10 January 2012
Discover the heart of the Hunter Valley
Take a drive around Pokolbin, through one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions. Discover the distinctive styles of semillon, chardonnay and shiraz which make the lower Hunter Valley so famous. The Hunter Valley is also fast becoming famous as an eco-tourism destination. Besides its vineyards and eateries, there are a myriad places of interest like Lake Macquarie, a glistening lake with magnificent beaches about 19km south of Newcastle.
Vineyards in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Watch whales play
Join a whale-watching cruise to celebrate Port Stephens’ Festival of the Whales held in October. Humpback, right and minke whales swim past the coast between September and November headed for the Antarctic. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to an hour of tail slapping, flipper waving and spectacular leaps out of the water.
Ride a steam engine
At Melaleuca Station, just south of the Kingscliff turnoff from the Pacific Highway, enjoy a visit to a recreated 1920s Victorian railway station. Ride the coal-fired steam train through a tea tree plantation and an animal nursery.
Take a city beach walk
Just one reason to think that Sydney is a city like no other is a stunning beach walk. Start at beautiful Bondi and stroll south along the coast to Bronte – about seven kilometres return. The track winds, dips and turns through magical coves and beaches, and being Sydney, there’s plenty of cafes along the way to stop, refresh and enjoy the great views.
Beach Sculpture on Bondi Beach, Sydney
Take to the slopes
The ski fields of Perisher Blue, Thredbo, Charlottes Pass and Mount Selwyn offer some of the best skiing in Australia. The ski season is from mid June to early October
Perisher Blue offers an extensive network of more than 100km of undulating and sheltered trails weaves through seven mountains peaks, while Thredbo has a variety of slopes and the highest drops and longest runs in Australia. Jindabyne is know for its range of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs
Bridge Climb, Harbour Bridge
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a unique experience which thrills visitors and locals alike. Climbers are carefully prepared with a briefing and safety demonstration and can choose between two guided experiences, the Bridge Climb or the Discovery Climb. The most popular climb time is at twilight, when the breathtaking view from the top of the bridge is enhanced by sunset.
Sydney Tower Skywalk
The Sydney Tower Skywalk is the city's highest open air adventure, situated at 260m above the ground. The open air viewing platform is only accessible as part of a tour, and allows thrill seekers to step out onto the glass floor and literally walk on the roof of the city. Participants are attached by harness to the external walkway and are accompanied by a guide, providing colourful commentary of Sydney from a unique perspective.
Australia is on sale at Flight Centre this month - give your favourite travel consultant a call and they'll get you ready to discover Down Under
