Anyone keen on going up here for a weekend?


Kite-surfers will be blown away
373 words
16 May 2007
Gold Coast Sun
1 - GC Sun North
40
English
Copyright 2007 News Ltd. All Rights Reserved

MANY Australians are saying aloha to an ocean swim and sun-drenched
water sports with the onset of winter.

But the growing legion of kite surfers are rubbing their hands together
and licking their lips in anticipation of the ultimate kite-surfing
conditions that accompany the chilly season.

Simon Luke, the director of Sundowner Tiona at Pacific Palms, three
hours north of Sydney, said it was gaining a reputation as the ultimate
kite-surfer's weekend escape.

"The area is a gorgeous nature strip that runs between the pristine
Seven Mile Beach and the magnificent Wallis Lake, the perfect backdrop
to a day of kite surfing in harmony with the elements," he said.

Tiona is set within 26 hectares of lush rainforest that promotes a
peaceful back-to-nature ambience.

Mr Luke, a major sponsor of this year's Australian Kite Surfing Wave
Nationals, said the conditions were tailor made for kite surfing.

"The north-west winds are cleaner, but south-westerlies will still work
and kite surfers will be able to do some good downwind runs in the
south-west from the conference centre at Tiona to the Wallis Lake
sailing club.

"You can also check out the Combat Park side of the lake for north-east
wind days along with Dots," he said.

"Winter is the ultimate time to come and enjoy one of the best
flat-water, winter-kiting locations on the East Coast."

The Kite Surfing Winter Warriors package costs $120 per person (minimum
four people) and includes two nights of lake house accommodation with
spa and direct views of Wallis Lake and a cheese and wine platter on
arrival.

With a garage and downstairs open space to lock up semi-deflated kites
during downtime, guests are just 100 metres to the waterfront boat shed
and cafe and an ideal open area to set up and launch their kites.

Regular wind updates are available at the front desk so guests can
determine the best spots to hit each day.

The Sundowner Tiona Tourist Park is located on the Lakes Way, Pacific
Palms. For booking inquiries, log on to www.sundowner holidays.com or
call (02) 6554 0291.