Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong

At 70, his knees are weak now but the heart still hasn’t lost the zeal to explore and admire new places. Flipping out his phone, and expertly arranging the camera, he called out to his wife, “Come, let’s take a selfie”.😀
My parents can be so cute at times.

Nan Tien Temple, located in Wollongong, is my comfort place. Over the years, I have visited this Buddhist Temple numerous times – whether to celebrate a joyous occasion in the serenity of the main shrine or express my gratitude to life or to simple enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal.

So naturally, this was the first place I wanted my parents to visit. It was a hot day and the road trip took us about an hour and a half from home. I was worried that my parents might feel the heat as they are not used to such high temperature, but once we reached the temple, they acclimatized pretty well and were overwhelmed by its beauty.


I was surprised to see the compound decorated in lanterns – red smaller ones along the roof and few huge lanterns in the shape of animals, mostly Pigs as according to Chinese lunar calendar, this is the year of the Pig. The temple was decorated to celebrate the Chinese New Year and a special meal was organized too. But since we arrived late in the afternoon, the lunch hall was already closed. We decided to grab some food later at the Teahouse (Dew Drop Inn), which serves excellent snacks and light vegetarian meals.

Main Shrine

I took my parents to the Main Shrine, my favorite place in the temple where you can peacefully meditate or offer prayers in front of 5 magnificent statues of Buddha (representing Confidence, Longevity, Wisdom, Inner Beauty, and Peace). 10,000 smaller Buddha statues grace the walls from top to bottom, all colored in gold.

On reading more about the Main Shrine (also called Great Hero Hall), I found out about the significance of the stairs that lead to the entrance. It means that one cannot be given enlightenment, it has to be attained by ourselves, steadily taking one step at a time.


Main Shrine

Walking around the Temple grounds you will find beautifully laid pavements flanked by bamboo trees, two fish ponds with Koi fish swimming between an overgrowth of Lotus plants and a steep path along the hills that take you to Gratitude Bell.

Before heading home we decided to enjoy a quiet meal at the teahouse. A delicious plate of bbq tofu made in the shape and texture of prawns, with shitake mushrooms, satiated all my cravings for good vegetarian food. I have always loved how the chefs here prepare mock meat using Tofu.

A wonderful bowl of vegetarian Laksa with Tofu and potatoes

Related Post: Stunning Golden Foliage – Autumn in Australia

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Linking to Image-in-ing, Our World Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday linky by Natasha, Skywatch Friday

31 thoughts on “Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong

  1. Well this made me miss home! I’m from Sydney (near Canley Vale) where there are quite a few temples that I’ve visited. I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t make it to Wollongong for the Nan Tien Temple though!

  2. The temple looks beautiful, but so do the temple grounds! Even just reading about it and seeing the photos, I felt a sense of calm. And what better way to finish off such a beautiful visit than with some delicious food!

  3. What a beautiful temple. I had no idea that this was in Wollongong. I’ll be sure to visit when I’m next in the Gong.

  4. Whoa is this really Australia? Because it looks like some part of China! Anyway, I absolutely love that you wrote about this place, I don’t think that there is too much posts about Buddhist shires on other places than in south Asia. Thanks for the tips!

  5. Wow it looks like a really amazing time..like you said serene and peaceful.for a moment I thought it’s somewhere in China or north east. Great read..thanks for sharing

  6. While your pictures are stunning, I had to stop and leave a comment on your WRITING! Loved the story intro about your parents, loved your descriptive words, and loved your bio about yourself (setting off the fire alarm more often than not – amazing). I am hooked.

  7. I have to say your pictures are really beautiful I love the colour and how well it represents the place. I wouldn’t think this place was in Australia if it wasn’t written! And that food yum!

  8. Nan tien temple looks really beautiful and like a serene place to visit while on vacation in Australia. The food looks so yummy! Looks for a great place for vegetarian visitors to Wollongong to stop in to. The pig lanterns look like such a wonderful surprise, they are adorable.

  9. Thank you for taking us through this vibrantly serene tour. Felt so real.

    Such incredible shots and the food has me drooling all over my keyboard. Lol!!!

    Thanks for this stunning link up with #WordlessWednesday.

    Love and cheer!

  10. Amazing pics. Seems like a beautiful peaceful place. And that food platter… yes, it actually did look like non-veg. I first saw the pic, and then read the adjoining paras and realized it was tofu! Very deceptive… AND creative! 😀

    Well, I’ve joined the AtoZ this time, just to force myself to start blogging again. But I see that you aren’t participating. Anyway, will drop by some time in between… I’m keeping an eye on the general weekly thread too in BAR.

    See ya… 😀

  11. The place looks magnificent and the surroundings are serene.The food looks like non-vegetarian to me. My question is if they are serving tofu in vegetarian meal then why do they have to present it in the form of prawns?

    1. Hehehe good question… I don’t know but it tastes awesome though. Doesn’t feel like eating tofu at all. I guess to give a variety to vegetarian food.

  12. Loved the pictures and reminded me of Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong. So beautiful and glad you all had a good time. Those food pictures are droolworthy 😛

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