A week-end at Altamira Holiday Ranch in Barrington Tops, west of Gloucester was undertaken by members and guests of the UNSW Staff Social Club on Saturday/Sunday 16-17 October 1999. The committee had orgainsed this week-end following popular demand resulting from a highly successful visit in 1998.
Altamira Holiday Ranch must surely rate as one of the best kept holiday secrets in New South Wales. It is a working cattle property comprising 1500 acres as the brochure says: "The best of country living with the comforts and facilities of a holiday resort, fresh air, hearty country cooking, cosy open fire, billly tea, spectacular scenery, the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, rejuvenation and recreation".
The accommodation is first class with private ensuites, tea making facilities and sprawling verandas for relaxation and enjoying the surrounding scenery. The rose garden in full bloom was an added treat. A central ranch house provides the dining and entertaining facilities, a well stocked bar, TV/Video room and a large lounge area. All meals are provided - roast dinners, barbecues, crisp salads, hearty breakfasts, fresh fruits and produce.
Recreational facilities include: A full size tennis court, swimming pool, large outdoor spa, archery, whip cracking, boomerang throwing, billiard/snooker table, table tennis and darts. Bushwalking, swimming in the river or riding the rapids on a rubber tube are other options as well as discovering the abundant wildlife of the area, particularly the bird life. If you are an "early riser" you may even see a Platypus.
One of the main highlights of the week-end was the horse riding, whether it was the experienced or inexperienced, the young or not so young it did not matter, experienced Jackaroos selected well trained educated horses to suit the age or experience of the individual. The opportunity to ride those beautiful horses on the walk, canter or gallop over some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Barrington Tops area was indescribable. On horseback, on top of clear covered high plateaux, overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys, were very special moments indeed.
Another very special moment was the outdoor spa bath, crammed to capacity to ease the tender spots on the rear end, resulting from the days activities - all in good fun of course!!!
It is to the credit and experience of the Jackaroo staff that not one solitary incident occurred as a result of the two days of horseback riding, or in fact any other activity which was undertaken on the ranch.
A very big thank you to our hosts Diane and Peter Macnamee and their staff for their culinary delights, refreshments, entertainment and recreational activities provided over the week-end which, ensured a truly enjoyable and memorable stay.