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

NEW SOUTH WALES19The Bega ValleySAPPHIRE COASTNamed after the sparkling colour of the sea, thisregion offers much for fans of the greatoutdoors and stretches from Eden near theVictorian border to Bermagui, just six hourssouth of Sydney. The Bega Valley, famous for itsrich dairy farming, is the main hub and has asoftly rolling landscape which cradles manysmall villages. Merimbula has miles of whitesands and a beautiful lake lagoon and is anideal stop for a night or two. In Tilba Tilba timeappears to have stood still and as well as beingan area renowned for cheese, there are anumber of craft workshops to be explored. Thereserve of Montague Island is a sanctuary forsea birds, seals and penguins and is easilyreached from Tilba Tilba on a guided cruise. Thetown of Eden, on Twofold Bay, has a deep andlong relationship with whales and the skeletonof the legendary Orca, 'Old Tom', lies in TheKiller Whale Museum. Whale, dolphin, seal andpenguin watching are high on the agenda asthis coast is one of the best places for viewing. Robyn's Nest, MerimbulaWarm timbers, grand cathedral ceilings and openfireplaces inside a colonial-style stone manor housewith a sprinkling of guest cottages set in the groundssums up Robyn's Nest. Sailing, fishing, bushwalkingor bird-watching, whatever you choose, can becombined with this lake-front setting. Meander tonearby Merimbula for dinner and you will passkangaroos and wallabies contentedly grazing.Robyn's Nest is the perfect spot to rest before eitherturning inland towards Canberra, continuing north toSydney or south to Victoria.Green Gables, Tilba Tilba Once a flourishing gold mining area, the twin townsof Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba are classified by theNational Trust as heritage sites. Nestled in abeautiful valley, between the mountains and thecoast, Tilba Tilba is particularly delightful. HostsStuart and Philip have transformed what was oncethe town's meeting hall into Green Gables, acharming bed & breakfast. Three guestrooms aredecorated with simple country charm whilst a loungearea, complete with music and books, invites gueststo relax and unwind. Tilba Tilba offers a wonderfulcombination of heritage trails, bush walks andgalleries and craft centres, it provides a perfectbreak inland, on the journey along the coast.Bannisters Point, MollymookWith a stunning coastline for miles, the easy threehour drive from Sydney to Mollymook is a treat initself with plenty of photo opportunities and breaksfor fresh air and a stroll. From the moment youarrive it is clear that this is a special place, itsfantastic cliff-top position ensures you views to writehome about. With 26 rooms, each with a privatebalcony, there is a distinctly intimate ambiencecoupled with personalised service at this elegantproperty. Relax by the rejuvenating salt-water poolor take to Mollymook beach for leisurely beach andbush walks, scuba diving or horse-riding.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.Sapphire CoastA TALE OFTWO CITIESLinking Sydney and Melbourne by a path lesstravelled, this route takes in some of Australia'smost magnificent coastal scenery and stunningnational parks. Staying in small, friendly towns insouthern New South Wales and eastern Victoria, thisroute is highly recommended for those who haveperhaps visited Australia before.Day 1:Drive from Sydney to Kangaroo Valley,spend the day exploring the valley anddiscovering the delights of the village.Day 2:Drive to Jervis Bay, make sure you stopoff and take in the view fromCambewarra Mountain.Day 3:Spend the morning exploring theBooderee National Park.Day 4:Drive to Tilba Tilba and spend theafternoon enjoying the heritage of thispicturesque village.Day 5:Join a morning cruise to MontagueIsland's seal and bird colonies. Thisafternoon drive to Merimbula.Day 6:Cross the state border to Metung andspend the afternoon exploring.Day 7:Take a cruise on one of the area'sstunning lakes or perhaps a fishing trip.Day 8:Drive to Wilson's Promontory NationalPark, spend the rest of the day relaxingand enjoy the views.Day 9:Enjoy one of the marked walking trails.Day 10:Drive to Walhalla, take a trip on the oldsteam train.Day 11:Join a morning tour of one of the old goldmines. Continue to Melbourne.EXTENSIONSAn alternative is to take the inland road, throughthe capital city of Canberra, across the KosciuszkoNational Park (the Snowy Mountains) crossing theMurray River and the goldfields to Melbourne.Gold digger, Walhalla, Victoria