PLACES WORTH VISITING

INALA, BRUNY ISLAND, TASMANIA

If you visit Tasmania I highly recommend spending some time on the wonderful Bruny Island. Inala, a private nature reserve on Cloudy Bay Rd is the place to stay, particularly if you're a lover of birds and other wildlife. All 12 Tasmanian endemic bird species can be seen there, including the critically endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote. For bird photographers there's also a fantastic raptor hide which allows great views of local birds of prey.  The accommodation is beautiful and hospitality warm and friendly.  Check out their website which also promotes their vast array of birding and wildlife tours. 

The old brush studio

A 40 acre private flora and fauna reserve, The Old Brush is a gorgeous place to stay if you're visiting the Hunter region of NSW. The accommodation is very affordable and the bird and plant life stunning. There are numerous walking trails that traverse rain forest and old growth forest. The owners of the property are very welcoming, as are the leeches, so be sure to take precautions!

The Old Brush is at Brunkerville, just 10 minutes from the F3’s Toronto/Cessnock exit and within 30 minutes from The Hunter Vineyards, Lake Macquarie (Australia’s largest saltwater lake) and Newcastle (NSW 2nd biggest city).