- The Russell (The Rocks, Sydney; tel. 02/9241 3543): This B&B, wonderfully positioned in the city's old quarter, is the coziest place to stay in Sydney. It has creaky floorboards, a ramshackle feel, brightly painted corridors, and rooms with immense character.
- Echoes Hotel & Restaurant, Blue Mountains (Katoomba, NSW; tel. 02/4782 1966): Echoes is right on the edge of a dramatic drop into the Jamison Valley. The views from the balconies are breathtaking.
- Barrington Guest House (Barrington Tops National Park, The Hunter, NSW; tel. 02/4995 3212): Nestled in a valley just outside the Barrington Tops National Park, this charming guesthouse and luxury cabin property offers magnificent rainforest walks, plenty of native animals, and excellent activities, such as horseback riding through the bush.
- Ulladulla Guest House (Ulladulla, NSW; tel. 02/4455 1796): Works of art on the walls, fabulous food, and a lagoonlike pool among the palm trees -- all this and lovely rooms, with hosts who can't do enough for you.
- Cotterville (Melbourne, VIC; tel. 1300/301 630 in Australia, or 03/9826 9105): A beautifully and lovingly restored terrace house with elegant courtyard gardens, where you will be surrounded with art and music, and entertained by gregarious hosts and their friendly dogs. A home away from home in every sense.
- Lilybank Bed & Breakfast (Cairns, QLD; tel. 07/4055 1123): This rambling 1890s homestead used to be the Cairns mayor's residence. Today, owners Pat and Mike Woolford welcome guests to its comfy rooms, wide verandas, and blooming gardens. You can also stay in the renovated gardener's cottage.
- Marae (near Port Douglas, QLD; tel. 07/4098 4900): Lush bushland full of butterflies and birds is the setting for this gorgeous contemporary Queenslander house with hip rooms and an outdoor plunge pool. Owners John and Pam Burden promise a warm welcome and a wonderful breakfast.
- Hansons Swan Valley (near Perth, WA; tel. 08/9296 3366): Goodbye faded lace, hello Art Deco -- here is a B&B with cutting-edge style for young sophisticates. Jon and Selina Hanson have created a stylish retreat nestled among the Swan Valley vineyards, an easy drive from Perth.
- Heritage Trail Lodge (Margaret River, WA; tel. 08/9757 9595): How many B&Bs do you know that provide a double Jacuzzi in every room? These salmon-pink cabins abut tall karri forest where parrots flit. 'Roos hop into the parking lot on occasion, and the fabulous Margaret River wineries surround you.
- Collingrove Homestead (Angaston, the Barossa Valley, SA; tel. 08/8564 2061): This country house, built in 1856, has an air of colonial manor farm living, with hunting trophies, rifles, and oil paintings festooning the walls, and plenty of oak paneling and antiques scattered about.
Australia Travel Experiences
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Australia - Sydney
We arrived in Australia with mixed feelings. Gutted that we were leaving Africa but excited about catching up with friends and having hom... Continue reading »
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Australia
The first true leg of our RTW trip began in Australia, as we landed in Darwin on 2 July.The first ten or so days we rented a 4x4 and drov... Continue reading »
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Australia Top Moments
Well, I figured since we had spent so much time in Oz.. I would compile a list of the best moments. Now.. if I missed a great one..... Continue reading »
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Playing on the East Coast
Back to the land of English speakers, dairy, and diet books. Upon reaching Australia, we were surprised to be hit with a dose... Continue reading »
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Life in Oz
Monday - PerthArrived early in the morning after a good flight where I had nobody next to me so I was able to grab about 4 hours sleep.&n... Continue reading »
