Page 151 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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CITIES

ABOVE “Koalas crossing” road sign
LEFT World-famous Bondi Beach seen from a less-familiar viewpoint

Weekend

Retreats

To the south of Sydney, the sleepy coastal village of
Sussex Inlet offers a unique glimpse of Australian
life. During the day, take a fishing boat out on the
tranquil waters, enjoy a round of golf (making sure
you don’t hit a kangaroo) or walk along the inlet to
the entrance and then back across the wild, rugged
beach to complete the loop. In the evening, join
the locals for dinner at the Bamboo River Chinese
restaurant in the RSL Club.
Situated on a scenic back road that leads to the
Hunter Valley wine region, the small, historic town
of Wollombi is the perfect destination for a romantic
getaway. You can stay in charming guesthouses
and visit local vineyards; awaken to the cry of bell
birds, and stroll through misty valleys on your
perfect weekend. Make sure to leave time for a
counter lunch at the Settlers Arms Inn at St Albans
on the way there or back.
At the end of a long and winding road is the
historic Caves House, a beautiful Victorian-built,
Tudor-style building with accommodations to suit
every budget. Located within a World Heritage
area, right on its doorstep are the Jenolan Caves,
a labyrinth of limestone caves that, at 340 million
years old, are by far the oldest yet discovered.
To really escape the city and soak up the peace
of the Australian bush, rent a houseboat and enjoy
Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park from the water.
Clipper Cruises at Akuna Bay are only 40 minutes
north of the city. Moor next to a deserted beach,
cast a fishing line and try your luck, or head to
Cottage Point Inn for a long, leisurely lunch.

Practical Information
Clipper Cruises at Akuna Bay www.clippercruisers.com.au
Cottage Point Inn www.cottagepointinn.com.au
Jenolan Caves Three hours’ drive on the Great Western Highway via the Blue
Mountains; www.jenolancaves.org.au; www.jenolancaveshouse.com.au
Kur-ring-Gai Chase National Park www.atn.com.au/pittwater/park.htm
Sussex Inlet Three hours’ drive south of Sydney, 6 miles (10 km) off
the Princes Highway; www.sussexinlet.info; www.sussexrsl.com.au
Wollombi Two hours’ drive northwest of Sydney via the Great
Northern Road and Wisemans Car Ferry; www.wollombivalley.com;
www.settlersarms.com.au

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