Even during difficult economic times, people still think about family holidays. It is still possible to take a break that creates happy memories, and Catriona Rowntree headed north of Sydney to a most special and beautiful area and found Bombah Point Eco Cottages.
The 40-hectare property neighbours Myall Lakes National Park and is a certified member of Ecotourism Australia. It is managed to strictly adhere to the standards.
Many establishments bill themselves as eco-friendly, but Bombah Point is the real deal. They have their own water on-site, sewerage treatment plants, solar panels and produce 60 percent of their own power. They even have friendly chooks that not only lay eggs, but get rid of around 40 percent of the property's waste. A worm farm takes care of much of the rest and its contribution makes for very healthy gardens.
And "eco" doesn't mean style has to suffer. The six Bombah Point two-storey cottages are architect designed and nestled amongst the trees. They are self-contained and sleep up to six people. Glass doors wrap around a verandah with bush and valley views and guests can laze in hammocks listening to the birds or preparing for an evening barbecue.
The main living area has a gourmet kitchen, log fire, lounge and dining area with lots of glass allowing you to wallow in the beauty of the Australian bush.
A huge spa bath washes away city stress and the luxurious master bedroom lets you watch the dawn break then maybe taking a dip in the pool, enjoying a bush walk or a game of billiards.
There is a supermarket a 10-minute drive away and all cottages have tools and supplies to prepare delicious meals. Breakfast baskets, picnic hampers, barbecue dinner pack and gourmet dinner packs can be arranged, and if you fancy eating out, there are some good places in Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Bulahdelah all not far away.
Take time out to explore the national park and Myall, Wallis and Smiths Lakes. The lake system was created by the last ice age less than 6000 years ago when sea levels rose and flooded much of the low-lying coastal land. The lakes are tea-coloured because of the area's many melaleuca trees, commonly known as tea trees.
Wildlife of the four-legged, scaled and feathered varieties abounds and as well as the area having protected waterways and wetlands, it has 40km of spectacular unbroken beaches. It truly is a magical place — perfect for two or a group of friends just wanting to unwind and spend time with nature.
Location
Bombah Point near Bulahdelah, an easy 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney.
Prices correct at April 2, 2009.
Cost
Bombah Point Eco Cottages cost $190 a night for seven or more nights. Nightly stays are from $210 a night midweek or $260 a night on weekends, long weekends and December-January school holidays. All rates are for two people sharing a cottage. Extra people are charged at $30 per person a night. Cost includes accommodation, use of mountain bikes, outdoor pool, games room, walking trails and organic garden. Prices are valid until December 31, 2009.
Prices correct at April 2, 2009.
For further information
Bombah Point Eco Cottages
969 Bombah Point Rd
Bombah Point 2423
Ph: (02) 4997 4401
www.bombah.com.au
stay@bombah.com.au
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