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Excursions For a Half Day Manly: New South Wales has Manly Beach to thank for its sea and surf culture, for it was here, in 1902, that newspaper editor William Gocher first defied the state law against public bathing. The esplanade is now populated with rollerbladers, joggers and cyclists, while the white sand of the south beaches and the golden sands of the north beaches are crowded with swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. A short ferry ride from Circular Quay, Manly – located 13km (eight miles) northeast of the city centre – can also be reached on foot via the Manly Scenic Walkway from Spit Bridge in the city. The walk can take up to four hours but offers some of Sydney’s most breathtaking views, as well as skirting some of its most exclusive homes. For a Whole Day Blue Mountains: A 90-minute drive west from the city, along the Great Western Freeway, the dramatic, forest scenery of the Blue Mountains National Park is a major attraction for nature lovers. The cool eucalyptus forests harbour numerous bushwalks as well as give off the blue haze that gives the area its name. More active visitors may like to go abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking or horseriding. The area’s most famous attraction is the Three Sisters – a geological feature named after an Aboriginal legend. The easiest way for visitors to see the Blue Mountains is by car, although there are hourly trains to Katoomba from Central Station. Blue Mountains Tourism (tel: (1300) 653 408; website: www.bluemts.com.au) provides further information. Hunter Valley: One of Australia’s premier wine-producing districts, beginning approximately 100km (62 miles) north of Sydney, Hunter Valley has more than 70 vineyards. Although busiest during the harvest months, in February and March, most vineyards remain open to the public daily and offer a range of restaurants and accommodation. Two of the more popular vineyards are Lindemans, one of the largest Australian wine companies, and Rothbury Estate, almost as famous for its concerts as for its wines. At Rothbury, the day’s tour begins with an early morning champagne breakfast, followed by a hot-air balloon flight over the valley. A two-hour drive from Sydney, Cessnock is the gateway to Hunter Valley and home to its main visitor centre. Alternatively, trains from Sydney arrive at Newcastle and take about three hours. Wine Country Tourism (tel: (02) 4990 4477; fax: (02) 4991 4518; website: www.winecountry.com.au) provides full details of tours. |
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