Try something different this New Year's Eve and purposely get lost in the bush, lost in adventure and lost in the music at Glenworth Valley, just 1hr north of Sydney. Over 3 days, the Lost Paradise festival will fill your time with activities, art, food, dance and more.
Headline acts at this outdoor party include Julia and Angus Stone, Jon Hopkins, Hayden James and The Jungle Giants. Many more artists will appear, along with DJ's, playing everything from classical music to indie pop. The full line-up is set to provide a rich experience.
Apart from lapping up the tunes, you can take part in different types of yoga, meditation, belly dancing and learn burlesque moves. Lots of workshops, from using raw foods to healing your inner being, will take you on a mind, body and soul journey. A refreshing spa will further rejuvenate you.
Other activities on offer that you can book into include horse riding, abseiling, kayaking through unspoilt wilderness, stand up paddle boarding, quad biking and outdoor laser skirmish. Or simply take a dip in the creek.
After all that adventure, feast at communal tables with some of Sydney's best restaurants bringing you lunch and dinner amongst the gum trees. Lavish courses and tropical treats at the Lost Feast will indulge your senses along with the shipwrecked, deserted island atmosphere, complete with treasures and curiosities. Alternatively, food stalls are available or you can bring your own food.
Done eating? Then visit the circus tent. As the lights dim, circus performers leave you in awe and debaucherous cabaret entertains each night between 9pm and 1am. On New Year's Eve there is a huge dress up party so embrace the spirit and pack your best costume.
This festival is not just for adults but for families with children as well. A Kids Paradise zone features performance artists, specifically tailored workshops and activities including making magical creatures and learning circus tricks, a giant bubble adventure, Little Puppet World, Zumba to dance and shake to, face painting, a sand pit, sports and games play areas. Open from 9am to 1pm, it is free but not supervised. In the afternoon and evening there is a supervised kids space that allows parents a break. This one comes at a cost.
Painted teepees and art installations will grace the festival grounds, market stalls will sell a diverse range of crafts and goods to tempt you, bars for those of age available, and Action Camps will host themed parades, parties and other whimsical events.
All this requires sleep at some point. Camping and glamping are the options. You can bring your own tent, rent a tent or rainbow tipi, flash camp or come in a campervan. Enjoy comfortable nights under the stars in this lush, forested valley and days basking in the sun.
A general admission ticket is needed in order to get lost in wonder and there are costs for some activities, feasts and sleeping arrangements. Visit the
website for full details.
So escape the big smoke and get back to nature. Relax and unwind, find your zen and ring in the new year chilled out, ready for what comes your way in 2016. Let the good vibes prevail.
Images courtesy of
www.lostparadise.com.au and their Facebook event page plus Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures Facebook page.
