The Armidale Independent
Excerpt from full article….

Over the Queen’s Birthday weekend, Armidale Orienteers hosted over 200 visitors competing in the annual NSW Queen’s Birthday Three-day (QBIII) event.

The individual competition was held over the first two days in intricate granite terrain at ‘Banalasta’, near Bendemeer. The third day, held as the Armidale Pine Forest, was a club relay competition for teams of three.

plantations will provide a unique setting for your conference or work retreat. Located on the New England Highway, 12km from Bendemeer and an easy 40 minutes drive from Tamworth, Banalasta is the perfect place for functions of any nature.

If business is on the agenda, Banalasta has facilities ideal for conferences or meetings with after-hours catering provided on request. The much applauded, albeit relatively short, history of the property demonstrates the outcomes of hard work – the 6000 hectares encompassing one million eucalyptus trees, 20,000 grape vines and hectares of lavender are testament to the proprietor’s grand vision and sure to inspire your employees.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an informal environment, Banalasta offers a wide range of activities to cater for diverse interests. With wine tastings, Cellar Door, tours of the eucalyptus and lavender distilleries, walking trails, picnic areas and mouth-watering coffee shop, you are sure to find something that takes your interest.

For an even more relaxed atmosphere, the open fire and fine catering, combined with stunning views and live music on the first Sunday of every month, will see you return to work refreshed – if you can tear yourself away.