_edited_edited_edited.png)
Our unforgettable journey with Destination NSW and United Airlines began with a mission to support bushfire recovery efforts and experience the stunning beauty of New South Wales (NSW). From visiting the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie to indulging in the finest wines of the Hunter Valley, this trip highlighted the resilience of Australia’s wildlife, communities, and natural landscapes.
Day One: Port Macquarie – Beaches, Cruises, and Coastal Dining
Located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Port Macquarie offers a blend of coastal beauty and relaxation. With 17 pristine beaches and tranquil river cruises, the area is a haven for nature lovers.
Stay: We checked into the Sails Port Macquarie, a waterfront hotel surrounded by wooded grounds, just 1.5 miles from Town Beach and 4 miles from Sea Acres National Park.
Activities: Our first afternoon was spent on a serene Hastings River cruise, exploring the Broadwater Canal. The day ended with dinner at the acclaimed Bill’s Fishhouse & Bar, where fresh, locally sourced seafood exceeded expectations.
Day Two: The Koala Hospital – Hope and Recovery
The highlight of our visit to Port Macquarie was an emotional and inspiring stop at the Koala Hospital, the first hospital in the world dedicated to the care and preservation of koalas. Established in 1973, the hospital includes:
A treatment room
8 intensive care units
A 24-hour rescue operation
Multiple recovery yards for rehabilitating koalas
In response to the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires, the hospital launched a Wild Koala Breeding Program, which was fast-tracked thanks to generous donations from around the world. Tragically, the bushfires destroyed 8.4 million hectares of land in NSW, killing a third of the koala population and displacing countless animals.
How You Can Help:
Adopt a koala
Donate
Become a member
Fund a koala food tree
Volunteer internationally (Contact Intoxicating Travel Group for details)
The story of LINR Paul, the first koala rescued during the fires, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these efforts. Despite months of care, Paul passed away in 2020, symbolizing the ongoing challenges faced by Australian wildlife.
Exploring Sea Acres Rainforest and More
After our visit to the Koala Hospital, we headed to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, where an Aboriginal bush tucker walk introduced us to the subtropical rainforest’s rich cultural and ecological history. We also met with National Parks & Wildlife Service rangers to learn about NSW’s Bushfire Recovery Program, including regeneration, habitat repair, and animal welfare efforts.
Lunch at Whalebone Wharf, nestled on the banks of the Hastings River, was a delightful experience, combining exceptional food with stunning river views.
Day Two Continued: Journey to the Hunter Valley
Our day ended with a private regional flight via Airlink to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. We stayed at the luxurious Spicers Guesthouse, where modern elegance and a passion for wine and food created the perfect retreat.
Day Three: Hunter Valley – Wine, Wildlife, and Wombats
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its boutique wineries and gourmet food. Our first stop was Wombat Crossing Vineyard, a small, premium winery known for its Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. This vineyard also supports the Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue Hospital, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wombats and other wildlife affected by habitat loss and bushfires. To support this vital work, visit Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue.
Next, we visited Brokenwood Winery, famous for its Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz and ILR Reserve Semillon. A delicious lunch paired with exquisite wines made this stop truly memorable.
Day Three Continued: Sydney’s Wildlife Retreat
The final leg of our journey took us to Sydney, where we stayed at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo, overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour and Opera House. Operated by the Taronga Conservation Society, this retreat combines luxury with a commitment to conservation. Proceeds from every stay directly support animal care and environmental education programs.
We dined at the Me-Gal Restaurant, enjoying locally sourced dishes and reflecting on the incredible work being done to protect Australia’s wildlife.
Day Four: Conservation Efforts Amidst COVID-19
Our last day involved a visit to Conservation Volunteers Australia, where we participated in the Bushfire Recovery Program by building nesting boxes for possums, gliders, and microbats. These boxes provide shelter for animals that lost their habitats in the fires.
Unfortunately, news of the COVID-19 pandemic forced an early end to our trip. Our farewell night at the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney, located on Circular Quay, was bittersweet but filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships formed during this journey.
A Journey of Resilience and Hope
This trip with Destination NSW and United Airlines was more than a travel experience—it was a chance to witness the strength of a community and contribute to the recovery of New South Wales. From the inspiring work at the Koala Hospital to the conservation efforts in the Hunter Valley, every moment was a testament to resilience and hope.
Special Thanks To:
Tenille Jenkins from Destination NSW
Michael Scott from United Airlines
Together, we can make a difference. Join us in supporting the ongoing recovery efforts in NSW.
#LoveNSW #UnitedAirlines #BushfireRecovery #SaveTheKoalas #HunterValley #TarongaZoo #VisitAustralia #BookWithATravelAgent
4o
Comments