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Luxury Accommodation
Citation preview
Weekendsfor two
SHORT BREAKS ROMANTIC ESCAPES
Enjoy the ENDLESS SUMMER
WIN A LUXURY
WEEKEND AWAY
visit www.weekendsfortwo.com.au
Summer 2012/2013 $9.95
WEEKENDS FOR TWO GOLD AWARDS
for Excellence in Accommodation
Edition
W42#50-Cover.indd 2 11/18/2012 5:30:38 PM
declare your
independenceSmall independent hotels. Memorable experiences.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World™
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
For reservations visit www.slh.com
summer 2012/13
Publisher: Larry Jamieson
Advertising Sales:
Phillip Punshon [email protected]
Greg Firth [email protected]
Bailey Neate [email protected]
Lexa Harpell [email protected]
Advertising Co-ordinator: Kaye Harris
Art Director: Carolyn Jamieson
Online Manager: md Asaduzzaman
Subscriptions: [email protected]
Distribution: Network Distribution
Printer: Choice Printing
Jamieson Publishing Pty LtdPO Box 197, Cronulla NsW 2230 Australia
PHONe: (61) 02 8522 0000
FAX: (61) 02 8522 0088
WeB: weekendsfortwo.com.au
emAIL: [email protected]
Jamieson Publishing Pty Ltd would like to thank the following bureaux for their contribution to photography within this magazine: Blue mountains Tourism Bureau, Central Coast Tourism, Hunter river & Hunter Valley Tourism, south Coast Tourism, melbourne & mornington Peninsula Tourism, Tourism NT, Lord Howe Island Tourism, Tourism New south Wales, Gold Coast Tourism, sunshine Coast Tourism, Tourism Queensland, south Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Tasmania, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Western Australia and Tourism New Zealand.
Copyright 2012 Jamieson Publishing Pty Ltd. This publication may not, in whole or in part, be lent, copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without the express written permission of the publishers. While the publishers have taken all reasonable precautions and make all reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this publication, it is a condition of purchase of this magazine that the publishers do not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publishers make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.
Weekends for Two takes care in its selection of properties which it believes would most interest readers of this publication. The properties featured assist in funding part of the production cost of Weekends for Two.
Weekendsfor two
Page 70
Page 37
Page 75
WE42#49_02-03.indd 2 11/19/2012 3:17:26 PM
2012NEW SOUTH WALES
4 The Rocks, Sydney Harbour
8 Lord Howe Island
12 New Generation leads
Restaurant Revolution
in Blue Mountains
18 Central Coast Hinterland
24 Norfolk Island
28 Hunter Valley - Pokolbin
30 Grose Vale, Hawkesbury Highlands
32 Golf Weekend, Mid North Coast
34 North Coast Blues
38 Coffs Harbour Hinterland
40 Thredbo, Snowy Mountains
QUEENSLAND
42 Brisbane is Buzzing
46 Moreton Bay, Brisbane
48 Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
52 Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
54 Noosa Heads
VICTORIA
56 Olinda and Sassafras, Dandenongs
62 Yarra Glen, in the Yarra Valley
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
60 Margaret River
TASMANIA
62 Moina, Cradle Mountain
NEW ZEALAND
64 Auckland and surrounds
68 Lake Taupo
PACIFIC ISLANDS
72 Vanuatu
76 Cook Islands
FEATURES
81 Small Luxury Hotels of the World
contentssummer 2012
Harbour Rocks Hotel 6The Sebel Pier One 7Pinetrees Lodge 11Lilianfels 14-15Echoes Boutique Hotel 16-17Noonaweena 21Kim’s Beach Hideaway 22-23Forrester Court 27Billabong Moon 29Hidden Valley Retreat 31Tallwoods Verve Resort 33Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat 37Friday Creek 39The Denman Hotel 41Royal Albert Subpenthouses 45
Sunset Waters 47Spicers Clovelly Estate 50-51Lillypilly’s Country Cottages 53Tourism Noosa 55Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa 57Cottages Monreale 59Losari Retreat 61Lemonthyme Lodge 63Auckland’s Waitakere Estate 64Delamore Lodge 65The Point Villas 71Ratua Private Island 75Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa 79
ACCOMMODATION DIRECTORY
Page 24
Page 11
Page 21
Page 6
20122012SUBSCRIBE & WIN See page 80 for details
Page 71
WE42#49_02-03.indd 1 11/20/2012 12:49:05 PM
4 weekendsfortwo.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
It will not disappoint. Fine weather, sunshine and glorious ocean beaches are what Sydney is known for. The Rocks area, framed by the sparkling
waters of Sydney Harbour and shaped by history, is where Sydney began. With it’s 19th century warehouses converted to chic restaurants, stylish bars, hearty pubs, interactive museums, eclectic shopping and events, it’s also a place for now.
The Rocks lie in the heart of Australia’s most cosmopolitan city and encompass the past, present and future. The indigenous Cadigal people inhabited the rocky headland and surrounding shoreline for thousands of years. Then in 1788, Australia’s first European settlers, British convicts and their overseers, claimed
Sydney Harbour is known as one of the most beautiful Harbours in world.
The Rocks, Sydney Harbour
the land and built their camp atop the sandstone cliffs. The original buildings were made mostly of local sandstone, from which the area derives its name.
The Rocks eventually grew from an open-air jail into a vibrant port community. Its colourful history is filled with tales of “shanghaied” sailors, rough gangs and gritty life. By the 1800’s The Rocks became well established as the busy commercial hub of the city. From Robert Campbell’s first private wharf in the early 1800s, there were many merchants and trade flourished. Shipping was the most visible symbol of a successful and profitable city. Ships from Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa called in to Sydney to exchange a variety of goods for the colonial exports of
wool, whale oil and seal skins. By the 1840s, exports from New
South Wales exceeded its imports, and buildings from this period show the town’s transformation. In 1842, the City of Sydney was proclaimed and its first municipal council was formed. It was a time of wealth and prosperity but life was still perilous. The Mariners’ Church opened in 1859 and the Sailors’ Home, built next door in the 1860s, went some way to “saving” sailors from the many pubs and other temptations by offering a bed, meal and hot bath. Both can still be seen today.
The Rocks is a uniquely Australian historical quarter where you can explore Cadman’s Cottage, eat in restaurants located in some of the oldest surviving
NEW SOUTH WALES l Sydney
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 4 11/20/2012 12:55:26 PM
weekendsfortwo.com.au 5
Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
The Rocks area is immediately adjacent to Circular Quay on Sydney Cove with Dawes Point and Millers Point to the west.
Vendor at The Rocks market. Photo: Sally Mayman, Destination NSw
Panoramic view of The Rocks seen from above George Street. Photo: Sally Mayman, Destination NSw.
buildings in Sydney, or browse boutique shops and galleries in the place where Australia’s European settlement began. It’s a village which echoes a long and colourful past and can be enjoyed by everyone in an equally colourful present.
Today, The Rocks represents the historic district of Sydney. The area’s many layers of history is what makes it a uniquely Sydney destination. That history has been studied, preserved and documented. Discover the stories hidden in the cobblestone alleyways and historic buildings in a fascinating walking tour, or just guide yourself through an area soaked in history. With its shops, some of the best restaurants in Sydney and magical views of the harbour, The Rocks is a unique destination not to be missed.
Having a drink at the Hero of waterloo, The Rocks. Photo James Horan, Destination NSw
Dining at Campbell Cove in The Rocks.
Photo: Ross Honeysett Destination NSw
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 5 11/12/2012 2:24:44 PM
6 weekendsfortwo.com.au
Built in 1887 and opened as a hotel in 1989,
Harbour Rocks Hotel sits on the grounds of
Sydney’s first hospital. It has been stripped
back to its foundations, exposing the original
sandstone and brick walls. After a renovation
programme was completed in April 2012, the
finished result is a striking fusion of raw elegance
which blends old and new, featuring European
touches throughout.
Arriving at the hotel, guests are greeted with
a non-alcoholic welcome drink at Eric’s Bar.
Called a “Scarlett Surprise”, the name Scarlett
and Eric, hold a great deal of significance to the
hotel. As the legend goes, Eric was a patron of
the premises in the late 1800s and was in love
with Scarlett, the Madame of the house. After
both declared their love for one another, Eric
went away on a three-month journey overseas.
Upon his return they were set to marry. When he
returned, unbeknownst to him, Scarlett had died.
A heartbroken Eric passed away not long after.
To this day, it is said that Eric’s spirit lingers in the
corridors of the hotel as he longs for his Scarlett.
Brilliantly located in the heart of the Rocks
precinct and just a short stroll from Sydney’s major
tourist areas, Harbour Rocks Hotel leads the way
in the boutique hotel scene in Australia and is a
valued addition to the MGallery Collection.
The 4.5-star Harbour Rocks Hotel boasts an
exceptional mix of historical charm and raw
elegance. Harbour Rocks Hotel has officially
become a member of Accor’s high end
MGallery Collection of hotels, capping off an
extraordinary year for the hotel.
In joining the MGallery Collection, Harbour
Rocks Hotel becomes part of a highly distinctive
set of one-of-a-kind hotels which possess an
exceptional personality through one of three
principal categories: Heritage, Serenity and
Signature. The history which the Harbour Rocks
Hotel exudes juxtaposed against its stylish
modern interiors make it a perfect addition to the
Signature category of the MGallery Collection.
Harbour Rocks Hotel is a place of discreet
style and sophistication for discerning business
and leisure travellers.
Harbour Rocks Hotel:
A member of the
MGallery Collection.
P: +64 2 8220 9999
F: +64 2 8220 9998
W: www.harbourrocks.com.au
ADDRESS:
Harbour Rocks Hotel
34 Harrington Street
The Rocks
Sydney 2000
harbour rocks hotelSydney
NEW south WalEs | Sydney
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 6 11/13/2012 4:51:24 PM
weekendsfortwo.com.au 7
The closest you can get to Sydney Harbour
without getting wet!
The Sebel Pier One Sydney is your idyllic
Sydney hotel. People come to Sydney to see
the icons. When you stay at The Sebel Pier One
you have them on your door step. Absolute
waterfront, spectacular harbour views, first
class service, the Sebel Pier One offers easy
access to the CBD, The Rocks, Harbour Bridge
and Opera House. Location: Perfect.
Escape to the heart of Sydney
this weekend..
Perhaps it’s time to catch up with your
partner, a talk and a chat with your best
girlfriend or maybe just a little pampering and
some “me time”. Whatever the reason, a Sebel
Pier One weekend escape is the ideal solution.
You get to stay a night in a Waterside King
Room overlooking Walsh Bay with a bottle
of bubbly to welcome you, enjoy a bountiful
buffet breakfast and dinner with Sydney
Harbour as your backdrop.
Enjoy the best of the waterfront location…
take in the wonder of Sydney Harbour, explore
the foreshore, wander through The Rocks or stop
for a drink at one of the many historic pubs.
The Walsh Bay suite features an ensuite
bathroom with deep spa bath, perfect for a
long, satisfying soak. Music is at your fingertips
with your own stereo system in your suite, as is
video entertainment on your flat-screen TV.
With 3 new Harbour View Suites and 4 new
Harbour View Balcony Suites, The Sebel Pier One
Sydney can now offer unrivalled access to the
harbour views. Entertain guests with cocktails
on your balcony as you take in the best views
in Sydney.
All guest rooms and suites at The Sebel Pier
One Sydney come with a private in-room bar,
tea, coffee making facilities and individually
climate controlled air conditioning. You can
luxuriate in your rich cotton bathrobe, snuggle
up in your duvet and doze off supported by
comfy pillows.
The Sebel Pier One - a truly memorable
weekend escape right in the heart of Sydney.
P: +61 2 8298 9999
F: +61 2 8298 9788
W: sebelpierone.com.au
ADDRESS:
The Sebel Pier One Sydney
11 Hickson Road
Walsh Bay
Sydney NSW 2000
the Sebel pier one
Sydney
Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 7 11/13/2012 4:53:37 PM
8 weekendsfortwo.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
Seal Rocks
I’m a regular visitor to Lord Howe and love it! One of the great things about the island in my mind is that even at peak season; you’ll be one
of only 400 visitors on the Island. Imagine an island regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific and it never gets crowded! A holiday here is relaxed and unhurried. Getting around by bike or on foot is the way to go.
World Heritage-listed for its outstanding natural beauty, remarkable geology and rare collection of birds, plants and marine life, Lord Howe is surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef.
Lord Howe Island is a paradise located off the north coast of NSW and less than two hours’ flight from Brisbane or Sydney.
The pristine waters teeming with marine life and rare coral form Lord Howe Island Marine Park. There’s a whole host of water-based activities on the island including scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and fishing. For me, it’s paradise.
Just wander in off the beach to snorkel among colourful tropical and sub-tropical fish, turtles and other marine life. Or head further off-shore to SCUBA dive on world-class sites. The water is so clean and clear, it’s like swimming in an aquarium. Families love the safety and variety of kids’ activities; lovers find romance in the island’s secluded corners, natural beauty, luxury
NSW l Seal Rocks
>>
Lord Howe Island
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 8 11/20/2012 12:57:21 PM
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
Montville - Baroon Pocket Dam, Photo Tourism Queensland
From shopping to galleries, chic cafes to fine dining restaurants and exciting wineries, Montville has a well earned reputation for excellence.
Spicers Clovelly, Photo Tourism Queensland
Photos Tourism Queensland
Lord Howe Island | NEW SOUTH WALES
Photo Courtesy James Morgan
Photo Courtesy Vanessa Hunter
Photo Courtesy James Morgan
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 9 11/10/2012 2:57:36 PM
forbidden headquarters of the evil Dr. No from a James Bond movie! To ease tired muscles after your walking adventures there is a choice of spa treatments.
At day’s end, sip a cold beer or wine and watch the sun sink into the sea. My wife and I regularly do this overlooking the lagoon and watching out for a turtle to pop its head up and take a breath. There is nowhere on earth like Lord Howe Island. With so many extraordinary experiences to be enjoyed, most visitors stay a week or more — and many come back again, year after year! I do!
A wide range of accommodation styles, sumptuous spa treatments, beautiful lodges and great dining make Lord Howe Island the perfect getaway.
lodges and fine dining establishments.Begin your day with a dip in the
champagne surf of Blinky Beach or float in the cool waters of the lagoon and watch the kaleidoscope of colourful corals and tropical fish beneath you. Relax on a deserted strand of golden sand or take a glass bottom boat trip. There are 11 beaches to choose from, including Neds Beach, named Australia’s Cleanest Beach in 2004. You can hand-feed the metre-long kingfish at Neds Beach, or try your hand at catching one off-shore from one of the local sports fishing boats.
On land, there’s no better way to seek out Lord Howe’s unique species of flowering plants and the endangered woodhen and seabird colonies than on well marked walking tracks. The island is laced with delightful walking trails through palm and banyan forests, emerging at spectacular cliff-top vistas. There are also more strenuous hikes including Mt Gower, rated as one of the world’s best day walks. From the summit of Mt Gower, you’ll be captivated by the view: Mt Lidgbird in the foreground and The Lagoon below.
On the descent, see the jagged-spire of Balls Pyramid as it rises straight up from the sea. This is a spectacular sight. It never ceases to remind me of the
NEW SOUTH WALES | SydneyLord Howe Island
10 weekendsfortwo.com.au
Photos Courtesy Vanessa Hunter
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 10 11/20/2012 1:01:53 PM
Pinetrees Lodge is one of the oldest family
businesses in Australia. They are famous for
exceptional meals, great wine, personalised service
and a stunning beachfront location. Discover
world-class diving, snorkelling, fishing, walking,
surfing and golf, or just relax and rejuvenate on one
of Australia’s most beautiful islands.
Most of Pinetrees’ regular guests have
travelled to Tahiti, Hawaii, Fiji and Bali, but they
always return to Lord Howe Island - it’s close,
relaxed, secluded and hassle free. Stay at
Pinetrees once and you’ll understand why so
many guests return every year.
Pinetrees offers a great range of
accommodation, including comfortable en-suite
rooms, luxury one bedroom Garden Cottages
and 3 and 4 bedroom family cottages. All rooms
are serviced daily. The accommodation is single
storey and has easy access to the restaurant,
lounge, bar, verandah, day spa, tennis court
and waterfront deck.
Pinetrees is serious about food and wine. It’s
one of the features of a Pinetrees holiday. The
quality of food is exceptional and all meals are
included – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and
dinner. Their four chefs have worked in some of
Australia’s best restaurants and can prepare
meals for all dietary requirements. All you need
to do is eat, drink and enjoy - they’ll do the
shopping, cooking and cleaning.
Every year Pinetrees hosts a variety of great
events including cooking master classes with
famous Australian chefs, wine tasting, jazz bands,
‘off-track’ wilderness weeks with park rangers
and scientists, guided walking, photography
classes, golf weeks and wellness weeks with yoga
and fitness instructors.
Bookings for 5 nights or more receive substantial
discounts off the rack rate and their special
packages have fantastic additional inclusions.
Pinetrees can also book the best available airfares
to help you save time and money.
P: 02 9262 6585
F: 02 9262 6638
W: www.pinetrees.com.au
TARIFF: from $660/couple/
night, all inclusive.
See website for packages.
pinetrees LODGeLord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island | NEW SOUTH WALES
weekendsfortwo.com.au 11
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 11 11/10/2012 3:01:15 PM
12 weekendsfortwo.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
If you’re seeking respite from city life, escape to the Blue Mountains for a dose of fresh air, fantastic scenery and fi ne dining.
There’s something about mountain air that builds a healthy appetite. Restaurateurs in this scenic wonderland, located ninety minutes
from Australia’s largest city, point to a new generation shaking up the areas dining options.
Businesswoman Huong Nguyen says it’s time for a fresh approach and has taken a long-term view. Last year she and her fellow investors snapped up Lilianfels Hotel, in Katoomba, for a cool $21 million, adding to another of their huge investments, the redevelopment of the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath.
When the fi rst stage of the Hydro Majestic opens next year, it will include a cafe “that will showcase regional produce’’. While upholding the lofty standards of the Lilianfels’ hatted restaurant, Darleys,
Nguyen is also aggressively pursuing new, more accessible operations. Next year a wine and tapas eatery will open in the “Wendy House’’, located near the pool in the Lilianfels’ garden. Nguyen says the venue will be pitched at the mid-market and open to the public.
With all the activities in the Blue Mountains, you’re sure to work up a healthy appetite. Your weekend away is special and you will probably want to include a night of sophisticated fi ne dining. When only the best will do, head to the most awarded restaurant in the mountains.
Darleys Restaurant is situated in the original Lilianfels House, which was built over 100 years ago. The restaurant has recently undergone a fresh refurbishment and still resides at Lilianfels. Its soaring
mountain views and lush manicured gardens have lured guests from around the world who come to experience a culinary journey and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty that abounds at Lilianfels.
With its magnifi cent décor, ornate fi replace, stained glass windows and crystal chandeliers, Darleys sparkles with newly revived old world charm. It is accentuated by a spectacular setting and breathtaking views over Lilianfels’ gardens and the Jamison Valley. The menu’s focus is slow cooked dishes, prepared using the best local and organic produce and complemented by an outstanding wine list. Executive Chef, Lee Kwiez is showcasing fresh Blue Mountains regional produce including the Megalong Valley’s grain fed Wagyu Beef and Organic vegetables from Berridale Farm. Dishes like poached
in the Blue Mountains
NEW SOUTH WALES | Blue Mountains
New Generation leads a Restaurant Revolution
High tea at Lilianfels
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 12 11/20/2012 1:09:27 PM
Aerial view of Brooklyn railway bridge, Hawkesbury River,
Photo Hamilton Lund Destination NSW
weekendsfortwo.com.au 13
Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray cod with mussel infused celeriac broth, parsley and pancetta crumb exhibit as much skill, care and refi nement as the room in which they’re served.
The main dining room of Darley’s restaurant seats up to 50 people and features two open fi replaces, stunning leadlight windows, crystal chandeliers, luxurious designer wall prints, evocative artworks and plush furnishings that speak of style and grace. Darleys is a multi-award winning Hatted restaurant inducted into the Hall of Fame for best Regional Restaurant in 2011.
With all this revamping whereby everything old is new again, it’s pretty clear we’re going through a generational change of fi ne dining in the Blue Mountains.
Blue Mountains | NEW SOUTH WALES
Above: Forest track, Photo: Adam Taylor, Destination NSW
Couple dining, Photo: Paul Blackmore, Destination NSW
Main street of Leura. Courtesy James Horan Destination NSW
Fireside dining at Darleys Restaurant
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 13 11/19/2012 12:06:23 PM
14 weekendsfortwo.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa is a
renowned haven of relaxation in one of Australia’s
most beautiful destinations. The luxurious, five
star property in Katoomba, NSW, is housed in a
historic country mansion set amidst two acres of
manicured gardens.
Just a short drive from Sydney, the hotel is a
breathtaking escape for romantics, a delight for
gourmets and a wonder for lovers of nature and
the Blue Mountains. Lilianfels is the perfect base
from which to explore the Upper Blue Mountains
including Katoomba, Leura, Mt Victoria and
Blackheath.
At Lilianfels, you can be yourself whilst enjoying
all the creature comforts of an exclusive luxury
retreat. From the crispest sheets and fluffiest towels
to the individually decorated guest rooms, no
detail has been overlooked. Sink into an extra
deep bath. The marble bathrooms offer a
separate bath and shower with plush towelling
bath robes. Decorated in lush fabrics, including
organza and silk, the 85 guest rooms invite you
to curl-up and wile away the hours.
Relax and rejuvenate amidst the pristine
beauty of the Australian wilderness surrounded
by forests of fragrant eucalyptus. With the end
of winter comes the famous Spring Garden
Festivals of the Mountains, transforming the region
into a spectacular rainbow of colours. Re-energise
yourself with outdoor adventures – choose from
bushwalking, bike riding, canyoning and tennis,
or set the mood for complete relaxation with
one of our indulgent spa treatments.
Dining is of the highest order at Lilianfels
restaurant Darley’s. Steeped in history, Darley’s
Restaurant is set in the heritage listed, original
homestead of Frederick Darley, the sixth Chief
Justice of NSW and is a tribute to a bygone era.
Modern Australian cuisine is served in a romantic
setting that features beautiful stained glassed
windows, original ornate fire places, and crystal
chandeliers that offers guests a breathtaking view
of the surrounding gardens and the Jamison Valley.
Darley’s is a multi award winning restaurant,
most recently being awarded for 2011 the
prestigious “one chef’s hat” in the SMH Good
Food Guide Awards. It doesn’t get any better
than that. The restaurant was also named Best
Regional Restaurant in the SMH Good Food Guide
Awards 2010 and was nominated in 2010 to the
Hall of Fame at the Australian Hotel Association
Awards for Excellence. The extensive wine list
P: (02) 4780 1200
F: (02) 4780 1300
W: www.lilianfels.com.au
LiLianfeLs BLue Mountains ResoRt and spa
Katoomba
NEW SOUTH WALES | Blue Mountains
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 14 11/13/2012 4:48:11 PM
weekendsfortwo.com.au 15
Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
offers vintage wine sourced locally from Mudgee
and Orange as well as wines from other top
Australian and international wineries.
What better way to relax than in the hotel’s
Lobby Lounge with a Whiskey Flight by the fire?
Choose from a flight of three different styles of
whiskies, or a superb malt whisky perfectly
paired with a matching dessert or bold cheese.
The flights will be a way of sampling a few of
the 15 whiskies that are being added to The
Lounge’s beverage list by Lilianfels’ Whisky
Consultant, Alexx Stuart. Alexx has visited
distilleries around the globe, spending time as
a special guest at Glenfiddich and The Balvenie,
while exploring the history and culture of malt
whisky drinking in Scotland. Guests of Lilianfels
will have the opportunity to share Alexx’s in-depth
knowledge through detailed tasting notes
supplied with the whisky flights.
Executive Chef, Lee Kwiez is more than
happy to take on the challenge of matching
these premium tipples with suitable culinary
candidates. He believes there isn’t anything
more satisfying on a chilly, mid-season evening
than sipping a dram of Ardbeg 10 and nibbling
pungent Stilton. So, where do I book in?
Blue Mountains | NEW SOUTH WALES
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 15 11/20/2012 1:15:57 PM
16 weekendsfortwo.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
Echoes’ Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is perched
on the very edge of the Jamison Valley at Echo
Point in the Blue Mountains. Its unique location
offers stunning panoramas of the National Park
from every room, providing all guests with
ever-changing but always dramatic views.
Echoes is an intimate boutique hotel offering
the more personal style of service and
atmosphere found only in boutique establishments.
The unique combination of fine dining and luxury
accommodation will provide that memorable
difference to any occasion whether it be a
leisurely lunch or romantic dinner for two. All this
and only 90 minutes from Sydney!
Echoes Boutique Hotel is an intimate hotel
nestled on the very edge of the World Heritage
listed, Blue Mountains National Park. Set against
an ever changing landscape, Echoes design
makes a bold statement. By carefully preserving
and combining the building’s architectural
heritage, the look provokes the senses and the
imagination. Its 14 rooms boast individual
personalities - from design, room names and
colour palette to luxurious furnishings and fittings.
The unique location offers stunning panoramas
from every room, providing guests with the most
breathtaking views of mountains, cliff edges
and lush rainforest valleys. The Blue Mountains
most stunning icon “Echoes” unveils itself on the
very edge of the Jamison Valley with views right
through to Mittagong, 80 kilometres away.
As one of the most stylish and sophisticated
boutique hotels in the Blue Mountains region,
Echoes’ unique atmosphere of well-being
combined with classicism and modernism provides
a harmonious retreat of luxury and relaxation.
Relaxation and recreation takes on a whole
new meaning at Echoes Boutique Hotel.
Rejuvenate with a brisk hike through the
Jamison Valley or find peace and serenity with
a pampering spa treatment in our private
sauna and spa.
The award winning and eclectically designed
building has both contemporary & stylish furnishings
with generous indoor and outdoor seating areas.
This allows guests to soak in the views as well as
P: +612 4782 1966
(International)
P: (02) 4782 1966 (Australia)
F: (02) 4782 3707
W: www.echoeshotel.com.au
echoes boutique hotel & restaurant
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 16 11/13/2012 4:54:33 PM
weekendsfortwo.com.au 17
Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
the lush cool air of the rainforest valleys below.
There are open fire places throughout the Hotel
with a cosy bar and lounge.
Echoes’ Restaurant is set against the
magnificent backdrop of Echo Point in the Blue
Mountains with incomparable views of the
Jamison Valley and surrounding cliff drops.
The fresh air, myriad sounds of the bush and
marvellous views are a feast for your senses whilst
delighting in the creative cuisine and carefully
selected high quality boutique Australian wines.
Echoes Restaurant features modern cuisine with a
creative edge and is a romantic enclave infused
with sensual glamour that morphs from day to
night. The restaurant itself has an atmosphere
of modern elegance that complements the
dramatic architecture of the original design.
To add to the sophisticated ambience, the hotel
celebrates its “breathtaking views” by serving
breakfast, lunch and intimate dinners to in-house
guests on the terrace. Whether you are looking for
a savvy spot for lunching or making a reservation
for two, Echoes Restaurant is the perfect setting.
Blue Mountains | NEW SOUTH WALES
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Hunter Region
This dramatic coastline has hidden gems, from Pearl Beach in the south where visitors favour the simple beach holiday
with picnics, pub lunches and long walks, to the cosmopolitan Terrigal with its leafy avenues, chic boutiques and cafés that sit almost on the sand.
Couples love the peace and serenity the area brings to ensure a romantic weekend escape. With over 30 beaches, everyone has their favourite. The two big towns are Gosford and Woy Woy - and both are best avoided. Spike Milligan, the well known comedian whose family lived
in Woy Woy, once famously called the town “the world’s only above-ground cemetery”. It’s one big retirement village.
Terrigal is a much better bet, and pulses with trendy types on summer weekends. Regardless of where you base yourself, the whole area is a postcard waiting to be captured, with long stretches of sand, hidden bays and inland lakes. The train runs between Sydney’s Central Station to Gosford and Woy Woy. It’s a picturesque, relaxing journey over rivers, lakes and valleys. However I suggest you take the car so
Central CoastIt’s just an hour’s drive from Sydney but the Central Coast feels a world away from the city making it an ideal, accessible destination for a reviving weekend escape brimming with fresh air, sun, surf and fun.
The Central Coast has been a hot weekend getaway for Sydney siders for many years.
you can explore the Central Coast area. Even in Friday afternoon traffi c, you’ll still be up there in a couple of hours and be free to roam around.
The Central Coast has been a hot weekend getaway for Sydney siders for many years. Stay in one of the homey B&B pads with a personal touch from the host and you’ll understand why. It’s a similar theme up and down the coast. Beaches, wildlife and wilderness - all the natural elements come together on the Central Coast. The essence of the region is a world of beautiful coastlines, golden beaches, alluring lakes and pristine National Parks.
Hinterland
NEW SOUTH WALES | Central Coast
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
Hinterland
These natural assets stretch across the six regions of the Central Coast, each with their own unique quality, energy and style.
Open for discovery is Tuggerah Lakes. Hit the 12 kilometre cycleway and don’t worry about packing your bike. There are plenty for hire in the summertime. Take a picnic lunch and stop along the way at the picnic spots around the lake. At some point the water will beckon. A range of vessels are available for hire. Catamarans and small powered boats are favourites and available without license.
At the top end of the Central Coast, along the shores of The Entrance, it is
Central Coast | NEW SOUTH WALES
Photos courtesy Destination NSW, Central Coast Tourism and
Lake macquarie Tourism.
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
Fresh catch of seafoodMollymook Beach
NEW SOUTH WALES | Central Coast
Regardless of where you base yourself, the whole area is a postcard waiting to be captured.
easy to have a relaxing beach holiday. Toowoon Bay, Shelly Beach and Bateau Bay are just south of The Entrance and feature stunning beaches that are known for surfing, swimming and a relaxed atmosphere. Wyrrabalong National Park meets the coastline at Bateau Bay and is intertwined with moderately easy walking trails. One trail leads to stunning Crackneck Lookout, a prime spot to see whales during July-August and October-November. To the north you will find Magenta Shores, the Central Coast’s highest ranked golf course, filling 28th position in Golf Australia’s Top 50 list.
The Central Coast offers every kind of accommodation, from luxurious spas and five star hotels with golf courses, to the beautiful beachside cabin where you stay with the sand at your door. Some nice examples are outlined in the following pages.
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES Central Coast | NEW SOUTH WALES
An intimate retreat close to heaven.
Noonaweena is an intimate retreat nestled
high on the ridge of the Yengo National Park
in the Central Coast hinterland. It is just an
hour’s drive from Sydney. This secluded 100 acre
property sits in line with the eagle’s flight path,
showcasing sweeping panoramas of the skyline
and the lush valley below.
Noonaweena has found the perfect
balance between a pristine natural habitat
and sophisticated lodgings. Four elegant
dwellings, designed with luxury and comfort in
mind, fit seamlessly into the natural surrounds.
Each dwelling is unique and yet all provide the
luxurious trimmings and modern technologies
that we all enjoy indulging in.
Whether you are a couple seeking a
romantic weekend alone, or multiple couples
who enjoy travelling as a group, Noonaweena
can cater specifically for your needs. The retreat
hosts bed and breakfast weekends from a Friday
evening’s sunset to a lazy Sunday afternoon,
with a breakfast basket of local organic
Noonaweena
1442 George Downes Drive
Kulnura NSW 2250
Telephone: (02) 4376 1290
Fax: (02) 4376 1429
E: manager@noonaweena.
com.au
W: www.noonaweena.com.au
goods provided on arrival. Accommodation
ranges from the colourful seduction of the
one-bedroom Treetops suite, to the wide-open
entertaining areas of the Biram House, which
accommodates up to 11 couples at one time.
Most of the dwellings have easy access
to onsite facilities that would rival any five-star
hotel. These include alfresco dining areas,
swimming pools, outdoor spas, and a tennis
court. When you are ready for a wander, you
can meander along idle country lanes and
take in the natural surrounds without ever
seeing another soul.
It is this seclusion amongst nature that
makes Noonaweena stand out from the crowd.
The name itself translates to “resting place in
the bush”. The tranquillity is something you’ll
experience immediately on arrival and it
remains with you for the duration of your stay.
Noonaweena is a breathtaking blend of luxury
and comfort. Central Coast accommodation
set amidst nature with stunning views of
the hinterland.
noonaweenaKulnura
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
Kims is one of my favourite weekend retreats and
run by long time friends. It is a place that, for
me, restores my faith in the simple but important
things in life. The Patriarch of the family, Andrew
Strachan, has taught me that it is possible to be
a successful businessman and sportsman yet
still act as a gentleman. There are no excuses
at Kims. They don’t blame this or that for poor
quality food or service – they just make it
happen - regularly. The Strachan family have
been involved at Kims since the 1950’s. Andrew
and Maryjane Strachan, together with Andrew’s
niece Diana and Peter Kershaw are your hosts.
The sheer longevity of Kims must be a
compliment to the family. Kims has succeeded
in being a popular hideaway for Sydney people
for over 100 years. The two attractions were and
still are the beach and dining room. Kims is the
sort of beach retreat that, in a perfect world,
everyone would spend summers at. It is the
perfect environment to soothe the body and soul.
Accommodation is in individual timber
cottages with big windows all around that open
to the sea. This is a special retreat, unique among
luxury hotels. Here the emphasis is on comfort
and life’s simple pleasures, a place where busy
people and lovers can relax in complete privacy.
Luxuriously appointed bungalows and spa villas
spread along the beachfront or set beneath,
between and at treetop level in a forest of
century-old Norfolk Island Pines.
Here is a dining experience served daily
for over one hundred years. The Dining Room
where superb buffet meals are served overlooks
the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Daily since 1886,
the ships bell has caused great anticipation.
It heralds that a Kims meal is being served.
They serve a superb buffet breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily; these meals are included in your
daily tariff. Only the freshest, most wholesome
food is selected and prepared simply but with
great expertise. The menu changes daily, featuring
local seafood, an Australian and International
cheese selection and “home made” delicacies
including their own smoked salmon, ice cream,
preserves and chutney. On hand is a selection of
P: (02) 4332 1566
F: (02) 4333 1544
W: www.kims.com.au
TARIFF: Midweek packages are
inclusive of Dinner, Breakfast
and Lunch and start from
$295.00 per person per day.
kims beach hideawayToowoon Bay
NEW SOUTH WALES | Central Coast
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
premium wines, some of which Andrew personally
chose for me. What are mates for? The layout is
perfect for languid consumption and peaceful
digestion by the sea. Of an evening a Cocktail
Lounge features live entertainment. A “Pampering
Place” offers massage treatments.
I have noticed that people come to Kims
for one main purpose - to relax. Relax is
something they do very well. Mother Nature
has bequeathed a portfolio of natural wonders
on Toowoon Bay. There is the location -
absolute beachfront, with a golden stretch of
South Pacific sand and a luminous sea right on
the doorstep. The air comes clean and clear
across several thousand kilometres of ocean.
There is a luscious forest filled with palms and
tropical greenery, and then there are the birds.
Hundreds of them. Whip birds and lorikeets and
honey eaters, singing the mornings alive.
Come to Kims. See you there!
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
Norfolk Island is just one such destination. It is a green speck in the vast South Pacific Ocean, 1600km northeast of Sydney,
1400km east of Brisbane and 1000km northwest of Auckland. New Caledonia is the closest land, almost 700km to the north.
Officially, Norfolk Island is a self-governing territory of Australia. In reality, it’s a world unto itself. It has its own language called Norf ’k, a blend of 18th-century English and Tahitian and its own way of life. People wave at each other and at tourists. There are no traffic lights, and cows have right of way on the roads. Remember when shops and cafes in Sydney would close on Saturday afternoons? On Norfolk they still do.
You can’t go far on Norfolk without bumping into history. It’s on the road signs such as Pitcairn Place, Fletcher Christian Road and Baunti Centre and at landmarks such as Captain Cook lookout. Here a stone cairn commemorates Cook naming the island after the Duchess of Norfolk in 1774.
The winds of change have been blowing
The world is rapidly shrinking and many formerly out of reach destinations are now available to us for a short break.
Norfolk Island
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
across this volcanic isle since Air New Zealand won an Australian government tender to provide five flights a week to the island. Two flights come from Sydney, two from Brisbane and one from Auckland each week.
Norfolk is fast becoming a short-break destination for time-poor city dwellers. The flying time from the east coast of Australia is about two hours and flights to and from Sydney run on Fridays and Mondays. Its schedule allows weekend trips to Norfolk Island, which wasn’t possible before.
There’s still plenty of island charm but there are now wearable-arts shows, holistic-living festivals, three music festivals (opera in February, country music in May, jazz in December) and an annual golf pro-am.
Norfolk has always been a water based haven; from snorkelling and reef-walking tours, to walking tracks and beach yoga classes. Want to go surfing, kayak around the island, or try rock fishing? Ask a local; anything’s possible on a small island.
There are many attractions for
gourmets on an island that lives and breathes sustainability and self-sufficiency by necessity. Norfolk Island can’t import a lot of produce, so most of what you eat here is grown or made here. Coffee is grown among the Norfolk pines in Anson Bay. Anson Coffee opened a cafe in July, has a mobile coffee van and runs >>
Norfolk Island | NEW SOUTH WALES
plantation tours. Local surfer Emily Ryves has opened her new venture, Hilli Goat Farm, also at Anson Bay; she plans to sell goat’s cheese at a small cafe on the property.
Norfolk Blue beef cattle homestead and restaurant offers a genuine “paddock to plate” experience, while
Images are courtesy ofNorfolk Island Tourism..
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26 weekendsfortwo.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES | Norfolk Island
Its schedule allows weekend trips to Norfolk Island, which wasn’t possible before.
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Hilli’s (another restaurant) has a new Mastering Tastes tour where guests gather and prepare local produce with its head chef. Then there’s Dino’s, which grows its own herbs and vegetables.
But the island isn’t too fashionable just yet, thank goodness. You can still play golf on a World Heritage site for $70 a week. The phone book famously lists locals by their nicknames, such as Binky, Crowbar, Lettuce Leaf and Gumboots. God Save the Queen is the island’s anthem and Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday courtesy of previous generations of American whalers. On Norfolk Island, it all makes perfect sense.
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Escape to Norfolk Island and experience
the unpretentious luxury of the five star
accommodation at Forrester Court.
Built as a private residence in the 1980’s
Forrester Court is now an exquisite ocean
retreat, famous for its casual ambience and
unparalleled service. It is truly a paradise of
extraordinary natural beauty. Luxury and
discretion are unquestioned – hardly surprising
when you learn its guest list has included
Gina Rinehart amongst many other VIPs.
Care to join them?
These cottages enjoy an unrivalled clifftop
location overlooking Cascade Bay and offer
superb hospitality. This 16 acre eco-property is
yours to share with no more than eight guests.
The cottages are beautifully appointed with
a jaw dropping 180 degree views. Outside,
expansive decks wrap around the house and
reach out to the bay. It is the perfect place
for a candlelit dinner or a lunch time BBQ. The
cottages are self-catering and fully serviced;
have all the comforts of a ‘home away from
home’, perfect for those seeking the privacy
and convenience of self-catering, with the
option of dinner prepared by our in-house chef,
who prides herself on sourcing fresh seasonal
produce. Have her create a special menu for
you served on an expansive deck to create an
unforgettable dining experience. Indulge in a
range of in-house pamper services or stroll in the
lush tree lined gardens or enjoy a celebration
cocktail on the privacy of your deck.
Relax on the bench and watch the whales
frolic in the bay – truly world class. Forrester
Court provides the perfect backdrop to begin
exploring Norfolk Island. Discover countless
activities in our island’s pristine marine
playground, lush hinterlands and rich historical
tapestry. Come and be rejuvenated as soon as
you touch down.
Hosts Brad and Ariane Forrester look forward
to greeting you soon to the most peaceful place
on earth.
Forrester Court
PO Box 496
Norfolk Island NSW 2899
P: +0011 6723 22838
W: www.forrestercourt.com
Forrester courtNorfolk Island
Norfolk Island
As with many great cultures of the world, it is family, friends, food & wine that are the staples for a happy & balanced life.
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 27 11/13/2012 4:58:45 PM
The pretty country roads around Pokolbin are home to some of Australia’s best-known wine labels, making it a wine-lover’s paradise.
The area is one of the most desirable short break destinations out of Sydney. It is Australia’s most popular wine tourism region. Base yourself in Pokolbin and head out to meet local winemakers, see how wine is made and sample the local drop at free cellar door tastings. You can travel at a leisurely pace by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage. Shopping, hot-air balloon rides and championship golf courses offer plenty
of relaxation and enjoyment. Nearby towns such as Cessnock, Lovedale and Maitland are well worth a visit.
If driving from Sydney, consider taking the slow road to the Hunter by turning off the F3 at Peats Ridge onto Tourist Route 33. There is no traffic and the countryside is immediately soothing. It’s winding in parts but you’ll be rewarded with bucolic scenery and the chance to stop in the historic village of Wollombi en route.
Stop at Wollombi for lunch and you’ll immediately wish you were staying longer. The historic buildings are quaint.
Try some of the famous fortified wine called Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice at the Wollombi Tavern and you may stay longer than planned!
I wander off the main road along an increasingly rutted dirt road past an abandoned vineyard with overgrown vines and a dilapidated house. The only noise is the sound of rustling grass as startled cows flee and a kangaroo hops onto the road. It reminds me that the real pleasure of the Hunter is to be found off the main roads and in outlying districts such as Wollombi and Lovedale.
Set amongst vineyards with the Brokenback Range as its backdrop, Pokolbin is the village centre of the Hunter Valley.
Pokolbin.Hunter Valley,
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
Expect a warm welcome from your friendly hosts
at this intimate escape for couples on Hermitage
Road Pokolbin, close to the Hunter’s many cellar
doors and wineries, fine dining and great cafes.
In a natural setting on 25 acres of native forest
and lawn, it’s all too easy to see why guests feel
so at home at stylish Billabong Moon. Owners
Andy and Jenny Birtchnell have designed the
property as a relaxing retreat in classic Australian
design with wide verandahs and a fresh,
contemporary décor.
There are five spacious, self-contained
cottages – Billabong, Casuarina, the Studio,
Sunset Ridge and Treetops – each thoughtfully
designed and positioned to ensure total privacy.
The outdoor hot tub at Casuarina is the
perfect spot to soak away the tension of the day
before relaxing in front of the blazing fire and
sipping a glass of the Hunter’s famous Shiraz. The
Studio has a bohemian atmosphere and enticing
teak four-poster bed while Sunset Ridge and
the elevated Treetops also have king beds and
larger spa baths – the bush bath at Treetops is a
favourite spot for those at one with the outdoors.
At Billabong, guests can lounge on deckchairs as
they fish for silver perch from the waterside deck
or just enjoy the ever changing water view.
The cottages are energy efficient double
brick except Treetops which is elevated and
features corrugated iron and timber. All have
reverse cycle air-conditioning for instant warmth
during the glorious cooler months with their
bright clear skies and crisp cool nights.
Romantic wood fires and timber floors add to
the ambience of the living areas, while the
baths and spas for two offer the chance to
indulge in a sensuous Red Wine Bath.
If food and wine is another passion you’ll
be spoilt by the variety and quality nearby and,
when you return to Billabong Moon, there are
the romantic walking tracks, the all-weather
putting green the outdoor bonfire area and
the saltwater pool to add to the year-round
enjoyment of your holiday.
P: 02 6574 7290
W: www.billabongmoon.com.au
TARIFF: from $220/couple/night;
$350/2 couples/night; $610/
couple/2-night
weekend; $980/2 couples/
2-night weekend.
billabong moonPokolbin
Hunter Region | NEW SOUTH WALES
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 29 11/13/2012 4:59:56 PM
Surrounded by wildlife and rainforest it is difficult to believe that Richmond is only 15 minutes drive away and the M7 only 30
minutes. If you are heading west from Sydney
try the “wild route” and forget the traffic lights, shops and tedium of suburbia. There are two roads over the mountains leading to the western plains of New South Wales. There’s the aforementioned traffic light nightmare or the Bells Line of Road (the northern road) through The Hawkesbury Highlands. This so called “wild route” will
take you through a diversity of mountain scenery with great walls of sandstone and endless canyons. Combine this scenery with charming orchards and fruit and veggie stalls offering all the local varieties of stone fruit in season with autumn apples and it makes a great drive.
Visit charming coffee stops all featuring home made apple pies, jams, local honey and the proudly made local Bilpin Apple Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar.
Visit the cold climate Mt. Tomah Botanic Garden and enjoy lunch on the deck. This area is a great chance to see the
real Australia with local people working their orchards and walking through their wilderness areas. Enjoy the greater north western region of the beautiful Hawkesbury Highlands, Wollemi National Park. The area is flanked by rolling green hills with glimpses of bushland hiding the vast wilderness area beyond.
Rolling green hills, panoramic views and country hospitality all set amidst the unique call of bell birds. History lovers will appreciate the old buildings and churches, collectors will be lost in the antique shops. There is something for everyone in the Hawkesbury Highlands.
Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Grose Vale in the Hawkesbury Highlands is well-known to those looking to escape from the bustle of city life.
Hawkesbury Highlands.Grose Vale,
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WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 30 11/19/2012 12:25:20 PM
Set on 40 acres of pristine land in Grose Vale,
near the Hawkesbury Highlands, and tucked
away in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, this
extraordinary retreat is well-known to those
looking to escape from the hustle of city life.
Native wildlife may be seen by early risers. A
gurgling spring fed creek provides secluded
picnic spots and supplies the cottages with
pure water. The forested hills ring with native
birdcalls. Surrounded by wildlife and rainforest
it is difficult to believe that all this is just a sixty
minute drive from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Hidden Valley is a paradise hidden from
the world. It is the perfect environment for
anyone looking to rest in the natural peace
and tranquillity of the rain forest, listening to
the birds and the running waters of the
natural brooks passing the cottages.
As seen on Getaway.
The adventure begins from the moment
you turn into the 2.5 kilometre driveway that
meanders through the forest running alongside
the river. Hidden Valley is just that: Hidden, with
no neighbours for miles you only hear the
water and the trees.
As a romantic retreat for two, Hidden Valley
is ideal. Lots of personal touches make you
feel right at home. Most guests get no further
than toasting marshmallows on the open fire
or sipping complimentary champagne on the
comfy couch or hammock of the front veranda.
Accommodation consists of four slab cottages
and a mud brick cottage. The traditional slab
cottages look like something from a Frederick
McCubbin painting and hark back to Australia’s
colonial past but include modern accessories
such as BBQ, Spa and air conditioning.
The present owners, after enjoying the
peace of the valley for twenty years, are looking
to sell their pocket of paradise to someone who
wants to leave the world behind for a while.
In these secluded, fully self contained cabins
you can have a romantic weekend in front of
the open wood fire, a physical weekend of
bushwalking straight out the front door or a lazy
weekend, under the trees in a hammock.
Lesley Wood
Hidden Valley Retreat Cottages
168 Cabbage Tree Road
Grose Vale NSW 2753
AUSTRALIA
P: +61 2 4572 1474
W: www.hiddenvalleyretreat.
com.au/
hidden valley retreatGrose Vale
PRoPERTy FoR SALE
weekendsfortwo.com.au 31
Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES Grose Vale
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Sydney
From mountain ranges to expansive beaches, the mid North Coast of NSW offers the perfect outdoor holiday location all year round.
For something more active try bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding or maybe a round of golf.
There are many famous golf clubs in the region. Located a short drive from the glorious beaches of Forster, Tallwoods is a fine championship golf course. Here you experience a round of golf which presents a collection of holes that are different and exciting with many providing stunning views from the higher tees. It’s a challenging course set among natural towering eucalypts and thriving native trees and scrubs. A number of water hazards come into play. Players enjoy sea breezes, abundant birdlife, native fauna and even a resident koala on the 17th.
Tallwoods Golf Club offers a world class 18 hole golf course rated in the top 25 best resort courses by Golf Australia. Tom Ramsey, renowned golf writer and judge on US Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 courses in the world” said of Tallwoods:
“It is an interesting design which fits well into the terrain. It involves a collection of holes that are challenging and stimulating – all difficult but not impossible, always exciting and always individual.”
The course was designed by Dr Michael Hurdzan, Golf World Magazine’s “Architect of the year”. The involvement of Hurdzan, one of the world’s leading environmental golf course designers, is ever-present in the majestic eucalypts, prolific native vegetation and extensive water features evident throughout the course.
The golf course is a par 71 for men and par 72 for women. It allows novices the opportunity to enjoy their game, and low handicap players to be challenged.
Tallwoods International Golf Resort Blackhead Road Hallidays Point 2430 NSW
Golf Phone: (02) 6557 3900 Email: [email protected]: http://www.tallwoods.com
Golf Weekend,
NEW SOUTH WALES | Mid North Coast
NSW North Coast.
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
Situated halfway up the beautiful New South Wales
north coast, just three hours from Sydney, is the
luxurious Tallwoods Verve Resort. This international
golf resort is a favourite destination for serious and
recreational golfers who enjoy the challenging golf
course. It is also a popular destination for couples
wanting a romantic getaway. In addition to the
award winning golf course, guests are attracted
by the a la carte dining, 4.5 star accommodation
and relaxed atmosphere and views. Tallwoods
Verve Resort is the place to unwind with unspoilt
beaches only a few minutes away.
Beautifully appointed villas are dotted
amongst the lush green fairways of this
championship golf course. The heart of Tallwoods
Verve Resort is an established, world-class, 18-
hole championship golf course designed by
Michael Hurdzan, one of the world’s leading
environmental golf course designers and US Golf
World’s 1997 Architect of the Year.
Tallwoods Verve Resort offers a total package
of an award winning golf course, deluxe
accommodation and a renowned restaurant
and bar. New Executive Chef Greg Bultitude’s
career in the kitchen began in Tuncurry-Forster
when he was 12 years old. “I started watching
the chefs prepare seafood dishes using beautiful
produce: live lobsters and fresh fish delivered
daily. It looked amazing,” he recalls. By the age
of 22, Bultitude had two head chef positions
under his belt. After cooking at top venues in
Australia and overseas Greg has returned home
to Tallwoods. “The biggest lesson I learned is that
it’s what the customers want to eat - not what the
chef wants to cook.”
Set in a stunning location, Tallwoods has
a friendly village atmosphere with great staff.
Each spacious open plan villa looks out over
manicured gardens. Each of the villas has a fully
equipped kitchen and master bedroom with spa
bath ensuite.
If you are a golfer, Tallwoods Verve Resort is
golfers’ heaven. All this only three minutes drive
to the invigorating surf beaches of Black Head,
Red Head and Diamond Beach. Beyond are
the Great Lakes, a glittering mosaic of crystal
waterways. Your stay at Tallwoods Verve Resort
will unwind you to a tee.
Tallwoods Verve Resort
The Boulevard,
Tallwoods Village
Hallidays Point NSW 2430
P: +61 (02) 6557 3500
or 1300 135 456
F: +61 (02) 6557 3577
E: res@tallwoodsververesort.
com.au
W: www.tallwoodsververesort.
com.au
tallwoods verve resortHallidays Point
Hallidays Point | NEW SOUTH WALES
AND TALLWooDS GoLF CoURSE
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 33 11/14/2012 9:15:17 AM
Alpine Way, Snowy Mountains
All this overlooks more than 300 kilometres of spectacular coastline. In one compact area you can fi nd an endless stretch
of Pacifi c Coast beaches; lush rolling countryside dotted with quaint townships; rugged cattle country; mystical rainforests and deep river gorges disappearing up into the mountains.
Located between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, discover the region’s cultural diversity, magnifi cent beaches, fantastic eateries, famous markets and fabulous
galleries. Well within reach is the Gold Coast with its theme parks, nightlife and world-famous beaches.
At the heart of the Tweed Valley is the township of Murwillumbah. Murwillumbah is a classic Australian country town built to service the expansive sugar cane industry which developed late in the 19th century. Its architecture is a great mix of Edwardian and excellent examples of Art Deco with buildings that are up to a century old. For lovers of art and design, the town boasts the award-winning Tweed
River Art Gallery. Built in 2004, the gallery is sleek and modern, perched on a hilltop on the edge of town. The town and surrounding villages count over a dozen more galleries and artist’s studios.
Renowned for its cafes, restaurants and hotels, it is a great place to refuel and relax. Murwillumbah has over a dozen coffee shops and most of them serve very good coffee, which is somewhat unusual for a town of this size. The daytime cafe scene in Murwillumbah is vibrant with some excellent award-winning cafes. Try Sugar
North Coast Blues
The Northern Rivers region of NSW is an intriguing blend of old-school and new-age, where the world’s largest expanse of subtropical
rainforest meets mountains forged from ancient volcanoes.
St Helena near Byron Bay.Photo: Sharyn Cairns Destination NSW
NEW SOUTH WALES | Far North Coast
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WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 34 11/19/2012 12:29:19 PM
World-famous local markets include those at Byron Bay,
Bangalow, The Channon and Nimbin.
Beat or The New Leaf amongst many others. Watched over by the awe inspiring
majesty of Mount Warning, and surrounded by fi ve World Heritage National Parks, the countryside around Murwillumbah is a blend of rolling green hills and gently fl owing rivers, punctuated with pockets of sugar cane, banana plantations, hobby farms and small village communities. If you’re cooking for your own intimate dinners in the comfort of your own bungalow, you may want to purchase your fresh produce from the local traders.
Mt Warning NP - Northern Rivers NSWPhoto Grenville Turner Destination NSW
Murwillumbah countryside with Mt Warning in the distance.
Photo: Hamilton Lund Destination NSW
Couple trying on hats at Markets.Photo: Sharyn Cairns Destination NSW
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>>
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 35 11/19/2012 12:31:27 PM
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NEW SOUTH WALES | SydneyNEW SOUTH WALES | Far North Coast
Watched over by the awe inspiring majesty of Mount Warning, and surrounded by fi ve World Heritage National Parks, the countryside around Murwillumbah is a blend of rolling green hills and gently fl owing rivers.
The colourful markets of this alternative “rainbow region” are renowned as amongst the best in Australia. Every weekend there are art and craft, produce and farmers’ markets to visit on the Tweed coast, Tweed Valley hinterland, Byron Bay and Byron Bay hinterland. World-famous local markets include those at Byron Bay, Bangalow, The Channon and Nimbin.
Just 40 minutes’ drive south from Murwillumbah is the holiday mecca of Byron Bay. Byron is located at Australia’s easternmost point, 800km north of Sydney. Shop in the township, dine at one of the brilliant eateries or visit the renowned Byron Bay markets. The area benefi ts from a diversity of artists, fi lmmakers and writers. A highlight of the Byron calendar is the Annual East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, also called BluesFest. Next BluesFest will be held 28 March to 1 April 2013. It’s huge!
The coastline between Murwillumbah and Byron Bay has some of the world’s best surf beaches. Watch surfers enjoying world-class waves or stroll along an isolated stretch of white sand with hardly a person in sight. Byron Bay is internationally recognised as a must-visit destination.
In the Tweed Valley you can combine a world-class market, beach visit and National Park outing all in the same day!
Border Ranges National Park.Photo: Hamilton Lund Destination NSW
Belongil Beach in Byron Bay.Photo: Sharyn Cairns, Destination NSW
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 36 11/19/2012 12:32:34 PM
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES
This perfect romantic getaway is exclusively
for couples, with designer accommodation
set in stunning old-growth rainforest in the
gorgeously lush hinterland between Byron Bay
and the Gold Coast.
The luxurious retreat has cabins, bungalows
and Lodges, each in its own private setting,
which have been created with superb comfort
in mind. There are king beds, double spa baths,
fireplaces for cosy evenings, flat screen TVs,
polished timber floors and floor to ceiling glass
windows for uninterrupted views of the rainforest.
If you feel like indulging to the max, the
Luxury Lodges are over 150 square metres
of private retreat for one couple only, with
generous deck areas. The luxurious marble
bathrooms have a double spa or a large two
person solid marble bath and there’s a double-
sided fireplace between the bedroom and
living room; plus a heated plunge pool.
The privacy, luxury and simplicity could
be romantic enough, but your hosts go further,
offering you the opportunity to add to the
atmosphere with romantic touches such as
rose petal hearts on your bed and rose petal
trails leading to a romantic setting for a glass of
champagne, encircled by pole candles beneath
a 400-year-old fig tree on the 250 acre property,
complete with 8 kms of rainforest walks.
It isn’t surprising, then, that many couples
have chosen Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat
as their honeymoon destination or surprise
proposal location while others just adore it as a
romantic getaway, for time alone together. The
Romantic Package is an especially indulgent
extra – beginning with a walk just before dusk
during which time your hosts set your table with
a white table cloth, a dozen red roses, Moet on
ice and 100 candles to add the finishing touch to
the romantic mood. After dinner you retreat to
the candle lit spa. What could be more romantic
than that?
P: 02 6679 1591
W: www.ccrr.com.au
TARIFF: from $385-$645 couple/
night, minimum two nights.
Crystal Creek rainforest retreat
Tweed Valley
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 37 11/13/2012 5:03:43 PM
She lived on a banana plantation outside Coffs harbour, just eight kilometres as the crow flies from the Pacific Ocean.
Coffs Harbour is on the NSW north coast, 540 kilometres north of Sydney. With an average maximum summer temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, which drops to a mild 19 degrees in mid-winter, Coffs Harbour gets the scientists’ vote for the best climate in Australia. Toss in pristine beaches, a lush hinterland, fishing, golf courses, cavorting whales and the area has it all. The diving is excellent out of
Coffs Harbour, particularly off the Solitary Island Marine Park, where more than 100 different types of coral and numerous species of exotic fish can be seen.
So I’ve been coming to Coffs for a long time. Its natural beauty remains much as it did back then. From the banana-clad hills of the Great Dividing Range and the pristine beaches of the Pacific Ocean to the various national parks, nature reserves and state forests. A few kilometres north of Coffs is The Big Banana, which celebrates the fact that most of the state’s bananas are grown here.
Moving further south, between Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Urunga, forests such as Boambee State Forest and Orara State Forest are waiting to be explored. Bellingen is a country town classic, with faded weatherboard facades peering out from the verandas that line the main street. The town’s new age tendency is obvious. Bellingen is the centre of a lively community with a high percentage of performance artists, painters, sculptors and craft workers. It’s the sort of place where that girl from the Boambee Valley may now live.
I met a girl from the Boambee Valley once. We spent an idyllic time in an idyllic place, nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.
HinterlandCoffs Harbour,
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Coffs Harbour Hinterland
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 38 11/19/2012 12:33:46 PM
Welcome to a small, exclusive retreat that
nestles in one of the world’s most beautiful
valleys. Here, just eight kilometres from the
Pacific Ocean, nine secluded luxury cottages
put you in touch with the best of bush and
beach. Friday Creek Retreat is a boutique
resort in the Coffs Harbour hinterland that is
the perfect setting in which to spend quality
time with a loved one.
One of the joys of staying at this retreat
is the panoramic view that awaits you from
your elevated porch at sunrise – a lush valley,
meandering dairy cows, and a water lily pond
with a backdrop of mist-covered hills. It is
more like a slice of Umbria than sub tropical
Northern New South Wales. This may be why
the property has a growing reputation for
producing wine!
A highlight of Friday Creek Retreat is
the fact that it is a working vineyard. Their
specialty, Munoz Chambourcin is a smooth,
medium bodied wine grown from French
hybrid grapes that thrive in this valley! Its distinct
bouquet and flavour fall in the black cherry /
plum range with a spicy / gamy overlay.
Each of Friday Creek’s superb architect
designed cottages has been individually
decorated and includes romantic open fires,
polished timber floors, claw foot or spa baths
and well-equipped, self-contained kitchens.
The gourmet kitchen is freshly stocked with teas
and plunger coffee. Bathrooms and Queen Size
Bedrooms offer quality linen, electric blankets,
doonas, towels, robes and toiletries.
The rustic cabins are dotted throughout a
picturesque setting of over 100 acres with a state
forest at your doorstep. Friday Creek Retreat is
designed as a peaceful, relaxing environment
for couples. Enjoy rainforest walks, tennis or bass
fishing in the well-stocked lake or wile away the
hours in the hammock on your veranda.
You and your loved one can relax and
unwind in a private, self contained cottage
surrounded by unspoiled bushland while
enjoying a glass of the local Chambourcin.
All this is just fifteen minutes from Coffs
Harbour, its pristine beaches and near perfect
sub-tropical climate.
Your hosts: Bill and Rossi Muñoz
267 Friday Creek Road
Upper Orara NSW 2450
Australia
Phone: 1800 686 817
Fax: +61 2 6653 8535
W: www.fridaycreek.com
Friday Creek retreatUpper Orara
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Sydney | NEW SOUTH WALES Upper Orara
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 39 11/19/2012 12:36:05 PM
With everything in the one resort, a weekend at Thredbo is easy. The only difficult thing will
be choosing your adventure for the day. Mountain biking, golf, tennis, scenic chair rides, fly fishing, walks and more. No matter what the pace or what the style, you won’t be short of finding things to do in Thredbo.
Thredbo and the Snowy Mountains offer fly fishing, boat fishing, trout fishing, and even naked fishing if you find the right location! You can hire fishing boats and fishing tackle, purchase fishing gear and fishing lures. With expert guides no
experience is necessary. The Snowy Mountains is a great
location to bike ride. Some say it’s as good as mountain biking in Italy. Riding around Lake Jindabyne on the bike path is a great outing. Step up for the legendary Cannonball Run at Thredbo. Hire a bike and cycle the Cascade Fire Trail or ride to Tom Groggin in the heart of the Kosciusko National Park.
A bushwalk in the mountains or Kosciuszko National Park near Jindabyne is the best way to enjoy the alpine air and spectacular views. The most popular walk is the Kosciuszko walk from the top of the Crackenback chairlift at Thredbo to
Mount Kosciuszko. Where else in the world can you walk to the top of the country’s highest mountain?
Guided bushwalks feature fully catered, in-field, star-covered, overnight campsites. Experience the beauty of the mountains in the Kosciuszko National Park with local guides to show you the way and carry your equipment! You can see glacial lakes and Australia’s highest peak in a unique alpine setting. At the end of the day the guides will prepare your dinner around a star-covered campsite. Now that’s my kind of camping!
Thredbo is the standout resort village in alpine Australia.
Horseman with three horses. Photo: Mike Newling, Destination NSW
Snowy Mountains.Thredbo,
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NEW SOUTH WALES | Thredbo, Snowy Mountains
WE42#50_08-41_NSW.indd 40 11/19/2012 12:34:43 PM
Welcome to Thredbo’s finest accommodation.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Thredbo Village,
the Denman Hotel is a warm and inviting boutique
hotel. It is well-appointed with cosy rooms, The
Terrace restaurant, historic Après Bar and boasts
breathtaking views of the mountain. The Denman
Hotel is the ideal retreat to simply relax and enjoy
all that Thredbo has to offer.
Whether you’re coming for the snow or simply
looking to enjoy the beauty of the mountains,
The Denman Hotel ticks all the boxes in Australia’s
Snowy Mountains. Non snow activities include the
scenic hike to Mt Kosciuszko, mountain bike riding,
fly-fishing the Snowy River or guided wildlife tours.
The Terrace Restaurant is one of the best
casual eateries in Thredbo Village. Expect a truly
memorable and relaxed dining experience with
dishes that will have your tastebuds yellingfor more.
For decades the Après Bar has been a Thredbo
institution. From the stunning onyx bar to the
Florence Broadhurst wall panels, you could be in
a chic city cocktail lounge. Pre or post dinner, it
is the place to be. The Après Bar is the perfect
venue to relax and meet up with friends.
Veuve Clicquot and The Denman Hotel
present the ultimate skiing indulgence – a
champagne picnic in the snow on the
spectacular slopes of Thredbo in the Snowy
Mountains. The Denman’s famous Picnic in the
Snow takes place on Saturday 4th August. Enjoy
flowing Clicquot champagne and a picnic lunch
with the option to ski the stunning Dead Horse
Gap off piste run.
After all this, relax and surrender to the
best in Thredbo Spas. Immerse yourself in
the tranquil surroundings of The Denman Day
SPA. Their personalised treatments will ensure
you leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and
totally pampered from your weekend in the
snowy mountains.
The Denman Hotel
21 Diggings Terrace
Thredbo Village NSW 2625
P +61 2 6457 6222
F +61 2 6457 6461
The Denman hoTelThredbo
Thredbo | NEW south WalEs
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QUEENSLAND | Gold Coast
It is both sophisticated and rustic. A city eager to change, yet reluctant to abandon its old ways!
Brisbane offers a wide variety of activities to keep you entertained from restaurants and cafes, to shopping arcades, fun parks, spectacular white sand beaches and lush rainforests. Located between the mountains and the sea, it provides almost limitless opportunities for day and weekend excursions. Brisbane has grown to become Australia’s third largest city, and an important industrial and commercial centre.
Brisbane is a city full of contradictions. It’s a place of shorts and thongs and high finance.
Buzzing Brisbane is
Brisbane is a city for the senses; walking under impossibly blue skies around this foot-friendly city opens up a world of experiences. A well planned series of paths and bridges connect the city centre to South Bank, as well as the many urban villages that line the river’s edge as it bends around the city, its parks and skyscrapers.
Welcome to a city where you are free to be whoever you want to be! Where you can experience world-class exhibitions at Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art
and indulge in the country’s premier live music scene, The Valley… all in one day! From “The Valley” to the cool and left-of-centre community of the West End, each urban village has its own personality, yet they’re all filled with unique shopping precincts, cafes, restaurants, galleries and smiling locals enjoying the Brisbane sun.
You’ll love these buzzing urban villages with live music, the coolest cafes and an eclectic array of the finest restaurants. Keep an eye on Brisbane’s events’ calendar for huge international sporting >>
QUEENSLAND | Brisbane
WE42#50_42-57_QLD.indd 42 11/19/2012 1:00:58 PM
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Weding Vow Renewal
Brisbane is a city for the senses; walking under impossibly blue skies around this foot-friendly city opens up a world of experiences.
Brisbane | QUEENSLAND
Photos courtesy Tourism Queensland
WE42#50_42-57_QLD.indd 43 11/19/2012 1:01:33 PM
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Fresh catch of seafood
events, exciting festivals as well as live performances at Queensland’s premier shopping precinct, the Queen Street Mall.
Here the ever-busy baristas fill the air with an irresistible temptation that is hard to escape and the welcome mix of visitors and the business set create a lively thoroughfare. The Queen Street Mall is Queensland’s largest retail precinct with over 700 specialty shops, restaurants, cinemas and live music. There is also the constant spectacle of an array of outdoor festivals, events and attractions created for Brisbane’s famous sub-tropical weather.
Check out two of the most significant heritage sites in Brisbane, Old Government House and the Botanical Gardens of Mount Coot-tha. Located within the grounds of Queensland University of Technology’s Gardens Point Campus, Old Government House is one of Queensland’s most significant heritage buildings. Completed in 1862, it was the home of Queensland’s governors until 1910. Several rooms now house
interpretive displays telling the story of the House and of those who lived and worked here.
Next, visit the Brisbane Botanical
Gardens Mount Coot-tha, which opened in 1976. This modern botanical garden complex at the foot of Mount Coot-tha features over 5,000 species of plants from around the world. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea at the Kuta Cafe with amazing views over Brisbane. Explore the Tropical Display Dome, the famous Japanese House and the popular Fern House Gardens.
Now imagine being right in the heart of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers, as you experience your own river adventure. Go kayaking, roller-blading or hold your breath as you abseil twenty metres down the twenty million year old Kangaroo Point Cliffs. What other city CBD area could you do that in?
There is a memorable Brisbane experience for everyone. Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing city – come and see why!
Love the buzzing urban villages with live music, the coolest cafes and an eclectic array of the finest restaurants
Photos courtesy of Tourism Queensland
Brisbane
WE42#50_42-57_QLD.indd 44 11/19/2012 1:02:52 PM
Imagine! You are in New York staying in a
beautifully appointed sub-penthouse. You look
out the window at “Macy’s” department store
and are just one block from “5th Avenue”. But
look again. . .
Surveying Royal Albert Boutique Hotel in the
heritage listed Perry House; you can’t help but
think that this building would be right at home
in Manhattan. Completed 99 years ago (1913),
Perry House was the tallest building in Brisbane for
many years. An icon, Perry House stands proud
in the heart of the city.
As soon as you walk through the double
doors that majestically open before you, you
feel like you are in New York. Gone is the hustle
and bustle of the city. Inside you find peace and
tranquillity. Inside you will find a friendly greeting.
From the painted timber panelling to the
stylish lounges and the backlit onyx reception
desk, you feel transported to another world, or at
least another continent.
At 130 m2 the spacious two bedroom Royal
Albert sub-penthouses are each furnished in an
individual style, ranging from modern to South of
France to Tuscany. They are the touch of luxury
that you and yours deserve. These apartments
are also popular with brides to be.
Just over the road from the Myer Centre and
the Queen Street Mall, the Royal Albert is the
perfect base to sample Brisbane’s restaurants,
explore the parks and gardens, or cruise along
the Brisbane River. Treat yourself to a night at
the theatre; discover our collection of William
Torrance paintings, shop til you drop or even curl
up with the latest thriller from Dymocks (just next
door).
The Royal Albert – New York ambiance,
Brisbane hospitality. Let your imagination run wild.
Royal albeRtBrisbane
Brisbane | quEEnsland
Sub-penthouses
P: +61 7 3291 8888
F: +61 7 3229 7705
W: www.royalalbert.com.au
Tariff: Sub-penthouses from
$320 per night.
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QUEENSLAND | Gold Coast
Incredibly, this paradise exists only twenty five kilometres from the city. From June to November charters take passengers within metres of the
acrobatic displays of the mighty Humpback whales.
On Brisbane’s doorstep, the wide expanse of Moreton Bay, its numerous islands, wetlands, seagrass meadows and sandy beaches make it a haven for wildlife and people. One of these islands, Macleay Island, is connected to the mainland by passenger ferries and vehicular barges
which operate from Redland Bay. Why not laze on a beach, try your luck at fishing, play a round of golf, or take a picnic across to one of the other islands? Macleay Island is a scenic residential island in the relaxed waters of Southern Moreton Bay. Swimming, boating, strolls along the beach or a walk through the small strand of rainforest are relaxing options. Both the barge and the passenger ferry arrive at jetties next to each other on Macleay Island.
The Moreton Bay Marine Park extends from Caloundra south to the Gold
Coast Seaway. It protects a range of marine and coastal environments including rocky shores, internationally significant wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows and sandy beaches. These habitats provide important seasonal resources for migratory wading birds, humpback whales and marine turtles. Permanent resident species include dolphins, dugong, shorebirds, grey nurse sharks and various fish species.
Turtles and dugongs are protected by additional “go slow” areas where vessels must travel at slower speeds to give wildlife a chance to move out of the way. Wildlife are not the only one’s who “go slow” in the marine park. Visitors to the islands escaping the hustle and bustle of Brisbane are looking to join the “go slow” crowd as well.
Moreton Bay, Brisbane’s very own marine park, is recognised as one of the world’s best whale watching spots.
Brisbane.Moreton Bay,
WE42#50_42-57_QLD.indd 46 11/19/2012 1:04:36 PM
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Gold Coast | QUEENSLAND
Sunset Waters is the holiday house of dreams –
a masterpiece purpose-built for guests to enjoy
the tranquil coastal environment of Macleay
Island, nestled mid-way between The Gold
Coast and bustling Brisbane.
At Sunset Waters, all there is between you
and the ever changing sea and sky is floor-
to-ceiling glass. Sliding doors and large shady
decks are designed to bring the outside in,
creating a relaxing environment.
High raked ceilings, open plan design and
ceiling fans circulate the cooling island breezes,
while oriental furnishings and warm natural
materials help create a calm, sub-tropical feel.
Even the superbly-appointed kitchen has
panoramic views of the gentle waters and the
hinterland beyond.
Sunset Waters is a house perfect for one or
two couples. The upstairs master bedroom suite,
overlooks Moreton Bay and has sliding doors
opening to a private deck, an ideal place for
lingering over holiday breakfast or sipping
champagne under the stars. The second
of three bedrooms also has a queen-size
bed and deck, with sweeping views to the
mainland. Awaken to the gently lapping
water and watch the sea eagles soaring
above.
A walkway leads from Sunset Waters to
the foreshore below. Visit Dalpurra Beach just
5 minutes drive away, fish the calm waters of
Redland Bay or, as many guests have done
previously, bring your own boat and explore
the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Most guests arrive in their own car by
barge from Redland Bay. With just over 2,000
residents, Macleay Island offers boat hire,
golf & bowls clubs and a variety of places to
dine, including The Blue Parrot Restaurant.
However, on a beautiful night, nothing beats
a barbeque on the deck of your beautiful
holiday house, while the fishing boats pass by.
P: 0425 714 753
W: www.sunsetwaters.net
TARIFF: from $395 for a 2 night
weekend including a 4pm
checkout on Sunday.
sUNsET WATERsMacleay Island
Brisbane - Moreton Bay | QUEENSLAND QUEENSLAND | Brisbane - Moreton Bay
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Montville
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland
With an average elevation of 450 metres, the cooler climate offers unique attractions in each of
the different seasons. These charming, historic towns and villages of Maleny, Montville and surrounding areas, are rich with skilled artisans, innovative professionals and vibrant businesses, all passionate about their local community and environment..
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is a nature lover’s paradise with its diversity of flora and fauna. Pristine, sub tropical rainforests, are easily accessible. Visitors enjoy towering trees and sparkling waterfalls along with an abundance of
The beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland is not much more than an hour north of Brisbane and only 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
native plants and wildlife. All on one of the many well maintained nature trails and walks. Close to Montville is the Kondalilla National Park. Kondalilla is indigenous for ‘rushing waters’ and is home to scenic walks and spectacular waterfalls. It is ideal for a picnic, a swim, or just to escape into the cool rainforest. The nearby Baroon Pocket Dam is a recreational facility ideal for boating, fishing and picnicking.
The gentle Obi Obi boardwalk in Maleny provides a calm and tranquil experience for all. There is even the chance to see elusive platypus early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The beautiful Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers spectacular views of the
ancient volcanic outcrops that make up the awe-inspiring Glasshouse Mountains. Keen walkers can experience first hand life under the rainforest canopy on one of the many safe walks. The area is home to many unique Australian species; animals such as koalas, platypus and kangaroos; birdlife including whipbirds, kookaburras and wedge tailed eagles; and of course ancient rainforest trees and plants.
Montville is the perfect place to spend a few days with your walking boots and binoculars, discovering the lush green paradise. The town is a popular short break destination for people from Brisbane and is famous for its parks. Popular attractions include galleries, restaurants,
QUEENSLAND l Sunshine Coast Hinterland
WE42#50_42-57_QLD.indd 48 11/20/2012 1:28:19 PM
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The Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The perfect place to spend a few days with your walking boots and binoculars, discovering the lush green paradise
wineries, cheese factories and craft and clothing shops. Montville is becoming very popular as a romantic destination for weddings at its many resorts, B&B’s, wineries and restaurants.
Montville has a true village charm. You will find a pleasant blend of Tudor, Irish and English cottages of log or stone, Swiss and Bavarian chalets, an old mill water-wheel, colonial and old Queenslanders and of course, a spectacular panoramic view over the coastal plain. Montville offers award-winning restaurants, tea rooms and cafes, both indoor and out, where you can relax and enjoy a wide variety of menus. Some are ethnic, some traditional, all
wholesome and using the local fresh tropical produce.
Montville is known by some as the creative heart of the Sunshine Coast. Experience the myriad art galleries, pottery studios, craft cottages, fashion
houses, gift and antique shops where you will find that ‘something different’. Each Christmas the length of the Main Street is illuminated with coloured festoon lights for the enjoyment of evening visitors.
It’s very pretty.
Photos courtesy Tourism Queensland
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50 weekendsfortwo.com.au
QUEENSLAND | Gold Coast
Hidden on a hill in the lush Noosa hinterland
lays a place that is part retreat, part European
estate and part luxury lodge. It is Spicers
Clovelly Estate, your intimate Sunshine Coast
hideaway. From the moment you drive through
the gates, you know you’ve arrived somewhere
special. The stately 22 acres of grounds are
filled with grand figs, shaded jacarandas and
groves of magnolias and gardenias. They soon
make you forget that you are just 90 minutes
from Brisbane. The stunning French-provincial
architecture of the main house invokes the
feeling that you could be in the heart of
Provence, France instead of 30 minutes from
the beaches of Noosa. Oui!
Spicers Clovelly Estate’s ten luxurious suites
and French Cottage have been designed
with comfort as the first priority. With beautiful
modern French furnishings and luxurious linens,
every room is an oasis of calm.
George Bernard Shaw once said: “there
is no love more sincere than the love of food”
and that is certainly true at Spicers Clovelly
Estate. Seasonal menus designed by chef
Cameron Matthews are driven by the region’s
abundance of fresh local produce combined
with classic European flavours. From coffee and
cake on the terrace, to dining in the in-house
French restaurant, The Long Apron, or simply an
old-fashioned Pimms in front of the fire, Spicers
Clovelly Estate truly is a feast for the senses.
The Long Apron not only boasts exquisite
French inspired food but elegant decor
highlighted by polished timber floors and
stunning French doors leading to an outside
courtyard that is ideal for dining al fresco.
Awards such as 2 Chef Hats, Regional Restaurant
of the Year and Best Prestige restaurant indicate
The Long Apron is being recognised.
The restaurant also gives you the opportunity
For reservations call:
1300 836 822 or email:
Spicers Clovelly Estate
68 Balmoral Road
Montville
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
QLD 4560
SpicerS clovelly eStateMontville
QUEENSLAND | Sunshine Coast Hinterland
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Gold Coast | QUEENSLAND
to dine as the French do, by sharing a delicious
meal over the French Table. This table has a view of
the kitchen and is the perfect place to enjoy great
conversation, fine wine and a five course meal
featuring beautifully presented central platters filled
with hearty seafood bouillabaisse, cassoulet, duck
confit, wagyu bourguignon and slow-cooked leg of
lamb. They are followed by desserts such as chocolate
terrine and tarte au citron before finishing with a large
central Fromagerie board featuring Australian and
French cheeses. The French Table provides the ideal
alternative to set menus. Vive la France!
Sunshine Coast Hinterland |queenSlAnd
The long Apron Cooking School, run by chef Cameron
Matthews, holds cooking classes where you can cook, eat,
laugh and learn how to make some of Cameron’s truly
incredible dishes. Participants learn how to produce dishes
such as free range chicken and asparagus terrine; chicken
in salt crust with hay, grapes and mushrooms; pork rillettes
and caramelised shallot tarte tatin with goats’ cheese.
enjoy your creations at lunch under the Jacaranda tree on
the beautiful grounds of Spicers Clovelly estate. All classes
are inclusive of lunch with wine.
To book, call 1300 252 380 or email clovelly@
spicersgroup.com.au
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The town overlooks South-East Queensland’s amazing Glasshouse Mountains. The Glasshouse Mountains were so named by
Captain Cook when he first viewed them on May 17, in the year of 1770 from offshore. The reflections and shape of the mountains reminded him of the glass manufacturing houses in England. The Maleny area was a great attraction to early settlers because of the vast amount of timber available, especially the giant cedar trees.
Maleny is an area of spectacular views and stands of lush rain forest. It was initially a timber region but is now better known for its tourist activities. The area is a craft paradise and home to many artists and art galleries. It is also an area of interest to the eco-tourist.
Time your visit and you’ll strike one of Maleny’s quirky annual events such as the Festival of Colour or Chainsaw to Fine Furniture. For bookworms there are festivals and workshops. Film buffs should check out the acclaimed Maleny
Film Society showing thought-provoking movies every second Saturday.
Every road is a scenic route and driving or biking is a pleasure. Venture into Mary Cairncross Park to explore a living nature museum: one of the world’s great panoramas and an enchanting stroll through 50 hectares of untouched rainforest. Sail, canoe and fish on spectacular Lake Baroon or take an easy walk and maybe a swim at Gardener’s Falls.
To the South are magnificent views of the monolithic peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains. To the West are the majestic ranges of the Conondale National Park and town of Kenilworth in the beautiful Mary River Valley.
Above all...Maleny is a place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The unique rural community of Maleny is perched high above the Sunshine Coast beaches on the Blackall Range between Brisbane and Noosa.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Maleny,
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At Lillypilly’s Country Cottages your comfort and
well-being is their priority. A charming, elegant,
well-appointed private country cottage will
yield a wonderfully restful and stress-free stay.
All studio-style cottages have queen size beds;
double spa baths; separate ensuite showers;
log fires; air conditioning; kitchenettes; a cosy
lounge area and open verandahs.
The Lakeview cottages will have you
mesmerized by the magnificent panorama.
Watch the sun disappear from the horizon.
Be enthralled by the magical lush landscape
of Lake Baroon and the countryside beyond.
Alternatively, be subdued by the sounds of
the tropical garden rainforest where the birds,
cicadas, and frogs can be heard singing
mightily, especially at dusk.
At Lillypilly’s you have the rare opportunity
to delight in exquisite meals without having to
leave your own private oasis. Experience the
romantic intimacy of dining in a “restaurant” just
for two, when your sumptuous candlelit dinner is
served to your individual cottage, each course
at a time. With more than 35 years of culinary
experience, Chef Josef will provide you with
mouth-watering taste sensations.
Lillypilly’s Afterglow Sanctuary offers a
unique blend of treatment therapies that are
effective in promoting change to both mind
and body. They advocate a holistic approach
to health and healing. The in-house wellness
programs incorporate a range of treatment
options tailored to meet individual needs.
The intake consultation will begin with an
Ayurveda assessment so that your body’s
natural strengths and weaknesses can be
discussed. The treatment options include
Ayurveda purification therapies, counselling,
hypnotherapy, and a range of rejuvenating
massage and skin therapies.
All your wholesome meals are cooked
by Chef Josef according to your treatment
program and dietary needs. Tasty, nutritious
foods are prepared specifically for you. The
combination, quality and quantity of the food
you eat is directly related to the efficiency
of your body. Healthy food strengthens your
immune system thereby helping to protect you
from illness and disease.
Early morning yoga and meditation
sessions are integrated into the wellness
programs, for our in-house guests.
Lillypilly’s Country Cottages
and Health Retreat
584 Maleny-Montville Road
Maleny QLD 4552
P: (07) 5494 3002
W; www.lillypillys.com.au
LiLLypiLLy’s Country CottagesMaleny
queensland | Maleny
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With an inspiring dining scene and year-round warm and sunny climate, Noosa is the ideal place to kick back
and escape from it all! The best thing about Noosa is that
there is so much to do. You will need to come back again and again to make sure you experience everything. From its natural beauty, brilliant weather, amazing shopping, top restaurants, bars
and eateries to the many fantastic outdoor activities, there is so much to explore and discover in Noosa.
With some of the best surfing spots and breaks in Australia, and a National Park as your view from the water, this is truly a sensational place to wax up your board and relax in the waves.
Make sure you bring your walking shoes on any visit to Noosa. The Noosa National Park is situated at the end of
Hastings Street and features spectacular coastal scenery and provides a home for many animals including koalas and birds.
One of the most difficult decisions in Noosa is which beach to lay down your towel and pop up your beach umbrella. There are endless choices.
Hastings Street has an exquisite range of restaurants, bars and cafes offering a choice of dining options. Choose beachfront or on the street, perfect for watching passers by.
Noosa offers a multitude of Day Spas and beauty salons, perhaps just a week of pampering is all you need to feel all the wonders of Noosa!
Visit Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout for a spectacular 360 degree view of Noosa and the surrounding hinterland. It is a short 15 minute drive from Hastings Street. You’ll love it.
Noosa, with its beautiful beaches, lush green hinterland, stunning coastal national park, pristine river, cosmopolitan lifestyle and lively calendar of events all adds up to an unforgettable escape.
Sunshine Coast.Noosa Heads,
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Laid-back and leafy, Noosa is ideal for a rejuvenating getaway at any time of year. Beautiful beaches and waterways are bordered by national parks and forests, making it the perfect place for outdoor adventures and a range of touring choices. I have been travelling “up the coast” to Noosa every year for many years and have developed my own personal therapeutic routine: Eat, Sleep, Surf, Sun, Eat, Sleep, Surf, Sun, etc, etc. Works a treat!
It’s not all about relaxation in Noosa. From beachfront horse rides and hitting the waves on a board, to boating experiences, cooking schools or a round of golf, there’s something just right for all levels of adventure. Holidays are also about treating yourself to the good things in life and leaving your daily worries behind, and there are plenty of pampering possibilities in Noosa! Noosa has a range of world class health and wellbeing services on offer.
Some people visit Noosa so often that they decide to simply move there, including some of the world’s most talented restaurateurs and chefs. People like expatriate New Yorker Jim Berardo, doyen of Noosa restaurateurs whose establishments are a regular part of my Noosa regime. They have given the seaside haven, already known for its cuisine, a delicious new flavour. Dine beachside with ocean views and sea breezes, wind down with a relaxing meal overlooking the Noosa River or get amongst the eclectic choices in Sunshine or Peregian Beach. Indulge in some holiday retail therapy at stylish boutiques and outdoor markets.
Noosa’s annual calendar of events means there really is something to celebrate all year around. From sporting and music events to the arts and food and wine, Noosa makes a festival of all the best things in life!
For a full calendar of events, or to start planning your next Noosa getaway, go to visitnoosa.com.au or call 1 3000 NOOSA.
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They retain the charm of their nineteenth century prominence as popular destinations for Melbourne city dwellers. Olinda
is only thirty six kilometres east from Melbourne’s central business district and named after Olinda Creek, which begins in the township. It is in the scenic
Dandenong Ranges, situated between Mount Dandenong and the villages of Sassafras and Kallista.
Hop from brunch to late lunch to dinner in Sassafras’s cafes and restaurants. Take Devonshire tea at Miss Marples tea room, an authentic English cottage inspired by Agatha
Christie. Between meals browse in the antique stores and local specialist shops. Pick up local wine and produce at Ripe, or Sassafras General Store and Café. Grab a teapot souvenir from Tea Leaves.
The Dandenong Ranges National Park covers a significant area of Olinda, and offers visitors many walking tracks, BBQ and picnic facilities, and natural attractions such as the Olinda Falls.
Many exquisite gardens can be found in Olinda. The National Rhododendron Gardens consist of 43 hectares of scenic parkland which feature blazing colours of daffodils, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas during the spring, set amongst lakes and lawns with lookouts, a cafe and display hall.
Olinda is well renowned for its collection of craft and antique shops, boutique restaurants and cafes. It also offers stylish accommodations which are tucked away in secluded spots along the many forest roads in the area. A good example is reviewed on the page opposite.
Follow the well-worn road to a weekend away in Olinda and Sassafras.
Dandenong Ranges.Olinda & Sassafras,
Photos Courtesy Tourism Victoria
VICTORIA | Dandenong Ranges
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Gippsland Lakes | VICTORIA
“Romance is the winner in every way”
It takes next to no time to reveal why
Cottages Monreale has won so many Tourism
Awards, including being inducted into Tourism
Victoria’s Hall of Fame. It’s simply a superior
experience in every respect. You’ll find privacy,
serious luxury and quality, all within the
wonderful setting of Sassafras/Olinda in the
beautiful Dandenong Ranges.
Romance is sure to follow you to Monreale!
You’ll be in a world of your own from the
moment you arrive at Monreale. From the
water features in the gardens set in three acres
of magical fern tree rain forest, to your cottage
that blends into this natural setting which is truly
marvellous. There are double spa baths with
stunning garden views, romantic bedrooms
with the finest of linens and soft furnishings, fully
equipped kitchens, polished timber floors, soaring
cathedral ceilings, log fires and unmatched
views over gardens from all parts of the interior.
Whatever the occasion, Monreale looks
simply stunning in all seasons. In autumn you’ll
delight in the vivid colours of the aged English
trees, from bright reds to every shade of yellow
imaginable; in winter it’s the ghostly bare
trees against the backdrop of mist and giant
mountain ash. Spring time brings in the colours
of a new growth of large rhododendrons,
pretty azaleas and a variety of coloured bulbs.
Summer brings cool shady trees and the trout
ponds surrounded by acres of tree ferns. The
birdlife is spectacular and can be enjoyed from
the privacy and comfort of your verandah.
Cheryl’s gourmet hampers which are
delivered to your cottage are legendary.
The delicious food complimented by a private
massage becomes a decadent indulgence in
your private heaven. Select from a varied menu
of hot and cold dishes celebrating the best in
local produce. There’s plenty to see and do in
the local villages, but if your idea of a perfect
break is having luxury come to you, why not
try our indulgence pack in the comfort of your
cottage or retreat. Monreale will be your best
idea this year.
cottages MonrealeSassafras Olinda
81 The Crescent
Sassafras
Dandenong Ranges, VIC 3787
P: +61 3 9755 1773
F: +61 3 9755 2729
W: www.cottagesmonreale.com.au
WE42#50_58-65_VIC.indd 57 11/19/2012 1:21:58 PM
It’s a scenic town nestled between the Yarra River and the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. The fact it is so close to Melbourne makes it an
attractive day trip or weekend getaway. The tree-lined commercial centre of
Yarra Glen includes a recreational reserve along the northern bank of the Yarra River and is particularly attractive in autumn. Yarra Glen owes its quaint appeal and natural charm to the stunning local views.
The town itself is set amongst the fertile rolling hills of the Yarra Valley and home to a large number of vineyards. In fact it was here that the first wine in
Victoria was grown. The main white wine grape varieties grown are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz in red wines. Be sure to visit local wineries and enjoy a cellar door experience second to none. Greet the winemakers and taste some of the finest wines on offer, whilst enjoying the peace of naturally stunning vistas.
The Yarra Valley has great restaurants and cafes all over. Eleonores at Chateau Yering provides fine dining in an elegant setting, and there are great restaurants and cafes associated with most of the
wineries. Yarra Glen is known primarily as a wine town, but visitors are often surprised by the quality of the food. It would be hard to leave town while still hungry!
If you are pressed for time, you can absorb a fair measure of heritage and sample the local wine varieties without leaving the township. Built in stucco in 1888, the Grand Hotel is certainly one of grandest old buildings in town and it also doubles as the cellar door for the Yarra Glen Vineyard.
Yarra Glen is a town in Victoria, 40 km north-east from Melbourne’s central business district.
Photos courtesy Tourism Victoria.
So Close to Melbourne.Yarra Glen,
VICTORIA | Yarra Glen
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WE42#50_58-65_VIC.indd 58 11/19/2012 1:33:30 PM
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa is one
of Australia’s great small vineyards. It is set in
the Yarra Valley and only a leisurely one hour’s
drive or approximately 65 km from Melbourne’s
CBD and the airport. Balgownie Estate Vineyard
Resort & Spa is ideally situated in the heart of the
Yarra Valley amongst the vines. Magical views
provide the perfect back drop to any occasion.
A luxury resort boasting 69 superbly
appointed contemporary guest suites, a
purpose built conference centre with executive
boardrooms, Rae’s Restaurant, Cellar Door,
Natskin Spa Retreat, Health Club, Tennis Court,
volleyball net and a 1.6 km walking trail will
keep you occupied.
The 4.5 star accommodations are
comprised of spacious and sophisticated
guest suites and rooms which overlook the
magnificent Yarra Valley. All accommodation
rooms are elegantly appointed with soft
furnishings, muted colour ways and subtle
mood lighting. Our renowned One Bedroom
Spa Suites offer guests the ultimate indulgence
including a separate bedroom with king size
bed, large spa bathroom, kitchenette and
dining table with a private balcony to take
in the magnificent vista of the valley. Two
Bedroom Apartments offer two bedrooms, large
kitchenette and two bathrooms.
Tantalise your taste buds with an
unforgettable dining experience at Rae’s
Restaurant, where the Executive Chef proudly
incorporates the best local produce from
the Valley. Rae’s offers diners a choice of an
exclusive private dining room, degustation
menu or alfresco dining on the terrace
overlooking their Pinot Noir Vines.
When you’ve experienced all Balgownie
Estate has to offer, make sure you leave time to
explore the wide backyard of the Yarra Valley
with its galleries, winery tours, markets, museums
and antiques or enjoy a hot air balloon sunrise
with Global Ballooning. It is an experience
to remember.
Balgownie Estate Vineyard
Resort & Spa
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Address: 1309 Melba Highway
(corner Gulf Rd),
Yarra Glen VIC 3775
Phone: +61 3 9730 0700
Fax: +61 3 9730 0750
Email: enquiry@
balgownieestate.com.au
Website: www.
balgownieestate.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.
com/Balgownie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/
BalgownieEstate
balgownie estate vineyard resort & sPa
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley | VICTORIA
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VICTORIA | Gippsland Lakes
A leisurely three and a half hour drive south of Perth, it has a temperate climate which makes it a pleasant place
to be year round. Springtime shines with vibrant greens, exotic orchids and wildflowers, while summer seduces with warm, white, sandy beaches and crystal clear oceans. During the autumn months, the vines display a palate of rusted reds, golden yellows and burnt orange colours, while winter provides an opportunity to be inspired by whales playing in the
sheltered bays. Whale watching is a unique and natural encounter not to be missed. Southern Right and Humpback whales are sighted in this region from June to September.
It’s been a mere 45 years since the first vines were planted, but perfect growing conditions have enabled Margaret River to quickly become one of the world’s great fine wine regions. Few locations are so suited to producing premium wine. Celebrated as one of the world’s most conducive areas for producing chardonnay
it’s here you will find wines of great intensity, length and character. The region is possibly even more highly regarded for its cabernet sauvignon and cabernet blends, prized for their dense fruit flavours, multi-layered complexity and cellaring potential. With over 150 wine producers in the region you are spoilt for choice.
Go underground to explore the incredible limestone formations that lie beneath the Cape Naturaliste Ridge. Jewel, Lake and Mammoth Caves are among the most renowned caves in Australia and are open year round.
The Margaret River region is unique for many reasons. Whether it is the picture perfect beaches, forests and vineyards, indulgent food and wine, or finding your own secret spot, it will create a special place in your heart
Margaret River is a town in south Western Australia, located in the valley of the eponymous Margaret River.
Margaret River
Photos Courtesy Tourism WA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | Margaret River
WE42#50_58-65_VIC.indd 60 11/19/2012 1:42:53 PM
Losari Retreat has gained a reputation as one of
Margaret River’s best boutique spa retreats while
still maintaining its gentle, magical rhythm of life.
This luxury retreat offers six secluded villas, all
architecturally designed for optimum privacy
and set within 66 acres of stunningly landscaped
grounds bordered by the National Park. This very
private retreat is for those seeking tranquillity and
privacy. Many couples get engaged at Losari
then return on their anniversaries.
Hidden under one hundred year old
peppermint trees, the villas are situated high on
the hillside to take advantage of views across the
lake and surrounding countryside. Experience
Rain dance showers, a cappuccino machine,
massage and beauty treatments, in-house
breakfast, large private Jacuzzi spas overlooking
the lake, fountains, a granite stone bridge over
the waterway and groves of assorted European
and native trees. Whichever villa you choose,
you’ll revel in a very private world where every
detail has been carefully conceived.
Everything about Losari Retreat invites
luxurious relaxation. Mood lighting and
underfloor heating create a warm ambiance
in a contemporary bathroom with its dual
rain dance showers and European Laufen
handmade vanity. The king size retreat bed
draped in luxurious Egyptian linen captures
views of the lake, deciduous trees and
undulating countryside.
Radiating in the warmth of the Eco Fire,
the expansive caesar stone kitchen features
everything you need to create a sumptuous
meal. Enjoy the authentic dining experience
of your own personal in villa chef. Individual
four course menus incorporating the freshest
produce that the Margaret River region has to
offer. Create a special memory for two under
the stars in your own private restaurant amid the
soft glow of candles and the sounds of nature.
On your private outdoor entertaining area, relax
with a magazine on the daybed, or enjoy the
hot spa overlooking the freshwater lake.
In a place of such intrinsic beauty, it is a
bonus that Losari is in the heart of the Margaret
River wine region. Losari Retreat is a reason
to board a plane and head west just for the
experience. It is a place of private luxury and
tranquillity under ten minutes from Margaret
River and central to all the great wineries,
caves, restaurants and world class beaches.
Kerry Warburton
Losari Retreat
498 Osmington Road
Margaret River WA 6285
Phone: 08 9757 3630
Mobile: 0417 946 252
losari retreatMargaret River
weekendsfortwo.com.au 61
Gippsland Lakes | VICTORIAMargaret River | wesTeRn AusTRAlIA
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It is the last town before Cradle Mountain which is another twenty minute’s drive south. Cradle Mountain is a mountain in the Cradle
Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park rising 1,545 metres above sea level. It is a spectacularly beautiful area in the heart of Tasmania which is ideal for bushwalking.
Stroll from cascading rivers to dense, old-growth rainforest in just twenty minutes on the Enchanted Walk, or take most of the day to tackle the summit. The summit is a strenuous return hike from the Dove Lake car park with a recommended
time of about 6.5 hours. From the summit, there is a spectacular 360° view, encompassing Dove Lake, Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa. Cradle Mountain is the central feature of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of Tasmania’s World Heritage area. The park covers an area characterised by a rugged, glaciated landscape with over twenty five major peaks and a wide range of glacial formations. Glacial lakes, U-shaped valleys and waterfalls form spectacular scenery. In 1982 Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park along with the Franklin and Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park were placed on the
prestigious world heritage list.Today the area is a model of an
accessible wilderness region. There are numerous walking huts, a wide range of day and overnight walks through the mountains, a road to the edge of Dove Lake which lies in the shadow of Cradle Mountain, and plenty of excellent accommodation, some of which is reviewed on the page opposite. When you walk outside here you may well come face to face with a wallaby, wombat, pademelon, possum or currawong – it’s all part of the ‘wilderness’ experience in Cradle Mountain.
Moina is a town forty five kilometres inland from Devonport on the north-west coast of Tasmania.
Photos courtesy Tourism Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain.Moina,
tasmania | Cradle Mountain
WE42#50_58-65_VIC.indd 62 11/19/2012 1:59:30 PM
Lemonthyme Lodge encapsulates everything
that’s just great about a holiday in Tasmania.
For atmosphere you’d have to travel far to
find anything to beat it. The Lodge is the largest
log cabin in the Southern Hemisphere and when
the wood fire is crackling away and you’re
relaxing over a glass of Tassie Wine, you’ll know
for sure you’ve made a great choice for that
special break from the rat race.
Lemonthyme is less than an hour’s scenic
drive from Devonport and just 40 minutes from
the spectacular Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair
National Park. There’s so much to see and do
in the area, but many guests opt just to enjoy
everything Lemonthyme and the surrounding
area offers.
There’s the evening pademelon feeding.
These cute marsupials, found only in Tasmania,
arrive in numbers onto the front lawn at
Lemonthyme to play up for the cameras.
The accommodation appeals to all budgets,
from private bedrooms in the main lodge with
shared toilet and bathroom facilities, to two
bedroom cabins, one bedroom tree-top tub or
spa cabins and the superior luxury wilderness spa
suites. All are furnished with the finest Tasmanian
native timbers.
You’ll come away with great memories from
the restaurant at Lemonthyme Lodge, which
celebrates Tasmania’s excellence in gourmet
produce in every dish. You’ll enjoy the seafood,
beef and poultry, prepared with the best bush
peppers, herbs and spices from the island state.
Working up an appetite is easy, as within a
90 – 120 minute roundtrip walk from the lodge
you can visit a variety of exquisite places such
as Bridal Veil Falls, Champagne Falls, No Names
Falls or Lake Cethana.
Be sure to take a look at the Lemonthyme
Lodge website for a sense of this special place.
LEMONTHYME LODGECradle Mountain Valley
Cradle Mountain| TASMANIA
P: 03 6492 1112
FAX: 03 6492 1113
W: www.lemonthyme.com.au
E: reservations@lemonthyme.
com.au
TARIFF: from $130 couple/
night, with fully cooked buffet
breakfast
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WE42#50_58-65_VIC.indd 63 11/19/2012 2:00:32 PM
New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, called this land “Tamaki Makau Rau”, a maiden with 100 lovers.
It was because Auckland was a place desired by many and fought over for its riches, including its forested hills, productive volcanic soils and harbours
full of seafood. The first sailors to settle here were the Maori, and in later years migrants from the Pacific Islands.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, a blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and a modern city environment creating a fantastic lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Auckland is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. As the main gateway to New Zealand, it is also the most accessible of all regions by plane.
Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park encompasses an incredible 1.2 million hectares of coast, sea and islands. Dotted with more than fifty islands, a spot of island-hopping is a must.
Auckland’s most iconic island is the volcanic cone of Rangitoto, just a short ferry ride away from Auckland. Go up to the summit for breathtaking three 360 degree views. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most successful conservation projects in the world and a great destination for nature lovers.
The jewel of the Hauraki Gulf is Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, farm land and beaches. Sample award-winning wines at some of the 30 boutique vineyards and
Auckland Region, New ZeAlANd
wineries, enjoy fine dining and take in the island’s stunning scenery.
Those keen to discover a “diamond in the rough” can travel by light plane to Great Barrier Island, renowned for its remoteness and rugged beauty. Visit Kawau Island’s historic mansion house or check out Rotoroa Island, open to the public for the first time in 100 years and
The waitakere Ranges
64 weekendsfortwo.com.au
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 64 11/19/2012 2:05:53 PM
Auckland is a blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and a modern city environment creating a fantastic lifestyle
ranked amongst the best in the world. boasting beautiful beaches, walking trails, heritage buildings and a state-of-the-art exhibition centre that tells the story of the island’s unique history.
A trip to Auckland wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a few drinks and a meal at the Viaduct. Sit back and enjoy the buzz of the Viaduct whilst you watch the boats trips sail in and out. Auckland plays host to heaps of markets where you can sample local cuisine as well as far off exotic treats. My personal favourites are the beautiful French market La Cigale in Parnell and the Matakana Farmers market up north, which is well worth the drive. Make a day of it and head to Omaha Beach or enjoy high tea at the Brookview Tea House.
A drink stop is always a good option while exploring Auckland. For local flavour try the pubs rather than the bars. A beer or two in some of the more classic pubs that have been renovated and serve good kai will help you relax into Auckland life. Pubs around Ponsonby, Kingsland and Eden Terrace are favourites and a great intro to Auckland.
At Sheep World north of Auckland, the stars have four legs and woolly jumpers.
From Auckland, a beautiful drive through the forested Waitakere Ranges takes you to spectacular Piha Beach.
North Island | NEW ZEALAND
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WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 65 11/19/2012 2:06:39 PM
Escape to Auckland’s only rainforest retreat
Feed the soul at this beautiful boutique
hotel only 30 minutes from central Auckland.
This rainforest retreat offers a unique opportunity
to unwind, indulge and enjoy a clean, green
New Zealand beauty spot in the Waitakere
Ranges Heritage Park.
Lounge in a luxury villa overlooking the
gardens or savior the great outdoors from your
hotel room Juliet balcony. Take advantage of
the excellent service and rediscover the beauty
and power of the rainforest.
Enjoy lush scenery and the dulcet tones of
native birds with award winning cuisine in a
warm, relaxed atmosphere.
With an award winning chef rustling up
mouth watering dishes the gastronome in you
will be satisfied. Sit on the elevated deck and
soak in the full 360 degree view amid the lush
native bush. At night take in the rainforest from
a different perspective with a sea of city lights
on the horizon.
Explore the Waitakere Ranges by foot or jog
the circuit. There is a squash court onsite and
croquet can be played in the beautiful gardens.
We can take you for a helicopter ride over the
ranges, the west coast beaches and Auckland
city or you can just hang out by the pool and
unwind in the sauna. If you want adventure we
can arrange kayaking, canoeing, mountain
biking and quad bike racing. We can also
organise some great wine tours in the region.
This is a world class destination which has just
been refurbished. The design and ambience
hits all the right notes and has been created for
the discerning traveller. Whatever your mood we
can accommodate it; leisure, pleasure, action
or just quiet contemplation.
Auckland’s Waitakere Estate
Heritage Boutique Collection
P: + 64 9 814 9622
F: + 64 9 814 9921
W: www.waitakereestate.co.nz
auckland’s Waitakere estateAuckland
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NEW ZEALAND | North Island
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 66 11/19/2012 2:08:46 PM
This elegant and exclusive boutique hotel
is located on Waiheke Island, the jewel in
Auckland’s stunning Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy
first-class service and sumptuous cuisine in a
completely private setting with breathtaking
views. The Lodge is built on a cliff with what
could arguably be one of the best views
overlooking Owhanake Bay.
Moulded around the hillside to resemble the
shape of a Maori fish hook, Delamore Lodge
offers supreme cliff top views and unsurpassed
service. It is a boutique hotel offering the very
best accommodation Auckland has to offer.
At Delamore Lodge the luxurious guest suites
are designed to help you unwind. Let tension
slip away under the hands of a trained massage
therapist. Relax in your private courtyard with
panoramic views overlooking the majestic
Hauraki Gulf. Watch the sun rise from the
comfort of your bed or indulge in a long soak in
your open bathtub with a glass of local wine.
Wine and food is a feature of the Delamore
Lodge experience. All food is cooked by chefs
using the finest local ingredients. Delamore Lodge’s
executive chef produces memorable dishes taking
inspiration from local ingredients and traditional
flavours. Many ingredients come from the onsite
orchard and gardens. Paired with fresh fish from
local waters and a local award-winning wine,
you’re in for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Lodge offers a spacious guest lounge,
central courtyard with a sweeping stairway to
the tropical rock pool and waterfall with a deep,
cave-like Jacuzzi, sauna and heated infinity
swimming pool. Both the 2 bedroom apartment
and guest suites are a cocoon of luxurious
simplicity, facing the sun, with breathtaking views
of the Hauraki Gulf.
This award winning lodge offers easy access
to sensational beaches, fabulous restaurants and
world famous vineyards. All just 30 minutes by
ferry or a 5 minute helicopter ride from Delamore’s
private heli-pad to Downtown Auckland and 12
minutes to Auckland Airport.
Delamore Lodge
83 Delamore Drive
Waiheke Island NEW ZEALAND
P: +64 9 372 7372
E: reservations@
delamorelodge.com
W: www.delamorelodge.com
Delamore loDGeWaiheke Island
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North Island | NEW ZEALAND
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 67 11/19/2012 2:09:36 PM
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NEW ZEALAND | Sydney
Lake Taupo
Its mountains are internationally famous for being featured as the ominous Mt Doom in the Lord of The Rings trilogy and upcoming The
Hobbit movies. The region is centred on the majestic Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia.
The beautiful Lake Taupo is about the size of Singapore – more of an inland sea really. It was created nearly two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened skies in Europe and China. Visit the Craters of the Moon and you’ll see evidence of the lake’s fiery birth in the geysers, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. At some of Lake Taupo’s beaches, swimmers and paddlers enjoy warm, geothermal water currents.
This active volcanic and geothermal region is a paradise, especially for boaties and people keen on trout fishing. The Lake Taupo region’s rivers enjoy a reputation as one of the world’s best trout fishing destinations. Lots of activities are centred on the Lake and the many rivers and tributaries that feed into it. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. World class trout fishing, scenic cruises, kayaking, sailing and summer time swimming are all popular with locals and visitors alike. Just north of Lake Taupo you’ll find New Zealand’s most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
If relaxation and leisure is more your style, enjoy strolls and picnics along the lake, boutique shopping, gourmet cafes with gorgeous mountain and lake views, soaking in hot pools and pampering yourself with thermal water beauty treatments.
The thermal pools around Lake Taupo are world famous for their health giving spas. They now have three thermal pool complexes offering a great way to relax and unwind. Wairakei Terraces have just opened a stunning new thermal outdoor area with rock pools and waterfalls, whilst DeBretts thermal pools and spa has been a long-time favourite for locals and tourists alike. The AC Baths is run by the local council and has heated indoor and outdoor pools.
NEW ZEALAND l Taupo
At the heart of the North Island lies the Lake Taupo region, undoubtedly one of the world’s most unique and picturesque areas.
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 68 11/19/2012 2:25:28 PM
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Sydney | NEW ZEALAND
Couples will delight in the intimate ambience of one of Italy’s finest hotels.
Fishing at the mouth of Waitahanui Stream, Lake Taupo. Photos courtesy Tourism New Zealand.
NEW ZEALAND l Taupo
Huka Falls
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 69 11/19/2012 2:27:57 PM
70 weekendsfortwo.com.au
The beautiful Lake Taupo is about the size of Singapore – more of an inland sea really.
Wairakei Terraces thermal pools are primarily for soaking and relaxing in. There is a massage service provided and the setting is very serene with ferns and rocks and even a waterfall. Children under 14 are not permitted so noise is kept down and there are no water activities for kids. The water is thermal so you should not put your head under. If you want a thermal soak and a massage in the quietest possible setting then this is a good option.
Taupo’s AC Baths have small private thermal pools, but the main attraction is the big swimming complex that has connected indoor and outdoor pools, hydro slides and twenty five metre indoor and outdoor swimming lanes. This is a good option if you want to swim for fitness.
DeBretts and Wairakei Terraces have more atmosphere and are uniquely New Zealand, whereas AC Baths must be one of the best municipal swimming pools of any town in NZ. After a short break in Lake Taupo and time spent soaking in any of these spas you will return home relaxed and refreshed.
Whirinaki Forest park, Lake Taupo. Photos courtesy Tourism New Zealand.
NeW ZeALAND l Taupo
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 70 11/19/2012 2:34:23 PM
The Point Villas are situated on a private estate
overlooking the blue waters of New Zealand’s
largest lake, Lake Taupo. It is a short drive from
Taupo township. A haven for golf enthusiasts
and a fly fishing nirvana, Taupo has two world-
renowned 18-hole championship golf courses
and offers world-class trout fishing. Set amid
bush and superbly landscaped grounds, the
Villas are spacious and elegant with expanses
of glass opening onto wide terraces with lake
views. With full security access and a helipad,
guests enjoy both complete privacy and the
convenience of being close to a myriad of
public amenities and services. The Tongariro
Alpine Crossing, a world renowned trek is also
easily accessible and The Point Villas can
arrange transport, guides & suitable clothing.
The Point Villas have been cleverly designed
to blend with the natural surroundings; each
villa is elegantly furnished with oak furniture, sea
grass and leather lounge suites and a collection
of watercolours. The spacious open living and
dining areas lead onto large private decks and
terraces. There are state-of-the-art audio-visual
entertainment systems, an open gas fireplace
for winter warmth with barbecue and outdoor
furniture to enjoy the warmer weather.
Accommodating up to two couples or a
family of four, each villa features two master
bedrooms with super king-sized or twin king
beds. These large bedrooms open into glorious
Italian travertine and double-glazed glass
bathrooms that give guests a sublime sense of
bathing outdoors amongst New Zealand’s native
bush. Each villa has its own private swimming
pool with a 12-metre mineral lap pool off the
deck of Villa One.
Offering flexible levels of service - self-cater,
enjoy the services of a first class chef or indulge
in an all-inclusive luxurious lodge experience.
Facilities include kayaks, tennis courts, petanque
and bush walks.
The Point Villas
24 The Point
Taupo, NEW ZEALAND
P: +64 27477 4323
W: www.thepointvillas.co.nz
The PoinT VillasTaupo
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Taupo, North Island | NEW ZEALAND
WE42#50_66-81_NZ.indd 71 11/19/2012 2:35:15 PM
Just 3 hours away from the east coast of Australia, it offers incredible experiences to suit every budget and interest. The refreshingly unaffected
environment and people of Vanuatu will give visitors an unforgettable experience. Cascading waterfalls, welcoming locals, picture-perfect beaches and magnificent underwater life - Vanuatu is a tropical island dream!
An archipelago of 83 islands, Vanuatu’s island’s offer a mix of fascinating tribal cultures, beach getaways and some of the
Vanuatu, one of Australia’s closest Melanesian neighbours, is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean.
Vanuatu Port Vila,
best scenery in the world. The underwater world is magnificent and provides world class diving with superb visibility, warm water and numerous accessible dive sites, including that of the famous ‘President Coolidge’ shipwreck.
Port Vila is the largest city and the main entry point to this island nation. It is Vanuatu’s only duty-free port and a shopper’s delight with its colourful blend of French, English and Melanesian cultures.
Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity through regional variations and >>
foreign influence. Young men undergo various coming-of-age ceremonies and rituals to initiate them into manhood. Pentecost Island has become famous throughout the world for the land diving ritual which occurs every Saturday between April and June. This awe-inspiring ceremony celebrates the yam harvest and is a fertility rite for men.
The traditional music of Vanuatu is still thriving in the rural areas. Musical instruments consist mostly of drums of various shape and size and slit gongs as well
72 weekendsfortwo.com.au
Cascading waterfalls, welcoming locals, picture-perfect beaches and magnificent underwater life - Vanuatu is a tropical island dream!
Photos courtesy Vanuatu Tourism
weekendsfortwo.com.au 73
PACIFIC OCEAN l Vanuatu
as rattles. Another musical genre that has become widely popular is known as string band music. It combines guitars, ukulele, and popular songs.
Vanuatu offers a variety of culinary experiences for food lovers from French cuisine to modern Asian-fusion and delectable fresh seafood. There is a variety of good restaurants scattered around town where you can have dinner.
Explore the island by renting a beach buggy. beach. You will soon be amongst some of the best snorkelling Vanuatu has to offer and may be joined by the frequently sighted resident dolphins and Turtles. Back on land enjoy a great Lunch at Benjor restaurant before returning home in your buggy.
You could also enjoy a trail ride with spectacular views over the lagoon. Club Hippique is situated 10 minutes from
Port Vila and offers a number of tours on horseback. It is 20 minutes out of town to the Mele Cascades Waterfall where it is possible to abseil down the 50 meter waterfall.
After all this activity tone down and indulge your senses in an array of day spa magic in Port Vila. Pamper packages cater to both men and women, highlighting various massage therapies with a wide selection of natural aromatherapy and essential oils for facials, manicure, pedicure, body scrub, waxing, and more.
While in town enjoy a sunset cruise of Port Vila Harbour. Enjoy the beautiful tropical sunset, good company, music, great food, and see the moon come up over the water as you cruise in paradise in a cocktail-party like atmosphere. It is a romantic evening on tranquil tropical waters for all couples.
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BALI | Sydney
Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity through regional variations and foreign influence.
VANUATU
weekendsfortwo.com.au 75
Sydney | BALI
On a tiny islet off Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu stands
one of the world’s best-kept secrets: Ratua
Private Island. This tropical island paradise is one
of the friendliest experiences in the South Pacific.
Ratua Private Island boasts 13 magnificent
Balinese Villas crafted from 200-year-old
teak wood.
Ratua is your own Robinson Crusoe getaway,
with a touch of class, to enjoy with a loved one.
A unique eco-lodge integrated into its natural
environment. It’s a natural concept known
as ‘rustic-chic’ which encourages a casual
ambience, all in the capable hands of generous
and caring hosts.
On Ratua one dines 100% organic. Enjoy
succulent Ratua meat and eggs from the island’s
free-range livestock; coconuts from the palm
plantation; fruit from the land and seafood
supplied by local anglers. Dinner includes wines
from the resort’s private cellar. Many vintages
are from the owner’s private vineyard in France.
Ratua is a barefoot philosophy, low-key,
natural and unassuming. Meals are served in
the Yacht Club or on the beach dining area
with the sand between your toes and warm
tropical water lapping at your ankles.
Ratua Private Island is all about freedom
and relaxation. Wake up, throw open the
wooden doors and gaze out to sea from the
comfort of your bedroom. Wander into the
pristine waters of your own private beach for an
early morning swim. Plan a boat trip; have a go
at traditional archery; enjoy a horse ride; a bike
ride or do nothing at all!
For those connoisseurs of therapy, treat
yourselves at Ratua’s over water Sunny Spa. The
spa’s specially trained staff offers a wide variety
of massages, body scrubs, facials as well as
manicures and pedicures.
Romantics and honeymooners find Ratua
Private Island to be the experience of a lifetime.
For a stunning destination that sits in perfect
harmony with its environment, Ratua Private
Island will transport you to a far simpler world
where you will enjoy absolute relaxation with an
unparalleled ambience.
RATUA PRIVATE ISLAND
Luganville, Sanma, Santo,
Vanuatu
Tel: +678 30020
Fax: +678 30022
Web: www.ratua.com
Email:
ratua private islandVanuatu
Ratua | vAnuAtu
WE42#50_07_Vanuatu.indd 75 11/18/2012 5:18:54 PM
76 weekendsfortwo.com.au
QUEENSLAND | Gold CoastPACIFIC | Cook Islands
Words fail to accurately describe the absurd beauty of this place. It was no accident that the
international television hit Survivor produced its 2006 season on Aitutaki. We were also on Aitutaki not long after and understand that everyone had an amazing time
Aitutaki is pronounced (a-too-ta-key) and is the second most visited destination in the Cook Islands. Pioneering air travellers began visiting Aitutaki in the
I took my wife to Aitutaki in the Cook Islands a few years ago. It made me very popular.
Aitutaki Cook Islands
1950’s. Tasman Empire Airways, which became Air New Zealand, began landing on the large lagoon of Aitutaki in Solent flying boats as part of the fabled Coral Route between New Zealand and Tahiti. Today, visitors take a 45 minute flight north of the capital Rarotonga, on a modern 30 seater aircraft. On arrival they find much of the same old world pace and island charm as in 1957.
Many visitors with limited time in the Cook Islands opt for the popular day-trip to Aitutaki, including a lagoon tour complete
with snorkelling and a fresh fish lunch. Many wish they had more time and could stay longer on this Coral Atoll with one of the most pristine Lagoons found anywhere in the world.
Just 220 kilometres north of Rarotonga, Aitutaki is the only atoll in the six inhabited southern islands group. In a world where the phrase “tropical paradise” has become a cliché, Aitutaki defines a new standard of unique beauty, luxury and exclusivity. There is only one Aitutaki.
Less than an hour’s flight from >>
In a world where the phrase “tropical paradise” has become a cliché, Aitutaki defines a new standard of unique beauty, luxury and exclusivity.
weekendsfortwo.com.au 77
Gold Coast | QUEENSLAND Cook Islands l PACIFIC OCEAN
78 weekendsfortwo.com.au
QUEENSLAND | Gold CoastQUEENSLAND | Gold Coast & Hinterland
Rarotonga by local airline Air Raro (which runs an efficient interisland service) lies the alluring atoll. Nicknamed Honeymoon Island, for obvious reasons, it is the archetypal tropical island. Even the most travel weary cannot fail to wonder at this Eden with its vast crystal clear lagoon, scattered with tiny motus of the finest white sand where sea birds and land lovers can seek sanctuary.
Aitutakians believe they descended from Ru, the famous seafaring warrior who sailed from Avaiki (Tahiti), the legendary homeland of the early Polynesians and settled here with his four wives. Arriving at full moon he was captivated by its reflection in the vast tranquil lagoon and named his landing point O’out, full moon.
Legends like this abound and fascinate, emanating from visits to the marae where volcanic boulders in distinctive formation marked the sacred
ceremonial grounds of their forefathers. There’s a legend that relates Maungapu, the highest hill on the very flat island used to once be the Raemaru Peak in Rarotonga. It was brought back to Aitutaki by victorious warriors.
Whatever you believe, the view from Maungapu reveals a spectacular array of technicolour fish which can be seen up close by taking a cruise. That is an experience in itself, the Aitutakians aptitude for song, dance and storytelling comes to the fore with a captive audience of sightseers. Get your passport stamped on One Foot Island, the first landing spot for the flying boats that flew the original Coral Route, go snorkelling in the clearest waters ever seen or simply spend a few hours slipping from sand to sea. A day spent hopping from the pure white motus sprinkled around the lagoon is one of life’s great memories. It certainly is for me.
Aitutakians believe they descended from Ru, the famous seafaring warrior who sailed from Avaiki (Tahiti).
PACIFIC OCEAN | Cook Islands
weekendsfortwo.com.au 79
Gold Coast | QUEENSLAND
“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but
by the moments which take our breath away.”
My breath was taken away by the world’s
most beautiful lagoon, Aitutaki.
“No artist’s palette could ever conceive a
more perfect, more luminescent turquoise than
that of the lagoon of Aitutaki; arguably the most
beautiful in the world”. So Steve Davey wrote
in his book, “Unforgettable Places to See before
You Die”.
Aitutaki has been capturing imaginations
for thousands of years. Legendary Polynesian
voyager Ru made landfall here from Tahiti well
over a thousand years ago. When I, a well
travelled cynic, washed up in the lagoon I was
stunned by the natural beauty of Aitutaki.
The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is the only
resort set directly on the breathtaking Aitutaki
Lagoon. It offers “the best views of the World’s
Most Beautiful Lagoon”. A 2 minute ferry ride from
the main island of Aitutaki, this intimate resort rests
on its own private isle complete with the Cook
Islands only overwater bungalows. The resort has
just completed a major upgrade with NEW Premium
Beachfront Bungalows and a luxury private pool
villa. We stayed in the Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa
‘Te Arau’. What an experience!
The stunning lagoon front Oneroa Beach
Chapel completes the scene for incurable
romantics dreaming of saying “I do” with the
world’s most beautiful lagoon as their witness.
The resort offers three exclusive “Lagoon of Love”
Wedding Packages.
At this romantic retreat feel free to laze in
a hammock swaying above the champagne
coloured sand, slip into the luminous lagoon,
ease into a soothing massage or dine under a
tropical moon at the “trillion star restaurant”.
Aitutaki is an exquisite atoll. It is the only resort
on Aitutaki with a truly Polynesian flavour, so you
can savour what the South Pacific is famous for.
The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa will leave you
breathless. Truly, deeply, madly breathless. And
that my friend, is the measure of a life well lived.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
Motu Akitua (Akitua Island)
Aitutaki Lagoon
Cook Islands
www.AitutakiLagoonResort.com
Sister Resorts:
www.SanctuaryRarotonga.com
(adults only) +
www.TheRarotongan.com
AITUTAKI LAGOON RESORT & SPACook Islands
QUEENSLAND | Whitsundays
WE42#50_42-57_QLD.indd 79 11/19/2012 1:15:45 PM
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Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands
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Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) is an unrivalled portfolio of some of the world’s finest small independent hotels. Comprising over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, the diversity of the individual hotels, and the experiences that they offer, is exceptional. From cutting-edge design hotels to palatial 17th century mansions, city centre sanctuaries to remote private islands, historic country houses to idyllic resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers something to suit every couple and every romantic celebration.
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The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World is free to join and offers instant benefits from your very first stay. The more you stay with SLH, the more great benefits you will receive – you can even enjoy free reward nights on SLH. Special members receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to a private reservations consultant and Club Concierge team, exclusive Club rates and the latest news and offers from all SLH hotels around the world.
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All accommodation choices in that region will then be displayed.
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Simply tick the box to choose from categories such as “Child Friendly”, “Pet friendly” or even “Meals available”.
This will narrow your choice to appropriate accommodation choices to ensure you are not disappointed.
When you have decided on your choice of accommodation hit the “enquire” button. An enquiry form will appear asking what dates you want to book in etc etc. Once completed the form will be emailed off to the hotel and they will get back to you with costs and availabilities. Once the enquiry form has been sent, you will be presented with the address and contact details.
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