This year’s Teej celebrations were such a beautiful surprise for me! 🌸✨
I ended up joining so many different Teej Ko Daar gatherings with different groups of friends, and each one had its own unique charm. There was endless food (seriously, the feasting never stopped), lots of laughter, hours of dancing, and of course—plenty of TikToks being made along the way. It was festive, colourful, and full of energy from start to finish.
What made it even more meaningful is that I’m Newar, and I didn’t really grow up celebrating Teej in the traditional way. But because of my friends, I was able to immerse myself in the joy of the festival this year—and I absolutely loved every part of it! Sometimes, it’s the people around you who make a festival special, and that’s exactly how it felt.
From finding outfit inspiration online, to getting dressed up in gorgeous festive looks, to sharing meals and dancing until we were all out of breath—the celebrations were about so much more than just tradition. They were about togetherness, joy, and creating memories that will stick with me for years.
Teej this year wasn’t just about celebrating—it was about connection, culture, and pure fun.
I’m so grateful to my friends for including me in their traditions and making me feel part of something bigger. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year! 💃
Our recent trip to Tasmania was an incredible journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. A standout highlight was our visit to the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart. Having heard so many glowing reviews, we arrived with high expectations, and MONA delivered a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family—albeit with a few surprises along the way!
From the outside, MONA appears deceptively modest, with its sleek, modern, minimalist façade giving no indication of the vast world hidden beneath. Once inside, we were awestruck by the scale of the underground galleries. Spread across multiple levels, the museum feels like a labyrinth of creativity, with dark, winding pathways leading to a treasure trove of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing art.
The exhibits themselves were a mix of the strange, the beautiful, and the deeply intriguing. One of the standout installations was the “Pulse Room,” a mesmerizing display of hanging light bulbs that pulse in time with the heartbeat of the participants. It was a captivating way to blend art and human connection. Another unforgettable piece was the “Cloaca Professional” (often referred to as the “poo machine”)—a bizarre but oddly fascinating work that mimics the human digestive process. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it certainly sparked some animated conversations with the kids, who were equal parts amused and bewildered!
The “Waterfall” installation, which displays falling water droplets spelling out words and phrases, was another crowd favourite. It was stunning to watch and left us marveling at the creativity and technology behind it. We also explored the interactive “O” device, which provides in-depth information about each artwork, allowing us to choose whether to dive deeper into the meaning of the pieces or simply appreciate them at face value.
Some exhibits, however, weren’t child-friendly due to mature or confronting themes. As parents, we made sure to guide our kids carefully and chose areas that felt suitable for them. Despite these limitations, MONA did an excellent job of offering an educational experience. Our children were surprisingly engaged, especially with the interactive features and the museum’s clever use of technology, like the augmented reality elements that added layers to the experience.
Once we were ready for a break, the outdoor areas provided the perfect opportunity to unwind. The kids, who had grown a bit restless indoors, were thrilled to discover the giant trampoline outside. They bounced with endless energy under the open sky, surrounded by MONA’s quirky sculptures and serene gardens. The outdoor spaces had a unique vibe, blending relaxation with a sense of playful exploration.
The museum’s practical features also enhanced the visit. Lockers to store our belongings made navigating the galleries much easier, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. However, we did find the food options somewhat underwhelming. While the on-site cafes had a decent selection, we expected something more creative and varied to match the museum’s bold reputation.
Admission was AUD 35 for adults, with free entry for children under 18, which we found to be excellent value considering the scale and uniqueness of the experience.
Overall, MONA was an unforgettable experience that added a distinct and unexpected flavour to our Tasmania trip. The museum’s blend of art, creativity, and innovation made for a truly memorable visit, while the outdoor play areas were a major highlight for the kids. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique adventure, MONA offers something for everyone—so long as you embrace the unexpected.
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, MONA should definitely be on your list. Just be prepared to balance the visit between family fun and exploring the art, and you’ll have an amazing time!
If you’re in Sydney and haven’t experienced Vivid Sydney 2025 yet, you’re missing out on something truly special. I went with my friend the other night, and it was an unforgettable way to see our city in a whole new light—literally.
Kicking off our night at Circular Quay with the Opera House lit up by David McDiarmid’s cool “Kiss of Light” projections—talk about celebrating love and inclusion! Plus, the Harbour Bridge looked amazing nearby, making it the perfect start to our adventure.
From there, we hopped on a ferry to Barangaroo, exploring the installations along the way. Barangaroo Reserve was a highlight, boasting a concentration of light features that felt like stepping into a dream. The interactive displays and immersive experiences made it a standout spot.
We continued our journey through Darling Harbour, where the water reflected the dazzling lights, creating a mesmerising scene. The atmosphere was electric, with live performances and a buzz of excitement in the air.
This year’s theme, “Dream”, invites everyone to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination. With over 42 large-scale projections and installations spread across five festival zones—including The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line, and Martin Place—there’s something to captivate every visitor.
Notably, the Light Walk is completely free, making it accessible for all to enjoy the stunning displays after 6pm each night.
Vivid Sydney 2025 runs until Saturday, June 14, so there’s still time to immerse yourself in this luminous celebration. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s creativity and community spirit.
So grab a family or friends, bundle up, and let the lights guide your night.
Note: For more details on installations, food options, and event schedules, check out the official Vivid Sydney website.
Our summer holiday this year took us to the charming city of Hobart, Tasmania, and we couldn’t have had a better time! From the moment we boarded our flight, we were filled with excitement, and by the time we landed, Hobart had already started to win us over.
Hobart is such a unique place—nestled between the mountains and the sea, it’s a city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s smaller and quieter than some of the major Australian cities, but that’s part of its charm. For our family, it was the perfect spot to unwind and explore together.
We stayed in a lovely Doubletree by Hilton in the city, which gave us easy access to everything Hobart had to offer. The kids absolutely loved it—they could run around freely, and it felt safe and peaceful. The peaceful surroundings gave us the space we needed to recharge, yet we were still close enough to all the action.
As for the food, we were in heaven! Hobart has so many incredible options—whether we were grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a leisurely meal. We enjoyed everything from fresh seafood a to delicious local treats.
On one of our days, we ventured out to the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum—a fascinating experience for the whole family. The kids were fascinated by the life-sized husky statues and learning about the Antarctic explorers. We also took a stroll through the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, where the kids had a blast running around and exploring the stunning plant displays.
We also visited Bruny Island, a short ferry ride from Hobart, where we enjoyed the incredible views, wildlife, and delicious local cheeses. Another memorable stop was Port Arthur, a historic site with such a powerful story. Walking around the grounds and learning about its history was both educational and thought-provoking for the whole family.
One of the most exciting moments was when we watched the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Hobart. The kids were mesmerised by the dazzling display over the harbour, and it was such a special way to ring in the new year together.
We couldn’t leave Tasmania without exploring Salamanca Market—the vibrant stalls filled with local produce, crafts, and handmade treasures were fantastic. The kids loved browsing through the goodies and picking out a few souvenirs.
Another unforgettable adventure was our visit to the Tall Trees Walk and Russell Cascade waterfall. The towering trees made us feel so small in the best possible way, and the kids had a blast hiking through the forest. The Russell Cascade Waterfall walk, with its lush greenery and stunning views, was a perfect way to connect with nature and unwind.
Another highlight was the breathtaking MountWellington. We drove to the summit, and the views were nothing short of spectacular. The kids had fun hiking around, and we enjoyed the panoramic vistas of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding wilderness.
Throughout our trip, it was the little moments that made it special: watching the kids discover new things, sharing meals at cozy cafés, and taking in the scenery. Hobart may be a small city, but it’s full of charm and adventure, and it’s a place we can’t wait to return to.
Hobart, Tasmania—thank you for the memories! It was the perfect place for our summer holiday, and we can’t wait to see where our next adventure will take us.
Our recent trip to Tasmania was filled with incredible experiences, but one of the highlights was spending half a day at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart. As a family of four, we’re always looking for places where both adults and kids can enjoy themselves, and this garden turned out to be perfect for all of us.
From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by lush greenery and beautifully maintained paths that seemed to lead us into a different world. The kids immediately dashed off to explore, thrilled to find so much open space where they could run around and burn off their energy.
One of the first spots we visited was the Japanese Garden, and it completely stole our hearts. The tranquil ponds, delicate wooden bridges, and the soft rustle of the leaves created such a peaceful vibe. My husband and I took a moment to sit on one of the benches, soaking in the calmness while the kids excitedly pointed out the koi fish swimming gracefully in the pond. It was one of those rare moments where everyone was happy and content in the same place.
Another highlight was the Tasmanian native plant collection. We spent time admiring the unique and diverse flora that this island is known for. It was amazing to see plants we’d never encountered before, and the kids had fun trying to guess the names (with some hilarious results).
The Subantarctic Plant House was a bit of an adventure in itself. Stepping into the cool, controlled environment was like visiting a miniature version of Tasmania’s subantarctic islands. The kids found it fascinating, and we all learned a lot about the unique ecosystems of these remote places.
The gardens are so vast and varied that there was always something new to discover. From colourful flower beds to the aromatic herb garden, every corner offered a little surprise. We even found a lovely spot to sit down and enjoy some snacks we’d brought along, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
What made this visit truly special wasn’t just the stunning scenery but the chance to slow down and connect as a family. Watching the kids laugh and run freely while we explored together was such a joy. It felt like we’d hit pause on the busy-ness of life and stepped into a place of pure calm and beauty.
By the time we left, we were all feeling refreshed and inspired, with plenty of photos and happy memories to take home. The kids even asked if we could visit again next time we’re in Tasmania, which says a lot considering their usual attention spans!
If you’re ever in Hobart, I can’t recommend the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens enough. Whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or on your own, it’s a place that offers something for everyone—a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and fun.
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