Cypress Lakes Golf & Spa Resort, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
"Gate Pond" at the Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
Cypress Lakes Golf & Spa Resort, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
The 6th hole at the Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
Cypress Lakes Golf & Spa Resort, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
"The Elevator" at the Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
Cypress Lakes Golf & Spa Resort, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
The 18th hole ("The Resolution") at the Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
CYPRESS LAKES GOLF & SPA RESORT, NSW, AUSTRALIA
PERFECT FOR:
- Family Vacations: A wide range of activities for youngsters, plus luxurious family accommodations and a choice of dining options.
- Golfing Groups: One of the finest resort courses in Australia; outstanding dining and drinking options; a variety of post-golf relaxation activities, all convenient for a weekend break from Sydney.
- Romantic Breaks: Fascinating sight-seeing around the villages and vineyards of the Hunter Valley; a variety of his-and-hers activities; romantic restaurants; serene accommodations.
THE CYPRESS LAKES RESORT IS SYDNEY'S FAVOURITE WEEKEND RETREAT FOR GOLFERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
A resort that’s popular as a weekend retreat for Sydney folk would be equally attractive for those visiting the city but wishing to spend a few days in the country. At Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley they would find the best of all worlds: a close-up view of Australia’s major vineyards from a luxurious base with golf and other good things on tap, plus some of the finest dining to be found in Australia.
LOCATION
The resort is located on the highest point in the Hunter Valley in the region known as Pokolbin, which is a 90 minute drive north west of Sydney.
Click here to see a local map.
ABOUT THE GOLF
The resort is a haven for wildlife: kangaroos are frequently seen on the fairways and birds of all species flock to the lakes that dot the course. America's Steve Smyers has designed a welcoming lay out with everything on an expansive scale and redolent of his home State of Florida. The bent grass greens and couch fairways offer large targets and the presentation is equally impressive.
It’s considered one of Australia’s finest resort courses, one demanding imaginative course management, solid tee shots and a sound short game. There are some carries over water, others over gullies and even the corner of a vineyard!
Cut your tee shot on the par four 11th, for instance,and you’ll be crushing grapes. You’ll also be digging deep: a local rule says if you hit into the vines you must buy a bottle for your playing partner. It makes for prolonged post-round yarn spinning. Fortunately, there’s always a courtesy car, or your villa will be only a stagger away.
NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES
The clubhouse is a stroll away from the accomodation and nearby is the acclaimed Golden Door health spa and the Kids’ Club. Also close to hand are tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness centre, archery, and bicycles. The off-site activities include vineyard tours and wine tasting, hot air ballooning, sky diving, off-road driving and horse-drawn carriage excursions
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Swimming pools, tennis, biking, horse-riding, golf and the Kids Club.
WHERE TO STAY
The accommodation is in villas, of one to four bedrooms, set in clusters on the hillsides overlooking the golf course. They are fully equipped for self catering but most folk restrict this to breakfast on the terrace, preferring to lunch and dine in the clubhouse restaurants. The villas are five star and offer a rare standard of opulence, with large balconies for out-door entertainment and giving breathtaking views to the Brokenback mountains that serate the horizon.
DINING OPTIONS
Exploring the dining options in the Hunter Valley is one of the delights in visiting the region. There are several outstanding restaurants but one of the finest is Cypress Lakes' own Pipette restaurant. A romantic dinner here will be a highlight of your stay, a celebration of the culinary style for which Australia has become justly renowned. Lunch, snacks and the usual bar service is available at the 19th Hole.
WHEN TO GO
The ideal season to visit both NSW and Queensland would be their spring (September - November), although their autumn (March - May) is most agreeable, too. Their summer is oft-times too hot for golf and driving as the summer temperature is frequently in excess of 100F.
Click here to see average weather conditions throughout the year, and for a weather forecast for the next seven days.
TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAY
Getting There
The nearest international airport is in Sydney (called Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport), a comfortable drive away. Hire cars are available from Hertz and Avis at Sydney Airport.
Getting around
If you're travelling with the usual holiday luggage, plus golf clubs, then a rental car is the only suitable form of transportation. It's a pleasant drive from Sydney, heading north over the Harbour Bridge, and once in situ at Cypress Lakes you'll need a car to see the sights in the Hunter Valley.
Packing Tips & Dress Code
Informality is the keynote in Australia: formal dress is seldom required and never on holiday. A sports jacket may be in order if your lady wishes to dress up for dinner but beyond this smart casual is standard.
Currency
Australian dollar. For current rates of exchange, click here.
Time Zone
GMT+10.
Dialing Codes
The country code for Australia, and then the local code for the Sydney area of New South Wales, is +61-02 (then add the local number).
Other Local Insider Information
Few people in service expect gratuities in Australia: it's foreign to the ethos. The exception arises in restaurants where a tip of ten per cent for good service would be considered appropriate if the meal merits praise.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR VACATION
Request a Quotation or Use Our Recommended Golf Tour Operator
PGT can negotiate discounted rates and bonuses for our readers. Simply contact us giving details of preferred dates and your requirements and we will contact the resort on your behalf.
Alternatively you could
Book Through A Tour Operator
If you require a total holiday package including flights, transfers, accommodation and golf reservations PGT will recommend the tour operator who serves the resort or destination of your choice and negotiate any possible discount available.
Travel Money
To order Australian dollars from Travelex at the guaranteed best price availabe in the UK - at 0% commission, and with free airport pickup click here.
Travel Insurance
Insurance isn't fun but it is both important and a sensible investment when travelling overseas (particularly when transporting expensive golf equipment). We recommend American Express .