Yeranda News.
December 24 2008
Last minute Christmas Greetings to all our former guests who have visited Yeranda and Noonameena this year and in the past as well. As 2009 looms near we look forward to entering our 14th year in this exciting industry...it is still as much of a thrill to share Yeranda with others as it was when we first opened Kalimna. We could not speak highly enough about the pleasures of being part of this industry...we meet so many interesting people who quickly become good friends as they return time and again to enjoy the privacy and seclusion...beats working in an office!!!!
December 14 2008
Join those who have taken advantage of the Yeranda Christmas Spirit and ordered vouchers for their family /friends and now do not have to pay until the recipient makes their booking! We have even had one former guest buying a voucher for $100...well, wouldn't you like your tariff reduced by that amount!!!! People are going to still be wanting breaks away even in tough economic times ....infact they will probably want a change of scenery even more than usual!!! Make the arrangements SOON so you have a voucher card to give your loved one at Christmas.
November 8 2008
Have had a thought about Christmas Gift Vouchers....some people buy these vouchers and then the recipients, for what ever reason, forget to book or make use of voucher (they could give it away!) This year I plan to offer the following...we will send on to you a voucher card for you to give to family or friends BUT no money needs to be paid until they select dates. Once the recipient contacts us with ideal dates we would expect full payment with in 7 days...how does this sound to you?!!! Each year we have sold more and more vouchers...such an easy gift so do think about this option and act on it straight away.
November 3 2008
Nothing thrills Ros more than a GREAT nature sighting and to share this is even better. Yesterday morning early whilst walking back from Nalleeghee Creek there was a bit of a scuffle in the grass nearby...not a wallaby BUT...a koala which quickly scuttled up a dead casuarina. Of course that is pretty good but on her back was a juvenile so Ros' day was made and having her brand new Canon 50D on hand...well, what an opportunity (the fact that it had the macro lens attached did not deter the excited bush woman...any pic is better than none when it is a koala!!!)
October 28 2008
Today has seen the first of the requests for a Yeranda voucher for a Christmas present. What better way to tell some close family members or friends that you care by sharing your little bush secret with them!!! Gosh, if Yeranda is still a secret in its 13th year of operation then we have had a steady build up!!!! Perhaps you can get siblings to put in with you to shout mum and dad a stay here. It is still some weeks til Christmas so with the ease of net transfer you can even "lay by" a voucher ...lots of option. Just don't leave it to be too close to December 25. Keep in mind no matter how serious the economic doom and gloom you are only young once so for the romantics...go for it! For the oldies come and enjoy a wonderful peaceful stay in the bush or for family groups consider a get together at Noonameena.
October 12 2008,
We have been in awe of the number of visits to www.yeranda.com.au since the Sydney Weekender show last Saturday. Hopefully the hundreds of visitors have placed the site into their FAVOURITES file!
September 27 2008
Next Saturday, October 4, Yeranda will be shown (although I am sure, briefly) on Channel 7's Sydney Weekender Show... some time between 5:30 and 6pm. It will be interesting to monitor the response from such exposure and to encourage visitors there will be some specials offered ...you will need to check SPECIALS closer to October 4. The plan is to target certain dates which are currently available...this may suit a birthday or anniversary...be sure to check it out!
September 25 2008
Anyone who has chatted with Ros will be aware she is a nature fanatic and her latest little gadget assures this is so. A "black torch" or one that shines UV light from tiny LEDs reveals some exciting creatures at night. The main aim of purchase was to locate scorpions which fluoresce under UV light. The long awaited torch arrived in yesterdays mail and Ros could hardly wait til dark! Not a scorpion scurried in view however she was astounded by the dozens of millipedes that made a dazzling display on the embankment behind the house! Tonight an attempt will be made to photograph these critters! Another interesting observation was a lichen that glowed a bright orange colour! One can but wonder what else lurks in the rainforest gullies that may fluoresce under UV!!!! Maybe the UV light source will attract the very soon to arrive fireflies!!! Updates on NEWS soon!
September 12 2008
Kevin and Ros attended the 2008 Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards and scored a "Highly Commended" in the category of ACCOMMODATION. Not the same as a win but it is recognition of our business!
September 7 2008
Thinking of eloping? Check our special offer for Valentines Day 2009. We can only only book this offer once so be quick!!!
September 2 2008
Spring sure has sprung here at Yeranda and at Noonameena...glorious sunny days and just cool enough nights to snuggle under the doona. Last Wednesdays filming went off well and now the wait to hear when the clip will go to air. All four fellows were terrific...so good with their individual jobs and very conscientious. We could not have wished for better. Bookings have been fast and furious this past week for some unknown reason and that is with out the extra promotion of TV exposure!
August 26 2008.
Tomorrow Channel 7 crew to arrive...the Presenter, Pete Wells and the Producer, camera man and sounds man...all excitement for Ros and Kev. and a busy day ahead here ....wallaby droppings need removing from lawn at Kalimna, outdoor loo glass to be polished...all the things one would do when a TV team is about to arrive!
August 14 2008
Two Sneakaway Bush Weddings last week with the second one seeing us cog up a total of 30 such happy events...how fortunate we are to share such exciting occasions! We even have one set for Valentines Day 09 and would love to package up a second one for that day as well...a romantic theme...heart shaped wedding cake, red roses ...keep it in mind if you are thinking about an intimate, elopement wedding!!!
It appears Yeranda has struck it lucky as Channel 7s Sydney Weekender Show saw our website and wants to come visit in a couple of weeks time! As small tourism operators such opportunities do not come along often so we are looking forward to this chance to hopefully show Kalimna and Noonameena to a wide audience. These are the two cottages they wish to feature...the small, romantic cottage versus the large homestead which is suitable for family getaways and for large groups.
Will let former guests know by email when the clip will be shown and will note it here in NEWS!
July 13 2008
Winter is certainly with us ...yesterday morning Yeranda recorded an over night low of just 4C (we have never recorded a frost here which we attribute to the dense bush and east facing aspect) The winter chore of sourcing fire wood for the cottage heaters and outside fires is one of the main jobs and we are always grateful for environmental consciences to come to the fore with many guests being aware that the heaters need to be operated as per the directions. A cosy fire is welcomed by all guests.
The male lyre birds are calling loudly and time must be found to check out last years nesting site to see if the same female is making use of that perfect safe spot.
The curry meals are going great guns and many guests have not only availed themselves of this offer but have purchased some of the Yeranda chutneys....an interesting selection of date and banana, lemon and mustard seed, pear, ginger and sultana plus apricot and mint.
Sneakaway Bush Weddings are still appealing to quite a few with bookings well ahead in to 2009.
Retirement does beckon but that is all another story....
May 18 2008,
Last night we attended the Dungog and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards night. We were thrilled to be named the winners of the Tourism and Hospitality category with a beautiful trophy being received. Recognition of how, with effort and passion, small businesses can be successful in an industry which is top heavy with BIG players!
It has been a good week at Yeranda with our first lot of guests utilising our curry meals and the report was , I quote, "curries spectacular, rice perfect" Two more bookings are indulging in curries this week so our new option for guests is ON IT'S WAY!!!!!
May 5 2008
We are delighted to now offer you an option of some locally prepared foods to not only give you a night off but to share with you what we see as wonderful country food. This is offered merely as an option but those who have tried Amorelle's curries and Irma's tasty Italian tucker see it as a privilege to indulge in such delectable food in pleasant surrounds. Many of our guests have said they enjoy the well set out cottage kitchens so are happy to cook their own food but for those wanting a break or to just be able to have a lovely meal when they arrive after dark on a Friday night...well... just get that order in to us. Check the SPECIALS section of our web site now!
April 18 2008
Most folks say they do not know where the time has gone however since February I am well aware of where it has gone for us! Kevin and I have worked diligently on full filling the requirements of our Catchment Management Authority Grant at Noonameena...an ambitious project to embark on whilst busily looking after the three cottages here at Yeranda plus Noonameena homestead. The project has involved quite a lot of new fencing which now sees an expansion of the dedicated riparian area along Carowiry creek, the planting of many banksias in an area now known as the "banksia grove" and 80 hours of hard labour eradicating lantana from areas adjacent to the creek. It was with a sense of relief that the project was completed this week and a the field officer from CMA inspected what we had done. (as finished as one might be when lantana seed remains viable for 10 years!!!! Plenty of follow up work required for the duration of our ownership of Noonameena I should think!!) The tourism season has busied up and we look forward to seeing many of our regular guests and also welcoming lots of people who are new to Yeranda and Noonameena.
February 13 2008
Summer seems to have passed us by; just lots of rain resulting in the bush being greener than ever and the creeks rushing along more rapidly than usual! When so many parts of Australia have suffered severe drought it is a privilege to live in an area where there we have not been affected. Last weekend we hosted our 27th Sneakaway Bush Wedding but it was our first held at Noonameena. It rained all week leading up to Mary and Tony's special day and even on the morning of the wedding it dawned drizzly and misty...the ceremony was held on the spacious north veranda and as it finished the sun broke through ...perfect! Already we are seeing an increase in requests for bookings for the cooler time of the year with winter weekends filling fast...don't leave it too late to secure a cottage for May, June , July...book now!
November 14
Solve your Christmas gift worries with a voucher for a short stay at Yeranda for those who are hard to buy for....maybe your parents who would love a peaceful couple of nights in Kalimna or Pindari....$260 for two nights. For those of you who have stayed with us over our 11 and a half years in business you will know what a great retreat it is. Let your relatives or friends experience a true bush escape but with home comforts as well....they will enjoy the out door shower at any time or the cosy log fire when the weather cools off once more. Perhaps instead of gifts this year you could organise a family get together at Noonameena ...could be a fun annual gathering!!!
October 18.
Do any of you have a Hewlett Packard 6 L printer? Mine is now defunct but have been left with an almost new toner cartridge. (cost over $100 ) I do not plan to dump it but am happy for it to go to a new home available to the first person who makes a booking and mentions this offer.
September 2 2007
Noonameena now has a dedicated outdoors camp fire area and this weekend saw the christening of it by a family group who spoke enthusiastically of all the attributes of this home away from home. Ros can only praise the view of the moon rising from behind the Bulga range...she was able to enjoy the total eclipse there last Tuesday night. It was a magical experience and for those who feel they would enjoy moonrise at Noonameena be sure to check the VACANCIES section for the following dates...
Full moon dates for 2008
January 22, February 21, March 22, April 20, May 20, June 19,July 18, August 17, September 15, October 15, November 13, December 13.
The most stunning aspect is certainly from the eastern deck at Noonameena however Kalimna is also a great cottage to be in at full moon....do consider this experience and book ahead.
August 12 2007
Noonameena continues to take good bookings and is already proving to be a wonderful addition to the three Yeranda cottages. For us it is a great opportunity to encourage groups /families to take advantage of such amazing spacious surrounds. Kev has completed a great little mini deck out from the main eastern deck and a suggestion by one son that it could be "a very small stage for old rockers" conjures up Kev in his retirement strumming away to the passing parade of eastern greys and red necked wallabies! The addition of two "Kev crafted" toddlers beds sees little people well catered for...they love their cot sized beds!
Spring seems to be here early with birds and bees all very active. This year we would like to see November bookings increase as it has been a traditional quiet month locally. We aim to email our regular guests some "encouragement" to book then ...if you are looking at this website for the first time do email us for more information on what we might offer for that time should it seem to be of interest.
July 10th 2007.
Elouera guests this past week sighted a female lyre bird along Cabbage Tree road...whilst bird life is usually fairly quiet at this time of the year it was an excellent sighting for our school teacher / Sydney guests during their fourth annual visit to Yeranda..."a high light of our stay"
June 24 2007
Winter is certainly with us with good snow falls way up on the Tops...a long drive from Yeranda but if photos I have seen this weekend are an indicator it could be worth while for those keen to experience REAL cold! Fires continue to burn brightly at all three Yeranda cottages and at Noonameena seeing Kev and Ros concentrating on wood gathering to "keep the home fires burning". Chances to book for winter are now minimal in the two smaller cottages but there are some vacancies in Elouera and Noonameena...think about getting together a group of friends and having a bit of well earned time out ...if only a couple of days.
May 2007.
For those regular guests who keep an eye on our news section...Noonameena is already becoming a popular destination and is certainly impressing many Yeranda guests who are taking the chance of inspecting the new property. We have had so many encouraging comments and of course the feed back on the outside shower is no surprise to us! The view from the front deck is perfect with green paddocks and the hills in the distance are just as spectacular.
I have commenced work along Carowiry creek...more lantana eradication and the planning of just where to put in tracks so guests can enjoy the serenity of this beautiful creek. Also hoping to utilise old car tyres as steps ...a method I recently saw when trekking in New Zealand...will post some pics to our web site if I meet with success!!!
As with most areas we are experiencing incredibly mild conditions...more spring like than almost winter! Great conditions to sit by the out doors camp fire...time to think about making a booking......love to welcome you to either Yeranda or Noonameena.
We have received some excellent feed back from guests who are with us for 10 nights. Rather than let regular gym sessions lapse during the holiday there have been daily attendances at Studio One in Dungog and the report is that Sharon and Dave who run the training studio are very professional, friendly and supportive. Short term attendees are most welcome and the price is right! Appointment is essential as class size is limited. If you are heading our way and wish to go home a little fitter phone 49923122 for more info.
Whilst on "good feed back" ...nothing can compare with what we have been hearing about "Paradesha" ...homestyle cooking and catering at The Beatty Bistro. Amorelle Dempster is treating our area to the most amazing food which is influenced by her back ground ...
"a heady brew of Sri Lankan, Portugese and Dutch culture". A visit to East Gresford for dine in or take away (Lunch 12-3pm Dinner 6-9pm Thursdays to Mondays) seems like an experience all should indulge in whilst visiting our area.
Below is shown Ros' blank greeting cards which are available to purchase for your own use or as a small gift for family or friends
There are sets of five different cards with quality envelopes for $10.00 plus $3.00 postage . Ideal as a small gift or a reminder of a visit to Yeranda. Just email ros@yeranda.com.au for more details on these cards.
Consider a Yeranda Gift Voucher as a special gift for a family member as a birthday or anniversary gift. We have had friends put in together to use a Yeranda Gift Voucher as a wedding gift, office workers pooled funds to give a newly engaged couple a weekend away...a most convenient gift and one that always seems to be greatly appreciated.
