The South Coaster Winter 2016

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E EG U I D F RRIST

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WINTER 2016

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Sharing local knowledge

art of the

coast

thesouthcoaster.com.au

Discover top talent and join the Jamboree!

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Explore The Sea Cliff Coast Do the loop from bush to beach 29/06/2016 7:48 PM

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e Insids thi issue ER WINT 2016

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

Your adventure starts here Welcome to the launch issue of the South Coaster, a new visitors’ guide that is both a printed magazine and an online destination directory. Our first edition explores the stunning Sea Cliff Coast, from Stanwell Park to Thirroul and back along the escarpment to historic Helensburgh.

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

Genevieve and Marcus, the Editors

Read all about it 04 Symbio success Wildlife park saves animals and wows the world 06 Darkes Magic The delicious journey from tree to taste buds 08 Cover feature Meet creative South Coasters 12 Explore Stanwell Park, first seaside village on NSW’s South Coast 14 Map Top 21 places to visit when you do the Loop 16 Pamper yourself Enjoy a spa treatment 18 Pleasure Cruise Take a ride with the region’s best motorbike tourer 20 True Romance Top photographer picks sensational wedding locations 22 Sacred ground Something for every body, mind and soul 24 Eat out Our reviewer checks out three great club restaurants 26 Winter Calendar Apple pie bake-off, anyone?

Cover image courtesy of Anthony Warry Photography

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.

LOUISE CHARMAN-JAMES wrote the ‘Sacred Ground’ article on page 22. The owner of Helensburgh’s Soul Signature Meditation, Louise facilitates meditation groups, sound healing events, retreats, voice workshops and more at venues in the Illawarra and in Sydney. (0417 244 978 or www.soulsignature.com.au) 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 Spring issue of the South Coaster! Book online by August 15 at thesouthcoaster.com.au

south coaster WINTER 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: Please see thesouthcoaster.com.au for rates, specifications and deadlines.

Terms and conditions apply.

DEADLINE: August 15 for the Spring 2016 edition; November 15 for Summer 2016/17 edition.

DISTRIBUTION: The South Coaster is available at Glenbernie Orchard, Symbio, Ibah Spa, Tradies Helensburgh, plus art galleries, cafes, libraries, B&Bs and tourist information centres. Want to distribute mags? 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 the property of The South Coaster unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

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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A Symbio family

Photos courtesy of Symbio Wildlife Park

The hard work and dedication of Symbio Wildlife Park staff have helped to make this wonderful Helensburgh tourist attraction an international hit. Matt Radnidge is a driving force behind it Symbio Wildlife Park is world-famous for its cuter-than-cute viral videos of animals in the park doing funny things. But Symbio is much more than just a generator of cuddly koala videos. Symbio is saving animals, wowing visitors from around the globe and it’s boosting the region in a big way.

The story of baby Imogen captured the hearts of people around the world – it trended as the most popular topic on Facebook for two days.

Back in June 2015, after a video starring the cuddly koala joey had gone viral, staff at Symbio were faced with a terrible situation: another younger joey (Harry) had been left orphaned after his mother had died from leukemia.

But Symbio management had a plan: general manager Matt Radnidge and his now-fiancée, curator Kylie Elliott, would hand-raise the older and healthier Imogen; and Harry would be cross-surrogated into the pouch of Imogen’s mum, Kelly.

Imogen was about 30 weeks old, weighed a little more than 500g and she had already received pap from her mother. Pap, produced by the mum koala after it eats eucalyptus leaves, is the joey’s first solid food and is crucial to its

health. Without pap, the joey can’t survive on its future diet of eucalypt leaves. Harry had not yet received pap from his mother when she died.

The cross-surrogacy of Harry and the handrearing of Imogen was successful (see Imogen and Harry, opposite page). Symbio, the business, has also been very successful and, in recognition of those achievements, Matt was named Young Business Executive of The Year at the 2015 Illawarra Business Awards late last year.

He says the award was in recognition of all Symbio staff.

“We are a team at Symbio. We always say: no one of us is as good as all of us. We’ve worked very hard for a very long time and it hasn’t just been about hard work, it’s been about balancing hard work and smart work, so trying to be as efficient and as effective as possible … as well as working a lot of hours. [laughs]” Matt’s dad and Symbio’s Managing Director, John, spearheads the Radnidge Symbio dynasty which includes John’s wife, Margaret (Director), and son Michael (Operations Manager).

“So it really is a family affair,” John says. “But we like to think that everyone who works here is part of this family.”

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Symbio has captured countless magical moments in Imogen’s incredible journey – and that of her loving ‘parents’.

At time of writing, Symbio’s Cheetah Savannah exhibit, with two new male cheetahs (Boo and Lion), had just opened.

Matt says future Symbio attractions will include an interactive educational farmyard, an Indigenous nature trail and more.

“I love what I do and Symbio is such a dynamic place. Really enjoying what you do is the key.”

Imogen and Harry Imogen and Harry are happy and healthy koalas and fully adjusted to life after their 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 their apple farm into a major tourist attraction.

Crisp, juicy and full of flavour – there’s no going back to the supermarket once you’ve tasted an apple fresh from the tree at Glenbernie Orchard.

Nor to mass-produced cider once you’ve tasted the Darkes variety, made from pure crushed apples, hand-picked on the farm.

Glenbernie Orchard is set on a beautiful, fourth-generation fruit farm, covering about 65 hectares in Darkes Forest, 10 minutes’ south of Helensburgh. It is a glorious, sunny day when the South Coaster visits to chat to Jo Fahey about this historic farm and its future.

“We have an interesting micro climate,” Jo says. “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 from Galway, 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 fourth generation, the Gen Ys, are behind the farm’s expansion from apple grower to cider producer. Not only did Casey and Brandon come up with the idea for apple cider, but Brandon named both Darkes Ciders.

The alcoholic tipple is called ‘Howler’ and the non-alcoholic is ‘Little Blue’. Both are named in honour of the farm’s dogs (Australian stumpy tail cattle dogs, pictured on the bottle’s label).

The family’s much-loved line of “guardian angels” have been famous howlers, most notably on a night when thieves broke in and stole a quad bike and tipper trailer. “We still reckon Gilbert [the original howler] is around, a breeze will happen when we’re talking about her, we still reckon she is somewhere watching over us,” Jo says, laughing.

“Brandon and Casey are both really interested

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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 … in the last three years, we’ve created a number of additional products.”

Tourism is growing too – Glenbernie is on the scenic tours list for passengers of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas when it makes its maiden visit to Wollongong on October 30.

During apple harvesting season, from about late January until about May, the orchard runs sell-out picking tours. The chance to pick your own apple off a tree is over for 2016, but the AppleShack still has plenty of fruit in store and the Pink Lady Jo slices up for tasting is as crisp as a winter’s day. Simply scrumptious – the South Coaster takes home a box full every visit.

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in the farm. They weren’t a couple of years ago, when we were just producing fruit for the major supermarkets. They saw it as a lot of hard work and not a lot of return, and not a very good career path.

“But we’ve listened to them – they were interested in value adding, in making apple cider. So we’ve done that.”

Brewed and bottled off-site, Darkes Cider has been such a success the goal now is to export it to China, aided by a NSW Business Chamber program. “It’s about finding the correct niche market in China, about us trying to find the right partner, somebody who has the same values,” Jo says. “We believe in honesty and integrity, it’s about being real.”

Glenbernie is the last of the Illawarra’s orchards, a survivor in these challenging times for Australian farmers.

“You can no longer just grow fresh fruit for the traditional market system, so selling to the supermarket chains,” Jo says. “All of the other fresh fruit orchards in the Illawarra have gone, because it has been too difficult for them to make a living.”

For the Faheys, success means diversifying. “So we are making apple juice,” Jo says. “Now apple

SIP Taste Darkes Cider at the AppleShack, then get a six-pack, case or 5-litre keg.

SHOP Buy fresh fruit, apple juice, dried apples, apple cider vinegar, bush honey, honey wines, home-made jams, relishes, free-range eggs and more. The AppleShack farm store (open daily, 10am-4.30pm) is at 259 Darkes Forest Rd, Darkes Forest.

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Where the art is

Photos by Anthony Warry Photography anthonywarryphotography.com.au

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.

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 woodworking. She did a one-year furniture-making 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.”

JOHN VANDER Artist John is a legend in the arts community.

He and his wife Frances have run Articles Fine Art Gallery in Stanwell Park for 36 years.

“Longevity in any business should be celebrated; in the art gallery business it should be honoured,” John says. “We are going from strength to strength.”

Articles Fine Art Gallery is a major tourist destination in the Illawarra along the Grand Pacific Drive.

Studio: 101a Swan St, Wollongong; by appointment. Elise is presenting a workshop at September's Jamboree; see page 26 for details.

Visit www.elisecameron-smith.com.au

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, on October 8-9 in 2016. www.ashleyfrost.com.au

TERRI AYLIFFE Photographer Terri Ayliffe started Vertu in the second half of 2015 and, in less than a year, her quirky little Stanwell Park shop has attracted a huge fanbase of locals and tourists.

As well as her own photography, it full of treasures, gifts and homewares, many by South Coast artists, artisans and authors.

To decorate her shop, Terri started making kokedamas – a form of Japanese garden art in which the root ball of any plant is wrapped in moss to form a ball, creating a focal point for the plant to grow from. The moss ball is wrapped tightly with string and can be suspended like a hanging garden or placed on a platform, such as a pot or dish. Terri makes kokedamas for every situation. Cheerful miniature roses and hibiscus do well in full sun outdoors, soft lush ferns live happily in a shady area, hanging under trees, pergolas or indoors soaking up moisture from a bathroom. Orchids make a stylish feature in a well-lit area of your home or in a filtered position away from direct sun. (By Sara Newnham.)

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ASHLEY FROST The South Coaster meets Ashley in his Thirroul studio on a Friday afternoon. He’s got a cold beer in his fist, his own art hanging at his back and he’s talking about his passion, his craft, his vocation. This is a bloke content with his lot in life.

But Ashley’s also constantly striving for more; bettering himself, upping the ante. 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 way back in late 2014 and said at the time: "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.

The region’s arts community is a tremendous source of inspiration, he says. “There’s a great arts community here, a lot of artists."

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

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.

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south coaster CHRIS ZANKO Chris and the other three locals on this page are leading a new wave of South Coast artists.

Chris, 23, creates hand-coloured lino prints that are quite striking.

“My work is woodcuts of local buildings and infrastructure, looking at a lot of art-deco era buildings, using a vibrant palette," he says.

“I come from a graffiti background so I’ve always been into the block colours with strong outlines.”

HANNAH BRADBURY When asked to describe her powerful wood-fired ceramics, Hannah, 22, says: “I basically embrace the sensual and tactile materiality of clay and use it to reflect the landscape and the earth and my connection to the Australian landscape and to place.

“I’ve grown into that and exploring that real connection of place and a lot of my work I actually make from locally sourced materials … so I collect rocks and clay and make work from it.”

INDIA MARKS India’s oil on board paintings are moving and mysterious.

“I loved the weird aesthetic of older, historical paintings; they looked kind of creepy and mysterious and moody; there’s something fascinating about that,” the 22-year-old says.

She sometimes reaches a state of “flow” while creating art. “I feel like I’m in my own world that I’m creating, totally distant. That doesn’t always happen but when it does, it’s fantastic.”

NICK SANTORO This 21-year-old’s ink, watercolour and pastel on paper pieces are quirky and unforgettable. Nick says the commercial aspect of art-making never affects his work.

“When I’m painting I don’t ever think about selling them, or the money side because I just kind of figure if you’re after some kind of financial return then art’s the wrong business for you."

To see recent works by these four artists, visit egganddart.com.au

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Visitors are welcome to drop into their gallery on Paterson Road, open 9am-4pm most days.

Or call Pauline Denney on 4294 2011.

MICHAEL MUCCI After 31 years as an illustrator for the Sydney Morning Herald, Stanwell Park artist Michael Mucci is embracing post-redundancy life.

“It’s an opportunity for me to finally do something I’ve always dreamt about doing – to paint and draw and have enough work to either show or sell,” said Mucci, who has worked from his sun-filled studio for most of his Fairfax career.

Mucci’s personal artistic style leans towards surrealism and representational art.

“I prefer to do portraits and landscapes but the big thing I like is to capture that atmospheric illusion of light within a picture,” he said. “That’s what gives me a real buzz.”

Michael Mucci is also an accomplished sculptor and teacher.

(Report by Heather Smith.)

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PAULINE AND ROY Artists Pauline Denney and Roy Wilson run Pd Art Gallery and Roy Jewellery from their Coalcliff home studio.

“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.

All of Pauline’s work is handmade,” according to Pd’s bio.

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

“He’s worked for some of Sydney’s most elite retail outlets, and has compiled a great deal of knowledge as a result of his travels.”

Visit the website at www.mucciart.com.

Follow Michael on Instagram @ mucciart.

Contemporary art gallery & studio Individual hand made jewellery Repairs and remodelling Quality. Affordable. All welcome.

02 4294 2011

paulinedenney@skymesh.com.au www.pdartgalleryroyjewellery.com.au

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Top Spot ell Stanw Park

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 lawless abode of a gang of bush rangers, led by arch villain ‘Wolloo Jack’. Today the village is a 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 and 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.

The Palms Cafe in the Articles Fine Art Gallery complex is a super spot for lunch and shopping.

Find clothing at Boho Chic (from snug ponchos to beach kaftans) and souvenirs at Vertu (look for Hargrave box kites, kokedamas and Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book, by local surf scientist Rob Brander).

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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 between the flags, lifeguards on patrol from Sept school holidays.

5. Scenic bush walk: Join the circular 6.5km Wodi Wodi Track at the station.

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STANWELL PARK MUST DOS 1

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• 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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ULLADULLA

JERVIS BAY

KIAMA

WOLLONGONG

HELENSBURGH

SYDNEY

DARKES FOREST

19 21

2

4

9

5

OTFORD

3

TO SYDNEY

COALCLIFF

Take flight!

STANWELL PARK

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Rainforest retreat

10

Stunning ocean pool

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6

Historic coal-mining town

HELENSBURGH

1

12. Wombarra Sculpture Garden.

11. Scarborough 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.

2. Historic ‘Glow Worm’ Rail Tunnel.

1. Tradies Helensburgh.

The Illawarra’s beautiful drive from bush to beach.

More destination info at thesouthcoaster.com.au

Do the loop

Home of Glenbernie Orchard

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pots

Hot s

21

Top

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Scenic viewpoint

BULLI TOPS

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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

Top beach, rock pools

AUSTINMER

Surf Sharkeys Beach

COLEDALE

ILLAWARRA CALL CENTRE

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15

14

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SCARBOROUGH Barefoot bowls with a view

Explore Sculpture Garden

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Walk to iconic Sea Cliff Bridge

CLIFTON

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21. Boomerang Public Golf Course.

20. Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park.

19. Darkes at Glenbernie Orchard.

18. Turn-off to Sublime Point Lookout.

17. Southern Gateway Tourist Information Centre.

16. Ibah Spa 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. Scarborough Bowlo.

10. Sea Cliff Bridge.

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Ibah Spa Thirroul, with tranquil interiors styled by owner Sophie Bennett (pictured below in the Bali Hut).

Pamper thyself

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

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

The sign on the Ibah Spa gate advised, “you are entering a tranquil environment.”.

After a difficult morning of child wrangling, I was entering a different planet – a very civilised planet where you wear a fluffy bathrobe and gratefully accept a welcoming berry tea.

Ibah Spa treated me to the popular ‘Petit Harmony’ package involving a Balinese Foot Ritual (a nice scrub on my calves and feet), 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.

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INSIDE OUT HEALTH HELENSBURGH 176 Parkes Street, Helensburgh, NSW 2508 Phone 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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OTFORD VALLEY SANCTUARY DAY SPA 14 Georges Road, Otford, NSW 2508 Phone 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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Steve Melchior with the Sea Cliff Bridge behind him.

Joy ride Want to take a thrilling trip along the South Coast on a cool Harley-Davidson? Go for a joy ride with Just Cruisin’, the region’s most popular motorcycle touring company He might look like a bit of a bikie, but you couldn’t hope to meet a nicer bloke than Steve Melchior. He also knows bikes and he knows the South Coast like the back of his hand.

Steve’s been riding motorbikes since he was 14 – that was 50 years ago – so there’s no one better to take people on a guided motorcycle tour through the region. Which is exactly what his tour company, Just Cruisin’, has been doing 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.

Tour passengers’ ages have ranged from eight to 98, he reckons.

Steve takes bookings from local residents, Sydney weekenders, Asian tour groups and European travellers – anyone who wants to see

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 opened in December 2005 and gives visitors

the South Coast in all of its glory.

He also tours further afield, taking people, on request, to Kangaroo Valley, Bathurst, Parkes and more.

The big fella is so flexible he’ll work out a tour to suit anyone’s needs.

Doing a Just Cruisin’ tour is “a life-changing experience”, Steve says.

“People hop on the bike and … it’s an exhilarating feeling.

“Everyone feels safe and secure on the trike – and it’s got the ‘wow’ factor about it.

“There’s nothing better than looking at someone, seeing the smile on their face and knowing that they’re having an absolute ball.

“I love doing it. It’s a passion and I love sharing a passion, and if I can get someone out there to enjoy that passion, I’ll do it every day. It’s fantastic.”

the opportunity to take plenty of photos of the amazing scenery and to walk, ride or drive the bridge. It also makes a fantastic viewing platform for whale watchers during the

migration season from May to November.

Park at either end, at Coalcliff or Clifton. Buses also travel the route.

For more information, please visit www. grandpacificdrive.com.au

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JUST CRUISIN’

HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE TOURS

Call Steve on 0414 942 598

SEA CLIFF BRIDGE TOURS AVAILABLE

www.justcruisintours.com.au

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

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). About 20 major festivals are held a year, with the temple exploding into a vibrant whirl of colour, music and fragrance as statues are paraded around, accompanied by musicians, priests and chanting crowds. 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 (10am4pm). Entry is free and donations are gratefully accepted.

1 Temple Road, Helensburgh. Opening hours: Weekdays 8am - 12pm & 4pm - 7pm; Weekends & Public Holidays: 8am-7pm. www.svtsydney.org, (02) 4294 3224.

The Tops Christian Conference Centre This well-appointed Christian conference centre is set amid 200 acres of beautiful bushland on top of the Illawarra Escarpment, close to waterfalls, nature walks and only a short drive from Stanwell Park beach and Helensburgh town centre. 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 more than 40 years for school camps, weddings, corporate conferences and church events, as well as for those seeking a quiet retreat close to nature.

Guests can create their own personal retreat experience or design a facilitated program with the centre staff, including Christian ministry if so desired. Guests have access to swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts and sports equipment, plus a large oval for ball sports. There are also children’s playgrounds, a climbing web and a new giant swing, popular with adults and children alike. Visitors can book an instructor-led outdoor adventure course or attend certification courses to pursue a career in outdoor recreation. The centre is busiest over the summer and in the September-October school holidays when a variety of primary and high school programs are on offer.

51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops.

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

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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. With a small permanent staff and a fluid team of volunteers, many from overseas, the centre offers facilities for yoga and meditation teachers to run their own retreats and classes. 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. The premises include two yoga halls, a dining room and accommodation for up to 60 people plus space for camping. The centre’s kitchen is supplied in part by produce from an organic vegetable garden tended by the volunteers. Food is prepared consciously, without meat products, and with an awareness of the seasons and the effects of different foods on the body. From June 2016 Govinda Valley will be holding seasonal community events featuring delicious vegetarian banquets, fire ceremonies and music. 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

Nan Tien Temple Driving south of Wollongong on the Princes Highway, you can’t help but notice the tiered tower of this elegant Buddhist temple rising high on the hill, overlooking Mount Keira and Mount Kembla. ‘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. The temple 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. Followers believe that all beings can attain the same enlightenment as the Buddha and strive to bring Buddhism into their daily lives. 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. Those seeking a deeper connection can immerse themselves in the peaceful monastic lifestyle, teachings and practices by staying on a temple retreat. The venue also hosts Buddhist weddings and has a dedicated conference centre and a motel (Pilgrim Lodge). Entry to the temple 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 Below, from left: stone-grilled steak, chicken schnitzel, prawn pad Thai.

Reviews by Cath Hill.

Club Fare

Illawarra Master Builders Club “The Builders” 61 Church St, Wollongong (02) 4229 6466, www.thebuilders.com.au The Builders has something for everyone. We sampled the Stonegrill Steakhouse, a self-contained restaurant in the club with an understated Australiana theme.

This unique dining experience involves cooking your own protein on hot ancient volcanic stone. My partner turned into quite the barbecue expert: “Yep, just another couple of minutes on that one...”

A standout was the delicious St Jack’s scallops entree.

Ash, our knowledgeable and attentive host, looked after us beautifully.

Other dining options at The Builders include Platform 61 (pizza), Julianna’s Buffet (all you can eat) and the Hennessy on Church cafe. 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 young children can be difficult but Tradies makes it easy for families.

Two helpful inclusions are the gated outside playground and ‘Max’s World’ , a supervised indoor play area where members can drop off their children (aged 3-12) for $5 on Thursday through to Sunday nights. Chances of completing a sentence are increased and the kids will be happy too.

The Flame Tree Grill is a great casual dining restaurant.

The club fare is done well and you can also choose from Asian favourites. Tradies also do $10 lunch specials and the Blue Gum cafe is worth a look too, with expansive views over sports field to beautiful bushland.

Tradies also has live music on weekends.

Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club “The Bowlo”, 578 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Wombarra (02) 4267 2139, bowlo.com.au You can see why ‘The Bowlo’ is beloved of locals. The views of the ocean and escarpment are amazing and the club itself has been largely untouched, adding to the relaxed and authentic charm of the place.

Refreshing in a very renovated world.

President Marton Fox reckons the Black Duck restaurant is the “best Oz and Thai bistro on the coast”. We can only agree based on our very tasty meals.

Sundays mean barefoot bowls and it’s a very familyfriendly environment. An activity like bowling really kick-starts the fun and pulls a gathering together, which makes The Bowlo ideal for functions.

Catch it while you can.

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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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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.

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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.

presents regular

comedy nights local national international acts

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

hire a comedian wollongongcomedy.com.au

The Builders Club 61 Church St, Wollongong

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July 24

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Winter Calendar Apple Pie Bake-Off! Darkes Glenbernie Orchard and the Stanwell Park Country Women’s Association (CWA) are running an Apple Pie BakeOff. Entry $10. Bring pies to the orchard from 9.30-10.30am on July 24. They’ll be judged in two categories (open and under 12 years) and on appearance, crust, filling and overall taste. Then pies will be sold to the crowd. All proceeds to the CWA.

Enter at the AppleShack (open 10am-4.30pm daily, 259 Darkes Forest Road), phone (02) 4294 3421 or visit www.darkes.com.au

Sept 2 to 4 Sept 2 to 4

Jamboree It’s play time for grown-ups!

Be inspired by workshops on permaculture, woodworking, photography, singing, weaving, circus skills, sunrise yoga and more. Camp, stay in bunks or “glamp” in gorgeous bell tents set in the rainforest escarpment at Mt Keira Scout Camp. Enjoy all this creativity unplugged – leave your iPad at home.

Organised by the Wild Rumpus skills-sharing social enterprise.

From 5pm Friday, September 2, to 5pm Sunday, September 4.

More info & tickets at wildrumpus.com.au

Thirroul Readers & Writers Festival Join fellow lovers of words for good company and conversation “on the edge” of the sea. After last year’s successful launch, the 2016 festival promises an even more exhilarating program, with prize-winning authors, a publishing workshop, a literary quiz and more. New this year is Words Out Loud, a Saturday night event including a story slam, poetry readings and an opening show by Austinmer singer-songwriter, Sandon Groves (pictured).

Friday at Railway Institute Hall, Saturday & Sunday at Thirroul Community Centre Hall. Visit thirroulreaders andwritersfestival.org

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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Radio Doctor Illawarra

AFTER HOURS HOME DR VISITS

radiodoctor.com.au

ILLAWARRA CALL CENTRE

(02) 4228 5522

Bulk Billed

(Medicare)

AVAILABLE:

WEEKNIGHTS Monday - Friday 7pm to 6am WEEKENDS Saturday 12pm Midday to Monday 6am PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 24hrs ACCEPTING CALLS 1 HOUR PRIOR Scarborough to Gerroa Visits in the comfort of your own home Available at student, holiday or retirement accommodation Experienced doctors and drivers

TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.wildrumpus.com.au

‘Radio Doctor Illawarra’

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KIDS CLUB

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