Out and about

Mt Warning hiding in the clouds

We live in a very beautiful area, not only do we have the beach on our front doorstep we also have the green and fertile Tweed Valley only a short drive away. How often do locals take for granted the beauty around them and not take the opportunity to explore their surroundings? Well we decided, before we head north to have a day out, with friends, and visit a unique gift and craft gallery.

June had found this interesting place and said we should see it so we all decided to visit it for a day’s outing..

The weather was beautiful, perfect temperature and sunny winters day and with the company of good friends we were set to go.

It certainly was different. Not your normal craft shop but two original train carriages that had carried passengers on the Sydney line for many years from 1928 and were affectionately called the “Red Rattlers”. Both June

Original 1928 train carriages from the Sydney rail lines

and Jack had ridden on them in their younger days when they lived in Sydney. When the trains were retired they were forgotten and left to rot

Eight years ago this enterprising couple had a dream to restore two of these old carriages and create an art and craft place for local people to display their creations. It took 4 gruelling years but what a transformation. They managed to save enough of the old leather seats to make one of the carriages into a coffee and snack area and the other carriage became the show place for all the art and craft. The “Red Rattler Gallery” was born. What a diverse range of products all of very high standard and reasonably priced.(If you click on the link above you will find more information about the area and a map of how to find the gallery)

We enjoyed a delicious Devonshire tea before heading back to Murwillumbah. This is a small country town that still retains its old world charm. The main street is lined with the heritage buildings of former years and it is a bustling and busy place.

Just some of the unique gifts and crafts

Waiting for the devonshire tea

The 2 old 1928 carriages