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

NEW SOUTH WALES21LORD HOWE ISLANDThis far-flung, volcanic treasure, two hours by airfrom Sydney, rises out of the ocean and curvesaround an aquamarine lagoon. It is one of onlya handful of islands awarded World Heritagestatus for its collection of scarce flora, fauna andprolific marine life. Forests smother the island,from native kentia palms at sea level to luxuriantmist forest on the mountain summits. Itsflawless beaches are safe and pristine and fishcan be hand-fed as they congregate in theshallow waters. As visitor numbers are limitedthe island is never crowded - take your time andexplore the many walking tracks, snorkelamongst the brilliantly coloured and bizarrelyshaped coral or, simply relish the setting. Capella Lodge,Lord Howe IslandThis lodge commands dazzling lagoon and mountainviews and provides a refuge from everyday hubbub.The spacious suites with their timber floors andbleached shutters create a beach-house ambience.How active you wish your day to be can be decidedwhilst enjoying breakfast on your veranda; bush-walking, bird-watching or perhaps a soothingmassage under the shade of a kentia palm. As thesun slowly dips you can sip a chilled drink whilstdinner is served and reflect on your choice.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.TheMagnificent EastNorth of Sydney is some of Australia's most beautifulcoastline, home to miles of perfect beaches andfriendly seaside towns. This journey also headsinland, through the vineyards of the Hunter Valleyand the Dorrigo National Park, Australia's mostaccessible temperate rainforest.Day 1:Catch a last glance of the Sydney OperaHouse and the glittering harbour as youleave Sydney and head north towards theHunter Valley.Day 2:The Hunter Valley produces some ofAustralia's best wines and today is a freeday to explore the vineyards and historictowns of this region.Day 3:Continue north, passing through theMyall Lakes region and Port Stephens.Day 4:A free day to explore the rainforest ofthe Dorrigo National Park or discoversome of the many glorious unspoiledbeaches on this stretch of coast.Day 5:After a morning drive to Byron Bay,discover the lighthouse and beach beforerelaxing in the bohemian atmosphere ofthis laid-back town.Day 6:Leave Byron Bay and cross intoQueensland, ending your journey inBrisbane.EXTENSIONSExtend your stay at either the beginning or the endwith a few nights on the World Heritage island ofLord Howe - direct flights are available from bothSydney and Brisbane.THE NORTHERN RIVERSThis area stretches from the mighty ClarenceRiver to Tweed Heads and out to the foothills ofthe Great Divide and offers endless beaches,rolling countryside dotted with quirkytownships, rugged cattle country and deep rivergorges that disappear in to the mountains. Asomewhat eclectic mix of cultures has settled inthis area, in Maclean you can trace the Scottishheritage of the town's founders, while in NewItaly, boatloads of shipwrecked Italiansestablished a unique enclave in the bush, and atByron Bay artisans and the establishment havecreated a bohemian yet sophisticated lifestyle.At Cape Byron the striking lighthouse marksAustralia's most easterly point and the manywalking trails and lookouts present you withwonderful opportunities for spotting whales ontheir annual migration (July to October). MountWarning, a twisted ancient volcano whichCaptain Cook once used as a navigational aid,rises from the Tweed Valley and provides amarvellous lookout over the patchwork of sugar,tea and tropical fruit plantations; testimony tothe fertility of the soil. Tweed Heads, less flashythan its sister town of Coolangatta just a hopacross the state border, symbolises the end of ajourney within New South Wales and thebeginning of the next in Queensland.Victoria's on Wategos,Byron BayCommanding spectacular ocean views, a waterfallfeature streams gently down the front of thisTuscan-styled guesthouse which is set against aflourishing forest backdrop. The sophisticated interiorcolours blend with fine furniture and each of the five,light guestrooms features a private balcony witheither a sea or garden view. Large spa baths, four-poster beds and fragrant flowers provide more thana hint of luxury. Upon leaving the comfort of yourroom you will discover that you are a short strollfrom some of the most legendary beaches inAustralia and the diverse lifestyle of Byron Bay.Lord Howe IslandCapella Lodge