Gorgeous Traveller

Last week I got an email from Priority Club Rewards about their Special Rate offer to stay at different properties around the world. I grabbed the opportunity to get away from my flat, and just indulge away! I booked the Old Sydney Holiday Inn for this month, and the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach for next month!

I am quite excited to just be able to spend a bit of time with husband outside our house, without having to worry about meals, cleaning, chores, etc. It is a bit of an icing on the cake that we will be having views! Both of the harbour bridge and the opera house from the Old Sydney Holiday Inn’s rooftop! Amazing view! I could imagine spending sunset here. Cool.

This hotel, with a four star rating, is located at Sydney’s old part of the town, The Rocks. Restaurants, shops, waters edge, are all just within a few minutes walk from this sweet place. I have gone past this hotel a number of times when having dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks, or Philip’s Foote, etc. And it would be interesting to finally glimpse it from another perspective: as a hotel guest.

Old Sydney Holiday Inn, with its historical charm is known for it’s Lobby Atrium. High ceiling, perfect ambiance for pre-dinner drinks is really something to experience, and I am sure the staff would be delivering that consistent Holiday Inn hospitality, which never fails to make me feel comfortable.

The hotel which has been renovated in 2002, is not all that big, they are equipped with only 175 guest rooms, a gorgeous pool roof top, lobby lounge, parking available, valet service. Truly a charming gem in the beautiful Sydney.  I can’t wait!

I’ve spent a few nights at Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, in Port Stephens, NSW. And, it was the best! Imagine having to wake up with the view of the sparkling blue sea, warm sunshine all within the privacy of your balcony! Our balcony was located just next door to the Catch Restaurant. The Catch Restaurant offered the best of the best restos in Shoal Bay. They specialise in . . their catches! Fresh from the sea. Abundant catch such as Salmon, Oysters, Lobsters. Wow! Seafood delight! But for those who prefer something else, they do have Steak, Veal, Duck as well. Whatever you choose to try I am sure you won’t regret! I didn’t. They have great seafood buffet dinner at reasonable and great value for money deals.

Don’t forget to Catch a view of the Bay across the road! Splendid indeed!

Find yourself at Darling Harbour and craving Seafood? Well, Next to the Sydney fish market, I love Jordon’s restaurant which is right in the middle of this romantic tourist spot. This great place overlooks the water, Darling Harbour and the city buildings. The food they serve is nothing but fresh and yummy seafood. During winter one may opt to stay indoors, but in the summer al fresco dining is quite pleasant. Set over two levels, the restaurant offers a great selection of wine appropriate for one’s meal. The seafood plates are reasonably priced and is considered great value. I’ve attended a few functions at this restaurant, including my previous employer’s end of the year party. Great venue for hire for different events, as the service is impeccable and so consistent, just like their food.

Being so close to my office headquarters at King Street Wharf, Jordon’s is just a real quick place to visit after work should I be craving for a nice seafood dinner.

Jordon’s is located just next door to Harbourside Shopping Centre, and the Sydney Exhibition Centre. The fact that they are open 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner is even better.

          The third largest sand island in the world is Moreton Island in Queensland, just a ferry across from Brisbane on the MICat (about an hour or so ride). The island is as rough as Fraser Island, if not rougher in terms of amenities and terrain. There are a few accommodation options available on this island, such as Tangalooma Resort, beach cabins, beach houses or one may even go camping if looking for a bit of island adventure.

         At the island’s widest, it is about 10 kilometres and about 38 kilometres long. About 95 percent of the island is a preserved National Park. Really, this means that it is considered to be one special place on earth. A few attractions that make this worth visiting are: the famous Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Tangalooma Wrecks, highest dune Mount Tempest, Blue Lagoon freshwater lake, and really just the magnificent view from the island looking out to the sea is a view to behold and remember.

         Sand boarding is quite a popular activity, naturally, on this sand island. Dolphin and Whale watching is something to look forward to especially when one visits at the right time. Four wheel drive tours can spice up one’s experience, especially when done together with a fishing crew of campers.

         One is left in awe with the beauty of this unspoilt haven, regardless of whether one has been to her sister sand islands. A visit to Moreton Island leaves nothing but sweet memories.