NEW PRODUCTS IN REGIONAL NSW
New tours, new accommodation and experiences that are unique to the State continue to attract more visitors than ever to NSW.
Blue Mountains Gourmet Getaway Tours, Sydney to Blue Mountains Gourmet Getaway Tours provides guests with immersive food and wine experiences in the Hunter Valley and has introduced a new tour to the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains Gourmet Food and Sightseeing Tour is a small-group, full-day tour that departs Sydney four days per week and takes guests on a progressive lunch, sampling the best local produce while exploring the World Heritage-listed national park. The company was founded by a loud and proud foodie and qualified chef, who has designed these tours to showcase the region’s incredible produce, stories, local people, and Gourmet Getaway Tours spectacular scenery — all only 90 minutes from Sydney. gourmetgetawaytours.com.au
Central Coast
Pearls of Australia – Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour Pearls of Australia represents Broken Bay Pearls, the only pearl farm in NSW. Broken Bay Pearls is located on the Central Coast just one hour’s drive north of Sydney, and now offers the Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour. In this small group tour, guests board a 10-metre catamaran with an experienced skipper who tells the fascinating story of these locally grown pearls. While cruising around the Rock Oyster farms, guests meet the pearling team who reveal the intricate craft of pearl farming. It’s also an opportunity to experience the pristine marine ecosystem — home to these world-class pearls as well as abundant wildlife such as birds, turtles, stingrays and fish. Once back on land, guests are invited to a hands-on pearl harvest where they witness how pearls are graded and Pearls of Australia learn the seven virtues which underpin the value of Pearls of Australia, including provenance, purity and lustre. pearlsofaustralia.com.au
Central NSW
Mayfield Garden Mayfield is one of the largest privately owned cool climate gardens in the world, inspired by the best throughout Europe. Located on a working farm near Oberon, Mayfield is just 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney. Mayfield celebrates fresh and local produce at its café, which has a garden and paddock-to-plate philosophy. Most of the produce is grown on-site from Mayfield’s vegetable gardens, orchards and farm, with the remainder being locally sourced. From guided group tours to exclusive private tours to overnight glamping in the garden, Mayfield has much to offer and is less than an hour’s drive from the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Mayfield Garden mayfieldgarden.com.au
Hunter Valley and Newcastle
Coast XP Coast XP is a premier adventure cruise offering coastal interactions and experiences on the Hunter Coast, based in Newcastle. There are four cruises to choose from that showcase Newcastle’s history and harbour with open- ocean cruising along the coastline. Each tour includes commentary on the history of the port and city of Newcastle, marine life and local geology. The Adventure Tour operates from November to May, taking guests along 30km of the stunning Hunter coastline, with stops to marvel at sea caves, Catherine Hill Coast XP Bay jetty and the resident marine life. The Cruise Tour is a combined port and offshore adventure cruise, designed for cruise passengers to Newcastle, while on the Sunset Tour (Friday and Saturday evenings) guests enjoy a relaxed cruise on Newcastle Harbour and the Hunter River. The Encounter Tour operates during whale-watching season from June to November and offers the chance to experience these majestic creatures as they migrate along the coastline. Bespoke tours are also available for groups. coastxp.com
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle (opening early 2019) Located on Newcastle Harbour, The Holiday Inn Express Newcastle provides guests with the perfect base to explore Newcastle, just minutes to entertainment, shopping, dining precincts and beaches. Newcastle is located two hours’ drive north of Sydney. The hotel provides guests with smart, hassle- Holiday Inn Express Newcastle free travel extras such as fast check-in, free Express Start Breakfast, free high- speed Wi-Fi, comfortable beds and a choice of pillows in each guest room. ihg.com
Spicers Guest House Spicers Retreat has opened its second Hunter Valley property after purchasing the historic former Peppers-branded guesthouse. Following a $20 million renovation, the luxury 49-room property has had a beautiful uplift in design to match the surrounding mountain ranges and vineyards. The new Spicers Guesthouse includes a charming four-bedroom stand-alone guest cottage, large state-of-the-art conference facilities, and Éremo Restaurant led by multi chef-hatted Executive Chef Cameron Matthews, serving modern Italian cuisine. Spicers Guest House spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-guesthouse/
Murray Circa 1936 CIRCA 1936 is a luxury boutique hotel inside the former Rural Bank of NSW in the quintessential Aussie town of Corowa, just minutes from the Rutherglen wine region and halfway between Melbourne and Canberra. Behind the Art Deco façade, the spacious suites are the perfect retreat to venture out from to discover the history of Corowa, enjoy the wines at some of Australia’s oldest wineries or simply picnic amongst the gum trees that line the iconic Murray River. Guest stays include day spa treatments CIRCA’s renowned spa which features Australian made Li’tya products. Additionally, all guests can enjoy a 10am check-in and 5pm checkout, the Club Lounge facilities and the Circa 1936 opportunity to access a range of “One-on-one with a local” – experiences exclusive to CIRCA. bycirca.com/circa-1936
Mantra Albury Located in the heart of Albury, in southern NSW, Mantra Albury Hotel is one of the region’s premier corporate, meetings and leisure hotel. With 146 spacious guest rooms over seven storeys, the hotel has a restaurant and bar, executive lounge, gym and large conference facilities. The Murray River, Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), the region’s renowned contemporary art gallery, and the botanic gardens are a short walk away. mantra.com.au
Mantra Albury
New England
Tenterfield Tours Tenterfield Tours offers a Heritage and Natural Wonders guided day tour that takes guests on a journey to hear, see and feel the local Aboriginal culture prior to the arrival of Europeans, hear stories of the characters that shaped our nation, and learn why Tenterfield is “The Birthplace of our Nation”. The tour also includes the stunning Bald Rock National Park, offering spectacular views, and the largest exposed granite rock in the Southern Hemisphere. This personalised boutique tour includes morning tea, a picnic lunch, and hotel pickup in Tenterfield. Tenterfield is located on the New England Highway, and is eight hours’ drive northwest of Sydney, and three hours 30 minutes’ drive southwest of Brisbane. Tenterfield Tours tenterfieldtours.com.au
North Coast
Bago Maze and Winery Bago Maze and Winery is a family-owned and -operated property nestled in a picturesque valley in Wauchope, 30 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie on the NSW North Coast and four hours’ drive from Sydney. Perched on a hill, the Winery and Cellar Door overlooks the Bago Vineyards and two-metre high hedge maze with 2000 metres of pathways. In 2018, Bago launched two new experiences. On the Best of Bago Experience, guests can go behind-the-scenes with Bago’s owner and enjoy a tour of the winery, vineyards and chocolate shop before finishing with some Bago Maze and Winery decadent wine, cheese and chocolate tastings. The Bago Family Experience provides a wonderful time for both adults and children, and includes locally made ice-cream and entry into the maze. bago.com.au
Billabong Zoo - Koala & Wildlife Park Billabong Zoo is a four-hectare wildlife park and koala breeding centre located in Port Macquarie, four hours’ drive north of Sydney on the NSW North Coast. It opened in 1989, and features a wide variety of Australian and exotic animals and is renowned worldwide as a breeding centre for koalas. With over 200 animals, visitors can view, pat, stroke and feed over 120 different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Visitors can enjoy up to 15 keeper presentations across the day, included with general admission, and also arrange private up- close-and-personal encounters with koalas, snow leopards, cheetahs, red pandas, meerkats, penguins and snakes. Billabong Zoo billabongzoo.com.au ecOasis resort ecOasis resort is an exclusive eco-retreat, located in the lush Tweed hinterland, 45 minutes’ drive from Tweed Heads on the NSW North Coast. There are six secluded one- or two-bedroom premium chalets, set on 45 hectares with spectacular views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning). Spacious living areas feature innovative use of glass and eco-timber, and each chalet has a state of the art gourmet kitchen. Guests can explore the region, enjoy massages, yoga and meditation, or just relax and unwind from the pressure of daily life. ecOasis can arrange meals to be delivered to guests’ chalets and transfers from the airport. ecoasis.com.au ecOasis resort
Mount Warning Tours Mount Warning Tours offers a range of river cruises, outdoor adventures and sightseeing, along with farm and food tours in the Tweed Valley on the NSW North Coast. Operating from Coolangatta and Kingscliff, and with an activities base in the Tweed Valley at Tumbulgum, tours include tailored and daily scheduled cruises, day tours and overnight experiences. Clients can choose from activities such as guided kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding; seafood degustation or rainforest cruises on the Tweed River; and sightseeing tours around the iconic Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and hinterland showcasing nature, food and the arts scene. Cruises can cater for up to 50 people, Mount Warning Tours sightseeing tours for up to 42 people, and Mount Warning Tours offer a diverse collection of tailored small group sightseeing from four to 10 people per tour. mountwarningtours.com.au
Oaks Santai Resort Casuarina Oaks Santai Resort Casuarina is a unique coastal resort, situated in Casuarina in the Tweed region on the NSW North Coast, just 15 minutes’ drive from Gold Coast Airport. The resort is set among palm-fringed pools and lush gardens, and features one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments, packed with all the essential comforts of home. The apartments blend contemporary and traditional Balinese design, and are a haven of space and comfort. Guests can relax under a leafy cabana by the large pool and jacuzzi, dine at The Spice Oaks Santai Resort Casuarina Den, and enjoy a pampering session at the onsite wellness spa. oakshotels.com
Port Cruise Adventures Port Cruise Adventures offers all of the fun activities visitors can have on the water in Port Macquarie, four hours’ drive north of Sydney on the NSW North Coast. Visitors can choose from two vessels to enjoy whale watching from May to November each year, while scenic coastal tours with dolphin spotting are offered year round. Thrill seekers can hop aboard Ocean Blast Thrill Ride, which rides the swell and speeds along the beautiful coastline, or jump on a jet ski and enjoy the exclusive Jet Ski Park. For visitors looking for relaxation, they may prefer a Sunset River Cruise through the stunning Hastings River. Port Cruise Adventures portjet.com.au
Port Macquarie Surf School Learn to surf with Port Macquarie Surf School, which runs lessons all year round in subtropical Port Macquarie and caters to all skill levels. Port Macquarie Surf School's success comes from its commitment to providing the highest quality coaching, whilst creating a fun, life-changing experience for guests. The Learn to Surf and Surf Awareness experience provides surf lessons as well as guidance on beach and surf conditions. Guests can also choose add-ons, such as breakfast or lunch on the beach, and visiting Port Macquarie’s renowned Koala Hospital – the only koala hospital in the world. portmacquariesurfschool.com.au
Port Macquarie Surf School
Telegraph Retreat Cottages Telegraph Retreat Cottages offer farm stays with a touch of indulgence. The cottages are in a beautiful rural setting, just a 15-minute drive from the bustling coastal town of Port Macquarie on the NSW North Coast. Telegraph Retreat Cottages sleep up to 15 people in a large two-bedroom house and two private studio cottages, and the dwellings can also be booked separately. Features include an outdoor heated swimming pool, forest trail walk, wood-burning stoves, and both cottages have their own private hot tub. Guests can enjoy delicious breakfast hampers and welcome packs; feed the miniature animals; collect eggs from the chickens in the mornings; fish the stocked dam, or just relax in the hot tub with a glass of local wine. telegraphretreat.com.au
Unkya Cultural Eco Tours Unkya Cultural Eco Tours is based at Scotts Head, one hours’ drive south of Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast. Unkya is an Aboriginal-owned and -operated business that offers unique cultural walking tours with Aboriginal guides on the Gumbaynggirr people's ancestral homeland. The Gurruuja Juun (Whale Tail) tour is a 90-minute leisurely stroll onto Little Beach and Headland, and the Gaagal Wanggaan tour is a 3.5-hour bush and beach experience Telegraph Retreat Cottages through Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park. On both tours, guests learn about the Dreaming and creation stories that are culturally significant to the Gumbaynggirr people; participate in a Welcome to Country including a smoking/cleansing ceremony; taste traditional bush foods; and hear Gumbaynggirr language. Private group tours can also be tailored to a client’s needs. unkya.com
Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours (WYAT) Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours is an award-winning Aboriginal-owned and -operated touring business in Coffs Harbour, located six hours’ drive north of Sydney on the NSW North Coast, or a one-hour flight from Sydney. The two-and-a-half hour stand-up paddle boarding and kayak tours take place on the homelands of the Gumbaynggirr tribal nation and are led by Unkya Cutural Eco Tours
Aboriginal guides who share the stories and language of the Gumbaynggirr people amongst the pristine Solitary Island Marine Parks. The option to extend to a half-day tour is available and includes seasonal bush tucker tasting and bushwalking. Wajaana Yaam translates to ‘from this country’ in the local Gumbaynggirr language. The stand-up paddle tours showcase the rich culture of the Gumbaynggirr nation, and also directly support the local Aboriginal community in education, culture and employment. wajaanayaam.com.au
Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours
Outback Broken Hill Outback Resort Out of the Ordinary Outback has opened its newest property, the Broken Hill Outback Resort. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Barrier Ranges, it is located 10 minutes’ drive east of Broken Hill in Outback NSW, and offers powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites and an historic refurbished hotel serving food and beverages. It offers 24 King Spa cabins each featuring an open-air deck spa and king-size bed, as well as The Coach House, a bar and fine dining experience. Guests can experience the beauty of the NSW Outback with its serenity and rugged landscapes all while enjoying the comforts of resort living. Broken Hill Outback Resort brokenhilloutbackresort.com.au outoftheordinaryoutback.com.au
Outback Astronomy Showcasing the vast outback sky, Outback Astronomy is based in Broken Hill, just 10 minutes’ drive from the town centre, and offers guests a spectacular night sky show. Armed with powerful binoculars and comfortably reclined (snuggled in a sleeping bag in the cooler months), guests will hear live commentary through a personal audio as the sky guide uses a powerful laser pointer to highlight constellations and planets. Sky shows are one hour, include complimentary hot beverages and are designed for the novice stargazer. On Friday and Saturday night views, powerful telescopes are provided for an even more spectacular view of celestial objects. Outback Astronomy outbackastronomy.com.au
Port Stephens
Bannisters Port Stephens Beachside boutique hotel brand, Bannisters, opened its newest haven on the New South Wales North Coast at Port Stephens in late 2018. Nestled on the coast fringed by national parks, Bannisters Port Stephens has 80 coastal-luxe rooms, including four suites and a breathtaking penthouse, with either sweeping views across Port Stephens Bay or Australia wilderness vistas over native kookaburra and koala habitat. Bannisters Port Stephens is also home to celebrity chef Rick Stein’s restaurant, which serves some of Australia’s freshest seafood. Guests can slide into the infinity pool overlooking the glittering bay and enjoy classic cocktails and modern cuisine at Terrace Bar. Bannisters Port Stephens bannisters.com.au/port-stephens
Snowy Mountains Alpine River Adventures Alpine River Adventures operate white-water rafting, scenic river tours and paddling expeditions in the Snowy Mountains of NSW, five hours’ drive from Sydney. This Aboriginal-owned and -operated company has a strong commitment to soft impact eco touring. Aboriginal guides can provide a detailed Interpretation of Country covering the local Dreaming stories and ancient Songlines, and the tour provides a chance to see platypus, kangaroos, emus and sea eagles in the wild. All meals, vehicle transfers, experienced guides, and tent accommodation is provided. Tours operate from August to Alpine River Adventures December and require a moderate level of fitness. Alpine River Adventures also offer day trips on the Snowy and Upper Murray Rivers. riverguide.com.au
South Coast
Cupitts Winery Cupitts Winery is a family-run 38-hectare working farm located near Milton on the NSW South Coast, three hours’ drive from Sydney. The property overlooks Burrill Lake with broad vistas to the Budawang Ranges and Pigeon House Mountain. Cupitts offers a boutique winery, microbrewery, fromagerie (cheese making facility), a restaurant featuring local produce and cottage accommodation for four people. Visitors can enjoy a Tour and Taste Experience that includes a guided tour of the property with the head Cupitts Winery winemaker and a sampling of wine, beer and cheese products. For a more immersive experience, visitors can choose a private tour of the farm, or a cheese, wine or beer workshop. cupitt.com.au
Splendour Tailored Tours, Sydney to South Coast Splendour Tailored Tours specialise in once-in-a-lifetime tours of Sydney and NSW. Their new South Coast Indulgence tour is a private tour taking guests to the unspoilt South Coast of NSW by seaplane. This full-day experience is for food-loving, nature-craving visitors seeking something unique. Known as Australia’s Oyster Coast, guests will meet fishermen, farmers and South Coast locals who produce some of the finest foods in the country. The tour also Narooma Panorama, Splendour Tailored Tours includes a visit to Montague Island, a stunning natural oasis where guests can discover a colony of seals and thousands of Little Penguins who call the island home. This tour can be customised for every guest. splendourtailoredtours.com.au
Oyster Farm, South Coast, Splendour Tailored Tours
Tilba Lake House and Tilba Lake Camp Tilba Lake House and Tilba Lake Camp is nestled between the mountains, lake and sea near the National Trust-listed village of Central Tilba on the NSW South Coast. The property has commanding views of Tilba Lake, the Pacific Ocean and Mount Dromedary, and is a five-hour road journey or a quick 30- minute flight from Sydney with airport transfers available. Guests can choose to sleep under the stars in comfort and style in glamping tents, stay in self- contained eco-pods, or choose the premium rooms within Tilba Lake House. Facilities for guests include an on-site fire pit, heated swimming pool and Tilba Lake House and Tilba Lake Camp breakfast delivery service. tilbalakecamp.com.au
Southern Highlands
Wild Food Adventures Wild Food Adventures operates premium private day tours of the Southern Highlands and Kangaroo Valley, departing from Sydney and Canberra. Offering a range of signature experiences, tours highlight the diverse natural beauty of the region as well as showcase award-winning food and wine producers in the area. Explore local villages and hiking trails, taste bush foods, swim in waterfalls, cycle through vast forests, take in the view from above in a helicopter, or sample some of the cool climate wines the region has become famous for. Tours include premium vehicles and are chauffeured by drivers with local knowledge. Wild Food Adventures wildfoodadventures.com.au
Multi-region Pelican Travel Services / FlyPelican Airlines Based in Newcastle, FlyPelican Airlines is a regional airline and aircraft charter company servicing Sydney, Mudgee, Canberra, Dubbo and Ballina with a fleet of 19-seater Jetstream 32 aircraft. Pelican Travel Services, a division of FlyPelican Airlines, specialises in holiday packages to regional NSW and offers flights and accommodation for Sydney, Ballina, Byron Bay, Dubbo, Mudgee, Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Accommodation options include five-star resorts, boutique hotels and premium self-contained apartments. Pelican Travel Services can tailor a package to meet your client’s needs from outback air tours to golfing getaways. Pelican Travel Services pelicantravel.com.au
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