Spotlight on...
Vivid Sydney
Sydney and New South Wales
Australia
The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
Montague Island, near Narooma
Tailor-made Australia packages from
ÂŁ799pp 1
To book or for more information please contact your
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, Pokolbin
Introduction
Welcome… Contents
We know the world
Discover New South Wales
At Gold Medal we’ve been supplying scheduled flights, hotels, car hire, tours and excursions for over 45 years, we know the world and can’t wait to help you explore it. Home to the iconic city of Sydney, New South Wales is a gateway to Australia. Planning is a must when organising a trip to this stunning state, with diverse experiences and attractions at every turn, there is so much you don’t want to miss. Vibrant Aboriginal culture, incredible beaches and epic roadtrips are just some of New South Wales’ greatest charms. Wondering where to start? That’s where your local travel agent and Gold Medal can help.
Where to visit & what to do New South Wales events
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Tailor-made itineraries Legendary Pacific Coast self-drive
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Sydney, the Blue Mountains and The South Coast self-drive
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Grand Pacific Drive by Campervan Manly Beach, Sydney
Essentials Flight time from the UK: Approximately 21 hours GMT: +10 hours Complete peace of mind When your travel agent books your trip with Gold Medal, you can be assured that you are fully protected. All the flightinclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme.
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Extend your New South Wales holiday
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Your holiday, your way From simple return flights to complex multi-centre itineraries, our Australia knowledge and experience means we can tailor-make your ideal holiday
Looking for more? Ask your travel agent for a copy of the Gold Medal Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific 2018-19 brochure for more inspiration for your Australian adventure. Image credits: Destination NSW
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
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Sydney’s beaches
Vivid Sydney
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Kangaroos, Mungo National PArk
Discover New South Wales Witness aerial views of the rugged Blue Mountains and experience jaw-dropping panoramic views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, Mount Solitary, The Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls. Scenic World, Katoomba
Dine at Darling Harbour and The Rocks district for exquisite cultural cuisine and a trendy bar scene. When you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle, stroll through lush fauna in the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Learn about the regions captivating Aboriginal history, art and dance on a lively cultural tour, where you will discover fascinating stories of the world’s oldest living culture.
Immerse yourself in the haute-boho lifestyle at Byron Bay by learning to surf, joining a yoga class on the beach or lounging on the sand watching the famously golden sunsets.
Waradah Aborginal Centre, Katoomba
New South Wales offers the quintessential Australian holiday. Blending natural splendour and authentic culture, the region is famed for its eclectic dining scene, glorious beaches and world-class roadtrips that are guaranteed to entice every adventure-seeker.
Discover New South Wales
Kangaroos, Walls of China
Not to be missed… A few ideas to help you make the most of New South Wales
Take a roadtrip along the Legendary Pacific Coast to experience the region’s coastal hotspots on your own fun-filled adventure travelling the rolling pacific highways.
Mount Warning, The Legendary Pacific Coast
Go snorkelling at Fish Rock Cave off South West Rocks along the northern coast; a haven for the graceful grey nurse shark and teeming with black rays, cuttlefish and turtles.
Suffolk Beach, Byron Bay
Go whale watching at Port Stephens, a world-renowned hotspot perfect for nature-lovers hoping to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. (May - Oct)
Lake Illawara
Take a tour around the iconic Sydney Opera House and enjoy views across the twinkling Sydney harbour from Opera Bar’s open-air beer garden. Tantalise your tastebuds in the Hunter Valley on a boutique beer tour, wine tasting excursion and visiting the gourmet chocolate shops and worldclass collection of restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely picnic at Lake Illawarra in Wollongong and soak up the picturesque lakeside vistas. Explore the natural landscape on foot or by bicycle and take a refreshing swim in the lake’s crystal clear waters.
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
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Where to visit & what to do
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Sydney The state’s capital is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities on earth, boasting iconic architecture, an eclectic food scene and expansive harbour vistas. No matter your age or interests, Australia’s most vibrant city has an endless supply of attractions to dazzle your senses. Take your pick of cool entertainment, bars and restaurants, in a city that’s surrounded by a string of golden beaches and natural wonders. Test your balance against the waves on a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach, jump on a ferry from the Sydney Opera House over to Taronga Zoo, or face your fears on the famous Sydney BridgeClimb. Wandering around the Royal Botanic Garden is a delightful way to spend an afternoon in the Aussie sun, and a visit to the historic Rocks precinct with its cosy cafes and market stalls will transport you to Sydney of days gone by. When it’s time to satisfy your appetite, take advantage of the vast choice of gourmet restaurants and al fresco bars at Darling Harbour, or visit The Rocks District for a lighter bite at the open-air markets and cobblestoned cafes. 4
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With an incredible choice of places to visit, New South Wales has everything you could ever want and then some. Whether you fancy soaking up the urban city-vibe in Sydney, spending your days catching the surf at Byron Bay, tantalising your tastebuds in the Hunter Valley or embarking on an epic roadtrip for a taste of all New South Wales has to offer – you will discover an abundance of exciting destinations just waiting to be explored.
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Where to visit & what to do
Sydney Harbour
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Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney Taking place for three weeks during May and June each year, Vivid Sydney is a unique festival of light, music and ideas. Attractions change yearly, but typically include light installations and projections across the city and a program of performances from local and international musicians.
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
Where to visit & what to do
Blue Mountains In this natural wonderland of untamed bushland, observe spectacular rock formations and flourishing native wildlife. Just two hours by train or car from Sydney, the Blue Mountains get their name from the natural blue haze created by vast eucalyptus forests in this World Heritage area. Visitors refresh their mind and senses breathing in the crisp mountain air and exploring an almost abundant number of interconnected bushwalks around towering sandstone canyons and rugged forests, peppered with Aboriginal engravings. When you have time to stop and relax, the region hosts an innovative selection of world-class dining venues, including farm-fresh valley restaurants and bohemian-style coffee shops.
Blue Mountains. Credit: Hugh Stewartt
Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour
The Hunter Valley Indulge your senses in fine regional wines and mouthwatering gourmet food in Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. Discover a plethora of boutique wineries and rustic farm-to-table restaurants, nestled in the regions stunning vineyards and valleys. The region boasts a decadent dining scene; serving up craft beers, homemade chocolate, cheese and olives in a selection of refreshingly humble and eloquent outdoor settings. Whether you are wine tasting, teeing off on a Championship golf course or being pampered in one the valley’s luxurious day spas – you are sure to enjoy a taste of the high life. If you fancy an adventure, why not explore the regions stunning hiking trails, visit the museums and historic villages.
Legendary Pacific Coast Take a roadtrip along the Legendary Pacific Coast to experience the laid-back coastal hotspots. Head to Port Stephens and find glorious beaches and bays, characterised by their rolling sand dunes and sparkling seas, as well as being the perfect spot for whale and dolphin watching. Make sure to make a stop at The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour, home to the biggest waterpark between Sydney and The Gold Coast, where you can experience the famous 600m toboggan overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean. When it is time to get back to nature and refresh your body and mind, the world-famous Byron Bay is perfect for a taste of the laid-back beach lifestyle and surfing in the crystal-clear ocean waters. Make sure to keep an eye on the exciting calendar of music, surf, food and film festivals throughout the year, including Byron Bay’s annual Bluesfest. Turn the page to find out more.
Bistro Molines, Hunter Valley. Credit: Hugh Stewartt
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
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New South Wales events
A calendar of show-stopping events in New South Wales Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Byron Bay’s legendary Bluesfest, which this year hosted over two hundred iconic acts including Lionel Richie, Robert Plant, Seal, Rag‘N’Bone Man and many more; plus you can count on next year’s event being even bigger and better than ever.
Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival Back and bigger than ever, this two month festival showcases Hunter Valley’s diverse food and wine culture, offering visitors the chance to dine with leading winemakers and chefs, fine tune their skills in a diverse collection of interactive culinary classes, or simply curl up beside an open fire with glass of premium Hunter Valley wine. (May - June)
New Year’s Eve What better way to greet the New Year than witnessing the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour lit up in a breathtaking spectacle of light, colour and luminous beauty during its annual firework display? The internationally-loved event attracts 1.5 million spectators, so make sure to start your party plans early and get your front row seat to the most dazzling show in the world!
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To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
Legendary Pacific Coast self-drive
New South Wales boasts incredible scenery, stretching coastal highways and a refreshing coastal climate – the perfect elements for any Australian roadtrip. Embark on a self-drive adventure along the Legendary Pacific Coast, hitting the region’s top hotspots including Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.
Cambridge Hotel, Sydney 4 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY
Crowne Plaza Resort Hunter Valley 1 NIGHT ROOM ONLY
The Nelson Resort, Port Stephens
Whale Watching, Sydney
Save up to £675 per person
1 NIGHT ROOM ONLY
Rydges Port Macquarie 1 NIGHT ROOM ONLY
Ramada Resort Coffs Harbour 2 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY
The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa 5 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY
London Gatwick Manchester Glasgow
£2,369pp from £2,369pp from £2,969pp from
Special Offer
Legendary Pacific Coast self-drive Tailor-made itinerary
Nobby’s Head, Port Macquarie
Includes one FREE nights & FREE room upgrade in Sydney, one FREE night in Byron Bay, buy one get one FREE Whale Watching Cruise & buy one get one half price Byron Surf Lesson
Day tours include: Nura Diya – Taronga Aboriginal Discovery Tour in Sydney, Whale Watching Cruise from Sydney Harbour, Dolphin Watch Discovery Cruise in Port Stephens and Byron Surf Lesson in Byron Bay. Car hire: pick up in Sydney on day 5, drop off in Byron Bay day 15 Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse. Credit: Hugh Stewartt
Coffs Harbour
Start your trip in Sydney, where you will have plenty of time to soak up the urban-city culture and sample the local food-scene, as well as learn about Aboriginal culture and Australian wildlife on the Nura Diya – Taronga Aboriginal Discovery Tour. Also embark on a thrilling Whale Watching cruise from Sydney Harbour. On day five you’ll pick up your car and drive to the Hunter Valley, where you can taste the finest wines and local gourmet food in the heart of this breathtaking region. Head to Port Stephens
on day six and embark on a discovery cruise, in search of dolphins, before continuing on day seven to the town of Port Macquarie, known for its beaches and wildlife. On day eight drive to Coffs Harbour, where you can wander the stretching beaches, lush rainforests and incredible national parks. Your final destination on day eleven is Byron Bay – here you can spend your days soaking up the laid-back surfer lifestyle, including a surf lesson at this worldfamous surfing spot.
14 nights | Departure 03 Sep 2018 | Includes flights from London Gatwick with Emirates/Jetstar, Manchester with Etihad Airways/Virgin Australia and Glasgow with British Airways/Qantas/Jetstar and internal flight from Byron Bay to Sydney
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
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Tailor-made itinerary Sydney, The Blue Mountains and The South Coast
The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast self-drive
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour up to
Save £675 per person
3 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY
London Heathrow
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery by Sofite
Manchester
2 NIGHTS WITH BREAKFAST
Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay 2 NIGHTS WITH BREAKFAST
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach Hotel Sydney Harbour
1 NIGHT ROOM ONLY
Glasgow
£2,149pp from £2,269pp from £2,359pp from
Special Offer
Includes FREE upgrade from Original Safari Tent to a Deluxe Safari Tent in Jervis Bay
Day tours include: Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights Tour, A Tasting in the Hunter Tour in the Hunter Valley & Half Day Eco Bushwalk Tour in the Blue Mountains. Car hire: pick up day 4 in Sydney, drop off day 9 in Sydney
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, Pokobin
Kayaking, Jervis Bay
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Vibrant, dazzling and full of life, Sydney is the gateway to New South Wales and beyond. Located approximately two hours away from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a chance to reconnect with nature and explore the incredible scenery on an immersive bushwalk experience. Venture on to the beautiful South Coast, home to Jervis Bay and Wollongong two of Australia’s most popular seaside destinations.
Starting your journey in Sydney, take some time to explore the diverse choice of city attractions around Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and beyond. You will join a morning Sydney sights tour and visit the historic Rocks area, take in magnificent views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit the central shopping district, Bondi Beach and Sydney’s other iconic sites. You will also embark on the Tastings in the Hunter day tour during your stay in Sydney, for an intimate wine experience in the Hunter Valley. On day four, pick up your car and drive to the Blue Mountains, where you will explore the magnificent local scenery, waterfalls
and lush rainforests of the Kedumba Valley on a Half Day Bush Walk, including a delicious picnic lunch. Drive to Jervis Bay on day six, where you’ll have the chance to take in the impressive 81 metre Fitzroy Falls waterfall and pass through the beautiful Kangaroo Valley on your way. Finally on day seven depart for Wollongong, don’t forget to visit Kiama’s famous Blowhole and Lake Illawarra, where you can spend time enjoying the surf beaches and laid-back atmosphere, before departing the next day to drive back to Sydney.
8 nights | Includes flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic departs 03 Sep 2018, Manchester with Cathy Pacific departs 24 Sep 2018 and Glasgow with British Airways/Virgin Atlantic departs 17 Sep 2018
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
Grand Pacific Drive by Campervan
Why not take your road trip into your own hands and embark on a Grand Pacific selfdrive adventure by campervan? Take on the stretching pacific highway at your own pace, whilst enjoying all the comforts of home right there with you on the road in your very own Hitop Apollo Campervan.
Suggested itinerary: ● Sydney ● Nowra ● Batemans Bay ● Eden ● Kiama ● Shellharbour ● Wollongong
Save up to £545 per person Jacaranda Trees at Circular Quay, Sydney
Huskisson, Jervis Bay
Sea Bridge, Clifton. Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Roadtrip highlights not to be missed... ● Drive across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and take in views across the city, harbour and world-famous Sydney Opera House ● Take a picnic to Abrahams Bosom Beach in Nowra to enjoy the tranquillity of this quiet coastal cove, perfect for wandering the beaches and inland bushwalks ● Explore the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens in Batemans Bay with stunning native flora and sensory gardens, beautiful walking trails and free-roaming wallabies! ● Visit Jervis Bay, one of the South Coast’s major highlights offering beautiful white sandy beaches, dolphin and whale watching opportunities, watersports and delicious sea food ● Visit the Killer Whale Museum in Eden and learn about the town’s marine history and witness a jaw-dropping killer whale skeleton first hand ● Drive to the beautifully rugged southern coast of Kiama and witness the famous Kiama Blowhole and see spectacular plumes of water spraying up to 25-feet in the air ● Admire the golden sunrise as it rises above epic volcanic rock formations at Cathedral Rocks in Shell Harbour ● Climb to the peak of Bald Hill in Wollongong for panoramic views of Illawarra and the South Pacific Ocean
London Heathrow Manchester Glasgow
£799pp from £929pp from £969pp from
Special Offer
Grand Pacific Drive by Campervan Tailor-made itinerary
Jervis Bay
Includes great low rates
Blowhole Point, Kiama
7 nights | Includes 8 days campervan hire and flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic departs 03 Sep 2018, Manchester with Cathy Pacific departs 24 Sep 2018 and Glasgow with British Airways/Virgin Atlantic departs 04 Sep 2018
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
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Tailor-made itinerary Sydney’s beaches
Manly Beach
Sydney’s beaches multi-centre
New South Wales is teeming in beautiful white sand beaches, rugged coastal coves and tempting crystalline waters. Spend your days soaking up the sun, sea and surf at Manly Beach and quench your appetite in the laid-back beachfront cafes and restaurants. The world-famous Bondi Beach is nestled along striking coastline with a thriving dining scene and plenty of outdoor activities to embrace – the perfect elements for an authentic Aussie beach break.
Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific up to
Save £690 per person
4 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach 3 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY
Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach 3 NIGHTS WITH BREAKFAST
London Heathrow Manchester Glasgow
Day tours include: BridgeClimb Sydney and Bondi Surf Lesson BridgeClimb Sydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Soak up the sun, sea and sand on Sydney’s famous beaches on this exciting outdoor-inspired multi-centre, including two of Sydney’s iconic exciting experiences climbing to the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and gaining incredible panoramic views over Sydney Harbour and taking a lesson in the art of surfing at Bondi Beach. When it’s time to relax, step on to the warm sands with a cocktail in hand, ready to soak up the magnificent coastal sunsets, only moments from your luxurious beachfront accommodation. 10 nights | Includes flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic departs 03 Sep 2018, Manchester with Cathy Pacific departs 24 Sep 2018 and Glasgow with British Airways/Virgin Atlantic departs 17 Sep 2018
Vivid Sydney
BridgeClimb Sydney From £185pp
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Bistro Molines , the Hunter Valley
Sydney Opera House Tour From £10pp
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
A Tasting in the Hunter Valley From £160pp
£1,599pp from £1,769pp from £1,799pp from
Special Offer
Includes one FREE night in Manly and Bondi Beach & FREE breakfast in Coogee Beach
CaptionBeach Manly
Wildlife near Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Blue Mountains Wildlife Day From £35pp
Extend your New South Wales holiday
Are you heading to Australia and fancy extending your holiday? Maybe you’re visiting friends and relatives and would love to explore more at your own pace. These fantastic add-on packages provide a perfect taste of some of Australia’s most popular areas. Hire a car or opt for an escorted tour, the options are endless... your travel agent will work with you to tailor-make a trip to your every need. Sydney & Blue Mountains AAT Kings Tick the must-see sights off your list as you view the iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach plus more. Explore the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and see the famous Three Sisters.
Complete Sydney Mercure Sydney Includes Captain Cook Harbour Premium Cruise, Bondi Beach Surf Lesson and Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour including breakfast with koalas 4 nights room only from
£319
4 days / 3 nights from
£599
pp
pp
Valid for departures 17 Jun - 26 Aug 2018. International flights not included. Captain Cook Cruises
The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
Four Day Vineyards & Views self-drive Indulge in this short break, that’s a big feast for the senses. Perfect for anyone hoping to experience New South Wales’ finest foods and most incredible scenery – visiting Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains.
Valid for departures up to 31 Mar 2019. International flights not included.
Essential Hunter Valley by Train Hunter Valley Resort Including return economy train tickets from Sydney Central Railway Station to Singleton Railway Station, entry to the Hunter Wine Theatre Experience, on site vineyard inspection followed by wine tasting with the resort’s Cellarmaster and transfers. 4 nights from
£499
4 days / 3 nights from
£299
pp
pp
Valid for departures 30 Nov 2018. International flights not included.
Extend your New South Wales holiday
Shoal Bay, Port Stephens
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral
Valid for departures 13 Jun - 03 Jul, 23 Jul - 25 Sep, 15 Oct - 16 Dec 2018, 31 Jan - 28 Mar 2019. International flights not included.
The Hunter Valley
To book or for more information please contact your local travel agent
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Check out the full range of 2018-19 brochures for destination inspiration...
For more details or to book any of these offers contact Queensferry Travel on 0800 090 3710 or e-mail sales@queensferrytravel.com
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To book any of these offers contact Queensferry Travel on Freephone 0800 090 3710 or e-mail sales@queensferrytravel.com
Terms & conditions: All prices are ‘from’ amounts per person based on two adults sharing for selected departure dates within the travel period shown. Package pricing includes pre-payable taxes, Airline Failure & ATOL protection cover, return economy flights and accommodation as specified. All offers are subject to availability and are correct at time of going to print, restrictions and book by dates may apply – this supplement will become invalid on 30 June 2018. All available discounts and savings are included in the price shown. For full booking terms & conditions please refer to the main Gold Medal brochures or ask your travel agent for details. Complimentary WiFi in properties could be in public areas only and is subject to availability. Holidays operated by Gold Medal Travel PLC, ATOL protected 2916, ABTA V6805.
& the West