intouch Magazine | SUPERCARS PULL-OUT | November 2017

SUPERCARS FEATURE PULLOUT SHANE VAN GISBERGEN AFTER WINNING THE SEASON ENDING COATES HIRE SYDNEY 500 IN 2016. IMAGE BY MARK HORSBURGH, EDGE PHOTOGRAPHICS.

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Welcoming the World to Our Great City The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 is set to be the biggest sporting event in the city’s history, and it is incredible to see our entire region getting behind it.

Anticipation is building, and Newcastle is ready to welcome the world to this great city.

An estimated 150,000 spectators are expected to converge on the city centre for what will be the finale of the 2017 Supercars Championship. Destination NSW estimates the event will attract more than 81,000 interstate and international visitors to the city over the next five years, bringing tens of millions of tourist dollars to our region.

But it’s about much more than the race.

Hosting this event has prompted Newcastle City Council to undertake a comprehensive renewal program across the city’s east end.

Never before in Newcastle’s history has such an extensive urban renewal program been completed in such a short space of time.

Better roads, better footpaths and cycleways, more reliable water supply and internet and a greener foreshore with more usable shade are among the benefits that will create a legacy for residents and businesses in the area long after the chequered flag is waved.

Watching Australia’s best Supercar drivers race around Shortland Esplanade, past Newcastle Beach, through the new Horseshoe Beach hairpin bend and down the Wharf Road straight with our working harbour in

the background will be an exciting first for Australian motor racing fans.

While there has been some short-term pain as we’ve prepared for this landmark event, we’re confident that the east end renewal program will protect our local heritage and lift infrastructure in the precinct to a standard befitting an emerging global city.

I’m pleased that we’re now starting to see the long-term gains that this race will deliver for our city.

The thousands of people who packed Newcastle Foreshore earlier this year for the Newcastle 500 ticket launch was just a taste of things to come.

Nuatali Nelmes

Lord Mayor of Newcastle

SUPERCARS TO RACE IN NEWCASTLE FOR FIRST TIME When Newcastle was named the new host city for the series final of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship for the next five years, it was a dream come true for the tens of thousands of Hunter Supercar fans and stealing the crown from Sydney Olympic park in the process.

“The Hunter has thousands of Supercars fans who now have an event to call their own,” said Premier Mike Baird at the official announcement of the events new home.

“The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 will be the first Supercars race ever held in Newcastle and is another major event secured for Regional NSW. It’s a picturesque course that takes in some of the city’s best landmarks, including Nobby’s Beach and Fort Scratchley.

“The race is expected to inject more than $57 million worth of revenue into the Hunter

region over the next five years, and attract 81,000 visitors from around Australia and internationally,” he said.

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton agreed, adding that it was an exciting moment for Supercars and the people of Newcastle.

“The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 is a spectacular event that will showcase Newcastle to a huge national and international audience and be a fitting finale to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship,” he said.

The event has been secured by Destination NSW in partnership with Supercars Australia and Newcastle City Council. The inaugural event will take place from November 24 to 26. Tickets are still available from www.supercars.com – but be quick!

WITH

SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT

SPIDERBAIT • THE OWLS FOR THE FIRST TIME, SUPERCARS HIT THE STREETS OF NEWCASTLE. PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND CONCERT ACCESS ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR SAME-DAY TICKET.

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(L to R) Chaz Mostert, Scott McLaughlin, Shane Van Gisbergen.

Superstars, Drawcards & Young Guns

All Vie for Track Glory WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN

The long wait is almost over for Newcastle motorsport fans gearing up for what could well be the most exciting three days of their year.

For the first time in its history the V8 Supercars Championship is heading to the Hunter this month, with the best race car drivers in the country preparing to battle it out for the inaugural Coates Hire Newcastle 500.

To be held from November 24-26, the event is expected to attract thousands of motorsport fans to the region for three days of full throttle action and excitement.

The 250km race will be contested on a challenging 2.6km street circuit that runs through the eastern end of the Newcastle CBD, taking in scenic views along Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle and Nobby’s beaches and Newcastle Harbour.

Aside from race day glory, drivers will also be vying for allimportant championship points, with the Newcastle 500 set to wrap up the 2017 series.

While Newcastle’s hosting of the event is a dream come true for local V8 fans, it’s also the perfect opportunity for those new to the sport to check out first hand just what the Supercars excitement is all about.

This month we’ve put together a special guide to help those feeling the need for speed for the first time, with an on- and offtrack rundown on some of the stalwarts of the Supercars series, as well as those young guns firing up to make their mark on the championship.

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SUPERCARS Super-Stars CRAIG LOWNDES Our cover star Craig Lowndes is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable and respected drivers on the Supercars circuit.

If the series were a popularity contest, then “Lowndsey” would be a shoe-in for the top gong. Not that he needs to rely on his fan-favourite status – the 42-year-old has some pretty serious driving skills, which have made him among the most successful drivers in Australian motorsport history.

His on-track achievements speak for themselves – up until recently he held the record for the most race wins in the history of the Australian Touring Car Championship and V8 Supercar Championship; was the first driver to reach 100 Championship wins at the sport's most elite level; is the recipient of a record five Barry Sheene Medals, the sport’s best and fairest award; and has claimed the crown at the Bathurst 1000 (the most coveted race of the series) an impressive six times.

Off the track Lowndes has some pretty slick credentials as well, having been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2012 for his service to his sport and the community. The recognition was in part due to his charitable work with the RSPCA, Violence Against Women, and his continual work on road safety through the Fatality Free Friday campaign.

While the Team Vortex (Triple Eight Race Engineering) driver is out of the running for the series title and was sitting in a season-high sixth on the leaderboard at the time of print, the chance to secure his first race win for 2017 will ensure there’s plenty of fire left in his belly when he takes to the starting grid in Newcastle.

JAMIE WHINCUP The form man of recent times in the Supercars Championship, Jamie Whincup is the ‘all-time’ champ with six titles to his name.

His last championship victory in 2015 meant he surpassed Dick Johnson, Mark Skaife and Ian ‘Pete’ Geoghegan on the all-time winners list, while his race win at Sydney Motorsport Park on August 20 this year saw him overtake Lowndes to become the greatest Supercars driver of the current era with 106 race victories over 13 seasons.

Fiercely competitive race tactics have seen him court his fair share of controversy over the years, but regardless of whether competitors and race fans like him or leave him, the 34-year-old Red Bull Holden Racing Team (Triple Eight Race Engineering) driver is always prepared to stick to his guns.

Off the track his need for speed is just as apparent with “JDub”, as he is known to his friends, regularly taking to the mountain trail or roadway for a bike ride, or heading out on the Gold Coast waterways for a spot of jet skiing, water skiing or wakeboarding.

Two race wins, and a host of top 10 results have catapulted Whincup to the top of the leaderboard, but with less than 200 points separating the top five drivers, there’s no time to relax if he wants to claim his seventh championship title.

FABIAN COULTHARD Hot on Whincup’s heels in the hunt for the overall title is English-born, New Zealand-raised and Gold Coast-based driver Fabian Coulthard.

“Fabs” has actually spent half of the season leading the way and was on top of the table before a ninth-place finish at the Gold Coast 600 last month saw him switch places with

Jamie Whincup

claim to fame so far (and it’s a pretty impressive one!) was his breakthrough victory in the 2014 Bathurst 1000.

“Mozzie” defied his last place position on the starting grid, making his way through the pack to take the chequered flag in the biggest race on the Supercars calendar.

Adding an extra layer of interest to the victory was the fact Mostert had spent the night before the big race camping at the Mount Panorama racetrack with his father Eddie and friends after finding his hotel bed too uncomfortable.

The Supercheap Auto / Pro Drive Racing team driver hit the headlines at Bathurst again the following year, although this time for all the wrong reasons. Mostert spectacularly crashed out in his title defence during a qualifying session two days before the main SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN race and was airlifted to hospital with a Scott McLaughlin is a star on the rise in the fractured leg and wrist, which sidelined him highly competitive world of V8 Supercars. At for the rest of the 2015 series. just 24-years-of-age the New Zealand born In 2017 Mostert’s season is looking much Melbournian has already been dubbed “the rosier with three race wins keeping him in next Craig Lowndes” after finishing third in championship contention, sitting fourth on the the 2016 Championship behind Shane Van leaderboard heading into the last two races.

Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup.

The popular 25-year-old is known as a One of the hottest properties on the bit of a larrikin out of the driver’s seat, loves market last year, “Scotty” made headlines to go karting with his mates on the weekend during the season by signing a very lucrative and owns two dachshunds named Bangers & multi-year deal with American billionaire Roger Mash.

Penske’s DJR Team Penske, driving as part of the Shell V-Power Racing Team.

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN Currently sitting third on the individual With a hobby list that reads “racing, anything, leaderboard with seven race wins this season anywhere, anytime”, it’s little wonder Shane including the most recent event on the Gold Van Gisbergen is relishing life as a V8 Coast, McLaughlin is also looking good in the team’s championship where his Shell V-Power Supercars driver.

While quietly-spoken and media-shy off Racing Team are leading the way by 180 points over the Red Bull Holden Racing Team. the track, put the New Zealand-born driver behind the steering wheel of a race car and Not surprisingly, he and teammate it’s a whole new ball game.

Coulthard are regarded as the biggest “Giz” made his Supercars debut in 2007 threats to the dominance of Triple Eight Race and nine years later in his first season Engineering, whose teams have won the last with the Red Bull Holden Racing Team, seven of nine championships. he stunningly won his maiden Supercars When he’s not racing McLaughlin likes Championship, coming from 22nd on the grid to play golf and get behind the wheel of a to place third in the final race of the season go-kart, as well as being a self-confessed and clinch the overall title. computer nerd and a fanatical supporter of The victory followed an emotional the Western Bulldogs AFL team. homeland win during the previous round in Auckland, where he became the first New CHAZ MOSTERT Zealander to win the Jason Richards Memorial Another young gun who has already shown Trophy. plenty of potential, Chaz Mostert’s biggest Whincup, who crossed the line second to secure a 17-point buffer over Coulthard.

With his Newcastle-born partner Becky Lamb due to give birth to twins in late October, Coulthard is likely to be juggling the demands of first-time fatherhood in the lead-up to the final two races of the series this month.

But the prospect of potentially securing his first championship win is sure to keep the Shell V-Power Racing Team (DJR Team Penske) driver focused on the finish line.

Off the track, Coulthard is known for his style (he is an official Tag Heuer ambassador), his dry humour and his love of playing practical jokes – but we’re sure to see his more serious side once he suits up ready to hit the track in Newcastle.

(continued next page) ►

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SIMONA DE SILVESTRO While not in contention for the championship, 2017 has still been a ground-breaking year for Swiss-born driver Simona De Silvestro. The 29-year-old Melbournian became the first full-time female driver in Supercars history after joining the grid with Nissan Motorsport this year.

One of the world’s leading female racing car drivers, De Silvestro has raced in Formula E, Indycar and Supercars and is (L-R) Scott McLaughlin, Shane Van Gisbergen, one of only three women to have Delta Goodrem and James Courtney. claimed a podium in the history of Indycar.

She made her Supercars debut in 2015 when she was Keen to back up with a successful title defence in 2017, Van Gisbergen got off to the perfect start winning the first two races paired with young up-and-coming driver Renee Gracie to race the Bathurst 1000 as a wildcard ‘Harvey Norman Supergirls’ in Adelaide and the third event in Tasmania. entry.

A fourth win for the series at Winton and a flurry of top 10 The duo returned in 2016 and finished an impressive finishes has left him in fifth place on the leaderboard. However, 14th, with the drive helping to secure De Silvestro a three-year he’ll need to pull out two spectacular drives at Auckland and deal with Nissan, where she will line up alongside Supercars Newcastle to have any hope of going back-to-back in the stalwarts Rick and Todd Kelly. championship.

Nicknamed “The Iron Maiden” after badly burning her hand Outside of Supercars his life still revolves around racing, in an Indycar accident and driving the next day, De Silvestro is having also forged a successful GT career, including multiple passionate about encouraging more women into motorsports. entries in the 24 Hours of Daytona for Alex Job Racing and The laidback and easygoing driver has been behind the competing in the Blancpain Endurance Series for McLaren with wheel of a car since she was six, when her father Pierre gave Von Ryan Racing and Garage 59.

De Silvestro her first go-kart, and she hasn’t looked back since, Van Gisbergen, with Álvaro Parente and Jonathon Webb, determined to make her mark in the sport she loves. also won the 2016 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour for Tekno Autosports.

AAREN RUSSELL You can’t write a Supercars story in Newcastle without mentioning our very own V8 young gun, Aaren Russell.

With a father who owns Newcastle motorsports institution Go Karts Go and a brother who made his Supercars’ debut in 2007 racing with the family’s Novocastrian Motorsport team, it’s little wonder Russell eventually made his way into the Championship.

Russell’s maiden Supercars drive came in 2015 when he and his brother Drew scored a wildcard entry into the Bathurst 1000. The following year the Newcastle driver signed for Erebus Motorsport. However, it was a short-lived partnership after a contractual disagreement saw Russell split with the team in July 2016.

He then joined Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport to partner Andre Heimgartner in the Pirtek Enduro Cup series and was poised to take up a full-time contract with the racing team in 2017 before the deal fell through.

All’s well that ends well for Russell however, with a shock call-up in July this year seeing him rejoin Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport for a number of events, including the Newcastle 500.

While his highest-placed finish so far in 2017 has been in 17th at the Bathurst 1000, there’s no doubt the passionate Novocastrian will be giving it all he’s got in front of his home crowd at the end of the month. ■ All images by Mark Horsburgh, Edge Photographics.

To find out more about the Coates Hire Newcastle 500, including what’s happening across the three days on and off the track, visit www.supercars.com/newcastle

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The Veronicas

LIVE

ENTERTAINMENT

Amidst all the Action

Once the racing finishes the rock starts, and the blockbuster entertainment schedule for the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 is set to rival the racing action with chart-topping twins The Veronicas performing alongside fellow Australian Superstar Delta Goodrem to kick off festivities on Friday, November 24 in an all-female show before Cold Chisel and Spiderbait take the stage on the Saturday, November 25 for a night of hard rock.

Supercars CEO James Warburton said the calibre of entertainment across the event with a true Australian flavour was amongst the best line-ups in the country.

“It’s unheralded that for as little as $128 you can see four of Australia’s hottest artists on the same stage across two nights of pop and Aussie rock, as well as all of the on-track action,” Mr Warburton said.

“This is, without doubt, the strongest bill of all Aussie acts in the country this year. Newcastle is in for an awesome show.”

In response to the already overwhelming ticket demand for the Coates Hire Newcastle 500, Supercars recently announced the construction of an additional grandstand to meet public

demand. The new grandstand will be located outside of the camp Shortland Hairpin and provide an additional 323 seats.

The new grandstand will provide an excellent vantage point of the race and includes views to a big screen TV. “Support for this event has been extraordinary and is on track to become the biggest event in Newcastle’s history and possibly the biggest in regional NSW outside of our Bathurst race,” Warburton said.

“With the circuit really taking shape and the civil works coming to an end we expect interest in tickets to only increase as the race draws closer.”

Legendary Australian rock band, Cold Chisel will take control of the stage on Saturday, 25 November in what will be their only mainland-Australia show for 2017 and this show marks the first time Cold Chisel has played in Newcastle since their massive Light The Nitro tour back in 2011 (which remains the biggest grossing tour ever by an Australian-based band).

2015’s One Night Stand tour was unable to get to Newcastle, so this concert marks a special payback for Novocastrians.

Renowned as one of the most dynamic Australian live acts ever, Cold Chisel - Jimmy Barnes (lead vocals), Ian Moss (lead guitar/vocals), Don Walker (keyboards/backing vocals), Phil Small (bass guitar) and Charley Drayton (drums) - will perform their iconic hits such as Flame Trees, Khe Sanh, Cheap Wine, Rising Sun and Bow River, as well as songs from their recent albums ‘No Plans’ and ‘The Perfect Crime’.

SEGWAY TOURS! If you are looking for an adventure, then look no further! Located in the Hunter Valley just 45 minutes from the Newcastle Supercars Race Course, is our fully off road guided Segway Tour. Great for families, friends and small groups looking to explore the Hunter Valley Wine Region on your very own Segway - so don't miss out, it's awesome fun!

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Cold Chisel is one of Australia’s most revered rock outfits, with a history that spans forty years and a catalogue of songs and albums that have become part of the nation's psyche.

In the late '70s, after the band had decamped from their birthplace in Adelaide and moved to Sydney, Newcastle became a second home for them. And of course, their classic song Star Hotel was inspired by the riots that erupted in Newcastle when the famous band venue was shut down.

"Newcastle has always been great to us," says frontman Jimmy Barnes.

"When we were starving in our early days, we would drive up there and fill rooms, long before we did anywhere else. We got to learn our trade playing to wild and appreciative crowds in full rooms there. If we owe any place anything, it's Newcastle," said Barnes.

“Cold Chisel has a long and rich history in Newcastle, so when we sat down to look at the headline act for the inaugural event there was only one choice,” Supercars CEO James Warburton said.

“We are absolutely honoured for the band to play their only mainland show at the very first Newcastle event which will be, without doubt, a massive weekend of racing and rock.”

“Cold Chisel is Australian rock royalty as well as racing enthusiasts, which makes them the perfect fit to headline what promises to be an excellent weekend of racing and entertainment,” added NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall.

Spiderbait, who recently celebrated their 25th anniversary with sell out shows around the country, have also been confirmed to take the stage on Saturday night. Janet, Whitt and Kram’s unique musical alchemy has taken them on a ride to the top of their game, selling more than half a million records, sending singles variously to number 1 or into the Top 10, albums to double platinum status, winning multiple ARIA Awards and taking top spot on the Hottest 100.

Ian Moss (L) and Jimmy Barnes

Inner City Winemakers To celebrate the release of three exciting new wines - our 2017 Hunter Valley Verdelho, 2016 Rosé and 2016 Hunter Valley Chambourcin, we would like to offer readers of Intouch magazine a complimentary tasting and a cheese platter. You will be able to taste our new releases as well as all our favourites.

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double-lane inflatable slide will be back again this year, while Flo’s Diner will offer a muchwelcomed rest stop for all.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.supercars.com

Mark Horsburgh, Edge Photographics

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN The Cars Pit Stop will be the ultimate racing destination for families of all ages at the Supercars Championship events this year. With activities for all ages, younger fans will be able to see the new-look Lightning McQueen. Plus, Mack the Transporter will be on show, creating the perfect backdrop for a family selfie!

Racers young and old can also test their speed at the new Crazy Eights Raceway, with races held every 15mins, and they'll get the chance to test their reflexes on the digital interactive race panel. The ever-popular giant,

Breakfast with the Supercar Superstars!

Don’t miss your chance to attend the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 Grand Finale Breakfast and get to know the drivers with team interviews, competitions and a bit of fun before the chequered flag waves. The breakfast will be held at Wests Newcastle City from 7am on Thursday 23 November.

All profits go directly to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Newcastle SLSC and Nobbys SLSC Tickets start at $80 per person or $800 for a table or for the ultimate Supercar fun take up the exclusive opportunity to host two drivers at your very own table for a sponsorship package of $2500.

For all driver table bookings and event enquires please contact shill@supercars.com or to book your spot visit www.westsnewcastle.com.au

Newcastle Community to Benefit from Charity Partnership Supercars Australia will partner with three leading Newcastle community organisations as the official charity partners of the 2017 Coates Hire Newcastle 500. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Nobbys Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Newcastle Beach Surf Lifesaving Club will be the official cocharity partners for the inaugural event.

As part of the partnership, tickets, grid walks and other experiences will be on offer with all funds raised divided between the three charity partners. The inaugural Newcastle 500 Grand Final Breakfast will be a highlight on the calendar. Supercars CEO James Warburton said the sport was delighted to be working alongside some of Newcastle’s iconic community services.

"These three local partners provide crucial services for the Newcastle community, and we’re incredibly proud to be supporting the tireless work they do,” he said.

“By working with these organisations, we can assist with fundraising activities and awareness, giving back to the community that will host our final event of the year.”

“We are pleased to have been selected alongside Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club and Newcastle Beach Surf Lifesaving Club as the charity partners for the Coates Hire Newcastle 500,” said Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO Richard Jones.

“Our dedicated Rescue Helicopter Volunteers will be onsite every day at the event to collect donations and sell merchandise to event-goers, with all proceeds going straight back to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service,” he said.

The oldest Surf Life Saving Club in the Hunter Branch, Newcastle SLSC and its neighbours Nobbys SLSC have been providing volunteer life-saving services to the community and visitors for decades.

Newcastle Beach SLSC President Brad Kinniard said the club was looking forward to the event and being one of the events charity partners.

“Our club sees many benefits for the city of Newcastle in hosting such a major event.

The members of Newcastle Surf Club look forward to working with Supercars to make this an overwhelming success.”

Narelle Blick, Nobbys Beach SLSC President, echoed those thoughts. “The Newcastle 500 is going to be a fantastic event for our city, and we are excited to be joining with Supercars and the other partners to showcase Newcastle and our great community. Raising funds for our club will benefit the local community in helping us continue to provide the services we do to keep our beaches safe for everyone.”

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ADVENTUROUS HUNTER VALLEY

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s premier wine region, and it’s a short 40-minute drive from the racetrack to the vineyards (shorter if you’re in a Supercar!) Take a day-trip, make a long weekend of it and book-in to stay on after the big race or stop in for a stay before race-day to make the most of your time in the Hunter.

Go-Karts, Sky-Diving to Drive-Ins (yes the old fashion kind!), Trikes to Electric Bikes, Mini-Golf to Meerkats – and everything in between!

Visit the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre on Wine Country Drive at Pokolbin and let our expert staff point you in the direction of your next super-adventure.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find everything from Helicopters to Hot Air Balloons, Rally Cars to

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It’s Australia’s premier wine region, where the pleasures of eating and drinking are celebrated daily.

When you think of Australian wine, you think of the Hunter Valley. This exquisite region has been built on 185 years of passion and dedication to the craft, resulting in the production of many world-class wines. However, there is more to the Hunter Valley than wine (shock!), and with the wide array of great accommodation, dining options and activities on offer, the Hunter is the perfect short break and romantic get-away.

At this time of the year, the grape vines and local fresh produce are at their very best. This is the season to vigorously indulge in the unique gourmet food and wines that this unique part of the country is famous for.

The Hunter Valley, with its clean air, rich soils, pure water and warm summers is a natural sanctuary where people work closely with the land, and the fresh produce and wines are renowned for being amongst the best in Australia. Whether you are up for a peaceful encounter with nature, an outdoor adventure or a decadent food and wine tasting experience, there is something for everyone - and there is no better time than NOW when all the colours and flavours really come to life.

Walk, drive or cycle through sweeping natural landscapes in the countryside and quiet country lanes - while enjoying some of the local produce along the way. From premium wine tastings to local handmade cheeses, handmade cookies, olives, oils, apple ciders and chocolates and even boutique handcrafted beers, vodka and schnapps, the Hunter has so much to offer. And if you don’t want to drive, you can easily book a wine tour.

For those who like a gentle view of nature, there are numerous walking tracks and bush trails through national parks, or for something more stimulating, meander through 25 acres of Hunter Valley Gardens and enjoy the sensational sights, colours, and fragrances of the ten stunning feature gardens. If you are feeling more adventurous take an early morning or afternoon horse-ride through over 300 acres of natural bush-land with glorious views of the Watagans, Brokenback Range and even Barrington Tops. Alternatively, experience new heights with a breathtaking early morning view of the Hunter Valley from a hot air balloon and experience the Hunter Valley at its very best.

Today, the Hunter Valley is as much about food as it about wine. The region has a strong food and wine culture that is reflected in its world-class restaurants, abundant fresh regional produce and gourmet food products and a full range of wine styles and varietals - one to match every meal.

The tastes of the Hunter Valley are as diverse as they are delicious. If you still have room after sampling all the cheese, chocolate, olives and other gourmet goodies the local producers have to offer, why not settle down for a long, lazy lunch with a glass of locally grown wine. There is no shortage of dining options in Wine Country - with al fresco dining a popular option at this time of the year.

Boutique production craft beers, ciders, vodkas, gin and schnapps are also a must try. With traditional procedures and the finest quality ingredients, Hunter breweries and distilleries take the art of creating a fine drop to a completely new level.

To make the most of your time in the Hunter Valley, pop into the Visitor Information Centre on Wine Country Drive and let the friendly staff point you in the right direction.

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2011-2017 CERTIFICATE of EXCELLENCE

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INDULGENT HUNTER VALLEY

Celebrated as Australia’s oldest and most visited wine region, the Hunter Valley is considered to be the country’s premier food and wine destination and home to some of Australia’s most outstanding wines, winemakers, restaurants and chefs.

Go wine tasting, choose from a diverse range of restaurants and cafes, book a wine tour – or self-drive and explore six unique wine areas. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the Hunter’s vibrant gourmet food culture,

exceptional wineries, craft beers, indulgent desserts, classy cocktails, delicious olives, amazing cheeses, brilliant brews and to-die-for chocolate.

Take a day-trip, book-in to stay on after the big race and make a long weekend of it, or stop in for a stay before race-day to make the most of your time in the Hunter. Visit the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre on Wine Country Drive at Pokolbin and let the friendly team create an indulgent itinerary to tantalise your taste-buds.

455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin | PH 4993 6700 | vic@cessnock.nsw.gov.au Open Monday to Saturday 9AM to 5PM; Sunday & Public Holidays 9AM to 4PM

www.huntervalleyvisitorcentre.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

SUPERCARS INVESTMENT

Brings Renewal to Newcastle's East End As Newcastle gears up to host the 24-26 November Coates Hire Newcastle 500, the city's East End has benefited from a comprehensive renewal program of road works and infrastructure improvements.

The race is set to be the biggest sporting event in Newcastle's history, and the world will be watching. While our stunning beaches, working harbour and the cafes and shops of our thriving CBD will provide the perfect backdrop to the action, these infrastructure projects will make the city more amenable to visitors while also providing long-term benefit to residents.

Newcastle City Council has invested almost $10 million in the east end in the lead-up to the Newcastle 500, and never before in the city's history has there been such an extensive urban renewal program in such a short space of time. Better roads, improved footpaths and cycleways, more reliable water supply and internet and a greener foreshore with more usable shade are among the benefits for residents and businesses in the area.

By completing all works projects in a single, short timeframe Council was able to reduce project management and associated costs as well as disruption to residents and businesses. Roadworks along the track route created the opportunity to improve infrastructure beneath the roadway,

such as drainage and optic fibre cabling. Ageing kerbs and gutters long overdue for attention have also been revamped.

While there has been some short-term pain preparing for this landmark event, Council is confident that the east end renewal program will create a lasting improvement in the precinct's infrastructure for years to come.

Renewing Newcastle's oldest street - The largest project within the suite of works is the renewal of Watt Street Newcastle’s oldest road. Reconstruction of Watt Street includes a new, smoother roadway, new footpaths, kerbs and gutters, smart lighting, smart city underground cabling and new water mains.

BEFORE

Horseshoe Beach Road North

Better connections between the Foreshore and the Bathers Way - A major pedestrian and cyclist bottleneck between the Bathers Way at Nobbys Beach and Joy Cummings Promenade running parallel with the harbour is being widened into a shared pathway, with Tug Berth Road converted into a dedicated cycling lane.

AFTER Newcastle Foreshore: more shade and parking - Visitors to the Foreshore will enjoy almost ten times more usable shade once new trees and shrubs are fully grown. These will include 130 advanced shade trees, more than a third of which will be Norfolk Island pines. Two car parks off Wharf Road have been linked to create 80 extra parking spaces.

Nobbys Road upgrade - A notoriously narrow footpath in front of the Boatmen’s Row terrace houses is being widened, with much-loved footpath gardens enlarged. The roadway is being completely renewed and will include improved access to Fort Scratchley. New lights over the Nobbys Road pedestrian crossing will increase safety for pedestrians and motorists.

Smart City - The transformation of Newcastle’s east end includes innovations to help us become one of Australia’s leading smart cities. Most visible are the smart poles along much of the track route.

These include remotely dimmable street lighting and WiFi transmitters, and the capacity to be upgraded with a range of high-tech components, including traffic monitoring cameras and public announcement systems. Below ground, smart cabling is future-proofing key parts of the CBD like Watt Street, providing the infrastructure needed for high-speed internet.

Keep up to date with the Newcastle 500 and other great events in our city at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Introducing the Hunter Valley's

POKOLBIN ESTATE VIN EYARD

Winery - 2017 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion

Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant Australia’s only Asian restaurant in a winery!

Located at Roche Estate, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oishii has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Whether dining inside the minimalist Asian themed dining hall or on the outside undercover terrace overlooking the vines encircling the architecturally designed amphitheatre, Oishii has become a “must dining experience.”

The Lady i

n Pin k . . .

Tempranillo | Nebbiolo | Sangiovese | Nebbiolo Rosé Get your taste for adventure today at ...Pokolbin Estate.

Pokolbin Estate Vineyard | 298 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm | PH 4998 7524 | www.pokolbinestate.com.au 34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Oishii’s Asian chefs have composed an extensive menu of lightly prepared fragrant dishes showcasing regional produce. In true Asian style dishes are perfect for sharing and ideal for families and friends.

The fast take away options are also delicious.

J A PA N E S E T H A I C U I S I N E

ADDRESS Roche Estate Complex, Corner of Broke and Mcdonald Rd’s, Pokolbin RESTAURANT 7 Days, Lunch and Dinner PH (02) 4998 7051 W www.oishii.com.au

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HUNTER VALLEY

Australia’s oldest wine region offers more than just premium fine wines, gourmet delights and a beautiful vineyard setting. In the Hunter Valley, there is so much to explore.

The Hunter Valley is the place to indulge, escape, and invigorate your senses.

Tour the famous Hunter Valley Gardens (and Shopping Village), visit the zoo, unwind with a round of golf, and indulge in cheese or chocolate. Relax and be pampered in a spa or seek out the galleries and local artisans products.

For the adventurous, cycle or go horse riding at sunset, take to the air in a hot air balloon, skydive or enjoy a joy flight.

The Hunter Valley is surrounded by untouched natural landscape and beautiful scenery where you can go bushwalking, four-wheel driving, or mountain biking.

Explore our rich heritage by visiting convict relics, see remnants of our coal mining past and have an authentic Aboriginal experience.

Visit the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre on Wine Country Drive at Pokolbin and for all your accommodation needs and to pick up all the information you need to create your own Hunter Valley Super-Experience!

455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin | PH 4993 6700 | vic@cessnock.nsw.gov.au Open Monday to Saturday 9AM to 5PM; Sunday & Public Holidays 9AM to 4PM

www.huntervalleyvisitorcentre.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Seeing the sand dunes is a must check out Sand Dune Safaris www.sanddunesafaris.com.au

TO PORT STEPHENS The Landmark Nelson Bay is heralded as the best resort location in the bay.

Located only minutes away from the main CBD of Port Stephens and the water's edge, and as well as positioned beside Nelson Bay Golf Club and Bowling Club, helps to make The Landmark Nelson Bay the ideal place to stay for your next family holiday.

Freecall

1800 200 755 for bookings.

Special Super Cars event rate 1-bedroom apartments $240 per night 2-bedroom apartments $320 per night 2-bedroom executives $390 per night Minimum 2-night stay

61A Dowling St Nelson Bay

www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au 36 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Discover PORT STEPHENS

amongst waterfront villages where local If you love sparkling waterways, pristine restaurants and bistro menus are crowded beaches, whales, dolphins, bushwalking, with freshly caught fish, local oysters and cycling, kayaking, sailing, golf, parasailing, fine dining, shopping, fresh produce, wineries, Hunter Valley wines. Sidewalk cafés, great coffee and a boutique brewery all add to the breweries, sliding down sand dunes, quadmyriad of options. biking, horse riding, waterfront dining, The area is also popular amongst fourspectacular sunsets and friendly people.... wheel driving, sand boarding, quad bike then you’re going to love Port Stephens! riding and fishing enthusiasts with numerous It may be a relatively small dot on the global tourism map, but mother nature tipped adventure companies within the area willing to provide guided tours. a generous hand to Port Stephens when For the adventurous and young at heart, it came to inheriting its share of beautiful take the 45-minute walk to the Tomaree Head scenery and amazing attractions. With a Summit and be rewarded with epic views that Marine Park comprising 26 beaches, a take in local islands and a seemingly endless bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour and coastline; go camel or horse riding on the monumental sand-dunes (the largest in the beach, sand-boarding at breakneck speed southern hemisphere) – all making this a down enormous dunes or boating alongside fabulous destination for just “getting away breaching whales. from it all!”

Alternatively, simply sit back and relax Easily accessible, just 20 mins from while you indulge in a soothing body scrub as Newcastle Airport, Port Stephens is known you reach for a glass of bubbles. as the “blue water paradise” for the beauty With a reputation for being the 'dolphin and abundance of its marine surroundings capital of Australia’, the Port is home to that include over 32 km’s of clean, white, sandy beaches, which in some areas (such as a resident population of over 150 playful dolphins with dolphin watch cruises operating Stockton) are as much as 1km wide. all year round.

This truly unique part of the world has There are also more whale sightings something to please just about every taste from Port Stephens than anywhere else on and budget. Whether you chose to camp Australia's East Coast, so jump aboard one out under a million stars or stay in five-star of local whale watching cruise companies luxury comfort, accommodation of all types that operate from May through to November can be found throughout Port Stephens from each year. You can also whale watch from backpackers lodges to holiday parks, tents, numerous vantage points on the shore in Port cabins, self-contained apartments, holiday homes, bed & breakfast, studio apartments to Stephens.

See for yourself what everyone is talking hotel rooms and resorts. about… and be prepared to be relaxed, The spectacular dining options are exhilarated, enchanted and amazed. matched by equally stunning locations

5 star rated winery

James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2007 to 2018

“Quality without compromise”

WE ARE FAMILY Christmas is coming!

Make sure you get your Mistletoe Wines in plenty of time for the Festive Season. Only available direct from the winery!

Christmas is fast approaching and what better time is there for having Mistletoe Wines on hand to help you, your family and friends, celebrate the Christmas Season and Summer.

Why not reward your loyal staff, customers or suppliers with some great Mistletoe Wines for Christmas?

Friends and family are certain to appreciate them as well. Mistletoe can assist with quality gift packaging, include personal messages from you and offers direct to recipient deliveries as a time saving and hassle free option. We also offer special pricing for volume purchases.

Mistletoe’s comprehensive range of more than 20 different wines guarantees something to suit everybody’s taste.

Quality wine is a gift that is always appreciated!

To ensure timely delivery please place your order as soon as possible. We also invite you to visit the Mistletoe Cellar Door to taste the wines.

Open every day between 10am and 6pm. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“Christmas just isn’t Christmas without Mistletoe”

Open 10am until 6pm daily | 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320 PH 1800 055 080 FAX 02 4998 7792 E office@mistletoewines.com.au | www.mistletoewines.com.au

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The Hunter Valley's

Premier Tea House Welcome to the Sabor Tea Room, the Hunter Valley's premier Tea House where you will experience the ultimate High Tea.

Located in Lovedale, just off the Hunter Expressway you'll discover our purpose built Tea House – the pinnacle of High Tea. From the Egyptian lead crystal chandelier hanging above your head and crisp white table linen to the antique Royal Albert Teapots and Tea sets that are almost 100 years old, we have spared no expense when it comes to making your High Tea experience an unforgettable one.

From the moment you arrive, you will be spoiled. You'll be served a glass of bubbles on arrival, and dessert wine served with your sweet treats, not to mention an unlimited supply of our selection of teas and freshly ground barista made coffee.

From the house made mini butter croissants to the handcrafted mixed-berry chocolate teapot surprise dessert and every bite in between, our menu is a guaranteed sensory overload!

Check out the full menu and book at www.sabortearoom.com.au.

319 WILDERNESS ROAD, LOVEDALE PH 1300 958 850

OPEN Saturdays & Sundays with two sessions a day (BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL): Session 1 10:30am concluding at 1pm Session 2 2:30pm concluding at 5pm.

38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au