 AUSTRALIA FEATURES
New South Wales Central Coast: A playground in the sun
By Andrew Vadas, Staff Writer
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA (Nov. 3, 2002) -- Just beyond the Hawkesbury
River on Sydney's northern boundary lies a rich playground of unspoiled
golden beaches, placid lakes, lush rainforest walks and superb National
Parks known as the Central Coast.
A favorite weekend escape for Sydneysiders, the Central Coast
offers visitors a chance to experience some of Australia's most
beautiful natural wonders just an hour out of the big smoke. The
area boasts numerous coastal towns and villages, and a host of interesting
attractions to visit.
And, of course, you may like to visit a golf course or two in
your travels. Interested? Well, strap yourself in...we're off to
the Central Coast.
Our tour guide is long time Central Coast resident Darren Chivas,
who is the club pro at Everglades Country Club. Darren has played
all the courses on the coast, and gives us his views on some of
the best features as we make our way around.
 Everglades
Country Club
Address: Dunban Road, Woy Woy. Professional: Darren Chivas. Phone:
4341-3399. Number of holes: 18. Par: 68. Length: 5187m. About the
course: Immaculately presented. The layout places an emphasis on
the mid irons. Well-bunkered with small targets making the short
game important. Darren's views: "Perhaps I'm a little biased, but
Everglades is a must-visit. It's a great wet weather course, and
a friendly walking course. If it's on-site accommodation you're
looking for, the Glades Motor Inn is situated opposite the 1st tee.
And we have great beaches nearby, with Umina and Ettalong being
the pick."
Gosford Golf Club
Address: Racecourse Road, Gosford. Professional: Mark Churcher.
Phone: 4325-1856. Number of holes: 18. Par: 71. Length: 5804m. About
the course: The Coast's oldest and perhaps most prestigious course.
Features a backdrop of Narara Creek and magnificent tree-lined ridges.
Dogleg holes make length control important. Darren's views: "It's
always a pleasure to play the coast's oldest course, with its variety
being a feature. The close proximity to shops, restaurants, motels
and Gosford City make it a very handy location."
Lakeside Golf Club
Address: Boyce Avenue, Wyong. Phone: 4353-1105. Number of holes:
13. Par: 45. Length: 2409m. About the course: Short, flat course
which provides easy going for elderly players. Small greens demand
accurate iron play from all players. A good non-threatening course
for beginners. Darren's views: " This is a quiet, unassuming and
fun course, making it ideal for social play. If the nearby Wyong
course is too intimidating, then this is the one for you."
Mangrove Mountain Memorial Golf Club
Address: Hallards Road, Central Mangrove. Professional: Bob
Payne Phone: 4373-1075. Number of holes: 10. Par: 70. Length: 5137m.
About the course: Set high in mountain country, this course boasts
amazing views. Some holes involve a climb, but the views and abundant
wildlife make it well worth the effort. Darren's views: "A very
challenging course, with fast greens which can deceive. Don't forget
to check out the great views from the clubhouse."
Terrigal Memorial Country Club
Address: Dover Road, Wamberal. Professional: Scott Cubis Phone:
4384-5691. Number of holes: 9. Par: 33. Length: 2523m. About the
course: Tree-lined fairways and water hazards mean that golfers
who are prepared to sacrifice distance for accuracy will be rewarded.
Elevated greens are challenging. Darren's views: "A very testing
nine holes, but a great place to visit, with the Crowne Plaza Resort
on Terrigal Beach being a sure-fire winner with travelers."
Toukley Golf Club
Address: Key Street, Toukley. Professional: Greg Lewis Phone: 4397-2309.
Number of holes: 18. Par: 72. Length: 6199m. About the course: Flat
championship course with contrasting nines. Close to The Lakes Beach.
Tight and testing in places. Natural setting makes it a highly enjoyable
walk. Darren's views: "This course provides a good test of golf
skills, which will reward more accomplished players. The club also
provides excellent practice facilities."
 Tuggerah
Lakes Golf Club
Address: Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach. Professional: Mark
Sullivan. Phone: 4332-1103. Number of holes: 18. Par: 71. Length:
6083m. About the course: A spectacular seaside links-style course.
Long par-4s can be tough to reach when the ocean winds pick up.
First three holes have been reworked. Unforgettable views. Darren's
views: "Yes, the weather certainly plays a big part in scoring,
but the views will take your mind off a bad game. And the beautiful
Shelley Beach is merely an errant shot away."
Wyong Golf Club
Address: Pacific Highway, Wyong. Professional: Duncan Pedrana. Phone:
(02) 4352-1511. Number of holes: 18. Par: 72. Length: 6078m. Course
record: 69 About the course: Testing championship course with flat,
lush kikuyu fairways lined by abundant eucalypt trees and magnificent
gardens. Generous fairways help social players to enjoy the round.
Darren's views: "An enjoyable and relaxing course, which is well
manicured all year round."
Attractions
Old Sydney Town is an historic theme park, and is the largest
heritage park in New South Wales. It depicts Australia's birthplace
and development from 1788 to 1810.
Glenworth Valley Horse Riding
Experience spectacular rainforest trails and lush green valleys
on horseback at Australia's largest horse riding center. Your choice
of Free Range or Guided Rides through 2,500 acres of scenic coastal
hinterland with tall trees, winding creeks and natural rock pools
to swim in.
Australian Reptile Park
Discover the magic of the Australian bush and native animals at
the famous Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Have
a photo with cuddly koalas or gigantic pythons, watch platypus,
wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils being fed. Visit the Park's
newest attraction 'Spider World' and the 'Lost World of Reptiles'.
Traveling to the Central Coast
By Car ... an easy one hour's drive north from Sydney along the
Freeway.
Airport Transfers ... Central Coast Airbus (1 300 367 470) provides
a frequent service to the Central Coast between Sydney Domestic
and International Airport Terminal and Sydney City 7 days a week.
Surface to Air (4325 3000) provides a pick up and delivery service
to and from both the International and Domestic Airports to the
Central Coast.
By Train ... Trains depart from Sydney Central Station to the
Central Coast approximately every half hour and provide an efficient
service. Train timetables are available from stations where train
tickets can be purchased, or phone 13 1500 for timetables, train
arrivals and fare enquiries. Country Link Reservations phone 13
2232.
By Sea Plane ... For a totally different experience, charter a
seaplane from Sydney (departs Rose Bay) to the Central Coast. Traveling
time approximately 20 minutes.
Where to stay
The Central Coast has numerous types of accommodation, from cabins
and guesthouses to five-star luxury hotels. Check an accommodation
guide at http://www.ltl.com.au/centralcoast/ccaccommodation.htm
Where to eat
Dining out on the Central Coast offers a truly international choice
of cuisines and culinary delights. Restaurateurs take pride in serving
fresh food of the highest standard and there's a dining experience
to suit every occasion - from casual bistros, chic sidewalk and
alfresco cafes to elegant award winning fine dining.
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