Faraway Places
With a never-ending interest in discovering new places, astute travellers are aware of Australia's all-year-round beauty. The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru impress the most seasoned of tourists but canny travellers delight in finding places away from the crowds.
These top 20 hidden getaways guarantee you an oasis free from the throng - although possibly not for long.
Monkerai Valley - Barrington Tops NSW
Only two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, Barrington Tops is close enough to take a recharging weekend break. Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Lodge is set on the banks of a bubbling mountain river and is part of a 300-hectare cattle breeding property.
Crystal clear pools and fresh air await you as you lie back and enjoy the crackling fire. Animal-lovers can watch the platypus feed at dusk each day and there are even special arrangements for guests with pets. Horseriding, swimming, canoeing, bushwalking and tennis are available. Meals are included in the tariff, from $145 per person a night, twin share. Phone 1800 809 772 or (02) 4994 7112.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
It is not as famous as Queensland's Great Barrier Reef but Ningaloo Reef has many treasures of its own. The reef stretches offshore for 260km protecting a rich lagoon of marine life. The world's biggest fish, the whale shark, swims in these waters and it is possible to swim with them - if you don't mind being dwarfed by an 18m fish. Other inhabitants include starfish, dugongs and dolphins, and during January the area becomes a nesting area for turtles. For details phone (099) 425 934.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
If it's seclusion you're after, Bruny Island promises to deliver. You can fish for your lunch or take long walks and discover the island's beautiful nooks and crannies.On the island sits Morella, a group of cottages set on 30 hectares at the forefront of a rainforest. Here visitors can roam with peacocks and wild geese around carefully manicured gardens. Guests can pick fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables from the garden, spend hours in the hammock, fish, swim, surf or picnic. During cooler weather, snuggle up under a feather doona in front of the wood fire. Phone (03) 6293 1131.
Lady Elliot Island, Queensland
This island is a 43-hectare coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef, about 80km north-east of Bundaberg. It is a great place for fishing enthusiasts and there is coral viewing for snorkelers and scuba divers. October to March is the perfect period to watch migrating seabirds return to the island to nest and rear their young while the big, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the soft coral beaches.
Little Dog Island, Victoria
Little Dog Island Retreat may sound like a place where you take your pampered pooch, but it is an oasis for frenzied travellers after peace and quiet. Set inside the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park just two and a half hours from Melbourne. It offers three fully self-contained, four-star cabins with solar-powered lighting, gas facilities and composting toilets. The island is in contact with the mainland daily. Phone (03) 5682 2458.
Corin Forest, Canberra
For the thrill-seekers out there Corin Forest boasts Australia's longest downhill bobsled. The speed reaches up to 70km/h as you hurtle down the 1.2km huge track, and if you want more adrenaline-pumping action there is a 350-metre-long flying fox. Corin Forest is only 50 minutes' drive south of Canberra. Phone (06) 247 2250.
New Norfolk, Tasmania
Move over Norfolk Island, New Norfolk is set to take the stage. This quaint little town on the Derwent River boasts the oldest church in Tasmania and the oldest licensed pub in Australia - so you are bound to walk among the ghosts of both saints and sinners. Visitors can stay at Tynwald, an 1830s mansion. Set in expansive gardens, the property commands magnificent views of the river. All rooms are furnished with genuine antiques and there is a licensed restaurant. If you want more privacy, there is also a self-catering cottage, The Granary, on the premises. Phone (03) 6261 2667.
Nanga Bay, Western Australia
Nanga Bay Station Resort is part of a historic 200,000-hectare sheep station situated right on the ocean front. Here you can enjoy kilometres of beautiful beaches or take a 40-minute drive to Monkey Mia. Visitors can choose between motel, chalet, home units, cabins, caravan park or backpacker accommodation. For details phone (099) 483 992.
Stanthorpe, Queensland
Described as the scenic centre of Queensland's Southern Downs, Stanthorpe used to be a mining area but now boasts an exciting mix of cultures. There are diverse art and craft items for sale and if your timing is right you will catch one of Stanthorpe's festivals such as the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, Spring Wine Festival or Brass Monkey Season. Art enthusiasts can visit the regional art gallery, while history buffs can discover the Historical Museum. Just at your fingertips are apple orchards, vineyards and wineries, while from December to May raspberries are available, freshly picked or you can pick your own. You can choose to stay in the homestead or cottage accommodation. Phone (076) 81 3367.
Last Stop Ambledown Brook, ACT
This quirky bed and breakfast, just 30 minutes from Canberra's city centre, is sure to delight tram lovers - guests stay in a 1929 Melbourne tram. It has a sitting room and two bedrooms, with a bathroom in the old driver's compartment.
A swimming pool and tennis court on an adjoining property is available to guests. You can stroll over to a nearby vineyard or sit back and take in the view of the beautiful Brindabella Ranges. Phone (06) 230 2280.
Sir Joseph Banks Islands, SA
When visiting this group of islands you can discover the marine wonders of the world. The area is a marine conservation park where sea lions bask in the sun along the secluded beaches and dolphins frolic in the sparkling waters. There is plenty of bird life including Cape Barren Geese, crested egrets and eastern reef egrets. Originally there were sheep stations on the islands and a Revesby Island station is being restored. Phone (086) 82 5585.
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, NSW
Adjoining the world heritage-listed rainforest of Border Ranges National Park, Crystal Creek is a 100-hectare property with five self-contained cabins. Stroll along one of the many rainforest tracks or relax in a hammock beside the creek. The cabins have TV, video, king-sized beds and a double spa bath overlooking the forest. Contact your travel agent.
Bridport, Tasmania
You can't get much more ecologically sound than Bridport. Only 85km from Launceston, it seems a world away. Bridport Resort, in natural bush and parklands, is built from recycled plantation pine that would otherwise have been burnt. There are 16 cabins, all with carports, sundecks with seaviews, private courtyards, spa, TV, video, phone, kitchen and laundry. And there's no need to worry that your washing will damage the precious surroundings - all soap and laundry detergents used are biodegradable. Bridport offers magnificent sheltered beaches, fishing, bushwalking, yachting, a nine-hole golf course, walking tracks and wildflower reserves. Phone (03) 6356 1789.
Seven Spirit Bay, Northern Territory
At a five-star wilderness hotel set among the lush surroundings of Gurig National Park on the Coburg Peninsula in Arnhem land you can discover the wilderness of the Northern Territory as you encounter Timor ponies, buffalo and cattle. The resort has 24 bungalows and accommodates no more than 48 people at a time. Guided fishing adventures are a specialty as Seven Spirit Bay claims to have some of the best fishing in the Top End. Phone (08) 8979 0277.
French Island, Victoria
Victoria's largest island in Westernport Bay is so isolated that the 70 residents have no electricity, the houses are mostly hidden from view and there is just one shop. There is no chance to get bored. The island is full of Aboriginal history and also has a historic prison farm which you can tour - and you can spend a night in a cell. Fairly easy to reach, the island is an hour's drive from Melbourne and then 30 minutes by ferry. French Island also has the world's largest population of disease-free koalas and 234 varieties of birds. Call the historic prison farm on (03) 9787 1797 or (03) 5687 0155 for bookings and more information.
Outback, South Australia
For a rare outback experience, join the world's longest mail run. Beginning at Port Augusta, you will visit about 28 small towns and working stations by plane over two days delivering mail, freight and passengers. Stops include Leigh Creek, Moolawatana station in the Northern Flinders Ranges, Clifton Hills and Dulkaninna stations. Phone (086) 423 100.
Twofold Bay, NSW
Hervey Bay isn't the only picturesque place to do some whale-watching. Twofold Bay, on the south coast, is where humpback whale come to play, feed and rest during their journey towards Antarctica. From September to October you can observe humpbacks, southern right whales and even blue whales, the largest mammals. If you can't stay during this time don't despair, dolphin and sea birds can be seen all year round. Eden is the gateway to Twofold Bay. Eden's Bed and Breakfast has magnificent views of the headlands across Twofold Bay. Phone (02) 6496 1575
Gagudju Crocodile Hotel, NT
Kakadu may not be a well-kept secret but not everyone knows you can stay in a "crocodile". The iron, crocodile-shaped Gagudju Hotel in the heart of Kakadu has 110 rooms, restaurants, bars and pools. Make this luxurious and quirky hotel your base as you discover the wonders of Kakadu. Phone (08) 8979 2800.
Denmark, Western Australia
This Denmark, 414km south-east of Perth, has many attractions - including William Bay National Park and its fantastic coastal scenery, rocks and reefs. Water babies will feel right at home. There is plenty of windsurfing, fishing and waterskiing on offer. There are also wineries including Goundrey Winery. The Karri Mia Lodge is a luxury guest house at Denmark with excellent facilities including gym, spa and beauty salon. Phone: 098) 482 255.
Dooralong, NSW
Breathe in the fresh air at Dooralong, 90 minutes north of Sydney. The Dooralong Lodge is a country retreat set on 144 hectares of bushland at the base of the Watagan Mountains. Accommodation is in colonial-style cottages scattered amongst the trees. Most rooms have open fires and bushwalking, tennis, volleyball, canoeing and mountain bike riding will keep you occupied. The lodge has a swimming pool, activity centre and licensed restaurant. Phone (02) 4351 2611.
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