NEW SOUTH WALES17Vineyard salesHUNTER VALLEYThink of the Hunter Valley and a vision isconjured of a day spent amongst the vineyardsenjoying a tasting or two, then relaxing firesidewith a premium wine from the day's outing.Delve into the wineries of Pokolbin, one of themain vineyard areas, and take a backstage tourto learn the secrets of winemaking. You can hirea bike in Pokolbin to explore, take a horse-drawn carriage, or early risers can drift gentlyover the vines in a hot air balloon. Wine is inabundance, yet there is more on the menu thanyou may think: ripe cheeses, sculptures,flawlessly landscaped gardens crammed withblooming flowers and historical townships justperfect for an afternoon of exploring. You canmeander through Maitland's elegant heritageprecincts or visit historic Morpeth, Australia'soldest river port. The small country township ofBarrington Tops, featuring rugged mountains,gorges and dense forest, is a lure for horsebackriders, bushwalkers and off-road touring - allreached in less than two hours from Sydney. Valleyand VinesStarting in the stunning city of Sydney, this itineraryexplores the premier wine region of the HunterValley, where you will find an extensive array of cellardoor sales. From here you head to the breathtakingBlue Mountains before returning to Sydney.Day 1:Arrive in Sydney and enjoy the afternoonsightseeing.Day 2:Take a half day city sites tour through theRocks and the exclusive eastern suburbs,and spend the afternoon relaxing.Day 3:Enjoy a scenic flight up to the NorthernBeaches and across the harbour.Day 4:Leave Sydney in the morning and take aleisurely drive to the Hunter Valley.Day 5:Spend the day exploring the vineyards.Day 6:Take the scenic drive to the BlueMountains.Day 7:Spend the day discovering The BlueMountains, The Three Sisters or theJenolan Caves.Day 8:Return to Sydney.EXTENSIONSFor those with a little more time, head further southand spend two nights exploring the enchantingKangaroo Valley, an area surrounded by rolling hills,numerous waterfalls and stunning escarpments,ideal to explore by car or on foot.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Tower Lodge, PokolbinSecluded and luxurious, the 'Spanish Mission' styleexterior refutes what lies within the walls and the100-year old French Coach House doors provide animpressive entrance. Furnished with treasures, richfabrics and recycled timbers; a favourite spot is thelibrary, tucked next to the dining room, vault-likeand tranquil, the shelves crammed with old classiceditions and novels. An enormous fireplace in thelounge room is crowned with a huge paua shell-encrusted mirror which typifies the nicely eccentrictouches that feature throughout. The porticopassageways bordering the courtyard lead to twelveoversized guestrooms, each crammed with their ownspecial charm. An enclosed compound houses apool, sauna and massage room. Tower EstateWinery is a stroll away as is Roberts Restaurant, therecipient of rave reviews. Peppers Guesthouse, Pokolbin Surrounded by beautiful country gardens andoverlooking vineyards and bushland, this guesthouseis a perfect escape. Unwind with a drink in the barby the fire, visit one of the 80 wineries, or perhapsenjoy one of life's greatest indulgences of simplydoing nothing at all. A stay here, including deluxeguestrooms and cuisine from the one of theHunter's most awarded restaurants, Chez Pok, hasguests returning year after year.Tower LodgePeppers Guesthouse

Jervis BayJERVIS BAYA couple of hours drive south, or a seaplaneflight from Sydney, is the gem of Jervis Bay.Home to a colonial port which once rivalledSydney's Port Jackson, and the dramatic ruins ofa bold, beautiful lighthouse, there is significantcultural heritage to discover. It is the perfectplace to stop for a couple of nights on a coastaljourney between Sydney and Melbourne. Take awalk with an Aboriginal guide through thereserve of Booderee National Park or you maylike to take a night walk to witness the habitatsof nocturnal creatures, or perhaps canoe thecreeks or rent a bike and cycle the bush trails.The Botanic Gardens offer further stretches ofbushwalking trails and perfect picnic spots totake time out, or you can spend a sunnyafternoon at Green Patch Beach, famed for itsclear waters and white sands; the glisteningwaters are home to pods of dolphins. Make sureyou also keep an eye out for clouds of sprayand swirls as humpback and southern rightwhales pass close to the shore between July andOctober on their annual migration.18Crystal Creek MeadowsPaper Bark Camp, Jervis BaySet on the outskirts of Jervis Bay amongst ruggedwilderness, a leafy tunnel of overhanging trees withpowder-white peeling bark lines the path to a yourAfrican safari-inspired tent. A unique 'camping'experience which combines style, character and theoccasional inquisitive possum, with eco-sensitivity; itgives you a chance to get close to nature withoutsacrificing comfort. Your private tent, raised on aplatform, is spacious and light beneath the canvasdrapes. Queen-sized beds, simple yet elegant bushfurnishings and an open-air ensuite bathroom givesyou everything you need. Early evening, mosey up tothe 'Gunyah' - Aboriginal for meeting place - andyou will find the hub of camp activity; enjoy adelicious dinner, take time out in the camp library orjust catch the sea-breeze.KANGAROO VALLEYA couple of hours south of Sydney, nestledbetween Shoalhaven and the SouthernHighlands is this curious village. Set in to amountain pocket it plays host to morning mistsand a mix of birdlife and offers the perfectbreak on a coastal drive. With its quirkycollection of country-style boutiques andfragrant fruit orchards it is a wonderful place toexplore; take a stroll to see Hampden Bridge, acharming sandstone suspension bridge built inthe 1890s, and visit the local pioneer farmmuseum for a glimpse into the colourfulregional history and finally quench your thirstwith a cool 'stubbie' in the original stone pub.Make sure you take time to experience thegrand views from the peak of CambewarraMountain, twenty minutes west of neighbouringNowra, before heading north to Sydney, orsouth to Victoria.Crystal Creek Meadows,Kangaroo ValleyThis elegant bed & breakfast , recently discoveredon one of our research visits, is set in the heart ofgreat Australian farm vistas, surrounded byundulating green paddocks. Combining countrycharm with friendly hospitality, your hostsChristopher and Sophie have worked hard to createa stylish retreat for the independent traveller.Choose from two self-contained cottages; RoseCottage with a contemporary, vivid interior and theadded treat of your own spa, or Fleur Farm Cottageoffering rustic charm. Sample fruit from the EdibleGarden and drink in the views of the fields anddistant Barrengarry Mountains on your privateveranda as your dinner sizzles on the barbecue.Paper Bark Camp