Kings Plains Castle, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Jul 19th, 2004
The Kings Plains Castle is located near Glen Innes in northern New South Wales. From 1838 the area around Glen Innes became home to many Scottish settlers, and to this day their influence remains in places like the Kings Plains Castle B&B.
Situated in 6000 acres of farm land, the Kings Plains Castle B&B is surrounded by traditional gardens of lavender, elms and liquidambars. It's easy to forget you're in the Australian bush and not in the heart of Scotland.
In 1909 a Scottish doctor, George Vivers, settled here and built a massive three level Scottish castle from local stone, complete with a turret, tower and fortifications. He filled it with priceless antiques with the sole purpose of wooing his new Scottish wife to settle here with him.
Sadly, the woman in question was so tough that even a castle didn't satisfy her - she reportedly only stayed four months before leaving him. The castle stayed in the Vivers family for many years, only being taken over by the Palmers late last year.
The castle recently reopened in November 2003 after a massive internal renovation. Nine of the 23 rooms are available for guest accommodation, with all meals are provided. Guests can also enjoy twilight drinks on the square tower, which boasts stunning views of the countryside.
The region surrounding the castle is one of the richest sapphire deposits in the country, and Wee Break Tours run fossicking tours at a cost of $195 per couple. The tour includes fossicking, your permit, and gourmet lunch for two - and every couple is guaranteed a sapphire worth at least a hundred dollars!
During the first weekend in May there's an annual Celtic Festival which sees Clan gatherings and pipe bands as well as stone throwing demonstrations. There are storytellers, dog trials, and lots of festivities based around the famous Standing Stones to keep you entertained.
The facts
Rex Airlines fly to Lismore. Prices from Sydney starting at $99 per person.
Regional Express (Rex) Airlines
Tel: 13 17 13
Rooms at Kings Plains Castle start from $150 a night twin share, including breakfast. Dinner starts at $35 per person.
Kings Plains Castle
Tel: 02 6733 6807
E-mail: kingsplainscastle@bigpond.com
Wee Brek Fossicking Tours
Tel: 02 6732 3554
Mobile: 0417 272 440
Tourism NSW
Tel: 13 20 77
Prices correct at 19/07/04
