Issue 3-2011 $2.50 r.r.p.
enjoy the experience
key destinations nature encounters
geological wonders wine lover’s delight Proudly supported by
www.tablelandsway.com.au
The Tablelands Way, find your way and TW are trademarks. For further inform
Welcome to the Tablelands Way Experience
Publisher: Inflight Publishing ABN 120 088 298 837 Inflight Magazine Pty Ltd PO Box 6133 Buranda Brisbane, QLD 4102 Editor: Bettina Toth The Tablelands Way, find your way and TW are trademarks of Oberon Council and are used with the permission of Oberon Council, NSW, Australia. The Tablelands Way Welcome magazine. © Copyright 2009 Oberon Council. All rights reserved. No part of Welcome magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Oberon Council. Oberon Council ABN 13 632 416 736 187 - 189 Oberon Street Oberon NSW 2787 Ph: 02 6329 8100 Email: council@oberon.nsw.gov.au Further information about The Tablelands Way experience can be found at www.tablelandsway.com.au
www.tablelandsway.com.au
O
verlooking the magnificent Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is The Tablelands region, home of awe inspiring ancient wonders such as the Wollemi pine and stone pagodas. Its sandstone cliffs and valleys, carved over 250 million years, are home to the world’s most diverse eucalypt forests. As a visitor, you can walk, cycle, ride horses, float on a lilo, and abseil. You can do this through canyons, along wild rivers, and on bush tracks and farm land. Bypass Sydney and travel back through time in well preserved historic villages, early European inland settlements and Australia’s first inland city. Alternatively, you can simply
kick back with down to earth locals and taste the wonderful home cooking of The Tablelands Way experience's many bed & breakfasts. The Tablelands Way experience accesses many of the region’s more remote and unexplored treasures. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin or step into the shoes of Australia's pioneers. Observe the nectar eating parrots feast on gum flowers and spot the Masked Owl hiding in a tree hollow. Savour the subtle flavours of cold climate wines or watch a Lyrebird strutting its stuff. See the platypus dart through the rivers, and discover remote gorges that hide the Wollemi pine. Experience the road less travelled.
Gardens of Stone National Park
Only accessible to bushwalkers and mountain bikers, and has retained its remote wilderness feeling.
Lithgow
Surrounded by Wollemi National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Turon National Park, Capertee National Park, Marrangaroo National Park, Lithgow offers easy access to an array of nature encounters.
Oberon
Oberon is located in the high country of the Central Tablelands and enjoys four distinct seasons, including winters with frequent snow.
Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves, the world’s oldest caves at over 340 million years old, are part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Kanangra-Boyd National Park The 68,000 hectare National Park is situated at the southern-most tip of the Blue Mountains sandstone plateau complex.
Upper Lachlan Shire
The Shire of Villages is for people who prefer to keep things simple and it’s also home to the Wombeyan Caves.
Wombeyan Caves
Speleologists have recorded over 500 cave entrances within the marble caves of Wombeyan. Walking tracks lead to such diverse features as marble gorges, lookouts, waterfalls, creek beds, open woodland and moist closed forests. Hassans Walls, Lithgow
Rock Wallaby
KEY DESTINATIONS OF THE TABLELANDS WAY EXPERIENCE Gulgong
One of the best preserved towns of the gold rush period.
Mudgee
The area has always attracted food and wine makers.
Wollemi National Park
The National Park covers an area of 487,500 hectares and is home to scenic rivers and mountain ranges.
Goulburn: Discover the grandeur of the 1800s
Goulburn’s history is evident in the many fine examples of Georgian and other early architecture still seen in the city today.
Bungonia National Park
Close to Goulburn, Bungonia National Park has the deepest cave system in Australia, which is popular with experienced adventure cavers. It is also a great place to for those who love to bushwalk surrounded by spectacular views.
Abercrombie River National Park
Offers camping and 4WD touring opportunities throughout this 20,000ha park.
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Surprisingly Spectacular
For a free copy of the
Lithgow Visitor Guide
Lithgow Visitor Information Centre Great Western Highway, (PO Box 19 Lithgow NSW 2790) T: 1300 760 276 or (02) 6350 3230, F: (02) 6350 3239 E: tourism@lithgow.com
www.tourism.lithgow.com
A resident of the region, the Regent Honey Eater. Photo courtesy of David Stowe.
Lithgow’s Nature Encounters W
ith tranquil vistas and serene landscapes, the environment that surrounds the region is abundant in wildlife and picturesque mountain panoramas. Commonly seen in Lithgow is the gloriously coloured Rainbow Bee-eater as well as the Crested Shrike-tit, White-winged Chough, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Wood Duck, Masked Lapwing and the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Along Crown Station Road, you may even be able to spot an endangered Turquoise Parrot. Australia’s native animals are generally nocturnal, so it can be a challenge to spot them in the wild. By understanding a little more about where and how the animals live, you can increase your chances of an encounter. Insights into different ecosystems, and seasonality, will help you
to discover rare treasures in the wild. These treasures might be wild waratahs, or perhaps iron bark gum flowers, an important food source of the endangered Regent Honeyeater.
Wollemi Pine
The Capertee Valley is an outstanding area for animal encounters. It is home to the largest diversity, and the highest population, of birds in the southern hemisphere. The altitude of the land varies along the valley resulting in a great diversity of plant species, which in turn attract the different bird communities. Old growth forests allow carnivorous predatory birds to roost. Riverbank environments are dominated by casuarinas (river oaks), which attract seed eaters. Nectar eaters feed off the blooms of eucalypts, as well as flowering plants beneath their canopy.
www.tablelandsway.com.au
OberOn simple pleasures
Showcasing the majestic Jenolan Caves and world heritage National Parks, enchanting forest and farming country and village life
all at the centre of The Tablelands Way experience
adventures in nature
Adventure caving at
Jenolan Caves
Fossicking
for sapphires and precious stones
Fishing
for wild trout
Mountain Biking
in National Parks and State Forests
Mushrooming in pine forests Bushwalking and hiking in world heritage national parks
Oberon Visitor Information Centre Cnr Ross Street and Edith Road Oberon NSW 2787 02 6329 8210
oberonaustralia.com
...will take you there!
OBERON cOuNcil
Bulga Denis Canyon
Mountain Bike and Walking Trails Fire, rain and conservation interests can impact on how much wilderness area is open for adventure. It is always important to check in with National Parks Wildlife Service, to see what is accessible and how best to get there.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes can travel on most fire trails in Kanangra-Boyd National Park and the Blue Mountains, although some are limited to bushwalkers. Kanangra-Boyd National Park offers four signposted mountain bike routes varying from 7-21kms long. Brochures available from NPWS shop and Oberon VIC. Five trails and multi-use tracks in the Mount Werong area of the Blue Mountains National Parks offer easy mountain bike exploring.
Adventures
in the Oberon Area
Six Foot track
The Six Foot track is a 42km track from Jenolan to Katoomba. It was surveyed in 1884 and was originally a bridle track, but today it is popular with walkers.
Bicentennial National Trail- Hampton to Mount Werong
You can join the Bicentennial National Trail at the picturesque village of Hampton, and from there travel through Jenolan State Forest. You will find camping spots at Boggy Creek and Jenolan State Forest. From Jenolan you can cycle through farmland before reaching Gurnang State Forest and Tuglow River. Travelling south the track cuts through the Blue Mountains National Park to the deserted mining settlement of Mount Werong. The trail crosses the Oberon-Colong Stock route and then follows The Range Fire Trail through Blue Mountains National Park, along the Great Diving Range. Ask at Oberon Visitor Information Centre for more detailed information on the Bicentennial National Trail.
www.tablelandsway.com.au
www.tablelandsway.com.au
There are a number of adventure canyons in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. They tend to be open canyons, unlike the dark slot canyons of Wollemi National Park and Gardens of Stone National Park. Kanangra-Boyd has a mixture of dry canyons and waterfall canyons.
Canoeing at Dunn’s Swamp
Oberon-Tarana Historic Rail Trail
This road passes through forest and countryside. Lovingly restored, the route is now open to cyclists and walkers. It passes heritage stations and bridges, caves, creeks, rivers and secluded picnic areas. The journey along the trail also passes Evans Crown, an unusual formation of giant granite tors on a hill top, and a storyplace in Aboriginal dreamtime.
Wilderness Adventures Kanangra-Boyd National Park offers track walking for day hikes from Kanangra Walls and spectacular overnight track bushwalk for the experienced and well prepared bushwalkers, with free hire of Personal Life Beacons available from Kanangra Boyd National Parks office and from the Oberon Visitors Information Centre.
Lookouts Kanangra Walls Evans Crown Jenolan Caves Road, Hampton Mount Hutton Oberon-Taralga Road, near Rockley turnoff
Canyoning There are a number of adventure canyons in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. They tend to be open canyons, unlike the dark slot canyons of Wollemi National Park and Gardens of Stone National Park. Kanangra-Boyd has a mixture of dry canyons and waterfall canyons. If you are not an experienced canyonist but would like to learn, hire a guide from the Blue Mountains and start with some of the elementary canyons.
www.tablelandsway.com.au
OberOn & Villages The lifestyle and treasures of village life are often not apparent to outsiders and need a local to help you discover them. And, there is no better way to do so than to stay for a few days in Oberon. The Summer Festival and Spring Garden Festival are both a chance for visitors to rediscover these simple pleasures, sharing the lifestyle, history, culture, produce, secrets, stories and hospitality of the Oberon Circle of Villages, a part of The Tablelands Way experience. Summer in the high country is the season of bounty. Fruits are in season, trout are in the streams,
a holiday with altitude
lUXUrY aCCOMMODaTiOn A unique holiday escape experience in spectacular countryside
1543 Duckmaloi Road Hampton NSW 2790 www.bindo.com.au
54 Karawina Drive Duckmaloi NSW 2787 www.duckmaloifarm.com.au
Phone 6359 3240
Phone 0435 931 249
mushrooms in the forests and adventure is in the air. Village life brings its own flavor to summer, with the pleasures of the home made and home grown. Spring in the high country is the season to visit our wonderful country gardens. Different from urban gardens these have often been developed from virgin bush or lush farmland. Many gardens are under active development. This is the time to see nature
Your Hosts: Kevin & Stella McGrath
The Big Trout Motor Inn Oberon Street Oberon
Phone 6336 2100 www.bluemts.com.au/bigtrout Chinese restaurant 6336 5376
bursting forth after a long winter.
OberOn&VillageS
Summersimple feStival pleasures
McKeowns Rest Bed & Breakfast • 5 minutes from Jenolan Caves • 20 minutes from Oberon (The Tablelands Way) • Boarding Kanagara Boyd National Park • Picturesque and Tranquil Views • All rooms have ensuites • Heated indoor pool & spa • Numerous activities in area
Your hosts Brian and Sandra HARMAN 5194 Jenolan Caves Road Oberon 2787 Phone 02 6335 6252 Mobile 0428 356 252 www.mckeownrest.com.au mckeownrest@bigpond.com.au
OberOn&VillageS
cool eventS simple pleasures
oberonfestivals.com.au
OberOn daffOdil
Spring garden feStival simple pleasures
discover a wild new horizon DISCOVER KANANGRA-BOYD, BLUE MOUNTAINS & ABERCROMBIE NATIONAL PARKS Views to inspire! see our wilderness and world heritage in comfort or challenge your senses of the wild. There are great experiences for the well prepared! Ross Street, Oberon NSW (opposite the Oberon our great walks, rides, 4 wheel drives, camping areas and accomodation. Opening hours: 9:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday Phone: 02 6336 1972 Fax: 02 6336 2122
National Trust Heritage Award Circa 1872
RoosterHill obe r on
guesthouse
A modern boutique escape in truely peaceful surroundings for a couple or a single person to rejuvenate, refresh and recharge
930 Lowes Mount Road Oberon NSW 2787 www.roosterhill.com.au
31/2 star family run eco cottages
Relax and enjoy a weekend, mid-week escape or longer holiday enveloped by breathtaking scenery. Jenolan Cabins is the ideal place for rest, recharging and adventure.
Your hosts Wayne & Monica Cooper
www.jenolancabins.com.au relax@jenolancabins.com.au
Phone 6336 3136
Phone 6335 6239
Buddens
GUESTHOUSE & BANKSIA COTTAGE Enjoy the charm of our unique B&B Relax on the verandahs or curl up with a glass of wine and a good book in front of the log fire 18 Budden St Rockley NSW 2795 www.buddens.com.au Your hosts: Tony & Deidre Robertson
Phone 6337 9279
Supported by
OBERON cOuNcil
oberonaustralia.com
Jenolan Gorge, KBNP. OEH 2011
simple pleasures
www.tablelandsway.com.au
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Used with the permission of Oberon Council, NSW, Australia.
The Tablelands Way Journey Map
Geological Wonders of theTablelands Way Experience
Around 450 million years ago, life from an ancient coral reef fell to the ocean floor beginning a process of creation that lasted hundreds of millions of years. The results of this process are features such as the awe inspiring Jenolan Caves.
Jenolan Caves
www.tablelandsway.com.au
D
uring this period so very long ago, a variety of factors have had a hand in creating the trail of geological marvels throughout the Tablelands region. These include uplifts of earth, river and marine deposits, volcanic activity, ancient swamplands, and erosion by rain, wind and running water. Even the lyrebird has played its part. While excavating for food or building nest mounds, these birds turn over an average of 63 tonnes of debris per hectare every year. Wombat burrows also alter the soil profile.
Sandstone Valleys and Escarpments
Spectacular views of sandstone escarpments can be seen all along the Tablelands region. Its northern perimeter is in the Wollemi National Park and its southern tip can be seen at Kanangra Walls in the KanangraBoyd National Park.
Slot Canyons of Wollemi National Park
The Wollemi National Park is formed mostly from Narrabeen and Hawkesbury sandstone laid down up to 250 million years ago. Over millions of years, the rivers and creeks have eroded the soft sandstone to form enormous valleys and sheer escarpments. Wollemi National Park is also home to the largest collection of slot canyons. Canyons run 30km east to west and 100km north to south. Slot canyons are narrow canyons in the sandstone which are formed by water rushing through the rocks. The hard sandstone on top is resistant to effects of the water, whereas areas of softer shales and softer sandstone below erode faster, forming the canyons. These slot canyons range from 1m to 3m wide and are up to 30m deep. Some canyons are dry, while others have creeks running in them. Well prepared canyoners climb, abseil and swim through slot canyons.
The Blue Breaks, KanangraBoyd National Park
The Blue Breaks are deep within the Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness Area and are accessible by experienced walkers only. There are walks into the Blue Breaks from Kanangra Walls and Yerranderie, with the Axehead Range ridge walk considered one of the most spectacular ridge walks in the state.
Capertee Valley, Gardens of Stone National Park
The Capertee Valley is accessible by car, and can be viewed from a number of look outs. It is the second largest naturally eroded river valley in the world, after the Grand Canyon. In fact, though the Grand Canyon is deeper, Capertee Valley is both wider and longer than its American counterpart. Under the Capertee sandstone canyon lie layers of coal and oil shale.
11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and beautiful limestone formations give visitors a wonderful glimpse of this beautiful underground landscape. Grand Arch, Jenolan
Pantoneys Crown, Gardens of Stone National Park Pantoneys Crown is a flat topped mountain that towers up from within the Capertee Valley. It is named after William Pantoney, who in 1821 became one of the first Europeans in the area. The mountain rises 550m above the Capertee Valley to an altitude of 1020m. Walkers who climb to the summit of Pantoneys Crown have the most commanding view of all - a 360 degree view of Capertee Valley.
Stone Pagodas
Wollemi National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park and Newnes State Forest are home to a series of mystical stone pagodas. The pagodas were formed from sandstone
hardened by layers of ironstone, which is more resistant to erosion than the softer sandstone around it. One of the f inest collections of pagodas can be found in the Newnes State Forest. Looking like the ruins of an ancient settlement, it is the known as the Lost City. You can access the Lost City by 4WD or mountain bike from the Bells Line of Road. You can also see the pagodas at the Dunns Swamp picnic and camping ground, in Wollemi National Park.
Volcanic Activity
Ancient volcanic activity has left its mark on the Tablelands region. Yerranderie is an extinct volcano, while Mount Tomah, Mount Wilson, Mount Banks and Mount Colong are mountains capped with a thin layer of volcanic basalt. An awe inspiring
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Nettle Cave tour
relic of ancient volcanic activity can be found at Evans Crown.
Evans Crown
Located south-east of the village of Tarana, Evans Crown is an outcropping of granite along a high ridge-line. The granite has weathered into sphere-like formations known as tors. Its prominence in the landscape may have contributed to its high significance for the Wiradjuri people as a meeting place, initiation and ceremonial site. Granite quarried at Evans Crown can be found in the Commonwealth Bank building in Martin Place, Sydney. Evans granite is formed when magma that was cooled underground has been exposed though erosion.
Jenolan Caves
Indian Canope, Orient Cave
Chifley Cave
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Jenolan Caves is one of Australia’s oldest tourist attractions, and remains one of its most cherished. At approximately 340 million years old, Jenolan is signif icantly older than any other open cave system in the world. It is regarded as Australias most outstanding cave system, with 350 recorded entrances. It is believed that the complex is largely an interconnected system with different chambers, each one linked to another. Not all of the connections have been located, and caves and passageways continue to be discovered. 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and beautiful limestone formations give visitors a wonderful glimpse of this beautiful underground landscape.
make the most of your experience T
he Tablelands Way experience is famous for its World Heritage wilderness and much loved icons such as Jenolan Caves and the Zig Zag railway. To help you uncover its hidden treasures and unexpected delights we introduce The Tablelands Way Brand Partners, and with them a taste of some of our fine tourist attractions and
accommodation. Enjoy comfortable accommodation in country style bed and breakfasts, rest easy in local motels and explore our wide ranging Brand Partner attractions, from arts and crafts to natural showcases, historical curiosities and much more. Visit the website for a comprehensive and current list of all of our Brand Partners. tablelandsway.com.au
Mudgee Region
RoosterHill Guesthouse wayne@roosterhill.com.au 02 6336 3136
Lithgow Visitor Information Centre tourism@lithgow.com 1300 760 276
High Country Trail Rides 0427 470 247
Upper Lachlan
Baxter Footwear glenda@baxterfootwear.com.au 02 4822 2933
Sunsets at Oberon 02 6336 2066
Ridgi Didge Australian Leather noelene@rdal.com.au 0409 442 680
Comfort Inn Posthouse postgail@fc-hotels.com.au 02 4821 9975
Crystal Brook Lavender Farm judith@lavenderatlaggan.com.au 02 4843 3333
Garroorigang Historic Home shrhume@hotmail.com 02 4822 1748
Lilac Cottage 02 4840 2268
Gordon Hotel gordonhotel@ozemail.com.au 02 4821 4188
Paradise Mudgee info@paradisemudgee.com 0429 660 063 Mudgee Homestead Guesthouse welcome@mudgeehomestead.com.au 02 6373 3786 Wombadah Guesthouse ray@wombadah.com.au 02 6373 3176
Duckmaloi Farm duckmaloifarm@bigpond.com 02 6336 1375
Martins Hill Wines organic@martinshillwines.com.au 02 6373 1248
Bindo Creek Cabins bindo@bindo.com.au 02 6336 0539
The Globe Hotel info@theglobehotel.com.au 02 6379 1048
Billabong Trout Fising Farm Holiday charge@bordernet.com.au 02 6336 5144
Evanslea B&B evanslea@hwy.com.au 02 6372 4116
Lithgow
Mandurah Studio 02 6372 2822 Mudgee Fine Foods simonewine@gmail.com Franks Breakaway 02 6379 6236
Oberon Jenolan Caravan Park jenolancaravanpark@bigpond.com 02 6336 0344 Yellowbox Country Cabins vicki@yellowboxcabins.com.au 02 9918 5177 McKeown’s Rest mckeownsrest@bigpond.com.au 02 6335 6252
Lithgow City Bowling Club 02 6351 3375 Hartley on the Hill B&B hartley.hill@bigpond.com 02 6355 0201 Mountain View Escape annelualua@optusnet.com.au 02 4757 1096
Misty Mountain 4WD Tours info@4wdtours.net.au 02 4757 2278
Jenolan Cabins relax@jenolancabins.com.au 02 6335 6239
Lithgow Caravan Park greg@lithgowcaravanpark.com.au 02 6351 4350
Mt Haven B&B stay@mthavenretreat.com 02 6359 5269
Jannei Goat Dairy jannei@lisp.com.au 02 6355 1107
Yarrabin Holiday Ranch annie@yarrabin.com 02 6337 5712
Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens 02 4567 2154
At Home in Oberon – Café Savanna 02 6336 1661
Eskbank House Museum eskbank@lithgow.com 02 6351 3557
Big Trout Motor Inn btrout@bigpond.net.au 02 6336 2100
Small Arms Museum 02 6351 4552
Jenolan Caves Resort Pty Ltd 02 6359 3911
Goulburn Patchwork Cottage felthams05@bigpond.com 02 4822 0047
Taralga Country Store kathy@skymesh.com.au 02 4840 2448
Small Details info@smalldetails.com.au 0402 113 337
Taralga Historical Society 02 4843 8122
The Big Merino lindy.k@bigpond.com.au 02 4822 8013
Kenjoy Collectables 4843 8122
Buddens Bed and Breakfast accommodation@buddens.com.au 02 6337 9279
Avaleigh Elms Farm johnphilip60@hotmail.com 02 6335 8226
Taralga Hotel info@taralgahotel.com 02 4840 2007
The Newnes Hotel newnes@lisp.com.au 02 6355 1247
Oberon Veterinary Clinic 02 6336 1596
Highlands Motor Inn ozzmont@bigpond.net.au 02 6336 1866
Kingsdale Wines cellardoor@kingsdale.com.au 02 4822 4881
Argyle Inn Hotel theargyleinn@live.com.au 02 4848 2004
The Glen Davis Boutique Hotel glendavishotel@skynesh.com.au 02 6379 7372
State Mine Heritage Park and Railway Zig Zag Railway 02 6355 2955 Zig Zag Motel 02 6352 2477 52 on Mort Serviced Apartments 0421 642 699
Izabella’s at the Workers 02 4821 3355
Wombeyan Caves wombeyan.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au 02 4843 5976
Lansallos B&B lansallos@gobushmail.com.au 02 6379 7767
Simmo’s Museum jolara@westnet.com.au 02 6379 7203
Melaleuca Mountain Chalets enquiries@melaleuca-chalets.com.au 02 6336 1158
Charlies on Church neilkaryn@bigpond.com 0428 243 609
Goulburn
Taralga Sports Club 02 4840 2088 Melinda’s Takeaway melcorby@bigpond.com 02 4840 2022 Lochani Wines lochani@lochani.com.au 0438 633 904 Pinn Cottage info@pinncottage.info 0421 457 135 Kingsdale Garden Centre plants1@mysoul.com.au 0421 080 332 Upland Pastures Motel uplandpasturesmotorinn@hotmail.com 02 4832 1270 Crookwell Footwear 02 4832 1636 Upper Lachlan Information Centre crookwellvisitor@bigpond.com 02 4832 1988 Longview Cottage info@longviewcottage.com.au 02 4832 5258 Merino Café 02 4845 1250 Old Hume Café 02 4845 1034
Lithgow Workmen’s Club 02 6350 7777
Bushrangers Hotel bushrangerhotel@hotmail.com 02 4848 0071
Hartley Historic Site 02 6355 2117
Mt Marguleux Wines 02 4845 8273
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Wines of
The Tablelands Way Travelling the Tablelands Way is a wine lover’s delight.
I
f you never like to be too far away from your next vineyard opportunity, then this could well be the region for you. At either end of the Tablelands Way, wineries abound. In the South is the exciting and rapidly developing (both in terms of quantity and quality) Canberra District and at the northern end, the world renowned Hunter Valley. If this were not enough, you can continue to indulge your palate as you make your way through the region with wineries close to Oberon and of course in the historic Mudgee region.
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Only two of the Canberra District’s wineries fall within the borders of the Australian Capital Territory with the rest hugging the border on the New South Wales side, but they retain an identity tied to the nation’s capital. Stretching from Yass in the west to Lake George in the east, the Canberra district experiences a greater degree of variation in climate and altitude than almost any other region. This varied elevation, between 300m and 800m, results in a region that can successfully produce wine to suit
every palate. Cool climate varietals such as Riesling and Pinot Noir are grown on higher ground and at lower altitude, classic rich full bodied Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is produced. While the first vines were planted in Yass as far back as 1850, in reality the region is a young one. The cultivation of grapes for the production of wine was only reintroduced when Dr Edgar Riek planted his first vineyard on the edge of Lake George, in 1971. There are now more than 100 vineyards and 30 wineries. Whichever style
however; their tastes will be well catered for too. Mudgee has long been a producer of wonderful Chardonnays, with its continental climate allowing the winemaker to capture intense f lavours of fig and peach, perfectly balanced with a clean natural acidity. Whatever your preference, you will be able to find it in Mudgee’s more than 40 cellar door outlets. Finally we come to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest and one of its most famous, viticultural areas. It was as far back as the 1820s that the first grapes were cultivated. In 1843 Dr Henry Lindeman planted his first vines and soon afterward the Tyrrell and Drayton families started the businesses that still bear their names today.
of tasting you prefer, you will find a winery to suit. Like the Canberra region, Mudgee has developed enormously in recent years and while it’s ultimately a warm region, it enjoys the benefits of cool nights by virtue of its inland location. This benefits the winemaker by allowing the vine to cool and rest overnight, thus lengthening the period of ripening and allowing the fruit to develop intense flavours while maintaining a good level of natural acidity. Mudgee is famed primarily for its reds which display a robust earthy character and density of flavour that experts attribute to the peculiarities of the regions volcanic soil. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate the landscape, accounting for well over half
There are now more than 100 vineyards and 30 wineries. Whichever style of tasting you prefer, you will find a winery to suit. of all grapes grown. Merlot is increasingly evident, and Mudgee can boast being at the forefront of the current boom in Italian varietals. If you have not already tried a Sangiovese or a Nebbiolo, where better than at one Mudgee’s many cellar doors. The white wine drinker need not despair
It has been said that the production of fine wine in the Hunter Valley is a triumph of ingenuity over environment because by rights, it should not be possible. Summers are too hot, winters too cool, rainfall is in short supply and if that were not enough, its position between the Great Dividing Range and the Pacific Ocean lays it open to occasional extremes of weather such as hail and rain storms. This of course makes the achievements of the vignerons, who consistently produce world class wines in an area so seemingly ill equipped, all the more impressive. You can pay homage to their remarkable achievements at countless cellar doors. At Rosemount Estate you can find the Rosemount Roxburgh Chardonnay, a genuinely world class wine which comes at a price. If you are after something a little more affordable, the region has wines to suit all tastes and budgets, including the region’s speciality - Semillon, which is rarely found elsewhere as a single varietal table wine. For the lover of red, it’s the Shiraz, the variety that put the Hunter Valley winemaking zone on the map, which dominates, though the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are increasingly successfully grown.
www.tablelandsway.com.au
G
oulburn is Australia’s first inland city and a thriving regional centre rich in heritage and natural beauty that combines the benefits of city services with a country lifestyle. A range of attractions and year-round calendar of events make Goulburn and surrounds suitable for anything from a short break to a longer holiday. Throw yourself into the fast pace of motorsport and adventure, or kick back, relax and get comfortable. Escape to a bush retreat or experience country living at a local farmstay. Plan a romantic getaway in a boutique guesthouse or heritage B&B. You’ll find a wide selection of accommodation choices in Goulburn to suit everyone, from families on a budget to executive suites and pamper packages.
RCROmbiE AnD WOmbEYAn CAVES 10.06.2009 Re-live the grandeur of by-gone days on a tour of the historic Hume
There’s Something for Everyone in Goulburn & Surrounds abercrombie caves
Just one hour from Crookwell, the Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve offers guided and self-guided tours of spectacular limestone caves featuring vast caverns adorned with striking and delicate formations. Enjoy the diverse range of flora and fauna. Follow one of the walking trails that lead you to spectacular lookouts and waterfalls. A range of accommodation styles is available, so why not stay a while and discover it all?
family home ‘Garroorigang’, the National Trust’s Twynam family property ‘Riversdale’ or the War Memorial and Museum that stands sentinel over the city. Learn about Goulburn’s industrial heritage when you visit Australia’s oldest industrial complex at the Bradley Grange and Brewery, the 1918 roundhouse at the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre and steam engines at the Historic Waterworks Museum.
Treat yourself to locally grown cool climate wines and savour the tastes of the region’s Merino Country fine food, wine and art trail. Enjoy a top night out with Goulburn’s vibrant theatrical community staging plays and musicals throughout the year. The Goulburn Regional Conservatorium performs and hosts regular concerts and local clubs and pubs provide a variety of other entertainment. Take your time exploring Goulburn’s country mile of shopping, guided and self-guided trails, scenic touring routes and nearby friendly country villages. An innovative and vibrant community, Goulburn is also renowned for the fragrances of cool climate gardens and crisp sweet air, wideopen spaces and hospitality that will put you in touch with the soul of the country. Gardens, a strand of forest, majestic caves, rugged gorges and sweeping pastures — Goulburn and surrounds has it all.
wombeyan caves Hidden in a peaceful sheltered valley just one hour from Goulburn, the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve offers guided and self-guided tours of spectacular limestone caves featuring vast caverns adorned with striking and delicate formations. Enjoy the diverse range of flora and fauna. Follow one of the walking trails that lead you to spectacular canyons, lookouts and waterfalls. A range of accommodation styles is available, so why not stay a while and discover it all?
Open 9am - 4.30pm daily
Open 9am - 5pm daily
Ph. (02) 6368 8603 abercrombie.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Ph. (02) 4843 5976 wombeyan.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au Wombeyan Caves Rd, Wombeyan Caves (via Taralga)
Taste how life was in the early 1800s by sampling an ale at Australia’s oldest brewery. If your taste is more temperate, then a visit to the Historic Waterworks is bound to whet your whistle. Goulburn and its environs is bursting with examples of Australia’s pioneering history. Just ask a local, and they’ll tell you all about the many attractions — from architecturally significant buildings through the setting for Miles Franklins’ ‘My Brilliant Career’ to Australia’s first railway company — all part of The Tablelands Way experience. For even more information, visit www.tablelandsway.com.au or call 1800 353 646.
Proudly supported by
You’ll quench your thirst for history. Old Goulburn Brewery The Tablelands Way, find your way and TW are trademarks. For further information, contact Oberon Council.
Poacher’s Way
See Yourself in Canberra... Indulge in gourmet heaven
With more than 300 restaurants, cafes and pubs, Canberra’s dining scene just gets better. You can relax in modern cafes, experience first class cuisine at stylish restaurants, dine with a view, or taste awardwinning wines and fresh produce at a vineyard cafe or restaurant set among gorgeous rural surrounds.
Stand Out
It’s the emergence of a diverse range of premium cool climate wine varieties and intimate cellar door experiences that make the Canberra District wineries unique. Most wineries are within 30 minutes drive from the city, making visiting easy. The wineries are small and intimate—visitors are often served by the winemaker, providing an opportunity to learn first hand the passion and expertise required to create authentic, hand crafted cool climate wines. Autumn by the lake. Photos courtesy of www.visitcanberra.com.au
FROM THE CROWD Volume 4 • Issue 2
XPtraveller XPtraveller Volume 6 • Issue 2
YOURS TO KEEP
The Poacher’s Way — Live Life Well
AIRPORT aIrPort RAAF YOURS TO KEEP
Issue 6
n
e
S O U T H E R N
w
c
E D I T I O N
a
s
t
magazine
l
e
Air Show
A roaring success
a
I
R
P
O
R
Issue 6
t
S O U T H E R N
o f f s Miranda CKerr
magazine T h a r b o u r a I r P o r E D I T I O N
Foxbat Flyer
The superm odel gives us her top 10 romance tips
Sweetheart Learn about the flying program Getaway sCoffs Coast Aviation Centre
at Top domes tic Honeymoon locations
Miranda Kerr
The supermodel gives us her top 10 romance tips
Sweetheart Getaways
Top domestic Honeymoon locations
I’m fRee
TAke me wITh yOu
The Poacher’s Way was developed by a group of people from Canberra and the region, drawn together by a common inspiration derived from their land and lifestyle. Meet the locals and enjoy their diverse range of experiences including dining, cool climate wines, arts and crafts, bed and breakfasts, day spas and much more. www.thepoachersway.com.au/
I’m free
take me wIth you
Advertise your business in a quality magazine that is distributed for free to business people, travellers and consumers of all ages.
P u b l i s h i n g
www.inflightmagazine.com.au
Ph: (07) 3891 7793
www.tablelandsway.com.au
Get out there!
See yourself exploring the outdoors. Canberra is a city in a park, a landscaped capital designed to transform with the four distinct seasons. Beneath the golden autumn leaves and spring blooms is a vibrant city spread among gardens and wide, clean stretches of green open spaces that are perfect for relaxing, getting back to nature and enjoying the fresh air. For more information on things to do in Canberra and the region, go to www.visitcanberra.com.au.
Visit Questacon and explore the science behind the world we live in. With more than 200 hands–on exhibits in eight themed galleries there is something for all ages! Find out what makes water special in H2O—Soak Up the Science. Make water twist like a snake, spin it so it travels backwards or launch a hydrogen rocket! Free fall on the six metre vertical slide, experience an earthquake and see lightning created before your very own eyes!
www.questacon.edu.au Questacon—The National Science and Technology Centre Open 9 am – 5 pm every day Closed Christmas Day Admission fees apply King Edward Terrace Canberra Telephone 02 6270 2800