New South Wales - Australia 2004 - page 206

season; A$184-A$330 (US$120-US$215) family room for up to 4; A$236-A$463 (US$153-US$300) suite.
Extra person A$33 (US$21). Ask about packages and discounts. The highest rates apply Dec 26-Jan 18. AE,
DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; large lagoon-style swimming pool; 3 tennis courts; exercise room;
2 Jacuzzis; sauna; game room; concierge; children's center (weekends); tour desk; car-rental desk; 24-hr. room
service; babysitting; massage; free self-service laundry; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV,
dataport, kitchenette (some rooms), minibar, hair dryer, iron.
Sanctuary Motor Inn Resort If you like animals you'll love this animal-
sanctuary/guesthouse complex 2km (1 1 ⁄ 4 miles) south of town. Wandering
around the grounds are wallabies, kangaroos, peacocks, and several species of
native birds. The rooms are comfortable, with the more expensive rooms being
larger and more recently renovated. The executive room comes with a Jacuzzi.
Pacific Hwy., Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450. & 02/6652 2111. Fax [phone]. [e-mail].
38 units. A$88 (US$57) standard double; A$94 (US$60) superior double; A$150 (US$98) executive double.
Extra person A$15 (US$9.75). Holiday surcharges A$25 (US$16). Ask about lower rates through Aussie auto
clubs. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; large heated outdoor pool; lighted tennis and squash
courts; minigolf; Jacuzzi; sauna; room service 7-9am and 6-8pm; coin-op laundry. In room:A/C, TV w/free
satellite channels, kitchen (in 4 units), fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer.
WHERE TO DINE
Seafood Mama's ITALIAN/SEAFOOD This charming, informal award-
winning Italian restaurant packs a mean barbecue seafood dish of octopus,
prawns, fish, calamari, and mussels. Also on the menu in this rustic, bottles-
hanging-from-the-ceiling Italian joint are some well-regarded veal and steak
dishes, and plenty of pastas. Seafood Mama's is right on the ocean, near the Pel-
ican Beach and the older Nautilus resorts, 7km (4 1 ⁄ 2 miles) north of Coffs Har-
bour. The restaurant will do takeout and deliver to your hotel.
Pacific Hwy. & 02/6653 6733. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$13-A$25 (US$8.45-US$16).
AE, DC, MC, V. Tues-Sat 6-10pm.
BYRON BAY: A BEACH BOHEMIA
78km (48 miles) SE of Murwillumbah
As the most easterly point on the Australian mainland, the sun's rays hit Byron
before anywhere else. This geographical position is good for two things: you can
spot whales as they migrate north in June and July, and it's attractive to the
town's “alternative” community. Painters, craftspeople, glass blowers, and poets
are so plentiful they almost fall from the macadamia nut trees. The place is
loaded with float tanks, “pure body products,” beauty therapists, and massage
centers. Though it attracts squadrons of backpackers each summer to its party
scene and discos, many of the locals simply stay at home, sipping their herbal
tea and preparing for the healing light of the coming dawn. Families love Byron
Bay for the beautiful beaches, and surfers flock here for some of the best surfing
in the world.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE If you're driving up the north coast, leave the Pacific
Highway at Ballina and take the scenic coast road via Lennox Head. It's around
10 hours by car from Sydney (790km/490 miles), and 2 hours (200km/124
miles) south of Brisbane. Regional Express airline (www.regionalexpress.com.
au) flies from Sydney to Ballina. The round-trip costs around A$280 (US$182).
Byron Bus Transfers ( & 02/6681 3354 ) meets all flights and transfers to
Byron Bay for A$20 (US$13) single and A$35 (US$23) return. Coolangatta
airport is 1 hour north of Byron Bay (112km/69 miles). Countrylink ( & 13
22 32 in Australia) runs daily trains from Sydney to Byron Bay; the one-way fare