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Nature and Wildlife in Sydney &

Nature and Wildlife in Sydney &

NATURE AND WILDLIFE IN & NSW

With an impressive list of vital statistics that include stunning natural attractions and plenty of ways to enjoy them, NSW is well placed to attract nature-based visitors from around the world.

Multi-region

AEA Luxury Tours Diamond Series Charters The Diamond Series Charters provide the opportunity for visitors to explore the World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Blue , the rugged beauty of the or high country on a multi-day private luxury charter from Sydney with experienced local guides. Scheduled tours to the Blue Mountains are also available.

Tel: +61 2 9971 2402 www.aealuxury.com.au

Aussie Farmstay and Bush Adventures Aussie Farmstay and Bush Adventures offers a series of small group tours from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, Mudgee and Central NSW showcasing Australian rural life. Tours includes wildlife spotting, wine tasting, visiting historic villages, horse riding and farmstay experiences.

Tel. +61 2 9660 3245 www.aussiebushadventures.com.au

Australia Naturally Travel - Birdwatch Birdwatch Australia offers day and extended bird watching tours around

NSW, including several Blue Mountains itineraries departing from Sydney Kangaroos at Warrumbungle providing opportunities to see dozens of species of native birdlife and fauna. National Park

Tel: +61 2 4422 0616 www.birdwatch-australia.com.au

Australian Wild Escapes Australian Wild Escapes offer experience-based small group touring to Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Hunter Valley. The Blue Mountains High Country Eco tour gives travellers the opportunity to see kangaroos in the wild and take short bushwalks to spectacular lookouts. Palm Beach Paradise is a new tour and includes Manly, North Head, Palm Beach, lunch at Jonah’s Restaurant, with a seaplane flight back to the city.

Australian Wild Escapes also offer customised private touring to the Blue Mountains, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the South Coast under their Australian Luxury Escapes brand.

Pierces Pass, Blue Mountains Tel: +61 2 9980 8799 www.australianwildescapes.com www.australianluxuryescapes.com

Current as at 1 May 2015 Australian Wilderness Tours Small group and private touring adventure experiences of the Snowy Mountains and the North Coast.

Tel: +61 2 6587 7188 www.awtours.com.au

Auswalk Walking Holidays Guided itineraries of varying length are available for the novice through to experienced walkers in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, , Snowy Mountains and the North Coast of NSW. Self-guided itineraries are also available.

Tel. +61 3 9530 8800 www.auswalk.com.au

Beautiful Tours Australia This company offers German and English language day tours from Sydney with itineraries featuring native bushland and wildlife in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens and the South Coast. Walking in Tel: +61 447 250 355 www.beautifultoursaustralia.com

Boutique Tours Australia Specialists in personalised, flexible, small-group and private tours to the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and Sydney. With knowledgeable and passionate naturalist guides, the Wildlife in the Wild tour allows visitors to see kangaroos, , , and .

Tel: +61 2 9436 1333 www.boutiquetoursaustralia.com.au

Colourful Trips Colourful Trips offer day tours from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Jervis Bay. They provide overnight and extended itineraries as well as customised tours for private groups. Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk, South Coast

Tel: +61 2 9318 0853 www.colourfultrips.com

Life’s an Adventure Life’s an Adventure offers a range of day tours and overnight adventures including guided kayaking on Sydney Harbour, a three-day walk along the ‘Six Foot Track’ in the Blue Mountains, and biking around Manly Dam.

Tel: +61 2 9975 4553 www.lifesanadventure.com.au

Mount ’N Beach Safaris Mount ’N Beach Safaris is a small group touring specialist with itineraries that include Sydney, the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains 4WD experiences. Stockton Beach, Port Stephens

Tel: +61 2 9972 0899 www.mountnbeach.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015

Pro Dive Visitors can explore a diverse range of marine environments with guided scuba diving and equipment hire for all experience levels. Locations include: Sydney, the Central Coast (home to NSW’s only artificial reef, the ex-HMAS Adelaide Reserve), Port Stephens, and Lord Howe Island.

Tel: +61 2 8116 1199 www.prodive.com.au

Quadrant Operating for over 30 years across Australia, Quadrant specialises in tailor- made, special interest programs including agricultural technical tours and nature-based programs showcasing wildflowers, birdwatching and natural Scuba diving, Nelson Bay history.

Tel: +61 2 6772 9066 www.quadrantaustralia.com

The Royal Botanic Garden and Domain Trust The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah all have a range of guided and self-guided tours.

Tel: +61 2 9231 8134 (Sydney) Tel: +61 2 4634 7935 (Mount Annan) Tel: +61 2 4567 3012 (Mount Tomah) www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Runaway Tours Runaway Tours specialises in foreign language tours with over 120 professional tour guides who speak English, Spanish, Italian, French, Three Sisters, Blue Mountains German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese and Mandarin. The company offers private charter tours with tours tailored to client’s needs. Itineraries include the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Sydney and Southern Highlands.

Tel: +61 410 545 117 www.runawaytours.com.au

Sydney

Canons Shuttles & Sydney Day Tours Canons Shuttles offers day tours of Sydney and the Sutherland Shire, 45 minutes’ drive south of Sydney. The ‘Discover the Shire’ tour includes , dramatic ocean views at Stanwell Tops, the beautiful Stanwell Tops Lookout, Royal National Park and Cronulla Beach. The ’Cruise the Shire’ tour includes Kamay National Park at Kurnell, a cruise on the Port Hacking River and Symbio Wildlife Park. Tours around Sydney city and to the Southern Highlands are also available.

Tel: +61 2 9522 6868 www.canonsshuttles.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 Captain Cook Cruises - Taronga Zoo & Whale Watching Cruise Combo This wildlife package includes a Captain Cook ferry to Taronga Zoo (from Circular Quay or ), zoo entry, and a Whale Watching Cruise departing directly from Taronga Zoo Wharf (disembarking at Taronga Zoo or Circular Quay). The tour is available daily during the whale migration season from May to November and includes commentary by a marine specialist.

Tel: +61 2 9206 1111 www.captaincook.com.au

Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises Multi-award-winning company that offers a range of cruises on the pristine

waters of Port Hacking, 25km drive south of Sydney. Activities include Captain Cook Cruises & Taronga Zoo exploring the rich history of Aboriginal culture and rock art, visitng the Royal Whale Watching Cruise Combo National Park, a swim in the clear clean waters while lunch or dinner is being Image courtesy of Captain Cook Cruises prepared on board the vessel as part of the Cruise Swim ‘n Dine Cruise.

Tel: +61 2 9523 2990 www.cronullaferries.com.au

EcoTreasures EcoTreasures is a fully-accredited, eco-tourism specialist providing local tours on Sydney's northern beaches, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Sydney Harbour National Park. Tours include guided walks, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding and Aboriginal cultural experiences.

Tel: +61 415 121 648 www.ecotreasures.com.au

Featherdale Wildlife Park Featherdale Wildlife Park is just 45 minutes’ drive from Sydney. Visitors can encounter a face-to-face, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies in a new West Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National walk-through enclosure. More than 1,700 Australian animals include a huge Park , wombats and echidnas.

Tel: +61 2 9622 1644 www.featherdale.com.au

Manly Sanctuary Observe endangered grey nurse sharks, giant sea , fish and sting rays in a marine setting. Use scuba gear to dive with grey nurse sharks on the Shark Dive Xtreme experience. No scuba diving experience is necessary for this 30-minute adventure. is a member of the Group.

Tel: +61 2 8251 7878 www.manlysealifesanctuary.com.au

Manly SEA Life Sanctuary Oz Whale Watching Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Oz Whale Watching operate whale-watching tours from Sydney Harbour. Group The tour includes the choice of a hot breakfast or BBQ buffet lunch, harbour cruise and whale-watch experience. Breakfast and lunch cruises operate throughout the whale-watching season (from May to November). On the Sydney Harbour Discovery cruise, guests can swim or snorkel in Sydney Harbour. Choose between a morning tea or lunch cruise. Guests are given a snorkel safety briefing beforehand.

Tel: +61 2 9518 7813 www.ozwhalewatching.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium houses the world’s largest collection of all- Australian aquatic life. Visitors go on a journey through 14 themed areas and along the way are some of the world's most incredible animals, including two of only five dugongs on display anywhere in the world, massive stingrays, turtles, jellyfish, , penguins, and thousands of tropical fish. The aquarium offers behind-the-scenes tours, glass-bottom boat and snorkel tours; in late 2015, an enhanced platypus exhibit will open

The Shark Reef Snorkel is a fully-immersive underwater experience where participants are submerged in a see-through enclosure to be close to some of the ocean’s amazing creatures. The 1.5-hour experience includes a safety briefing, snorkel gear, wetsuit and showers. No diving experience is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium required. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a member of the Merlin Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group Entertainments Group.

Tel: +61 2 8251 7800 www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Sydney Coast Walks, Sydney Sydney Coast Walks provide half-day, full-day and overnight guided group walking tours of the national parks in and around Sydney.

Tel: +61 2 8521 7423 www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au

Taronga Zoo The zoo is a great place to see the rare and wonderful animals of Australia. A range of guided tours are available and for independent travellers, an interactive iPhone app provides a tour of Taronga’s most popular native and exotic animals. There is also an updated Mandarin-language map to help visitors see as many Australian animals as they can in either a 60 or 90 minute walking trail. The ‘Roar & Snore’ program is a unique camping experience where visitors stay overnight in safari tents enjoying after-hours

and behind-the-scenes access to the animals. Take the Wild Ropes course, Koala new to the zoo in 2015. Tackle obstacles, cross suspension bridges, and soar through the trees while enjoying breath taking views of Sydney Harbour. Wild Ropes can be completed on its own or added to a same-day visit.

Tel: +61 2 9969 2777 www.taronga.org.au

The Sydney Out Back Experience Immersive nature-based, Aboriginal and coastal tours to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Northern Beaches, just 45 minutes from Sydney. The Wilderness and Aboriginal Explorer tour is a full-day guided tour travelling by bus, boat and on foot through Australia’s second oldest national park wilderness, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Visit West Head Lookout, enjoy a scenic discovery cruise, indigenous interpretation at several ancient Aboriginal art sites (some only accessible by water) and a gourmet bush tucker lunch. The Northern Beaches full-day tour features two national The Sydney Out Back Experience parks; Barrenjoey Headland at exclusive Palm Beach (Sydney’s Image courtesy of The Sydney Out Back northernmost tip) and North Head Reserve, both with breathtaking lookouts. Experience Return transfers to the CBD are provided.

Tel: +61 2 9099 4249 www.sydneyoutback.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 Whale Watching Sydney - Bass & Flinders Cruises A half-day whale-watching experience on the Ocean Dreaming vessel, with three levels of outside viewing decks. The two-hour express cruise on a fast 27-seater vessel gets visitors closer to the whale- watching action. Pick up is from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. Experienced crew provide commentary. Cruises operate mid-May through to early December.

Tel: +61 2 9583 1199 www.whalewatchingsydney.net

WILD LIFE Get up close to koalas, walk amongst kangaroos and come face-to-face with one of the world’s biggest . Also available are behind-the-scenes Zoo tours and a self-propelled ride called WILD Flight allowing visitors to Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group experience a flight through the attraction’s aviary. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is a member of the Merlin Entertainments Group.

Tel: +61 2 9333 9288 www.wildlifesydney.com.au

Zoo2Q Zoo2Q is Sydney’s first luxury, guided overnight walking experience. The tour is a collaboration between Sydney Harbour EcoHopper, Taronga Zoo, Q Station Manly and Sydney Coast Walks. The three-day experience commences at Circular Quay, crosses the harbour and includes a behind- the-scenes tour of Taronga Zoo. The 15km-walk from the zoo to Q Station, the former Quarantine Station in Manly, is fully-guided. Guests return to Zoo2Q guided overnight walking experience Image courtesy of Chris Buykx Circular Quay on the morning of day three. Overnight accommodation is at Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore and Q Station; all meals are included.

Tel: +61 2 8521 7423 www.zoo2q.com.au

Blue Mountains

Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout, Faulconbridge Aboriginal-guided walking tours showcase the natural beauty of the mountains with indigenous interpretation of creation and spiritual meaning. Three Sisters, Blue Mountains Tel: +61 408 443 822 www.bluemountainswalkabout.com

All About Australia Tours (3AT) A small group Blue Mountains tour takes in the scenic beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park as well as a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. The full day tour from Sydney is also available with French or Spanish speaking guides.

Tel: +61 2 8415 7113 www.3at.com.au

Blue Diamond Tours Blue Diamond Tours is a family-owned and operated company offering tours from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Travelling in small group luxury, the itinerary includes devonshire tea at Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters, Featherdale Wildlife Park and a ferry cruise from Cabarita to Circular Quay.

Tel: +61 414 917 317 www.bluediamondtours.net Empress Falls, Blue Mountains

Current as at 1 May 2015 Blue Mountains Adventure Company, Katoomba A range of nature-based outdoor adventure experiences in the Greater Blue Mountains include abseiling, rock climbing, canyoning, bushwalking, with half-and full-day tours catering for a range of abilities.

Tel: +61 2 4782 1271 www.bmac.com.au

Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura Everglades is one of Australia’s foremost heritage gardens. This treasure from the 1930s sits in five hectares of European-style gardens and native Australian bush with breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Group visits can include garden tours, lunches, picnics, and morning or afternoon teas. Inbound rates for groups only. Bushwalking, Blue Mountains National Park

Tel: +61 2 4784 1938 www.everglades.org.au

Fantastic Aussie Tours A range of vehicles is available for private tours, transfers and charters. Tours of the Blue Mountains range from two-hours to full-day itineraries, tailored to client’s needs.

Tel: +61 2 4780 0700 www.fantastic-aussie-tours.com.au

High n Wild Australian Adventures, Katoomba High n Wild Australian Adventures offer a range of day and overnight activity-based tours including abseiling, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, bushwalking and mountaineering. Summer Canyoning Image courtesy of High n Wild Australian Adventures Tel: +61 2 4782 6224 www.high-n-wild.com.au

Jenolan Caves, Oberon Jenolan Caves is among the oldest cave systems in the world with eleven show caves, underground rivers and amazing rock formations. Guided tours of the caves are available to suit various fitness levels and a range of accommodation options are on-site. iPhone apps are available to provide information on local walking tracks.

Tel: +61 2 6359 3911 www.jenolancaves.org.au

Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains

Current as at 1 May 2015 Mayfield Garden, Oberon Mayfield Garden is one of the world’s largest privately-owned cool- gardens, extending over 64 hectares. The Water Garden has been designed for visitors to enjoy year-round while a nursery, shop and cafe are also open throughout the year.

Tel: +61 2 6336 3131 www.mayfieldgarden.com.au

Scenic World Blue Mountains, Katoomba Less than two hours’ drive from Sydney, Scenic World is renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure. Visitors can travel on the world’s steepest incline railway, glide between cliff tops on the glass-floored Scenic Skyway, descend into the Jamison Valley with the Scenic Cableway, and explore Jurassic rainforest along the Scenic Walkway. Scenic World is represented by Australian Attractions.

Mount Tomah Botanic Garden, Blue Mountains. Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 (Australian Attractions) www.scenicworld.com.au

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah 1000m above sea level this spectacular garden is the cool-climate garden of the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain Trust in Sydney. The 252-hectare garden has a collection of plants from the cooler southern hemisphere environments and expansive views towards Sydney.

Tel: +61 2 4567 3000 www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/tomah

Tread Lightly Eco Tours, Medlow Bath Tread Lightly Eco Tours operates interpretive guided bush tours in the Blue Mountains. Fully-guided bushwalks, night tours and 4WD eco-tours are led Scenic World, Blue Mountains by environmental and cultural specialists exploring the region’s ecology, fauna and flora.

Tel: +61 414 976 752 www.treadlightly.com.au

Waratah Adventure Tours Small group touring specialist, Waratah Adventure Tours, operates full-day Blue Mountains tours with German-speaking guides and commentary. The tour includes a visit to a wildlife park, breathtaking views and scenic lookouts over the Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness as well as a visit to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

Tel: +61 2 9908 4697 www.waratahadventures.com.au

Bilby Central Coast Image courtesy of Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australian Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Somersby is home to Australian mammals including echidnas, dingoes, platypus, koalas and wombats as well as large such as crocodiles, giant tortoises and pythons. The park offers a variety of shows and opportunities for hands-on experiences. Represented by Australian Attractions.

Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 (Australian Attractions) www.reptilepark.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga Australia Walkabaout Wildlife Park has more than 180 species of Australian animals roaming free in bushland settings which feature ancient Aboriginal sites. Daily ranger-led activities include bush tucker and medicine talks, boomerang throwing, keeper talks and feeding time. Self-contained eco- cabins are available and guests have all day access to the park and activities. Tel: +61 2 4375 1100 www.walkaboutpark.com.au

Glenworth Valley, Central Coast Outdoor Adventures, Peats Ridge With more than 200 horses and 1000 hectares of river and bushland, Glenworth Valley offers a range of horse-riding, kayaking, abseiling and quad-biking tours. Represented by Australian Attractions.

Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 (Australian Attractions) www.glenworth.com.au

Pelican Feeding*, The Entrance The free, daily pelican feeding is one of the Central Coast's most popular tourist attractions. Pelicans fly in at approximately 3:30pm rain, hail or shine. Visitors can enjoy commentary, which gives an insight into these comical birds. This is a free experience. Pelicans, The Entrance

www.theentrance.org/pelican_feeding.html

Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin 24 hectares of spectacular gardens with more than eight kilometres of walking paths. Divided into ten stunning feature gardens, including a beautiful rose garden, storybook garden, Italian grotto and oriental gardens, the Hunter Valley Gardens is a sensual delight of colour and fragrance.

Tel: +61 2 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au Merewether Beach, Newcastle

Newcastle

Hunter Wetlands Centre* The Hunter Wetlands Centre is a conservation sanctuary located ten minutes’ drive from Newcastle city centre. The centre is a wetland ecosystem dedicated to conservation, education and ecotourism. It offers a vast array of activities including canoeing, dipnetting, walking and biking trails, daily reptile and bird feeding talks and guided ecotours.

Tel. +61 2 4951 6466 www.wetlands.org.au

Nova Cruises A family-owned and-operated company with two vessels operating from Newcastle harbour. Nova Cruises offers scheduled cruises including: Whale Watching, cruises to Historic Morpeth, Hunter River Discovery Cruise, Hunter to Harbour History Tour and private charters. It is the only cruise company in Newcastle to offer Hunter River cruises from Newcastle to Morpeth and Raymond Terrace, as well as cruises that include Hunter Hunter Valley Wetlands.

Tel. +61 400 381 787 www.novacruises.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 Port Stephens

Dolphin Swim Australia, Nelson Bay Dolphin Swim Australia remains the only wild dolphin swim permitted in NSW. The Wild Dolphin Swim occurs offshore from a 50-foot catamaran, where qualified dive masters take visitors through an amazing experience with the short-beaked common dolphin and oceanic bottlenose dolphin. Each four-hour program includes all equipment hire and training with marine scientists on every swim.

Tel: +61 402 549 955 Cruise, Nelson Bay www.dolphinswimaustralia.com.au

Imagine Cruises, Nelson Bay Sail on a 15m catamaran with Imagine Cruises that departs daily from Nelson Bay. Cruises include dolphin-and whale-watching (June to October) trips, snorkelling adventures and sunset sails.

Tel: +61 2 4984 9000 www.imaginecruises.com.au

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Bobs Farm Snorkel, feed or play with sharks and rays in a safe, indoor environment.

Tel: +61 2 4982 2476 www.sharkencounters.com.au

Moonshadow Cruises, Nelson Bay Daily dolphin-spotting and seasonal whale-watching cruises depart Nelson Bay on a scheduled or private charter basis. A new combination tour Dolphins and Dunes, allows visitors to enjoy a 1.5-hour Dolphin Watch Cruise aboard Moonshadow Cruises and a one-hour Sandboarding/Quad Bike Tour with Sand Dune Adventures.

Tel: +61 2 4984 9388 www.moonshadow.com.au Imagine Cruises, Nelson Bay Port Stephens 4WD Tours, Nelson Bay 4WD eco-tours of the sand dunes on Stockton Beach, including spectacular scenery and the opportunity for some sand tobogganing.

Tel: +61 2 4984 4760 www.portstephens4wd.com.au

Sahara Trails Horse Riding, Anna Bay Guided horseback tours along the beach, sand dunes, rivers and forests.

Tel: +61 2 4981 9077 www.saharatrails.com

Tamboi Queen Cruises, Nelson Bay MV Surprise and MV Tamboi Queen operate 90-minute dolphin-watching cruises featuring boom net rides, while MV Spirit operates two-hour dolphin watching cruises featuring a waterslide, spa and boom net rides. Tamboi Queen is the only wheelchair friendly dolphin watch vessel in Port Stephens. All cruises can be combined with sand-boarding on Stockton Sand Dunes Dolphins and Dunes – Moonshadow and whale watching cruises are available from May to November. Cruises Image courtesy of Moonshadow Cruises Tel: +61 2 4981 1959 www.tamboiqueencruises.com

Current as at 1 May 2015 North Coast

Byron Bay Adventure Tours, Byron Bay Byron Bay Adventure Tours showcase the world-famous beaches of Byron Bay, ancient rainforests of , World Heritage-listed , the magnificent Minyon Falls and the historic country towns of Bangalow and Nimbin. Kayak with dolphins in the wild at Byron Bay or mountain bike in the Byron hinterland. This is the only Byron Bay tour operator to include camping and climbing tours at Mount Warning. All tours

are limited to small groups. Byron Bay Adventure Tours Image courtesy of Byron Bay Adventure Tel +61 434 290 012 Tours www.byronbayadventuretours.com.au

Byron Bay Eco Cruises & Kayaks, Brunswick Heads Byron Bay Eco Cruises & Kayaks operates award-winning river cruise and kayak tours on the Brunswick River, 15 minutes north of Byron Bay. Enjoy close-up encounters with marine life, birds and wildlife as you learn about the area’s history, environment and culture. Tours include a 1.5-hour Eco Cruise, a three-hour Eco Cruise & Kayak, or a three-hour Eco Guided Kayak Tour (kayaking only). A courtesy bus transfers guests from Byron Bay where a two-hour Byron Lighthouse Tour and a full-day tour of the Byron Bay region are also available.

Tel: +61 410 016 926 www.byronbaycruises.com.au Byron Bay Eco Cruises & Kayaks Image courtesy of Byron Bay Eco Kayaks, Byron Bay Cruises & Kayaks Kayak with dolphins and, in season, sea turtles and whales on a three-hour kayaking tour.

Tel: +61 2 6680 9555 www.capebyronkayaks.com

Catch a Crab, Tweed Heads Fish the beautiful Tweed River, sample fresh oysters from the farm, pump for yabbies and watch the experts catch and cook a feisty mud crab. The four-hour tour departs daily.

Tel: +61 7 5599 9972 www.catchacrab.com.au

Dolphin Marine Magic, Coffs Harbour Dolphin Marine Magic opened as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for Fishing, Tweed River, Mt Warning NP native marine animals. The park houses dolphins, penguins, turtles and seals and offers visitors a variety of opportunities for close encounters with dolphins and seals. The Ultimate Dolphin Swim includes 20 minutes in the pool interacting with playful dolphins on an exclusive or small group basis.

Tel: +61 2 6659 1900 www.dolphinmarinemagic.com.au

Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay, Byron Bay Go Sea Kayak offer sea-kayak and river-kayaking tours with return transfers from Byron Bay. On the sea-kayak tour, get up close with dolphins, whales (seasonal) and turtles; the river-kayaking tour on the Brunswick River reveals an abundance of sea birds and wildlife.

Tel: +61 416 222 344 Kayaking at Byron Bay www.goseakayakbyronbay.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 Green Cauldron Tours, Byron Bay Day tours to Australia’s Green Cauldron from Byron Bay, Tweed or the southern Gold Coast. The tour explores the magnificent Wollumbin-Mount Warning and surrounds. Highlights of the tour include exclusive access to Yaru Water, the first indigenous water brand being exported overseas, a tour of the Community Gardens, planting a rainforest tree or vine, a private tour of the Mullumbimby Museum and Crystal Castle. Visitors also receive a bag of local produce samples.

Tel: +61 402 406 441 Mount Warning www.greencauldrontours.com

Jetty Dive, Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour is the southern gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park which is home to a unique mix of tropical and temperate fish. The Jetty Dive centre offers daily dive charters for snorkelers or divers to the Solitary Islands where tropical fish, turtles, sharks and whales (in season) can be seen.

Tel: +61 2 6651 1611 www.jettydive.com.au

Solitary Islands Aquarium, Coffs Harbour This aquarium provides a window into the unique marine environment of the Solitary Islands Marine Park through guided tours and visual displays. Visitors can see animals that call the Solitary Islands home including colourful clownfish, sea anemones, crayfish, sea urchins and brilliantly coloured angelfish. The aquarium is located next to the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour. Solitary Island Marine Park, Coffs Coast Tel: +61 2 6648 3931 solitaryislandsaquarium.com

South Coast

Discover Jervis Bay Discover Jervis Bay are the destination specialists for the Jervis Bay region. They have a large product portfolio including attractions, wineries, restaurants and accommodation and can provide a range of full-day and overnight itineraries departing from Sydney.

Tel +61 2 4441 6311 www.discoverjervisbay.com.au

Dolphin Watch Jervis Bay This multi-award-winning cruise operator offers a range of cruises in the South Solitary Island, Coffs Harbour Coast pristine waters of Jervis Bay to spot dolphins and seals all year-round and whales from May to November. Specially-designed vessels provide maximum comfort and proximity to seal colonies and dolphins.

Tel : +61 2 4441 6311 www.dolphinwatch.com.au

Jervis Bay Image courtesy of Jervis Bay Wild

Current as at 1 May 2015 Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, Robertson Located 1.5 hours from Sydney, the elevated steel walkway features two gently swaying cantilevered walkways and a central tower rising nearly 50m off the forest floor. The stunning views take in the rainforest canopy to Lake Illawarra and out to the Pacific Ocean. Visitors have the opportunity to see native fauna including wombats, echidnas and sugar gliders. Guided sunrise walks allow visitors to enjoy the dawn wake-up call of the local birds, followed by a full hot breakfast. Recently opened is the new zipline tour, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk officially the highest zipline in Australia. Illawarra Fly is a member of the Merlin Entertainments Group.

Tel: +61 2 4885 1010 www.illawarrafly.com

Jervis Bay Wild View dolphins, whales and other sea life from a new perspective through underwater-viewing windows.

Tel: +61 2 4441 7002 www.jervisbaywild.com.au

Montague Island Nature Escape This multiple award-winning tour is a fully-catered and guided, two-night Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises, Jervis experience run by NSW National Parks and Conservation Volunteers Bay Australia. The tour provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in Image courtesy of Jervis Bay Wild surveying 120 penguin nest boxes from the island’s resident penguin colony. Participation is optional and no prior experience is required. Birds are observed, not handled. Bookings are taken through Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Tel: +61 3 5330 2600 (Conservation Volunteers) www.montagueisland.com.au

Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Symbio Wildlife Park is 40 minutes’ drive south of Sydney at the start of the Grand Pacific Drive. Home to a collection of native animals and exotic wildlife from around the world, the park gives visitors the opportunity to see koalas, wombats, dingoes, echidnas, Tasmanian devils and an impressive collection of reptiles. Behind-the-scenes encounters allow visitors to get up

close with the animals; pat a koala, walk with a , play with a meerkat or Montague Island, South Coast feed a red panda.

Tel: +61 2 4294 1244 www.symbiozoo.com.au

Central NSW

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo See more than 700 animals from five continents in this vast open-range zoo. Drive in small carts, stroll or ride a bike around the zoo, enjoy daily animal encounters and talks, or join a behind-the-scenes tour. Stay overnight at Billabong Camp or in the self-contained Savannah Cabins or in the premium, African safari-style Zoofari Lodge.

Tel: +61 2 6881 1400 www.taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo

Family Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh

Current as at 1 May 2015 Outback

Corner Country Adventure Tours, Broken Hill Small group outback tours ranging from four to nine days visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Silverton, Eldee Station, Sturt National Park and Cameron Corner, Tibooburra, Bourke, Menindee Lakes and .

Tel: +61 8 8087 6956 www.cornercountryadventure.com.au The Outback, Broken Hill Harry Nanya Tours, Wentworth Aboriginal-guided tours to tell the stories of this remarkable landscape and culture from the traditional caretakers of this land. This World Heritage-listed region contains the longest continuous record of Aboriginal life in Australia, dating back 40,000 to 60,000 years.

Tel: +61 3 5027 2076 www.harrynanyatours.com.au

Tri State Safaris, Broken Hill Tri State Safaris offers a collection of small-group, adventure tours in Outback NSW from its Broken Hill base. The safaris range from one-day local tours to 18-day adventures and visit destinations such as Broken Hill, Menindee Lakes, Kinchega National Park, White Cliffs and .

Tel: +61 8 8088 2389 www.tristate.com.au

The Outback, Mungo National Park Snowy Mountains

K7 Adventures, Jindabyne K7 Adventures provide guided walking tours and quality outdoor adventures in the Snowy Mountains. In summer, choose from a range of mountain walks, photography tours, caving and rock climbing adventures. In winter, K7 Adventures offer snowshoe trips, cross country and alpine ski touring, snow and ice climbing and mountaineering adventures.

Tel: +61 421 862 354 www.k7adventures.com

Kosciuszko Alpine Guided Walks, Crackenback Experience the beauty and solitude of Kosciuszko National Park with the ‘Best of Both Worlds’ guided tour combining treks to and Blue Lake. The tour features an overnight stay at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa; a range of self-guided walking packages is available.

Tel: +61 2 6451 3000 Tumut, Kosciuszko www.lakecrackenback.com.au/alpine-guided-walks.html

Murray Kingfisher Cruises, Barmah Lake Cruises with an eco-tourism focus on the World-Heritage listed Barmah Wetlands aboard MV Kingfisher.

Tel: +61 3 5855 2855 www.kingfishercruises.com.au

Current as at 1 May 2015 Lord Howe Island

Howea Divers Dive in Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage-listed marine park. Guided snorkel and kayak tours are also available.

Tel: +61 2 6563 2298

www.howeadivers.com.au View from , Lord Howe Island

Please note: Operators marked with an asterix (*) generally do not pay commissions.

Current as at 1 May 2015