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ACCESS Travel
rave ACCESS T ACCESS JULY 2020 l Edited by DALLAS SHERRINGHAM We’re in the Business of Travel
FABULOUS SNOW SEASON AHEAD WITH NEW GONDOLA STARRING AT THREDBO
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
THE snow is falling, the lifts are buzzing and the slopes are alive with the swish of the skis and the flash of trendy outfits on the slopes of Thredbo as a 10-year-old whizzes past me.
He is followed by half a dozen other “smarties”, all graduates of the junior ski academy.
Now I will tell you straight up, I am one of the world’s worst “snowploughers” and I once was banned from the T bar because I somehow fell off three times, but I still love going to Th redbo and being part of it all.
Th e skiing is the number one reason we are here, but the social life and the crispness of the alpine air, the colorful clothing and the sound of people having fun all come together in one amazing statement about life “at the snow”.
But enough about me. Th redbo Resort is really going places with the completion of several exciting new devel“Snow lovers will be opments. thrilled with easier access
Th ese include the launch of the Merto the Cruiser area and the ritt s Gondola, the only alpine gondola in Friday Flat beginners’ area, Australia. In addition, is a new car park, and with the improvements improvements to Dream Run including we have made to the popular snowmaking, an expanded grooming Dream Run, including a new fl eet and the introduction of new sustainautomated snowmaking ability measures all of which contribute system. to delivering an enhanced experience for “We care deeply about visitors to Th redbo. our responsibility of operating in a
Th redbo is Australia’s premier alpine unique natural environment, which is resort and has been voted Australia’s Best why being Australia’s fi rst ski resort to be Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards for powered exclusively by clean, renewable three consecutive years. Th e Gondola energy was also an important milestone.” investment will further enhance this Th e investment in the Merritt s Gonposition, replacing the Merritt s double dola provides: chairlift and quadrupling capacity. • Easier access for Village guests
Th e cabin-style lift is like those found of all abilities to the Friday Flat in Europe and North America and repand Cruiser area. resents the culmination of two years of • Fast turnaround access from planning and development, delivering a the Gondola Mid-Station to the new crucial inter-mountain link. Top-Station for intermediate
General Manager of Th redbo Resort and advanced ski and snowStuart Diver said the investment being boarders accessing the popular made in Th redbo was really exciting to see. Dream Run and its surrounding
“I have no doubt Th redbo customers tree runs. will agree. Th e launch of the Gondola is • Easier access for foot and scea huge event for Th redbo and the entire nic passengers to the Merritts community who have worked so hard to Mountain House. make this happen.” • Reduced pressure on the Kos
“It is a remarkable engineering ciuszko Express and Gunbarrel achievement and the completion of Express chairlifts. this phase of our development plan will So, this year I will be ditching the skis enhance the customer experience and and heading up the mountain as a “foot” continue to ensure we remain Australia’s passenger with the Tourists. Even I can’t premier resort. fall off that! WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2020
Away from the slopes Some Places to enjoy on your snow visit -
• BURGER BIZ JINDABYNE
– American style burgers, hotdogs, loaded fries, smoked meats, super thick shakes and matched with the best USA beers.
• JAI YOGA JINDABYNE
Great for enhancing body and spirit and relaxation.
• ALPINE ABODE COOMA
– Simple, Livable Interiors.
Homewares, Occasional
Furniture AND Unique Gifts.
• ALPINE RESORT HOTEL
JINDABYNE – Affordable, fun place to stay.
• BOLOGO WEST
JINDABYNE –Modern, airy, friendly accommodation.
• WILDBRUMBY –Set in the heart of the Australian high country between Jindabyne and Thredbo, Wildbrumby is the highest distillery in
Australia.
River Sled. Aqua Quest. Take a break at Port Douglas
SONIA LAI
THE inflatable yellow raft bobs excitedly in the water beside me while my hand firmly grips the rope handle on the front, ensuring it won’t slip away and escape down the rapids.
Just an hour ago I was stepping out of an airliner on to the hot Cairns tarmac. Now I am in a full body wetsuit knee-deep in the Mossman River of Port Douglas.
Our group of six are embarking on a river-drift snorkelling adventure in the Mossman River, situated beneath the Mossman Gorge. Th e freshwater river is so pure, our guides Glen and Will inform us, that it can be drunk. In fact, they encourage it.
Mossman River drift snorkel
Zig-zagging down rapids and snorkelling when the water is calmer is how we spend the next three hours. Translucent fi sh the size of my thumb swim in large schools beneath the surface and large rocks cover the riverbed.
When the water is tranquil our raft s transform into makeshift lounges and we sit atop them, our legs dangling over the edge as we let the current lead us down the river.
During these serene moments, Glen and Will relate the history of the vegetation surrounding the river. Th e trees, ferns, and other plant species, we’re told, date back to Gondwanaland and are believed to be around 300 million years old. With the pride in their voices and the knowledge they possess about the ecosystem, it’s clear no two other people could love the Mossman River as much as they do.
It’s as if we are fl oating through prehistoric times.
To the Outer Reef
Th e AquaQuest lurches in the swell as it makes its way towards the outer perimeter of the Great Barrier Reef. Many
Divers Den.
of us are sitt ing outside on the upper deck in the hope of warding off seasickness and the fresh air proves helpful for some..
Th e rocky two and a half hour journey across the Coral Sea comes to an end at the fi rst dive site - St. Crispin’s - and any thoughts of seasickness are quickly forgott en as excitement fi lls us.
“All divers to the bott om deck please!”
Th at’s our call and all introductory divers, including me, make our way down to the bott om deck. Th e much-anticipated descent to the Great Barrier Reef is about to begin.
Our instructor, Kai, gives us an in-depth safety briefi ng and talks us through the use of our scuba equipment. Sundresses and board shorts are quickly swapped out for wetsuits, weight belts and tanks. I fi nd my tank a bit heavier than expected, but what did I expect? Th is is my fi rst scuba dive and we all wobble comically, laughing nervously as we att empt to get to our feet.
Diving underwater for the fi rst time can be frightening and some in our group
get a bit panicky the second our heads go beneath the surface.
Aft er several practice goes, we’ve overcome the instinct to rush back to the surface and breathing underwater becomes slightly less terrifying. Kai assesses us individually and gives us the thumbs up (down actually, which means, ‘let’s dive’).
Diving on the outer reef with Divers Den
Initially, the water is murky, thanks to recent storms, and not much can be seen. However, at three metres and below visibility improves and we begin to see coral in pastel hues of green, yellow and purple.
Th e coral isn’t as bright as you see in the brochures, but Kai says that this is actually a good sign because when coral is stressed it releases algae, which causes it to become brighter in color. So, the slightly subdued colors we see indicate a healthy reef. Tiny bright blue damselfi sh skirt past us while clownfi sh weave in and out of the coral and rock hollows. A large cod glides inches above the ocean fl oor and not far behind it is a wrasse, distinguishable by its trademark thick lips.
Schools of zebra-striped surgeon fi sh fl it by and disappear further down along the reef. Th e marine life of the Great Barrier Reef is on full display.
Once back in the boat we remove the heavy diving gear and Kai starts to tell the story of how this dive site got the nickname ‘Gone Again’. It pays homage to the American couple who went missing in 1998 in the very same waters we’d just emerged from. We turned to each, mouths agape, glad he had not mentioned this before.
To market, to market- Port Douglas Markets
On our third day in Port Douglas the sun had come out to play and the temperature nudged 30 degrees. Aft er a magnifi cent tropical breakfast at the Sheraton Mirage Hotel, it was time to visit the Port Douglas Markets.
Th ese markets are renowned for their wide variety of fresh produce and that is exactly what immediately greets us.
Colorful stalls are fi lled with bargain-priced fresh fruits and vegetables like avocados at just $4 a bag as well as more exotic foods like fl avored coconut chips, vanilla bean and cacao ice-cream, and pomegranate teas - all there for anyone with slightly more adventurous taste buds.
Food, however, isn’t the only feature of the markets. Stalls displaying all sorts of peculiar trinkets and salves like ‘magic’ crystals, crocodile facial oil, handmade ukuleles, pom-pom earrings, conical rainbow candles and silver turtle rings are there to tempt eclectic tastes.
When the adventure is done, spending some relaxing time at the markets is the perfect way to wind down a wondrous and thrill-packed weekend in Port Douglas. Easy does it.
The Nepean Belle.
Kiss 2020 goodbye on the Belle
CELEBRATE the end of 2020 and treat your staff to a Christmas function experience as they cruise the Nepean River amongst a 50-Millionyear-old Gorge.
While cruising on the Belle, you will feast on a selection of 5-star food and beverages, with access to all areas of the vessel (drinks on one of our many viewing decks are always a crowd favourite).
Five reasons to choose Th e Belle for your Christmas party: • Close to home. • Spectacular, ever-changing views. • Substantial meals freshly prepared onboard. • Exceptional service. • Free Parking.
No more buff ets! Meals are served to each table on a large shared platt er, with no need to leave your table. Th e Nepean Belle is a registered COVID Safe venue.
Book on one of the scheduled public Christmas Party Cruises or have the beautiful Belle all to yourself and your company by booking a private charter.
Th e Belle’s Christmas cruise experiences are perfect for businesses of all siz
es, with capacity for up to 105 guests for a seated meal or 150 guests for a cocktail function.
Forget the stress of a commute and transportation arrangements and enjoy your Christmas party closer to home, with plenty of free parking available.
To make your guests feel even more at home, the chefs can accommodate your dietary requirements with gluten free and vegetarian meals available on request.
When you choose the Nepean Belle for your Christmas function, your staff will create Christmas memories like never before.
From exploring the vessel in all its glory, taking in the spectacular and ever-changing scenery as they glide smoothly over the Nepean River, to drinking in style on one of the many viewing decks.
With a fun atmosphere and the ability to apply a cost-eff ective bar tab, your guests will have easy access to beverages as they enjoy their cruise and soak up the Christmas spirit.
For all bookings and enquiries, call (02) 4733 1274 or email info@nepeanbelle.com.au.
rave ACCESS T ACCESS l Canberra captures young and free spirit of our great nation
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
AUSTRALIANS know Canberra as the hotbed of political jousting flashed on our TV screens on the 6 o’clock news, but behind its bluster and rumors, is one of the world’s greatest and most beautiful cities.
Th e National Capital captures the Spirit of Australia and is full of things to do and see. I would strongly advise you spend at least a week there if you really want to see it all.
Planning is the number travel tip I have for visitors to Canberra and the ACT. And that plan varies, depending on whether you go with children or grandchildren.
You will do a lot of driving to get around the various att ractions and you will spend a lot of time trying to fi nd a carp ark at some of them, but it is all worthwhile.
Th e city and its great national icons are all set around a triangle, intersected by Lake Burley Griffi n, named aft er the man who designed arguably the world’s most aesthetically beautiful national capital.
Th e national capital grew steadily around the site of the Old Parliament House which is now a museum devoted to Australia’s role as a beacon of great democracy.
Now, if you visit the ACT with children, you simply have to spend a day at Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre.
Kids go wild about the place because it is a hands on facility with fascinating challenges and displays. I had heard of it, but I had no idea a how good it would be when I took three of my grandkids to visit.
In fact, I reckon my grandkids would have spent every day at Questacon had I let them. I also loved it and enjoyed trying my hand at the many challenges available. And the grandkids enjoyed laughing at my eff orts!
We also spent half a day at Cockington Green exploring the splendid model village which has grown in leaps and bounds while drawing hundreds of thousands of families since 1980.
Model villages are all the go in England and continental Europe, but have never taken off in Australia and the USA. Cockington Green has plenty to off er visitors of all ages.
War Memorial
Of course, we had to go the Australian War Memorial with its amazing museum, probably the best of its kind in the world. It is easily Australia’s best museum and I think it curators should have been employed to design the struggling National Museum, which, to put it mildly, is dreadful and not worth a visit.
You could spend many days wandering the War Memorial’s vast collections and still not see it all. However my favourite, and indeed the favourite of most kids big and small, is the Aircraft Hall. Here you come face to face with the massive Lancaster Bomber G for George, a rare ME 109 German fi ghter and a selection of beautifully restored aircraft .
Th ere is even a stunning Me 262 twin jet fi ghter, surely one of the most impressive looking aircraft of all time. However my favourite of them all is the beautifully proportioned DH Mosquito fi ghter bomber with its twin Rolls Royce Merlin engines. Built of plywood to save money and make it light, the Mosquito was highly successful in WWII. Th e curators have made a tremendous eff ort to tell the story of the Australians who fought in the many wars from the Sudan in the 19th century right through to Afghanistan.
Continued on page 21
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Continued from page 20
Th ey don’t push any particular point of view upon you. Th ey simply tell the story how it was for the men and women who fought to save our nation.
Th e National Gallery is well worth a visit. Th ere is lots to see on many levels, but the Australian traditional landscapes section steals the show along with some of the eye-catching indigenous artworks. Of course, Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock is still the most famous work of art in Australia.
Bought by Gough Whitlam for a then record $1.3M in 1973, Blue Poles is now worth an astounding $350m!
Th e gallery has special shows on all the time, including overseas artists, photographs and classic visiting collections from Europe and America.
Th e National Sound and Film Archive is a great place for seniors. Nostalgia bounds. Once again, you could spend days here enjoying all the exhibitions and watching legendary fi lms and TV shows. Th e people who run the archive know Australians and they know what they want to see.
Th e National Zoo and Aquarium has been open just 20 years and has rapidly developed into one of the national capital’s most popular att ractions. It costs $37 for Seniors Card holders and Pensioners.
Who can resist coming face to face with a lion, a bear or a cheetah? You can hand feed animals and even stay overnight.
Whatever you decide to do, allow plenty of time to see Canberra properly. It captures the Spirit of our Great Nation and it will capture you if you let it.
rave ACCESS T ACCESS l We should answer the cry for HELP from our bush cousins
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
ICOME from the land and my beloved country that made Australia is crying out for help from its city cousin. You see, Australia’s farming communities are reeling from one of the most devastating droughts in our history and now severe bushfi res, Chinese boycott s and the Covid-19 impact.
Truth be known, a lot of farmers would simply walk off their land if they were realistic, practical men and women, but they are dreamers and dreamers go the whole journey, there is no turning back for them.
You can help out just by swapping your normal overseas holiday for a Bush Adventure. From the coast to the outback, you will be surprised by the choice – from camping to luxury and all in between.
Even a simple weekend away in the country will make a huge diff erence to the hundreds of thousands of struggling families in the wide, brown land.
Our nation is full of fascinating towns, regions and friendly people. Th ere are hidden gems to be had out there - all you have to do is fi nd them.
As a travel writer I get to see some amazing places worldwide, but for me there is nothing better than heading out on a road heading west with not a care in the world. Australia frees the soul of the weary traveller.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro hit the nail on the head when he said city dwellers spending a weekend in a regional area was one of the simplest and most meaningful ways people in the city could support regional towns and cities. “Even though we are in drought, our cafes are still brewing coff ee, our shops are still open and we are still in business.
“Some of the most beautiful iconic experiences are there ready for you to enjoy today.
“Support our businesses by gett ing out and spending some money in our regions.
“When you spend that money in a café, that money goes around that community. It means employment remains; jobs remain.
“Our servos would love you driving by. Our cafes would love you to have brekkie with some locals. Our accommodation houses, our hotels would love to have you stay and I tell you this, you’ll get that country hospitality each and every time,” he said. “So, if you get the chance, please, get out for the drought and spend some time and some money in our regional areas.”
Now, if you have decided to take John’s advice and head bush, I have a few simple tips for you: Plan ahead. All regions and main cities and towns have visitors’ centres online. Th ey also have clued up people on the phone or answering emails, so don’t be afraid to ask.
– Dallas Sherringham.
Contact Them
You might see a place you really want to visit such as a winery, a museum, an historic building or a homestead. It is best to contact them before you leave so that you know the visiting hours and which days it is open.
Th e worst thing you can do is turn up in a town at 4pm, check in to your accommodation, have a drive around and leave next morning.
As I said at the start, every town has hidden gems and it takes more than a day to see it all.
Accommodation houses always have a plethora of pamphlets (try saying that in a hurry) featuring local att ractions, clubs and restaurants, but once again ask your host about them and, if he recommends it, phone ahead.
Take some picnic and barbecue gear and a fold up table and chairs on your trip. And always take a billy! Oh, and some Aeroguard and plenty of water.
You can fi nd amazing views, quiet river spots, and hidden places far from the madding crowd. Oft en there will be a barbie or two in such places, so you can brew up a coff ee or throw on a steak and sit back and breathe in the fresh air.
Stay on a farm at a farmstay property; a form of tourism that is really taking off .
As Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) famously said in Th e Castle: “Ah, the Serenity!”
Here are some links for your own choice, or just go to Google and put in your own search!
https://www.visitnsw.com/accommodation/accommodation-farm-stays https://www.farmstayplanet.com/farm-stay-rural-travelguides/australia/ https://farmstaycampingaustralia.com.au/ Words: Dallas Sherringham Images: Michael Osborne Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au
South Coast NSW.
Hill End NSW.
Royal Hotel Hill End NSW.
