Hello everyone,

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting my cousins visiting from the USA and Nepal. It’s been an exciting whirlwind, catching up after more than a decade, especially since we all live in different continents.

Watching my kids connect with my cousins was heartwarming. No matter how much you talk about family, it’s not until they meet in person that they truly realise they have relatives scattered all over the globe. As we get older, especially when living far from home, the value of family, culture, and community becomes even more precious.

One of the highlights of their visit was our road trip down the beautiful Sydney South Coast. Let me take you through our adventure!

Helensburg Temple

We kicked off our journey at the peaceful Helensburg Temple. I’ve written about this place before, and it never disappoints.

We entered this magnificent temple adorned with numerous Hindu idols. As we wandered through its sacred halls, we took time to pray and immerse ourselves in its tranquil atmosphere. The serenity you feel inside, with the soft murmur of prayers and the gentle waft of incense smoke, is truly on another level. The peaceful ambiance, enhanced by the rhythmic chanting and the soft glow of lamps, creates a profound sense of calm and spirituality that lingers long after you leave.

The vegetarian meals at their canteen are an absolute treat, and my cousins were equally impressed. We all left with full bellies and happy hearts, ready for the next leg of our trip.

Stanwell Tops

Our next stop was the stunning Stanwell Tops. This place is a real gem with its beautiful coastal, escarpment, and cliff views. The natural hills rising sharply from the coast to the escarpment, coupled with strong air currents, make Stanwell Tops a prime spot for hang gliding and paragliding. We snapped some fantastic photos and soaked in the panoramic views of the ocean, the escarpment, and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

Grand Pacific Drive

After having some ice cream at Stanwell Tops, we hit the Grand Pacific Drive. This scenic route takes you through coastal rainforests and quaint seaside villages, and traverses along the iconic 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge. The bridge itself is a marvel, snaking majestically over the Pacific waters. With the sun shining and the sky a brilliant blue, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to cruise along this stunning coastline.

Nan Tien Temple

Our final stop was the tranquil Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley, just 10 minutes south of Wollongong. This Buddhist temple complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a wonderfully calm atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect after a day of exploration.

The architecture of the temples is stunning, but there are also beautiful gardens and a museum to explore. The museum houses a 1,000-year-old wood carving that is so intricately carved, it’s hard to believe anyone had the patience to create it.

The ornate decorations inside the temple are breathtaking. The gardens are lovely. The gratitude bell by the Buddha on top of the hill is wonderful and offers a stunning view of the pagoda.

A Day to Remember

Overall, we had a fantastic day filled with laughter, great conversations, and some much-needed family bonding.

If you ever find yourself in Sydney, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the South Coast. It’s a brilliant way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

 And if you’ve visited any of these spots, I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Until next time, cheers!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO