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The Gum Ball

WHERE: Dashville (The Johnson Family Estate), 103 Kirkton Road, Lower Belford, Hunter Valley NSW
WHEN: Fri, April 27, 2012 09:00 to Sat, April 28, 2012

If you're a fan of low-key, simple music and food in a bush setting, head to the Gum Ball in the Hunter Valley this April.

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The Boomerangs, Victoria

Sunset, and the boomerang lights up. Photo credit: Mark O'Loughlin

Ever had a yearning to stay in your very own Aboriginal artifact?

by Bookastay staff

Here at Bookastay we were fascinated when we came across this property. There can’t be many other boomerang-shaped cottages in the country. It’s at Johanna, 35km west of lovely Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, in the Otway Ranges. Mark and Rosalind O’Loughlin bought the 3-acre block for the cottages when it was still part of a dairy farm in 1994. They’d been working in Japan teaching English for four years at that time but had decided it was time to head back to Australia. They put some time into wondering how to make a living and knew it would have to be teaching, farming or tourism. Mark’s a Geelong boy and is hugely into his surfing and fishing. The tourism angle won out when they found the superb block of land by the coast, and in 1997 they started their build. Mark says the dawn...

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Sydney

The largest city in Australia, best-known for its beaches, busy harbour and glittering night-life.

by Bookastay staff

Sydney is the oldest and biggest city in the country and always seems to be near the top of any ‘best city to live in’ global guide. The weather, the shopping, the entertainment, and the sheer beauty of its harbour, beaches and central city is a huge drawcard for most travellers. The city sprawls over a large area, divided up into distinct precincts, each with its own unique character. The Northern Beaches sparkle on the far side of the harbour, home to beautiful Manly beach with its superb surf and beachside cafes. Chinatown’s hectic markets and noodle bars are great on a Friday night. If Italian ambience is your preference, head to Leichhardt or Haberfield. Newtown’s arty, inner city grunge is super-cool, and you and the family can easily while away a day at Darling Harbour. Darlinghurst and King’s Cross are the places to go for nightlife,...