WELCOME

© ZONNY OF CATHERINE HILL BAY PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s autumn already. Where has the year gone? It’s perhaps appropriate, as we’re flying through the first half of the year, that we feature a profile on the bird most often associated with the Central Coast: the Australian pelican. Or, in this case, baby pelicans because we’re lucky enough to have a breeding colony right here on a protected island within our waterways.

Just a little more inland and we explore the seven beautiful waterfalls of the region, or 13 if you count the multiple falls in each area. They are probably one of the few really good reasons to go bushwalking in the rain, or immediately afterwards – when the falls are at their most spectacular.

Have you ever wanted to get away for a weekend escape far from cars, in your own quiet bush setting (disturbed only by the sound of birdsong or perhaps the distant putt-putt of a passing boat)? In fact, it’s so secluded and far from road traffic that you’ll be taken to your accommodation by boat. Check out our autumn reader competition (on opposite page) to find this dream location on the Hawkesbury River. It’s surely one of the best-kept weekendescape secrets around ... and you may just be the lucky winner of a romantic weekend for two.

Put it in your diary: Sunday, May 9, Mother’s Day. This year, instead of bringing you shopping suggestions, we’re bringing you experiences your mum can enjoy, whichever type of mum she is: Earth mum, active mum, glam mum... Share an experience with your mum to make memories money can’t buy.

Need to start (or finish) your day with a great coffee? How about a great location to go with it. We’ve sent out our dedicated, sandy-footed secret shoppers to the many cafes along our beaches and some of our waterways so that you can try a different cafe every week from now until next spring! Snap a selfie at your favourite cafe and tag our Instagram @coast_publishing, we love to see you supporting our local cafes. c

Catharine Retter, Publisher

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR ENTRIES IN COAST’S SUMMER READER OFFER. The winner of the Patonga Boathouse stay is Tara Shelton who has happy memories of finding her extended family in Patonga.

COAST

PUBLISHER Catharine Retter editorial@coastpublishing.com.au

SUB EDITOR Carla Grossetti

ART DIRECTOR Jude Rowe, Agave Creative Group

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Brigid Arnott • David Beckers • Brett Boardman • Lisa Haymes • Kevin Morgan • Merrillie Redden

PRINCIPAL WRITERS Brooke Doherty • Jennifer Ennion • Libby Greig • Carla Grossetti • Suzy Jarratt • Kevin Morgan • Catharine Retter • Katie Stokes • Sarah Tolmie • Paul Urquhart

ILLUSTRATORS Maps: Guy Holt • Lauren Merrick

ADVERTISING Anissa Vineburg 0408 692 129 Amanda Atkinson 0466 524 037 advertising@coastpublishing.com.au

DIGITAL Jenna Nicholl jenna@coastpublishing.com.au

DISTRIBUTION Alex Tkachenko admin@coastpublishing.com.au

ADMINISTRATION admin@coastpublishing.com.au

COAST is published by Coast Publishing ABN 11 145 976 049 PO Box 6407 Kincumber NSW 2251

For more ‘What’s On for Kids’ information contact Katie Stokes at playinginpuddles.com.au

COPYRIGHT AND WARRANTIES The editorial content, photographic content, design and graphic art (including design of any advertisements by Coast Publishing) are all subject to copyright and must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Coast Publishing.

While we strive to ensure information contained in this magazine is correct and current at the time of printing, details may be subject to change and we recommend contacting venues or event organisers before planning your visit. The information contained in this magazine has been provided by contributors, interviewees and advertisers and their sources. No warranty is given by Coast Publishing as to the accuracy of this information nor any liability arising from any reliance upon the information contained herein.

FIND US ON

Facebook Instagram @coast_publishing Receive COAST online, free, in your inbox each month by subscribing at coastmagazine.com.au

We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Awabakal and Darkinjung peoples and their Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land.

ON THE COVER Autumn at Bensville by Jim Picot.