Ditch Daveys Northern Beaches, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Sep 16th, 2002
Only a 50 minute drive from Sydneys CBD, the north side is a popular weekend holiday destination for some of Australias wealthiest families.
Ditchs tour starts with a 15 minute seaplane joy flight from Rose Bay to Palm Beach - or Palmy, as the locals know it.
Palm Beach is renowned for its clean water and soft sand, but it is whats at the end of the beach thats really worth seeing. Barrenjoey Lighthouse has recently reopened its doors after a comprehensive facelift and now offers tours on weekends and school holidays.
Just a ferry ride away is another of Ditchs Northern Beaches favourites, the Basin. With walking tracks and plenty of open grass areas, The Basin is great for family day excursions and picnics. Its actually part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and visitors are welcome to camp for the entire weekend.
The seaplane package includes lunch at Jonahs. Jonahs is a well known Northern Beaches restaurant, serving dishes like spicy marinated king fish and salmon. They also offer accommodation with a three course dinner, bed and breakfast, as a luxurious alternative to camping.
For an afternoon ale in the area its hard to beat the Newport Arms Hotel. Overlooking Pittwater, the beer garden is a favourite. On a summers day its the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and cool off.
The facts:
Sydney Harbour Seaplanes package costs from $325 per person and include a return flight and a three course lunch at Jonahs. Drinks are not included. Thirty minute Northern Beaches scenic flights cost $190 per person.
Sydney Harbour Seaplanes
Tel: 1800 803 558
A ferry ride to the Basin is $8. Camping at the Basin costs $9 per night.
Palm Beach Ferry Service
Tel: 02 9918 2747
The Basin
Tel: 02 9974 4036
Jonahs accommodation packages start from $450 per couple for a three course dinner, bed and breakfast.
Jonahs
Tel: 02 9974 5599
Newport Arms Hotel
Tel: 02 9997 4900
Barrenjoey Lighthouse runs tours on weekends and school holidays for $10 for adults and $6 for children.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tour
Tel: 02 9247 5033
