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

PORT STEPHENSThe delightful sheltered bay of Port Stephensoffers coastal scenery typified by volcanic peaksand clear bays fringed with near-desertedbeaches and calm blue waters. At Nelson's Bayyou will find one of the most perfect places toexperience dolphins in their natural habitat.Unspoilt Broughton Island, half an hour by boatfrom Nelson, provides a wealth of incredibleAustralian flora and fauna. It is perfect for bothnaturalists and sun lovers alike as it boastssecluded beaches and fascinating bird andmarine life. Take a leisurely stroll along thebanks of Tillgerry Creek and spot nappingkoalas or, for those that want something a littlemore exhilarating you can take a 4WD tour ofthe largest sand dune system in Australia. Peppers Anchorage,Port StephensPerched on the edge of the quaint marina, PeppersAnchorage occupies a superb position offering lovelyviews across the brightly coloured fishing boats thatdot the bay. Built in the style of a fishing village, theproperty has a nautical feel and the interlinkedguesthouses line the pontoon's edge. Each of thelovely guestrooms has a private balcony or verandato make full use of sunlight and views; you arebound to feel that traditional seaside excitementthat is brought to mind by the feel of the sun andcrisp salty breeze on your face as you look outacross the sea.20Jacaranda treeCOFFS COASTAlthough famous for its bunches of bananasthere is far more to this region that stretchesfrom Nambucca Heads to Woolgoolga withCoffs Habour sandwiched in between. From thehigh headlands and bluffs that dot this coastyou may see migrating humpbacks passing closeto the shore with Boambee Heads offering oneof the best vantage points. Pacific rollers washthe string of golden beaches and local seafoodis a highlight from a dining extravaganza to that'just caught' taste coupled with piping hot chipsand a wedge of lemon down at the harbour.Bellingen is a relaxed, alternative town with abias towards arts and crafts, and the lovelyrenovated dairy displays the works of some ofthe local artisans. This coastline, between thestunning hinterland forests of the Great DividingRange is definitely worth a stop.Lily Pily, Bellingen This simple yet stylish country house offers asecluded stay in beautiful surrounds. Home-bakedteas welcome you on arrival and each of the threerooms has a private balcony overlooking the riverand mountains. Bellingen and its thriving arts sceneare a short drive away. The guest lounge hascomfortable sofas and an extensive selection ofbooks and is an ideal place to while away the hours.A gourmet breakfast is served until midday, andprivate dinners are available.Peppers AnchoragePelicans