The Bridgeview Inn with fabulous Yum Cha and Wine Tasting |
We've been playing cowboys and cowgirls over the weekend past and I have to say this wide brown land of ours here in Australia is absolutely fabulous, from country to coast. The property we were staying on was very close to the quaint and historic town of Rylstone in the Mid West of New South Wales. If you are looking for a mini break, an easy drive from Sydney, then Rylstone is a really great option. It's 3.5 hours west of Sydney and about 45km before Mudgee.
This is the courtyard at the Bridgeview Inn where there is fabulous Yum Cha at 29 Nine 99. By lunch time this little courtyard, which very much reminded me of the south of France, was full. I am reliably informed they do the best dumplings this side of the black stump and the fragrance was fabulous. At night they serve Thai food.
Louee Street Rylstone
Ph (02) 6379 1984
You can also have your Yum Cha on the front balcony of the Bridgeview Inn
Attached to the courtyard is a little Asian inspired gift ware store with some lovely tea pots and other kitchenware and specialty teas.
The other end of the Bridgeview Inn houses De Beaurepaire wines, which were very nice. They are grown on a property close to Rylstone once owned by the older brother of the famous bushranger Captain Starlight, who by the way was acquitted many times of cattle rustling. He ended up managing big cattle stations in Queensland rather than swinging from the end of a noose, which was the usual path for most of the bushrangers of the day. He walked, partially due to sympathetic juries. The family was a well to do family in the district and as the youngest of five kids, Captain Starlight was the only tearaway. All the other sibling had extensive land holdings.
The vineyard, known as "Woodlawn", where the De Beaurepaire grapes are grown, was at one time owned by Captain Starlight's older brother and where he inevitably would have been at some point, is putting on a five course French themed dinner with matching wines on 11 May in the vines. Tickets are $125 and you can find out more details here.
The Rose and the Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the Captain Starlight range were delightful. I loved the Semillon as well.
Back in the Bridgeview Inn, an old mural c.mid 1800 has recently been restored in the main room, which is definitely worth a look too.
Just behind the Bridgeview Inn, is the Cottage Museum, which opens Sundays 10am-3pm.
On the same plot of land, owned by the Historical Society is the Thyme Out Community Garden. I had a chat with the lady who was tending the garden. She said, apart from supplying all her vegie needs, she gives all the excess to the needy families in the district.
All the plants looked very healthy and happy and it was such a beautiful and well loved spot.
There are some very nice little home wares and clothing stores in the town as well.
Old wares could be found in the old Art Deco style petrol station
The Beach House Brat made a b line for the guns and amo store.
Unfortunately our friends were on strict no carb diets, so we bi passed the yum cha and headed to the pub for a decent Thai beef salad for lunch. There are two pubs in town, The Globe and The Rylstone Hotel famous for the Lady Bushranger history.
But for hungry kids who can't wait for lunch, there is the Rylstone Woodfired Bakery. I bought the kids the most splendid peach turn overs from there . I had a nibble too and they were yummy.
There are some fabulous old buildings and cottages in the town, with loads of character.
It's a while since the train came to Rylstone, as the station is abandoned. I did my usual mental analysis of what I could do with this building if I owned it.
The platform had been fenced off, which really made me very sad. Hopefully the historical society will lead the way in restoring this beauty at some stage.
This is the Catholic church on the main street. The Uniting church, which I didn't get a shot of, was another beautiful stone building, which was for sale. That got the juices going for a minute. I don't know about you but one of my favourite things to do in a country town, is to look at the property for sale in the real estate window and dream a little.
And guess what? There is an artisan market held in the Rylstone Memorial Hall on the second Saturday of every month from 9.30 to 1pm. The next one is on 11 May. The same day as the Woodlawn dinner in the vines. Here's a link to some other the events in the town for the year, which look fantastic.
The town is also located near Windamere Dam where you can camp, caravan and fish. The dam is available to boating as well
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Rylstone, a fantastic place to go for the weekend if you need a little break in the country.
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