The Spring 2016 South Coaster

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E EG U I D F RRIST

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Sharing local knowledge

Wild at

heart

thesouthcoaster.com.au

Discover an award-winning zoo, the ‘glow worm’ tunnel and beautiful bush walks

Explore The Sea Cliff Coast Do the loop from bush to beach

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e Insids thi issue NG SPRI 2016

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Explore The Sea Cliff Coast Do the loop from bush to beach

Your adventure starts here Welcome to the Spring issue of the South Coaster, the new visitors’ guide to the beautiful region south of Sydney. Our second edition takes you inside an award-winning zoo, presents bush walks for everyone from toddlers to super-fit trekkers and introduces creative South Coasters.

For more great escapes, visit our website at thesouthcoaster.com.au Happy reading!

Genevieve and Marcus, the Editors

Read all about it 04 Cover Feature Symbio Wildlife Park saves animals and wows the world 06 Darkes Magic The delicious journey from tree to taste buds 08 Explore Stanwell Park, first seaside village on NSW’s South Coast 10 Art of the Coast Meet creative South Coasters 14 Map Top 21 places to visit when you do the Loop 16 Pamper Yourself Enjoy a spa treatment 17 Sea Cliff Bridge Motorbike tours across the Illawarra icon 18 Glow Worm Tunnels Venture inside Helensburgh’s historic rail tunnels 19 Wonder Walks Two coastal treks to take your breath away 20 True Romance Top photographer picks sensational wedding locations 24 Eat out Our reviewers check out club restaurants and puppycino cafes

Cover: James the koala on a special photo-shoot at Stanwell Park Beach.

Image courtesy of Kevin Fallon / Symbio Wildlife Park

26 Spring Calendar Learn to surf, see the circus, explore Grevillea Park

Meet Our Contributors CATH HILL reviews spas on page 16 and restaurants on page 24. Cath was born in Bulli and lives in the beautiful Illawarra with her family. She works for the Communications and Media Law Association and was previously the Editor’s Assistant at Good Weekend magazine and The Bulletin.

PHILIP COMANS is a dog behaviour therapist and trainer with Bark Busters, the Illawarra-born and now the world’s largest international dog training organisation. His region covers Helensburgh to Gerroa and inland, including Goulburn. Turn to page 24 for his pet-friendly cafe recommendations.

MARCUS CRAFT and his wife Genevieve, the team responsible for this mag and others, are both experienced journalists who have lived and worked in Sydney, London and Cape Town. They reckon life on the South Coast wins hands-down.

Advertise in the Summer issue of the South Coaster!

Book online by November 15 at thesouthcoaster.com.au

south coaster SPRING 2016

EDITORS: Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft ART DIRECTOR: Brendon Wise CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER: Anthony Warry CONTACT: editor@ thesouthcoaster.com.au; phone 0411 025 910; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508.

ADVERTISING: From $49, see thesouthcoaster.com.au for rates, specifications and deadlines.

Terms and conditions apply.

DEADLINE: November 15 for Summer 2016/17 edition.

DISTRIBUTION: The South Coaster is available at tourist hot spots, art galleries, cafes, libraries, B&Bs and information centres.

Want to be one of our distribution points? Contact us via thesouthcoaster.com.au.

PUBLISHER: The Word Bureau Pty Ltd (ABN 31 692 723 477) is an independent family publisher that also produces 2508 District News and 2515 Coast News.

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain South Coaster property unless otherwise supplied. No part of this mag may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Views expressed in submissions and advertisements do not reflect those of the publishers.

PRINTED BY: Snap! Wollongong on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper from sustainable forests.

PROUDLY A MEMBER OF: The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce

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

Articles

Fine Art Gallery

The FINEST Gallery in the South OPEN 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays 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 (clockwise, from top left) Paul Dorin, John Vander and David Brayshaw

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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”.

John has been a full-time artist since 1976, has won many major awards and his work is represented in leading commercial and public galleries throughout Australia. A good selection of his work is on display, as well as works by many leading artists and wellknown potters. John and Frances Vander invite you to browse through the collection of pottery and paintings, and relax with a Devonshire Tea whilst you make up your mind on that painting you must have.

Spectacular Scenery The Stanwell Park region is one that translates well into artistic expression.

Dominated by the Illawarra Escarpment on one side and a sweep of coastline on the other, Stanwell Park is one of the coast’s most beautiful locations. Stanwell Park is situated on the main coast road, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, and visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the coast from many vantage points, especially from Bald Hill, site of many of Lawrence Hargrave’s box kite experiments.

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Animal attraction

Photos courtesy of Kevin Fallon / Symbio Wildlife Park

The fact that visitors to Symbio Wildlife Park can get up close and personal with animals has helped make this Helensburgh tourist attraction an international hit. And it just keeps getting better.

It’s an exciting time for Symbio Wildlife Park.

Helensburgh’s world-famous tourist destination is home to – take a big breath – cheetahs, Sumatran tigers, dingoes, koalas, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, red pandas, cassowaries, emus, lace monitors, echidnas, peacocks, marmoset and Tamarin monkeys, eagles, as well as a reptile house (packed with snakes), guinea pigs, wombats and many other animals.

But Symbio is more than a zoo; it’s also an educational powerhouse giving visitors up-closeand-personal wildlife experiences every day.

The award-winning animal-focused attraction is boosting the region in a massive way, saving animals and wowing visitors from around the globe. And there’s even more to come.

The park’s general manager Matt Radnidge reckons what sets Symbio apart from other zoos is that it offers visitors an immersive experience.

“We get consistent feedback about the interactive side of Symbio; how close you feel and how close you can get to a lot of the animals – really close, intimate encounters.”

One of the many exciting planned developments at Symbio, Matt reckons, is the

park’s interactive educational farmyard, “a really good, hands-on project”. It will be ready for visitors in late spring / early summer.

“We always think that if we can’t do something well, then we won’t do it until we can … and now the time is right.

“It’s all part of the plan as we go, so as we grow we can activate all of these little plans along the way.”

Matt, who was named Illawarra Business Awards Young Business Executive of The Year in 2015, says the farmyard will be a multi-faceted educational experience. He says it’ll be “more than a petting zoo environment”.

“It’s going to move into permaculture, it’s going to show people how to grow their own produce, how to compost at home, how to have worm farms, how to keep chickens at home, keeping bees; like a whole sort of sustainable living example, but it’ll be a lot of fun as well.

“We’d also like to create a conservation foundation, so a not-for-profit arm of the business, which we can [use to] more effectively fund-raise for in situ animal conservation; animals in the wild, different programmes, like that.”

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The variety of animals – native and exotic – makes Symbio a must-visit.

Symbio is a huge hit on social media too, with almost 112,000 Facebook 'likes'. In 2015, Imogen, a koala joey hand-raised by Symbio staff, captured hearts around the globe when a video starring the cuddly koala went viral. She’s fine now (see ‘Imogen doing well’, at right.)

Matt says future Symbio attractions will include a nature trail and much more. “I love what I do and Symbio is such a dynamic place.

Really enjoying what you do is the key.”

Imogen doing well Imogen the koala is happy, healthy and fully adjusted to life after a hectic start.

“Imogen is independent now,” Matt says.

“It was a great experience and something we hadn’t planned on because you don’t hand-raise an animal unless you need to.”

get wild at symbio wildlife park

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with all your favourite Australiana and exotic animals, head on out to Symbio Wildlife Park. Feed kangaroos, cuddle up next to a koala, come face-to-face with tigers and cheetahs, or fall in love with our adorable red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, monkeys and more.

WWW.SYMBIOZOO.COM.AU • 7-11 LAWRENCE HARGRAVE DRIVE, HELENSBURGH NSW 2508

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Glenn and Jo Fahey, with Tilly, who inspired the cider name ‘Little Blue’. Opposite page, the couple’s daughter, Casey, at the AppleShack.

Darkes Magic In just three years, the Faheys have transformed the family apple farm into a major tourist attraction.

Glenbernie Orchard is a beautiful, fourthgeneration fruit farm, covering about 65 hectares in Darkes Forest, just 10 minutes’ drive south of Helensburgh.

“We have an interesting micro climate,” Jo Fahey tells the South Coaster. “With apples, like grapes, the fruit will taste different according to your terroir – so your soil, your combination of climatic factors. Our Pink Ladies have a beautiful tang, and our Granny Smiths are sweeter.”

Faheys have farmed this land for four generations, since Edward Charles Fahey (Ted Snr), grandson of an Irish free settler, began the farm in 1939. Originally, they grew potatoes, raised chickens and sold firewood. The first commercial apple crop was planted in 1952.

Today Ted Snr’s son, Ted Jnr, is 82. His son Glenn runs the farms with his wife, Jo, and their children, Brandon and Casey. The brother and sister came up with the brilliant idea of expanding to make apple cider.

The result is Darkes Cider, a range made from 100 percent fresh crushed apples that

includes Howler (alcoholic) and Little Blue (nonalcoholic). Billed as sweet, but with “a bit of a bite”, both drinks are named in honour of the farm’s dogs (Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs, pictured on the label). Darkes Cider has been such a success the goal is to export it to China.

For the Faheys, survival in this challenging time for Australian farmers means diversifying.

“So we are making apple juice,” Jo says. “Now apple cider. The apple cider project has led to apple cider vinegar. And that has also led to us looking at our fresh honey production and utilising our own honeys to make honey wine, in particular honey mead.”

SHOP Cut the journey from tree to table – buy fruit direct from the AppleShack farm store (open daily, 10am-4.30pm) at Glenbernie Orchard, 259 Darkes Forest Rd, Darkes Forest.

SIP Enjoy Darkes Cider tasting at the Apple Shack, then buy a six-pack, case or 5-litre keg.

PICK Apple picking tours run from about late Glenbernie Orchard.

January until May.

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Blooming marvels After the winter chill, spring has sprung!

Jo Fahey reports from Darkes Glenbernie Orchard.

The growth and development of stone fruit, apples and berries is strongly influenced by weather. While winter may look like a time of inactivity, many things are going on with the trees and canes, particularly with regards to the development of flowers for the coming season.

The coldness of the winter has a very strong influence on both the quantity and quality of flowers, as well as the timing of flowering.

Darkes Glenbernie Orchard has a mosaic of different fruit trees waking up from winter chilling and flowering from August through until early October. This is a really pretty time with lots to photograph, including working bees.

An orchard walk, to get a first-hand experience with apple flowers, may be possible at the end of September. Keep an eye on www. darkes.com.au for dates, times and bookings.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DAILY DRINK TONIC Many people ask us what you do with apple

cider vinegar. Here’s a tonic “pick me up” recipe we think is great.

Ingredients • Knob of fresh ginger about 2.5cm, grated (or teaspoon of crushed ginger) • Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, or a few squirts of your favourite chipotle chilli type sauce) • Turmeric (three shakes or about ½ teaspoon) • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Darkes Brewing’s Apple Cider Vinegar, of course!)

• Juice of I full lemon • Add 750ml cold water Method Combine all ingredients. Shake and drink!

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Where the art is The South Coast has always been a vibrant and inspirational place for artists – and those who seek superb works of art need look no further.

JOHN VANDER In his paintings, John distils the character, history and beauty of a place to capture its essence on canvas. "Before I paint a town I paint every, or nearly every, house, every shop, individually," he tells the South Coaster, at an interview at Articles Fine Art Gallery.

"Also I try to meet the people in the town: who lives there, who used to live there, what is the history of the place? Then I do an overall painting, a larger painting of the whole town. By that stage I will know every nook and cranny.

"You should see my library of research – when you travel in those villages, they’ve got a local historical society, right? And they released a book which only six people bought – well, I am one of the six."

John is fascinated by the relatively brief history of settled Australia, compared with his native Belgium. "It’s a short history; where I come from, at the back of my grandmother’s place, there is a Roman highway … here in Australia, the [colonial] history is about 200 years old.

"You travel the bush and discover all these places where a gold rush took place; 40,000 people lived in a small town and now there’s only 180 people there. I walk in these places, I can relive the past, I can see these people and I try to capture that in my paintings.

“To me, a landscape or a seascape is beautiful, but I like a touch of man in the landscape, something which makes it different. This area is an example: Stanwell Park has got a lot of history, whether it is [aviation pioneer] Lawrence Hargrave, whether it is bush rangers.”

John admires Australia’s Heidelberg school of artists but has only one "favourite" artist: Salvador Dali, who he once met at an exhibition in Ostend, Belgium. John recalls Dali never used the word "I", referring to himself only in the third person as "the Genius". "His paintings were fantastic, they are not just paintings of a

landscape, they are paintings of the mind."

John was born in Belgium, the son of a World War II resistance fighter. He did his national service in the special forces of the Belgian Air Force. Later John became a pilot and worked in the taxation office. Then in 1969, aged 24, he travelled to Australia in search of adventure.

"I wanted to become a crop-dusting pilot," he says. But after two friends died on the job, John left to work at Citicorp First National in Sydney.

And he started to paint. "At one stage I used to decorate all the offices at Citicorp. I decorated all the associated businesses with my paintings."

In 1976, he quit his role as Bankstown branch manager and became a full-time painter. For the past 36 years, John and his wife Frances have run Articles Fine Art Gallery – now an icon on the Grand Pacific Drive. "The first Christmas people were queueing like 20m out the door. And we said: 'Whoa, what have we done here? It looks like it's going to be successful' … " It was. The couple would travel for a month, then John would paint for a month. In the 1980s, fine art print distributors Art Nouveau picked up his work. "It went berserk and now we’ve sold about three million prints. I’ve had exhibitions all around Australia … travelled all around Australia."

Locally, John is known for his community service, including as a founding member of the business chamber – and as an engaging storyteller with a wickedly dry sense of humour.

Nationally, he's won many awards, including a fellowship from the Australian Institute of History and Arts, and is in Kevin Hill's prestigious Top 10 Australian Artists list. John is now working on a new series featuring the Rocks in Sydney.

His advice for young artists: "Work every day." And his greatest achievement? "Living my dream, that is all."

Articles Fine Art Gallery, 111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Park, open Friday to Sunday. Visit www.johnvander.com.au

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Ashley regularly exhibits at Scarborough Public School's annual art show – this year on October 8-9. www.ashleyfrost.com.au

Vertu, at 4/111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Park, is open Friday to Monday.

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TERRI AYLIFFE Artist Terri has launched Coal Coast Essentials, a new range of beauty products made with natural oils and active charcoal (produced by burning coconut shells and bamboo). The products are now on show at Vertu, Terri's quirky Stanwell Park store. As well as her own paintings and photography, Terri stocks unusual gifts and home-wares, many by South Coast artisans.

Vertu is famed for its hanging garden displays.

Terri crafts stunning kokedamas – a kind of Japanese garden art in which a plant's roots are wrapped in moss to form a ball, creating a focal point for the plant to grow from. The moss ball can be hung on your balcony or placed on a platform, such as a pot or dish. Voilà, living art!

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ASHLEY FROST For years, Ashley has been renowned for his cityscapes and urban works, in oil on board and mixed media on paper. “I like making things. I think it’s intrinsic in humans to make stuff.”

The Thirroul resident started painting the South Coast about four years ago. “When you start painting something you really do see things differently.

"I always had this rule that you never paint where you live." But he first broke it in 2012 and told the South Coaster: "It’s been a really good thing; people love the work and they’re actually some of the better paintings that I’ve done for a while."

And he's still upping the ante.

• Boho Chic Boutique offers a refreshingly eclectic mix of feminine and flattering styles with a unique and colourful twist hand picked with love for you.

• Featuring labels by Smash Barcelona, Lou Lou Soul, Mozaic & Orientique to name a few.

• Also browse our unique range of Fair trade children's clothing and toys as well as Men's Hemp & Bamboo clothing & accessories.

Open Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon 111 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Stanwell Park NSW 2508 02 4294 3371

info@thepalmscafe.com.au

thepalmscafe.com.au

Open Breakfast & Lunch | Thursday - Monday 9am - 4pm

Shop 1 & 2/111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Park Shop Online: www.bohochic.com.au Phone: 42943111

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south coaster NEST OF PAMBULA JEWELLERY Sisters Jennifer Confeggi, Rebecca Hassell and Kate Wilson (pictured above, from left to right) are based in Pambula, a small town almost 500km south of Sydney. The trio make round earrings and pendant necklaces using silver, rose gold and antique bronze settings, paper designs and glass overlays. "As we have small children, we appreciate our creative time together, and love making jewellery.”

A big supporter and stockist is Wendy Roche, of Boho Chic, who recommends design series such as Love Child, Boho Gypsy and their latest, Spirit of Australia.

Boho Chic Boutique, Shop 1/111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Stanwell Park (02 4294 3111).

ELISE CAMERON-SMITH This 25-year-old surferartist draws inspiration from the ocean and the coast. She makes a lot of things: furniture, miniature wooden boats, decorative arrows, small sea creatures and sculptural work.

Everything, she says, is “very considered”.

Elise was studying industrial design a few years back when she became hooked on wood-working. She did a one-year furnituremaking course at Mittagong’s Sturt School For Wood – and has gone from strength to strength.

She makes her mini boats with “beautiful timbers”, rawhide sails, brass and copper rivets.

“They’re all quite different and unique.

People from all walks of life have been able to connect with [the boats]. It’s a really nice feeling.”

GABY PORTER Sculptor Gaby Porter, of Wombarra Sculpture Garden, is a perfect reflection of our coastal arts community: she’s clever and insightful, but also very witty. She’s great company.

Gaby has lived in the area for 18 years and says she gets her inspiration from life. “I get ideas anywhere: I might just see a shaft of light on something and I’ll think: ‘It’d be a great idea to do it big, do it in mosaic or do it in bronze or do it in sticks’ … people think that because of the sculpture garden, it must be inspiring but I can be just as inspired watching something on the side of the road. There’s stuff everywhere.”

Gaby loves the South Coast, especially her little slice of it in Wombarra. “It’s unique: that amazing escarpment, the rainforest and the ocean, all within a kilometre of each other.”

The Sculpture Garden is at 57 Morrison Ave, Wombarra. Open first full weekend of the month or by appointment, (02) 4268 2695.

PAULINE DENNEY AND ROY WILSON Artists Pauline Denney and Roy Wilson run Pd Art Gallery and Roy Jewellery from their Coalcliff home studio. You can pop in and meet them.

Here's a sneak peek of what to expect: “Pauline … creates an assortment of paintings and small edition etchings. She paints on canvas or board, and works in oil, acrylic and encaustic. She’s also a skilled printmaker, having completed wood etchings, zinc work, acid lino projects, collagraph and solar plate work.

"Roy has been hand-making jewellery in platinum, gold and silver, for more than 35 years, collecting awards and acclaim along the way."

Visitors are welcome to drop into their gallery on Paterson Road, open 10am-4pm most days.

Or call Pauline Denney on 4294 2011.

Studio: 101a Swan St, Wollongong; by appointment. For more information, visit www.elisecameron-smith.com.au

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Join the South Coaster's Art Directory!

Featuring local artists, artisans and unique boutiques. Book an ad via editor@thesouthcoaster.com.au

Wombarra Sculpture Garden 57 Morrison Avenue Wombarra NSW 2515 02 4268 2695 Open first full weekend of the month, Sat, Sun, 10:00 to 4:00

contemporary art gallery & studio individual hand made jewellery • repairs and remodelling • Quality. Affordable. All welcome.

• •

paulinedenney@skymesh.com.au | 02 4294 2011 www.pdartgalleryroyjewellery.com.au

COAL COAST EMPORIUM 02 42948927 9A WALKER ST HELENSBURGH 2508

Supporting local families in times of need...

BOOKS • GIFTS • TOYS • RESOURCES THIRROUL

307 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul NSW 2515 Phone. (02) 4268 5244

HELENSBURGH

35 Walker Street Helensburgh NSW 2508 Phone. (02) 4294 4244

ENGADINE

9/69 Station Street Engadine NSW 2233 Phone. (02) 9520 1144

Anita Trabjerg-Hill Mobile. 0421 490 947 Email. oatandhoney@live.com.au /OatAndHoney

NEW ESPRESSO BAR AT HELENSBURGH

Call STEVE on

Local | Support | Connect

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Top Spot ell Stanw k Par

Stanwell Park Stanwell Park is the first seaside village on the NSW South Coast. It is famous as the home of 19th-century aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave, whose experiments with box kites on Stanwell Park Beach were critical 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.

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

Stanwell Park has no supermarket or pharmacy. It does have a general store, a parkside kiosk, three cafes, and the South Coast’s highest consumption of caffeine per capita. (OK, that’s unverified – but likely.)

The Beachside Reserve has a marvellous children’s playground, with climbing frames, scooter track and sea views. It also has barbecue areas and vast lawns for picnicking or impromptu soccer. Swimmers should take care as the beach is known for its shore dumps, drop-offs and dangerous currents.

In a sunny courtyard with escarpment views, the Palms Cafe is a superb spot for lunch and coffee with a kick. Run by Ian and Jo Draper, locals with a wealth of experience worldwide, the food here is always fresh and first class.

Afterwards, enjoy a browse at Articles Fine Art Gallery, Boho Chic Boutique and Vertu.

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1. Fly: Take off at Bald Hill, land on Stanwell Park beach.

2. Shop: Visit Articles Fine Art Gallery, Vertu, Boho Chic and the Palms Cafe.

3. Picnic: Enjoy the playground, barbecues and lawn at Stanwell Park Beach Reserve 4. Beach: Go fishing, surfing or walk the dog. Swim only between the flags.

5. Scenic bush walk: Join the circular 6.5km Wodi Wodi Track at the station and hike uphill for terrific sea views.

Lawrence Hargrave Drive TO ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

1

5

Bald Hill

Stanwell Park Station

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STANWELL PARK MUST-DOS

Beach Reserve

3

2 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

Surf Club

4

Stanwell Park Beach

Wodi Wodi Walking Track TO SEA CLIFF BRIDGE

OCEAN BLUE B&B, STANWELL PARK, NSW LUXURY ACCOMMODATION FOR DISCERNING ADULTS. Set in a beautiful parkland that ambles down to the beach, Ocean Blue B&B is an ideal relaxing getaway location. Just 50 minutes south of Sydney CBD and 35 minutes north of Wollongong. The famous Royal National Park is just a few minutes away. Accommodation in either the Sandpiper or Beachcomber suites includes queen/king size beds with ensuite spa bathrooms. Private deck areas.

Tea and coffee making facilities. TV / DVD / WiFi. All bedding and towels, including beach towels, are provided. Full breakfast.

9A MURRAWAL ROAD, STANWELL PARK, NSW 2508 MOBILE: 0429 009 400

LANDLINE: 02 4294 2529

www.oceanbluebnb.com

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ULLADULLA

JERVIS BAY

KIAMA

WOLLONGONG

HELENSBURGH

SYDNEY

19 DARKES FOREST

21

2

4

9

5

3

TO SYDNEY

COALCLIFF

Take flight!

STANWELL PARK

7

Rainforest retreat

OTFORD

CLIFTON

10

Stunning ocean pool

8

6

Historic coal-mining town

HELENSBURGH

1

11. ScarboroughWombarra Bowlo.

10. Sea Cliff Bridge.

9. Pd Art Gallery & Roy Jewellery.

8. Articles Fine Art Gallery, plus Vertu, Boho Chic and the Palms Cafe.

7. Bald Hill lookout.

6. Kelly’s Falls picnic area.

5. Sri Venkateswara Hindu Temple.

4. Symbio Wildlife Park.

3. Royal National Park, and epic Coast Track.

2. Tradies Helensburgh.

1. Historic ‘Glow Worm’ Rail Tunnel.

The Illawarra’s beautiful drive from bush to beach.

More destination info at thesouthcoaster.com.au

Do the loop

Home of Glenbernie Orchard

20

pots

Hot s

21

Top

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Scenic viewpoint

BULLI TOPS

17

www.tradies.com.au • 02 4294 1122

EDEN

NAROOMA

BATEMANS BAY

ULLADULLA 18

WOMBARRA

(Medicare)

WEEKNIGHTS Monday - Friday 7pm to 6am WEEKENDS Saturday 12pm Midday to Monday 6am

AVAILABLE:

(02) 4228 5522

Bulk Billed

radiodoctor.com.au

AFTER HOURS HOME DR VISITS

Illawarra

Radio Doctor

TO WOLLONGONG

Thriving cafe culture

THIRROUL

Family beach, rock pools

AUSTINMER

Surf Sharkeys Beach

COLEDALE

Explore Sculpture Garden

ILLAWARRA CALL CENTRE

16

15

14

13

12

11

Barefoot bowls with a view

SCARBOROUGH

Walk to iconic Sea Cliff Bridge

CLIFTON

10

Stunning ocean pool

Open first full weekend of the month, Sat, Sun, 10:00 to 4:00

57 Morrison Avenue Wombarra NSW 2515 02 4268 2695

Wombarra Sculpture Garden

21. Boomerang Public Golf Course.

20. Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park.

19. AppleShack store at Glenbernie Orchard.

18. Turn-off to Sublime Point Lookout.

17. Southern Gateway Tourist Information Centre.

16. Seaside Thirroul.

15. Sublime Point walking track starts.

14. Austinmer Beach, with its iconic twin rock pools.

13. Sharkeys Beach, a dog-offleash area.

12. Wombarra Sculpture Garden.

11. ScarboroughWombarra Bowlo.

10. Sea Cliff Bridge.

Roy Jewellery.

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Pamper thyself

You’re on holiday! Switch off that smartphone and check into your nearest spa immediately. Cath Hill reports.

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Lisa at Otford Valley Sanctuary Day Spa.

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IBAH SPA THIRROUL 2c McCauley Street, Thirroul, NSW 2515 Phone (02) 4267 4224 www.ibahspathirroul.com

Ibah Spa is wonderfully tranquil. I was treated to the popular Petit Harmony package: a Balinese Foot Ritual (a nice feet and calves scrub), a 45-minute Swedish and hot stones massage and 45-minute facial (using natural products created by Ibah Austinmer’s Rita Bennett).

The experience delighted all senses. Then I chilled in the Bali Hut with oriental tea and a ginger kiss. When owner Sophie Bennett asked how I felt, I sighed, “Lovely.” n Massages and facials start from $65.

Gift vouchers are available.

OTFORD VALLEY SANCTUARY DAY SPA 14 Georges Road, Otford, NSW 2508 Phone (02) 4294 4748 www.otfordvalleysanctuarydayspa.com.au

A gift voucher to Otford Valley Sanctuary Day Spa is my friend’s favourite Mother’s Day present, so I was pretty excited to experience it too.

Owner Lisa Mckinlay has created a beautiful space for women to unwind using earthy, neutral tones and it has a great view of the bush. I drifted away during the one-hour ‘Radiance Facial’ and felt so warm, cosy and cared for. You don’t realise just how much you need to relax until you actually do it.

After being pampered, I enjoyed a Tea Tonic tea, citrus tart and a great chat. A not-to-be missed Otford treat.

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INSIDE OUT HEALTH HELENSBURGH 176 Parkes Street, Helensburgh, NSW 2508 Phone (02) 4294 9318 www.insideouthealthhelensburgh.com.au

Inside Out Health has the trappings of a day spa (tranquil music, essential oil aromas and fluffy towels) but they mean business.

Aimee Vella is a beautiful, smiling assassin determined to “get your health back on track” using acupuncture, remedial massage and a holistic approach to any concerns. I always feel clearer after a session with Aimee, one of a team offering services such as massages, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultations, Chinese medicine, life coaching, emotional freedom techniques and much more. You can even book canine acupuncture for your dog.

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Joy ride Steve Melchior knows bikes and he knows the South Coast like the back of his hand. Steve’s company, Just Cruisin’, has been running for 23 years. His touring beast of choice is often the Boom Trike with a 1.6-litre twin-cam Ford motor – stylish, comfortable and safe with a bit of wild side thrown in for good measure.

Sea Cliff Bridge walk it, ride it, drive it

The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel, is one of the Grand Pacific Drive’s true highlights.

This towering, 665-metre-long structure, which curves around the coastline between

Coalcliff and Clifton and soars high above the waves, opened in December 2005. Visitors take photos of the amazing scenery – and walk, ride or drive the bridge. It’s great for whale

watchers during the migration season, from May to November.

Park at either end, at Coalcliff or Clifton. Buses also travel the route. Visit www.grandpacificdrive. com.au

Radio Doctor Illawarra

relax unwind rejuvenate indulge

Ph: 02 4294 4748

Take the time out you deserve

Web: otfordvalleysanctuarydayspa.com.au

AFTER HOURS HOME DR VISITS

radiodoctor.com.au

ILLAWARRA CALL CENTRE

(02) 4228 5522

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south coaster Photos: Anna Blackman and Anthony Warry

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Steve Melchior with the Sea Cliff Bridge behind him.

Tunnel vision Grab your gumboots, pack a torch and follow the railway line into Helensburgh’s abandoned ‘Glow Worm’ train tunnel.

Helensburgh is shifting from being a coalmining to a commuter town. So perhaps it’s appropriate that a big attraction is a train tunnel. The ‘Burgh is home to several historic tunnels, including two abandoned when the railway line was duplicated in 1915. The best known is the Metropolitan rail tunnel, home to a stunning colony of glow worms that light up the roof like the Milky Way. This tunnel was lost for years, but in 1995 members of Helensburgh Landcare and Helensburgh and District Historical Society drove excavations to uncover the entrance and original platform. Railway line has since been laid and the old Helensburgh station sign (dating from 1889) restored. The tunnel is

Little legs Top 3 bush walks for kids

1. Forest Path, Royal National Park: A 4.4km loop through lush rainforest. Stop for a paddle in the creek, look out for luminous fungi, giant eucalypts and Gymea lilies.

2. Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park, Darkes Forest. Short, easy walk to falls lookout that

popular with everyone from kids armed with torches to professional photographers. After heavy rains, the area floods and locals have been known to paddle canoes in to explore.

The tunnel has been used as a location for weddings, photo shoots and ghost tours (despite a lack of any deaths recorded). 2508 District News photographed musician Darren Coggan (above) here for its September 2016 cover – Darren is celebrating 20 years in the music industry with The ‘Bidgee to the Big Smoke concert in Wollongong on September 23 (tickets: merrigong.com.au).

You can find the “Glow Worm Tunnel” at the corner of Vera Street and Tunnel Road, near Helensburgh Station.

Visit www.historichelensburgh.org.au toddlers can attempt, pausing along the boardwalk to listen for frogs. It starts opposite Glenbernie’s AppleShack farm store – stock up on fresh fruit, apple juice and honey lollipops before setting off.

3. Sublime Point Track: With a series of ladders and steep

stairs, this iconic hike from Austinmer up the Illawarra escarpment is a challenging one. For parents, that is. Six-yearolds will skip up it. At the top, stunning views of the coastline. Look out for the Illawarra’s legendary black panther (a sighting was reported just last year in the local paper).

1.4km return.

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Photo courtesy of Kiama Municipal Council

The Figure 8 Pools.

More info: there’s a Visitor Centre and restaurant at Audley, www.nationalparks.nsw. gov.au; (02) 9542 0648 .

KIAMA COAST WALK Think Australia is all red deserts and tropical coastline? This dreamy trail across solitary green headlands treads all over the clichés.

The Kiama Coast Walk covers 22km of sand, grassy tracks and sealed pathways, with scenic highlights including wild beaches and blowholes, and striking rock formations, The walk begins at the mouth of the Minnamurra River and winds south until Kiama town centre. Here you can join the throng to see Kiama Lighthouse and Blowhole Point, where the sea explodes in a flurry of spray and rainbows. Push on for a wild walk along deserted clifftops, watching for whales (MayNovember) and birds (including sea eagles).

Your journey ends at Werri Beach, Gerringong.

The walk can be split into three sections, or done in one big push of about seven hours.

More info: Visit kiama.com.au to download a Coast Walk map.

Photo: Mel Whiteside.

THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK COAST TRACK Base yourself in seaside Stanwell Park or the rainforest village of Otford to explore Australia’s oldest national park. It’s home to the Figure 8 Pools, Wattamolla picnic spot and surfing hotspot Garie Beach.

The epic 26km Coast Track goes from Otford Lookout north to Bundeena via clifftop paths (look for whales) and rugged, wild beaches.

Carry a tent and stop overnight at North Era campground or, if you’re marathon fit, blast through all the way. Families might like to tackle the walk one section at a time – for example, do a day walk from Wattamolla to Garie Beach, stopping for ice-cream at the kiosk (open weekends) before legging it back to the car.

The park’s Figure 8 Pools recently shot to fame on Instagram. To visit these deep natural waterholes in the rockshelf is a 6km return walk from the nearest car park at Garrawarra Farm. Illprepared hordes have hotfooted it to the pools for selfies and hundreds have been knocked over by large waves, many cut and bruised, some airlifted to hospital. Take care: go at low tide and check for hazardous surf conditions.

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One of the best ways to see the South Coast is on foot. Discover two coastal treks that will take your breath away.

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Wonder walks

The Coast Walk.

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Top

ing Wedd ons Locati

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True Romance Prepare to be swept away! Award-winning South Coast photographer Anna Blackman picks her favourite wedding locations.

The Escarpment Anna says: Panorama House has been around for a long time; it’s got a nice little pergola and a fantastic view. Altitude 1148 has got an amazing deck. It’s a more modern space; it doesn’t have a ‘feel’, so you create your own. Then you’ve got five-star dining at Tumbling Waters (pictured).

It is exclusive and beautiful. Sublime Point is a bit more “country”, it has a quirky feel. To get married with a view, make an appointment with all of those. One will be your fit as they are all quite different.

The details: From Stanwell Tops south to Bulli Tops, the venues are: Tumbling Waters (02 4294 1888); Sublime Point (02 4267 5443); Panorama House (02 4268 3388) and Altitude 1148 (02 4267 5443).

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The Beach Anna says: Tuckerman Reserve at Little Austinmer is a lovely place to get married.

The grass is right next to the beach. You can go down to the rock platform, it’s fantastic for photos, even at high tide you can still get to it and it’s safe.

The details: Call Wollongong City Council (02 4227 7111) to book Tuckerman Park. Anna recommends receptions at Austi Surf Club (austinmersurfclub.com.au).

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The Surf Club Anna says: Sandon Point is beautiful.

You can go down a little secret pathway to where the boat sheds are, it’s northfacing, so you don’t have to worry about the wind. Sandon Point Surf Club is a great little place for receptions.

The details: Hall hire at the surf club is $1000, plus a $500 bar minimum. To book, call Michelle Hamill on 0448 899 566.

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All photos courtesy of Anna Blackman

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The Georgian Manor House Anna says: Ravensthorpe is a big mansion with a tennis court and a pool, on an acreage. The house is beautiful, with wrap-around verandahs. They’ve done the gardens amazingly, so there’s different spots for photos – lines of trees, a big old gate, a field next door. People want to be photographed with grass up to their knees and late afternoon sun. That’s my No. 1 place in the Illawarra for a wedding and reception.

The details: Ravensthorpe is at 56 Tongarra Road, Albion Park (02 4257 6096).

The Church Anna says: There is a beautiful little church at Bulli, on the corner of Point Street. It has very old sandstone and lovely stained-glass windows. It’s romantic. And the pastor [Rev. Steve Parker] is really nice. Even though it’s a Uniting church, anyone’s welcome to get married there.

The details: Northern Illawarra Uniting Church weddings are $1100 (includes flowers, organist, minister’s fee and more, call 4268 2111). Built in 1865, the historic church seats 130 + 20 standing.

The Garden Anna says: The Rhododendron Gardens are a little Wollongong secret. It’s up Mt Ousley, hidden away. It’s got a duck pond with a little pergola, Japanese style, it’s like a mini Botanic Gardens. Just beautiful. I got married there.

The details: Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens (Parrish Avenue, Mt Pleasant) are open weekends and public holidays, 9am to 6pm in summer, 5pm in winter. It is $200 to book a ceremony spot, $100 to reserve the shelter shed and $50 for photos only. Phone Vi Worth on (02) 4284 8041.

The Park Anna says: Austinmer’s Glastonbury Gardens is really pretty. There is a giant, old fig tree you can get married under.

I’ve seen people hang all different messages from the tree, hearts and lanterns, streamers, you can really dress it up and make it look great.

Only problem is parking, it’s on the street, so I wouldn’t do it in peak summer.

The details: Call Wollongong City Council on (02) 4227 7111 to book a park spot. Wollongong Botanic Garden is another popular venue.

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Unleash the hounds

Want a holiday the whole family can enjoy? On a trip to Jervis Bay, happy mongrels Max and Molly gave the Shoalhaven region five big woofs for wide, open off-leash spaces.

1. Nelsons Beach, Jervis Bay Secluded stretch of squeaky white sand in Vincentia with beautiful bay views. Molly goes swimming with dolphins. On one side of the breakers, six fins dip up and down; on the other, a white-tipped tail wags in the surf. Sadly, Molly only has eyes for the tennis ball.

Need to know: Coffee, restaurants, shops and children’s playgrounds are just a short drive away in busy little Huskisson village.

2. Callala Beach, Jervis Bay On the northern shores of Jervis Bay, this arc of stunning white sand is backed by long rows of holiday homes. Max and Molly love running, swimming and sniffing excitedly through kilograms of kelp washed ashore by a gale.

3 GREAT OFF-LEASH BEACHES

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Need to know: Callala Beach seems to exist only as a location for holiday homes. There is an RSL Country Club but for anything else, you’ll need to drive to nearby Callala Bay for Sixth Sense (aka, best coffee shop in town), supermarket, estate agencies and Post Office.

3. Currarong, Beecroft Peninsula This coastal village, famed for its fishing and prawning, is a top spot for long scenic walks.

Max and Molly enjoy inspecting the haul of a 75-year-old spearfisherman who has been catching his own dinner since age 12.

Need to know: The friendly beachside Zac’s Place serves bacon and egg rolls, plus decent coffee, perfect for the morning dog walker.

Offleash hours at Jervis Bay’s dog-friendly beaches: 3pm-10am May to September; 4pm8am October to April. Callala Beach is ideal for families with dogs, with plenty of pet-friendly holiday homes at reasonable prices.

Visit www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.

Molly

Max

JERVIS BAY

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On a spiritual journey? The South Coast has something for every mind, body and soul. Louise Charman-James reports.

Photo of Nan Tien courtesy of Rev Miaoyong

Sri Venkateswara Hindu Temple Rising above the trees on the outskirts of Helensburgh is this majestic white temple, with ornate carvings of sacred cows adorning the roof and tower. Founded in 1978, the temple services the spiritual needs of thousands of devotees, many of whom make a special pilgrimage to the temple to make offerings and participate in ceremonial rituals (pujas).

The Ganesh festival in early September is a local highlight, attracting more than 10,000 visitors in one day and finishing at Stanwell Park beach, where clay idols of the elephant-headed god are thrown into the ocean. Visitors can also enjoy a contemplative walk through the halls to admire the decorated statues and shrines or watch the women weaving fresh flower garlands (Wednesday and Thursday mornings).

On weekends and public holidays Indian food is available at the outdoor canteen (10am-4pm).

Entry is free and donations are accepted.

1 Temple Road, Helensburgh. Weekdays 8am12pm & 4pm-7pm; weekends & public holidays: 8am-7pm. www.svtsydney.org, (02) 4294 3224.

Govinda Valley Yoga Retreat Nestled in 12 hectares of bushland in sleepy Otford, south of the Royal National Park, is this tranquil retreat centre, owned and operated by a community of Krishna devotees. The residents practise Bhakti Yoga, a conscious way of life which includes honouring the Hindu deity Krishna, kirtan (devotional singing), service work and a vegetarian diet. A monthly meditation group run by a local teacher meets on the closest Monday evening to the full moon.

51 Lady Carrington Road, Otford. www. govindavalley.com.au. Enquiries: Wendy 0412 614 684. Meditation: Louise 0417 244 978.

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Sacred ground The Tops Christian Conference Centre This Christian conference centre is set amid 80 hectares of beautiful bushland on top of the Illawarra Escarpment. With accommodation and catering facilities for up to 550 people, plus a range of indoor and outdoor activities, the venue has been a popular choice for over 40 years for school camps, weddings, corporate conferences and church events. Guests can create their own personal retreat experience or design a facilitated program with the centre staff, including Christian ministry if desired.

51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops.

Contact: www.thetops.com.au, (02) 4294 1430, 1800 816 496

Nan Tien Temple Driving south of Wollongong on the Princes Highway, you’ll see the tiered tower of this elegant Buddhist temple rising high on the hill. ‘Nan Tien’ means ‘paradise of the south’ in Chinese, and the temple complex, with its serene gardens and quiet halls, is a welcome respite from the buzz of the city. It is one of the branches of the Fo Guang Shen temple in Taiwan and was built in 1995 to promote the faith and teachings of Humanistic Buddhism. Visitors can take a guided tour of the temple and gardens, visit cultural exhibitions, take courses in Buddhism, Tai Chi, Dun Huang dance and meditation (including tea meditation) or watch a calligraphy demonstration and tea ceremony. Entry is free.

180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley, Wollongong.

Opening hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and all public holidays. www.nantien.org.au, (02) 4272 0600.

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Eat Out

iendly Dog-fr re Club fa & s e f a c Honest Dons, 20 McCauley St, Thirroul Penny and her team love dogs!

Along with really delicious food (like smashed avocado and feta on sourdough with poached eggs and roasted mushrooms) and truly terrific coffee, our doggie friends can enjoy their very own Puppycino with yummy liver treats and frothed milk. $1 from each of these goes to Wollongong Animal Rescue Network. A sunny and friendly spot.

Puppycino, anyone?

Philip Comans, a Bark Busters dog trainer, picks his favourite pet-friendly cafes.

Fireworks Café, 40 Moore St, Austinmer Scotty has been wowing us for more than 10 years and his cakes are legendary (often baked by his wife Jill). His rich chocolate cake is always on the menu and made from Valrhona chocolate! His bestselling main is a super fresh salad wrap with hummus and peanuts, so healthy it hurts.

Bread & Espresso, 190 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul Norby and Sandy’s amazing cafe offers smooth Allpress coffee and stupendous fresh breads (sourdoughs, fruit loafs etc) baked daily and locally.

Savoury fare includes pork and fennel or lamb and rosemary sausage rolls (made by Sandy’s mum), and fabulous beef and potato, beef and Guinness or chicken and leek pies with the butteriest, flakiest pastry.

Club Fare Reviews by Cath Hill.

From left: stone-grilled steak, chicken schnitzel, prawn pad Thai.

Illawarra Master Builders Club “The Builders” 61 Church St, Wollongong (02) 4229 6466, www.thebuilders.com.au We visited the club’s Stonegrill Steakhouse, where you cook your own protein on hot ancient volcanic stone.

My partner turned into a barbecue expert. A stand-out was the delicious St Jack’s scallops entrée. Entertainment at the Builders includes gigs, comedy nights and free jazz on Sundays.

Tradies Helensburgh 24 Boomerang St, Helensburgh (02) 4294 1122, www.tradies.com.au Eating out with children can be difficult. Tradies makes it easy for families, with a gated outdoor playground and ‘Max’s World’ , a supervised indoor play area. The Flame Tree Grill is a great casual dining restaurant with views over sports fields to bushland.

Tradies has live music on weekends.

The Black Duck at the Bowlo Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club, 578 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Wombarra (02) 4267 2139, bowlo.com.au Locals love ‘The Bowlo’.

The views of the ocean and escarpment are amazing and the largely untouched club – refreshing in a renovated world – has a relaxed and authentic charm. President Marton Fox reckons the Black Duck restaurant is the “best Oz and Thai bistro on the coast”.

We agree.

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The Illawarra’s five-course special for golfers.

You know you deserve a golfing break. Barry Thompson, of Tradies Helensburgh Social Golf Club, picks five quality courses – listed here in no particular order of preference – waiting to be played:

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Photo courtesy Russell Vale Golf Course

Boomerang Public Golf Course.

Great to play but its benign appearance can lead to disaster if taken too lightly.

Watch the 7th and 12th holes.

Russell Vale Golf Course

My old legs demand a cart to challenge Russell Vale Golf Course. This hilly course holds many surprises but remember when putting, all greens run to the sea.

Wollongong Golf Course

Wollongong Golf Course is so highly esteemed, touring professionals use it as a practice course. Not many trees on this links layout but get into the coarse rough and you’re in trouble.

Best Thai/Oz on the South Coast Amazing ocean views Barefoot Bowls for fun & family Bistro open Thurs 5-10pm, Fri 12.00-2.30pm & 5-10pm, Sat & Sun all day from midday-10pm

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Go green

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Top Golf Courses

Port Kembla Golf Course

The park-like tree-lined Port Kembla Golf Course is ideal for all grades of players but play a conservative game to avoid punishment.

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

Tucked under the mountains near Albion Park is the beautiful Calderwood Valley Golf Course. Each hole has its quirks and the course is a delight to play.

I hope that I’ve whetted your appetite for a buffet of golfing action along this wonderful stretch of coastline. See you on one of these popular courses one day soon.

STONEGRILL @ THE BUILDERS Check out the mouthwatering menu at thebuilders.com.au/dining

4267 2139

Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club, 578 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Wombarra

The Builders Club 61 Church St, Wollongong

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From Sep 26

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Spring Calendar

Surf Groms!

Sun, surf and safety for the kids! The 2016/17 season of WeetBix Surf Groms – a learn-to-surf program for 5-12-year-old children, which also teaches them surf and ocean-awareness skills – kicks off on the South Coast on September 26.

Go to www.surfgroms.com, enter your postcode in the Program Finder, and your nearest Surf Groms program – along with contact details for the surf school involved – will be displayed.

Oct 1 to 2

Oct 7 to 9

BIG

one Win! Yours & Owls VIP Pass Want a chance to win a VIP weekend for yourself and a mate to our favourite music festival, Yours and Owls? It’s on over the NSW Labour Day long weekend (October 1-2), across two (hopefully) sun-soaked days at Stuart Park near North Wollongong Beach.

The line-up includes Tkay Maidza, Hermitude, The Living End and talented local music star Bec Sandridge (pictured).

To have a chance of winning 2 x VIP passes (valued at $169 each, giving access to the VIP bar, chill-out area and toilets), simply tell us why you want to win – email editor@thesouthcoaster. com.au by Sept 25!

circus really show One Really Big Circus Show This exciting new collaboration unites October 7th 7:30pm, 8th 7:30pm & 9th 11:30am Tamara Campbell MC’s as the hilarious Illawarra community circus Kiki Bittovabitsch alongside Circus Monoxide, schools professional Circus Wow,and Wollemi and Burgh Circus at artists Circus Monoxide Unit 3/3 princes Hwy Fairy Meadow in one fun show.

Book your tickets online trybooking.com/MLHB Or ticketsmuch can be purchased on the door Expect laughter, subject to availability trapeze tricks, ‘glow inreally BIG! you can’t miss it because it’s the dark’ hula hoops, chair balancing and an acrobatic story of two lovers. Highlights will include performances by Corie Hurry, fresh from a stint with Moscow Circus and MC Tamara Campbell, performing as Kiki Bitovabitsch, a woman with an amazing ability to fit through a tennis racket.

At Circus Monoxide, 3/3 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow. $12-$25 at the door or TryBooking.com/MLHB

Coledale Markets 9am-3pm on the last Sunday of each month.

Arts, crafts, food and live music on the lawns at Coledale Public School.

Foragers Market Bulli 9am-2pm, every Sunday, Bulli Showground.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables, organic produce, artisan cheeses, fresh roasted coffee, vegan products and locally sourced honey. Plus arts, crafts and live music.

Eat Street 5-9pm Thursdays at Crown St Mall Wollongong. Saturday fortnightly 5-10pm at Bulli Showground. An all-weather outdoor night market, with hot food by local producers using inseason fruit and veg. Think Fair Trade, Slow Cooking and gourmet treats.

Kiama Farmers’ Markets 2-5pm Wednesdays.

With regional produce from the likes of Berry Organic Sourdough Bread, Shoalhaven Gourmet Mushrooms, Darkes Cider, Clark Oysters, The Pines Dairy (gelato & milk) and Molly & Me Barkery (gourmet dog treats). Now held at Coronation Park at Surf Beach due to storm damage at Black Beach.

Berry Country Fair First Sunday of the month, Berry Showgrounds.

Find arts, crafts, locally grown fresh produce, plus books, clothing, bargain antiques and plant stalls.

Markets

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Daily

The Illawarra Grevillea Park Popular among walkers, the park’s rear rainforest section is open 365 days a year. Its enclosed section is open just 12 days a year: this Spring on September 3, 4, 10 and 11. Run by a team of volunteers, headed by gardening industry expert Ray Brown, this fantastic wonderland of native flora and fauna is at the foot of the Illawarra Escarpment, near Bulli Showgrounds.

More info (including future enclosed-section opening dates) at www.grevilleapark.org

Oct 14 to 16 Beach Netball The festival of fun and fitness, set to a DJ soundtrack, comes to Wollongong.

Events includes group fitness workouts, a celebrity match, food, music and the Official Raya Thai Spring ad 2016 - outlined.pdf 1 30/08/2016 Beach Netball Party.

1:10:28 PM

Register at beachnetball.com. au/wollongong/

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KIDS CLUB

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