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JULY 2015
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National Observer - July 2015 - Page 1
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Seadream magic
■ Seadream Yacht Club is to broaden its reach into the Caribbean by taking-in its less-visited southern islands between January and April 2016, including making three round-trip sailings from colourful Bridgetown in Barbados, and nine between Bridgetown and historic little Marigot on French colonial St Martin. The mega motor-cruiser SeaDream I, that carries a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew, will include St Vincent, the Grenadines, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Nevis, St Barts, Isle de Saints, St Lucia and others on various sailings, and on some the tiny private island of Mustique with its holiday mansions for such rich and famous as Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger. As well as beaches, shopping and shoreside dining, optional shore excursions will offer horseback riding along remote beaches, visits to colonial-era settlements dating back to the 1700s, an open-air jeep ride into a picturesque valley with spectacular waterfalls, and a museum whose artefacts date back to 1800BC and the history of the islands’ sugar-cane slavery period.
Details of 2015 packages on Page 3
www. darwinsbarrabase.com.au
● Sailings begin from as low as US$3535pp twin share for a 6day Bridgetown round-trip sailing on January 3, 2016.
The National Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, Vic. for the publisher, L ocal Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by Ash Long. Copyright © 2015, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN) 096 680 063).
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2015-16 Travel Planner
Hastings Cove Holiday Apartments Fact File
1 x Queen Bed, 2 x Single Beds, 1 x Sofa Bed Facilities: NAME: Hastings Cove Holiday Apartments Bed linen included (all beds triple sheeted), Non-smoking only ADDRESS: 2 Creek St, Hastings Point, NSW 2489 Air conditioning, Balcony / courtyard, Opening windows PHONE: (02) 6676 3999 Open plan lounge/dining, CD player, DVD player CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Anne Worsley Alarm clock, TV, Full kitchen, Dishwasher WEB: www.hastingscove.com Refrigerator - full size, Tea/Coffee Making E-MAIL: info@hastingscove.com Separate shower & bath, Laundry, Washing machine Dryer, Iron & ironing board, Clothes line / airer Great for couples and families, Hastings Cove Waterfront HoliUnder cover parking, with extra car parks available for your day Apartments are the quiet family getaway on the Tweed Coast, with fully furnished 2 bedroom self catering holiday second car or boat (by arrangement) units in landscaped grounds. A short 150 metres stroll to the beach, with direct access to a sheltered estuary, you and the family can enjoy great fishing, and activities like swimming, snorkeling, sand castles, kayaking and surfing. Stay for 2 nights or longer, with affordable 2 night to 7 night deals from $105 per night. Longer stay packages of 2 weeks or more are also available, just ask. We have four apartment options to choose from. Our ground floor and upstairs garden view apartments overlook our landscaped gardens and swimming pool, upstairs estuary view units, have water views overlooking the estuary from the balcony, and our stand alone apartments have no units above them. Just 25 minutes drive to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, you can relax and enjoy uncrowded beaches, explore national parks, visit neighbouring coastal villages and local markets, or go bush walking, cycling, fishing or surfing. Hastings Cove 4 star rated holiday apartments offers four family holiday unit accommodation options. Ground floor and second floor garden view apartments overlook our landscaped gardens and swimming pool, great for watching the kids having a splash in the pool as you relax. Or you can choose a "stand alone" garden view apartment with no upstairs unit above. Upstairs estuary view units have a wide balcony overlooking Cudgera Creek, perfect for an alfresco breakfast or a romantic sunset dinner. Apartments 2 Bedroom Apartments Sleeps 2-6 people
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2015-16 Travel Planner
The Watertank Bed and Breakfast
Solar-pas ently built - 4 bedr ooms with Solar-passs i vvee, rree ccently bedrooms ensuites, also three large living areas. Perfect for families and groups. Jus w a y, south of P ort Mac quarie Justt off the high highw Port Macquarie quarie,, rural outlook, near National Parks and beaches. Pet friendly available with large fences area.
Fact File NAME: The Watertank Bed and Breakfast ADDRESS: 69 Forest Rd, Moorland, NSW 2443 PHONE: 0423 057 616 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Jan WEB: www.thewatertankbb.com E-MAIL: jan@thewatertankbb.com
The Watertank property is set in a peaceful location looking out to the South Brother Mountain, which was named by Captain Cook in 1770. The main house has 4 spacious bedrooms with private ensuite in each room. There is a cosy sitting area and an outside porch which is perfect for unwinding and taking in the beautiful scenery over breakfast or lunch. The farm-stay, self-catering cottage next door has 3 bedrooms - 2 queen and one twin. There are extra beds also, providing accommodation for 7–9 people. There is a basic Welcome to the Watertank! This rural retreat that offers tran- kitchen, a lounge/dining room, a bathroom, separate toilet quil surrounds, personalised service and comfortable accom- and a BBQ outside. modation at an affordable price. Jan came fr om SSyy dne eamed ooff from dneyy and has alw alwaay s dr dreamed Ideal for couples and families who want to unwind in the running a bed and breakfast. That dream became a beauty of nature. On a long trip? The Watertank is perfect for reality not so long ago when Jan built a brand new an overnight stay. retreat. The perfect oasis to escape, relax and rejuThis B&B was purpose-built in 2009 and has many environ- venate. mentally-friendly features – solar electricity panels and rainThis rural retreat offers fabulous scenery right oom windo w! C ome and eexperixperio m yyour our bedr water tanks as well as cross-ventilation using ceiling fans, raked fr fro bedroom window Come ceilings and louvre windows; polished concrete walls and brick ence the fresh air of country living whilst you enjoy walls to utilise thermal mass and a lovely northerly aspect a fresh farm breakfast. across the paddocks. Owner Jan says: “I find that it is very comfortable to live in and I have a wood-burning fire when it gets chilly. “Seven hours from Canberra and seven hours from Brisbane. It's a great place to recharge your battery and indulge in a fresh farm breakfast before heading off. “Enjoy the rural scenery from your bedroom window. Rooms are available in king, queen and twin with ensuites for your privacy. “Take in the fresh air and peace this oasis has to offer. Enjoy the outdoor spa! Each room offers you free access to Wi-Fi since we know you need some of the pleasures from back home. The Watertank is a environmentally friendly holiday destination, which is solar powered and utilises rain water. The Watertank has 4 bedrooms with ensuites. Packages are available for up to 8. Wheel chair access and we are pet friendly.
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2015-16 Travel Planner
Willowbrook Cottages B&B
Fact File NAME: Willowbrook Cottages B&B S: 5 Jenkins Terrace, Naracoorte, SA 5271 ADDRES ADDRESS: PHONE: (08) 8762 0259, 0419 802 728 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Lynette Lauterbach WEB: www.willowbrookcottages.com.au E-MAIL: stay@willbrookcottages.com.au
The allure and charm of bygone years combined with all the modern conveniences expected by today's traveller - that's the brilliant blend of Willowbrook Cottages B&Bs. Centrally located in Naracoorte, within walking distance to shops and eateries, Willowbrook Cottages are the ideal base for exploring the Limestone Coast. Whether it's a BBQ under the shady willow, a glass of red by the fire or a soak in the claw foot bath, century old Willowbrook is sure to please. 3 bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 6 guests (2 queen size and 2 single beds. All linen supplied)
Reverse cycle air conditioning / wood heater in living room Ceiling fans in bedrooms TV, DVD player and selection of DVDs Spacious bathroom with clawfoot bath and separate shower Fully equipped kitchen and laundry Large shady backyard with BBQ available Provisions for cooked/continential breakfast
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2015-16 Travel Planner
On The River Apartments Fact File NAME: On The River Apartments ADDRES S: 1/36 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore, Qld 4558 ADDRESS: PHONE: (07) 5430 1200 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Laurel WEB: www.ontheriverapartments.com E-MAIL: info@on-theriver.com
On T he Riv er Luxury Apartments The River Absolute river frontage, north-facing, spacious two & three bedroom self-contained apartments. Enjoy extensive views of river, ocean and hinterland. P eac eful riv erside loca tion riverside location eaceful Perfect location Just a short stroll from our convenient location,you can enjoy fine restaurants, patrolled beaches, numerous sporting facilities or boutique shopping at the awardwinning Sunshine Plaza.Meander down vibrant Ocean Street and enjoy the many fine eateries with sensational cuisine . FANTASTIC VIEWS Perfect Location From your large priv ate balcony, enjoy the serenity of the ever-changing Maroochy River. You can sit by the waters edge and enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful scenery. The River offers plenty of opportunity for fun filled activity for the whole family. The kids just love it here, playing in the water, building sandcastles or chasing soldier crabs. free fishing gear is supplied for the kids and we have Kayaks for hire. Maroochydore’s Family Friendly , budget accommodation at its best!! Nice catch for breakfast PRIVATE FACILITIES From our private jetty and pontoon , take the time to relax by wetting your line & catching your dinner. You can tie up your boat at your doorstep. You’ll enjoy the pool, spa, bbqs all set in lovely lawns and gardens. Our apartments offer the perfect location for a Sunshine Coast Holiday.
PENTHOUSE APARTMENTS From the Penthouses, wind down with family and friends using your own private rooftop entertaining area, including electric BBQ. Two bedroom penthouse also has a private heated spa for your pleasure. On T he Riv er F The River Fee aatt u rree s : ■ Secure undercover parking ■ Saltwater pool & spa (heated in winter) ■ BBQ area set in tropical gardens ■ Apartments serviced weekly ■ Games room with pool table ■ Private jetty ■ Lifts to all levels for easy access ■ Large 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with en-suite ■ Direct dial telephones ■ Foxtel TV & Broadband Internet ■ Security intercom system ■ All rooms have colour TV, some with video, DVD, stereo, Austar ■ All units are Air Conditioned ■ Friendly on-site managers to ensure your stay is enjoyable ■ S/contained, full laundry, (w/machine,dryer) kitchen (oven, microwave dishwasher) ■ There’s plenty for everyone to do
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2015-16 Travel Planner
Key Largo Apartments Fact File NAME: Key Largo Apartments ADDRES S: 1911-1915 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads, ADDRESS: Qld 4220 PHONE: (07) 5535 8022 CONT ACT CT:: Angela O’Neill ONTA WEB: www.keylargoapartments.com.au E-MAIL: info@keylargoapartments.com.au
H aavv e a Gold C oas o rremember emember Coas oastt Holida Holidayy tto emember,, just 30 metres to Burleigh Beach. The Beach, Trip A dvisor vvot ot ed as the Bes u sstr tr alia Advisor oted Bestt Beach in A Au tralia this yyear ear . ear. Your spacious Air Conditioned Apartment has a view of our Tropical Gardens. Our Pool and Spa is heated all the year around for your enjoyment. Stay at Key Largo where your accommodation is close to Shops and Clubs, Transport is at your door to Theme Parks and Gold Coast Attractions. Yes, we have our Large undercover BBQ area next to our Pool and Heated Spa But it’s our position ... that’s the reason you will never run out of things to do 10 golf courses within 20 minutes of your accommodation at Key Largo ... including what some say is the Best Golf Course on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Gold Coast Golf Club... just 5 mins drive away Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Surf World, Rock Pools are just a few minutes drive 3 Licensed Life Savings Clubs within are within a 5 minute walk of Key Largo Courtesy Bus will Pick up and drive you home to 2 nearby Licensed Sports Clubs. Burleigh Beach has just been recognised as the “Best Beach” in Australia! The main reason being it's location means it is uncrowded, unspoilt and picturesque * Patrolled by Lifesavers year around
* Uncrowded to Enjoy a Sunset or a Sunrise stroll * Roller blading, Walking and Bike Paths with Exercise Depots * Lots of BBQ & Picnic Areas… some undercover * Beach Art Enjoy a Sunrise or Sunset stroll along our uncrowded, unspoilt Burleigh Beach Walk north up to Nobby Outlook stop here and you can marvel at the best view of the Gold Coast stretching from Coolangatta to Stradbroke Island. May - November keep an eye out for migrating whales going past. Travelling on up Goodwin Terrace you’ll walk past the Famous Oscars Restuarant on the Beach to Burleigh Outlook (another marvelous sight), walk through the National Park to Tallebudgera Creek, where there is still water, a great spot for the kids to swim. Burleigh Bears Club, has regular Live Music, inexpensive meals and a cold beverage!
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2015-16 Travel Planner
Royal Woods Resort
Situated in Ashmore on Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast, Royal Woods is a world-class resort featuring unique tropical surroundings, exquisite rooms and breathtaking views. Our Gold Coast luxury accommodation offers a range of spacious and stylish one and two-bedroom suites and freestanding three-bedroom villas perfect for weekend getaways, family breaks and longer term stays. With an average of 20 feet between villas, an ideal location close to all the region's best attractions and a superb set of guest facilities, Royal Woods Gold Coast holiday accommodation offers privacy, peace and quiet, and all you need for your best break yet. Enjoy the comfort of a home away from home combined with the indulgence of a luxury resort – book your stay with us today. One and T w o Bedr oom Suit Tw Bedroom Suitee s Generously sized, fully furnished One Bedrooms Suites with kitchenettes and Two Bedroom Suites with full kitchens, one bathroom per bedroom and comfortable living and dining areas with TV. Most suites feature a spa bath. One Bedroom Suites feature one Queen bed and are suitable for a maximum of 3 guests. Two Bedroom Suites at our Ashmore accommodation feature one Queen sized bed and 2 single beds and are suitable for a maximum of 5 guests. One and T wo Bedr oom Pr emium Suit Tw Bedroom Premium Suitee s Spacious one and two Bedroom Suites with indulgent corner spa baths, full kitchens, and comfortable living and dining areas with TV. One Bedroom Premium Suites feature one Queen bed and are suitable for a maximum of 3 guests.
Fact File NAME: Royal Woods Resort ADDRESS: 16 Mulyan Place, Ashmore, Qld 4214 PHONE: (07) 5597 0650 C ONT ACT ONTA CT:: Kamni Kalwani WEB: www.royalwoods.com.au E-MAIL: accounts_gc@royalwoods.com.au
Two Bedroom Premium Suites feature one Queen sized bed and 2 single beds and are suitable for a maximum of 5 guests. Three Bedroom Villas Ideal for families and larger groups of friends, our 3 bedroom accommodation Gold Coast features a fully equipped kitchen, three bathrooms, laundry facilities, private lock-up garage, a comfortable living and dining area and an extra kitchenette. Unwind in the sun in your own private garden. Three bedroom villas feature two Queen sized beds and two single beds and are suitable for a maximum of 8 guests.
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KIDS SPLATMASTER PAINTBALL
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Pet Friendly Accommodation
Home Away From Home Fact File NAME: Home Away From Home ADDRESS: 5 Laurel Ct, Olinda, Vic 378 PHONE: (03) 9751 0824, 0411 822 671 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Ann Maree E-MAIL: fleurdelysinteriors.com.au
When Only The Best Will Do Total Lounge Room Luxury Daycare, grooming, love. hugs, playtime companionship, walks Must be house trained and clean When you are away from home on holidays, your pooch can be too, at Home Away From Home, at Olinda, in the Melbourne Dandenong Ranges. Ann Maree offers total lounge room luxury for house trained and clean pooches, offering that extra personalised and individual love and care for your pet. A range of services is available, including daycare, grooming, love, hugs, playtime, companisonship and walks. Contact Ann Maree on 9751 0824 or 0411 822 671.
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Pet Friendly Accommodation
Jubilee Lake Co-Op Ltd
Jubilee Lake Holiday Park is a hidden gem and once our guests stumble upon us they keep coming back time and again. Nestled amongst the rich beauty of Australia's spa country in Daylesford, lies Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Accommodation: The park offers a range of accommodation options for couples and families, including self contained cabins with lake views, non-ensuite cabins, onsite caravans, powered and unpowered camping sites.
Fact File NAME: Jubilee Lake Co-Op Ltd PHONE: 0407 534 925 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Judy E-MAIL: jubilleelake@gmail.com
Jubilee Lake Cafe: Jubilee Lake Cafe is onsite offering sandwiches, pies, coffee and cake, tea, cold drinks, Ice creams & basic supplies. Outdoor tables under the trees with beautiful lake view. Location: Just 2.5kms from the town centre of Daylesford, where you'll find a great selection of cafĂŠs and restaurants that range from quirky and casual to fine dining experiences. Things to do: Situated right on stunning Jubilee Lake where fishing, hire a canoe or paddleboat, bushwalking and bird watching are some of the activities that our guests can enjoy.In a quiet, natural bush setting, with abundant birdlife and resident peacocks. We even have our own mineral spring on site. There are an array of boutique shops, and award winning day spas, with our stunning location and our close proximity to all of the attractions, Jubilee Lake Holiday Park really is the perfect base to explore the region. The area is famous for its mineral springs and since the early 1800's people have been visiting the area to take the waters! There's also spectacular scenery, historic streetscapes, art galleries, golf courses, horse riding and a myriad of options for entertaining the whole family. Free Wifi: If you need to check up on emails while on holidays, we've got free wireless internet for every guest who brings their laptop, plus a planned kids program during the long weekends in the warmer months. Check with reception for more details! Facilities: Our facillities include picnic tables close to the lake, three fishing jetties for the keen fisherman, plus a playground and a huge grass area for all sorts of games. Jubilee Lake is stunning all year round, during summertime the lake is a popular swim-
ming spot and is popular with day visitors and guests alike. We have two camp kitchens, free BBQ's, laundry, disabled toilet and a very relaxing atmosphere! Pet Friendly: We have one Onsite van where your pampered pooch can stay inside with you. Dogs are allowed in the park on leads however they are not permitted in the cabins. They are most welcome in your tent, caravan or sleep in your car. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Pet Friendly Accommodation
Tathra Beachside Fact File NAME: Tathra Beachside ADDRES S: Tathra Beach Family Park, ADDRESS: Andy Poole Drive, Tathra, NSW 2550 PHONE: (02) 6494 1303 CONT ACT CT:: Michelle ONTA WEB: www.tathrabeachside.com.au E-MAIL: diva@ihug.com.au
Four-legged friends have been travelling with their owners for years but it's only recently that good quality holiday parks have come to appreciate the importance of pets in parks. Tathra Beachside is definitely one of those enlightened destinations and is more than happy to welcome pets on all sites most of the year (excluding 26th Dec till 9th Jan). Naturally guide dogs are welcome any time. This multi award-winning park boasts over 500 metres of absolute beach frontage, in the pretty seaside town of Tathra on the beautiful Sapphire Coast. This stretch of coast has been recognised as Australia's Coastal Wilderness for its unspoilt landscape and absence of crowds. On arrival, canine guests are presented with a welcome treat, and the opportunity to join a pet club - 'BIG PAW' - to receive news about up-coming pet specials. A range of pet supplies are on offer for purchase at reception, as well as a dog wash station to rinse off the sand and salt from playing on the stunning dog-friendly Tathra Beach. Tathra Beachside offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, and guests are spoilt with immaculately clean facilities. Importantly, they recognise that not everyone who holidays with their pet has their own van, so they now offer four pet-friendly cottages complete
with large decks for alfresco dining, pet bedding, enclosed gardens and kennels only metres from the beach. Tathra Beachside delivers fun-filled beach memories that last your family a lifetime. Being committed animal lovers, they know your pet is important and invite you to come and see what all the fuss is about!
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Pet Friendly Accommodation
Sabina On Little Myers Fact File NAME: Sabina On Little Myers ADDRESS: 32 Sheridan St, Hamlyn Heights, Vic 3215 PHONE: 0427 785 404 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Helen WEB: www.sabinaonlittlemyers.com.au E-MAIL: stay@sabinaonlittlemyers.com.au
Sabina on Little Myers can accommodate 1-6 guests. The home allows guests to occupy the whole house and gardens, giving total privacy, relaxation and a home away from home experience. Services Free WiFi Internet Central heating and cooling Cot hire available A light continental breakfast is provided for the first morning. Off Street parking in the backyard with undercover parking and a single garage. Complimentary weekly cleaning for bookings longer than one week. No smoking Sabina lounge Cosy lounge room with open gas log fire LCD TV, DVD player and Stereo Games console A selection of games and movies Magazines and books E xxquisit quisit eakf tion in the quisitee Bed & Br Breakf eakfaa sstt A Acc c ommoda ommodation heart of Geelong Tucked away in the more peaceful part of Geelong’s CBD is a delightful 3 bedroom Victorian holiday cottage. The space is an eye opener; beyond the gorgeous façade there is a cosy lounge, three bedrooms and a spacious kitchen and dining that looks out onto a grassy rear garden which features a BBQ, private off street parking and space to relax. Whether you are after a romantic weekend getaway, celebrating a special occasion or in need of relaxation and rejuvenation all you need to bring are your personal items.
Everything else is provided; from quality linen and towels, bath robs and slippers and a light continental breakfast. Sabina’s greatest charm is her location. From the front door it’s only a short stroll to all of Geelong’s inner-city and waterfront attractions, cafes, gourmet restaurants and shopping. You’ll also find shopping, arts and crafts and dining precincts in Pakington Street, West Geelong, Belmont and Highton. If time allows, don’t forget to explore the Bellarine Peninsula, the quaint little villages along the way and the regions fine food and wine. Busines ecutiv tion Businesss and Ex Executiv ecutivee A Acc c ommoda ommodation in Central Geelong There is nothing better than having a place to call home when on a business trip. Tucked away in the quieter part of the town, Sabina on Little Myers provides a sophisticated base for business and executive guests looking for accommodation in Geelong. Free WiFi internet is available to all our guests. A light continental breakfast is provided for the first morning, together with refreshments on arrival. A garden to retreat to and secure off street parking is available in the backyard. An ideal luxury home away from home experience for executives requiring short or longer term rental in Geelong.
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