Country Energy Australian Surf Festival
Host: Mike Whitney
Port Macquarie CompetitionGet ready to dive in to Port Macquarie on us. Sydney Weekender is giving away a 3 night weekend at Calypso on Lighthouse Beach PLUS surf lessons for four people with the Port Macquarie Surf School and a meal for four at the Town Green Inn. To be in the running, get paddling and call our line on 1902 55 77 06.
M.NET 55 cents max call cost. Mobile phones extra. Lines close 7/08/08 at midnight NSW permit number: LTPS/08/07351, ACT permit number: TP 08/03065. Terms and conditions are available by contacting The Seven Network Lines open Sunday 3rd August. |
* Winners’ details will be published in the Australian newspaper on Monday 18th August 2008.
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Mike’s hangin’ ten in Port Macqurie and getting ready for the Australian Surf Festival in August – the first time EVER the long and short board titles will be held together in the same location.
Country Energy Australian Surf Festival
Sunday 17 August 2008 – Saturday 30 August 2008
The Australian Surf Titles have been held since 1964 - the longest running surf event in Australia. In 2008, it becomes the 'Australian Surf Festival' - combining the National Shortboard and Longboard Titles for the first time and expanding into a unique celebration of the Australian surf lifestyle. It will include the 'Wine and the Waves' Festival, surf art and photography exhibitions, skateboarding displays and much more over two full weeks!
Port Macquarie has beautiful beaches from North Haven in the south thru to Town Beach which is right in the heart of Port Macquarie. With only 30 minutes drive you can find a wave any day of the week. Each beach is unique and offers different quality waves from gentle breaking (great for beginners) to powerful, fast breaking waves (more for the experienced). Some beaches handle southerly swell whilst others are good with a north swell.
They also have remote beaches with access via unsealed roads that you can get away from it all for the day or a weekend. They have it all - if you want a quick surf before work you will find a wave close by or if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, serenity is within 30 minutes drive.
Crowds aren’t a problem either. Surfers are a relaxed, carefree crew and with Port Macquarie’s relaxed lifestyle surfing and Port seems to go hand in hand. Where else could you walk or take short drive to the beach, take the kids, have a surf and hang out?
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More Information Country Energy Australian Surf Festival Sunday 17th August 2008 – Saturday 30th August 2008 Port Macquarie Telephone: (02) 9349 7055 |
Prices correct as at 03/0808
Port Macquarie Surfing School
For anyone who is looking to start surfing, the Port Macquarie Surfing School offers learn-to-surf lessons daily throughout the year. Weekly lessons are conducted for surfers who want to improve their techniques and there are regular elite coaching sessions for surfers who compete in surfing contests and require the extra skills for competitive surfing.
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They provide all equipment – safe softboards, wetsuits and rashvests.
Port Macquarie Surf School is owned and operated by the well known “local” Hudson family – Peter, Wayne and Grant Hudson (all commonly referred to as “huddo”). All three members of the Hudson family were born in Port Macquarie and are renowned surfers in their own right. They know the area and the beaches and have a wealth of experience and knowledge to bestow to all surfers from the humble beginner to the elite surfer, with over 90 years of surfing and 40 years of coaching experience between them.
All 3 are Level 2 accredited coaches.
Participants are educated on surf safety, surf awareness and surf etiquette during the lesson. Port Macquarie Surf School's commitment in maintaining quality coaching to all participants whilst allowing surfers to have fun and enjoy their experience is the main ingredient to their success. They provide personalised service with flexible programs to meet the clients needs.
All lessons are fully supervised by their elite and fully trained coaching staff – in the water at all times to create a safe and fun environment. This allows not only personal, but immediate instruction and feedback and therefore optimises learning time and potential.
Port Macquarie Surf School offers free pick up for participants in their 12 seater bus. They have 3 surfboard trailers – which are easily recognised as they are bright yellow and can operate from 3 different locations daily during school holidays (subject to surf conditions).
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More Information Port Macquarie Surf School Port Macquarie Telephone: (02) 6585 5453 www.portmacquariesurfschool.com.au Bookings for all lessons are essential. Prices start from $40 per person for a lesson. |
Prices correct as at 03/0808
Town Green Inn
The Town Green Inn, affectionately referred to as TG's by the Port Macquarie population, is conveniently located right in the heart of Port Macquarie, next to the Macquarie Hotel.
Enjoying views over Port Macquarie's iconic Town Green and the Hastings River, TG's offers its guests a contemporary, comfortable and relaxed experience.
Whether you are looking for a delicious but affordable meal, a coffee or drinks with friends TG's has it all.
The Town Green Inn has something to appeal to even the most discerning of palates! Ranging from traditional 'hearty' pub meals to the ultimate in culinary experiences TG's has it all!
[ Source: www.towngreeninn.com.au ]
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More Information Town Green Hotel 4 Horton Street, Port Macquarie Telephone: (02) 6580 7899 Open 7 days |
Prices correct as at 03/0808
Calypso On Lighthouse Beach
Get away from the frantic pace of life and enjoy peace, privacy and renewal in a tropical garden setting. This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom designer beach house, with open plan living areas was completed in December 2006.
With several leisure areas, inside and out, you can spread out and have another family or close friends enjoying the holiday with you. All bed linen and bath towels are provided for your ease. Choose from lying in one of the two cinema rooms with home theatre systems and plasma screens, or relaxing on the veranda watching the ocean currents ebb and flow.
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The master bedroom suite has its’ own spa bath overlooking the tropical rainforest to the beach. Travertine marble features throughout the house and there are broadband internet and wireless facilities. Ceiling fans throughout the upper level and large open verandas create a truly tropical atmosphere where you may choose to leave the windows open and let the sea breezes wander in. Ducted air-conditioning throughout keeps you comfortable in summer or winter.
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Set on a quiet street within walking distance to local shops (including Woolworths), Calypso is still just 10 minutes from Port Macquarie. There are numerous activities available in the area with something to suit everyone. Try one of the many restaurants at Port Macquarie or follow the wine trail exploring the vineyards.
Minimal temperature changes allow you to enjoy a perfect holiday, whether in the warm, shallow waters of Lake Cathie (where children can play) or along Lighthouse Beach where surfing conditions are among the best.
Just under 4 hours from Sydney, it’s an absolute beachfront holiday rental home that offers true luxury and relaxation.
[ Source: www.beachhut.com.au ]
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More Information Calypso on Lighthouse Beach Lake Cathie Telephone: 0410 446 505 Weekend stays start from $1350 for up to 12 people. The weekend includes a complimentary Sunday night. Beachhut has several properties along the NSW coast. * booking conditions apply |
Prices correct as at 03/08/08
The easiest way to get to Port Macquarie is with QantasLink. One way fares from Sydney start at $121. Book your seat now on www.qantas.com