Adventure On Your Wish List
Sun Herald
Sunday March 15, 1998
As the Easter holidays approach, good accommodation deals are appearing on the market. Rebecca Thurlow looks for packages that won't blow your budget.
THIS Easter break falls later than last year, with the major celebration on Sunday, April 12, so there is still time to organise your escape and even bag a bargain in the process.
WINE COUNTRY
Rolling hills, expanses of green vines, best wines and cosy guesthouses are what the Hunter Valley is renowned for, but there are plenty of other activities: mountain biking, bush-walking, horse riding or a sunrise balloon ride.
Catersfield House, overlooking the vineyards of Wyndham Estate, offers three nights' twin-share accommodation and a picnic or barbecue lunch for two for $450. Phone (02) 4998 7220.
For other Hunter details call Cessnock Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4990 4477.
MOUNTAIN AIR
Spectacular alpine walks, mountain-bike riding, good restaurants and fishing are just a few reasons to head for the Snowy Mountains before the ski season begins.
A two-night package at Thredbo's Alpenhorn resort, for two adults and two children under 14, costs $285, including continental breakfasts and a two-day Activity Pass. The pass gives unlimited chair-lift usage and 12 bob-sled rides.
A three-night Riverside Cabins package costs $515, including a self-contained unit for a family of four and the same Activity Pass.
For details phone the Thredbo Resort Centre on 1800 020 589.
HIGHLAND FLING
The bi-annual Festival of the Tartans, including the Australian Pipe Band and Highland Dancing Championships, will be held in Newcastle on the Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend.
Among 400 dancers and 60 bands at the Broadmeadow Showground will be world champion highland dancer from Scotland Gregor Bowman and world champion drum major Alan McBride from Northern Ireland.
Newcastle Tourism have packages from $50 per room per night. Phone (02) 4929 9299.
JAZZ IT UP
The Wollongong Easter Jazz Fest features non-stop performances by international and national artists throughout the city. There will be a thumping band march to the city mall, a jazz breakfast and a gospel church service.
Novotel North Beach offers two nights' accommodation for two children and two adults at $209 per night, including buffet breakfasts. Phone 02 4226 3555.
For festival details phone (02) 4228 0300.
COUNTRY LIFE
Altarmira Holiday Farm Stay at Gloucester is for parents looking for a destination to entertain the kids while providing adults with country hospitality, bush walks, hay rides, horse riding or even cattle mustering on the 600ha cattle station.
A two-night Easter package is $250, including accommodation for two adults twin-share, and all meals and activities. Children 1-4 years are $31.23 a night extra and 5-15 years $62.50.
Altarmira is rated 4.5 stars by NRMA. Phone (02) 6550 6558.
Tallowood Ridge Farm Stay Bed & Breakfast at Wingham near Taree has a $310 three-night package including accommodation for two adults and two children, continental breakfasts, salt-water pool and six-hole golf course. Phone (02) 655 70438 or 041 143 3319.
FOSSIL FUELLED
If you want to learn more about the geology of the Blue Mountains and the natural history of the Australian bush, maybe the Age of Fishes trip with Australian Academic Tours is for you.
During the four-day tour, geologist David Roots takes a small group to a fossil site in Canowindra and explains the land forms and environment that led to a massive kill of huge fish 300 million years ago.
Cost is $550 per person, and includes transport, twin-share accommodation and most meals. Phone (02) 9290 3734.
COASTING
Want sun, sand and surf? The Manning Valley has good Easter deals.
For instance, Oz Frens Bed & Breakfast at the pretty village of Hallidays Point, 20 minutes from Taree, has three nights' accommodation and breakfasts for two, plus dinner on a night of your choice, for only $195. (02) 6559 2845.
Manning River Holidays Afloat offers a six-berth boat over three nights, including champagne on arrival and a car wash for $680. Mention The Sun-Herald for a 10 per cent discount. Phone (02) 6552 6271.
On the south coast, Ulladulla's Italian community will celebrate the traditional blessing of the fishing fleet from April 6 to 12.
The four-star Ulladulla Guest House offers four nights for two, including champagne on arrival, a fruit platter with home-grown mangoes and bananas, port and chocolates in the evening, and a gourmet breakfast, for $515. Phone (02) 4455 1796.
LIVE IT UP
To counteract the traditional Easter mass exodus from the city, Sydney hotels offer specials to entice country folk to enjoy the high city life.
Recently, time-stressed locals have begun to realise these deals also work for them, with a cost-saving option and one which extends their break by virtually eliminating travel time.
After all, how many of us have time in our weekly schedule to indulge in the music, art, restaurants and entertainment of the city?
Sydney is hosting a stack of events over the long weekend, including international fashion previews for Australian Fashion Week, the Autumn Racing Carnival at Randwick and the Royal Easter Show in its new venue at Homebush.
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman art competition entrants will be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW. And there will be a Circus and Street Theatre Festival at Darling Harbour.
The five-star Sydney Sheraton Airport Hotelis offering a Weekend Racing Package from $165 per night for two, including breakfast. Phone (02) 9317 2200.A seven-minute drive from Homebush Bay, Parramatta Travelodge is offering special rates to Royal Easter Show visitors who stay a minimum of four nights. The cost is $150 per room per night. Phone 1300 363 300.
For those who want to take in the Royal Easter Show but be an easy 10 minutes from the city, Rydges North Sydney has a family package for $260. This includes one night's accommodation for two adults and two children in a two-bedroom suite, tickets to the show, a hot breakfast and an Easter surprise for the kids. Phone (02) 9922 1311.
In the city, Hyde Park Plaza, overlooking the green expanses of Hyde Park, is offering studio suites for $185 per night, including parking and a full buffet breakfast for two. Phone (02) 9331 6933.
All Seasons New Hampshire Apartments at Potts Point are offering serviced apartments overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from $123 per night. Phone 1800 802 196.
© 1998 Sun Herald
