For an experience of a different kind discover space and learn about astronomy at any of the six observatories in the region - Siding Springs and Skywatch near Coonabarabran, Darby Falls near Cowra, Gilgandra, Dubbo and the Radio Telescope at Parkes. The giant 64 metres Parkes Radio Telescope, set in a shallow valley 20 kilometres north of Parkes, is the 2nd oldest and the 4th largest single dish fully steerable radio telescope in the world and star of the hit movie 'The Dish'.
Address: 3km east of the town Dorrigo NSW 2453
Dorrigo National Park’s magnificent rainforests are the most accessible of Australia’s world heritage wilderness areas. One hour west of Coffs Harbour, the entire plateau was formed by the Ebor volcano some 18 million years ago. Its rich soil has given rise to a plethora of flora and fauna species. Venture out on the Skywalk and Walk with the Birds, or for something more challenging head to the Never Never picnic area. Be sure too to visit the Rainforest Centre – discovery tours are available.
Price: from $800 per charter
Address: Lavender Bay Wharf Lavender Bay NSW 2060
Emerald Start is a historic vessel, an icon of Sydney Harbour, that offers unique opportunities for private functions, island transfers or just a lazy afternoon cruise with unrivaled panoramic views. Emerald Star invites you to experience the realm of old world charm and personalised service aboard the 62ft magnificent heritage-listed ferry. Emerald Star has been entertaining people on harbour cruises for the past 65 years.
Address: 2km from Smokey Cape South West Rocks NSW 2431
Arguably Australia's best ocean cave dive, and voted among the top ten dive sites in Australia, Fish Rock is located just over two kilometres off Smoky Cape at South West Rocks. The thrill of entering a 125 metre long cave and travelling right through the center of a small island is one dive that you will not want to miss. As well as the cave itself, Fish Rock and Green Island are critical habitat areas for the Grey Nurse sharks, which live here in large numbers most of the year.
Address: 70 Glebe Point Road Glebe NSW 2037
Glass Artists' Gallery is situated ten minutes from the CBD and walking distance from Darling Harbour. As well as maintaining a wide range of work on display, the Gallery has a programme of changing exhibitions that focus on the diverse and unique uses of glass in contemporary arts practice. The Gallery has exhibited internationally since 1991 in major expositions such as SOFA in Chicago and New York, ‘Tresors’ in Singapore, COLLECT at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and ART TAIPEI.
Address: 820 Lovedale Road Lovedale NSW 2325
The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and Fudge Factory is so popular it has recently opened a boutique chocolate and fudge factory incorporating a retail outlet on Lovedale Road, Lovedale. Visitors are able to view chocolatiers Peter and Suzanne preparing the range of chocolates and fudge for the company’s stores. HVCC can also supply a delightful selection of gourmet hampers and baskets, an extensive range of wedding and corporate packaging.
Address: Via Hampton 140km W Sydney Jenolan Caves NSW 2790
The Jenolan Caves are a series of remarkable caverns believed to be some of the oldest caves on earth. They are the most celebrated lime stone caves in Australia. Above ground, there are spectacular formations, such as Carlotta’s Arch and the Blue Lake. Underground, visitors can experience any of the spectacular show caves with their amazing formations, rivers and pools. Once hidden and remote, more than 400 caves have been discovered at Jenolan since 1830.
King's Cross has for a long time been known as Australia’s Red light capital. Most people who visit Sydney will wander through the Cross, if only for a look at how the "other half" live. In recent years however, “the Cross” has started to evolve into a richly vibrant part of the city. The strip clubs, topless waitresses, adult bookshops and nightclubs are still there, but the fringes are now home to some of Sydney’s best restaurants and trendiest cafes attracting a different type of visitor.
Morton National Park features spectacular waterfalls, such as Tianjara Falls in the south and Belmore and Fitzroy Falls in the north. Information on the park is available at the magnificent Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, located at the waterfall. To the south, Pigeon House Mountain and Little Forest Plateau offer great views of the coastline and the Budawang and Ettrema wilderness areas. There are opportunities for extensive remote-area bushwalking from a number of locations.
The smaller of Lord Howe’s two imposing peaks, Mount Lidgbird is named after the naval officer who first sighted the Island in 1788. The trek to the 777-metre summit is arduous, but not as tough as the climb to Mount Gower. Half way up the mountain is Goat House Cave, once used as a shelter for 19th century Kentia palm gatherers. Nowadays, you’re likely to see the nest of the loveable masked White Boobies, while scores of red-tailed tropicbirds perform their aerial acrobatics near the summit.
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