Step aside Byron Bay, because this hidden slice of paradise is calling – and if you’re keen to escape crowds, this is the place to do it.
It’s the ultimate bush meets beach hangout, and if you’re one to avoid the crowds (and in a time of Covid chaos, who isn’t) this slice of paradise will tick all the boxes.
Surrounded by national parks and a rainforest boardwalk from the carpark to the coast, this slice of NSW is bursting with stretches of pristine beaches, hidden campsites and scenic hiking trails.
But one beach in particular along the Barrington Coast – which is best explored if you have access to a 4WD – has become a clear highlight, given the stretch of white sand, turquoise blue waters and nearby campsites sitting along Smiths Lake.
The breathtaking beach known as Cellito and surrounding coastline has been dubbed ‘paradise on earth’ on social media, and sitting just three hours north of Sydney, the region is a little more convenient and untouched than popular rival regions Byron Bay or Jervis Bay.
While most access the white sand and turquoise blue water by following the hidden rainforest boardwalk, others jump in their car and hit the dirt road until the southern beach entry point is reached.
4WDs can head onto the sand at the southern end of the beach next to Smiths Lake, which is a perfect spot for fishing or to enjoy some calmer water with the kids.
While the region has long been popular with Sydneysiders keen to catch some waves at Boomerang Beach or take a nude dip at Shellys, the unspoilt environment cuffed by sandy streets and palms as far as the eye can see sets the region up as the perfect holiday locale.
With three national parks in the region – Booti Booti, Wallingat and Myall Lakes – if the beach isn’t your calling, the hikes will be sure to impress.
On TripAdvisor, Cellito alone boasts dozens of five-star reviews, with some even describing it as one of the most amazing beaches on Australia’s east coast.
However that crown, according to Instagram still belongs to Bondi Beach.
In a new study released this month, LuxuryHotel.com analysed Instagram hashtag data and the length of the world’s most popular beaches, to find the 10 beaches with the highest ‘posts per metre’.
The study found that Paradise Beach, located in Phuket, Thailand was the most Instagrammable beach while famed Bondi Beach came in fourth on the list.
The blogging team came across this insightful Meadow Flowers article on planting now popular wildflower gardens and we have gained their approval to publish it here so our readers can enjoy and learn from it too!
Planting a wildflower garden is a simple way to transform your outdoor space into a thriving, colourful hub.Whether you’re looking to create a haven for pollinators or simply enjoy a pretty setting, this comprehensive how-to guide will set you on the right path.
Understanding the Basics
Before you begin, it’s crucial to select a seed mix that complements the conditions of your garden. Take into account the levels of sunlight and soil type. Your goal – be it fostering a habitat for insects and birds or cultivating a particular aesthetic with varying growth heights – need to be thought through.
Optimal Sowing Times
Wildflower seeds can be sown at any time of year, but to maximise germination and growth, aim for the temperate months of autumn or spring. For the best outcome ensure you sidestep winter frost.
Location Possibilities
The resilience of wildflower species allows them to flourish in a variety of environments, from the smallest pot on an urban balcony to expansive fields. This versatility means that regardless of the scale or location of your garden space, be it a sun-drenched hillside, a shaded corner of a backyard, or a modest strip of land beside a city pathway, wildflowers can be cultivated to bring life and colour to just about anywhere.
Seed Sowing Essentials
To ensure your wildflower garden gets off to the best possible start, it is essential to be well-prepared. Begin by selecting high-quality seeds that are suited to your specific environmental conditions. Vermiculite, a lightweight and sterile medium, will improve soil aeration and moisture retention. It will also aid even seed distribution and germination.
A rich compost is important. It will provide your seedlings with the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth. A set of mixing bowls, ranging from two to four depending on the size of your garden, will serve as the vessels for combining your seeds with vermiculite. A light layer of sugar cane mulch will help retains soil moisture and suppress weed growth. It will also add a layer of protection against the elements.
A spray bottle will come in handy to gently mist your seeds, ensuring they are sufficiently moist, but not waterlogged. A sturdy rake will help you prepare the seedbed, and create a fine tilth that welcomes new growth. Reliable access to water is necessary for the ongoing care and maintenance of your wildflower garden.
A garden roller can assist in pressing the seeds into the soil. This will help with seed-to-soil contact and can improve germination rates. Weed control is also important and the inclusion of weed killer in your toolkit will be beneficial. Organic options are recommended to maintain the ecological integrity of your garden. Old cardboard, newspapers, or plastic sheeting are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical weed suppressants and work by blocking the sunlight weeds require to grow.
If you need guidance or have queries, please visit our how to sow page or reach out to the experts at contact@meadowflowers.com.au or connect via social media.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Wildflower Garden
Step 1 – Locate and Measure To create a wildflower garden, begin bymeasuring the area you wish to transform. This initial step is crucial as it informs how much seed you’ll need to cover the space adequately. Calculate the area in square metres by measuring the length and width and then multiplying these figures together. You’ll then be able to estimate the seed quantity required to ensure full coverage. For a lush, dense display of wildflowers, the recommended sowing density is between 2 to 3 grams of seeds per square metre.
Step 2 – Order Seeds from Meadow Flowers Australia Visit Meadow Flowers Australia for a selection of wildflower seeds and mixes tailored to your garden’s needs. You can explore an array of over 20 specially formulated wildflower seed mixes designed for every type of garden space imaginable in Australia. These mixes are perfect for small pots, the base of trees, residential front gardens, and even expansive fields. The seed mixes feature a diverse selection of flower species that bloom sequentially, ensuring a continuous and vibrant display that can last for up to eight months.
Additionally, Meadow Flowers Australia has created mixes aimed at enhancing the local ecosystem, specifically to support bees and butterflies, which are vital to maintaining Australian biodiversity. These options allow you to cultivate a personal piece of natural beauty and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Seedbed Begin by clearing the designated area of all weeds and debris. This is best donemanually. Although labour-intensive, it is easily the most environmentally friendly method. If time is short or the weed infestation is significant, consider using organic herbicides such as ‘Slasher Weedkiller’ or ‘Weedmaster Argo’.
Incorporating rich organic matter, like mushroom compost or well-aged cow manure, will improve the nutrient profile of your soil. These additions will not only feed your emerging wildflowers but also improve soil structure and water retention capabilities.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Seeds Use grade 3 vermiculite as a carrier to help distribute the seeds evenly. Combine approximately 20g of vermiculite for every 2g of seed. This mineral helps with even seed distribution retains moisture around the seeds, and aids germination.
Divide your seed and vermiculite mix between two clean containers, dampen the mix with a fine spray, and ensure even distribution by hand mixing. Read more in our handy guide here.
Step 5 – Spread the Seeds & Carrier Employ the ‘cross-hatching’ method to spread your seed mix over the seed bed. This involves sowing half the seeds iin one direction and the rest at a 90-degree angle. This ‘criss-cross’ system will ensure even coverage across the entire area.
Step 6 – Protect and Water Your Seeds After sowing, gently cover your seeds with a fine layer of sugar cane mulch. This protects them from being eaten by birds and helps to retain soil moisture. Gently water the soil consistently moist to facilitate the germination process.
Aftercare
Sprouts will emerge in about 5 to 7 weeks. Keep a keen eye out for birds and other wildlife looking for a tempting snack. Employ protective measures such as netting or decoys to safeguard if necessary.
Weeds will compete with your wildflowers for nutrients, water, and light. Regular patrols of your garden for weed removal are essential. Extracting them by hand is the most effective method. A few minutes of weed-pulling every few days will be well worth the effort. For more stubborn invasions, use a herbicide that targets weeds while being safe for your flowers and the local environment. This combination of protection and maintenance will ensure that your wildflower garden has the best chance to thrive.
Maintenance
Annual wildflowers will bloom for a season, while perennials return yearly. Some annuals may self-seed, and perennials can be pruned in autumn to encourage growth. I simple snip at the 15cm mark of the stem is all that’s needed.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Wildflower Garden
To ensure your wildflower garden continues to thrive, engage in regular maintenance. This includes watering during dry periods, removing invasive weeds, and reseeding bare patches if necessary. Annual flowers will need to be reseeded each year, but perennials will only require occasional rejuvenation through pruning.
The Benefits of a Wildflower Garden
Besides their beauty wildflower gardens offer essential habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects. They can improve soil health, support biodiversity, and reduce the need for fertilisers and pesticides.
As you become more familiar with your garden, you may want to add paths, benches, or even water features.
Conclusion
Creating a wildflower garden is an investment in the environment and your wellbeing. With patience and a little care, you can cultivate an evolving, colourful and biodiverse space that benefits both nature and your own peace of mind.
Meadow Flowers Australia
To learn more about Meadow Flowers Australia and their range of wildflower seeds, visit their website here: https://meadowflowers.com.au/
There are many things to think about when selling a Business, lets take a quick look at how to prepare your Business for sale.
With all the hard work that you’ve put into running your business during the time that you’ve owned it, it’s important that you sell for the right price and get a fair reward for all your blood, sweat and tears.
Whichever way you decide to proceed with the sale of your business, investigate how you can best prepare your Business for sale. Even if you went through the process and increased the value by 10-20% imagine the difference that money could make to you.
When thinking about selling your business the first step is planning. During this part of the process, you will consider many different things to really make sure that now is the best time for you to sell.
Is now the best time to sell the business?
Only know the answer to this question but, try to make the decision more with the business side of you than the emotional side. If you feel that there is an opportunity to improve the situation that you’re currently in (and therefore the performance of the business) then you should seriously consider taking the steps to achieve this.
The early stages of this process a good time to sit down with your lawyer and make them aware of your plans to sell. It’s good idea to check the current lease to make sure there is a good term remaining or at least an option to renew. As these matters generally take quite a while it’s good to get this underway early on.
Do you know what the business is worth in the current market?
It’s good idea to take advice at this stage from professional broker, about what the business may be worth. There are many factors that go into valuing a Business and although there may be similar business is listed for sale at a certain price range this doesn’t mean that’s what they are selling for. Brokers will have access to industry information including recent sales in similar markets, this will give you a much more accurate idea of what the business may sell for.
The preparation phase is the part of the process which requires the most work, on the plus side it’s also the part that can add the most value to the business and really help you to sell quicker.
Imagine a buyer looking at your business at the same time as another business that makes about the same profit, the same turnover and is in a similar location. If you’re able to present all the information that the buyer needs you are sending a clear message that the business is well organised, structured and systematised. This will help to build the buyer’s confidence that the business will continue to perform well even after you’ve gone and reduce risk in their mind
If you talked to your accountant during the planning stage, then hopefully they will have given you the heads up about what needs to be done to get the books for the sale.
If there is one area where the sale is going to slow down, stall or fall through then it is if the buyer’s accountant finds something in the figures that they don’t like. The more work you can do in the front end to make sure the books are all straight and that the figures add up in relation to the valuation the better.
It’s good idea to have up-to-date profit and loss statements, balance sheet and tax returns and I would suggest having all this information ready for the Information Memorandums your broker will be sending out to potential buyers.
One of the things that we do at Morgan Business Sales is prepare confidentiality agreements that can be sent out in the early stages to help filter out any time wasters and keep your financial information private. These documents also cover you legally should any confidential information be disclosed.
Once you have a buyer interested in the business with the documents you have prepared and given to your broker it will be easy to share the required information to allow the buyer to carry out their due diligence.
When you do receive an offer on the business you will need to draft a heads of agreement document that instructs the legal representatives for each side about the transaction.
As the deal progresses you will then need to co-ordinate with your lawyer and potentially the managing agent for the landlord as well.
This really is an overview of the process and there is more involved which cannot all be covered in this document.
Our website contains a lot of useful information for people selling businesses and I am always happy to answer any questions that I can by phone or email.
Members of the blogging team at have had a great experience with Morgan Business Sales and we can recommend them if you are looking for an experienced business brokers Gold Coast business owners trust. To learn more about their business, visit their website here: https://morganbusinesssales.com/
A great architect can turn your dream into reality; however, it is about finding the architect that can do this for you.
Loving an architect’s past work is not the only consideration when choosing one to renovate your home or new building project. There are other just as important factors to consider also. Things like qualifications, experience, integration of style and if you could work comfortably together throughout the journey.
Here are some tips where to look for a great architect, what to ask, and how to go about choosing the right one for your project.
One or two of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting an architect are these:
Not choosing an architect who is compatible with their needs. If you are passionate about contemporary architecture and they are not will be a problem. There will be clashes of views for sure.
Opting for the cheapest fee when choosing an architect. You need to compare apples with apples, like are they actually producing the same service?
Don’t underestimate the amount of work involved in the contract documentation. To get an idea of the level of detail required, ask your architect to show you a previous client’s set of working drawings and specifications.
Then compare them with what is shown by other architects you are considering. It’s worth noting here that it is not worth the risk to save money on an architect’s fees by carrying out the contract administration and managing the on-site part of the job yourself. Nine times out of ten it’s a very expensive learning experience all in the endeavour to save a few dollars.
Make sure you chose an architect that has proven experience, not only in the design process, but also overseeing the project during construction. They will act as your agent during the build to answer all the builder’s queries, issue instructions on variations needed or that you may want changed, and making sure you get the finished building that was designed in the approved plans.
Who should you ask for recommendations?
Family, friends or work colleagues who have previously used an architect is a good starting point, as they have first hand experience of them and you trust their thoughts if you are asking them. You can also look up The Royal Australian Institute of Architects register of professions in good standing with them.
It’s also important to not choose the architect who tells you they can build to your project to budget, when every other architect or quantity surveyor has told you it cannot be done.
When interviewing a prospective architect, ask them to clearly state the boundaries of their expertise and what is and isn’t included in their fees. Your budget should include an allowance for additional contingency amount for expenses such as permit fees and other consultants’ fees.
In the final stage of your selection process, we strongly recommend that you ask for referees you can contact that have done similar projects that you are doing. This should also include builders and other consultants such as structural and civil engineers. You’ll be able to gauge by their feedback if the architect is capable of providing the standard of design and oversight that you are looking for.
What should you look for on an architect’s website?
The description of services they offer is a good starting point.
If you have a particular style in mind, see if the architect’s work aligns with your vision.
Make sure the architect has the ability to delivering what you want. For example, if you want a brand-new home, don’t choose an architect who specialises in clubs and retail complexes
Read testimonials and references online and check the reviews on their Google my business listing.
See if you can ascertain whether their work is built to budget, or if there is a common theme running through their portfolio and referees that their final design was too expensive to build and had to be cut back.
The blogging team have had personal experience with The Quinlan Group, Architects Residents trust. They have extensive experience and awards in residential home design. To learn more about them visit their website here: www.thequinlangroup.com/residential-architects/
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”~ Henry Ford
The blogging team came across this insightful article on the Integrity Property Investment website, and we have gained their approval to publish it here so our readers can enjoy and learn from it too!
The worst thing you can do is start out convincing yourself that you cannot succeed. What I’ve learned over the years that has served me well is that we are all allocated the same resources: a human body with its brain and its brawn, and 168 hours of time per week. How we use these resources is the difference between those who are successful and those who are not.
Success has nothing to do with the circumstances you were born into, nothing to do with race, religion, and cultural values. It has everything to do with the conscious decisions you make on how you spend your time and the actions you choose to take. Psychology and mindset are critical in this – you must believe in yourself and that you are capable of achieving success. It really is that simple.
If another human being has done it, you can do it too!
Close the gap between their knowledge and yours by finding out how they achieved success and what knowledge they have, then educate yourself and take action – do the same things they did to get to that level of success. It has never been easier to educate yourself than now with access to the internet and all the online resources it provides.
You simply need to stop making excuses and copping out. Put down the gossip magazines, stop playing computer games and turn off the mindless TV shows and start investing in yourself and your own education by searching online for videos, books and courses. Start taking action! Do something now so that you can have the life you truly dream about for yourself and your family, whether that’s the family you have now or the family you plan on having in the future.
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.
We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.
Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.
Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.
