Special Places

We highly recommend these

New South Wales

In the State's famous wine growing region, the Hunter Valley, not far from Newcastle and two hours drive from Sydney, there is a superb hideaway known as GRIMM'S DOMAIN. Surrounded by 34 hectares of bushland, vineyards, lakes, distant mountains and rolling pastures, this special haven, built in elegant Cape Cod style, consists of a grand lodge encompassing the owners' quarters and six luxury guest suites, with total privacy and uninterrupted scenic views.
Each very spacious suite has cathedral ceilings, huge windows, a private deck and a glass walled, luxuriously appointed bathroom. The queen size beds have feather doonas and the secluded dining/lounge area has tea and coffee making facilities, plus a mini fridge.
On arrival, guests are greeted with a platter of local cheeses and a bottle of Grimm's Domain wine. Arrive in time for afternoon tea in the domed tower lounge and you will also enjoy a selection of freshly baked cakes, scones and pastries with the tea or coffee of your choice. Arrive later and its evening drinks on the deck, or relaxing by a wood fire in the tower sitting room, if you wish.
Cable TV, a stereo system, CDs, fragrant incense, scented oils and candles and much more are to be found in each air conditioned suite. Next morning there is a hearty, cooked country breakfast to be enjoyed in the Domain kitchen or, if you prefer, a well filled basket of breakfast goodies will be delivered to your suite.
Silent, starry nights provide a romantic atmosphere and an abundance of kangaroos can be seen on the property by day, as well as wallabies, wombats and waterfowl, which add to the relaxing ambience of the place. There's bushwalking in the adjacent national park, hands on experience in the vineyard, picnics by the lake, or a short drive into the centre of Pokolbin, if you feel like getting out and about.
You can stay here for $220 nightly per suite, including the sumptuous afternoon teas, wine, cheese platter and hearty breakfasts etc. For more information Tel: 1300 555 757, or log on to www.grimmsdomain.com.au

Northern territory

THE ULTIMATE TOP END INDULGENCE
For those who do not have to count their dollars and cents frequently, the ultimate getaway would have to be SEVEN SPIRIT BAY, one of the very few premier wilderness resort hideaways in Australia and the only one in The Territory. It is sited on the coast of the remote Cobourg Peninsula, directly north from Kakadu National Park in a pristine tropical wilderness. There are no access roads. The only way in is by twin engine aircraft from Darwin (a 45 minute flight with superb views). Clients are met at the airstrip by safari wagon and half an hour later they will reach their destination. Alternatively they may arrive by sea Only 48 people may be cosseted at this palm fringed resort at any one time and all residential buildings are set apart from each other in open woodland, overlooking a marine park. The variety of terrain and native fauna to be found here is quite astonishing. Conducted walks, cruising, sensational fishing, or just quiet relaxation in a private and spacious hexagonal cottage set in tropical gardens is what this resort is all about. There's a fresh water swimming pool of course, plus a relaxing bar and lounge. In addition, the restaurant serves meals literally fit for royalty, with a connoisseur's selection always available. Each private and exquisitely furnished habitat (or cottage) has its own well stocked minibar and glamorous bathroom and the temperature ranges between 28-32C all year round. This multi award winning, super exclusive and secluded resort really is one of the best in the world. The rates per person, range from around Aus$450 nightly, twin share, including all meals and activities. Alcoholic beverages cost extra, as do laundry, phone calls and game fishing. The return air fare from Darwin is an added cost at around $300 per person. For further details Tel: +61 3 670 2166 or Fax: +61 3 670 9043.

South Australia

A SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FIVE STAR TREAT anyone wanting to book into accommodation that is in the totally superior bracket should consider THORNGROVE MANOR, at STIRLING, in the Adelaide Hills. Listed as one of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this multi award winning establishment is 20 minutes drive from the CBD, but set in a world of its own. Built on Gothic style and proportions, each sumptuous suite inside is furnished entirely with antiques and has its own private entrance, plus beds that need to be seen to be believed. Fabulous spa baths and cordon blue cuisine are the order of the day. This is elegance personified. Choose from the King's Chambers, the Tower Suite, the Keep, the Turret and more. Tapestries, spiral staircases, a majestic baronial fireplace - all this and more can be found at old world Thorngrove Manor. They can be emailed at thorngro@cobweb.com.au, or written to at 2 Glenside Lane, Stirling, SA 5152

Western Australia

W.A.'s TWO ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HIDEAWAYS
EL QUESTRO is a million acre cattle station (ranch) and wilderness park in the Kimberley. Although riverside camping is allowed and there is budget priced accommodation, as well as self contained bungalows available, it is the exclusive accommodation provided in the Homestead that takes guests up into the 'ultimate haven' category. Decorated by artefacts and antiques from Indonesia and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Homestead has a free form swimming pool, plus a spa and tennis court for the exclusive use of the Homestead guests. The spacious, air conditioned, luxuriously equipped bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, laundries and private veranda's, with views over the gardens and river. The rooms are serviced daily, of course. There is a Homestead restaurant with gourmet meals, plus a discreet and relaxing bar and full laundry services are available, if required. All meals and activities are included in the tariff, which starts at $540 per person per day, twin share, with a minimum two day stay. Available activities include boating up the Chamberlain Gorge, inspecting the Wandjina rock art, swimming in the water holes, and fishing for swordfish. Then there's horse riding, cattle mustering of the Brahman and shorthorn beasts, organised horse and camel treks, ranger led nature walks and helicopter flights over some of the country's finest scenery (an optional extra cost). Bungalows sleeping four people and with ensuite bathrooms, however start at $120 nightly for two, sharing a kitchen. Backpackers can have a two night dormitory stay with all meals provided for $159 per person. Riverside camp sites cost $7.50 per night per person and four wheel drive vehicles only are recommended. El Questro is 100 kilometres west of Kununurra by road, of which only 58 kilometres are sealed. Guests can fly in from Kununurra. El Questro's phone number is (091) 691 777 (omit the zero if dialling from overseas). Their Fax number is (091) 691 383 (leave the zero off if contacting from overseas). Their postal address is PO Box 909, Banksia St, Kununurra WA 6743

CABLE BEACH CLUB is a five star tropical resort which can be reached by direct flight from Darwin, in the Northern Territory, or by road. It has a next door neighbour, the Pearl Coast Zoo, all part of the same complex. Guests are accommodated in spectacular, spacious and airy, one and two bedroom bungalows, plus suites or studios, tastefully set among palm lined paths, lakes and waterways. Each bungalow has polished timber floors, wide timber veranda's with lattice screens and shutters, while ornate gazebos and delightful timber bridges carry the guest across meandering streams, as they wander around the club's superbly landscaped grounds. Oriental touches are to be seen everywhere, in keeping with the ambience of Broome. There is a brasserie, plus three other restaurants, the most exclusive of which is decorated with rare Asian artefacts and furnishings. Then there's also boat hire, big game fishing opportunities, a huge, superbly landscaped pool with a gazebo bar, plus three other bars, 12 day/night tennis courts (with pro coach), a children's activities centre, horse and camel rides on fabled Cable Beach and a club cruise boat. In addition, there are poolside barbecues and al fresco eating with the freshest of seafood's. Then there are beach walks, art tours and guided zoo tours, plus lots more. The atmosphere is quite informal and relaxed and the staff are there to ensure everyone has a stress free, happy stay. Courtesy transport is provided to and from Broome airport. The current tariff is available on request from the Club.
Tel: +61 9192 2505 or Fax: +61 9192 2249. Or write to Cable Beach Club, Cable Beach Road, Broome, WA 6725

Queensland

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Try the UNDARRA EXPERIENCE, a coach and rail tour out of Cairns to the UNDARRA LAVA TUBES - a unique and spectacular geological marvel. Walk through hollow tubes that once contained volcanic lava. Stay at the Lava Lodge or in Swags Tent Village and learn more about this unique corner of the world.

Take the QUEENSLANDER train journey from Brisbane to Cairns in splendid comfort, viewing the scenic tropics as you dine on fine foods, while your steward makes up your bed for the night.

THE GULFLANDER is known to many as the 'last great train ride', not because it is luxurious. It isn't, but it travels through the savannah grasslands of our far north, where the population is mostly cattle, not people. The track was built in 1880 and is registered with the National Trust. This train travels from Cairns up to quaint old NORMANTON on the Gulf and is only a two cars long, but with bags of character and history. It is an all weather line, so it still gets through during the spectacular Wet season.

Up in far north Queensland, one and a half hour's drive north of CAIRNS is DAINTREE and the DAINTREE RIVER. This area is renown for its tropical wilderness, for the crocodiles that can be seen sunning themselves on the banks of the river and for the vast, almost impenetrable rainforests. Tucked away out of nearby MOSSMAN is the DAINTREE ECOLODGE, designed and built to be totally in harmony with the ecology, while offering the guests the pinnacle of luxurious relaxation and refinement. All guests get an individual marble floored lodge (there are 15 of them), set well apart from each other in tropical bushland. Each is fully air conditioned and has a private, fully screened balcony, satellite television, ISD phone, mini bar, ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and beds to sleep three people. Full cooked breakfasts are included in the tariff. The Baaru House restaurant is fully licensed and open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All day every day a range of activities are available for those who are feeling energetic. These may include fishing, wild life tours, rainforest walks with an expert, 4WD safaris, horse riding, Great Barrier Reef cruises, adventure tours, diving, snorkelling, bird watching, or swimming from secluded beaches. Vegetarian meals are available and only the finest fresh local produce is used to prepare the meals. This exclusive Lodge also has a fine wine list. There's a big, under cover swimming pool, a cocktail bar and a boutique for those who would like to take a special souvenir away with them. The staff are trained to please their guests at all times.
Tel: +61 7 4098 6100.

HAYMAN ISLAND nestling in the glorious WHITSUNDAY'S at the southern end of the GREAT BARRIER REEF offers a five star indulgence few could ever forget. The ROYAL HAYMAN RESORT is reached by helicopter from PROSERPINE or SHUTE HARBOUR or aboard the 'Island Gypsy' or 'Whitsunday Princess'. On arrival at the island airstrip, guests are met by a colourful train and whisked away to reception. The resort complex has all the comforts and style of a world class hotel in a relaxed tropical atmosphere. All units have lagoon views, some are actually on the beach. Palm trees wave in the breeze everywhere and all around the ocean sparkles in the sun or moonlight. The beaches are superb and there is every sort of craft available - surfboards, windsurfing gear, catamarans, water skiing, big game fishing, coral viewing, Para flying and more. The meals are legendary, the evening entertainment non-stop, but with secluded beaches to enjoy in the moonlight when you've had enough of the music. There are tennis courts, bowls, pools such as you've never experienced before with swim up bars, plus indoor/outdoor lounge bars, outdoor or indoor eating and so much more.
For more information, Tel: +61 7 4940 1234.

Victoria

At pretty, tranquil METUNG, in the EAST GIPPSLAND LAKES area, in the far east of Victoria is a really special holiday hideaway, where discerning guests stay at very reasonable prices. McMILLANS OF METUNG has its own jetty on Bancroft Bay and is a multi award winner with good reason. Long established by John & Kaye McMillan, (John being a descendant of the McMillan brothers, who were the first white men to settle this area over 150 years ago), are very hospitable hosts. They offer 11 historic cottages, all spread wide apart on a slope among the trees for total privacy. These cottages vary greatly in size, from a cosy nest for two, to the largest, that would accommodate two friendly families who wish to holiday together. All have balconies or verandahs, private barbecues, laundries, delightfully appointed, modern bathrooms, large, heated/air conditioned elegant lounges and very big comfortable beds that look a real picture. The kitchens are equipped with everything any cook could ever need and the microwave ovens and fridges are quite large. There are colour TVs, video cassette players, mini libraries and piles of magazines in every cottage, along with flower arrangements and other welcoming touches that Kaye loves to add personally. Newspapers also magically appear on the verandah every morning, courtesy of John Then there's a most picturesque and delightful swimming pool complex, a full size tennis court, a public telephone box, a huge entertainment lounge, Happy Hour for the guests in the family homestead pergola (where John and Kaye dispense drinks and savouries for any who care to join them), plus a large and most beautiful, lily covered billabong, full of native water birds. The sunrises over their jetty are usually truly spectacular. Also on the grounds is Angus McMillan's original homestead (now Kaye's office and a honeymooners' retreat). The atmosphere is really perfect from the minute you arrive at the baronial gates, for which you will receive a card key on booking in, until you leave with regret. Add the access to the lakes, the village of Metung, with its boats and pelicans and waterfront pub, its old world store and bakery and more, not to mention the hot springs up the road and you'll realise this four star establishment is indeed a great place to get away from it all. Tel: +61 3 5156 2283 . At Cobram on the Murray river, in the far north centre of the State, CLUB COBRAM in Campbell Street, takes some beating. Not surprisingly, it has an official five star rating. Here there is accommodation available at all prices, from onsite caravans and self contained, all new family cabins in the caravanners area to luxurious two bedroom units in secluded courts, with shady verandahs, walls of windows overlooking the gardens and private carports. There is a great swimming pool, with plenty of beach lounges and umbrellas around it. There is also a mini lake with pelicans and other water birds, cricket practice nets and mini putting greens. There are heaps of kiddies play equipment, the largest, best equipped entertainment lounge you'll ever see, with its own kitchen and, off it, a quiet and very comfortable, big screen TV lounge.

There are also many well built, modern barbecues scattered throughout the spacious lawns, so that most folk can get one to themselves, except in school holidays perhaps. Very close by are licensed sports clubs, the Murray river for fishing and boating, all the shops, restaurants and other town facilities, not to mention wineries, Byramine historic homestead, the Daveile Antique Oil Lamp Museum and much more. However, guests must be a member of one of the recognised motoring organizations such as the RACV or the NRMA and pets are not accepted here. The resident managers are Fred and Carole Jobson. Tel: +61 3 5872 2467

Tasmania

TASMANIA FREYCINET LODGE on the south eastern coast, two miles south of COLES BAY on the Freycinet Peninsula is a great place to stay. Tucked away in the bush, many of balconies of the spacious log cabins look right down onto the beach below. Still more are scattered through the bush. They come in a variety of sizes to suit various requirements - some with cooking facilities and some without, but all with very comfortable beds and furniture. The draw cards here are the great beaches, bushwalking, fishing, boating and indoor activities available daily. There's a first class bar, lounge and restaurant with panoramic sea views (and large open fires in the cooler months). The food is first rate and the staff are very professional as well as being quite friendly. There is also a games room, theatrette, shop and outdoor activities available every day. These may be guided bushwalks, cruises, beachcombing or similar activities, with rangers and other helpful staff always happy to ensure their guests' holidays are as relaxing and happy as possible. The cabins have been decorated with quality furnishings and are warmly heated in the colder months. The ensuite bathrooms are excellent. Privacy is assured, if it is desired, but if not there are plenty of ways in which to interact with others on a friendly basis. There are many great walks from here to places like pretty Wineglass Bay Freycinet Lodge belongs to the INNKEEPER chain of hotels. FRANKLIN MANOR on the Esplanade in STRAHAN, on the mid west coast, is a beautifully restored, elegant manor house (1889) with 17 guest rooms, each with their own ensuite bathrooms and some with spas and open fire places. All have been superbly furnished. This is a four and a half star establishment (NO SMOKING) and has an award winning restaurant, where delicious meals are always the order of the day. It has a wide timber verandah running around the upper storey and the bar and cellars have an honesty box. This boutique hotel is rather grand and thus it is a memorable indulgence to stay here. Outings to the old mining township of ZEEHAN and trips down the FRANKLIN RIVER are just a couple of the excursions that can be enjoyed from Franklin Manor. Strahan is quite a neat little old township too. This is a FLAG HOTEL.
Tel: +61 3 6471 7311.

New South Wales

BYRON BAY is the most easterly point in Australia and it is a township where our ecology is of maximum importance to most of the residence. It is a colourful spot, but just south of the township, with its striking white lighthouse on the headland, is WATEGO BAY and there, with a magnificent beach setting on Marine Parade you will find RAE'S. This distinctively Mediterranean style villa offers seven huge suites and penthouses, some with grand four poster beds and all with an atmosphere of gracious, old world indulgence. The suites are furnished with exotic antiques, Italian marble tiled floors and hand carved Javanese furniture. Beautiful Moroccan mosaics also grace the interiors and the bathrooms are quite magnificent. There's an enticing swimming pool, a spacious guest lounge, a shady courtyard and a sauna to further please Rae's clientele. This hotel's restaurant is renown for its fine food and guests may eat in their suite, in the dining room, or outside overlooking the pool - wherever they please, in fact. Offshore, whales can often be seen frolicking in the sea. To learn more about this place, Tel: +61 2 6685 5366, email them at raes@byronbay.net.au

In the far north of the State, not far out of MURWILLUMBAH is the delightful CRYSTAL CREEK RAINFOREST RETREAT. Here guests can stay in log cabins on tall stilts, perched at canopy height, looking down into the crystal creek from their wide, shady, full length balconies. These cabins have two bedrooms equipped with king-size beds, large lounge dining rooms (with sound systems, colour TVs, VCR's, mini libraries etc), fully equipped kitchens and of course private bathrooms. There are only a handful of cabins on this privately owned property, which is sited in an unspoilt rainforest and thus there are some exceptional walks to be taken. The owners (the Rimmer family) are experts on the prolific local bird and wild life (particularly Judy) and there is even a hammock strung across above the creek for those who wish to laze while watching others dipping in the cool waters. One of the family members will also lead guests into the forest to view soaring stranglers figs of immense girth, believed to be hundreds of years old, if they wish. Deeper in, there are Arctic beech believed to be 1,000 years old too. The caldera of Mt Warning is not a great distance away by car and provides great views of this spectacular region. Breakfast baskets are available, if required. Very delicious three course dinners will also be served in the cabins, on request, for people who do not wish to cater for themselves. Anyone arriving by train or aircraft can be met by arrangement and there is a minimum stopping time of two nights. Tel: +61 2 6679 1591 for a brochure on this delightful hideaway.

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