G'day lovelies! It's your gal, Lily, here, and I'm bursting at the seams to tell you all about my *epic* Tutu Tuesday adventure in Naracoorte, South Australia. It’s been a while since I've stepped outside the city for a Tutu Tuesday, so I was really looking forward to embracing the country charm and exploring the region’s beauty (and maybe, just maybe, snapping a few stunning photos).
Naracoorte, located about 300 km south-east of Adelaide in the Limestone Coast, is a real hidden gem. Known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, Naracoorte really captivated my inner ballerina. There's a strong arts scene in Naracoorte (we'll be touching on that in a bit, because it relates *so much* to our Tutu Tuesday theme!).
But let's get down to business - the *tutus*! For my Naracoorte Tutu Tuesday adventure, I decided to go with a *classic* but *showstopping* black tulle tutu. This style never disappoints, with its flowy elegance and a little bit of *drama*. Think ballerina swan, but with a twist (like the Adelaide Botanic Gardens swan sculptures but even more sophisticated!). To complete the look, I threw on my favourite nude block heels and a crisp white camisole, perfect for blending in with Naracoorte’s stunning natural surrounds.
Now, where to begin? First things first: **The Naracoorte Caves National Park**. Now, I've been to *loads* of national parks, but the Naracoorte caves took the cake for sheer grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty. My tutu floated beautifully as I wandered through the cool caves, feeling like a ballerina dancing on the very edge of creation! And let me tell you, the contrast between the vibrant pink tulle of my tutu and the dark caves was just *dreamy*.
And speaking of dancing - one of my favourite stops was the **Naracoorte Regional Theatre** (also known as "The Little Theatre"). This theatre's *absolutely* charming, and they put on some really great plays and events. Imagine my joy when I stumbled across their ballet production, "The Nutcracker". Now, I've *never* been a *huge* Nutcracker fan, but something about Naracoorte made it magical! The theatre's energy felt very vibrant, like a true community hub. There's definitely something about seeing professional (or semi-professional) ballet in a regional setting that brings a new kind of excitement. It was almost like I was stepping back into the days of my childhood when the simple act of watching the ballet was magic and wonderment, and this was my way of embracing that sense of youthful joy, and a love of the art form.
For my next Tutu Tuesday stop, I hit up **the Naracoorte Farmers Market**, a bustling spot buzzing with local goodies and homemade delights. It's the perfect spot for some fresh produce and handmade souvenirs - I snagged a cute handcrafted clay ballerina ornament! I always get a thrill at markets when I see things with an art or theatre theme! So obviously, this had to be a part of my #Tututuesday tour!
In the evening, I indulged in a lovely dinner at the Naracoorte *The Courthouse Cafe*. This restaurant's famous for its friendly service and incredible food - so delicious, my stomach danced with joy. The ambiance? Think classic Victorian charm but with a touch of modern chic. There's just something about that mix that speaks to me.
Overall, Naracoorte was the *perfect* place to celebrate Tutu Tuesday. With a perfect blend of cultural and natural beauty, and an absolutely incredible ballet program at their theatre (seriously, if you’re in the area or happen to be looking for a weekend getaway in SA, Naracoorte’s worth the drive!) , I felt like a princess for a day, waltzing my way through the scenic countryside! #tututuesday #naracoorte #southaustralia #tutu #balletinaustralia
**Things to do when you visit Naracoorte for a Tutu Tuesday adventure! **
- Explore the Naracoorte Caves National Park. This incredible national park is home to several cave systems with significant fossil finds (imagine that!). You can take a guided tour through the caves and marvel at the geological wonders inside.
- Visit the Naracoorte Regional Theatre. Not just for the beautiful venue, but also for the quality of their production! Their upcoming plays were quite varied, so it seems like there's something for everyone! It’s the best way to add that creative spark into your trip.
- Take a walk around the town. There's an array of beautiful 19th-century buildings in the town’s centre. Naracoorte’s architecture alone will spark inspiration! It was one of the many things that made the location a true ballet haven in my opinion.
- Check out the local Farmers Market - for a taste of South Australia! Find fresh local produce, handmade goodies, and perhaps, even pick up a unique keepsake or piece of art to commemorate your trip!
- Go for a drive. There are so many stunning landscapes, coastal towns, vineyards (yes, you’ll be *stepping* into wine country for the day) to explore around Naracoorte! My trip inspired me to take it easy and really experience the **beauty** of this little slice of Australia.
If you're planning a tutu-rific trip, add Naracoorte to your list - it's *not* just about the gorgeous scenery (though, those rolling hills *are* something to behold), but the friendly vibes and a thriving cultural heart (that may be the result of a thriving ballet culture?). This area is really bringing back the elegance and grace of the classic tutu for a very modern era. I'd *absolutely* recommend Naracoorte for your next #tututuesday outing, or even just a relaxing escape from the city. So go on - get inspired and twirl your way through Naracoorte, South Australia!