Day 1 : Arrive Sydney
Travel to Sydney.
Day 2,3 : Sydney
Victoria Court, a historic boutique hotel, is centrally located on
quiet, leafy Victoria Street in elegant Potts Point; the heart of Sydney's
gastronomic precinct. The hotel is an ideal base from which to explore and
do business in Sydney. It is within minutes of the Opera House, the Central
Business District, the Harbour, Chinatown and the famous Beaches. Victoria
Street is an address much favoured in the history of Sydney. In earlier
times, it was the preferred residential choice of some of the city's most
influential and wealthy merchant families who lived there because it was so
close to the magnificent harbour. Right at its heart stands Victoria Court,
whose buildings date from 1881 and retain the gracious ambience of that age,
while incorporating all the refinements of a modern, first class
establishment.
Guests are offered friendly and personalised service in an informal
atmosphere and amidst Victorian charm. Not unexpectedly, no two rooms are
alike, and cater to various budgets. Most rooms have marble fireplaces, some
have four poster beds and others feature balconies which offer views over
Victoria Street, which is classified by the National Trust as a street of
historical significance. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers,
air-conditioning, colour television, radio-clock, safe, coffee/tea making
facilities and direct dial telephone for both local and international calls.
The focal point of Victoria Court is the verdant courtyard conservatory,
where to the melodious accompaniment of a bubbling fountain, breakfast is
served. Guests can relax and read the daily papers or browse through books
in the fire-placed lounge.Victoria Court's central location puts all of
Sydney's major attractions - including its most famous icons - the Opera
House and the Harbour Bridge - within easy reach. From close to the Opera
House, Ferry Services provide effortless access to the world's most
beautiful harbour, with frequent services to a wide variety of magical
spots, many with their own golden beaches. The world renowned Royal Botanic
Gardens lie between the harbour and the hotel. Other major attractions close
by are The Rocks, The Art Gallery, The Australian Museum, Hyde Park and
Darling Harbour.
Day 4 :
Port Arthur
Wendover, with its understated Georgian elegance, provides an atmosphere of
quiet gentility either in your own self-contained apartment or suite.
Wendover offers today's travellers a marvelous opportunity to experience the
pleasures of living in an authentic colonial mansion of grand proportions
with 22 rooms. Described by Captain Butler Stoney in his book of 1856, A
Residence in Tasmania, as "A fine mansion of considerable taste and
elegance". Guests have their own private apartments, complete with
ensuites and fully equipped kitchens, and some have an inter-connecting door
allowing areas to be opened up for the convenience of families or groups
travelling together.
The original cedar and pine joinery of the guest sitting - dining room is
enhanced by the antique furnishing (as with each apartment). This provides
an elegant setting for a quiet fireside chat or drink before or after
perhaps sampling one of Hobart's premier restaurant areas? Hosts Barbara and
Rick Reynolds have a wealth of knowledge and experience of antique
collections and sympathetic restorations. They look forward to sharing
Wendover and its treasures with you.
New Town Hobart Tasmania An award winning mansion 5 minutes drive from the
Hobart CBD. Neighbouring attractions include:
» Runnymede, renowned historic National Trust
property.
» Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
» Tasmania Hockey Centre.
» Riverside bicycle track (bicycles available).
» Lawn bowls.
» North Hobart with its many fine restaurants.
DAY 5 : Strahan
Situated
on a hillside on the outskirts of scenic Strahan, a charming little fishing
village on Macquarie Harbour, Franklin Manor is a century old mansion where
warm hospitality is part of the tradition. It provides travellers with an
oasis of civilisation and warmth from which to explore Tasmania's wild west
coast. Part of Tasmania's "must see" experiences, the West Coast
offers magnificent scenery which can be enjoyed in a number of ways - from
the air, from the river, on foot, or by vehicle. Visitors can immerse
themselves in a wide variety of activities the region provides from a base
offering comfort, elegance and tranquillity - as well as superb food and
wine. Discover the secrets of this magic part of the world. You won't be
disappointed. Escape from the tyranny of city living and experience the
unpretentious delights of cosy Franklin Manor. Nestled in established
gardens, this historic property offers charming accommodation and excellent
service - the perfect haven for those in need of relaxation.
The restaurant overlooks the wide verandahs and well-established garden and
guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the verandah or in the comfortable
lounge before being seated. One delightful experience is making your way to
the underground cellar to select your wine from an excellent range of
Tasmanian, Australian and International wines. Gateway to the mighty
Franklin and Gordon Rivers, steeped in history and natural beauty, Strahan
is one of Tasmania’s significant tourist experiences. Today, Strahan is
a bustling tourist town, voted ‘The Best Little Town In The World’
by the Chicago Tribune, and boasts a multi-million dollar fish-farming
industry. Most importantly, it is the gateway to one of the most outstanding
wilderness areas on earth, with a multitude of natural wonders to explore in
the region.
Day 6,7 : Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain, recognized for its unique landscapes, and fresh, alpine
beauty, is situated in one of Australia's World Heritage National Parks.
There are many walks in the Cradle Mountain National Park, ranging from a
ten minute stroll to a five day trek! Cradle Mountain Highlanders is just 1½
km (1 mile) from it's entrance. Our little cluster of cabins is nestled in
ten acres of native bushland, in a clearing off the main road, hidden away
from public view. Cradle Mountain Lodge is a warm, rustic retreat nestled
high in the Tasmanian wilderness, a superb escape featuring cosy cabins,
fine food and wine and many activities. Each fully self-contained cabin is a
unique rustic experience in accommodation, cabins as you would expect in the
mountains (but with a few essential mod cons!). Every cabin is different,
catering for families, honeymooners or backpackers. Whether you're on an
outdoor adventure, your honeymoon, or just having a well deserved rest,
Cradle Mountain Highlanders is an ideal location.
Day 8,9 : Calstock
Calstock is set in 200 acres of land just south of Deloraine on the Lake
Highway. It was originally granted to Lieutenant Pearson Foote RN in 1831
and some parts of the house and stables date to this period.The property was
purchased in 1853 by John Field and remained in the Field familyfor over 120
years. The main part of the house was built by John in the grand style of
the day with marble mantelpieces, fine plaster mouldings on lofty ceiling
and cedar doors, shutters and skirtings that remain in fine condition to
this day. John Field bred many famous racehorses of the late 19th century at
the Calstock stud. They became winners of many prestigious Australian races
such as the Australian Cup, the Caulfield Cup, the Grand National Hurdle,
the Melbourne Cup, the Newmarket Handicap and the Oakley Plate. Calstock has
six rooms with ensuites and will when development is completed have ten
rooms with ensuites. It has been decorated with an English country house
feel rather than colonial, although many Georgian antiques have been used.
Calstock has an extensive wine list including, apart from a wide variety of
Tasmanian and Australian mainland wines, over 100 different French, Italian
and Californian wines. It also has a selection of over 50 Scotch whiskies.
Your hosts Ginette & Remi Bancal provide a French influenced country
style menu created from the freshest and organic local ingredients. Over the
next few years Calstock will develop its gardens to include a large
vegetable garden and raise its own livestock for consumption in the
restaurant.
Day 10 : Brisbane
The Stamford Plaza Brisbane provides an atmosphere of luxury and elegance.
The lobby surrounds its guests with comfort and spaciousness. Works of art
hang naturally in an environment that suggest a stately home - at The
Stamford Plaza Brisbane life truly reflects the art of fine living.
Overlooking the Brisbane all rooms have panoramic views. Garden Suites offer
views of the river and Botanic Gardens, each has an elegant lounge setting
and walk in dressing room. Located on the Botanic Gardens, just 5 minutes
walk from the Brisbane's central business, retail and entertainment
district. The Stamford Plaza Brisbane hosts 232 roomswith panoramic river
views, colonial warmth and elegance, air conditioning, TV, in house movies,
tea and coffee facilities, mini bar and bathrobes. Siggi's at The Stamford
Plaza Brisbane - the Hotel's award winning signature restaurant. There is a
relaxed atmosphere at The Brasserie - a la carte or buffet. The adjacent
Terrace boasts Al fresco dining with views of the river and hotel gardens.
Authentic Japanese dining is available at Kabuki. Recreational facilities
include outdoor heated pool, spa, sauna and a fully equipped gymnasium or
jog in the nearby Botanic Gardens. At The Stamford Plaza Brisbane the staff
is dedicated to provide personal service to make each stay truly memorable.
Day
11,12,13,14 : Heron Island
Heron Island is a true coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef. Here you
can swim straight off the beach to an endless garden of coral where the
waters are literally teeming with beautifully coloured fish and marine life.
It's what you don't see around Heron that makes the resort so special. You
won't see any buildings above the tree line. And you won't bump into any
daytrippers either. The reef experience on Heron is exclusively for guests,
a unique experience few other resorts in the world can offer. There's a
relaxed island lifestyle that sets Heron apart, a sophisicated yet casual
resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the
natural attractions that have made Heron famous around the world.
You'll enjoy some of the world's best reef diving. There's a choice of
spectacular sites just minutes from the beach, and can you imagine a better
place to learn to dive?
Join a guided reef walk to learn more about the unique ecology of the Great
Barrier Reef or snorkel off the beach and come face to face with the
kaleidoscope of marine life just below the surface. Enjoy a day trip to
explore an idyllic, uninhabited coral cay or spend the day just lazing by
the pool. The choice is yours.
At night there's live entertainment, dancing or a quiet drink at the
Pandanus Lounge. On Heron, all meals are included in your tarriff and you'll
find a range of accommodation to suit your budget. As you would expect,
Heron takes great pride in maintaining the higher standards of food and
service.
» Interpretative reef walks (operate daily subject to
tides)
» Island ecology walks Birdlife walks
» Turtle viewing (peak nesting times) Star Gazing
» Wildlife presentations
» Beach picnic hampers
» Snorkelling lessons in swimming pool
» Tennis (night & day)
» Reef Creature interpretative workshops
» Research station walks
» Nightly entertainment
Heron Island is famous around the world because it is exciting diving made
easy. There's no need for day trips to the Reef because you're already
there, so you can easily enjoy up to three full dives a day. There are over
twenty different dive sites, more than half of which are just fifteen
minutes from the beach. With so many acres of living coral literally teeming
with fish, it's easy to see why keen divers keep coming back to Heron.
Day 15 : Sydney
Victoria Court, a historic boutique hotel, is centrally located on quiet,
leafy Victoria Street in elegant Potts Point; the heart of Sydney's
gastronomic precinct. The hotel is an ideal base from which to explore and
do business in Sydney.
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