Elixir Journeys #2
Offering thrilling, nature based experiences paired with fabulous food and wine, Elixir Journeys bring a touch of luxury to the NSW Central Coast
The Central Coast is brimming with high-end holiday spoils, just ask Elixir Journeys founder Nicola Billens.
Nicola moved to the coast a couple of years ago and instantly recognised hidden potential for bespoke, luxury tourism experiences in the region.
Working for Alquemie, she travelled around Australia to get a grasp on the high-end holiday market and then travelled around the world pitching ideas for luxury experiences to clients.
But it was only when she moved to the Bouddi Peninsula, just a stone’s throw from Palm Beach, that she realised how under-appreciated the Central Coast region truly was.
“Every time I visited somewhere myself, around the coast, I thought about how perfect it would be for my clients that I’ve worked with previously,” she said.
“Living here has shown me that there is actually so much to offer, so close to Sydney. I’ve travelled the world to all seven continents and I can speak with confidence when I say that the NSW Central Coast really is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored by both international and domestic travellers.”
Premium experiences from Elixir Journeys
Following are a number of premium luxury experiences offered by Nicola Billens and her team at Elixir Journeys.
Walk. Eat. Sail.
Combining a guided bush walk, great food and a relaxing afternoon sail, this experience is for people wanting variety and a bit of everything – nature, walking, eating and time on the water.
Highlights include a stroll through a conservation project in Pearl Beach, a hike to Patonga that includes one of the Central Coast’s most scenic views (Broken Bay). Then a cold beverage and shared entrees at the Boathouse Patonga, followed by sailing aboard a 38ft yacht to a secluded cove for a delicious grazing platter.
Afterwards, the choice is yours – choose to explore deeper into the Hawkesbury, over to Pittwater, or simply enjoy some rest and relaxation swimming off the yacht before you sail back to Hardy’s Bay.
Perfect for groups of friends or families, this experience can be shared or private. But please be aware that availability is limited so book ahead (two months ideally) to avoid disappointment.
Price is $396 per person (when shared).
More details on the Elixir Journeys website.
Helicopter wine hop
Enjoy a day out in the renowned Hunter Valley, lifting off in a helicopter. Take a low-level scenic flight over the Central Coast and get a birds-eye view of the inland waterways from the Hawkesbury river to the south end of Brisbane Waters. You’ll also see Tuggerah Lakes to the north, in the distance.
Landing in the Hunter Valley you can choose from several very special wine experiences at Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood or Tyrells, which all include a 3-course lunch. Your experiences could range from meeting the makers, an exclusive behind the scenes tour, tastings direct from the barrels or visiting the ‘Sacred Sites’, ungrafted dry-grown vineyards which are over 100 years old.
This experience will be tailored to your whims, price P.O.A.
Please call Elixir Journeys to discuss on 02 8007 4475.
Paddle & Pearls
Explore the natural beauty of Broken Bay on an early morning kayak tour. First you’ll paddle to a pearl seeding shed situated amongst the mangroves, where you’ll learn about the pristine local environment that creates the ideal conditions needed to grow pearls. You can, watch-on as pearls are harvested to see the intricate and detailed work that goes into producing a pearl.
As you kayak around the uninhabited nature reserve you’ll see local wildlife such as the pelicans, or birds of prey, that thrive in this abundant natural habitat. You’ll learn how the birdlife is intertwined with the pearl farm and the surrounding ecosystems.
Your kayak guide will take you past more oyster and pearl farm leases, that surround the island, before heading back to the pearl seeding shed.
At the pearl seeding shed, what you will see will depend on the seasonal activities. This is a working pearl shed and typically off-limits to the general public. The farming of the pearl is fascinating and the pearling technicians will answer all your questions. Ending, it’s just a short kayak back to base.
Price is $247 per person (when shared).
More details on the Elixir Journeys website.
