New South Wales - Australia 2004 - page 200

good-size Jacuzzi, perfect for two. Rooms on the top floor have a large balcony,
from which you have uninterrupted views across the bay and the islands; those
below have their own private verandas. Two rooms are designed for wheelchairs.
A nearby beach is the perfect spot for a sunset stroll.
Corlette Point Rd., Corlette, NSW 2315. & 1800/809 142 in Australia, or 02/4984 2555. Fax [phone].
www.peppers.com.au. 80 units. Weekend rates A$345 (US$224) double; A$396 suite. Midweek (including
breakfast) rates A$291 (US$189) double; A$337 (US$219) suite. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar; good-size heated outdoor pool; exercise room; Jacuzzi; sauna; children's program
(public holidays only); tour desk; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking
rooms. In room:A/C, TV, fax, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Port Stephens Motor Lodge Surrounded by tall trees and gardens, this
motor lodge is a peaceful place to stay and a short stroll from the main township.
The standard rooms are quite plain with raw-brick walls, a comfy double (and an
extra single bed in most rooms), a private balcony, and an attached shower with
half-tub. Adjacent to the lodge is a self-contained family unit with two bedrooms,
a laundry, and water views. There's a barbecue area on the grounds.
44 Mangus St., Nelson Bay, NSW 2315. & 02/4981 3366. Fax [phone]. [e-mail]. 17 units.
A$60-A$120 (US$39-US$78) standard double (Christmas holiday period most expensive); A$88 (US$57)
family unit on weekdays and A$120 (US$78) on weekends. Extra person A$10 (US$6.50), extra person under
15 A$5 (US$3.25). AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Heated outdoor pool; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms.
Inroom:A/C, TV, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Salamander Shores Salamander Shores looks like a beached, ramshackle
paddle steamer—it's all white-painted bricks and rails and stairs, fixed to the bay
by a jetty. Set in a well-tendered, sloping garden, this five-story hotel retains a
certain 1960s charm, despite undergoing selective modernization. Standard
rooms are similar to most motel rooms, but you really should throw caution to
the wind and get a sea-view room—you won't regret it. These rooms have
Jacuzzis and large balconies with extensive views of the bay. When the sun rises
over the water and the garden is full of lorikeets and corellas, it couldn't be more
picture-book perfect. Down below is a pub and shop selling alcohol.
147 Soldiers Point Rd., Soldiers Point, NSW 2317. & 1800/655 029 in Australia, or 02/4982 7210. Fax 02/
4982 7890. www.salamander-shores.com. 90 units. A$109 (US$80) standard double; A$142 (US$92) garden-
view double; A$161 (US$105) sea-view double; A$229 (US$149) family suite; $264 (US$172) penthouse.
A$18 (US$12) extra person. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; small heated
outdoor pool; sauna; tour desk; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, minibar,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
Most people head down to Nelson Bay for their meals because of the great views
across the bay. You'll also find a host of cheap takeout joints here, including The
Pure Pizza Café, D'Albora Marina ( & 02/4984 2800 ), which offers pizzas for
around A$10 to A$24 (US$6.50-US$15), depending on toppings, pastas for
between A$10 and A$15 (US$6.50-US$9.75), and salads, too.
Rob's on the Boardwalk CAFE You can pick up a hearty American break-
fast at this busy cafe overlooking the bay, or a snack throughout the day. The
Caesar salad is popular, as are the half-dozen oysters for A$13 (US$8.20). One
of the best main courses is the mixed seafood bouillabaisse, while the prime
scotch filet with sautéed forest mushrooms, Jerusalem artichokes, gratin pota-
toes, and a red-wine sauce, would tempt the most red-blooded carnivore.
D'Albora Marina. & 02/4984 4444. Main courses A$12-A$23 (US$8-US$15). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 8am
until the last customer leaves.