Short, Sweet And Often
Sun Herald
Sunday December 13, 1998
Short breaks are big business as more people opt to holiday in short sharp bursts of two to five days throughout the year. No matter what your taste, the trick is finding the right accommodation for you.
Down on the farm
WHEN I asked a friend of mine recently whether she enjoyed her weekend in the country she wrinkled her perfectly powdered nose and said with some disdain, "They had cows and they moo-ed ".
Yep, cows will do that. But apparently they shouldn't have been doing it outside her window before breakfast.
She only wanted to be a babe in the city. If, like her, you don't want to negotiate your 4WD anywhere more challenging than Mosman and can't bear the thought of getting mud on the wheels or worst still on your shoes, farm stays aren't for you.
Farmstays are perfect for those who like getting back to nature, especially families.
Stay on a station or farm property and you're likely to lose your kids as soon as they've downed their cereal and not see them again until the next meal.
Children love farms, there are animals to pet and feed, open spaces to explore and dozens of opportunities to get dirty - what could be better?
For more information pick up a copy of the free Tourism NSW farmstay brochure from your local travel agent.
The following are farmstays worth considering:
Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Lodge, Monkerai Valley, Barrington Tops. The property is set on the banks of a mountain river where, if you are quiet and lucky, you may see platypuses playing. The lodge is part of a 300ha cattle breeding property and is surrounded by parklands and garden. You get luxury rooms with en suites and working farm activities too. Phone 02 4994 7117.
Hanericka Farmstay, Fairfield, Yerong Creek near Wagga Wagga. A 3,000ha working wheat, sheep and cattle property, family owned and managed with eight twin-share rooms with en suites, horseriding, hayrides and cow milking for the kids. Phone 02 6920 3709.
Mowbray Park Farm, Bakers Lodge Road, Picton. Little more than an hour from Sydney CBD, in the foothills of the southern highlands, the property has four lodges spread through its grounds. There are tennis courts and a pool. Visitors can go horseriding, egg collecting, canoeing and there's the occasional bush dance to enjoy. Phone 02 4680 9243.
Romantic retreats
WHEN you and your beloved want to get away a deux the last thing you want is a resort which brings the outside world back to you. So you don't want places where kids dive bomb you in the pool or desperately social places where communal tables force you to speak to your fellow guests, charming as they may be.
Searching for properties with the words "hideaway" or "retreat" in their name is always a good start. Beyond that our recommendations below and a sense of romance are probably all you need.
Get up close and personal at:
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Brookers Road, Crystal Creek. Adjoining the world heritage listed Border Ranges National Park, the retreat has self-contained cabins nestled in the forest. The setting is private and tranquil. Cabins have king-size beds and double spa baths. Phone 02 6679 1591.
Casuarina Country Inn, Hermitage Road, Pokolbin. Eight themed suites from British Empire to French bordello are what makes Casuarina the perfect place for a romantic break with four-poster beds, chaise lounges and velvet drapes aplenty. The five-star guest house also offers gourmet food and is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Phone 02 4998 7888.
Jenkins Street Guest House, Jenkins Street Nundle. This small guest house is as well known for its meals as its accommodation. So for lovers of fine food as well as of each other, this is one to try. Phone 02 6769 3239
Life's a beach
OK it's summer, so nothing but an escape to the beach will do.
You just need to feel salt on your skin and sand between your toes. Luckily for those of us who don't live way out back, that's relatively easy.
Ideally, what you need to do is to see the ocean from your accommodation, just to prove to yourself you're really there, without having to pay a fortune to do so.
The following properties, all different, fit the bill:
Murramarang Resort, Banyandah Street, Durras. This caravan and cabin park is right next to a breathtaking beach in a national park which abounds with kangaroos. The resort supplies special bags of pellets to hand feed the roos - although the big ones are more likely to grab the whole bag. This is a great place for families. Phone 02 4478 6230.
Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel, Shoal Bay, Road, Port Stephens. An easy 2 hours' drive north of Sydney on the beachfront at Shoal Bay, the country club offers comfortable accommodation, pool and tennis court, restaurant with water views and a lively on-site tavern. Phone 02 4981 1555.
Old Bar Beach Bed And Breakfast, Old Bar Road, Old Bar Beach near Taree. This small guest house offers an intimate atmosphere with luxury en suite rooms, the required ocean views and a short walk to the beach. Phone 02 6553 7032.
Historic Houses
If you feel the urge to sleep in a bedroom, if not a bed, where hundreds have slept before you, where the trials and tribulations of modern living, stress and road rage just melt away then what you are after is a historic guest house.
Despite the relentless march of tower blocks, town houses and Circular Quay toasters, we still have some historic houses worth staying in.
Travel back in time at:
The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba Street, Katoomba. This historic hotel has been unloved for far too long. Now it has been restored to its former grandeur and is again open for business. There's a library and a billiard room to complete the old-fashioned feel. Phone 02 4782 1111.
Peppers Mount Broughton, Kater Road, Sutton Forest. The grand baronial hall in the main house with its huge fireplace and sweeping staircase set the scene in this historic homestead. The original estate dates back to the 1820s. You can stay in the original house or in elegant modern wings with en suite bathrooms. Guests can play at the adjoining Mount Broughton golf club. Phone 02 4868 2355.
© 1998 Sun Herald
