Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 4 . NEW SOUTH WALES
rainforest drives and riverboat rides. It’s open daily from 10am to 5pm. Also on
the property are a kiosk, fruit market, and gift shop. Admission to food and
shopping areas is free. Guided tours cost A$22 (US$14) for adults, A$12
(US$7.80) for children 4 to 12.
The 1,154m (3,785-ft.) Mount Warning is part of the rim of an extinct volcano
formed from volcanic action some 20 to 23 million years ago. You can hike
around the mountain and to the top on trails in the Mount Warning World
Heritage Park.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Worth a Splurge
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat Crystal Creek is tucked away in a
little valley of rainforest just 25 minutes by car from the Pacific Highway. Selfcontained
cabins skirt the edge of the rainforest that borders the Border Ranges
National Park, a World Heritage site. There are plenty of native birds, possums,
echidnas, wallabies, and bandicoots around and about. Though the water is
always cold, guests can swim in the natural pools and laze around on hammocks
strung up in the bush. Cabins have two comfortable rooms, a balcony, kitchen,
barbecue, and plenty of privacy. Two glass-terrace cabins overlook the rainforest
and mountain. All rooms have a king-size bed and a double spa; there are no
curtains in the bathroom because the rainforest gives enough privacy. Several
tours are offered, including 4WD rainforest tours and visits to local country
markets and arts-and-crafts galleries, as well as walking tours around the property.
Guests cook their own food or eat at the casual restaurant.
Brookers Rd., Upper Crystal Creek, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484. & 02/6679 1591. Fax 02/6679 1596. www.
crystalcreekrainforestretreat.com.au. 7 cabins. A$240–A$260 (US$156–US$169). Ask about midweek specials.
AE, DC, MC, V. Pickup service from the airport, bus, and train stations available. Not suitable for children.
Amenities: Restaurant; Jacuzzi; 24-hr. room service; massage; nonsmoking rooms. In room: TV, CD
player, kitchen, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
AFTER DARK
The clubs up here on the border of Queensland are huge and offer cheap bistro
meals as well as pricier ones in the more upscale restaurants, inexpensive drinks
at the bar, entertainment, and hundreds of poker machines. The biggest in New
South Wales is the Twin Towns Services Club, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
(& 07/5536 2277). Another worth checking out is Seagulls Rugby League
Club, Gollan Drive, Tweed Heads (& 07/5536 3433). Major entertainers such
as Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, and Bob Hope have performed here over the last few
years. It’s open 24 hours. To gain admittance to these “private” clubs, you must
sign the registration book just inside the door.
5 South of Sydney Along the Princes Highway
There are two main roads leading south out of Sydney: the Hume Highway and
the Princes Highway. Both routes connect Sydney to Melbourne, but the Hume
Highway is quicker. A favorite with truckers and anyone in a hurry, the Hume
Highway will get you to Melbourne in about 12 hours. The Princes Highway is
a scenic coastal route that can get you to Melbourne in 2 days, though the many
attractions along the route make it well worth taking longer.
KIAMA
119km (74 miles) S of Sydney
Kiama (pop. 10,300) is famous for its blowhole. In fact, there are two, a large
one and a smaller one, and both spurt sea water several meters into the air. The