Queensland & Canterbury need tourists

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Briar's Travel Beat

In a recent online story Angela Saurine reports Australians are cancelling holidays in the wake of natural disasters, particularly to Queensland, but I suspect to areas surrounding Christchurch too.

The damage caused by floods and Cyclone Yasi in Queensland is perceived to be more widespread than it actually is. While there is significant damage to Mission Beach, and Bedarra, Dunk and Hayman Islands are closed temporarily, most of the rest of Queensland is open for business, and desperate for visitors.

A Hidden Valley cabin

We can show our support for Queenslanders by taking a holiday in the Whitsundays, Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast.  Or go bush on a Dreamtime Journey with Kookaburra Tours in Far North Queensland where you can also stay in Australia’s first carbon neutral bush retreat, Hidden Valley Cabins which only sustained some vegetation damage in the cyclone.

The Charlotte Jane Hotel

The Charlotte Jane Hotel

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism is also urging visitors to return to the region. The beautiful 5 star Charlotte Jane Hotel opened its doors again this week and is eager to welcome visitors back to the hotel and restaurant.

Akaroa Harbour

Head inland from Christchurch to the thermal pools and spa at Hamner Springs or travel seaward to the picturesque harbour-side village of Akaroa, where it is business as usual. A local tells me you might feel a few mild aftershocks, but that would make a memorable holiday anecdote.

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Pick me! Bite me! (Hawkesbury Farm Gate Trail)

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Briar's Travel Beat

Apples are ready to pick at Shields’ Orchard

‘Bite Me!’ screams the shiny red gala as I pluck it from the tree. I oblige, crunching into the crisp white flesh, juice dribbling down my chin. The flavour is far sweater and fresher than any store-bought apple I’ve tasted recently, and I start filling my basket as I walk among the apple trees at Shields’ Orchard, Bilpin.

Sydneysiders are blessed, as the ‘food bowl’ of the Hawkesbury region is within easy reach of the city, although with development encroaching on the area, I wonder for how much longer – something being explored  by the Contested Landscapes of Western Sydney field study.

Shields’ Orchard, Bilpin

Gala apples are ripe for picking at Shields’ Orchard now, so check their website for picking details. You don’t have to pick your own, though it makes a fun family outing, as you can purchase picked fruit from their shed, along with delicious homemade jams. (I love the peach and mango.)

Local produce available at Enniskillen Orchard

For berries, stone fruit and more apples, head to Enniskillen Orchard in Grose Vale, where you can can have a coffee while checking out their extensive range of local produce, including nuts, jams, sauces and olives.

Both Shields’ and Enniskillen Orchards are founding members of Hawkesbury Harvest and are part of the original Hawkesbury Farm Gate Trail, which now extends to include the Sydney Hills to Brooklyn, Penrith Valley, and Wollondilly Harvest Experiences.

Check out the seasonal guide on the Hawkesbury Harvest site to see what fruit and vegetables are currently in season and plan your day, or just take a leisurely drive and stop at whatever roadside stalls take your fancy. It sure beats supermarket shopping and your tastebuds will love you for it.

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Sleeping with pioneers

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Briar's Travel Beat

I love it when people are passionate about what they do, and there are plenty of passionate people in the tourism industry. But there are some people whose personal commitment outshines others and Joyce Stepto is one of them.

Joyce greets guests in period costume

For a start, she makes the effort to dress up in period costume to welcome guests to Price Morris Cottage, her historic B&B in St Albans, 20km from Wisemas Ferry, a two-hour drive from Sydney. Brandishing a tray with warm fruit pudding and tinkling glasses of apple juice, she greets guests on the front veranda, just as she did as a child.

Price Morris Cottage dates back to 1837.

It seems a bit eccentric to be greeted by someone in a long skirt and lace bonnet these days (other than at a pioneer village) but she literally sets the scene for a stay in this 1837 slab, wattle and daub homestead, which has been lovingly restored. 

With a limited budget and having been diagnosed with cancer, Joyce, a sixth-generation Morris, put her heart and soul into the painstaking restoration of the heritage-listed home, built by emancipated farmer Price Morris. She not only ensured the finished cottage accurately reflects its heritage, right down to the lace doilies, but also created a historical record of colonial construction techniques for future generations.

History window in cottage

History ‘windows’ and semi exposed ceilings showcase original materials and building methods, to the delight of history buffs and architecture students, and for those with a little time to spare, Joyce will give a personal tour of the homestead, weaving local history and family anecdotes into restoration details.

Joyce says being diagnosed with cancer added a degree of urgency to the restoration, but throwing herself into the project helped her deal with her diagnosis and assisted in her recovery, not only in the short-term, but in the years since, in remission.  She hopes this confession will inspire others in similar circumstances. 

It’s because of passionate people like Joyce that we have the opportunity to stay in unique heritage accommodation like Price Morris Cottage, so thank you Joyce!

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Welcome to Briar’s Travel Beat

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Briar's Travel Beat

Hi and welcome to my travel blog. Here I’ll be sharing travel tips, reviews, recommendations, insights and experiences, plus other titbits that don’t make it into my mainstream articles.

Destinations will include Australia and overseas, but there will be a strong focus on the Hawkesbury region in NSW, from the river to the highlands.

I hope you enjoy Briar’s Travel Beat.

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