Travel guide New South Wales for Winter Holiday

Recently, we were lucky enough to stay at the Swissôtel Sydney, a five star hotel located right in the heart of the city, walking distance to Darling Harbour, shopping, attractions and the monorail.   We travelled to Sydney for business, however in our line of work, our children are part of our business. It was important to have them with us, yet entertained when we needed, so we chose the Swissôtel Sydney. We booked a Family Package, which included two rooms, a one-bedroom area with meeting space for the adults and the interconnecting room, which was set up as a kid’s paradise!   Swissôtel do a fantastic job with the kids’ room. Bright blue doona covers and adorable brightly coloured toys in the bedroom, to the bright coloured bath mats, ... Read more

50c Keoghs Road Kangaroo Valley Karralika Springs has glorious views over Kangaroo Valley and a lovely welcoming feel. We were greeted by the hosts and made to feel at home straight away.   Overall rating? Great, with outstanding cleanliness   What makes Karralika Springs B&B different? Wherever you are – inside or out, the stunning views are a feature of this lovely property. We had a wonderful panorama of the mountains, which we could enjoy while lying in bed!   Accommodation overview There are three rooms, which can be booked separately or together. One room has a queen-size bed and can be booked with access to a large bathroom with twin showers and basins, spa, and separate toilet. The Queen Room can also be booked along with the Double Room, with sh... Read more

Durras Lake Road South Durras NSW   Lakesea Park is in a wonderful location, as the name implies, between the pristine beach and Lake Durras.   Overall rating?       Outstanding   What makes Lakesea Park different? The wonderful bush surroundings and the benefit of both lake and sea frontage are the standout features of this holiday park. Lakesea Park is serene and the plentiful wildlife is a bonus.   Accommodation overview Our Seaside Cabin had ramped access, although the entrance and interior is not really made for disabled access. While the cabin is roomy, there are no grab rails or wheelchair facilities.   The cabin was clean, modern and well appointed, with three bedrooms. Two bedrooms have queen-size beds and an ensuite each a... Read more

33 Eureka Avenue Kiama Downs NSW   This is a suburban house, but with huge living areas and wonderful views. Watch whales go past in the season and just chill out on the enormous front deck and let the peace and quiet wash over you.   Overall rating? Excellent   What makes Kiama Eureka Beach House different? While the house is actually in the suburbs, the amazing view from the front deck, the proximity to the greenery and walking trails of the headland and the myriad things to see and do make this a perfect spot for a break with friends.   Accommodation overview There are three bedrooms upstairs, two with queen-size beds and one with two singles. There is another huge bedroom downstairs, with a queen-size bed. This room is so large, it is more like a parent&r... Read more

4/40 Oceanside Drive Caves Beach NSW   This is a beautifully presented apartment with wonderful ocean views and quality finishes and appliances. There is a lock-up garage and security entry as well.   Overall rating? Outstanding   What makes Beachside Beauty different? The apartment is in a small block and you don’t really notice that there are other units in the complex, giving you a feeling of privacy.  You are only a 100 metre walk through bush from gorgeous Hams Beach, Caves Beach is only 200 metres further south and the location is peaceful and serene.   Accommodation overview This modern and open apartment has two bedrooms, the main has a queen-size bed and the second bedroom has two singles, making the configuration perfect for our family of... Read more

Old Bara Road via Mudgee New South Wales You feel as though you are the only people around - there is no sign of other houses, just paddocks and grazing cattle, which gives an amazing sense of peace and quiet. There are wonderful views of the Mudgee hills and the property. Overall rating?    Excellent, with outstanding ambience and cleanliness    What makes Old Bara different? The sense of peace and seclusion makes this a very relaxing place. It feels as though you are living on your own farm and the feeling of privacy is very relaxing. The house is set in 1300 acres and there is plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats and hares. Accommodation overview Old Bara has four bedrooms, two have queen-size beds, one has a double bed and t... Read more

91 Punch Street Gundagai, Murray-Riverina Region New South Wales This wonderful property has all the serenity of its past life as a church, including the original front door. It is beautifully decorated and has wonderful outdoor surrounds to complement the attractive interior. Overall rating?    Outstanding What makes Church House B&B different? Well, the name gives it away – its previous life as a 1930s Methodist church lends an aura of peace and tranquillity – just what you are looking for on a relaxing holiday. The property is immaculately clean and has everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay. We arrived at night and the property was well-lit and warm and welcoming. Accommodation overview The three bedrooms all have que... Read more

2/16 Bath Street Thirroul, Illawarra Region NSW This is a modern, clean and fresh two-bedroom apartment, perfectly located between the beach and the town. Overall rating?    Excellent, with outstanding cleanliness What makes Seabreeze different? This clean and bright apartment has everything you need for a seaside holiday and being self-contained, it means that you can choose to browse the local shops and self-cater, or sample the delights of the eateries in the town. Accommodation overview There are two bedrooms, one has a queen-size bed and the other has a double bed. There is room for extra guests, with the sofa sleeping one and there is also a single folding bed that can be used, if necessary. The bedrooms have plenty of wardrobe space and lovely li... Read more

The hinterland around Byron Bay is truly God’s own country, with the lush pockets of rainforest, emerald green rolling countryside, fabulous beaches and access to the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay itself or quaint and historic villages like Bangalow. There are wonderful shops, cafes and restaurants, galleries and any number of artisan shops, with everything from saddles to crystals. So, why not stay somewhere that reflects the wonders around you? The Old Church at Newrybar, just near Bangalow, is a beautiful and historic church, built in 1911, that now pays homage to the wonders of this beautiful region, without losing the sense of serenity from its former life. The property has been lovingly restored over the last eight years and features polished floorboards throughout much ... Read more

1 Canobla Avenue Glen Davis NSW This grand and historic hotel is set in Australia’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon – a region of amazing escarpments and natural wonders. Overall rating?    Outstanding    What makes Glen Davis Boutique Hotel different? The setting is amazing – deep in the Capertee Valley and close to the Wollemi National Park, and yet only a few hours drive from Sydney.  The Hotel originally serviced the bustling town’s shale oil mine and various visiting dignitaries and was considered to be the finest hotel west of the Blue Mountains. Accommodation overview There are a variety of rooms from family suites to queen and single rooms.  Some have ensuite facilities, while some have shared facilities... Read more