by Julia Hebaiter (aka Julia Svoice) (
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Highly qualified, established food & lifestyle writer, former restaurateur, founder professional writing business, Articul8. Long, diverse writing history, passion for food culture, the land & inspired food language.
Time out. It's a wonderful thing in what seems to be a faster, busier world. There's something special about art and nature and their combined ability to restore the senses and the soul.
McClelland Gallery Sculpture Park - on 16 hectares of landscaped and native gardens in Langwarrin just 40 minutes from Melbourne - does just that.
Established in 1971, it attracts thousands of people every year and it's easy to see why. It offers an interesting program of fabulous things to see and do, including: changing
exhibitions in three indoor exhibition spaces; a series of public and educational programs with a focus on sculpture and nature; lectures; and special events.
The gallery also houses an extensive permanent collection of works on paper, painting, photography and sculptures.
Browse the library and definitely stop at the gift shop, which has art books, jewelery and lovely objects d'art for beautifying your home surrounds. Enjoy some refreshments at the licensed café while soaking soaking up delicious vistas over the lake and spotting native birds.
Meander the lovely gardens through a unique
sculpture park showcasing more than 80 works by prominent sculptors. Or you might like to book a
Guided Tour for a more informed experience with a qualified guide. (Pre-booking is recommended and donations are welcome.)
While you're out Langwarrin way, you might like to lift the soul a little higher with a visit to the Australian Garden at the relatively new
Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne, just 10 minutes or so up the road.
