Thrills on wheels

My journey started at The Star in Sydney and as I drove over the Harbour Bridge, wind gently blowing through my hair, I was looking out to see who was eyeing me.

I continued my journey through the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south and drove through coastal rainforests, little towns and over the remarkable Sea Cliff Bridge, which spans 665 metres over the ocean.

And this dream of a ride was all thanks to Prancing Horse Ferrari which started in Sydney in 2007 and since then has provided thrilling driving encounters for more than 4000 customers.

Prancing Horse’s focus is to offer packages which include a driving experience, route, dining and accommodation options that are consistent with the famed Ferrari brand.

The company has partnered with The Darling hotel and entertainment complex to give car fans the chance to drive a range of Ferrari supercars around Sydney’s awesome harbour, down the south coast to the Royal National Park, Grand Pacific Drive and the Illawarra Escarpment.

Drive packages include private instruction, support vehicle with two-way radio communication, comprehensive vehicle insurance (conditions apply), fine dining at Stefano Manfredi’s award-winning restaurant, Balla, a selection of five-star suites and spa treatments at The Darling Sydney.

There are three standard packages priced from $660 a couple to $2990 a couple — depending on the route (35 kilometres or 200 kilometres), choice of vehicles and whether people stay overnight at The Darling.

Matt Thio, business development manager and a partner in Prancing Horse Ferrari, said the company delivered a range of bucket-list experiences which allowed guests the opportunity to drive an exotic collection of red Ferrari supercars, starting exclusively from The Star.

‘‘As a business involved with ‘experiential-tourism’, we view The Star as a fantastic destination which allows us to compliment each driving experience with elements such as dining at Manfredi’s Balla, five-star accommodation and spa treatments at The Darling Sydney,’’ he said. ‘‘People need a colourful distraction from reality and this is essentially a tale of two Italian passions — think slow food and fast cars — in a beautiful Australian setting.’’

There are new packages available in May and August 2013 which include driving the Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari California, Ferrari F430 spider and Ferrari 360 spider. The Bannisters Prancing Horse Ferrari Escape package includes staying in a luxury suite at Bannisters Point Lodge, Mollymook. You also get a gourmet picnic hamper lunch for two and a four-course dinner for two at the award-winning Rick Stein at Bannisters with complimentary day-spa treatment packages. The package starts from $3990 a couple on mid-week dates, to $4495 a couple at weekends.

■ Details: Visit www.prancinghorse.com.au/ or Email: info@prancinghorse.com.au or

Call 1300 30 70 50 for more information.