Summer 2018/19 South Coaster

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south coaster SUMMER 2018/19

Beach breaks

Splash out!

At Symbio’s new water park

thesouthcoaster.com.au

Swim, surf, dive, camp and relax!

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ISSUE NO. 12

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Sharing local knowledge

THE SUMMER

south coaster

See Side

ptical

Anita's Theatre Eye Shop 10, King StreetExaminations Thirroul

6 Days a Week

Call for an appointment today on

Medicare Bulk

Billed Available Ph: 4268 3933 (conditions apply)

See Side

Diabetic, Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration Screenings Vision Screening & Digital Retinal Photography

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Anita's Theatre Shop 10, King Street Thirroul Call for an appointment today on

Ph: 4268 3933

Eye Examinations nsidea Week Splash 6I Days this

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Medicare Bulk Billed At Symbio’s new water park R Diabetic, Glaucoma & Macular E M SUM 9 1 / Degeneration Screenings 2018 Beach breaks!

Vision Screening & This summer we’re celebrating the superb surfing Digital Photography imagery ofRetinal Bulli photographer Chris Duczynski (see

cover feature, page 6). Plus, where to surf, swim, dive, cycle and camp along the coast (page 8). Read about the region’s coolest new attraction, the splash park at Symbio (page 10), fruit-picking season at Glenbernie Orchard (page 12) and check out our visitor’s guide to the historic country town of Berry (page 26).

$129 SV

Eye Examinations $189 BIFOCAL Visit us online ata thesouthcoaster.com.au.

6 Days Week Happy reading!

Genevieve & Marcus, the Editors $289 MULTIFOCAL Medicare Bulk Billed

MOST Glaucoma HEALTH &FUNDS Diabetic, Macular Meet Our Contributors NO GAP Degeneration Screenings CHRIS DUCZYNSKI G7039730AL-140115 took the cover photo early one morning

Vision Screening & at Woonona.

He is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker who has Digital Retinal been in thePhotography business for over 40 years. In 1995 he started Malibumedia, working with clients such as Qantas. See page 6.

$129 SV $189 BIFOCAL $289 MULTIFOCAL

LARA McCABE is a freelance photographer who lives in Coledale with her three children and husband. Lara is the artist behind the South Coaster’s hand-drawn and painted maps. Lara has compiled our new guide to Berry. See page 26.

Cover image: Chris Duczynski, www.malibumedia.com.au

MOST HEALTH FUNDS NO GAP ROB BRANDER

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aka ‘Dr Rip’ – is a coastal geomorphologist G7039730AL-140115 and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales. An expert on rip currents, he runs a beach-safety education program called The Science of the Surf. See page 29.

HAPPY HOUR TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 5PM TO 7PM $5 beers, $6 wines, $10 cocktails $5 Guac & Chips, $5 Salsa & Chips

TACO AND TEQUILA TUESDAYS $3 Tacos and $4 Shots

WING IT WEDNESDAYS

60¢ Wings and $4 Tinnies

FULLY LICENSED | PHONE (02) 4268 2918 372 LAWRENCE HARGRAVE DRIVE THIRROUL

south coaster THE SUMMER

CONTACT: editor@thesouthcoaster.com.au; phone 0432 612 168; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508.

PUBLISHER: The Word Bureau (ABN 31 692 723 477), DISCLAIMER: All content and images copyright South Coaster unless otherwise supplied. No part may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Maps not to scale.

ARTIST JOHN VANDER OF STANWELL PARK www.johnvander.com.au

John Vander and two of his popular works: On The Way Home (top right) and

By The Seashore.

Articles

Fine Art Gallery

111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive (on the way to the Sea Cliff Bridge) Stanwell Park 2508 P: 02 4294 2491 E: articlesgallery@optusnet.com.au

Details of works by: (left) Judith Dalozzo, (below) David Brayshaw.

Possibly one of the most popular artists in NSW today, his work has been reproduced extensively in prints for many years and has attracted a large following among art collectors. Over the past 40 years, John has become a household name throughout Australia. Don’t miss the chance to view and buy one of his original paintings. Over the past 36 years, countless visitors to his gallery – Articles Fine Art Gallery – have had the great experience of meeting the artist himself.

The FINEST Gallery in the South OPEN 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays Situated on the lovely beach of Stanwell Park, the Gallery is a pleasant 30-minute drive from Wollongong and 60 minutes from Sydney. Artist John Vander and his wife Frances own “Articles”.

The gallery features the works of well established and emerging artists as well as ceramics and sculptures, glass and homewares.

Details of works by: (left) David Boyd, (below) Robert Dickerson.

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Summer Calendar What’s On

Dec 8: 17 Days to Christmas Show launch party Find everything from seascapes to ceramics at the annual exhibition held by gallery owners John and Frances Vander, pictured above in the launch party invitation by local cartoonist Paul Dorin, who’ll have his humorous outback paintings on display too. Be there at noon, Sat, Dec 8 to enjoy champagne, savouries, popup stalls and the chance to win a John Vander painting!

Markets

Articles Fine Art Gallery, Stanwell Park, 4294 2491.

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Coledale Markets Christmas Twilight Market, Fri, 21 Dec, 2-8pm. Usually 4th Sunday of month, 9am-3pm, Coledale Public School, 699 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale.

Sunday Foragers 9am-2pm, Bulli Showground. Last market for 2018 is the Twilight Market, 5-9pm, Dec 16. Reopens Jan 27.

Friday Foragers 9am-2pm, Wollongong Mall. Last 2018 market Dec 21. Reopens Jan 11.

Eat Street Thursdays, 5-9pm.

Wollongong Mall.

Puckeys Night Market 4-9pm, Dec 19 (usually last Wed of the month). UOW Innovation Campus.

Shellharbour Village Harbourside Markets 4th Sun of month, Little Park, Addison Street, Shellharbour.

The Farms Market 1st Sunday

Sunset Cinema Bring a picnic blanket, kick back and enjoy outdoor movies, such as Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Dec 28.

Films screen from 7pm at Wollongong Botanic Garden.

www.sunsetcinema.com.au/ wollongong

Jan 17-20: Illawarra Folk Festival Organised by the Illawarra Folk Club, the four-day fest at Bulli Showground will have acts from all over.

Expect folk, world, roots, Celtic, gypsy, bluegrass and spoken word, plus buskers, poets and dancing! www.

illawarrafolkfestival.com.au

of month 10am-3pm, Killalea Drive, Killalea State Park.

Jamberoo Village Markets Last Sun of month, 8am-3pm, Reid Park, cnr Allowrie and Churchill Streets, Jamberoo.

Kangaroo Valley Farmers Markets 2nd Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm, 159 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley.

Kiama Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday, winter 2-5pm, summer 3-6pm, Coronation Park, Surf Beach, Kiama.

Gerringong Village Markets 3rd Saturday of the month, 8.30am-1.30pm, Gerringong Town Hall, Fern St. Berry Produce Market 2nd Saturday + 4th Sunday of month, Andrew Place Park.

For holiday changes, check markets’ social pages.

Hello 2019

NEW YEAR’S EVE l Wollongong Welcome

in 2019 at Belmore Basin. This is a family-friendly, alcoholfree event with a circus theme, music, performers, face painting, amusement rides and food stalls in the lead-up to a fireworks spectacular at the kidfriendly hour of 9pm. l Tradies Helensburgh Celebrate NYE in the Burgh with Marty Simpson (former Australian Idol finalist) playing from 8pm. l Headlands Austinmer Say ‘Au Revoir 2018’ with a Grey Goose vodka cocktails, canapés and live DJ at Headlands’ French themed cocktail party. From $149pp. l Kiama Sky Show: Head to Black Beach at Kiama Harbour from 4pm for live music and food stalls ahead of the NYE Sky Show, with 9pm fireworks followed by a laser display. l Berry Fireworks: At Berry Showground, alcohol-free event organised by the Rotary Club. Kids can kick off at 4pm with good, old games, like horseshoe quoits and sack races.

Fireworks at 9pm.

Entry $5, under-15s free.

Party time

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NEW SUMMER MENU Weddings & Ceremony from $80pp Weekday lunch 2 course $21.50pp

High tea from $24pp Healthy options/ Fresh juice / Takeaway available Open Wednesday to Sunday phone: 4267 1855 email: info@sublimepoint.com.au

GRAZIN BUFFET B G REAKY LUNCH M ENU & DESSERT S

Native Plant Nursery

9 Veno Street, Heathcote 2233 PHONE (02) 9548 2818 | OPEN 7 DAYS 9am to 5pm

www.sydneywildflowernursery.com.au

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Photos: Chris Duczynski, www.malibumedia.com.au

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Above and beyond Discover the fine art of aerial photography with Bulli local Chris Duczynski.

Chris Duczynski’s images have the power to change the way you see the world. Known for his awesome aerials, the Bulli local has an eye for composition, patterns and natural symmetry that transforms photographic reality into abstract fine art.

Chris is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker who has been in the business for more than 40 years. He started as a newspaper and magazine photographer before moving into video in the 1980s. He worked for Qantas for 16 years, flying around the world filming destinations and producing travel stories.

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In 1995 he started Malibumedia, specialising in stills and video, working with clients such as Qantas, Jetstar, Bankwest, AFL, NSW Cancer Council and Bluescope.

In 2014 Chris bought his first drone and added an aerial component to his production.

At this time he also started shooting surfing aerials along the South Coast.

Chris currently uses a Phantom 4 Pro+ drone.

In our Summer issue, he has kindly shared three of his favourite photographs. Like what you see?

Prints are available at www.malibumedia.com. au or email chris@malibumedia.com.au.

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1Foam favourite

This kelp-covered reef in Coledale is a favourite break for all levels of surfers. It's also one of my go-to locations for aerial images. It can get very shallow at low tide and during the middle of the day, there's not much shadow. When a wave breaks there's foam and whitewater everywhere, mixed with vibrant underwater greens. From above, these contrasting elements and colours give the image a nebulous abstract look.

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2Creek of tea

Near Jervis Bay National Park is an amazing tea-coloured creek running into a bay, home to a hidden little surf break. You can walk in along that creek and from where it hits the ocean it's a bit of a paddle out. This surfer is doing just that and pointing out the location to his mate. The colour comes from the surrounding trees and the water is only knee-deep, but from the air it forms a really unusual organic composition.

3The angry emu

This image is taken right on sunset on a longboard break near Towradgi. I like the way the last rays of fading light are hitting the breaking wave and the surfer, while the water around him remains dark. Someone pointed out to me that it looks like an angry emu and now that’s all I see, so thanks for that. After the board-rider made this nice carving turn, he literally rode off into the sunset.

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Surf At the best spots for beginners.

Illawarra-based surf coach Jim Hughes shares his three favourite beaches for beginners.

Swim

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Bulli Beach Probably one of the best learn-to-surf options on the South Coast of NSW. Bulli Beach offers the perfect options for beginners almost 365 days a year. From the sheltered rolling waves of the south-end, perfect for youngsters and the more cautious beginner, to the bigger breakers on the north end for the more intrepid beginner … this beach offers the full package to newly enthusiastic!

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Bendalong Beach All levels of surfers will find something at Bendalong, where sometimes busy, but highly consistent peaks can offer anything from barrels on NE to SE swells to perfectly gentle learning waves through all tides.

There are great shories and a bunch of other spots around this area too for all abilities, from Washerwoman’s to Manyana.

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Broulee Beach North Broulee is the closest beach to Canberra, and considered one of the best learn-to-surf breaks on the South Coast due to its sheltered position and flat sand bottom.

Most days of the year Broulee offers safe waves, perfect for the beginner surfer. Around the corner at South Broulee there is a more challenging beach break suited to intermediate to advanced level surfers. This is a stunning playground well worth a visit!

For more, visit www.learntosurf.com and www.surfingaustralia.com

Laps in amazing ocean pools.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S PICKS

By Chris Duczynski, of Malibumedia Austinmer I love this pool from the air and the way it forms a map of Australia when the tide is right.

Coledale No-one but locals know it’s there and it’s never crowded. Hope I haven’t spoilt the magic.

Towradgi Old school, no-frills design set on a beautiful beach looking back on the city of Wollongong.

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THE SWIMMER’S PICKS

By Karl Weber, Sea Eels publicity officer Coalcliff Home of Stanwell Park Sea Eels winter swimming club, this incredibly scenic spot is No. 1 on Karl’s list of cool pools.

Bulli Pool A classic 50m stretch of pool space. Well loved and maintained with the odd sea slug and moss for a bit of furry fun on those tumble turns.

Exposed to southerly swell so it gets bumpy when the swell is up. Grown men have been seen getting washed off the edge of the pool when the waves are up. Great cafes nearby.

Bellambi Pool Picturesque views of the northern suburbs coastal plain and pine-crested headlands that jut out into the sea. Love this pool for its relaxed nature and quiet vibe. Next to the bike track and home of the mighty Bellambi Blue Bottles winter swimming club. Pop down to the cafe at Bellambi Surf Club for a coffee and snack.

Wollongong Continental Pool A great complex with excellent views of our northern escarpment and iconic harbour and lighthouses to the south. Wollongong is the only location on Australia’s east coast that has two lighthouses in such close proximity and they are in full view at the Continental. Home of the Wollongong Whales, the Illawarra’s oldest winter swimming club. There is a huge range of eateries nearby.

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Photos: supplied, Chris Duczynski (Austinmer Pool)

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Dive Into a marine wonderland.

Rachael Fallon, of Sydney company Abyss Scuba Diving, picks her top spots.

Martin Island Seal Dive This is a secret location at Port Kembla. Our boat does a short trip out to Martin Island, from June to October, when the seals visit. They are super-friendly and inquisitive – make sure you bring your camera! This is an easy dive or snorkel.

Wreck Of The Bombo The wreck of the collier freighter SS Bombo, lost in 1949, lies upside down and broken in half at a depth of 30m just outside Wollongong Harbour. The artificial reef is home to thousands of fish – you may see cuttlefish, school fish, wobbegong sharks, even a grey nurse shark!

The Gravel Loader Heading south to Shellharbour is a great little shore dive called the Gravel Loader, a big pier that extends about 500m into Shellharbour Bay. Fish like a structure – expect to swim through schools of yellowtail and old wives.

Visit www.abyss.com.au or call (02) 9583 9662.

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Ride Around the Illawarra.

Helensburgh BMX champ Kai Sakakibara shares three great places to ride a bike.

Southlake BMX Track Southlake BMX Club in Albion Park has been home to my sister Saya and myself ever since we moved to Australia in 2007. It’s a fantastic club with a great community feeling! The track itself ranges from challenging sections to easier sections for beginners.

Helensburgh trails I recently discovered the Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (HORCC) trails at the back of Rex Jackson Oval in Helensburgh. I don’t own a mountain bike, but I have a whole heap of fun riding through here with my family! Also a great spot as you can duck onto the skate park nearby.

Wollongong Coast + Sea Cliff Bridge We love riding our road bikes on the coastal route, especially when the weather is nice!

Cruising along the famous Sea Cliff Bridge is a treat!

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Camp At a travel writer’s top spots.

As the editor/publisher of ROAM, the nation's most successful caravan and camper-trailer magazine, Bulli resident Brendan Batty has experienced more of Australia than most of us could ever dream of – but he still loves NSW's South Coast more than any other destination.

Here are his favourite camping spots.

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Bendalong Point I’ve been coming to this isolated, beachside holiday-town for nearly 20 years and it’s become a fast favourite with the kids, too. The caravan park, which is right out on the point, has a great surf beach to the south (for the grown-ups) and on the north, a sheltered bay where semi-tame stingrays swim past to be hand fed (for the kids).

It’s where we go when we just want to relax and have a bit of fun.

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Murramarang National Park I don’t think I could pinpoint just one part of the park that’s the best, as there are so many great places to camp. If you like it simple, spots like Pretty or Pebbly Beach are stunning, beachside camps amongst the coastal gums, while any of the caravan parks between Bawley Point and South Durras are absolute beachfront, surrounded by the bush and frequented by kangaroos.

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Tathra There are few places with so much fun to be had. The beaches around Tathra have great surf, there’s a wide variety of camping, from worldclass caravan parks to simple national park campgrounds where phone reception is scarce.

In the hills above there are great mountain bike trails, too. These are being rebuilt after fire decimated so much here earlier in 2018.

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Splash out!

It’s wet and it’s wild! Just in time for summer, Helensburgh’s Symbio Wildlife Park has opened a really cool new feature.

The South Coaster reports.

Symbio Wildlife Park has opened summer’s coolest attraction – a grand new splash park with water fountains, squirters, a giant dump bucket and even a snake tunnel.

Over the past five years, Symbio, owned and operated by the Radnidge family, has transformed from a small park to an innovative zoo, famous for “getting you closer”.

Helensburgh’s park has won plenty of accolades – most recently, the Excellence in Sustainability prize at the 2018 Illawarra Business Awards.

The past 18 months have been particularly exciting as Symbio has opened its Farmyard Zone and welcomed a host of babies, including emu chicks, dingo pups and its first-ever Tasmanian Devil joeys. Symbio has also been busy building a playground, with flying foxes, swings, spinners and a castle with climbing walls. The splash park is the icing on the cake, the biggest project in the park’s 45-year history.

Symbio’s general manager, Matt Radnidge, kindly took time to answer questions.

How big is the Splash Park?

It’s about 400 square metres and all of the water

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features are on there, so it’s got cannons and water umbrellas and a big dumping bucket, plenty of interactive stuff too so that the kids can have a bit of a play and cool off in what are – and have been typically the last few years, especially – pretty warm summers. And even if you look at some of the days we had in July – beautiful days, 25°C – you’d be under there as well.

How much has it all cost?

By the time we’re finished it’ll be three-quarters of a million for sure – it’s huge.

Have you given the Splash Park a test-run?

Well, I’ve got a seven-month-old [baby] and I’ve got an absolute dad bod, so it’s not coming out in public. But [prior to the splash park’s November 24 opening] my niece had a run through and one of the builder’s kids gave it a try too, so we know they [the kids] like it.

What sort of safety measures are in place?

It’s in replacement of the pool. The pool was a safety concern; even though it was fully fenced and licensed there was always that element

November 24 opened!

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$750,000+ to build 210,000 views of Splash Park video in the lead-up

of risk, whereas this [the Splash Park] has zero depth of water so it eliminates any drowning risk. It’s all certified; the flooring is textured … but there’ll be some human element at play – kids running around and slips and trips – so you’ve got to make sure everyone is safe.

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1.2km of water pipe 600 tonnes of concrete 6km of reinforcing steel

PROJECT NUMBERS

7 months to complete

Is this an all-new attraction for the region?

I’m really surprised that there hasn’t been much in the Wollongong region around these splash parks. We’ve been thinking for many years, more so in the last two, and yeah, we just figured if anyone is going to do it, it may as well be us.

Certainly, in the zoo industry, I think we’re only the second anywhere up and down the east coast of NSW to do it.

What’s Symbio planning for 2019?

We’d really love to build a beautifully designed and sustainable commercial kitchen and start to grow a lot of the produce ... try to keep bit more of a closed-loop system and reduce food miles, reduce energy.

Symbio is open daily, 9.30am-5pm, 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Helensburgh. Phone (02) 4294 1244 or visit symbiozoo.com.au.

Photos: Kevin Fallon / Symbio Wildlife Park

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Darkes family fun!

We all want to spend more time with our kids – away from screens – so here are some ideas to help with that and gift ideas for the person who has ‘everything’. Jo Fahey reports.

Bring family and friends on a ‘pick your own experience’ tour any weekend before Christmas (or visit the orchard Appleshack shop) and pick your own fresh fruit to give as a healthy present!

Arranging the fruit that you picked into an amazing basket or box and wrapping creatively will keep the kids occupied with something ‘hands on’. Ask the kids to design a card and maybe include a photo of your family picking the fruit. Selfies are great here!

It will look amazing, taste great and you can tell the story of how you selected them yourself!

To show or develop your creative culinary talents further and spend even more time with your family, try cooking with your picked fruit!

A fresh pie or flan will impress everyone and making chutney, sauce or jam will be a winner!

Who doesn’t love being given something homemade and you’ll teach your kids some great skills while you are at it. Take a few selfies of the cooking and include that in your homemade card to go with your gift!

Here are a few easy ideas to try.

1. Nectarine or peach pie.

2. ‘Peach cobbler’ or ‘peach cake’.

3. Stew nectarines for an easy dessert. Cut them up, skin on or off. Place in a saucepan with sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and grated orange rind to taste. Add enough water to stop them sticking to the bottom of the pan and simmer until tender. Can be frozen to eat later.

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4. Fresh seasonal salsa. Combine chopped yellow nectarines, finely chopped red onion, torn fresh mint and fresh lime juice. Serve with fish.

5. Roast slices on the barbecue. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup or brown sugar. Serve with cream or ice-cream.

6. Peach Margarita. Blend or mash two peaches to a paste with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add a little squeeze of lemon juice to stop it going brown.

Pour 45g tequila, 15g each triple sec and lime juice, and 30g peach puree in a cocktail shaker.

Shake well, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a peach slice. For a variation blitz with a cup of ice.

7. Peach chutney. Delicious served alongside curries. Also terrific with soft, mildly pungent cheeses such as brie on a platter.

PEACH FRITTERS RECIPE 1. Combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder.

2. Whisk together 2 eggs, ¹/3 cup milk and 1 tablespoon butter (melted, or vegetable oil), then add to the flour mix.

3. Fold in 1¼ cups peaches (diced).

4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or suitable pan until hot enough to brown the batter when a small bit is drizzled into the oil. Ladle dollops of batter into the oil and cook for 2-3 mins each until cooked through and browned. Serve warm and garnish with a sprinkle with sugar or drizzle with a little honey. Great served with ice-cream.

SEASONAL AVAILABILITY SUMMER JAN

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Fruit picking calendar PEACHES NECTARINES APPLES

Apples available for sale from storage

PICKING GALA PICKING DELICIOUS PICKING FUJI PICKING JULIE PICKING GRANNY SMITH PICKING PINK LADY PICKING PERSIMMONS APPLE CIDER/CIDER VINEGAR APPLE JUICE, HONEY, JAMS PICKING TOURS FLOWERING

Summer heralds picking of fruit. We are now in full swing picking nectarines, followed by peaches.

Apples kick in later in January. We usually think of apples beginning after Australia Day. Tours of the orchard including fruit picking are a feature of this time and happen mostly on weekends with weekday opportunities offered during the summer NSW school holidays. It’s a great time for celebrations and feasting on superb fruit and mixing it up with the apple ciders!

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Darkes farm shop, The Apple Shack, is open daily, 10am-4.30pm, Glenbernie Orchard, 259 Darkes Forest Road, Darkes Forest, www.darkes.com.au, (02) 4294 3421

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Stanwell Park

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Map Key 1 Bald Hill 2 Off-leash area 3 CWA Hall, home to local Arts Theatre

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4 Beach Reserve 5 Live Life Health & bottle shop 6 The Stanny & Loaf cafe

7 Uluwatu Blue 8 Surf Club 9 Hargrave Cafe 10 Articles Fine Art Gallery

11 Boho Chic & Boho Emporium 12 Palms Cafe 13 Train station 14 Wodi Wodi

Walking Track, a steep and slippery 6.5km challenge.

Stanwell Park is the first seaside village on the NSW South Coast. And the start of the Grand Pacific Walk, with a newly built concrete path hugging the coast south to Coalcliff. The village is famous as the home of 19th-century aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave, whose experiments with box kites were instrumental in the development of human flight.

It’s still a popular recreational flight spot – paragliders and hang gliders take off from Bald Hill to enjoy panoramic views along the coast before swooping down to land at the beach.

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Go walking, shopping or cafe hopping. Or take flight!

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Stanwell Park

(Book a flight with Sydney Hanggliding Centre or Hangglide Oz, see page 17.)

In the colonial era, Stanwell Park was the abode of a gang of bush rangers, led by arch villain ‘Wolloo Jack’. Today the village is a more peaceful spot, home to a creative community.

It gets busy on weekends when families, surfers, dog walkers and fishermen come out to play.

The Stanny cafe is a popular restaurant, you can find coffee at Hargrave’s and Loaf cafe (with playground out back). At Uluwatu Blue, stock up bikinis, beachwear and Mexican food.

Next to an avenue of palm trees, in a sunny courtyard with escarpment views, the Palms Cafe is a superb spot for a leisurely brunch or lunch. Afterwards, enjoy a browse at Boho Chic, Freewheelin and Articles Fine Art Gallery, owned by painter John Vander and his wife, Frances.

The Beachside Reserve has a big playground with swings, climbing frames and a scooter track. There are barbecue areas and vast lawns for picnicking or impromptu soccer. And the new kiosk is due to open this summer!

Bush walkers may take on the Wodi Wodi track or head up Mt Mitchell for the 11km Forest Walk to Sublime Point. Wrap up the day with a yoga class at Stanwell Park Surf Club, overlooking the sea. Call Karen, 0403 789 617.

BOHO CHIC BOUTIQUE & EMPORIUM We’ve got you covered for Summer Exclusive labels, great quality Women’s, Men’s & Children’s wear at very reasonable prices.

We stock clothing, accessories and giftware.

Afterpay & Lay-by available

Shop 1 & 2/111 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Stanwell Park (next door to Palms Cafe) Ph: 4294 3111 Open Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon from 9.30am

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SYDNEY

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Top

ULLADULLA

JERVIS BAY

KIAMA

WOLLONGONG

HELENSBURGH

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THE SUMMER

fernleighcottage@bigpond.com

0409 304 094 www.facebook.com/ yogastanwellpark

Contact Karen 0403 789 617

BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE

@ Stanwell Park Surf Club

· Sleeps up to 7 · 300m from beach & cafes · Use of pool

EXP 30/02/19

dog beach.

10. Shellpod sculpture at Sharkeys, an off-leash

9. Sea Cliff Bridge.

8. Coalcliff.

7. Stanwell Park village, starting point for new Grand Pacific Walk.

6. Bald Hill scenic lookout & hanggliding launch pad.

5. Road to Royal National Park.

4. Kelly’s Falls picnic area.

3. Tradies Helensburgh.

2. Sri Venkateswara Hindu Temple.

1. Symbio Wildlife Park.

Take a beautiful drive from bush to beach.

Do the loop

SELF-CONTAINED APARTMENT IN STANWELL PARK

Fernleigh Cottage B&B ‘Yoga with a View’

Prices starting from $175 per night

www.tradies.com.au • 02 4294 1122

EDEN

NAROOMA

BATEMANS BAY

ULLADULLA

21. Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park.

20. AppleShack store at Glenbernie Orchard.

19. Boomerang Public Golf Course.

18. Turn-off to Sublime Point Lookout.

17. Southern Gateway Centre, Bulli Tops.

16. Thirroul village.

15. Sublime Point walking track starts.

14. Austinmer Beach, with twin rock pools.

13. Coledale Beach, with oceanfront campsites.

12. Coledale village, cafes and general store.

xmas gift vouchers. the best gift eva!

0417 939 200

dog beach.

11. Scarborough Bowlo.

10. Shellpod sculpture at Sharkeys, an off-leash

Coledale

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Map Key 1 Coledale Hospital 2 Mike Dwyer Reserve 3 Coledale Camping Reserve

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4 Coledale Surf Life Saving Club 5 Coledale Public School 6 Planet Childcare Centre 7 Rock Pool

8 Coledale Fine Wines 9 Mr & Mrs Smith cafe 10 Coledale R.S.L. Club

11 Earth Walker & Co. General Store & Cafe 12 The Salon 13 MDK Hair 14 Sharkys Fish & Chips

15 55 Parrots 16 Coledale Train Station 17 St James Park and Playground 18 Sharkeys (off-leash) Beach

Our family starts the morning with a tasty breakfast at the new Mr & Mrs Smith cafe.

We then take a leisurely walk, following the Lawrence Hargrave Drive footpath north to the beautiful Comradeship sculpture, in honour of community activist Mike Dwyer. This reserve has one of the best views in Coledale and is perfect for a picnic. We head back down south and at Coledale Beach take to the sand to walk along the foreshore. At low tide, you can stroll along the rock shelf in front of Coledale Surf Club and south to the ocean pool.

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Lara McCabe shares her dream day in the seaside village.

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Coledale

We debate whether it's warm enough for a swim and the kids win the argument, preferring to keep walking south to Sharkeys Beach, popular with dog walkers and surfers.

Leaving the kids to build sandcastles and frolic with local dogs out for a run, I make my escape to The Salon for a little pampering then squeeze in a bit of shopping across the road at 55 Parrots homewares store, admiring their amazing furniture and decorative pieces.

The family catch up and we take a turn at the oval onto Cliff Street, then up to the playground for more playtime.

Tummies are rumbling, again! Lunch options include take-away fish and chips from Sharkys, the Coledale RSL bistro, a DIY barbecue courtesy of Coledale beach facilities and, of course, Earth Walker & Co can whip up the tastiest meal. You could also drive two minutes north to a beloved local haunt, the Scarborough Bowlo, for fabulous Thai/Oz food and fun on the green.

We spend the afternoon at the beach, looking for creatures in rock pools. There's talk of one day trying fishing or snorkelling, and I am yet to do a yoga class at the Surf Club or Community Centre. So much to do! Want to stay longer?

Pitch a tent at Coledale Camping Reserve and wake up to sunrise over the sea.

Enjoy your holiday time here BISTRO OPEN: Wed-Thurs lunch & dinner, Fri-Sun 12 till late

Best Thai/Oz on the South Coast Kids play area Barefoot bowls

Party bookings still available Scarborough Bowlo 578 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Wombarra

(02) 4267 2139

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Austinmer

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Map Key 1 Playground 2 Tennis court 3 Headlands 4 Little Austi 5 Glastonbury Gardens

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6 Bells Point 7 Playground 8 Surf Club 9 Amenities 10 Rock pools 11 Sublime Point

Track starts 12 Ibah Spa 13 Train station 14 Vet 15 Mala Beads 16 Church

17 Petrol station 18 Shell’s Diner 19 Austi Beach Cafe 20 Newsagency & post office

21 Scout Hall 22 Moore St General 23 Haveli Living 24 Fireworks 25 Yoga studio

“Austinmer...I’m glad I’m here. there’s nowhere else I’d rather be” sing local band, the Glamma Rays. It’s a breezy, gorgeous tune which truly gets this charming beachside village between the escarpment and the sea.

Here are some suggestions to make the most of your visit: Start with a morning bushwalk up to Sublime Point. It is a steep climb up the stairs and ladders but the view from the top is worth it. The track from the bottom starts near Foothills Road and Buttenshaw Drive (1.4 kilometres return).

If you need relaxation and a foot scrub after

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This is a classic spot, famous for its twin pools, writes Cath Hill.

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Austinmer

your walk, try Ibah Spa Austinmer or, if this is booked out, nearby sister spa, Ibah Spa Thirroul.

After walking and unwinding, you can stretch out an Iyengar yoga class the Moore Street Yoga Room. Wander down Moore Street and grab a coffee from Fireworks or Moore Street General. You’ll find delightful shops nearby including jewellery store Mala Beads and Haveli Living.

Then on to the star attraction, Austinmer beach with its twin ocean pools and a big rock pool, which is perfect for young kids and their parents to loll around in and explore.

Take a moment to turn your back on the water and take in the breathtaking escarpment views too. Boards outside the old dressing sheds are updated on weekdays with the water temperature and a trivia question. If the kids need a change of scene, there’s a gated playground there too.

After all that virtuous walking and swimming, tuck into some takeaway fish and chips from 50s-themed Shell’s Diner or try Austi Beach Cafe with views of the waves. If you’ve forgotten anything, Austinmer Beach newsagent sells lots of useful bits and pieces.

Drink in a perfect Austinmer day with a cocktail at Headlands Hotel.

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Top Spot

Thirroul

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Map Key 1 Beach Pavilion 2 Pool 3 Playground 4 Naturopath 5 Crust Pizza

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6 IGA 7 Horizon Credit Union 8 Boutiques 9 Post Office

10 Anita’s Theatre 11 DP Surfboards 12 See Side Optical 13 Op shop

14 Coles 15 Ibah spa 16 Egg & Dart 17 Catholic church

18 Byrne Surf 19 Newsagency 20 Cocoon 21 Food co-op 22 Library

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Thirroul Discover unique boutiques, surf stores and great coffee.

There’s a buzz about Thirroul. Possibly because this seaside village is home to about a dozen cafes, serving some of the finest coffee on the coast. Thirroul is also a good place to dine out – try the pizza at Ryan’s Hotel, Mexican at Escondidos, seafood at South Sailor or spicy delights at the new Shahi Aroma Indian Cuisine.

Fancy a cocktail? Jose Jones is where the action’s at. Or a night out? See what’s on at iconic Anita’s Theatre. Built in 1912, it was once an open-air theatre with a canvas roof and still hosts events, including comedy and live music.

Lovers of organic goodness – and anyone fighting the war on waste – should stop by the Flame Tree Food Co-op for sustainable, organic and local produce, plus household items.

Other reasons to linger in Thirroul include eclectic boutiques and homewares stores such as Cocoon. Vintage treasure hunters can browse in Thirroul Antique Centre, Now and Then Collectables, Mission Australia op shop and Retro Wombat. Surfers should check out Byrne Surf and DP Boardroom – run by local board shapers, Parrish Byrne and Dylan Perese.

Thirroul – which takes its name from the Thurrural people, meaning “the place or valley of the cabbage tree palms” – has a lovely beachfront, with free salt-water pool, surf club and patrolled beach with lifeguards on duty.

Children will love the beachside playground, with its popular flying fox. And, of course, you can enjoy a coffee! Kick back at Thirroul Beach Pavilion, overlooking the sea.

For authentic primitive pieces, original artwork, furniture, rugs, lighting, gifts, games and more

e ehoupsen Newwwroaorm o shosk in store a Shop 2, 357 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 2515 Monday to Friday 9.30 – 5.30 Saturday 9.30 – 4.30 Sunday 9.30 – 3.30

02 4267 1335

www.cocoontrading.com.au

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Cityk

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Map Key 1 Stuart Park, with Skydive Wollongong, playground and Lagoon restaurant 2 Diggies Cafe 3 North Wollongong Beach 4 Novotel Wollongong Northbeach 5 Continental Pool 6 Levendi at Beach

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Cove, Belmore Basin 7 Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse 8 Wollongong Head Lighthouse 9 Wollongong Beach 10 Wollongong Golf Club 11 WIN Stadium 12 Trenz Resort Wear,

home of a local fashion designer 13 Wollongong Visitor Information Centre 14 Illawarra Performing Arts Centre 15 Wollongong Art Gallery 16 Crown St Mall 17 Kurtosh

18 Holey Moley Putt Putt 19 The Little Prince 20 MacCabe Park 21 Wollongong Library 22 Wollongong Botanic Garden 23 University of Wollongong 24 Blue Mile Pathway

Lara McCabe enjoys harbour views, shops and sweet treats.

After our sea change six years ago, we’ve started calling Wollongong “town” and Sydney “the city”.

But don’t underestimate the Gong: “town” packs a punch and you can’t do it all in a day.

We start with coffee at the institution that is Levendi, watching the kids in the public playground while enjoying views of the harbour, fishing trawlers and seagulls looking for scraps.

From here, you could stroll along the Blue Mile coastal path to North Beach (patrolled year round). Or do the full path (Stuart Park south to Wollongong Golf Club) via pedal power; the Novotel offers bicycle hire. We choose a leisurely

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Wollongong

walk up Flagstaff Hill to the lighthouse and around the old cannons. Then it’s time though to move on into town proper, where our kids delight in going to Holey Moley putt-putt. For lunch, we pop next door to David Jones Food Court, which has something for everyone. For sweets, we escape to cave-like Kurtosh, the patisserie in Globe Lane. If, like me, you’re a brewed chai latte snob, Kurtosh is a highlight!

On a Friday, you’ll find fresh produce, arts and crafts at the Friday Forager markets in lower Crown Street Mall (9am-3pm). Wollongong Central is home to most big brands, from Target to H&M. After retail therapy, we decide a little culture is needed and stroll to Wollongong Art Gallery – look out for the Summer Love exhibition, opening on December 15, with the promise of “Bikinis, beaches, barbeques and all things sundrenched and hot, hot, hot!”.

We end our afternoon at a playground in MacCabe Park (no relation!). It’d be nice to carry on to date-night drinks at one of the Gong’s great small bars, like Little Prince, Howlin’ Wolf, Humber or Breakout Bar (where teams take on puzzles in the very popular ‘escape rooms’).

Alas, next time. We’ll be back.

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Photo courtesy Wollongong Art Gallery: Adelaide Perry, Women and children, Sharkey’s Beach, Coledale, 1929, oil on board,

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Berry THE SUMMER

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If I had a country house, it would be in Berry.

Inspired by October’s open gardens festival, I daydream of everything from a traditional cottage with matching country garden to a stately modern masterpiece on a rural acreage.

Berry is a historic town in the Shoalhaven region with a population of just 2667 in the 2016 census. It attracts many tourists as the area has beautiful green mountains, waterfalls and dairy farms. A new bypass has turned the village into a relaxed oasis from high-speed life.

As well as culinary and gift shop delights, Berry is a historic treat to explore on a self-

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Now you can buy craft and make it too. By Lara McCabe.

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Berry

guided tour. The Railway Station, the Gate House of the David Berry Hospital and the Courthouse are on the NSW Heritage List.

Many parts of the town are also listed with the National Trust. At www.berry.org.au, download a walking trail tour of “Berry Town of Trees”.

I recently visited to investigate a trend: businesses offering evening or day workshops.

I’m creative and love crafts, so I thought why not make it a weekend for the family?

There’s a wonderful shop named “This Old House Studio”, in a divine original cottage at 81 Queen Street. Owner Leanne Orr describes it as ‘an art, craft and lifestyle studio’. As well as selling work by local artisans, Leanne organises workshops, such as screen printing onto linen with local artist Deborah Devaal, BYO furniture chalk painting with Leanne, or resin art creation with Misha Harrison. I chose a macrame and a watercolour painting workshop (I hope that you enjoy my Berry township map!).

The Doors of Berry offers wreath-making workshops for adults and kids. Shady Fig, a beautiful florist, also has workshop classes.

We rounded off our stay with a 10-minute drive to nearby Coolangatta Estate and Winery.

Strolling the historic grounds of the original convict-built village and enjoying the vineyard views is a must.

Have a very merry Christmas and an exceptional New Year!

Have a very merry Christmas and an exceptional New Year!

Thank y busin friends the

We look helping your in

Inspect&Explore

Julie, C Heathe

Raine & Ho 4/114A

Raine & Horne Helensburgh 4294 9800 1/114a Parkes Street, Helensburgh

lnspe

Thank you for your business and friendship during the year.

We look forward to helping you realise your dreams in 2019.

- Julie, Casey, Cody, Heather & Alana

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Kiama & Jamberoo THE SUMMER

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Kiama

Escape to the country! By Lara McCabe We love Jamberoo, it feels like what a country village should be. There’s a local pub, markets at the oval, small boutiques, an antiques store plus the odd rose show and vintage car display.

The markets are on the last Sunday of the month (follow @JamberooVillageMarkets for Christmas dates). For lunch, we enjoy the simplicity of the local bakery, or a picnic at the park. One of our fondest family memories is joining in the Christmas carols sung on the main street, Allowrie. (This year’s Carols by Candlelight is at Reid Park on Dec 11, 7-9pm).

There are amazing places to stay, such as the historic home Terragong (476 Jamberoo Road).

Illawarra Fly treetop walk is a 20-minute drive from Jamberoo. On Knight Hill Road, this is an amazing place for a family adventure. We haven’t tried the zipline (our youngest is too small), but the canopy walks have stunning views. Splash out with a day at Jamberoo Action Park, 15 minutes away via Jamberoo Road, the country road that winds through green farm hills into the town of Kiama.

Kiama is a mix of natural wonders – beautiful

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf Going to the beach? Read this first. By Dr Rob Brander.

1. Always swim between the flags.

This is vital, particularly if you have kids, aren’t a confident swimmer or don’t understand much about waves and rip currents. Drownings rarely, if ever, occur between the red and yellow flags.

2. Look at conditions before going in.

Think about whether the conditions look safe or not. Are the waves too big? Is the water moving along the beach? Are there rips? Is there a nasty shore dump? Are there flags at the beach? You don’t cross the road without looking both ways and you should never go for a swim without spending some time thinking about whether it’s safe or not. Those few minutes may save your life.

3. Know your rip currents.

All surf beaches have rips. These strong, narrow

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&

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Jamberoo

beaches, blowholes and a coastal track – plus bustling shops, ice-cream parlours and fashionable boutiques. I enjoy a wander past the historic cottages on Collins St into the back lane to visit Widlflower Studio, a beautiful florist and giftware shop (2/89 Manning St), then on to Indigo Rose homewares (38 Collins St).

Kiama has great markets: the ‘makers and growers’ on the fourth Saturday of the month, seaside markets on the third Sunday, farmers’ markets every Wednesday, and Art in the Park on the second Sunday at Hindmarsh Park. We always stop in at the Old Fire Station Community arts centre to check out the latest exhibit. Final tip: Flour Water Salt (49 Shoalhaven St) is a feast for eyes and tastebuds! seaward-flowing currents often occupy semipermanent deeper channels against headlands and along the beach, and can suddenly appear out of nowhere when large waves break. Along our coast they occur about every 150m along the beach and there are about 17,000 rips on Australian beaches at any given time. Do you know how to spot rips? If not, look at my Rip of the Month feature at www.scienceofthesurf.com.

There are seven years of rip pictures!

4. Don’t just run in to save someone.

Tragically, many people drown trying to save others. If you see someone in trouble, even if it’s a family member, do not rush in, but take 10 seconds to think about what to do. Ask someone to get a lifeguard or call for help. Look for something that floats, that you and the person you are trying to save can hold onto.

5. Keep your eyes open.

Never turn your back on breaking waves when you are coming out of the ocean, especially dumping waves. Look for jellyfish washed up on the beach. If they’re on the beach, they are probably in the water! Just being an extra bit observant can end up saving you a lot of pain. n Read Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book (UNSW Press). Visit www.scienceofthesurf.com.

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Top row, from left: bluebottle cnidaria and a Lion's Mane jellyfish at Bass Point, south of Shellharbour.

All photos: Matt Smith From left: Glaucus atlanticus sea slug; giant cuttlefish; waratah anemones at Port Kembla.

To dive for Discover the beauty below the South Coast’s surface – thanks to award-winning ocean wildlife photographer Matt Smith.

In just a few years, Stanwell Park’s Matt Smith has stormed the charts of ocean wildlife photography. His images are extraordinary, capturing a sense of wonder at the beauty, bright colours and otherworldly strangeness of life below the surface.

Matt has had several no.1s, including winning the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2014; Nikon have used his photos on billboards and his imagery features in Blue Planet II, BBC Earth’s stunning sequel.

And it all kicked off on the NSW South Coast, with over/under images of blue bottles that Matt – an engineer – took off the coast of Shellharbour using underwater housing he designed himself.

“Ah yes, my signature bluebottle images, they were a real door-opener for me and it’s been a hectic roller coaster ride since!” Matt said.

Pictured at top left is A Shock Of Blue.

“Despite their potentially dangerous sting, the bluebottle cnidaria is an amazingly beautiful creature. I wanted to demonstrate this with

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careful lighting and composition. The blue of the zooid colonies underneath these animals ignites with glorious translucent blue in my underwater camera flashes, I thought this would look magnificent in front of a glowing orange sky. After many early mornings I eventually got my shot.”

Over the past three years Matt – who shoots with Nikon cameras, using Aquatica Digital water housings – has travelled to many places.

One of his favourite spots remains Bass Point at Shellharbour. “It’s relatively close to home and easy to dive with bags of marine life,” Matt says.

“It’s also where I’ve taken most of my awardwinning shots; it’s like my practice ground for honing my skills because of its convenience.”

The Lion’s Mane jellyfish – pictured top right with juvenile bait fish – “was a lucky find as I was ascending from a dive at Bass Point.”

Order prints at www.mattysmithphoto.com.

Follow Matt on Instagram @mattysmithphoto

Aerial photos and video

Fine Art and Corporate images

0408 205 390 chris@malibumedia.com.au www.malibumedia.com.au

instag @malibumedia

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