SU
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SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALESINCLUDING CANBERRA AND LORD HOWE ISLAND
For the best times of your life!HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
2015/16
Above Photo: Three Sisters, Blue MountainsCover Photo: Sydney Opera House
See Sydney and New South Wales – the Sunlover Holidays way!For over 30 years, Sunlover Holidays has been crafting holidays for families, for couples, for friends and for adventurers right around Australia. From Cape York to Kangaroo Island, from the Gold Coast to Margaret River, from the Kimberley to Bruny Island, and everywhere in between our travel experts are here to design and book your ideal Aussie holiday.
Our 14 Sunlover Holidays brochures have something to suit all tastes and budgets and are the perfect planning tool for your family holiday, romantic getaway, self drive adventure or island escape.
Inside you’ll find our ‘Essential Experiences’ with ‘Must Do’ activities plus ‘Our Local Secrets’ section designed to enhance your holiday experience. Our new Free Wi-Fi feature makes it easy to stay connected on holiday, just look for the properties displaying the Free Wi-Fi symbol.
We have a huge range of stay/pay specials to make your holiday dollar go further as well as a fabulous selection of value add offers which are listed throughout the brochure.
Use this brochure for inspiration, then let our travel experts assist you to experience Australia your way – happy travelling!
Andrew BurnesCEO, Sunlover Holidays
Sydney
3
Valid 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016.
ContentsPlanning Your Holiday 4
Travel Tips 6
Essential Experiences 8
Holiday Packages 10
Self Drive Holidays 12
Exploring New South Wales 14
Campervan Hire 14
Car Hire 15
Sydney 16
Transfers and Tours from Sydney 18
The Rocks and Circular Quay 23
Darling Harbour 26
Sydney City and Surrounds 32
Sydney Beaches 46
Byron Bay and Surrounds 49
North Coast 52
Central Coast 56
Hunter Valley 58
Blue Mountains and Surrounds 61
South Coast and Regional New South Wales 64
Lord Howe Island 68
Canberra 70
Accommodation Index 74
Important Booking Conditions 75
4
Planning your Holiday
LET SUNLOVER HOLIDAYS INSPIRE YOU TO DISCOVER MORE OF THESE FANTASTIC DESTINATIONS.
2015-16 Signature Collection Unique Australian Experiences
Signature Collection
UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES 2015 – 2016
ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND
NEW! SU
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLANDINCLUDING OUTBACK QUEENSLAND
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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2015/16
QUEENSLAND ISLANDS & WHITSUNDAYSINCLUDING SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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SUNSHINE COAST & BRISBANEINCLUDING FRASER COAST
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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VER HOLIDAYS
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
GOLD COAST
SU
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MELBOURNE & VICTORIA
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
TASMANIA
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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SU
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ADELAIDE & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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PERTH & THE WEST COASTINCLUDING PERTH, MARGARET RIVER, NINGALOO REEF AND GOLDEN OUTBACK
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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KIMBERLEY CRUISING & BROOME
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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GREAT AUSTRALIAN RAIL HOLIDAYS
2015/16
For the best times of your life!
NEW!FULLY ESCORTED
RAIL TOURSsee page 10
SU
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NORTHERN TERRITORY
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
SU
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NORFOLK ISLAND
2015/16
HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY
For the best times of your life!
The Sunlover Holidays DifferenceFantastic prices, a diverse range of Australian holiday destinations, the widest choice of products and unmatched service, combined with over 30 years experience – that’s the Sunlover Holidays difference!
We’re committed to offering an extensive range of holiday options and our team of product experts regularly travel throughout Australia to bring you the very best holiday experiences. They are passionate about Australia and personally select each product, providing you with the greatest choice at the most competitive price.
Our team of travel experts are here to help, offering advice and information. They can tailor-make your dream holiday from hundreds of fantastic hotels, apartments and resorts as well as flights, cruises, car and campervan hire, extended touring, self drive holidays and a huge range of sightseeing tours and attractions.
100% Australian OwnedSunlover Holidays is a division of The AOT Group, one of Australia’s largest travel companies. We are 100% Australian owned and proud to employ over 300 staff located in our
offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. A booking with Sunlover Holidays ensures your dollar stays in Australia and helps generate jobs for Australians!
24 Hour ServiceWe know your holiday experience doesn’t end until you are safely home. That’s why our Customer Care Team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should you require any assistance during your Sunlover holiday. All the necessary information will be provided with your travel documentation and you can contact the team at any time during your holiday. We’re with you on the journey.
Offering You Value for MoneyThroughout this brochure you’ll find amazing offers including free nights, room upgrades and food and beverage credits to name a few. Just look for the ‘Bonus Offer’ box.
We have also put together some fabulous Holiday Packages starting on page 10, which offer exceptional value for money. These packages include a choice of accommodation options to suit all budgets together with ‘must do’ tours and attractions, exclusive to Sunlover Holidays.
Our product team is always sourcing special deals throughout the year, so make sure you ask your travel agent for the latest Sunlover Holidays specials when making your booking.
Exclusively For YouWe’re always on the look out for ways to enhance your holiday experience. Throughout this brochure, you’ll find deals marked Exclusively For You . These are free bonus offers exclusive to Sunlover Holidays customers.
TripAdvisor This brochure is a great source of advice and has all the information you’ll need to create your dream holiday. We are now partnering with TripAdvisor to offer you (where available) hotel reviews. TripAdvisor rates real travellers’ experiences, giving you an unbiased and impartial point of view on the product we feature to assist you with your holiday planning. TripAdvisor ratings and reviews are available to view on our website at www.sunloverholidays.com.au.
The information on the following pages is designed to help you plan your dream getaway. You’ll find in-depth Travel Tips as well as a Calendar of Events on page 6. We’ve detailed our Essential Experiences on page 8 and share ‘Our Local Secrets’ on page 9.
5
Accommodation RatingsSTAR and Diamond ratings are used throughout the brochure to describe the standard of accommodation.
STAR RATINGS Properties featuring the Star symbols are independently assessed by Star Ratings Australia (SRA). SRA is a stand-alone accreditation business and a subsidiary of Australian Motoring Services (AMS). The Stars and the Star Ratings are a registered trademark of AMS. We have no input into the assessment process.
DIAMOND RATINGS Properties featuring Diamond symbols do not participate in a recognised rating scheme. The rating is supplied by the individual property based on their own assessment. We recommend they be used as a guide only.
HH Budget standard of accommodation
◆◆
HHH Comfortable standard of accommodation
◆◆◆
HHHH Superior standard of accommodation ◆◆◆◆ and facilities
HHHHH Deluxe standard of accommodation ◆◆◆◆◆ and facilities
I Denotes additional half rating ¯
Apartment Style AccommodationIn general, self-catering apartments feature cooking facilities with a minimum of microwave, hot plates, saucepans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Laundry facilities will be located either in the apartment, or in a guest laundry within the property. Most apartments are serviced every 7 days and do not provide hotel facilities such as porterage, room service or mini bars. Most apartments provide an initial supply of items such as tea, coffee, toilet paper and soap.
Pricing GuidePrices featured in accommodation listings are per room for the period specified unless otherwise stated. The “from” price in the property heading has been calculated using the cheapest nightly rate available, ie. in the lead-in room type, in off-peak season using the longest stay (eg. 7 nights). If a free night offer is available, even if for part of a season, this has been included when calculating the “from” price. A minimum stay is generally required. Where prices for more than a one night stay are featured, the prices refer to stays of consecutive nights.
School Holidays 2015 – 16
Queensland 3 – 19 Apr, 27 Jun – 12 Jul, 19 Sep – 5 Oct, 12 Dec 15 – 24 Jan 16
New South Wales 3 – 20 Apr, 27 Jun – 13 Jul, 19 Sep – 5 Oct, 17 Dec 15 – 26 Jan 16
Victoria 28 Mar – 12 Apr, 27 Jun – 12 Jul, 19 Sep – 4 Oct, 19 Dec 15 – 26 Jan 16
Australian Capital 11 – 26 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, Territory 19 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16
Tasmania 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 18 Dec 15 – 1 Feb 16
South Australia 11 – 26 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 12 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16
Western Australia 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 18 Dec 15 – 1 Feb 16
Northern Territory 3 – 12 Apr, 20 Jun – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 4 Oct, 11 Dec 15 – 24 Jan 16
New Zealand 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 19 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16
Room ImagesRoom images featured on property listings are the lead-in room type, unless captioned otherwise.
What the Symbols mean
The property has Free Wi-Fi available in the room/apartment. Free Wi-Fi may or may not be available in public areas. Please refer to the Property Features in the individual accommodation listing for further details.
Kids club facilities are available. Check listings for details.
Day spa facilities are available.
The property has one or more rooms providing wheelchair access with assistance.
A bonus is available if you are celebrating a special occasion (eg. honeymoon). Advise your travel agent when booking. The definition of ‘special occasion’ and type of bonus offered is at each property’s discretion. Conditions may apply.
Product that has been accredited under the second level of the national Ecotourism Certification scheme.
Product that has been awarded the highest level of the national Ecotourism Certification scheme.
Byron Bay
Our OPEN DATED range of tours offers you the flexibility of pre-paying for your “must do” holiday experiences without having to lock in dates in advance. This means you can pick the day that best suits your needs once your holiday has commenced. Simply include an OPEN DATED tour in your itinerary, pay for your entire holiday prior to departure, then call us up to 24 hours in advance to book. OPEN DATED gives you the flexibility to buy now and book later! Just look for the OPEN DATED symbol on pages 19, 21, 22, 50, 52 and 71.
OPEN DATED TOURS
Buy Now & Book Later!
6
Manly Beach
Travel Tips
DISTANCES BY ROAD (KM)SYDNEY
557 ALBURY772 1321 BYRON BAY286 343 1050 CANBERRA533 1083 240 811 COFFS HARBOUR102 563 852 329 613 KATOOMBA/BLUE MOUNTAINS820 1364 65 1102 291 900 TWEED HEADS159 708 633 437 394 240 682 NEWCASTLE162 711 665 440 426 242 710 64 POKOLBIN/HUNTER VALLEY384 933 399 662 162 463 450 245 277 PORT MACQUARIE86 634 707 362 468 164 755 94 97 319 TERRIGAL85 501 881 229 642 160 898 268 271 493 193 WOLLONGONG
206 768 629 483 394 284 685 58 95 248 140 282 PORT STEPHENSDistances should be used as a guide only.
How to Get ThereBY AIR Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar service Sydney from most capital cities and some regional centres throughout Australia. Canberra is serviced by Virgin Australia and Qantas from most capital cities. Coffs Harbour is serviced by Virgin Australia and QantasLink from Sydney. Virgin Australia and Jetstar operate flights to Ballina from Sydney and Jetstar offers additional services from Melbourne.
Regional Express (REX) and QantasLink are the main regional airlines flying between Sydney and the major regional centres.
QantasLink services Lord Howe Island from Sydney most days and Brisbane on weekends and Port Macquarie September to April.
FLIGHT DURATIONFROM / TO SYDNEY CANBERRA LORD HOWE ISLAND
Brisbane 1 hr 30 mins 1 hr 45 mins 2 hrs 5 mins
Sydney - 55 mins 2 hrs
Ballina 1 hr 25 mins - -
Coffs Harbour 1 hr 10 mins - -
Melbourne 1 hr 25 mins 1 hr 35 mins -
Adelaide 1 hr 55 mins 2 hrs 45 mins -
Perth 4 hrs 20 mins 4 hrs 45 mins -
Hobart 1 hr 55 mins - -
Darwin 4 hrs 15 mins - -The above table shows flight durations for direct flights only. Connecting flights from other destinations are also available. Times are a guide only and subject to change.
BY CAR Take the time to explore and discover as you make your way around New South Wales by road. Whether it’s getting there or getting around we recommend Avis car hire. See page 15 for details or ask your travel agent about the great specials Avis has to offer. We offer a selection of suggested driving itineraries, providing you with the freedom to discover some of the highlights of New South Wales at your own pace. Refer to the Self Drive Holidays starting on page 12 for more details.
School Leavers CelebrationsEach year from mid November to mid December, school leavers head to Byron Bay and the North Coast for School Leavers Celebrations. During this period, bonds and special conditions may apply to some properties. Check with your travel agent at time of booking.
Beach SafetyNew South Wales has some of the world’s best beaches, however care and caution should be exercised at all times. Please remember to swim between the red and yellow flags and listen to instructions from lifesavers and lifeguards.
Weather GuideTEMPERATURE AVERAGE Summer Winter
Sydney 18ºC to 26ºC 8ºC to 17ºC
Cof fs Harbour 19ºC to 27ºC 7ºC to 19ºC
Hunte r Va l l ey 16ºC to 32ºC 2ºC to 16ºC
Dubbo 17ºC to 31ºC 3ºC to 16ºC
Canber ra 12ºC to 27ºC 0ºC to 12ºC
Calendar of Events
MARCHRoyal Easter Show, 26th-8th Apr Olympic Park Sydney
APRILGolden Slipper Day, Rosehill Gardens, Sydney 4thByron Bay Bluesfest 2nd-6th
MAYVivid Sydney 22nd May-8th Jun
JUNEYulefest, Blue Mountains 1st Jun-31st AugSydney Film Festival 3rd-14thState of Origin – Game 2, Sydney 17th
AUGUSTBledisloe Cup, Sydney 8thCity 2 Surf Fun Run, Sydney 9th
SEPTEMBERFloriade, Canberra 12th Sep-10th Oct
OCTOBERCrave International food Festival Sydney 1st-31stNRL Grand Final, Sydney 4thBathurst 1000 8th-11thChromeFest, The Entrance 23rd-25thJazz in the Vines, Hunter Valley TBC
DECEMBERSydney 500 V8 Supercars 4th-6thSydney to Hobart Yacht Race 27thNew Year’s Eve Fireworks, Sydney 31st
JANUARYSydney International Tennis, Olympic Park TBCTamworth Country Music Festival 15th-24th Sydney Festival TBC
MARCHMardi Gras Parade, Oxford Street, Sydney 9th
TBC – Dates for this event were yet to be confirmed at the time of printing.
7
MELBOURNE
MERIMBULA
BRISBANE
GOULBURN
A.C.T.ULLADULLA
MUDGEE
TO LORD HOWE ISLAND 2 HRS FLIGHT FROM SYDNEY
KANGAROOVALLEY
GOSFORD
COOMA
BOWRAL
BATEMANS BAY
BEGA
EDEN
THREDBOMT KOSCIUSZKO JINDABYNE
TWEED HEADS
BALLINABYRON BAY
KIAMA
GRAFTON
YAMBA
COFFS HARBOURDorrigo
National Park
TAMWORTH
PORT MACQUARIE
TAREE
SINGLETON
CESSNOCK
GLOUCESTER
ORANGE
FORSTER/TUNCURRY
KATOOMBA
DUBBO
WAGGA WAGGA
CANBERRA
SYDNEY
WOLLONGONG
MAITLAND
NEWCASTLE
ALBURYKosciuszko
National Park
LAKE MACQUARIE
PORT STEPHENS
JERVIS BAY
MOAMA
YASS
QUEENSLAND
V ICT O R IA
COOLANGATTAKINGSCLIFF
LENNOX HEAD
WILLIAMTOWN
TERRIGAL
SOUTHERNHIGHLANDS
BATHURSTLITHGOW Blue Mountains
National Park
WINDSOR
BROKEN HILL456KM
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INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTSREGIONAL AIRPORTSNATIONAL PARKSRAILMAIN ROADS
AUSTRALIA
ADELAIDEPERTH
BRISBANE
TOWNSVILLECAIRNS
SYDNEY
HOBART
DARWIN
MELBOURNE
CANBERRA
N
BLUE MOUNTAINS AND SURROUNDS
Pages 61 to 63
HUNTER VALLEY
Pages 58 to 60
REGIONAL NEW SOUTH WALESPages 64 to 66
BYRON BAY AND SURROUNDSPages 49 to 51
NORTH COASTPages 52 to 55
LORD HOWE ISLANDPages 68 to 79
CENTRAL COASTPages 56 to 57
SYDNEYPages 18 to 48
SOUTH COAST Page 67
CANBERRAPages 70 to 73
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1. Sydney Harbour BridgeIt’s one of Sydney’s gems. Affectionately known as ‘the coathanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must see. For sensational views, the Pylon Lookout is well worth the 200 steps, or take the challenge and climb to the very summit of the bridge. (see page 19 for details)
2. Sydney Opera HouseNo trip to Sydney is complete without seeing the unmistakable Sydney Opera House. You can walk around it, take a backstage tour or see a performance, but be sure to enjoy a drink at the Opera Bar with the iconic structure as a backdrop. (see page 20 for details)
3. Cruise Sydney HarbourSydney Harbour is the epicentre of the city and the best way to fully enjoy everything it has to offer is on a cruise. Whether it’s a casual ferry trip to Manly, a light lunch cruise or dinner cruise celebrating a special occasion, you’ll enjoy the ever changing view as you cruise along this spectacular harbour. (see page 21 for details)
4. Hunter Valley WineriesSample wines at De Bortoli, McGuigan, Bimbagden and Tyrrells just to name a few. Gourmet produce, cheeses, chocolates and day spas make perfect companions to these famous wines! (see pages 11, 12, 22 and 58 for details)
5. Blue MountainsSee the Three Sisters rock formation and Wentworth Falls. Visit Jenolan Caves and take a ride at Scenic World. After a bushwalk, stop in for lunch at a quaint little village. (see pages 12 and 22 for details)
6. Wining and DiningYou’ll be spoilt for choice! For ultimate fine dining try Rae’s on Watego in Byron Bay, Rockpool or Tetsuya’s in Sydney. For great seafood you’ll love Sydney Cove Oyster Bar at Circular Quay. Grab a casual bite at Bill’s in Darlinghurst or Anonymous Café in the Blue Mountains. Have a beer at the Glenmore Hotel or a cocktail at Eau-De-Vie, both in Sydney or enjoy the beach views at Manly Wine. (see page 22 for details)
7. ShoppingIn the city heart you’ll find the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney or head to Oxford Street in Paddington for added style. You’ll find the best markets at The Rocks, Paddington, Balmain, Glebe, Bondi, Manly and Byron Bay. Country towns and villages house quaint boutiques and antique stores, head to Leura and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains or Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley.
8. Beach CultureNew South Wales is blessed with beautiful beaches. Sit back and people watch at Bondi or take the little ones to a calm water beach like Manly or Forrester’s Beach near Terrigal. Take a dip in an ocean pool, there’s over 100 dotted up and down the coast – try Bondi, Coogee, Curl Curl, Newcastle or Wollongong. And surf the breaks pretty much anywhere!
9. Animal EncountersSee animals from around the world at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. In Dubbo explore safari-style at Taronga Western Plains Zoo – you can even stay in the wild overnight! (see pages 19 and 65 for details)
10. Major EventsSee how the locals celebrate! Bursting with colour, Canberra’s Floriade is a huge floral festival not to be missed, Sydney’s Mardi Gras is one gigantic party and major sporting events always draw a crowd. For the food lover there are many great festivals, don’t miss the Sydney Crave International Food Festival. The Tamworth Country Music Festival and Byron Bay Bluesfest are a must for those with music in their souls and don’t forget the famous fireworks display in Sydney on New Year’s Eve.
Essential Experiences
8 Bondi Beach
5 Jenolan Caves
6 Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, Circular Quay3 Sydney Harbour
9
Sydney Opera House
OUR LOCAL SECRETS
For designer fashion…
Head to The Intersection, a strip of edgy boutiques of up and coming Australian Designers in Paddington.
For a unique dining experience...
Catch a water taxi to Ripples at Chowder Bay. Located on the foreshore of Balmoral it offers magnificent views of Clifton Gardens Bay.
A great way to explore Sydney Harbour…
Hop on the historic Manly ferry which has been taking people to and from Manly for the past 155 years.
Discover Sydney’s small bar scene…
Basement and pop up bars are happening all over the city, enjoy a glass of wine and a small plate of food at one of these laneway bars.
A café that best showcases local food is...
Harvest Café just outside of Byron Bay, stop in to enjoy delicious food and take home some goodies from the deli.
When friends are in town a great place for dinner is…
ChinaDoll at the historic Finger Wharf at Wooloomooloo and enjoy the city skyline.
Beach lovers will enjoy…
Broken Head beach located just south of Byron Bay. You will feel as though you have the beach to yourself at this unspoilt piece of paradise.7 Shopping at The Rocks
1 Sydney Harbour Bridge 10 Sydney Harbour, New Year’s Eve
4 Hunter Valley