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Sunny, seductive Sydney is a
high contender for the title of
the world's most ideal city. It
is slick and smart, the streets
are clean, the neighbourhoods
and busy pedestrian precincts
pristine, the parks sublime, the
water in the huge harbour is
blue, and the landmark buildings
breathtaking. Sydney's
population is approaching five
million, but it’s easy to leave
the frenetic urban pace behind
with just a simple ferry ride to
the North Shore for a bush walk,
enjoy a stroll along the harbour
beaches or take any one of a
number of daytrips to explore
the vast range of attractions on
the city's doorstep.
Just like its characteristic
white-sailed Opera House, Sydney
seems to cruise effortlessly
through nights and days filled
with myriad entertainment
opportunities, sophisticated
shopping, memorable museums, and
strings of beautiful beaches.
Visitors find it exhausting to
take it all in, even though the
tourist precinct where most of
the interesting attractions are
to be found is concentrated in
quite a small area around the
downtown waterfront and harbour
area.
The fact that Sydney is a
thriving seaport and industrial
city has been cleverly concealed
behind attractive pleasure and
leisure grounds and residential
suburbs, making full use of the
scenic, watery geographical
location. The harbour area is
dominated by the span of one of
the world's largest arched
bridges, backed by towering
skyscrapers. It is all a far cry
from the remote penal colony
established by the British back
in 1788.
Another plus for visitors is
that compared to most big
cities, Sydney offers excellent,
reasonably priced food,
accommodation and public
transport. The city has an
excellent suburban rail network,
with its hub at Circular Quay in
the city centre, and full use is
made of the waterways with
ferries and passenger jet boats
plying to and from various
points. |
Not to miss attractions:
Harbour
Bridge
One of Sydney's most
famous landmarks, the
Harbour Bridge (known
locally as the 'Coat
Hanger') was completed
in 1932 after claiming
16 lives during its
construction. The bridge
spans the 500 metre gap
from the north to the
south shore, which was
previously only
accessible by ferry, and
accommodates pedestrian
walkways, two railway
lines and an eight-lane
road. Visitors can
experience the bridge in
an adventurous way by
climbing to the top as
part of an organised
group for breathtaking
views and a feeling of
personal achievement
The Rocks
The best place to start
exploring Australia's
oldest city is at The
Rocks, a restored
19th-century village at
the southern end of the
Sydney Harbour Bridge,
which was the site of
Australia's first
European settlement in
1788, and is therefore
considered to be the
birthplace of the nation
of Australia. The area
features cobbled streets
and squares, gas lamps,
craft shops and small
restaurants. Here too
are several historic
buildings, including one
of the city's oldest,
Cadman's Cottage, built
in 1816, and two of
Sydney's oldest pubs,
the Lord Nelson and the
Hero of Waterloo.
Sydney Opera
House
It may not be an ancient
monument, but the
architecturally
distinctive Sydney Opera
House epitomises the
city as much as does the
Great Pyramid in Cairo.
Situated on Sydney
harbour at Bennelong
Point, this intriguing
white-sailed landmark is
no white elephant. It is
a fully functional
performing arts centre
in constant use. The
complex consists of a
massive Concert Hall
that seats more than
2,500 people and has the
finest acoustics in the
world; as well as a few
additional smaller
theatres.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney's 'green lung' is
the 30-hectare botanical
garden, established in
1816 and containing more
than 7,500 species of
plants. Australia's very
first farm was on the
site where the garden
now flourishes,
southeast of the Opera
House. Paths and walks
criss-cross the gardens,
leading strollers past
two sets of ponds,
garden sculptures and
numerous horticultural
areas. Guided walks are
offered at 10.30am every
day except public
holidays.
St Mary's Cathedral
This impressive Gothic
cathedral is the mother
church of Australian
Catholics and is a
landmark in the very
heart of Sydney,
situated on the
northeastern side of
Hyde Park. The cathedral
was built in 1868, but
its two towering spires
were added as recently
as 2000 after steel
frames were put in place
by helicopter and clad
in stone. The massive
cathedral is constructed
from dressed pyrmont
sandstone and laid out
in a cruciform design.
It has some lovely
stained-glass windows
worth viewing.
Darling
Harbour
The waterside tourist
precinct of Darling
Harbour, close to the
central business
district, is crossed by
a monorail and offers
plenty of entertaining
diversions, museums,
carnival rides,
restaurants and shops.
For example there is the
Imax Theatre with
Australia's largest
cinema screen; the
magnificent Chinese
Garden with its
serpentine paths and
placid pools; and the
huge Star City Casino
and the Sydney
Entertainment Centre. An
absolute must-see is the
Sydney Aquarium, one of
the world's best
aquariums, which has
underwater walkways
through two huge tanks
filled with an amazing
array of sea creatures.
Beaches
One thing that is not in
short supply in Sydney
are beautiful Pacific
Ocean beaches. Anywhere
in the city, except
perhaps in the far west
suburbs, you will never
be more than half an
hour away from one.
There are also several
small beaches around
Sydney Harbour, and
moving southwards one
reaches the famous Bondi
Beach, with its
magnificent sweep of
golden sand lined with
an eclectic mix of
ice-cream parlours,
designer cafes and surf
shops.
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SYDNEY - 5 star luxury!
Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney
- A boutique style hotel
operating within a beautifully
restored Heritage Listed
building in the heart of
Sydney. 4 nights from $461* per
person twin share land only.
Includes 4 nights accommodation
in a Premier Room (for the price
of 3 nights).
READ MORE >>
To find out more information
email:
haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au
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Did you know.......
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The Sydney Town
Hall sits on the
site of Sydney's
oldest official
burial ground,
which by 1820
housed
approximately
2,000 dead. Even
though most of
the bodies were
exhumed and
moved elsewhere,
on several
occasions since,
excavations in
the area have
turned up early
settlers.
Officially
called Port
Jackson, Sydney
Harbour covers
an area of 55
square
kilometres
around a
shoreline of 240
kilometres and
has a volume of
503,786
megalitres.
Sydney is one of
the most
multicultural
and multilingual
cities in the
world, with
people from more
than 180
nations,
speaking 140
languages.
Nearly
one-quarter of
Sydney residents
speak a language
other than
English at home.
Sydney
officially
became a city in
1842.
Sydney's David
Jones is among
the oldest
department
stores in the
world. Opening
in 1838, it was
a drapery "in
commodious
premises"
opposite the
General Post
Office.
It is a little
known fact that
Sydney is older
than many other
great world
cities including
San Francisco,
Washington, Los
Angeles,
Singapore,
Toronto and
Johannesburg.
Opened in 1932,
the Sydney
Harbour Bridge
cost A$20
million - then
10 million
pounds sterling
- and took until
1988 to pay off.
Giving the
bridge a
complete new
coat of paint
takes 10 years.
In 1915, Sydney
became the first
place in the
world to appoint
female police
officers.
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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Australian
Ski Season..... BOOK EARLY!
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Ski Rider Hotel is a 95 room hotel
located on exclusive acres inside
Kosciuszko National Park, only 11
kms from Perisher Blue Ski Resort.
Perisher Blue operates over 50 lifts
across 7 mountain peaks including
Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and
Guthega. The best skiing in
Australia is only a quick shuttle
ride or short drive away. There’s
plenty of parking and lots of room
to enjoy your stay. Choose a 2
share room if you're a couple, or up
to 6 share for a group of friends or
family. All rooms have private
ensuites, central heating,
tea/coffee making facilities, ski,
board and drying rack. There’s
plenty of storage space for all your
gear as well as a guest laundry with
ironing facilities.
Fuel up with hot cooked breakfasts
and delicious three course dinners.
The menus change daily and special
dietary requirements are catered
for. There’s also two bars, one
with an open fire place, a games
room and guest television lounge.
If you don’t have your own gear,
there’s a fully stocked equipment
hire shop where the staff can fit
you out with the latest skis, boards
and clothing. Hitting the slopes is
easy, with a FREE SHUTTLE BUS
SERVICE to and from Perisher Blue
that operates up to 9 times a day!
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Ski Rider -
From $575* per person twin share
land only.
Includes 5 nights twin share
accommodation, 5 full cooked
breakfasts, 5 dinners, FREE
parking, FREE shuttle bus to
Perisher up to 9 times per day, PLUS
choose one of the following:
- $50 FREE Ski/Board/Clothing hire,
OR
- Free accommodation (Friday night
including Saturday breakfast), OR
- $50 bar tab for use in both bars.
ADD: 5 day All Mountain
Lift Pass is available from only
$302* per person.
To find out more information, email:
haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au
or
READ MORE >> |
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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AUSTRALIA TRAVEL: |
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Voyages Heron Island Escape
On Heron
Island, the emphasis is on enjoying natural
beauty. Set amongst a dazzling parade of
aquamarine waters, swimming white sand
beaches and colour-splashed reefs teeming
with life. From $362* per adult (based on 2
adults and 2 children sharing) land only.
Price includes 3 nights accommodation in a
Turtle Family Room, full breakfast daily and
KIDS STAY & EAT FOR FREE (children must be
under 12 years). READ MORE >>
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Port Stephens:
Peppers
Anchorage -
Offering luxury hotel accommodation
overlooking the Anchorage Marina, Corlette
Beach and the unspoilt waters of Port
Stephens. 4 nights from $464* per person
twin share land only. Includes 4 nights
accommodation in an Anchorage Room (for the
price of 3 nights).
READ MORE >>
Melbourne: Stay in the heart of the city at
Rendezvous Hotel -
In the heart of the business district, this
superbly appointed hotel fronts onto
Flinders Street, just across the road from
the historic Flinders Street Railway
Station. 2 nights from $193* per person
twin share land only. Includes 2 nights
accommodation in a Deluxe Room.
READ MORE >>
For more information, email
haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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SOUTH PACIFIC: |
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Aitutaki, Cook Islands = ROMANCE!
Pacific
Resort, Aitutaki - 5 nights from $2704* per
person twin share. Includes return flights
to Rarotonga, 1 night pre and 1 night post
accommodation at Pacific Resort Rarotonga, 3
nights accommodation at Pacific Resort
Aitutaki, breakfast daily, transfers
throughout
and taxes payable from Australia.
BONUS: Honeymooners receive a bottle of
New Zealand champagne & fruit platter on
arrival.
READ MORE >>
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FIJI - Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa.
This resort is located on the beachfront at
Denarau Island and is a unique experience of
the authentic culture of Fiji. From $1246*
per person twin share. Includes return
flights to Nadi, 4 nights accommodation (for
the price of 3 nights), return airport
transfers and taxes payable from Australia.
READ MORE >>
SAMOA Combo Deal:
Sinalei Reef Resort Samoa AND Le Legoto
Resort, Savai'i.
9 nights from $1988* per person twin share.
Includes return flights to Apia, 5 nights
accommodation at Sinalei Reef Resort Samoa
with breakfast and afternoon tea daily, one
free half hour traditional massage per
person, 4 nights accommodation at Le Lagoto
Resort Savai'i with tropical breakfast
daily, transfers throughout and taxes
payable from Australia.
READ MORE >>
For more information, email
sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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UK & EUROPE: |
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THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
NEW YEAR SALE TO UK/EUROPE
Travel to Europe with Thai Airways
International from only $2158* per person
return. Includes return flights, taxes AND
a bonus $250* credit to spend on
accommodation, car hire, tours and more!
READ MORE >>
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DISNEYLAND RESORT PARIS
Kids under 7 stay and play for FREE*! Take
the family on the holiday of a lifetime to
the Disneyland Resort in Paris. From $2915*
adult and from $1986* per child - QUAD
SHARE. Includes return flights to Paris, 2
nights accommodation at Disney's Hotel Santa
Fe with breakfast daily, 3 day Park Hopper
Ticket to both Disneyland Park and Walt
Disney Studios, return airport transfers and
taxes payable from Australia.
READ MORE >>
For more information, email
peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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USA & CANADA: |
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Gray Line of Alaska -
NOW Save $175* per adult.
Book a
Gray Line of Alaska tour with a duration of
6 days or more, and you will receive a $175*
per adult discount! But hurry.... offer
ends 14 March 08.
READ
MORE >>
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Western Canada: Wilderness, Whales & Bears
- SELF DRIVE Tour
Drive leisurely and stunningly scenic routes
through coastal fishing villages and
mountains covered in virgin forest. Explore
fjord-like waters and glaciated peaks. Sea
Black Bears, Killer Whales, Sea Lions and
Bald Eagles in their natural habitat.
Experience the culture and history of BC's
capital, Victoria. From $2029* per person
twin share land only. Includes 9 days
compact car hire, 8 nights accommodation,
Zodiac Eco tour into Desolation Sound,
admission to Cowichan Native Village,
admission to Butchart Gardens, all BC
Ferries tolls for vehicle and passengers,
personalised maps, itinerary and driving
instructions.
READ
MORE >>
Stop Over Savings: City Stay Options
LOS
ANGELES: 4 days / 3 nights from $395*
per person twin share land only. Includes
return airport transfers, 3 nights
accommodation and a Universal Studios Tour
with transfers and admission.
SAN FRANCISCO: 4 days / 3 nights from
$245* per person twin share land only.
Includes return airport transfers, 3 nights
accommodation and a Deluxe City Tour and Bay
Cruise.
LAS VEGAS: 4 days / 3 nights from $335*
per person twin share land only. Includes
return airport transfers, 3 nights
accommodation and a Grand Canyon Highlights
Air Tour.
NEW YORK CITY: 4 days / 3 nights from
$575* per person twin share land only.
Includes return airport transfers, 3 nights
accommodation and an All Loops Double Decker
48-hour pass.
READ
MORE >>
Whistler Mountaineer
Experience the British Columbia coast, like
never before with Whistler Mountaineer. Be
spoilt with breathtaking scenery,
spectacular service and first class
accommodation as you discover cosmopolitan
Vancouver and gorgeous Whistler village.
GARDENS & GONDOLA ESCAPE from $1339* per
person twin share land only. Includes
Whistler Mountaineer Coast Classic
Experience, 5 nights accommodation in
Vancouver, return private car airport
transfers in Vancouver, rail station
transfers in Vancouver and Whistler,
Vancouver city highlights tour, admission to
Whistler Gondola, motorcoach tour from
Whistler to Vancouver, day excursion to
Victoria and 1 breakfast (on the Whistler
Mountaineer).
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
sandra.whittington@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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CENTRAL AMERICA: |
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Highlights of Mexico, Cuba & Guatemala
Experience
incredible history and contrasts on this
rewarding and enjoyable itinerary. Visiting
the Pyramids of the Sun & Moon in Mexico
City and the architectural marvels of
Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tikal and more.
Contrasts from the colonial city of Oaxaca,
international resort of Cancun and stunning
Lake Atitlan to the unique city of Havana in
Cuba. From $4718* per person twin share
starting in Mexico City and concluding in
Antigua. Includes 20 nights accommodation,
transfers, sightseeing, meals and
transportation as specified in itinerary.
Price is for touring ex Mexico City to
Antigua and includes airfares during tour
but does not include air taxes. Allow
between $450-$650.
READ
MORE >>
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For more information, email
peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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CRUISING: |
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Inside Passage: San Francisco Roundtrip
10 night
FLY/CRUISE with Dawn Princess from $3099*
per person twin share. Includes return
flights to San Francisco, 10 night cruise
onboard Dawn Princess with all meals and
entertainment whilst onboard, port charges,
government and air taxes. READ
MORE >>
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Cruise the Riviera: from Rome to
Barcelona!
10 nights
cruising onboard Oceania Cruises' Nautica
from $3435* per person twin share cruise
only. Includes 10 night cruise with all
meals, entertainment, gratutities and port
charges included. Highlights include Rome,
Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Olbia,
Porto Cervo, Florence/Pisa, Portofino, Monte
Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Provence, Palma de
Mallorca and Barcelona.
READ
MORE >>
Romantic Rhine, Moselle and the Main River
Cruise
Discover some of Germany's most beautiful
regions with our "Romantic Rhine, Moselle
and the Main" cruise. From $1310* per
person twin share cruise only. Includes 6
nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily, tours of Cochem and Coblenz,
services of a professional tour guide,
luggage transfer from shore to cabin and
v.v., port taxes and gratuities.
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
dawn.smith@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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MALDIVES: |
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Escape to the Maldives
Sun, sand and sea, massive lagoons with
different depths in infinite shades of blue
and turquoise are only a couple of the
attractions in the Maldives. From $2469*
per person twin share. Includes return
flights to Male, 1 night accommodation in
Male, 4 nights accommodation at Kuramathi
Village in a standard room, breakfast daily,
transfers throughout and taxes payable from
Australia.
ADD: Half Board (breakfast & dinner)
from just $40* per person per day or Full
Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from
just $79* per day.
READ
MORE >>
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For more information, email
sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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ASIA: |
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Indochina Family Adventure
Boasting beaches, temples, markets and
cafes, Indochina has everything needed for a
fun-filled family adventure. Travelling from
Hanoi to Siem Reap by plane, boat, train and
elephant, meeting smiling locals along the
way, this is a journey that won't have the
kids asking 'are we there yet?'!
15 days
from Hanoi to Siem Reap from $1165* per
person twin share land only (plus local
payment of US$370*). Includes 12 nights
hotel accommodation, 1 overnight train, 1
overnight boat, transportation by plane,
train, minibus, boat and cyclo, arrival
airport transfer, 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches,
1 dinner, sightseeing as listed in itinerary
and full time services of a group leader.
Does not include international flights.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Explore the Hanoi
Old Quarter, Set sail on Halong Bay, Meet
school kids in Hoi An, Eat with the locals
in Ho Chi Minh City and explore jungle and
temples at Angkor Wat.
READ
MORE >>
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Travel to China and save $200* per person.
China
specialist, Wendy Wu Tours
is
offering a reduction of $200* per person off
selected fully inclusive tours to China.
Tibetan Dreams – 24 days: 18 Oct 08 –
Now from $5580*
Great Cities of the East – 19 days: 22
Sep & 6 Oct 08 – Now from $5030*. 3 Nov 08 –
Now from $4780*.
China Splendour – 17 days: 9 Oct 08 –
Now from $4030*.
Glories of China – 14 days: 28 Sep & 5
Oct 08 – Now from $3730*
Magnificent China – 21 days: 29 Sep & 6
Oct 08 – Now from $5130*.
China Experience – 10 days:
5 Oct 08 - Now from $3030*.
Prices are per person twin share and are
FULLY INCLUSIVE. Airline fuel surcharges
(if applicable) and tipping is additional.
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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Aussie Lamingtons
The humble Lamington is an
Aussie icon but where did
they come from? Toowoomba
would you believe! In the
summer of 1886, Lord
Lamington, Governor of
Queensland took his
entourage to Toowoomba to
escape the steamy heat of
Brisbane. He loved,
‘Snowballs’ – round cakes
served with whipped cream.
The cook was requested to
make a batch for afternoon
tea and to cook’s horror the
kitchen was not equipped
with round patty tins or
cream! But she was creative
and made a big cake which
she cut into oblongs, iced
with chocolate icing and
sprinkled with coconut. The
Governor and his guests were
enthralled with the new
treat. Lady Lamington asked
what the cakes were called.
When told there they had no
name, the guests dubbed them
‘Lord Lamington Cakes’.
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INGREDIENTS:
CAKE
125g butter
3/4 cup castor sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 cup SR Flour
2/3 cup milk
1 tspn vanilla
ICING
3 cups icing mixture
1 tspn butter
1 tspn vanilla
1 tbspn cocoa
desert spoon of golden syrup
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METHOD:
Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, add
eggs one at a time. Add flour alternatively
with milk.
Pour mix into a greased lamington slab tin,
11 inches by 7 inches and bake in a moderate
oven for about 30 minutes.
After it's thoroughly cooled cut into 4cm x
4cm pieces. Wrap cake in foil and put in the
freezer.
Put icing in a double boiler - over boiling
water.
Then put a lamington on a fork and ladel
icing over the top until covered, hold it
while it drips then roll in fine coconut.
Dry on cake rack with greaseproof paper over
the top of it, or underneath to catch the
coconut.
ICING:
Mix all ingredients together then add a
dash of boiling water to mix to a running
consistency, but not too runny.
TIP: When transporting Lamingtons put
extra coconut at the bottom of the container
to prevent sticking to the bottom.
Serving Suggestion: With a good cuppa or hot chocolate!
Source:
http://www.abc.net.au
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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Airport Parking in Coffs Harbour
CLICK HERE for more information |
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1300- 738 -888
* Prices are per person, twin
share (where accommodation/car hire is
included, unless otherwise stated), subject
to availability at the time you make a
booking and conditions apply. Travel date
restrictions apply. Prices may vary due to
changes in taxes, currency and flight
routings. Travel agent booking fees may
apply in addition to prices quoted. Offers
may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Please see our website for further details.
Kelly Travel
Company, Escape Travel.
PO Box 1224
Suite 3, 144-148 High
St,
(Corner Moonee Street)
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6651-2747
Fax: (02) 6651-3334
Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
Web:
www.kellytravel.com.au
ABN: 37 067 920 441
We understand you
may wish NOT to receive information from us
by e-mail. To be removed from this and other
offers, simply click the following e-mail
address:
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To change your address or for assistance
please e-mail to
cristi.juffermans@escapetravel.com.au
Thank you.
"Without a travel
agent, you are on your own"
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