnificent scenery and displays untouched rainforest, covering 1,064 hectares. Visitors can view nature at its best, beautiful satin bowerbirds and lyre birds as well as swamp wallabies and wombats. It contains a diverse range of habitats and wildlife including several rare and threatened plant and animal species. The steep sandstone ridges and gullies are topped by cliffs, and the park supports heathland, woodland, tall open forest and significant rainforest areas. It is an excellent bushwalking and picnicking area, with spectacular scenery and waterfalls. Starting at the base of Macquarie Pass at the picnic area, you can walk to the Cascades Waterfall (two kilometres return).

Southern Biplane Adventures is an exciting organisation that gives you the opportunity to create your ultimate aviation adventure. Based at Illawarra regional airport, Southern Biplane Adventures offers the premier biplane experience in the greater Sydney region. If you're after a scenic flight over Sydney's pristine south coast or have a desire for an adrenaline rushed aerobatic stunt flight, Southern Biplane Adventures is the right place to land!

*** The Museum is temporarily closed until October 2013 due to internal hangar works. *** Step back in time and immerse yourself in the life of Australia's aviation history and view some of the most amazing historic aircraft. The HARS staff are always keen to share their passion for historical aircraft and are on hand to answer any questions. They are sure to provide you with an insight into the glory days when these aircraft ruled the skies. On display at the hangar is the world famous "Connie" Lockhead Super Constellation, the airliner of the 1950s that conquered the world. Get close up and personal with two Neptune Bombers. Have your photo taken with "Felix" who proudly represents the Black Cat Catalina Squadron of the RAAF. Venture aboard the flying troops carriers of World War II, the C47 Dakota.

The world famous Dapto Dogs provides a family friendly event every Thursday night. Come and watch up close greyhound racing at its best. Club features include, dining and canteen facilities, a modern bar and tote area, on course bookmakers and TAB facilities and a covered grandstand. For a family friendly night out, head on down to Dapto Dogs.