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The Australian Holidays Getaway Project :
A National Collaboration
[See
NSW place names A - F]
Gilgandra
Gladesville
Glen Innes
Gloucester
Goondiwindi
Gosford
Goulburn
Goulburn is situated 90km NE of Canberra, and 190km SW of Sydney. It has a
population of approximately 20,000. As Australia's First Inland City,
Goulburn
has many historical attractions, including several churches, the court house, Riversdale, a war memorial, and the town hall. Goulburn is famous for the
superfine merino wool grown in the area; because of this, Goulburn also has the
Big Merino.
Although there are many
attractions to see throughout the year, the Lilac Time Festival remains the most
spirited of all events. This festival, which has continued for many years, is on
the long weekend in October. For this reason, Goulburn is best-visited in
spring. Lucinda Phelps
Grafton
Grafton, overlooking the Clarence River, is a city which is blessed with many
graceful old buildings and tree-lined streets. Many buildings are classified by
the National Trust, including Christ Church Cathedral and notorious Grafton
Gaol. Houseboats and cruisers can be used to explore the islands of the Clarence
River. Spring is an ideal time to visit this city, especially during the
Jacaranda Festival -when the streets are carpeted with the beautiful mauve
flowers of the Jacaranda trees.
Grenfell
Griffith
Gundagai
Gundagai is a town on the Hume Highway, approxiametly half way between
Sydney
and Melbourne. The famous dog on the tucker box can be seen on the Sydney side
of the town. Gundagai celebrates the snake gully cup in November which includes
Picnic Races. Emma Pearce
Gunnedah
Guyra
Halliday's Point
Black Head Beach is three hours north of Sydney, midway between Taree and
Forster in the coastal district of Halliday's Point. A quiet seaside village
with holiday accommodation including Bed & Breakfasts, caravan parks & holiday
units and houses. Situated on a peninsular, it boasts 4 beaches including an
ocean pool, excellent fishing, picnic areas and barbecues for family outings,
and is regarded as one of the best swimming beaches in the Manning Valley.
The Norfolk pines that make
Black Head beach such an attractive feature are over 80 years old. There's a
coastal rainforest walk which gives you and idea of what the Eastern Australian
coastline might have looked like prior to European settlement. This area is a
must for nature lovers as it offers some excellent vantage points for
photography. The coastal views are spectacular with dolphins a regular sight,
and whales in season: late Sept-mid Nov.
Hartley Vale.
Hartley Vale today is a tranquil rural valley nestled below the western
escarpment of the Blue Mountains (see separate entry). However, it started out
as a mining and industrial area. By the late 1900's, kerosene shale was being
mined, retorted to extract the oil, and the oil then refined and processed to
produce kerosene for local and export markets. A candle making factory was also
established.
A network of narrow-gauge
railways were constructed, along with a cable haulage way, which connected the
valley with the main railway line. Little evidence remains of Hartley Vale's
past. The area today is known for rural retreats, horse riding, and the nearby
Hartley Historic Village. David Martin
Harden and Murrumburrah
The twin towns of Harden and Murrumburrah are situated about 80 minutes drive
north-west of Canberra via the Barton Highway and the Burley Griffin Way
(formerly referred to as the Friendly Way). The towns are situated on the Main
Southern rail line linking Sydney and Melbourne. Apart from the railway, major
employers in the towns have traditionally been in the rural sector.
There was once a butter
factory, flour mill and pipe works. Harden Murrumburrah is very much a sporting
town with strong rugby league and rugby union teams and a growing number of
junior soccer participants. Sporting facilities in the shire include a number of
quality ovals, an 18 hole golf course, squash and tennis courts, bowling greens,
swimming pool and a race course. The Harden Picnic Races are on in November
every year and is one of the most popular meetings in country NSW.
Festivals in the town include
the Best of the Bush (yarnspinning) and country and western weekend and the
Hilltops Food and Wine festival, both on in the Autumn. Tourists should enjoy
the Whichcraft and Coffee Cottage as well as a number of antique and second hand
shops situated in Murrumburrah. David
Hat Head
A little fishing village, with lots of holiday houses and flats,1 club, 2 shops,
great fishing, bushwalks in National park, swimming in sea or creek, ..all
walking -never need to use your car. Quiet, friendly, laidback, lots of wild
kangaroos and birds and micro bats. 4 hours from Sydney in the mid north coast.
Near Pt Macquarie & Coffs Harbour. Brown & Michael
Hay
Hornsby
Huskisson
Huskisson, on the western shores of Jervis Bay, is about 21 Km south of Nowra.
You can play golf, take a fascinating dolphin-watch cruise, go fishing or go on
some great dives. For those interested in our heritage you can visit the Lady
Denman Heritage Complex in Huskisson or see the sights of historic Milton
(50km).
Jamberoo
The village is surrounded by rolling dairy pastures set along the Illawara
escarpment. One of the attractions of Jamberoo is Minimarra House which was
erected in 1840 and is thought to be the oldest homestead in the Illawara
region. There is also a stone school which adds to the 19th century character
and just next door there is a church of the resurrection (which was dedicated in
1867).
There is also a road which
leads to Minimarra Falls which consists of two drops of 50 and 25 metre falls
plunging into a narrow rain forest gorge where vines and ferns grow in profusion
under a canopy of cedar, Illawarra figs and beef wood.
Hawker College
Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves is a tourist destination with accommodation and guided tours
through limestone caves. There are many bush walks in the area and a lot of
wildlife. The main hotel is up-market but the Jenolan Cabins is a great family
base to go to the Kanangra Boyd National Park and Oberon District.
Sue Hardy
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is a sheltered inlet with 50km shoreline of low headlands and long
curving beaches. The main settlement is at Huskisson, a fishing village and
resort which, although it looks relatively new, can trace it's beginnings back
to 1841. Holiday development is expanding particularly at Vincentia and Hyams
beach. The southern headland is Federal property and consists of 7200Ha given to
the Commonwealth under an Act of Parliament which states that the Capital should
have access to the sea.
The Royal Australian Naval
College has stood on this since 1915. 4400Ha is a natural reserve with a fine
stretch of unspoilt bush land on the opposite headland. Perpendicular cliffs
plunge sheer for 90 metres and continue for another 60 metres under water.
Hawker College
Jindabyne
Jindabyne is situated approximately 60km from Cooma on the shores of Lake
Jindabyne in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. It is only 40kms to the ski
resorts of Thredbo and Perisher Blue. Bordered by the Kosziusko National Park
(home of Australia's highest mountain) with its mix of snow ski resorts, wild
rivers and pristine wilderness. Jindabyne enjoys the best of all four seasons.
In summer town life focuses on the lake, with water skiing, swimming and
fishing. In Autumn the lodges
and businesses above the snowline turn their attention to preparation for the
winter whilst bushwalkers, mountain bikers and campers enjoy the cooler days
leading into winter. Come winter the atmosphere of the town explodes with the
arrival of the skiers, snowboarders and tourists who come to be part of the snow
season. Restaurants, clubs and pubs come alive.
Spring sees another change with
the melting of the snow. Wildwater rafters and canoeists take advantage of the
runoff and tackle the tumbling waters of the Snowy, Thredbo and Murrumbidgee
Rivers whilst anglers persue the trout and salmon that abound in the alpine
lakes, rivers and mountain streams. Roz and Les.
Joadja
Junee
Junee was a railway junction that grew up and around a handsome 1883 station and
workshops which was thought to be important enough to be built under the
personal control of the Railways Systems Chief Engineer. The railway line
dissects the town and each side has its own main street, lined with buildings of
character. Outside the station there is a capsule which marks the arrival of the
centenailiss, in 1878. And across the street is the loftiest and handsome
country hotel which takes up a whole block. The Commercial is another impressive
lace work hotel as is the Hotel Junee. Hawker College
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley offers friendly hospitality, historic buildings and beautiful
scenery. Attractions: hotel, pottery, fudge house, wood crafts, orchards, the
historic Hampden suspension bridge (good place for a picnic beside the river),
Pioneer farm Museum with many historic exhibits and extensive bushwalks, and
historic Barrengarry store and post office with it's old world charm. It also
has fine (15 at last count) bed and breakfasts, two caravan parks, wonderful
camping areas (free) and several excellent restaurants and cafes. Canoeing,
tennis and horse riding are also available. Joy
Katoomba
Katoomba is the main town in the city of the Blue Mountains (see
separate entry). The discovery of coal and oil shale played a major part in the
town's early development, and led to the construction of the world's steepest
incline railway. Part of this railway still operates as the Katoomba Scenic
Railway. From the many cliff-top lookouts, spectacular views may be enjoyed of
the rugged scenery.
Many walking tracks have been
constructed in the Katoomba - Leura area, including the Prince Henry Cliff Walk,
Giant Stairway and Federal Pass. The Scenic Railway provides an effortless means
to return to the cliff top. Katoomba may be reached by car, train or tour coach
from Sydney, and is a popular day trip. There are many forms of accommodation,
ranging from resort-style to backpackers. Guest houses have always played an
important role in the region. David Martin
Kempsey
Khancoban
Kiama
Kiama is a seaside town just 90 minutes drive south of Sydney along the Princes
Highway and home to all the splendors of the seaside, rural and rainforest
landscape and famous for the Kiama Blowhole, award-winning Minnamurra Rainforest
and the Jamberoo Recreation Park. Kiama's accommodation ranges from caravan
parks and backpackers to 5-star luxury bed and breakfast accommodation and
everything in between. Kiama has beaches, rivers and swimming pools, gyms and
bike tracks, harbour/ rock/ beach fishing as well as charter fishing tours,
horseriding, wineries to visit, rainforest and bush walking treks etc
Kiama was first settled for a
good source of cedar and blue metal quarrying, and has been a dairy farming
community for approximately 150 years. It is popular as a tourist destination
because of it's fantastic surfing beaches, beautiful clean township, variety of
restaurants and cafes, art galleries, great shopping, and easy proximity to
Sydney, Canberra and the Southern Highlands. Tony and
Marian van Zanen
Killara
Situated on Sydney's North Shore (the northern side of Sydney Harbour).
"Killara" aboriginal for "Always there", is generally regarded as a quiet,
leafy, middle to upper class suburb, surrounded by national parks. There are
about five fine golf courses in the area, Killara Golf Course being rated within
the top 10 in New South Wales. Lawn bowling and a tennis club complete the
activities scene. There are many very nice dwellings, some almost bordering on
mansions, and there are many restaurants between Killara and neighbouring
Gordon. David Goodearl
Kings Cross
Kingstown
Kurrajong Hts
Kurri Kurri
Lake Cathie
Lake Cathie (pronounced Cat-eye) is a village of about 1,000 people situated on
a lovely, shallow tidal lagoon half way between Port Macquarie and Laurieton and
a quarter-hour's drive from each. It is a five hour drive north of Sydney. It
has excellent shopping facilities, superb fishing, outstanding board-surfing,
ample clean accommodation, a bowls club, a new pub and a huge beach.
The village is backed by wooded
hills and forests and there is a vast network of tidal lakes, forest trails and
coastal scrub to explore. A nature reserve is situated just north of the town
which stretches all the way to Port Macquarie. It is the perfect place to bring
a small family for a relaxing, non-commercial holiday with safe swimming in the
lagoon, ample facilities and the lovely Hastings Valley waiting to be explored.
Paul Roberts
La Perouse
Lane Cove
Lawson
Leura
Leura is a garden village 2 hours from Sydney in the
Blue Mountains perhaps best
known for its quaint Leura Mall where you will find many fine cafes and
restaurants, galleries and boutiques. Bed & Breakfast cottages dot the
tree-lined streets as do several fine resorts. Spring (October) sees the Leura
Gardens Festival attract thousands to the private gardens open for display and
for the Leura Village Fair (2nd weekend in October) where you will find art and
craft in Leura Mall. There are many vantage points around the cliff tops to
experience the magnificent views of The Blue Mountains National Park.
Ron Brewster
Lightning Ridge
Lismore
Lismore is about 40 km inland from Byron Bay. Many visitors are attracted to
this region because of it's mild climate which allows for year-round enjoyment
of the spectacular scenery. Visit the village of Nimbin with it's psychedelic
murals, restaurants which emphasize their healthy and home-made products, craft
shops, and the nearby rainforest of Nightcap National Park. Shop at the Channon
craft market held on the second Sunday of the month, go on a river cruise, or
experience a farm holiday.
Lithgow
Lithgow is an easy 2 hour drive from Sydney, nestled in western slopes of the
Blue Mountains. Surrounded by 4 National Parks, Lithgow has an abundance of
Natural and Historic Attractions. Recreational activities include: Water skiing,
fishing, sailing or swimming in either of Lake Lyell or Lake wallace.
Bushwalking, abseiling, exploring, picnicing in Wollemi, Gardens of Stone, Blue
Mountains, Kanangra Boyd National Parks.
Explore a bygone era by
visiting the site where the first Australian Steel was poured - Lithgow Blast
Furnace Park, or Lithgow State Mine Railway Heritage Park, the famous Zig Zag
Railway, the historic towns of Newnes, Glen Davis and Hartley Historic Village.
Visit a 'Nature's Wonderland' at the Glow Worm Tunnels. Relax with a variety of
accommodation facilities, Motel, Hotel, Farm Stay, Bed & Breakfast, Cottages,
Cabins, Caravan or Camp. Visit the Lithgow Tourism Information Pages.
Debra Morris
Liverpool
Lucas Heights
Maclean
Maclean lies on the Clarence River, about 700 km North of Sydney, and is
otherwise known as `the Scottish town in Australia', because of proud Scottish
heritage. Fishing and river prawning are a major industry, and you'll also find
many sugarcane plantations around here. Sailing and water skiing are very
popular, as are houseboats on the Clarence River. Sights: Pinnacle Rocks,
Yuraygir coastal national park. Events: Annual Highland Gathering around Easter,
Cane Harvest Festival in September.
Maitland
Maitland lies on the Hunter River, 10 minutes North West of Newcastle. It has
many historical buildings, some dating back to the early days of the colony, and
its High St has been classified as a Conservation Area by the National Trust.
Convicts working as cedar-cutters were its first settlers. Now you can
experience it's history by staying in its historic guesthouses, or visiting the
many local antique shops. It's also a convenient base for exploring the nearby
Hunter Valley vineyards.
Manly
Marayong
It's the first 'stop' from Blacktown; on the Richmond Railway-line. Back in the
1950's, it was a quiet rural area. We lived north on Bowman's road, which was
between Breakfast Creek & the railway station (well, platform actually). After
the rezoning from 'Greenbelt' to 'industrial' in the mid-50's, it changed a lot.
The farmland has gone, so too Bowman's road. I think the sign on the very long
platform back then was misspelt; with an extra 'r':- i.e. 'Marrayong'.
Noel Brettoner
Maroubra
Mascot
Meadowbank
Medlow Bath
Merimbula
Merimbula is a truly beautiful place filled with beautiful sapphire blue waters,
golden sands and lushes green pastures. Since the days of the early settlement
Merimbula and Tathra wharves were used for deep South Coast trade such as
whaling, timber, gold, and wool. Merimbula holds annual festivals for the locals
and visitors to enjoy. In June there is a Jazz festival which becomes a Mecca
for musicians and in October the air is filled with Country and Western rhythms
and blues. Merimbula's main
beach is stretched out along five kilometres of sand where people are able to
surf, fish, stroll, or just relax in the company of the glistening sun along the
waters. But if the sparkling surf beaches are not your scene then there is
always the high country which features towering terrain which is just waiting to
be explored. The bush land consists of many routes and trails for any keen bush
walker. Hawker College
Mildura
Mittagong
Mona Vale
Moore Park
Moree
Morpeth
A historic village about half an hour from Newcastle, and about 15 minutes from
Maitland. Full of Ye Olde Shoppe's, lots of art and craft, some beautiful
jewellery, great gift ideas, marvellous artwork and lots lots more. Check out
the annual Jazz festival, or the Grammer and Gourd Festival.
Angela Armstrong.
Moruya
Mosman - see Cremorne Point
Moss Vale
Mt Kuring-gai
Mt Victoria
Mt Wilson
Mudgee
Mudgee, 260 Km NW of Sydney, is famous as a wine and honey producing area. It
also has many historic buildings and a fascinating colonial museum. The Wine
festival in September is a great time to visit.
Murwillumbah
Murwillumbah is close to three World Heritage national parks which contain
important rainforest areas. Mount Warning is also near to climb - it is the
first place to receive sunlight in Australia. There is also the very good Tweed
River Regional Art Gallery which is home to a major portrait prize, as well as
the unspoilt beaches fairly close by. Shaun Gallagher
Muswellbrook
Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads is situated south of Coffs Harbour, on the North Coast of
NSW. What you will find: Nambucca Heads is the popular and growing resort at the
mouth of the Nambucca. Good fishing is appreciated by those of all standards,
with bass and mullet in the rivers. The long beaches attract swimmers and
surfers, making Nambucca Heads a busy holiday area.
There is a unusually located golf course on Stuart Island, which is in the
middle of the river, as well as a preserved Aboriginal Burial site. On the
headland which overlooks the estuary and caravan parks is an old cemetery and a
memorial site, dedicated to a Scottish Sailor who drowned in 1890.
Lucille Roberts, Hawker College
Narooma
Narrabri
Narrandera
Neutral Bay - see Cremorne Point
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay is accessible by ferry or bus. Nice community. My husband
particularly likes the Oakes. It was an inn once but now houses 3 restaurants
and 3 bars. They are all part of the same unit, just different uses. One bar is
just that, a bar. No children allowed. One is a restaurant bar combo. Children
welcome. You cook your own meat over grills.
One restaurant no children. I
don't recall a bar in that one. Then there is the outside patio which is
available to all ages. They have grills there to cook your own meat, fish,
chicken too. There is a gigantic tree that covers the whole patio. My husband
paced it off and said the tree is about 70feet in diameter. The Oaks is a long
walk from the ferry all uphill but the bus stops on the corner. There is
shopping for the community on the same street. Nice place.
grandma
Newcastle
Newcastle is situated on the coast, about 2 hours north of Sydney. It has lots
to see and do, many historical buildings, lots of nightclubs, and is close to
many other tourist destinations in the Hunter Region. It is a coastal city,
boasting beautiful beaches, and at the right time of year you can see the whales
going past. Angela Armstrong.
Neville
Neville is situated on the Central Tablelands of NSW about 25km south of Blayney
and approximately 65km from the major rural centres of Cowra, Orange and
Bathurst. It is part of the Blayney Shire which has heaps of interesting
heritage including Gold mining. The population of Neville is 100. There is a
friendly little hotel that serves pub type meals and a local shop/post office.
There are several old churches in the town and a very interesting cemetery.
The original school, which was
built in the 1800's, still stands and operates. The showground is from the same
era and is a great place for events or camping with Toilet, shower and BBQ
facilities. From the showground it is about 3km to the Neville State Forest,
which then turns into the Pensylvania State Forest and then into National Park.
It is a huge expanse of bushland and pine plantation with many walking and 4WD
driving tracks. There are wedge tail eagles and many other bird varieties also
Koalas, Kangaroos and echidnas etc. There are creeks and remnents of gold
mining.
There are many little villages
in the Blayney Shire including Barry, Newbridge, Mandurama, Lyndhurst, Forest
Reefs, Millthorpe, Carcoar, all with interesting histories and most with
heritage buildings. Call into the Visitor information centre in Adelaide St,
Blayney to see what's on offer. Lisa Paton
Newtown
A thriving suburb in the heart of Sydney's Inner West, Newtown was once a
majority student, worker and Greek immigrant area. Over the past 15 years, the
main drag, King St, has been made over into a cafe hub with strong interior
design and fashion areas. Travel to the area should be done by bus (422, 423,
426 and 428, 431, 370 and 355) or train, with Newtown Station in the centre of
the strip of St Peters at the far south end. Parking is atrocious and the
traffic is almost always bad. South King St, near St Peters, is the place to go
for foodies with industrial cooking equipment suppliers, the eccentric and
delicious Fiji Markets and some of the best cafes, including breakfast favourite
The Chocolate Dog where the service is either brilliant or appalling depending
on who's on. South King is also the place for true fashionistas with clothing
outlets including Dragstar and Faster Pussycat and a mini ragtrade that features
two sari shops, Fine Wools Direct (a short walk down Alice St), Aviamentos
ribbon and braid shop and The Button Shop.
Near the station King St takes on a decidedly hippy flavour with several
eastern-oriented clothing shops and jewellery outlets, plus the local Hare
Krishna food service. Scoot up Enmore Rd to Alfalfa House for some good organic
produce at decent prices and low-toxicity cleaning products. To the left of the
station on the opposite side of King St are two good coffee suppliers, with a
third near the Marlborough pub. Central King St, near the station, is very
literary with Better Read than Dead taking a starring role and no less than
three second-hand bookshops; Elizabeth's, Cornstalk, and Lege et Lacromose,
better known as Shakespeare's after the resident cat. Central Newtown is also
the focus of the areas's pub culture with five in close proximity. The Newtown
is the only one still with a good floor show, wholly gay, so if you can live
with drag rather than pubrock, you'll see some of the best shows in a good, safe
environment. The Sandringham back down at South King is no longer the home of
great live music, although occasionally the 80s do make a fleeting reappearance
there. Unlike the Marlborough, where the 70s seem entrenched, with a dusting of
Uni college students - clean cut and tanked up.
North King St is the best end for Asian dining, despite the number one Thai
being near the station, the price difference means the cheap and cheerfuls up
here, who lack only presentation, not flavour, come out ahead. Added to Thai are
Korean, Tibetan and Indian hotspots with great menus. And Asakusa's Japanese
dining boxes are some of the best value in town. North King also sees an
alternative/organic hub with providores and an organic restaurant, the Peasant's
Feast. This is the current high-end furnishings area. although South King is
giving it a run for its money. Take a trip down many side streets for treasures
too including Pretty Dog fashion on Brown St, Oscillate Wildly for good nosh on
Australia St, and Steki Taverna on O'Connell which harks back to Newtown's Greek
past and holds regular philosophy nights. Sunday through to Wednesday are the
quietest and best nights to pop by Newtown, but if you can bear the crowds, the
weekends are buzzing. For culture vultures there are two theatres and a Dendy
Cinema on the strip and one of Sydney's oldest cemetaries at St Stephens on
Church St. It's beautifully maintained and perfect for a quiet afternoon away
from the bustling shops. On a practical note, most ATMs are two blocks to the
right of the station, and cafe Cinque next to Dendy provides the latest coffee,
till about 11, unless you're up to the super-strength hot stuff from Istanbul
Turkish cafe. D Harrison
Norfolk Island
It is recommended that you hire a car while on Norfolk Island, because, even
though it's not a large island it is a little hilly, and there's no bus service!
The locals are very friendly to tourists, (even opening up their homes and
cooking for them for a fee, and having different courses at different homes!).
The locals also put on many performances for the tourists, this includes a
re-enactment of the mutiny of the Bounty.
Many of the locals are direct
decendants of Flectcher Christian and others involved in this mutiny. There are
the remains of old gaols to be seen, and a night time tour will take you around
these, with local actors acting out different scenes from the lives of convicts.
Locals do not pay tax here, so neither do tourists- everything is duty free!!
There is not much night life, only the brewery which is filled with young
locals.
There are many lovely cafes to
eat at, all reasonably priced. Other activities include mini golf and fishing.
Newspapers and magazines are quite expensive as they are flown over, and some of
their food stuffs comes from New Zealand, so you may see food never seen before,
or not be able to find your favourate snack food. Emma
Pearce North Ryde
Nowra
Attractions: Shoalhaven River Bridge, made of wrought iron in Delaware, USA and
erected in 1881, Shoalhaven River cruises, strawberry farm (season:
September-February), Shoalhaven Historical Museum, Meroogal -historic house
built in 1885.
Nyngan
Oberon
Orange
[See NSW place names P - Z]
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