Mobile showroom 29 June at Bimbadgen Estate
See our display of printed scenic glass splashbacks in our marquee
This week’s mobile showroom
The mobile showroom will be at Speers Point Park Sunday 15 June from 10am to 2 pm.
mobile showroom details for 15 June 2025
Southern Aurora lights up Boat Harbour sky
First day of Winter 2025 - The Aurora Australis becomes visible from Boat Harbour.
On the first day of winter 2025, Boat Harbour was abuzz with anticipation as nature promised a rare spectacle—the Aurora Australis, ignited by a substantial coronal mass ejection from the sun. This celestial event, a shimmering dance of lights across the southern horizon, was a direct result of heightened solar activity as the sun neared the peak of its 11-year solar cycle 25, an awe-inspiring phenomenon where the sun's magnetic poles flip.
Arriving at the Whale platform around 5:30 PM, I braced myself against the brisk winter air, with only the rhythmic lapping of waves breaking the eerie silence. This vantage point, renowned for its unobstructed southern view, was poised to offer a front-row seat to the show. As the evening deepened, the sky's inky canvas was punctuated by the ethereal glow of the Milky Way, setting the stage for the aurora's grand entrance.
As the clock neared 8PM, and my hopes of seeing something fading, the first hints of red began to ripple across the sky, delicate veils of light that quickly bloomed into vibrant curtains. The polar lights wove through the stars, their luminescent hues mingling with the celestial band of the Milky Way, creating a breathtaking tableau that seemed almost otherworldly. In the stillness of Boat Harbour, this symphony of light and colour served as a humbling reminder of our small place in the vast, dynamic universe. As the aurora wavered and danced, it was a moment of pure magic, a celestial gift that I was fortunate enough to witness and share with the many lucky onlookers who started to gather at this serene spot.
Transform Your Small Kitchen: The Magic of Scenic Splashbacks and Mirror Returns
Enhancing Space and Style With a Creative Twist
A small kitchen can often feel cramped, limiting not only your movements but also your creativity in the culinary arts. However, with thoughtful design choices, you can turn even the tiniest of spaces into a haven of style and functionality. One of the most transformative upgrades you can make is adding a scenic splashback paired with a mirror return. This clever combination not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also creates the illusion of a much larger space. As an added bonus, the scenic element of the splashback cleverly masks cooking splashes, bringing both beauty and practicality to your kitchen.
The Benefits of Scenic Splashbacks
Visual Illusion of Depth
Scenic splashbacks are a design marvel, often featuring picturesque landscapes, cityscapes, or abstract art. When installed in a small kitchen, these splashbacks act as a window to another world, giving your space a sense of depth and openness. A carefully chosen image, such as a serene forest or a crystal-clear seascape, can draw the eye outward, making your kitchen feel less confined.
A Pop of Personality
A scenic splashback allows you to inject your personal style into your kitchen design. Whether you opt for a modern skyline, a calming nature scene, or even a custom design that speaks to your tastes, this feature becomes the focal point of the room. It’s an opportunity to turn an otherwise utilitarian space into an inspiring one.
Practical Functionality
Cooking can be a messy chore, with splashes from bubbling pots and sizzling pans finding their way onto your walls. A scenic splashback, made from durable tempered low-iron glass, is easy to wipe clean and resistant to stains. The printed image further helps to camouflage splashes, ensuring your kitchen stays visually appealing even during the busiest cooking sessions.
The Magic of Mirror Returns
Expanding the Space
Mirror returns are the unsung heroes of small kitchen design. Used to frame the splashback or installed on adjacent walls, mirrors reflect light and scenery, creating the illusion of a larger space. They amplify the brightness in the room, making your kitchen feel airy and welcoming. When paired with a scenic splashback, the mirror return doubles the impact by reflecting the image, immersing the space in its beauty.
Brightening the Room
Natural or artificial lighting is essential in small spaces, and mirrors enhance this light effortlessly. A mirror return strategically placed in your kitchen can bounce both sunlight and electric light, eliminating shadows and dark corners that make a room feel smaller.
Combining Scenic Splashbacks and Mirror Returns
The synergy between scenic splashbacks and mirror returns is where the true magic happens. Together, they create a dynamic visual experience that tricks the eye into seeing a space much larger than it really is. For example, imagine a splashback featuring a tranquil beach scene: the mirror returns on either side reflect the waves and shoreline, making your kitchen appear endless.
Choosing the Right Design
To maximize the effect, choose a splashback image with a strong sense of perspective, such as a long road stretching into the horizon or a pathway through a lush forest. The mirrors will enhance this perspective, amplifying the illusion of depth. For contrast and balance, pair the splashback and mirrors with neutral cabinetry and countertops to let the design elements shine.
Installation Tips
Installing a scenic splashback with mirror returns requires precision. Ensure the splashback is securely mounted and properly sealed to prevent moisture damage. The mirrors should be positioned to catch the maximum amount of light while seamlessly aligning with the splashback for a cohesive look. Consulting a professional installer can guarantee the best results.
Additional Benefits
A Stress-Free Cleaning Experience
Beyond their visual appeal, both the splashback and mirrors are low-maintenance. Wiping them down with a damp cloth and mild cleaner keeps them looking pristine. This is particularly useful in a small kitchen where every element needs to multitask.
Enhancing Market Value
A well-designed kitchen can significantly boost the value of your home. Scenic splashbacks and mirror returns are unique features that prospective buyers or renters will appreciate. Their ability to transform a compact space into an impressive one makes them a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts
Designing a small kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. Scenic splashbacks and mirror returns offer a perfect solution for expanding the visual boundaries of your space while adding a touch of elegance. Whether you’re looking to brighten your kitchen, create a standout feature, or simply make cooking more enjoyable, this duo is a game-changer. So go ahead—embrace this creative design trend and watch your small kitchen transform into a masterpiece of spaciousness and charm.
Stephens Peak sunrise 26 May 2025
Two climbs in as many days—couldn’t resist. This morning marked the second 3:30am wake-up in a row, and I was headed back to Stephens Peak, a spot I haven’t visited in a few months. With upper-level clouds rolling in overnight, there was a buzz of anticipation that we might be in for an epic sunrise.
And it delivered.
As I reached the summit, the sky blossomed into an eclectic menagerie of pinks and greys, kissed with a touch of gold. The colours reminiscent of a flock of galahs. It felt like standing in the middle of a moving painting—each minute a different brushstroke across the horizon. The air was cool and crisp, charged with the quiet energy of early morning.
Off in the distance, I could see a steady procession of headlamps winding their way up Tomaree Mountain—other early risers drawn by the same irresistible promise of first light. There’s something communal about those pre-dawn climbs, even when you’re walking alone. You’re part of a shared pursuit: to be there when the world wakes up and the light cracks open the day.
Every sunrise is different, but this one reminded me—again—why I keep doing this. Why I set the alarm, lace up in the dark, and chase that fleeting moment when nature puts on her finest show.
#StephensPeak #SunriseChasers #EarlyMorningMagic #NatureFix #TomareeHeadlamps #BackOnTheTrail
Our next mobile showroom
Our next mobile showroom will be at Newcastle City Farmers Markets at Newcastle Showgrounds (Griffiths Road entrance) on Sunday 1 June 7am - 1PM. There will be a display of some glass panels with various prints highlighting the quality that goes into our production process. Find out first-hand how we make them and how our unique Direct to glass printing method ensures a lifelong product. Bring your measurements and we can give you a quote on the spot, so that you can see how our superior quality is very affordable.
It’s a fun day out, with local Farmers selling their produce direct to the public. We are honoured to be part of this long-standing Newcastle tradition.
Due to health regulations with the fresh produce, Newcastle Farmers Markets requests that you refrain from bringing your dogs along.
Quarry Hill climb at silly o’ clock
The last week shows just how brutal and beautiful nature can be. As the greyness of the past week slowly transcends into a fading memory, I took the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty that nature has to offer. It's not everybody's cup of tea to get up at stupid o'clock and climb the side of a mountain to watch the sun come up - but if you ever wondered what it's like, I made a little video clip of the trip up Quarry Hill this morning in time to witness nature's beauty arise from beyond my tiny perch a million miles away from the memories of the past week... It's just so nice to see some colour besides grey again.
The sun rises after a week of rain from the East Coast low of 2025.
Mother’s Day Mobile Showcase
The Medowie Lions Markets has been cancelled for this month due to rain affected grounds.
However, we will be at the Newcastle City Farmers Markets on Sunday morning from 7am to 1PM
Newcastle Showgrounds Griffiths Rd Broadmeadow
Get ready for the skyshow spectacular!
A spectacular celestial event is currently unfolding in our early morning skies.
The event, known as the Eta Aquariids meteor shower will be at its peak over the next few days, so I took advantage of the clear skies and headed up to Quarry Hill at 1:30am to witness the start of the meteor shower, but also to capture the Milky Way lining up with Tomaree. Normally, I would do this from Zenith Beach as I have done for many years, but I thought a change of scenery might be worth exploring, so off I went fumbling my way up Quarry Hill at stupid o’clock.
I saw my first shooting star just before 3am, just as the Milky Way had aligned itself. They seemed to be shooting in all directions and it was a bit of a guessing game as to where they would appear from. Armed with my bucket list of wishes, I saw about 30 meteors whizzing through the brisk night sky. I didn’t get to see any big ones as I did last year, but it’s still a great experience to witness this annual event.
The Eta Aquariids are debris from Halley’s comet, mostly ice and rock, that the Earth passes through every year around this time. This week is the peak viewing time for the meteor shower, and you can expect up to fifty shooting stars in an hour. The best time is between 3am and 5:30am to view them.
The best place to look is the northern sky, ideally in a place with minimal light. Zenith Beach is ideal for this, but you can also see it from any of the beaches that face north such as Baggies, parts of Soldiers Point, and Halifax (northern end of Shoaly) are a few spots.
Wednesday and Thursday this week are peak times and fortunately, there are clear(ish) skies to enjoy the spectacle. Grab a picnic blanket and a few snacks and enjoy this amazing light show while it’s at its peak. You don’t need binoculars to view it.
Here’s a shot from 3:30am this morning.
Mobile showroom today
We are back on the road today staying close to home with our mobile showroom visiting the Marina Markets on the foreshore of beautiful Nelson Bay. Apart from a display of our glass splashbacks, there will be live music, street food, and a huge selection of arts and crafts from local artisans. It all begins at 3PM near the D’Albora Marina Teramby Rd Nelson Bay and goes through to 8PM
Our next mobile showrooms…
Marina Markets date, time and location
The Easter long weekend we will be running two mobile showrooms…
The first one is on Saturday 19 April at the Marina Markets at the Nelson Bay foreshore near D’albora Marina from 4pm to 8pm.
Speers Pont Market - date times and location
The second mobile showroom will be at the Homegrown Markets - Sunday morning at Speers Point Park in beautiful Lake Macquarie. 10am - 2PM. Live music, street food plenty of room for a picnic and lots of stalls with all sorts of goodies.
Nelson Bay markets
Speers Point Markets
Discover the Beauty of Scenic Glass Splashbacks at Medowie Markets This Saturday!
We're excited to announce that our mobile showroom will be making a special stop at the Medowie Markets this Saturday, April 12, from 8am to 12pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to explore our exquisite collection of scenic glass splashbacks, designed to elevate the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen or bathroom while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.
Our mobile showroom is equipped with a stunning array of splashback designs, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and versatility of glass as a medium. Whether you're drawn to the serene landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, or abstract art, our collection offers something to suit every taste and style. The expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials used in our splashbacks not only provide an artistic focal point but also deliver durability and ease of maintenance.
During your visit, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to guide you through our range, answer any questions you may have, and assist in finding the perfect splashback to complement your space. Don’t miss this chance to see our beautiful designs up close and imagine how they could transform your home. We look forward to welcoming you at Medowie Markets and helping you bring your interior design dreams to life!
Mobile showrooms April
April 1 is not just for the fools - it's also tulip day! For those of you that want a beautiful tulip garden in Spring, April 1 is the day to put your bulbs in the vegetable crisper to chill down ready for planting on Mother's Day. The cooling down helps to build up the starch in the bulb to create a stronger flower.
We have a busy month of mobile showrooms coming up in various locations across the region. All subject to weather of course, so keep an eye on the socials as the dates draw closer :)
Going... Going... Gone: A Dance with Nature's Unpredictability
Quarry Hill 5:37am
In the delicate pre-dawn hush, the world feels full of promise, and for those of us who seek to capture nature's splendour, the thrill of a spectacular sunrise is the ultimate reward. This morning was set to be one of those days—or so I thought. The anticipation of a 4:30 am start kept me tossing and turning all night, eagerly waiting to witness the dawn's breathtaking spectacle. With coffee in hand, I double-checked the forecast, only to be surprised by a sudden prediction of rain. Yet, stepping outside, the sky was clear, adorned with the wispy cirrus clouds I expected, setting my mind at ease.
Destination: Quarry Hill—a location that promises a perfect vantage point. The climb was a personal test, a measure of my fitness journey, now four months into a gym membership. So far- so good I think. The hill, once scorched by fire, was now alive with new growth, transforming the familiar trail into a wild, overgrown path. Nature's guardians, my nemesis the spiders, spun their webs across the dark path, leading to a close encounter with a white tail spider that left both of us startled but unharmed.
Quarry Hill 5:39am - the first signs
Reaching the new clearing, the sky unfurled a fiery orange canvas, mirrored by a flotilla of fishing boats glittering like jewels on the ocean. As I set up my gear, a mist began to roll in, cloaking the landscape in an ethereal shroud. The air grew heavy with moisture, leaving me and my equipment soaked. With sunrise still 40 minutes away, I held onto the hope that the fog would lift, revealing the light show I came to capture. But the mist thickened, turning the vibrant world into a monochrome void.
Quarry Hill 5:40am
Checking the app again, I found the culprit: 91% humidity, a dewpoint of 16ºC, and a temperature of 21ºC, the perfect recipe for a thick fog. It dawned on me that the forecasted rain was merely a misinterpretation of the impending fog. Nature, in her whimsical way, had played her trick, reminding me that even the most meticulous plans can be upended by her capricious hand.
Quarry Hill 5:40am plus 40 seconds
Though the sunrise was hidden, I left with a story—a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the natural world... and one good picture before everything faded to grey.
Quarry Hill 5:44am - 7 minutes before “sunrise”
The Lunar eclipse (blood moon)
Tonight's Lunar Eclipse: Viewing Guide
A few people have asked about tonight’s lunar eclipse and whether we will be able to see it. The good news is yes, but only for a short time.
Key Timings
· Moonrise: 7:13 pm
· Maximum Phase: 7:16 pm
· Magnitude: 0.46 (partially visible, about half of the moon will appear red)
· End of Partial Eclipse: 7:47 pm
Viewing Locations
Shoaly
- Head to the northern end, under the inner lighthouse (Halifax) where you can see the moon rise to the east near Boondelbah at 7:13 pm.
- Further down the beach, the moonrise will be obscured by Tomaree, so it won't be visible from there.
Pro tip: There will be plenty of people congregating around Halifax hoping to capture it, so follow the crowd.
Salamander Bay
- Another great location is near the Salamander Bay jetty at 7:13 pm. Look to the east between the Headlands for the best view.
Enjoy this celestial event and make sure to find the perfect spot to capture this beautiful sight!
This is a timelapse of the blood moon eclipse taken on 8 November 2022
Welcome to the 2025 Newcastle Show
Please visit our exciting showcase at the 2025 Newcastle Show, hosted at the vibrant Newcastle Exhibition Centre. This year, we invite you to delve into the captivating world of glass splashbacks, where innovation meets artistry in the heart of your home. Our exhibition features an array of stunning splashback samples that promise to transform any kitchen or bathroom into a masterpiece of design.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with our diverse range of designs, from personal phone pics, to hi-res photography and abstract art, each crafted with precision and creativity. I will be on hand to guide you through the meticulous process of splashback creation, revealing the craftsmanship and technology that brings these pieces to life.
Whether you're seeking inspiration for a remodeling project or simply appreciate design excellence, our exhibition promises to ignite your imagination. Join us at the Newcastle Exhibition Centre to explore the endless possibilities that our splashbacks offer, and discover how they can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your space. We look forward to sharing our passion for design with you and helping you find the perfect splashback to suit your style and needs.
Ballooning through the Hunter Valley
The day of my first balloon trip in the Hunter Valley began this morning with sleepless anticipation. Despite the weather not being as perfect as I had hoped, the subdued excitement was undeniable as we gathered at 5:15 am to prepare for the adventure. Sure, for me, 5:15 am is like a sleep-in, but for some, I think the reality of the day’s unfolding event was yet to arouse from its slumber.
The setup was remarkably swift, and before we knew it, we were gently floating through the sky in our balloon. A slight breeze carried us as we soared through the clouds, ascending to a breathtaking 4,000 feet. The sensation of floating was surreal; without the familiar hum of an engine, it felt like we were drifting effortlessly in the calm morning air. I was hoping that maybe we could be joined by an eagle, but this was not going to be my day.
Breaking through the clouds revealed a serene landscape, with the morning sun illuminating a soft pillow of clouds just below us. The stillness of the morning was occasionally punctuated by the soft bursts of flame, propelling us higher.
As the time came to brace ourselves for landing, I was once again pleasantly surprised by the gentle nature of the experience. I don’t know what I was expecting, but the landing was even gentler than what you would get from the end of a roller coaster. We glided to a stop, unbraced and climbed out of the basket.
The Impact of the Wharf Strike on Our Production Capacity
The past few months have been incredibly challenging for our production team, primarily due to the prolonged wharf strike that has significantly impacted our capacity. Since early December last year, we have faced a substantial bottleneck, with essential materials, particularly glass, sitting idle on the wharves. This impasse has left us frustrated and feeling helpless, as the unions have steadfastly refused to release any goods from the docks, all while demanding higher wages.
Our operations were brought to an almost complete halt, with programmed jobs piling up in the system, awaiting the crucial materials to proceed. The continuous delay tested our resilience and patience, as we watched our factory remain dormant, unable to fulfill orders or maintain our production schedule. This strike has been a stark reminder of how external factors can severely disrupt our carefully planned processes.
However, amidst this adversity, we received a much-awaited glimmer of hope yesterday—the glass finally arrived. With the materials in hand, our team wasted no time in cutting and processing the glass, swiftly moving the first batch of the backlog down to the furnace for toughening. The sight of our factory roaring back to life was both a relief and a testament to our team's dedication and readiness to overcome obstacles.
This experience has undeniably been an exercise in futility and frustration, one we fervently hope never to encounter again. Nevertheless, it has also highlighted the importance of our clients' patience and understanding during such turbulent times. Their support has been invaluable, allowing us to navigate through this period with a sense of solidarity and determination.
As we resume full production, we are committed to ensuring that any future disruptions are minimised and that our operations remain as seamless as possible. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for their unwavering patience and assure them that we have emerged from this challenge stronger and more resilient.
Thank you for standing by us. Here’s to a future where we continue to thrive together, undeterred by unforeseen hurdles.
Finally, I can say (albeit a bit late) Happy New Year - welcome to 2025. Here’s another image from the top of Quarry Hill from just before sunrise the other day.
Quarry Hill sunrise 4 Feb 2025
The colours of Autumn on Quarry Hill.
After stumbling across this new location on Quarry Hill only recently, I was keen to commit the trip to memory by having another stab in the dark. It’s getting a little easier now with sunrise occurring later, meaning I don’t need to get up until 4am. As I made my way to the base of Quarry Hill I marvelled at all the little shiny jewels scattered on the ground, glistening in the light of my headlamp. I often notice these things - they’re actually the eyes of tiny ground-dwelling spiders hoping for a feed.
With the dead fire-scorched brush littering the side of the mountain there are points where you have to fight your way through. There’s still a few places where the trail gets confusing and branches out in multiple directions. Thankfully, the Bikie memorial is a good landmark, so if you reach that you know you’re in the right direction. One final steep climb and I get to the new detour.
I think there must be about 50 possible ways to get through there (I swear it’s a different way every time), but after fighting through shrubs and cobwebs I finally got to the spot unscathed. The beautiful regrowth makes a nice foreground and I took along a high-power strobe to light it up for this morning.
Everything happened right on cue this morning- an early burst of colour from a combination of cirrus and alto-cumulous cloud (my favourite mix of clouds for colour) heralded what was going to be a brilliant dawn sky. I always like to time the shot to coincide with the light from the lighthouse, so it was a game of patience to get those comps. The great thing about this new spot is that I can casually stroll over to get a nice vista of the northern horizon with the parade of coastal hills leading into a blue and pink sky. The early blast of wind signalled the arrival of the sun as it poked its rays through a small break in the clouds - in contrast to the light from the beacon in the lighthouse that faithfully shone the way for wayward seafarers. The familiar buzz of the bush flies arrived and I packed up and retraced my steps back down - it looks so much more precarious going down in daylight. Glad I can’t see the drop on the way up in the dark. I think I know the way back now.
