No visit to Wollongong is complete without a trip to the Nan Tien Temple—arguably the city’s most iconic tourist attraction—now celebrating its 30th year in the Illawarra.
Renowned for its beauty, the temple offers classes and retreats aligned with traditional Buddhist teachings. Nestled on land near Berkeley, just south of the city centre, the temple boasts stunning views across the famous escarpment toward Mount Keira, which, in Buddhist beliefs, resembles a recumbent resting lion.
Over the years, it has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to explore their inner selves and embrace mindfulness.
As part of her first trip Down Under, Welsh golfer Darcey Harry has been immersing herself in the sights of Australia’s East Coast, including a visit to the temple this morning alongside Ireland’s Anna Foster and New Zealander Amelia Garvey.
“It was amazing – we actually learned a lot,” said Harry, who is playing in her third professional tournament at this week’s Ford Women’s NSW Open. “I didn’t know anything about Buddhism, but we had one of the monks take us around, and it was really cool interviewing her.
“We sat down in the tea room, and she told us she’s been here for 16 years and hasn’t really left. She shared the values she stands for, all the good things. It’s such a positive religion, and it was a really insightful experience.
“The one thing I really took away was to appreciate everything because everything is good, and the good you put out always comes back to you. I really enjoyed that message.
“They do so much for the local community. They live to help others, not for income. They don’t have anything to their names, but they just love giving back.”
Fellow players Amelia Garvey and Anna Foster were equally impressed with the visit, particularly the temple’s breathtaking architecture and the opportunity to learn about a different culture.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” admitted 22-year-old Foster. “I was kind of confused about why we were visiting a temple in Australia, considering it’s not a Buddhist country, but I thought, ‘Let’s go and see what it’s like.’ And oh my god, the whole place was so beautiful, the architecture, the surroundings; it was just stunning.
It was fascinating to see a different way of life, how the nuns go about their day-to-day routines, and to gain some perspective on what we get to do for a living. I’m so glad I went.”
Foster also found the Buddhist teachings on mindfulness particularly relevant to golf—and to life.
“There are definitely parts of it that can’t hurt,” she said. “It’s all about staying in the present, which is something we really try to do in golf. A lot of it translates well – not just to golf, but to everything – so it was lovely to experience.”
The Ford Women’s NSW Open tees off tomorrow, and both Harry and Foster are licking their chops to get started.
The course, with its links-style layout and sweeping ocean views, reminds them of summers back home in the United Kingdom. If the wind picks up, expect them to be in contention.
“This course is really cool,” said Harry, who was in the hunt at last week’s Australian Women’s Classic at Coffs Harbour Golf Club.
“When we first arrived, I thought it felt like a mix of three different courses back home in Wales. It’s like I’m in the tropical hills right now, it just feels like home.”
“The biggest challenge here is the greens,” she added. “They’re small, so if the wind picks up, it’ll be tough to judge.”
Foster agreed: “Today (Wednesday) would be a perfect summer’s day back home [in Ireland]. That’s what a lot of us have been saying – it just feels like home. It’s going to be a really fun few days.”
The Ford Women’s NSW Open begins tomorrow and will be televised throughout the weekend.
