Rydal is only about 154 kilometres west of Sydney, so it's "doable" in a day to attend this interesting Daffodil Day. Situated in the Blue Mountains, you could also use this as an excuse to get away for the weekend!
The festival celebrates the arrival of spring. Thousands of daffodils have been planted in the parks and gardens of Rydal. Daffodils at Rydal 2018 will take place over two weekends. Daffodils will be displayed in all shapes, sizes and colours of both new and old favourite varieties.
There will be colourful gardens with stunning daffodils through the heritage village and the country landscapes.
Exquisite daffodil
And there is also a varied and interesting program featuring a variety of guest presenters. They are sure to be of interest with their floral demonstrations, gardening talks to help you with gardening tips, as well as an art show and Sculptures in the Scrub. These sculptures are in memory of local and renowned sculptor, Antony Symons.
There is an entry fee of just $10 and this gives you admission to all the gardens, music, floral demonstrations, shows and other attractions.
The proceeds from this support charities in the Lithgow district. Note: that there are no credit card facilities, so cash only will be accepted. You can pay your entry fee at the Information Centre in the Rydal Railway Station on the main street (Bathurst Street), or at the entrance to many of the gardens.
You will be supplied with a wristband as well as a detailed list of addresses of the gardens that will be open during this event. The actual times and venues of all the attractions and interactive events will be given to you when you purchase these tickets. This includes the music, demonstrations and the children's club which is for children under 12 years of age.
The MusicThe music will range from orchestras to choirs and from bells to
bands. This will be a large part of the event and will add plenty of atmosphere to the day!
Daffodils and Heritage WalkIn Rydal, there is a clearly marked trail which will take you around the gardens, and along a heritage walk. Included in this walk is:
Very early churches, which will be open
The former police station
The charming original weatherboard cottages
Included at the event will be an all-day barbecue of steak and sausage sandwiches, tea, coffee, cakes and slices. These will be available in the Greg Featherstone Park. There will also be food available at the Rydal Pub.
At Pioneer Park, there are stunning views and you can also get food and drinks here. Here there will be a variety of dance displays in the amphitheatre. This amphitheatre was designed and built by Antony Symons himself with the help of local handyman, Linsey Featherstone. Lindsey is a direct descendent of the last Station Master at Rydal.
Also in the area, you will be able to walk around and see the Sculptures in the Scrub. It will be held on 8th and 9th September, as well as 15th and 16th September, 2018 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
About Rydal
Rydal is a small historic country village surrounded by the most magnificent countryside.
Rydal is located at the top of the great dividing range and is about 1,000 metres above sea level. This in turn makes you enjoy clear, fresh air. Rydal was named after a village in England's Lakes District, where the poet, William Wordsworth lived. He wrote a poem
"The Daffodils" and this has helped make these beautiful flowers popular right round the world.
The first steam train arrived in Rydal on 1st July 1871 and for a short time this was the terminal of the Western Line. People travelling west came by train from Sydney to Rydal, and then they went by Cobb and Co coach to towns like Bathurst, Orange, Wellington and Forbes. They had gold and farm produce which was put on the train for Sydney.
At the time, Rydal had eight hotels, five blacksmiths and five general shops and was possibly the busiest railway station in the State after Central Railway. Today, there still remains some of the buildings dating back to this era. Rydal is still a beautiful village steeped in history and set in magnificent countryside.
Sponsors for the event include Good Earth, Intertrade Insurance Solutions, On Track Earthmoving, Lithgow City Council, Coates Hire, and Energy Australia.
More information:
www.rydal.com.au
