Sydney Weekender - Ales with Altitude

Ales with Altitude

Host: Mike Whitney

Ales with Altitude

Newcastle Helicopters and Murray’s Brewery have teamed up to provide the ultimate weekend away for the boys, ‘Ales with Altitude’. First you’ll jump on board a helicopter at Newcastle Airport that will take you on a beautiful, scenic flight around Port Stephens. They’ll then drop you off at Murray’s Brewery to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of how the brewery runs.

It all starts with a guided tour through the factory. You’ll learn exactly how the brewing process works and how long different beers have to ferment for. Then it’s on to the bottling process, the production line of empty bottles being filled, capped and labeled ready for sale. A walk through the vines to the hops garden will show you the variety of hops grown on site and you’ll be amazed by the different flavours they create when they’re turned into beer.

The best is still to come though, the beer tasting! You’ll taste the difference in the beers produced at Murray’s brewery, they have a delicious flavour and are meant to be sipped like a fine wine. They’ll go down a treat with the meals being served up at the beautiful restaurant on site. Dig into the ‘Angry Man’ mixed grill of marinated sirloin steak, beer sausage, braised ribs, mash, caramelised onions and a free range egg. With so much to see and do (and drink and eat) Ales with Altitude isn’t just for the blokes, any lovers of beer are guaranteed to have a ball.

Prices correct as at 16/06/12

Bali at the Bay

If you’re planning a weekend away with the boys, you’re going to need somewhere lovely to stay and Bali at the Bay in Shoal Bay is the perfect place. You’ll feel like you’ve travelled to Bali but in reality you’re only a short stroll from the beautiful Shoal Bay Beach.

Opened in 2002 by Sharne and Grant Edwards, they were inspired by a trip to Bali and wanted to bring the beautiful Balinese style back to Australia. There are two stunning apartments to choose from, The Nirwana has two bedrooms and a verandah with a view of Shoal Bay Beach and The Shinto is decked out with bamboo lounges, a hammock and a lush outdoor area, perfect for chilling with the boys.

Most of the furniture, statues and timber in the accommodation were imported from Bali so this place looks and feels like the real deal. There are a range of relaxing spa treatments on offer and to really top off the Balinese experience you’ll be treated to a welcome hamper that includes sparkling wine, a fruit and cheese platter and an icy cold Bintang Beer.

Prices correct as at 16/06/12

For a hassle free way to get to Newcastle, leave the car at home and take a direct flight from Sydney with Aeropelican. Check out their website for more information.

Prices correct as at 16/06/12