New travel initiative aims to keep mountain bikers on the right track

Love to push yourself to your limits? 

Destination Southern NSW (DSNSW) has officially launched Great Southern Trails, a new tourism initiative that aims to position Southern New South Wales as s premier mountain biking destination.   

Great Southern Trails connects 10 mountain biking trail networks and towns, offering 550+ km of dedicated MTB trails across the South Coast, Alpine Region, and the Canberra region. 

The initiative was launched at the inaugural Sea Otter Australia MTB Festival in Batemans Bay earlier this month, marking its debut on the national stage. 

“Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing tourism segments in regional Australia," says Richard Everson, general manager of Destination Southern NSW.

"Tourism Research Australia estimates cycle tourism contributes $1 billion annually to the visitor economy.  Every trail network brings riders to local cafes, pubs, accommodation, visitor attractions, and tours. 

“The Great Southern Trails tourism initiative aims to inspire visitors to choose Southern NSW for their next MTB trip. The initiative helps them plan, and encourages longer stays, higher visitor spend, and stronger year-round tourism visitation - delivering real economic and social benefits to our local towns and communities.”  

The Great Southern Trails brand and website have been developed by DSNSW with support from MTB clubs, tourism industry operators, local councils and government.  

It provides a 1000km mountain biking road trip taking in 10 locations that can easily be broken into smaller segments of two-, three-, and four-day MTB adventures.   

“Southern NSW is home to some of Australia’s best mountain biking trail networks, which is the reason we brought our business and the internationally renowned Sea Otter Australia MTB Festival to Batemans Bay and Mogo Trails," says said Juliane Wisata, founder and marketing director for Rocky Trail Entertainment, a leading MTB event business.

"From the iconic Stromlo Forest Park to Thredbo Resort and the recently opened Mogo Trails, Gravity Eden, Narooma MTB, and Mt Tumbarumba, nowhere else in Australia comes close to the quality and diversity of MTB riding on offer in the region. 

“It makes sense to collectively market the MTB trail networks in this region and ensure the MTB riders of Australia know the incredible MTB experience on offer here.”  

See www.greatsoutherntrails.com.au

Image: Norco Photos 

A gastronomic stroll through rural France

Calling all wine and food lovers who also enjoy getting some exercise.

The folks from UTracks recently sent me the details of what they call a Gastronomic Pilgrimage Through France.

UTracks, describe themselves as :active Europe travel specialists' and have launched a Camino Le Puy Food Lovers Tour, a culinary/vinous twist on France’s historic Le Puy/Santiago Camino route.

The tour is described as "tailor-made those who seek the perfect pairing of food, wine and walking" through the rustic heart of rural France. It covers regions that really are off the beaten track. 

The walk blends a centuries-old pilgrimage with the indulgent pleasures of French regional cuisine. Sounds right up my alley!

Over eight delicious days, travellers walk from Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac, through volcanic highlands, forested trails and sleepy villages, stopping to sample Auvergne cheeses, locally farmed lentils, artisan charcuterie, and local wines, including the star malbecs from Cahors. 

Aubrac produces some of the best beef in France and guided tastings and daily three-course regional dinners are a highlight.

“We wanted to create a Camino experience that speaks to the food lover’s soul,” says UTracks general manager Kate Baker.

“This is for travellers who enjoy walking for the pleasure of discovering what’s around the next bend, and what’s on the next plate.”

With luggage transfers, local accommodation, and a route navigation app provided, the trip offers something just a little bit different.

Departures run from May to October. See more here: https://www.utracks.com/France/Guided-Walking/French-Food-Lovers-Le-Puy-Camino

On the right track in venust Vancouver

Vancouver is a terrific city for gourmets, with a fabulous range of restaurants, bars and markets.

But is is also noteworthy for how healthy its citizens look. I can't recall having visited anywhere where there are more joggers, cyclists, skateboarders and power walkers.

Vancouver is very cycle friendly and one of the best ways to explore it is on two wheels, say the good people at Destination Vancouver.

Whether you want explore the city's neighbourhoods or get out on some local trails in the urban oasis of Stanley Park, there are 440 kilometres of dedicated bike routes allow for safe and easy urban riding.

Cycle routes include the seawall around Stanley Park and False Creek and urban lanes through the downtown core, Yaletown, the West End, Coal Harbour.

Cycle City Rentals and Tours offers tours led by story-teller guides that provide a local’s insight, while self-guided maps with insider tips are available for those who prefer exploring on their own. The two downtown locations have a wide selection of bikes and accessories.

Spokes Bicycle Rentals is conveniently located at the entrance to Stanley Park. Pick up a cruiser, hybrid or the newest mountain bike with helmet and lock and head off to explore the park and the city.

Image: Destination Vancouver

Walking, or running, in Sydney sunshine

 

I no longer run very much. Unless someone is chasing me. 

Which doesn't happen very often. 

But I do remember from my days living in Sydney that the city is a runner’s and walker's paradise. 

From the Bay Run and the Bondi to Coogee Walk to the Pool to Pool Run that takes you past some of the city’s most renowned sights, here are some suggestions from Destination NSW. 

The Bay Run

Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre in the inner western suburbs, this 7km loop around the shores of Iron Cove Bay links the suburbs of Drummoyne, Russell Lea, Rodd Point, Haberfield, Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain. It’s one of the most popular harbourside running tracks in Sydney, traversing the natural course of the cove and never more than 20 metres away from the water. The predominantly flat, well-maintained track is a local favourite, regularly frequented by cyclists, dog walkers and pram pushers. A recently added 500-metre extension for cyclists and pedestrians has just been opened to offer more space for everyone.

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

One of Sydney’s most iconic tracks (above), this 6km run starts at the southern end of Bondi Beach and follows the coastline to Coogee via Tamarama and Bronte. Though the course is not particularly long, you’ll encounter stairs, hills and narrow parts along the path, as well as plenty of locals who take a more leisurely pace, taking two hours or so to complete their walk. You can choose to tackle portions of the track, then reward yourself with a dip in the water at one of the beaches and pools along the way including Clovelly, Gordons Bay, McIvers Baths, Wylies Baths and Giles Baths. For those looking for a further challenge, continue onwards from Coogee to Maroubra, another 5km stretch. 

The Manly to North Head Walk

On the Northern Beaches, a string of sandy beaches stretching north from Sydney, start this 10km stroll at the lagoon near Queenscliff, then head towards Manly Beach and Shelly Beach, admiring the cliff faces. From the path at the Shelly Beach carpark, you can begin your ascent to North Head - this run is a little more challenging due to the steep incline. Reach the Fairfax Walk at North Head for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour Heads. This paved track, ideal for a run, starts at the end of the North Head Scenic Drive and circles around the top of North Head, encompassing three lookouts. 

The Pool to Pool Run 

A perfect way to start a Sydney summer’s day, this invigorating run will have you sweating then swimming to cool right off. You’ll also pass some of the city’s most beloved spots. Starting at the pretty-as-a-picture North Sydney Olympic Pool at Milsons Point, this run will take you over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along the Cahill Expressway passing Circular Quay. You can jog past the Sydney Opera House and then sprint into Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, finishing at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Andrew Boy Charlton Pool in a pocket alongside the garden for a recovery splash in the striking outdoor pool. 

Dive into summer as Sydney's iconic pools reopen

Sydney swimming pools are set to reopen from Monday, September 27 - just in time for the warmer weather,

The biggest conurbation in Australia has a unique number of harbour and seawater pools dotted across the city. 

The team from Tourism New South Wales has released a handy guide to the best places to for an al fresco dip and take in some fresh air and sunshine. 

Sydney Harbour  

Running along the edge of The Domain - 34 hectares of parkland on the eastern fringe of the city centre - the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool looks out over wharves of Woolloomooloo. The saltwater Olympic pool is popular with both serious lap swimmers and those who prefer to laze about on stylish wooden deckchairs. Depending on the time of year, the facility also hosts open-air yoga. 

Within a picturesque parkland setting in Sydney’s CBD, Cook + Phillip Park Pool features a 50m pool, as well as hydrotherapy and leisure pools. The pools are heated so ideal for swimming all year-round. 

There are many idyllic sandy beaches lining the shores of Sydney Harbour, including Redleaf Beach in Double Bay, a 10-minute drive east of the city centre. Pack your swimming gear for a dip in the Murray Rose Pool, a netted sea enclosure which is a favourite with locals. After a few laps, take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk that forms the perimeter of the enclosure while soaking up views of the harbour beyond.

Just 5km from the city centre, Balmain’s Dawn Fraser Baths is the oldest harbour pool in the southern hemisphere and was the home of Australia’s first swimming and water polo clubs. The pool was built in the early 1880s and the still water is surrounded by Victorian wooden pavilions painted cream and green. 

On the North Shore you’ll discover Maccallum Pool, cut into the coast on the western side of the waterside suburb of Cremorne Point. These historic 33m-long seawater baths ringed by a wooden boardwalk, with plenty of shady nooks to gaze over the harbour (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge) after you’ve had a splash about.  

Eastern Suburbs 

Start the morning with an invigorating early morning dip in the world’s most famous ocean pool, Bondi Icebergs on Bondi Beach, a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Named after its winter swimming club, the bright white pool dates back to 1929 and is an Instagram favourite. 

From Bondi, take the coastal walk around to Bronte Baths, built in 1887. Climb across the rocky headland to find the perfect place to spread your towel, before cooling off with a dip in the crystal-clear water of Gordons Bay. Divers and snorkellers can follow the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail, marked by concrete-filled drums and a chain and with information displayed on steel plaques.  

Enjoy a casual swim followed by lunch at the café, or join onsite yoga and Pilates classes at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee (above), a short drive south of Bondi. It’s one of Sydney’s most beautiful tidal pools, with raised decking and views over the Pacific Ocean and Wedding Cake Island.   

Relax at the only ocean pool in Australia open exclusively to women and children, McIver’s Ladies Baths in Coogee which has been attracting swimmers for almost 150 years. The McIver family ran the baths from 1901 until 1922, when the Randwick Ladies Amateur Swimming Club was formed and took over the lease. The club still runs the pool, funded by a nominal charge, tossed into a bucket on entry. How very casual.

Soak in the views at Maroubra’s Mahon Pool, a five-minute drive south of Coogee and accessible along the coastal walking track. Cut into the inter-tidal rock platform, the pool is set among exposed rocky outcrops, providing spectacular seascapes and a sense of seclusion.

South of the city  

There are several ocean pools along Cronulla’s beaches and surrounding coastline in southern Sydney, 30km from the city. 

North Cronulla Rock Pool, on the flat rocks between South Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach, is smaller and shallower, while the adjacent South Cronulla Beach Rock Pool is a full-size 50m pool with eight lanes, perfect for lap swimming. Head south along the popular coastal walk from South Cronulla Beach and you’ll find Shelly Beach, which is home to a beautiful ocean bath. Further along the coastal walk towards Port Hacking you’ll find Oak Park Rock Pool, which like Shelly Beach’s Ocean Bath, is perfect for kids.

Northern Beaches 

Start at the iconic beachside suburb of Manly, a 30-minute drive or ferry ride from Sydney city. Triangular Fairy Bower Pool lies between Manly and Shelly beaches on the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk; the Sea Nymphs sculpture sits on the pool’s outer edge. Around the next headland is the first ocean pool to be built on the North Shore, the 50m Freshwater Rock Pool, which opened in 1925.  

Curl Curl Beach’s ocean pool includes a shallow natural beach area, making it a firm favourite with young families - about 15 minutes’ drive north of Manly. A little further up the coast, North Narrabeen Rock Pool has a distinctive boardwalk that encloses a 50m pool with a wading pool for children. Other popular pools in this area include Mona Vale, Collaroy and Dee Why.  

Sydney’s most northerly beach, Palm Beach, has an ocean pool offering views up towards the Central Coast, and is overlooked by Barrenjoey Headland with its famous sandstone lighthouse. There are also ocean pools at Avalon, Newport and Bilgola. 

# Images: Destination NSW