SYDNEY'S newest international hotel, The Tank Stream, has a two-night accommodation package that includes a discovery tour tracing the path of the city's original life-source, the Tank Stream.
When the First Fleet arrived in 1788, the colony was meant to have been established at Botany Bay, but the lack of fresh water persuaded Captain Arthur Phillip to move the settlement 14km north to Sydney Cove, where they had discovered a fresh water stream.
The city of Sydney was "born" on January 26, 1788, with a backdrop of the "finest harbour in the world", as Captain Phillip was to later describe Sydney Harbour.
The stream in those days was open, running from a swamp in Hyde Park, down through waterfalls across Bridge Street and then out to what is now Circular Quay.
Tanks were established to capture the water, leading to its name, the Tank Stream.
The route is now fully covered, but a Tank Stream and Hidden Laneways tour by small-group tour specialists, Go Local Tours, provides visitors the opportunity to retrace its path.
The Winter Walk The Tank Stream package includes two nights in a superior queen room, complimentary upgrade to next room type (subject to availability), breakfast for two at Le Petit Flot restaurant, free wifi, in-room movies and mini bar items (non-alcoholic), and a Tank Stream and Hidden Laneways tour for two. The package is available from $479 (double/twin), a saving of 25 per cent off full rates, and is valid to August 31. Conditions apply.
www.tankstreamhotel.com (Promotional code Winterwalk17)
