|
Home > Our
Publications > Australian
Outlook> 2006
> August
Something for all on North Coast
THERE'S no place like the North Coast of New South Wales - from
Terrigal to the Tweed you'll find a range of holiday experiences to
enjoy: from its golden beaches and sparkling waterways, to its national
parks and mouth-watering food and wine.
From camel safaris to arts and crafts, seafood feasts to rainforest hikes, you'll find fun that's worth writing home about.
Northern Rivers
Uncrowded beaches, lush rainforests, picturesque surroundings and an
idyllic climate have attracted a curious mix of hippies, surfers, rich
urbanites, actors and artists to New South Wale's Northern Rivers
region.
One of the jewels in the crown is Byron Bay, with its shimmering seas
and new-age therapies on every corner or the surf beaches at
Kingscliff. Sun worshippers will be spoilt for choice and the many
national parks, rivers and rainforests will keep nature lovers happy.
Get back to basics in one of the region's campgrounds or take in the
panoramic views of the Tweed Valley and Mt Warning at Blackbutt Lookout
or drop into the Jacaranda Festival in Grafton when the tree's mauve
flowers decorate the town.
Foodies are also well catered for with the region's hinterland renowned
for great cafes and restaurants, thanks to the area's gourmet produce.
Specialty coffee and tea, macadamia nuts, bush tucker and exotic fruits
are all on offer throughout the region. So grab your basket and follow
your tastebuds!
North Coast
Seeking a getaway with a difference? Go North!
New South Wale's North Coast is a melting pot of magnificent lakes,
mountain ranges, lush hinterland and sparkling beaches, all just
waiting to be discovered.
Stretching from the holiday meccas of Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour
and inland to the mountain town of Dorrigo, the region's diversity
really does offer something for everyone.
On the coast, adventurers can enjoy scuba diving, sky-diving and
rock-climbing - whilst inland the rainforests, lakes and national parks
offer more peaceful pursuits such as bushwalking, fishing and camping.
For sheer beauty, it's hard to go past the 400km of golden beaches -
Shoal Bay, Forster, South West Rocks and Nambucca Heads are some of the
best known, but there are many more remote coves and inlets scattered
along the coast.
Or hire a boat and explore the Myall Lakes National Park - this vast,
beautiful lake system is definitely one of the region's best-kept
secrets.
Hunter
The Hunter is a diverse region of spectacular beaches, lake and
rainforest, a cosmopolitan city and Australia's oldest wine-producing
region - all within two hours drive from Sydney.
On the coast, escape to Lake Macquarie where pristine beaches, a
stunning lake and a breathtaking mountain wilderness area await you.
Newcastle, an historic port city surrounded by beaches, is not to be
missed. Stroll past tug-boats and through historic streets, eat in
buzzy cafes and fabulous restaurants.
Inland, the Hunter Valley is an ideal spot to do the cellar door rounds
- sample superb Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
varieties or taste local gourmet delights.
Stretching from the heritage city of Maitland to the wine rich areas of
Pokolbin and Cessnock and historic Singleton in the north, the Hunter
Valley exudes a relaxed and friendly charm that keeps people coming
back again and again.
Take a hot air balloon ride or just drink in the postcard views - the
diverse landscape encompasses everything from farmland and rocky
outcrops to sandstone cliffs and coastline. Explore rugged mountains
and the spectacular rainforests of the World Heritage Barrington Tops
National Park, the perfect destination to experience the best of
nature.
With so much to do and see, the Hunter is an ideal holiday destination!
Central Coast
If you're seeking a holiday playground that offers fun on a grand
scale, go north to New South Wale's Central Coast. It's a nice mix of
rugged national parks, waterways and golden beaches.
The region begins at Broken Bay on the mouth of state's beautiful
Hawkesbury River and includes all the bays and inlets around the main
hub of Gosford, the surf beaches of The Entrance, Avoca, Terrigal and
the lush hinterland of Dooralong.
Hungry? A picnic basket and a healthy appetite is all you'll need to
enjoy the region's fantastic fresh seafood and local produce.
|