MON 30 MARCH 2015

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NSW's weekend playground06 Apr 2015Woman’s Day, National, General News

Page 72 • 633 words • ASR AUD 86,768 • Photo: Yes • Type: News Item • Size: 1,941.00 cm² • National • Australia • Tourism -Press • ID: 388521457

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328,053 CIRCULATION

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It’s 4am and the sun isn’t up, but I am. Usually it’d take an army to drag me from bed before nine on

a Saturday, but today I’m even awake before my early-rising boyfriend. We’re heading to the marina in charming Port Stephens to go snorkelling in the ocean with wild dolphins.

We’ll be harnessed on a rope under a catamaran and pulled through the water while, hopefully, a pod of dolphins frolics around us. It’s a mind-

blowing concept, and Dolphin Swim Australia in Port Stephens (two-and-a-half hours’ drive north of Sydney) is the only company you can do it with.

Songs of the sea“It’s all about the vibe,” dive master Andrew Parker tells us. “So stay positive and sing!” Wait, what?

Dolphins have a reputation for being the party animals of the

deep for good reason; they’re attracted to “singing” or high-pitched noise, so the best way to get close is to cheer and hum.

So despite our tiredness – and some initial awkwardness – it’s not long before everyone’s whooping and whistling. Th en we see it, a fi n slicing through the water. A playful pod joins us, dolphins leaping above the waves, beckoning us in. It’s time.

At fi rst, I panic. Th e pressure on my chest feels enormous and I forget the basic mechanics of breathing. I splutter and need to be pulled above water, but the instructor yells: “Look down – now!” And I do.

Gliding just below me are fi ve enormous, magnifi cent dolphins. All panic fades and I hold on in awe. I remember what Andrew said and “sing” into my snorkel. It’s more like an excited squeal at fi rst but turns into a slow, steady hum. And

Little Beach Boathouse off ers incredible meals (above) and stunning views.

Port Stephens isn’t your typical sleepy beach town.

Parasailing gives you a one-of-a-kind perspective.

NSW’s week

A breakfast fi t for a king at Nice.

Pictures: Dolphin Sw

im A

ustralia, Elizabeth Best, Getty Im

ages, Port Stephens Tourism, Rita Kluge Photography.

playground

72 WD

TRAVEL

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06 Apr 2015Woman’s Day, National

Section: General News • Article type : News Item • Audience : 328,053 • Page: 72Printed Size: 1941.00cm² • Market: National • Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 86,768Words: 633 • Item ID: 388521457

Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)

In picturesque Port Stephens, Woman’s Day’s Elizabeth Best

discovers a whole world of adventures to be had

then I hear it – they’re singing back. I feel the vibration of their voices under the water and I almost forget to breathe again.

Later that night, my partner Ben and I are still talking excitedly about our experience over dinner at Little Beach Boathouse (littlebeachboathouse.com.au, mains from $28).

Perched on the water’s edge, this adorable restaurant boasts picturesque views and exquisite food. Hot tip: the macadamia-crusted pork belly accompanied by caulifl ower puree and fi g jam is not to be missed.

Up, up and away!Port Stephens is glorious from the ground, but the next day we decide to take a bird’s-eye view, swinging from a parasail over Nelson Bay.

After a more-than-hearty breakfast at Nice (niceatnelsonbay.com.au, meals are

about $18), where the menus are nestled inside Little Golden Books, we’re worried the parachute won’t be able to lift us. But we’re in luck – and just as well, because the view above the bay is breathtaking.

On the way home, we make a pit stop at Murray’s Craft Brewing Co (murraysbrewingco.com.au), a beer brewery that shares its home with the region’s oldest winery.

It’s the perfect way to laze away a Sunday afternoon, and everyone else in town seems to agree – families soak up the relaxed vibe sprawled on picnic blankets that overlook the charming vineyard.

Exhausted but fulfi lled, we begin our drive back to Sydney. Who would have thought you could pack all that fun into one weekend?

PORT OF CALLPort Stephens is 35 minutes from Newcastle Airport. We stayed at the Ramada Resort Shoal Bay, from $229 per night. For more inspiration, visit portstephens.org.au

Elizabeth and her partner Ben waiting to meet the dolphins.

Dolphin Swim Australia’s expert diving team is on hand for guidance.

Take your pick of Ramada Resort Shoal Bay’s indoor and outdoor pools.

Shoal Bay, perfect for a stroll after lunch.

ekend nd

WD 73

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06 Apr 2015Woman’s Day, National

Section: General News • Article type : News Item • Audience : 328,053 • Page: 72Printed Size: 1941.00cm² • Market: National • Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 86,768Words: 633 • Item ID: 388521457

Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)