Friday, April 26, 2013

Wolgan Valley, NSW, Australia: Accommodation

March 2013

One of the attractions of the Wolgan Valley Resort is its rooms. There's three types, 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms in basic terms, but there's nothing basic about them. Each one has it's own private plunge pool, a delightful king size bed, a bath with a view and an amazing walk in cupboard.

P1030895
The living room, with balcony and plunge pool

P1030896
The living room fireplace

P1030897
Your private plunge pool

P1030898
The delightful king size bed

P1030902
The shower with the skylight

P1030903
The bath with the view

P1030905
The gigantic walk in cupboard

P1030915
Some of the inclusive minibar

P1030917
The rooms nestled into the scenery

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Travel by Island

We've been to a number of Islands in our travels. They also seem to be high on my wish list. And while we live on one big Island (Australia), I'm looking at places that you would typically think of when I say Island.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands



Aitutaki, Cook Islands



Mauke, Cook Islands



Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia



Hawaii, USA



Lord Howe Island, Australia



Rapa Nui/Easter Island



Papeete, Tahiti



Moorea, Tahiti


Sombrero Chino, Galapagos, Ecuador


White Island, New Zealand





Some of those high on my wish list?

Kangaroo Island, Australia

The Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Palau




Friday, April 19, 2013

Wolgan Valley, NSW, Australia: Overview

March 2013

P1030918

I'm usually a very organised traveler  I have our trips planed out usually a year in advance, I have anticipated trips thought through and semi-research many more months than that in advance, but I was busy with a new job, Waikiki and well just life, so by time we got around to booking airfares were outrageous and we decided maybe a location within driving distances might be an okay compromise and we could spend the flight money on better food and a better bed.

P1040127

And that's the story of how we ended up staying at The Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, in the Blue Mountains region. I've created this post as an overview, and then I'll break down the below three components as separate posts, so if you want more details just hang on a bit longer!

Stay
At The Emerites Wolgan Valley Resort in one of there Heritage Suites.

P1030895

Eat
All meals are inclusive and fabulous

P1040060

Do
Two activities are included in the daily prices, including mountain biking, horse riding, nature walks, history tours and wildlife spotting.

P1040027

Friday, April 12, 2013

Nagisa Japanese, Newcastle, Australia

March 2013

We love good Japanese, and in the area we live it's unfortunately hard to come by. Fortunately in Newcastle it's not. Nagisa is located in the Honeysuckle Wharf district.

We didn't order any mains we just ordered a variety of sushi, sashimi and starters.



P1030868
Gyoza $12

And because I love blue cheese....

P1030869
Zucchini Wrap $18




P1030864
Salmon Sashimi $34
w/ Edamame $5


P1030866
Salmon and Avocado Rolls $18


P1030867
Tempura Prawn Roll $19.50

Friday, April 5, 2013

Surfhouse Mereweather

We have always liked Mereweather and decided to book the new(ish) Surfhouse for our anniversary lunch. While the meal was fantastic, the weather (and therefore the view) did not play nice.

P1030854


P1030845



P1030850
Baked flat bread - garlic, rosemary & mozzarella $9.50

P1030849
Port Stephens oysters w/ Calvados & apple vinegar $3.5 ea




P1030851
Surfhouse ‘surf and turf’ $39.50
(slow cooked glazed beef short rib & grilled half lobster tail
with crushed potatoes, spinach and a horseradish dressing)


P1030852
Pasture fed New York sirloin  $34.50

We'll have to come back when the weathers better, the view below wasn't bad on a stormy day, but its fantastic on a clear day.

P1030856