MEDIA INFORMATION ATE 2013

NSW natural attractions

Within its borders, contains all the major ecosystems that make up - coral reefs, deserts, alpine regions, rainforest, rivers, lakes and wetlands. For anyone who wants to experience Australia’s incredible richness, diversity and natural beauty, New South Wales is a great place to start.

WORLD HERITAGE WONDERS New South Wales has five areas of natural beauty that are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Each makes its own unique contribution to the natural and cultural heritage of our planet. Harbour is the city’s crown jewel, recognised recently with its naming as Australia’s 16th National Landscape. Measuring almost 200 miles around its waterline, this is Sydney at its dazzling best, home to parks, beaches, islands, historic houses, secret coves bracketed by sandstone cliffs and colonial-era forts that keep watch from wild headlands. Much of the harbour’s foreshores have been incorporated into Sydney Harbour National Park. In a total area of 950 acres, the national park knits together beaches, rainforest, wild bushland and sandstone caves, where rocks rubbed smooth by spear points bear witness to the presence of Sydney’s Aboriginal people. One of the best of the marked trails that criss-cross the park is the 6-mile Manly Scenic Walkway, on the north side of the harbour between Spit Bridge and Manly. Bordering Sydney to the north and west, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is a densely forested sandstone plateau that has been etched by rivers into trough-like valleys with sheer-sided walls. Rising to a height of 1,000 metres (3280 feet) and spread across an area of more than a million hectares (2.47 million acres), the region is also incredibly rugged, an all but impenetrable maze of canyons, cliffs and thick forest. This has long been a popular escape for Sydneysiders, and the area has a number of spectacular walking trails. Located 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, Lord Howe Island contains areas of unique biological diversity, and examples of superlative natural phenomena. Within the shelter of the reef on the western side of Lord Howe Island is a shallow lagoon that hosts the world’s most southerly coral reef. At the island’s extremities, volcanic peaks heave themselves vertically from the sea. The island is also a biological ark, a perch for sea birds in migratory journeys that might take them as far north as Siberia. Top: Lord Howe Island. Middle: Sydney Harbour. Bottom: Wolgan Valley. A mosaic of reserves and national parks along the state’s Inland from the north coast glamour spot of Byron Bay, the east coast, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia represent Rainforest Way is a series of short loop drives that showcase a major stage of the earth’s evolutionary history, and provide the splendours of the region’s lush, World Heritage-listed a habitat for more than 200 rare or threatened plant and rainforests. Centrepiece is the bowl of the Tweed Volcano, animal species. They are also places of exceptional natural the cradle for a biological wonderland of subtropical beauty. Waterfalls, abundant wildlife, forests, giant trees and rainforests rich with plants, birds and animals. On the valley walking trails carpeted by fallen leaves make these forests floor the forest has given way to banana plantations, sugar prime terrain for anyone who revels in the great outdoors. cane farms and sleepy country surrounded by vegetation. Deep in the south-west corner of New South Wales, the The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is ideal for any traveller looking Willandra Lakes Region is a wild, remote moonscape of to add something special to the journey between Sydney and saltbush and sand dunes with profound significance for Melbourne. Meandering between Canberra and the town the Aboriginal people of the region. Before the last Ice Age of Khancoban, this 400-kilometre (250-mile) touring route much of this area was covered by the Willandra Lakes, which takes in Australia’s tallest mountains, trout streams, high provided a rich habitat for fish, shellfish and wallabies, and country saturated with the romance of the pioneering days, a food source for Aboriginal people who lived here as much wild bushland and country towns that trace their roots to the as 60,000 years ago. The remains of a 40,000 year old female Gold Rush era. found in the dunes of Lake Mungo are believed to be the A self-drive touring route between Sydney and Brisbane, the oldest ritual cremation site in the world. Legendary Pacific Coast takes you on a wandering journey NATIONAL PARKS along the coastline, with adventure around every corner. Measuring just over 900 kilometres (560 miles), it includes The national parks of NSW are a treasure trove of natural tropical fruit farms, wineries, palm forests, Aboriginal sites sensations. The State’s National Parks and Wildlife Service and World Heritage-listed national parks that ring with the manages more than 860 national parks and reserves, spread sounds of waterfalls and whip birds. Along the coast you can across more than 17 million acres, from aquatic reserves that find surf beaches where the big Pacific waves roll across preserve and protect marine life to rainforests to the deserts empty acres of golden sand and villages where surfing of Outback Australia. Several of those national parks have is a way of life. The route also comes with a well-honed been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in recognition lifestyle component, from the glamorous resorts and dining of their outstanding beauty as well as their unique plants and of the Hunter Valley to spa retreats and coastal resorts animals. The best way to experience these national parks is with championship golf courses. Four different trails and on foot, on the parks’ system of walking trails. Throw in a tent itineraries give you the chance to pursue various themes and you can head off into the wilds and wake to the laugh of along the way, from the Culture and Heritage Trail to the kookaburras (one of Australia’s native birds). Food & Wine Journey. The brand is being promoted through new content and tools developed for travel distributors, GREAT DRIVES including themed movie vignettes, a touring map, an New South Wales has a number of touring routes that make itinerary builder and a trade Touring Guide and Product it easy to discover natural attractions. Manual 2013-14. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive is one of Australia’s Running south from Sydney, Grand Pacific Drive is finest touring routes, a series of linked drives and discovery sensational, a looping, swooping, coastal drive that trails that dig deep to explore the treasures of the region meanders through rainforests, dallies through seaside inland from Sydney. Much of this region falls within the villages and whisks you along a gorgeous strip of coast, with Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, a region of never a dull moment in all its 169 kilometres (105 miles). outstanding natural beauty. Beginning just west of Sydney, While the drive is short enough for a day trip from Sydney, the drive consists of a giant figure “8” loop drive with 18 it needs time. Take a hike along the sea cliffs of the Royal Discovery Trails that branch off the main route, enabling National Park – and keep a lookout for migrating whales travellers to customise their journey. Horse riding and – call in at Nan Tien Temple, hit the surf at Stanwell Park mountain biking, rugged bushwalks, historic villages, watch the hang gliders who spiral down from the heights kayaking, spectacular limestone caves, botanical wonders of Stanwell Tops, take a dip at the superb ocean beaches and bush-lined creeks still reminiscent of the boom days and take a detour to walk through the forest canopy on of the Gold Rush are just some of the adventures that await the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk. Scenic climax of Grand along these Discovery Trails. Pacific Drive is Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel that swings out from the cliffs and soars into blue sky above On the northern shores of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo the pounding sea. Grand Pacific Drive ends just north of is a favourite for wildlife lovers, especially those with a Nowra, from where you can make the two-hour drive north family attached. The zoo has a comprehensive display to Sydney via the Princes Highway or turn inland to the of Australian animals with an especially fine collection Southern Highlands, and another world of great adventures. of reptiles, in eco-sensitive surroundings that re-create the animals’ natural habitats. Taronga Zoo has recently GREAT WALKS OF NSW launched the Nura Diya Aboriginal Wildlife Experience, New South Wales has a treasury of walking trails in its which explores the link between Australia’s Aboriginal repertoire of outdoor adventures. Whether it’s a ramble people, their culture and wildlife. Developed in consultation through rainforest with kookaburras and magpies for with Indigenous Australians and led by an Aboriginal guide, company, a stroll along clifftops above a raging sea or an alpine Nura Diya takes visitors on a walk-through introduction hike through wildflower meadows to glacier-carved lakes, the to Australia’s wildlife with an Indigenous perspective set walking trails of NSW offer exhilaration along with exercise. against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Taronga’s Roar & Snore is a slumber party with a difference! Stay Walking-tour specialist Sydney Coast Walks, formerly overnight with the animals after the gates shut, dine in known as Royal Coast Walks, has a new range of guided style, take a nocturnal safari and fall asleep in a smart, walks around the margins of the spectacular Sydney purpose-built safari tent to the call of the wild. Harbour National Park. The new half, one and two-day walking tours depart from Circular Quay and include an At the Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in easy two-hour walk exploring living history at South Head , Somersby just north of Sydney, visitors can have a hands- a full-day nature discovery tour at North Head and the Spit on encounter with wild Australian animals. Hand-feeding to Manly walking trail, past Aboriginal rock art, secluded kangaroos, photo sessions with a koala, wombat or a bushland and million-dollar harbourside homes. python and seeing crocodiles and other native wildlife in bushland surroundings are just some of the options at this The self-guided Main Range Walk is one of the most awe huge wildlife attraction. inspiring one-day walks in the country, traversing the UNESCO Kosciuszko Biosphere Reserve in the state’s TOURING THE STATE’S NATURAL ATTRACTIONS southern alpine region, through the headwaters of some • The Blue Mountains Bus Company and Trolley Tours has of Australia’s greatest rivers and to the very top of the combined with Werriberri Trail Rides to offer a unique, continent. The White Sands Walk is short and sensational, one-day Australian bush experience. Starting from threading along the beaches and boardwalks of Jervis Bay, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, the tour travels to the just south of Sydney. Werriberri Trail Rides property for a two-hour trail ride MEET THE LOCAL WILDLIFE that ends on the 1000-metre summit of Blackridge. Next stop is the subterranean wonderland of , Sydney’s underwater sanctuaries have enjoyed extensive with its underground rivers and spectacular limestone refurbishments. The all new SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium formations. At the end of the Cave Tour, guests return to - relaunched in September 2012 - is now home to a Katoomba by coach. spectacular new $5M ocean tunnel and Australia’s largest collection of Australian marine animals. • For travelers who prefer their adventures served with style, imagination and fine wines, Mount N Beach Safaris The attraction now boasts 14 newly-themed zones has a first-class line-up of tours to areas of outstanding including a new Shark Walk, Tropical Bay of Rays, an natural beauty around Sydney. Tours are conducted in air- interactive touchpool, Mangrove Swamps and South Coast conditioned comfort in luxury off-road vehicles, adding a silk Shipwreck and is home to over 13,000 animals from 700 touch to a sensational experience. different species including sharks, dugongs, platypus, rays, penguins, turtles and clownfish. • Port Stephens is one of the best places in Australia to see dolphins in the wild, and Moonshadow Cruises’ vessels Another premium Darling Harbour attraction, WILD LIFE offer year-round dolphin watch cruises with multiple Sydney has welcomed two Tasmanian Devils to the family departures daily. Port Stephens is home to about 150 as part of a long-term commitment to safeguarding the bottlenose dolphins, with a 99 per cent sighting success rate species’ population. Meet female Oreo and male Big John, from Moonshadow vessels. Between June and October, both of whom have played crucial parts in Tasmanian Devil Moonshadow guests frequently catch sight of the humpback captive breeding programs. whales cruise that migrate along this coastline. NATURE BASED ACCOMMODATION WHO’S AT ATE13 • Located on the western slopes of the Blue Mountains, Destination NSW. Booth 133. about a three-hour drive from Sydney, Emirates Wolgan www.destinationnsw.com.au Valley Resort & Spa mixes eco-tourism with unparalleled All About Australia Tours. Booth 84B. luxury. With room for just a handful of guests in www.3at.com.au sumptuous, free- standing suites that occupy just two per cent of the total land area, this is a deluxe resort Aussie Farmstay and Bush Adventures Pty Ltd. Booth 70A. that leaves only the lightest of footprint on its majestic www.aussiebushadventures.com.au surroundings. Nature-based activities include wildlife Australian Eco Adventures. Booth 79. safaris, mountain biking, nature walks and horse riding. www.ozeco.com.au • Plush and serene, Paperbark Camp is an eco-friendly Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Booth 84A. retreat that offers a window on the amazing wetlands www.reptilepark.com.au around Jervis Bay, south of Sydney. Surveying the Australian Museum. Booth 125B. surrounding paperbarks from elevated platforms, these www.australianmuseum.net.au high-ceilinged tents are a miracle of style and comfort that leaves only the lightest of footfalls on the natural Blue Mountains Bus Company and Trolley Tours. Booth 118. bushland. A new addition to Paperbark Camp, the new www.bmbc.com.au King Deluxe safari tent can sleep up to six, offering Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism. Booth 75. family-size accommodation with a large screened www.visitbluemountains.com.au verandah with lounge, two king/twin beds with room for an additional two roll-aways. There is also a separate Boutique Tours Australia. Booth 97. outdoor shower and private ‘loo-with-a-view’ as well as www.boutiquetoursaustralia.com.au beautiful sunken bath and double vanity in the en-suite. Byron Bay & Beyond. Booth 91. www.byronbayandbeyond.com Central Coast Tourism. Booth 86. www.visitcentralcoast.com.au Coffs Harbour City Council. Booth 89. www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au Destination Port Stephens. Booth 87. www.portstephens.org.au Destination Tweed Inc. Booth 92. www.destinationtweed.com.au Dolphin Watch Jervis Bay. Booth 99. www.dolphinwatch.com.au Greater Port Macquarie Tourism. Booth 88. www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au Hills Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism. Booth 105. www.hhart.com.au Jenolan Caves. Booth 77. www.jenolancaves.org.au Life’s an Adventure. Booth 119A. www.lifesanadventure.com.au Lord Howe Island Tourist Association Inc. Booth 81. www.lordhoweisland.info Moonshadow Charters Pty Limited. Booth 94. www.moonshadow.com.au Mount N Beach Safaris. Booth 102. www.mountnbeach.com.au Mowbray Park Farm Holidays. Booth 72. www.farmstayholidays.com.au Oz Whale Watching. Booth 128. www.ozwhalewatching.com.au Paperbark Camp. Booth 101A. www.paperbarkcamp.com.au Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Booth 124. www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Blue Mountains. Booth 116A. www.scenicworld.com.au Sea Sydney Cruises. Booth 96A. www.seasydneycruises.com.au Sydney Coast Walks. Booth 107B. www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au Taronga Zoo. Booth 108. www.taronga.org.au

For more information go to visitnsw.com or sydney.com To access the image library and download images go to images.destinationnsw.com.au MEDIA CONTACTS: Tanya Bowes General Manager, Communications Destination NSW T: 61 2 9931 1436 M: 61 (0) 477 361 749 [email protected] Elissa Tyrrell A/Executive Manager, Media & Public Relations Destination NSW T: 61 2 9931 1426 M: 61 (0) 421 130 440 [email protected]