Researched by April Huddleston

Visiting Hunter Valley & Jenolan Caves May 29 th -30 th Free days while we are in Sydney

Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains More than 400 caves have been discovered since 1830 Oldest known open caves Includes underground rivers, ponds, and spectacular formations, such as Carlotta’s Arch and the Blue Lake One of the finest cave systems in the world Nine show caves are open everyday for tourism If you visit only one cave, the Lucas has the Cathedral Chamber, one of the widest and highest at Jenolan. With famous acoustics, the Cathedral hosts Concerts in the Caves. The Temple of Baal, one of the world's most beautiful caves, offers the 9m long Angel's Wing - one of the world’s largest cave shawls. Explore Jenolan’s mysterious depths with Adventure Caving. Abseil, squeeze and climb through undeveloped caves, with only a head lamp to light your way. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, we have introduced a brand new digital audio tour of the Nettle Cave, which allows exploration on a self- guided basis for the first time.

Jenolan Caves Temple of Baal’s “Angel Wing” Nettle Cave – part of a self- guided tour

Finding the Jenolan Caves

Prices for Tours Blue Mountain River Cruise $88 AUD Tours leave from: Holiday Inn Potts Point, 203 Victoria street, Potts Point at 7.20am (Kings Cross / Potts Point ) YHA Central, corner Rawson Place and Pitt street at 7.35am ( next to Central Station ) Circular Quay, corner Loftus and Alfred streets at 7.55am River Cruise Includes…

Prices for Tours Boutique Mountain Tour $145-$165 Complimentary pick-up Mittigar Culture Centre Morning tea Blue Mountain National Park Lunch Euroka Clearing You get a Boomerang! Pricing Tour Video

CanyoningCanyoning in the Blue Mountains Prices for Canyoning Anywhere from $150 to $200+

Getting to the Wine… Less than 2 hours to Sydney

Hunter Valley Australia’s oldest and one the most well-known wine regions Hunter River was first discovered by Europeans in 1797 Lieutenant John Shortland - a British naval officer found it while searching for escaped convicts from Sydney Cove In his report, Shortland noted extensive growths of mature cedar trees - at that time these were in great demand for use as masts and spars on sailing vessels. Wine grapes were first introduced in the valley in early 1820s By 1823, over 21 acres of vineyards had already been planted on the northern banks of the river Many of the families in the region have been there since then and have great pride in their heritage and growth The majority of the vineyards can be found in the Lower Hunter, although the Upper Hunter also has its own attractive quality with its vast horse breeding and racing, as well as several vineyards.

Once You Have Made It Over 60 restaurants, 120 wineries, 160 accommodation venues, and many, many activities You can walk, ride, or drive your way through the sweeping vine-lined hills. Famous for cheeses, olives, and WINE!

Grapes, grapes, grapes Grape Production Timeline Late January – Harvest of grapes begins, depending on the weather and seasonal conditions Late March – Harvest of grapes finishes March to September – Vines leaves turn red and fall, then become dormant in the cooler months. Late September – Budburst where the vines start to spring with new growth and foliage. September to January – Fruit ripens and grows. In , approximately 57% of grapes used to manufacture wine in the Hunter Valley were grown in the Hunter (35,000 tonnes crushed), while 43% were imported. It is estimated by the Hunter Valley Research foundation that in approximately 25.4 million litres of wine were produced in the Hunter: 12.9 million litres of white, 9 million litres of red, and 3.4 million litres of other wine. *Tonnes = metric ton = Over 2200 pounds

Prices for Tours Boutique Wine Tours $110 per person Complimentary pick-up & drop-off from your Sydney city hotel All wine-tasting on tour whilst accompanied by our guides. Travel in our luxury vehicles. On-board commentary and information during your travel to and from the Hunter Valley. Lunch is not included on our Regular Tour, but can be for an additional $15 Wine Tour

The Hunter Valley......you'll love it !