ATE 2013 PRE Famil Program Hunter Valley Highlights 23 26 April 2013 Eastern Hemisphere *Please note itineraries are subject to change* *All accommodation and activities will be confirmed prior to your departure* The Hunter Valley is Australia s oldest wine region, but it is no museum piece. It is a sophisticated and dynamic place with real people characterised by a special passion and wisdom that comes from a rich history. The Hunter Valley consistently produces an impressive, award-winning array of varieties and styles, such as its unique Semillon. The diversity and sophistication of wines and complementary activities ensures that people of all tastes can discover their own hidden gem within the Hunter Valley. There really is something for everyone to experience in New South Wales. Your Hunter Valley contact is: Danny Eather, Travel Trade & Weddings Marketing Coordinator Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism, 455 Wine Country Drive, POKOLBIN NSW 2320 Tel: +61 2 4990 0930 Mob: +61 439 072 077 Fax: +61 2 4990 0901 Email: danny@winecountry.com.au Web: www.winecountry.com.au
IMPORTANT INFORMATION We recommend you pack: A rain jacket A warm sweater/jacket for nights Water bottle Comfortable walking shoes Camera Sunglasses & Hat Sunscreen Umbrella Spending money Australian Smoking Laws: Federal law bans smoking in all Australian Commonwealth government buildings, public transport, airports and international and domestic flights. Further bans are in place but are governed by individual states. Most Australian states and territories have banned smoking in enclosed public places, particularly workplaces and restaurants. Australian Voltage: Australia uses 220-240 voltage with a three flat pin. Battery chargers for digital cameras, laptops and other electrical equipment will display the input range and as long as this is within the 220-240v range it will work with just a socket converter. If not, it is possible to purchase a transformer that will increase or decrease the Australian voltage as necessary. Dress Code The dress code for the famil is casual during the day and smart casual for evening activities. We recommend bringing a warm jacket for evenings. Currency Although credit cards and ATMs are readily available, it is a good idea to exchange some money for smaller purchases. Climate The warmest months are December to February, with an average maximum temperature of 25ºC. The average minimum temperature from June to August is 9ºC. Warmer clothing and enclosed walking shoes/boots are recommended for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Warm jacket suggested for evenings. This itinerary includes: accommodation, tours, transfers and meals as specified. All other items and expenses of a personal nature, or noted own arrangements or own expense are to be met by the participant. Please note your itinerary arrangements do not include: Items of a personal nature (e.g. Mini bar, videos, beauty salon) Laundry service Telephone, internet access or other communication costs Travel Insurance or Visas Tipping Drinks and alcohol - unless specified otherwise Meals - unless specified as hosted Thursday, 25 April 2013 NB: ANZAC DAY Public Holiday. ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. ANZAC Day is celebrated Australia-wide with holiday arrangements varying in states and territories. In New South Wales, many workers and students have the day off to participate in remembrance ceremonies. Please be aware, in many areas, large retail outlets, department stores and shops have restricted trading hours and many public transport systems may operate a reduced timetable. There may be some disruption to traffic, particularly around parades and ceremonies. Page 2
DAY 1 Tuesday, 23 April 2013 B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner (L,D) 0930 Depart Sydney for your 3 day itinerary of the Hunter Valley. Transfers to the Hunter Valley are provided by Destination NSW. 1200 Arrive in the Hunter Valley Lunch at Grand Mercure Apartments Cypress Lakes Resort followed by a site inspection. Grand Mercure Apartments Cypress Lakes Resort Thompson Road, Pokolbin, 2320 Contact: Chantelle Bennett T: +61 2 4993 1471 E: chantelle.bennett@cypressresort.com.au W: www.cypresslakes.com.au Nestled amongst the vineyards, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Cypress Lakes Resort is a scenic two hour drive from Sydney. The Resort is surrounded by the beauty of native Australian bushland and mature gardens and has everything you need from gourmet dining to one of Australia s famous championship golf courses and total pampering at The Golden Door Spa. 1400 Site inspection of Chateau Elan at The Vintage followed by a golfing experience on the Greg Norman designed golf course. Chateau Elan at The Vintage Vintage Drive, Rothbury, 2320 Contact: Jeannie Armstrong T: +61 2 8819 6389 E: jarmstrong@chateauelan.com.au W: www.chateauelan.com.au Australia s premier Destination Spa features 18 state-of-the-art treatment rooms and Terráke spa rituals from Paris. Twenty luxurious accommodation Spa Suites access the spa via a private air-bridge offering absolute privacy and discretion. A separate complex of 80 self-contained one and twobedroom Spa Villas: architecturally breathtaking with kitchen, fireplace, spa and golf course views bringing the inventory to one hundred individual guest rooms. 1600 Private wine tasting at Scarborough Wine Co. Scarborough Wine Co. 179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin, 2320 Contact: Sally Scarborough T: +61 2 4998 7563 E: sally@scarboroughwine.com.au W: www.scarboroughwine.com.au Situated on our hillside property in Gillards Road Pokolbin, visitors can relax in comfortable surroundings and enjoy the panoramic views of the Hunter Valley. Ian, Merralea, Jerome and Sally Scarborough, and experienced staff will welcome you with their intimate knowledge of the region and guide you through a structured tasting of our wines. The Cellar Door s stunning location and unique tutorial style tastings confirms this is one experience not to be missed Page 3
1700 Check in to overnight accommodation at Peppers Guest House. Please note you may be asked to provide a credit card imprint to guarantee your incidental charges upon check in. Peppers Guest House Ekerts Road, Pokolbin, 2320 Contact: Sarah Hallmark T: +61 432 753 015 E: Sarah.Hallmark@peppers.com.au W: www.peppers.com.au/guest-house Nestled in the heart of New South Wales Hunter Valley wine country, Peppers Guest House embodies the spirit of the Hunter and is one of the region s best loved retreats perfect for a weekend getaway or short break. Peppers Guest House first opened its doors in 1984 as the very first Peppers Retreat. The concept of a contemporary style guesthouse offering relaxation in luxury surrounds with fine wine and gourmet dining was an instant success and remain the defining elements at the core of our Peppers Retreats today. 1830 Hosted dinner in Restaurant Sanctuary at Pepper Guest House Overnight: Peppers Guest House DAY 2 Wednesday, 24 April 2013 (B,L,D) 0815 Check out of Peppers Guest House. Guest to pay for any incidentals. 0830 Breakfast at Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens. Following breakfast a site inspection of the property will be conducted. Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW, 2320 Contact: Jess Graham T: 02 4998 2000 E: jessg@mecruehuntervalley.com.au W: www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au Comprising of 72 guestrooms, the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens offers a selection of 4.5 star accommodation designed to allow guests to enjoy the ambience of relaxed luxury located in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country. 0930 Time at leisure to explore the Hunter Valley Gardens - Boutique Village. 10.30 Guided tour of Australia s largest display gardens Hunter Valley Gardens Hunter Valley Gardens 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 Contact: Katherine Danvers T: +61 2 4998 4029 E: katherined@hvg.com.au W: www.hvg.com.au Hunter Valley Gardens features 10 stunning gardens in the heart of Hunter Valley vineyards. Be amazed by the sensational sights, colours and fragrances. Along the 8 kilometres of walking paths are more than 6000 trees, one million ground covers & six hundred thousand shrubs. A floral display featuring a variety of plants and statuary, all of a standard that you won't see elsewhere in Australia. The Hunter Valley Gardens Village is the home to a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes for you to explore. Page 4
1145 Lunch and a site inspection of Harrigans Irish Pub & Accommodation. Harrigan s Irish Pub & Accommodation Contact: Jacqui Goeldner Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320 T: +61 2 4998 4300 E: functions@harrigans.com.au W: www.harriagansirishpub.com.au Escape to Harrigan's where you will be immersed in the authentic Irish décor and be surrounded by beautiful gardens, vineyards and mountains. Harrigan's tranquil and stress-free atmosphere will leave you relaxed and ready to share a traditional Beef and Guinness pie have a pint of Kilkenny in the Beer Garden or even "try the luck of the Irish" in the Sports bar. 1330 A Cheese Tasting and Educational talk with the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Hunter Valley Cheese Factory Contact: Rose Lambert McGuigan Wines, McDonalds Road, Pokolbin 2320 T: +61 2 4998 7744 E: huntervalleycheese@westnet.com.au W: www.huntervalleycheese.com.au Hunter Valley Cheese Factory houses award winning cheeses, delicatessen products and the opportunity to view their Cheese maker in action. You will be given a talk about the cheese making process and be given an insightful tour of factory. 1415 Private Wine Tasting at McGuigan Wines McGuigan Wines Contact: Manda Duffy McDonalds Road, Pokolbin 2320 T: +61 2 4998 7402 E: hunter@mcguiganwines.com.au W: www.mcguiganwines.com.au A warm welcome awaits you at the McGuigan Cellar Door, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Our knowledgeable and friendly cellar door staff will guide you through a tasting of McGuigan wines from the always popular Black Label to exclusive labels such as Cellar Select and our very special Personal Reserve. 1515 Time to let your hair down and enjoy a ride on board a Harley Davison Chopper 4 with Wild Ride Australia. Wildride to provide your transfers for the afternoon. Wildride Australia Po Box 308, St Clair NSW 2759 Contact: Sylvio Mizzi T: +61 2 9623 8338 E: info@wildride.com.au W: www.wilride.com.au Wild Ride is the first motorcycle touring company to bring you Hunter Valley vineyard tours we have been doing this for over 4 years. Wild Ride was voted in the top 5 things to do in the Hunter Valley by David Naylor in the NRMA Open Roads Magazine. Our Chopper 4's will pick you up from your accommodation in the Hunter & take you on the best vineyard tour you can experience, our tours start from a minimum 1 hour pick up from the Hunter Valley longer if requested or you can do the 8 hour tour from Sydney to the Hunter Valley & back. Page 5
1615 Visit the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company for a chocolate tasting. Hunter Valley Chocolate Company - Boutique Factory & Store Contact: Jo Clarke 820 Lovedale Road, Lovedale T: +61 2 4930 7388 E: admin@hvchocolate.com.au W: www.hvchocolate.com.au Established in the Valley more than ten years ago the ORIGINAL Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory has become one of the premier attractions in the area. You will get to sample the goods whilst watching the chocolatier in action. 1645 Check-in to overnight accommodation at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, 2320 Contact: Rebecca Wheeler T: +61 2 9380 0228 E: Rebecca.wheeler@ihg.com W: www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, golf course greens and framed by the rugged Brokenback Ranges. The hotel is ideally located on Wine Country Drive making it the perfect place for a carefree break or stimulating meeting. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley epitomises the best of hospitality and deluxe accommodation. 1800 Hosted Dinner in Redsalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley DAY 3 Thursday, 25 April 2013 ANZAC DAY Public Holiday (B,L,D) 0815 Check out of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Guest to pay for any incidentals at check out. 0830 Breakfast at The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley. Following Breakfast a short sight inspection of the property will be conducted. The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley 336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2325 Contact: Steven Cook T: +61 2 4998 7680 E: steven_cook@accorpacific.net W: www.sebelhuntervalley.com.au This stylish hotel combines the elegance of a bygone era with all the comforts and luxuries of a contemporary lifestyle. Set within 40 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and gently rolling hills. 0945 Site Inspection of Tower Lodge. Tower Lodge Halls Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 Page 6
Contact: Skye Johnson T: +61 2 4998 7022 E: skye@towerestate.com W: www.towerestae.com.au Tower Lodge is a unique small five-star luxury hotel in the Hunter Valley region, accommodating a maximum of 24 people at any one time. Situated right in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine district, this is a place you could settle for days, even weeks, it's up to you... Generous staff to guest ratio means no whim is left unfulfilled. 1030 Site Inspection of Hermitage Lodge. Hermitage Lodge 609 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, 2320 Contact: Jeannie Armstrong T: +61 412 142 645 E: jeanniearmstrong@mac.com W: www.hermitagelodge.com.au The award winning Hermitage Lodge is nestled on 25 acres in the heart of the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and is within walking distance of many of the areas popular wineries and tourist attractions. Hermitage Lodge has twenty studios and suites offering the discerning guest four and a half star boutique accommodation and personal, attentive service rarely found today. The rooms are large, comfortable and tastefully decorated with a great deal of attention to detail. Eleven of these rooms, a mix of studios and suites, were built in the first half of 2006. All twenty rooms offer guests beautiful decks or verandahs overlooking our own Shiraz vineyard. The salt water swimming pool is welcome relief on a hot day. 1115 Site Inspection at Tuscany Wine Estate Resort, followed by lunch at the Mill Restaurant. Tuscany Wine Estate Resort Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe, Pokolbin 2320 Contact: Kirsty Woods T: +61 2 4998 7288 E: kirsty@tuscanywineestate.com.au W: www.tuscanywineestate.com.au Set on 26 acres, Tuscany Wine Estate Resort allows you to enjoy the simple life no matter what the occasion in delightful ambience, one of the Hunter s best loved experiences. Sipping wine fireside in the restaurant, bar or guest lounge, cheese tasting, wine tasting, a hit of tennis, lounge by the outside pool, enjoy a massage in your room, daily horse & carriage winery tours, ballooning and access to the many fine vineyards of the valley. 1315 Upon arrival at Hunter Valley Resort, you will be provided a guide tour around the property. This will be followed by an afternoon of activities including participating in the Hunter Wine Theatre, Bluetongue Brewery Tastings, Big Kids Candy Making Class and a Horse & Carriage Tour Hunter Valley Resort Hermitage Road, Pokolbin 2320 Contact: Philip Hele T: +61 2 4998 7777 E: phil@hunterresort.com.au W: www.huntervalley.com.au Page 7
Family owned and operated, the Hunter s longest established resort is nestled within 40 year old vineyards it includes the Hunter Wine Theatre, Hunter Valley Wine School, Wine Tasting Cellars and Winery, Bluetongue Brewery Cafe, San Martino Restaurant and Wine Bar, horse riding and Massage centre. 1830 Hosted Dinner in San Martino Restaurant at Hunter Valley Resort. Overnight: Hunter Valley Resort, Pokolbin DAY 4 Friday, 26 April 2013 (B) 0730-0830 Breakfast 0845 Check out of Hunter Valley Resort. Guest to pay for any incidentals. 0900 Depart Hunter Valley for Sydney. Distance: 170km / Travel time: 2hrs 25min (approx.) ATE Eastern Buyer registration from 1630 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. ATE Program commences. Page 8
DESTINATION NSW FAMIL PARTICIPATION RELEASE FORM You agree to take part in the Activities set out in the itinerary (annexure A) on the following terms: 1. In this Release, "Activities" includes without limitation: all international and domestic flights; transfers, transport; accommodation; touring; attractions and any other activity which is part of the familiarisation. 2. By accepting the offer of Destination NSW to visit Sydney/New South Wales, you agree to the terms set in this Release. 3. You agree to comply with the directions of the person operating the familiarisation and any other instructions Destination NSW gives you concerning the familiarisation or the Activities. 4. Destination NSW has taken reasonable care in arranging the familiarisation. However, Destination NSW has relied on information provided by facility or services operators and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of that information. 5. Destination NSW may cancel or suspend an Activity or the familiarisation or your involvement in it for any reason at any time. 6. To the extent the law allows, Destination NSW excludes all express and implied warranties, including as to the familiarisation and the content of the Activities or their suitability for any purpose. 7. As part of your participation in this program, you agree to take out and maintain all appropriate insurance including relevant personal travel and medical insurances. 8. You participate in the familiarisation and the Activities at your sole discretion and risk. Destination NSW is not liable for any expense, loss, damage, injury, sickness, death or accident you or any other person suffers or incurs directly or indirectly as a result of the familiarisation or the Activities (including consequential or indirect loss) or otherwise arising out of your participation in the familiarisation and Activities, whether that loss or damage is due to our negligence, default, another tort or for any common law or statutory action. 9. You acknowledge that, in addition to the usual dangers and inherent risks of any activity, this familiarisation has certain additional dangers and risks, which you accept by participating, some of which may include: physical exertion for which you may not be prepared; the increased possibility of accident, injury or death due to the nature of the Activities; and remoteness from normal medical services. 10. I understand that the Activities may be organised and provided by other parties other than Destination NSW and that Destination NSW is not liable for the acts of these other parties. 11. I also understand that there may be risks involved which are not known to me or to Destination NSW and may not be foreseen or reasonably foreseeable by any of us at this time or at the time of the carrying out of the Activities. 12. I assume all of the risks associated with my participation in the Activities and I warrant that I am voluntarily assuming all responsibility for my participation in the Activities, including any loss or damage suffered by me as a result of my participation in the Activities. 13. I warrant that I am physically fit to participate in the Activities, that I do not suffer from any medical condition which participation in the Activities is or is likely to put me at higher risk of injury. If you have a medical condition which may affect participation in the Activities or is likely to put me at higher risk of injury, we recommend not participating. Please advise us of any medical conditions, special dietary requirements and/or allergies. Page 9
14. I hereby release and forever discharge and agree to save and hold harmless Destination NSW and their directors, officers, employees, agents, the lessors and lessees or licensors and licensees of any food, drink, property, facilities or equipment consumed and/or used in connection with the Activities and other participants ( the released parties ) from any and all injuries (including personal injury, disability, dismemberment and death) illness, losses, damage, claims, liabilities or expenses, of any kind or nature (whether accruing to me, my heirs or my personal representatives) that are caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the action, negligence, failure to act or condition of the food, drink, property, facilities or equipment of any released party that arise out of or in connection with my participation in the Activities and I agree that Destination NSW may plead this agreement as a complete defence to any claim brought by me, my heirs or successors in contravention of the terms of this agreement. 15. You agree to abide and comply with all relevant laws whilst in Australia. 16. As part of the Activities you may travel by a mode of transport (i.e. car) which is operated by someone else. You agree that Destination NSW is not liable for the acts of the operator. Destination NSW does not warrant that the operator has a particular skill level of operating the mode of transport and you participate in this component of the Activities at your own risk acknowledging that there may be risks involved which are not known to me or to Destination NSW and may not be foreseen or reasonably foreseeable by any of us at this time or at the time of the carrying out of this component of the Activities. 17. You will complete an image/footage release form as outlined in Annexure B. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF FAMILIARISATION The NSW visit is outlined in your itinerary. Please note your itinerary will not include the following items in which such payment remains the liability of you: 1. Items of personal nature (such as room service, mini bar, movie channels, laundry service, beauty treatments, etc.); 2. Telephone, internet, wifi, fax or other communication costs unless specified in the itinerary; 3. Insurance; 4. Meals, drinks and alcohol unless specified in the itinerary. You will receive a final confirmed itinerary within two weeks prior to travel. Your itinerary will be designed with the aim to increase your knowledge of Sydney and/or regional New South Wales. It is compulsory to attend itinerary inclusions. Please contact Destination NSW prior to departing for Australia if you have any concerns regarding the itinerary. You must have a valid passport and necessary visa documentation for entry into Australia. You are not allowed to change the itinerary. Destination NSW reserves the right to change the itinerary at any time. An evaluation and feedback from must be completed within the time-frame requested. This will be provided by Destination NSW after the conclusion of your visit. It is mandatory for you to conduct yourself in a responsible and professional manner throughout your visit. Any medical conditions/allergies/special dietary requirements must be advised. Page 10