Kiama’s famous Blowhole … water sprays up to 25 metres into the air
There are many advantages to taking an off-peak summer holiday. Prices are lower, destinations that are packed over Christmas are less crowded, and it’s easier to book a hotel room or a table at a restaurant.
One of the most popular spots for a short break is the NSW South Coast.
Spend a relaxing weekend in a convict-built cottage, the old servants quarters or restored stables at the historic Coolangatta Estate at Shoalhaven Heads.
Dine at a table on the grass outside at on-site restaurant Firegrill and taste wines grown on the estate.
Take a drive to swim at one of the gorgeous beaches nearby, before heading to the famous Kiama Blowhole to see water spray up to 25 metres into the air.
Another day, drive to the quaint town of Berry and stroll the boutiques and antique stores
- Visit www.visitnsw.com
Eventhouse Cronulla … offers a cool, coastal setting
New accommodation group Eventhouse Hotels has revitalised and transformed Rydges Cronulla into its first property, Eventhouse Cronulla.
The emphasis has been on creating a cool, coastal setting with a definite beachside chic.
Eventhouse Cronulla includes 84 rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views.
Features include Dream Beds, complimentary wifi, coffee pod machines in each room and bathroom amenities by Sanctum Australia. The new restaurant and bar, Red Radish, offers a relaxed experience, starting with simple, fresh local ingredients.
Eventhouse Hobart will open mid-2017.
- Visit www.eventhouse.com
Paperbark Camp … Australia’s original ‘glamping’ resort
Complimentary sparkling wine and a free, deluxe welcome pack are being offered as part of a three-night Easter package at Paperbark Camp on the NSW South Coast — Australia’s original “glamping” resort.
The Easter deal includes three nights accommodation from April 14 to checkout on April 17, dinner each night in the luxe eco camp’s elevated Gunyah Restaurant amongst the treetops, a full breakfast each day and use of the camp’s canoes, paddleboards and bikes.
Each booking will also receive on arrival a free bottle of sparkling wine and a pack including products such as house-roasted nuts, an outdoor citronella candle, organic raw bath soak, organic body oil and an eco-friendly ceramic cup, all packaged in a cotton drawstring bag that can be used as a backpack or laundry bag.
The three-night package is available from $1845 per couple in an Original Safari Tent, $2220 for a Deluxe Safari Tent and $2520 in a King Deluxe Safari Tent.
- Phone 1300 668 167 or visit www.paperbarkcamp.com.au
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort … North Queensland luxury
Travel Associates is offering a range of Aussie escapes this Easter. Explore tropical North Queensland, for example, paying from $645 per person twin-share, including four nights at the five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa and five days of car hire.
The offer is valid for sale until February 27 and for travel from April 13-18.
- Phone 1800 044 066 or www.travel-associates.com.au
Vivonne Bay Holiday House … a private, fully self-contained three-bedroom home, sleeping up to six people
SeaLink has just opened Vivonne Bay Holiday House, a newly renovated property on Kangaroo Island.
To celebrate the launch, SeaLink is offering three nights for the price of two until March 31.
Vivonne Bay Holiday House is a private, fully self-contained three-bedroom home, sleeping up to six people and with children under two years staying free of charge.
The house features a large enclosed yard with a barbecue, a fully appointed kitchen, washer and dryer, reverse-cycle air conditioning, bluetooth audio system, VAST TV and DVD player.
Vivonne Bay Beach was once voted as the best beach in Australia and is only a 15-minute walk along marked trails and through beautiful bushland from the house.
Vivonne Bay Holiday House is priced at $150 per night (minimum two nights), twin-share, in the low season, and $180 per night, twin share, in the high season. Additional guests will be charged $25 per person per night with the house accommodating up to six people.
- Visit www.sealink.com.au
John Rozentals is a freelance writer whose passions are travel, food and wine. He lives at Molong in the Central West of NSW, from where he hosts Oz Baby Boomers, a lifestyle-resource for mature Australians, and Molong Online.