What to Do in NSW – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers
Fine dining at a Wildlife Retreat. Catching the solar train in Byron Bay. Touring a vineyard in Orange. Qantas travellers share highlights from their recent trips to New South Wales.
“The Taronga Zoo Wildlife Retreat exceeded our expectations. We saw lions and tigers, and had an exceptional meal at the restaurant.” - Belinda Coniglio, Bronze Frequent Flyer
“It was a last-minute decision to use our Qantas Points towards Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat (pictured) to celebrate my daughter’s first birthday and the overnight stay exceeded our expectations. Our little one had just learned how to ‘roar’ so it was a thrill to show her the lions and tigers as part of the complimentary zoo access included in the package.
“The restaurant within the Wildlife Retreat, Me-Gal, was exceptional; we enjoyed the food and the fabulous wine list. Taking in the spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from our room was a bonus.
“Another highlight was having drinks with friends at the heritage-listed waterside venue, Manly Pavilion, a 20-minute drive from Taronga – and we loved taking the ferry from Manly into Circular Quay afterwards.
“I have been a loyal Qantas customer for 25 years, travelling back and forth from Perth to Sydney for work. Now flying with a child, I’ve been really pleased with the support I get from Qantas at check-in right through to disembarking.”
Belinda Coniglio flew Qantas from Perth to Sydney.
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“Visiting the Printhie winery in Orange was absolutely magical. The food and wine were scrumptious.” - Emma Boddington-Stubbs, Bronze Frequent Flyer
“I travelled to Orange for The Huddle (pictured), a weekend event of inspiration and learning for female business owners. When I fly with Qantas, I usually check in my luggage. This time, however, I decided to bring carry-on, which made for a super-quick airport experience. I really felt at home among all the sequins, colour, and boundless energy of the women at The Huddle. It took me a week to come down from the high.
“Staying at the Quest Orange Apartments was incredibly convenient; it’s within walking distance of the CBD and close to the dining precinct. For dinner, I ordered the lamb cutlets with vegetables from the restaurant adjoining my hotel, Ocean Project Café. It was so yummy, I had the same meal two nights in a row.
“Visiting the Printhie winery was absolutely magical. The food and wine were scrumptious – the winery is best known for its red varieties of pinot noir, merlot, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinot gris. As we walked through the vineyard down to the tin shed decorated with fairy lights, the fog rolling over the hills and the sun’s rays peeking through the clouds made it all the more exquisite. I can’t wait to go back.”
Emma Boddington-Stubbs flew Qantas from Brisbane to Orange (via Sydney).
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“Swimming at Clarkes Beach and riding the Solar Train along the coastal track in Byron was epic - the kids loved it.” - Constantina Demos, Silver Frequent Flyer
“I love how family-friendly Byron Bay is. My husband and I travelled there with our three-year-old daughter and our cousins. Flying with Qantas meant we were able to bring our hefty car seat, pram and a whole suitcase for our little one, all included in the ticket price.
“We stayed at the five-star Hotel Marvell in the centre of town, keeping us close to all the action. The kids ran wild on the long stretches of sand at Main Beach and splashed around in the shallow waters at Clarkes Beach (pictured), located south-west of Cape Byron Lighthouse, without us having to worry about big waves.
“Foodwise, we couldn’t go past Light Years in the Jonson Lane precinct for quality Asian-inspired dishes, like mee goreng spiced fried chicken. For a sausage roll and meat pie, our pick was Sunday Sustainable Bakery on Jonson St.
“But the highlight was the Solar Train, a restored 1949-era heritage train that travels along a three-kilometre coastal track from the town centre to North Byron. The kids were even invited to the driver’s cabin at the end of the ride to take a peek. It was epic.”
Constantina Demos flew Qantas from Sydney to Byron Bay.
