The combined purchase price is approximately A$65 million (US$40 million).  
 

�We are delighted to be strengthening our presence in Australia in such an important year for the country,� commented Simon M. C. Sherwood, President of Orient-Express Hotels. �We have had a very successful association with The Observatory Hotel since the project was first conceived in 1993 and are pleased to bring it under our ownership.  �Lilianfels also has a wonderful reputation, borne out by many national and international awards. In April 1999, we launched the Great South Pacific Express, a luxury tourist

The Observatory Hotel  89-113 Kent Street  Sydney NSW 2000 Australia  Tel: +61 2 9256 2222

Lilianfels Blue Mountains  Lilianfels Avenue  Katoomba, NSW, 2780

Back in 1889 Sir Fredrick Darley, Chief Justice and Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales, built his vision: a fine country house with the most spectacular views of the Blue Mountains. His original residence, now beautifully restored as Darley's Restaurant, is a historic part of the new 86 room country house: Lilianfels Blue Mountains.

train which runs from Cairns to Sydney via Brisbane, with stops to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest in Kuranda.We can now bring together all three of our businesses and offer both visitors and Australian nationals wonderful experiences in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.�