TRAVEL|WELLNESS

TRAVEL

YOU DON’T NEED TO GO FAR TO ESCAPE

AStaycations are an opportunity, not a compromise. There is so much beauty, luxury, and tranquility within easy distance of Sydney - and no passport is required. Neighbourhood Media invites you to explore your own magnificent backyard - beginning with Port Stephens. A MERE two and a half hour drive north of Sydney, the pic- It’s everything you want in a luxury holiday without the hassle turesque bays and headlands of Port Stephens render it a of security screening and hours in a cramped seat. geographical artwork. The natural surrounds have been well And guess what - they’ve even got a few dog-friendly rooms! preserved making it a go-to destination for those who want to So start packing… be one with the Earth and get up close to local wildlife. You can swim with wild dolphins, cruise close to whales, or ride camels along the beach.

Port Stephens offers the perfect holiday for those chasing adventure as well as calm: dive the clear waters; surf the waves; trek through undulating green hills; or tackle the giant sand dunes on quad bikes or sand-boards.

For the ultimate Port Stephens holiday you need to stay at Bannisters.

Bannisters, Port Stephens is a measure of discreet opulence. Surrounded by bushland and facing the limitless blue sea, this modern, stylish hotel is a self-contained paradise.

High ceilings, open spaces, and large glass windows allow a flow through of the natural expanse outside.

Barely two years old, Bannisters is a complete renovation of the iconic Salamander Shores Hotel that once stood on the site. The low-level complex is un-intrusive in the natural environs and offers 29 Paperbark rooms which overlook the kookaburra and koala habitats, 49 Ocean view rooms, 4 Luxury Suites and a magnificent Penthouse with panoramic views of the Bay.

You can paddle to the edge of the infinity pool and look out at the deep blue bay. The various food offerings all use delicious, locally sourced produce including the freshest seafood, with illustrious chef, Rick Stein being the food-architect behind the Bannisters menu. Indulge yourself with a massage or special treatment at Spa Bannisters. www.bannisters.com.au

WELLNESS

IIT’S BEEN a fairly sedentary few months for many of us, but what better inspiration to get active again than a shiny new, state of the art fitness facility. The recently opened Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre offers an excuse-beating program of activities that will help get you back to pre-pandemic condition.

You may be carrying a little bit of extra chub or feeling stiff in the joints or just want to be able to exercise without knocking over family photos and scaring the cat. Thanks to the stunningly refurbished Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre, locals can now start pursuing their fitness goals in comfort, with expert help, and among friendly faces.

The centre, owned by Lane Cove Council and operated by

BlueFit leisure management, is an all-in-one complex incorporating four pools: a 50m outdoor lane pool, 25m indoor lane pool, leisure pool, and a warm water pool. It has a sauna, steam rooms, and spa; large, fully equipped gym; a cafe serving energy boosting healthy treats; and a creche.

They offer a great range of services and programs. Swimming

DIVE BACK INTO FITNESS

lessons cater for kids and adults at all levels. Learn how to keep your head above water; face your fear; improve your technique; join a squad.

The BlueFit Health Club provides access to a full complement of gym and fitness equipment and programs. Weights, machines, aerobics, yoga, bootcamp and much more, all with qualified, friendly professionals. They also offer allied health services with a chiropractor and massage therapist with sessions being claimable on Medicare or through your private health provider.

What’s best about the centre is that there is a feeling of community. After a year of isolation, it’s nice to be able to get among people (still observing COVID-safe measures) and get encouragement, without the distraction of pets, pantry, or flashing ads on a computer screen.

lanecoveaquatic.com.au

FAMILY LAW

WILLS & ESTATES

(02) 9418 6078 M: 0416 196 541

fayfrischer@lawyerlanecove.com.au lawyerlanecove.com.au

“Fay Frischer is one of the most experienced and respected family and relationship law solicitors operating in Lane Cove.“