STAY, SLEEP AND SEE IN NEW SOUTH WALES

How do you describe something that’s simply outstanding? World class; best in its field or, perhaps; top of the class? Apply these to the tourism industry and you face a conundrum – how do you decide what constitutes world class?

Tourism New South Wales identified a host of world-class accommodation, restaurants or experiences. Those that made the cut were, broadly speaking, “ranked on the basis of uniqueness, quality, and/or value of the experience as worthy of standing with the best in the world in this category of tourism products.” All over the State you’ll find worldclass places to sleep, feast on a great a meal or enjoy the local experiences. Here you’ll find just a smattering of them.

Starting in the State’s capital, Sydney, you’ll find a style all of its own. Endowed with natural beauty, inspiring arts and culture, a dynamic dining scene, and an exuberant spirit, it’s an unforgettable place to explore. There’s an invigorating blend of the real and the refined, of the old and the new. High culture will attract some to Sydney Opera House while outdoor lovers can bask on the city’s beaches or explore its national parks. You can ramble through the cobbled laneways of the historic Rocks area in the morning and then ride the monorail to ultramodern Darling Harbour in the afternoon. From top-class restaurants to local eat streets Sydney is a city for food lovers. Working off those extra calories will be easy with a walk around the harbour. As the city’s playground its beaches, islands and waterside parks offer all the walking, picnicking, sailing and swimming you could want.

Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore package is a true world class Sydney experience. Guests can stay in purpose-built tents overlooking Sydney Harbour, have the chance to hike through the Zoo on a night safari and can rise to the warbles, rumbles, squeaks, growls and roars of the animals greeting the day.

Meanwhile The Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, is a place of many moods. In summer, with the eucalyptus oil rising off the leaves of the native gum trees, the forests and valleys look blue. In winter, embalmed in mist, it’s an atmospheric place. The region offers a natural refuge from the pace of Sydney with adventure activities, including bushwalking, rock-climbing and canyoning.

For world-class accommodation in the region stay at Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia’s first luxury conservationbased resort. Bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and set on a 4,000- acre reserve, it combines luxury with a commitment to ecological and environmental sustainability.

A two-hour drive from Sydney the Hunter Valley is the most important and scenic winegrowing area in the State. Among the 120- plus wineries of the Hunter are many small, boutique producers. Complementing its fine wines, the Hunter has a thrilling array of tours, attractions, dining and hotels that make this a destination for all times and tastes. One such hotel making the world class cut is the recentlyopened Chateau Elan, a five-star golf and spa resort. The resort’s elevated position means a view of the vines come as standard.

The New South Wales South Coast, too, rates in the world class stakes. Montague Island Tours, operating off Narooma, runs
half day and overnight tours to Montague Island Nature Reserve. The wildlife, including the State’s largest seal colony, are among the highlights. Be sure to explore the rest of the South Coast. You’ll find seaside towns, historic villages and an almost continuous string of pristine beaches and bays. Marine parks, reserves and more than 30 national parks make this a paradise for outdoor adventures.

Further afield the North Coast of New South Wales is full of natural wonders; from the lush hinterland to the sparkling beaches on the coast. Byron Bay is a mix of surf culture, alternative philosophies and hedonistic indulgence. The laid-back towns of Ballina, Lennox Head and Brunswick Heads, plus the arts-loving villages of Bangalow and Mullumbimby, combine a casual vibe of a coastal retreat with a touch of city style. Seeking a world class place to sleep in the region? Try Byron Bay’s Gaia Retreat. Poised on the highest point in the shire and set on 25 acres, the hotel features bungalow villas set in lush sub tropical gardens.

Outback New South Wales is not without its world-class accommodation either. Mungo Lodge has a commitment to eco-sensitive management. At Mungo National Park the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman date back 40,000 years, making it the oldest known ceremonial burial site in the world. Lake Mungo is recognised as part of Willandra Lakes World Heritage area and Mungo Lodge is a great base from which to explore this extraordinary natural and human heritage site.

For young and old and budget to five-star the whole State offers a host of world class experiences. The trickiest bit might just be working out where to go.