Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine Australia - Summer 2014-2015

Worldmags.net
HUNTER VALLEY
We’ll cheers to a stay here!
The Hunter Valley is already a popular
honeymoon destination, and for good reason.
A neat two-hour drive north of Sydney, it’s
home to some of Australia’s premiere vineyards
and restaurants, making it the perfect spot
for an indulgent post-wedding getaway.
Where to stay Check into the Château
Élan at The Vintage for serious space and
privacy (chateauelan.com.au). There’s a
Greg Norman-designed golf course on
your doorstep, but the 17-room day spa is
where the real magic is at. Think detox
boxes, relaxing outdoor hot tubs and Vichy
showers, and you get the pretty picture.
Don’t miss A hot-air balloon ride is the
perfect way to admire the region (balloon
aloft.com). Watch the sunrise and take in
the views before heading to top sparkling
wine producer Peterson House for the
Bubbly Breakfast (petersonhouse.com.au).
Insider tip If you only have time for one
fine-dining experience, then make it Esca
Bimbadgen (bimbadgen.com.au). The menu
is updated seasonally to include locally
sourced ingredients and produce grown
on the estate. Free up a few hours to enjoy
the eight-course degustation menu before
paying a visit to the cellar door.
Visit winecountry.com.au for more.
Western Australia
MARGARET
RIVER
Enjoy a balmy climate,
sandy beaches and some
of the world’s best wine
The jewel of Western Australia, the Margaret
River region pulls in visitors from all over
the world each year, thanks to its magical mix
of natural beauty, outdoor activities and
gourmet food. And how could we forget the
vino? Make this your mini-moon destination
and we promise you won’t regret a thing.
Where to stay Kick off your mini moon
in style with cocktails at the picturesque
lakeside restaurant at Cape Lodge in
Yallingup (capelodge.com.au), then enjoy
sampling the lip-smacking cuisine utilising
home-grown produce. Alternatively, hide
away at one of the 10 luxury villas at the
Injidup Spa Retreat (injidupsparetreat.com.
au). Chic and contemporary, they boast a
private plunge pool and stunning views of
the Indian Ocean – you might even spot a
whale from your bedroom!
What’s on offer Wine, wine and more
wine. The region includes more than 150
cellar doors – make a booking with Cape
to Cape Wine Tours (capetocapewine
tours.com.au) to avoid designated driver
duties and hit up Aravina Estate, Leeuwin
Estate and Cullen Wines. Feeling peckish?
Stop off at some of the local providores,
where you’ll find everything from cheese
and chocolate to olive oil and chutneys.
Don’t miss Trek a section of the 135km
Cape to Cape track for sweeping cliff-top
views mixed with sheltered woodland
sections, and keep an eye out for natives
– along with kangaroos and the odd
snake (eep!), echidnas have been spotted
walking the track, too! Afterwards, cool
off at one of the many beaches – you may
find you’re the only person on it!
Visit margaretriver.com for more.
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