Explore Barrington Coast - the home of holidays issue 05 - Eat Stay Play Guide 2023

"We welcome you to explore the natural beauty of our National Parks. From the sandy beaches and bushwalks of Booti Booti National Park and boating in Myall Lakes National Park to the historic Mountain Maid gold mine in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area and the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park, nature hosts the best stories!"

David Brown

Team Leader Visitor Experience

Hunter Central Coast Branch

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services

INVITING LOVED ONES TO VISIT

We really do love living in this part of the world and sharing our enthusiasm for all the things that make it so special. We recognise our good fortune to live in a region where open spaces, waterways, beaches, mountains and bushland and a relaxed lifestyle can be enjoyed so effortlessly, and where a friendly and welcoming spirit, across our communities and businesses, pervades.

Our local businesses, who rely on the visitor economy, have our wholehearted support and we work together, via this magazine, with mutual respect and appreciation to promote this natural playground.

Whether you call it home or are a visitor, we encourage you to discover more of the region and explore our neighbouring towns. Enjoy the priceless memories –paws and all!

More than anything, we trust you will embrace and experience to the full this blessed, abundant, beautiful and natural part of New South Wales.

Cheers,

El Rattray

Publisher

Barrington Coast Publishing Pty Ltd

Destination brand, #BarringtonCoast, encourages MidCoast residents to invite their loved ones to visit all year ‘round. “Over 600,000 friends and family of residents visit the MidCoast each year making it a huge contributor to our visitor economy,” said Deb Tuckerman, MidCoast Council’s Manager Growth, Economic Development and Tourism. Ms Tuckerman suggests the cooler months, when the beaches, forests, waterways and scenic landscapes are at their most spectacular, are an ideal time to reconnect and share with family and friends and help boost the local business economy outside of busy holiday seasons. Create a personalised postcard here - comevisit.com.au/places/barringtoncoast

PUBLISHER El Rattray

EDITOR Christine Hopkinson

GRAPHIC DESIGN Dylan Gaul - Two Minds Creative

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

hello@barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au

1300 319 368

ADMINISTRATION & DISTRIBUTION

admin@barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au

Published by Barrington Coast Publishing Pty Ltd

ABN 630 115 025

PO Box 58, Pacific Palms, NSW 2428

Stay in touch barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au explorebarringtoncoast explorebarringtoncoast

Cover image Cape Hawke Lookout

Experience breathtaking views on a clear day that extend to the Barrington Tops and Crowdy Head National Park. barringtoncoast.com.au/directory/cape-hawke-lookout

Photographer Craig Mason, East Coast Photography eastcoastphotography.com.au

Each year, Explore Barrington Coast magazine showcases our region, the generous and welcoming spirit of our community, and our intrinsically relaxed and casual lifestyle that permeates all corners of this 10,053 km2 region of New South Wales.

Excitingly, the NSW Government has recently announced a $180 million Coast and Estuary Investment to fund projects that protect the state’s iconic coast and estuaries and support stronger coastal communities and industries. Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, says the welcome funding into the region will benefit the Myall Lakes and shows the government’s desire to maintain one of our most significant natural resources. “Our beaches and coastal waters are at the heart of the Myall Lakes, so we need to look after them for the good of our businesses and the recreational activities that we depend on.”

welcomefun to be found across our towns and hamlets.

Issue 05 of Explore Barrington Coast – The Home of Holidays – is the quintessential guide for both visitors and locals to the region, with an annual distribution of 30,000 copies per issue, including established outlets across the Barrington Coast and neighbouring Visitor Centres. And in this issue, Barrington Coast Publishing’s experienced team proudly presents the best of our neighbouring shire – with a special Visit Dungog Guide.

As a local and independent magazine, we thank our incredible partners who advertise with us each year. We truly adore you! We want to continue with the great work, exceptional quality editorial and design and we give kind thanks to the generosity of Kim and Rob Jeffress who, year-on-year, have supported the publication, through the impact of the pandemic and paper price increases.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Gathang-speaking people, and pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in the MidCoast Council area. We extend our respect to elders past and present, and to all future cultural knowledge holders.

From the Great Lakes and Manning Valley to Gloucester and the Barrington Tops plateau, our stories reveal the natural beauty – spectacular national parks, coastal splendour, abundant natural resources and majestic mountains. We profile the people who make us unique – our indigenous heritage; the innovators, artists and local identities; wellness advocates; and turn the spotlight on our exceptional homegrown food and local beverages, the festivals, events and

Free to locals, visitors, friends and family, help us shout loud and proud about our wonderful neck of the woods via our magazine – you can purchase multiple copies online to help support our mission.

barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au or email hello@barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au

Thank you for your support!

Shane Chalker

Issue 05 – proudly showcasing our neighbouring Shire in the special 24 - page Visit Dungog Guide included in this edition.

TRIP PLANNER

Forster / Tuncurry to

Although considerable care and effort has been exercised while compiling content for this map, the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions and disclaims responsibility to any person or organisation for loss or damage suffered from the use of this map for any purpose whatsoever. The publisher would be pleased to receive additional or updated information along with suggestions for future editions.

Drive

It’s an easy 2.5 hours’ drive north from Sydney on the M1 to Tea Gardens, at the southernmost tip of the Barrington Coast, and 3.5 hours’ drive to reach Pacific Palms, via the scenic Lakes Way, or Forster-Tuncurry via the M1/Pacific Highway route.

Rail

NSW Trainlink services run between Sydney and Newcastle, with connecting coaches from Newcastle to Tuncurry. The XPT Train service from Sydney stops at Taree and Gloucester.

transportnsw.info/regional 13 22 32

Barrington Coast

Bus

Busways provides daily services from Newcastle to several Barrington Coast towns. The 150 Bus Service runs between Taree and Newcastle (both directions) via Forster, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, with stops including Boomerang Drive Blueys Beach, Tiona Holiday Park at Pacific Palms and The Lakes Way, Smiths Lake. busways.com.au

The 310 Bus Service runs between Taree and Forster (both directions).

egginscomfortcoaches.com.au

GLOUCESTER

DUNGOG

TAREE FORSTER TUNCURRY

TEA GARDENS

NEWCASTLE

PORT MACQUARIE

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60 WAYS TO EXPLORE BARRINGTON COAST

We’re kick-starting your adventures on the Barrington Coast with 60 awesome activities to inspire you to get out and about and explore!

35 SPECIAL 24-PAGE Visit

Showcasing our neighbouring Shire, a guide to the region

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EAT and DRINK

Savour the fabulous fresh flavours of the Barrington Coast

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ART and INNOVATORS

Learn more about the talented awardwinning and emerging artists and creatives driving our growing art scene

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UNIQUE LOCALS

Meet some of our inspiring locals whose contributions to the community continue to make a difference

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WELLNESS and BEAUTY

Relax, re-charge and rejuvenate on the Barrington Coast

63 SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The Barrington Coast is tailor-made to host your special celebration, conference or retreat

72 CAMPING, GLAMPING, HOLIDAY PARKS and FARMSTAYS

Great stay ideas for families, friends and for romantic getaways

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SUSTAINABLE Learn more about our green initiatives on the Barrington Coast

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FURTHERING EDUCATION, CLOSE TO HOME

How Taree Universities Campus is bringing tertiary education opportunities to our young students

eastcoastphotography.com.au

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FLAVOUR OF THE PALMS

Delicious recipes straight from the kitchens of the Pacific Palms community

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GOOD TO KNOW

Handy local information and resources to enhance your stay with us!

Escape to the Barrington Coast and let the Team at Pacific Palms Holidays find your perfect home-away-from home at Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach, Smiths Lake, Seal Rocks, Bungwahl, Topi Topi,Tarbuck Bay and Coomba.

With properties suitable for solo travellers, couples, families and extended family and friends groups, visitors can choose from beachfront, town, rural and lakeside holiday rentals – the sky is the limit! Our holiday rentals come in all shapes and sizes from well-appointed apartments and villas to cottages, funky beach shacks and sprawling luxury homes.

Budget or boutique, whatever you’re looking for, your own individual checklist will assist the local Pacific Palms Holidays rental experts to create the ideal tailor-made getaway.

And when you fall in love with this beautiful destination and decide to make a seachange, the Sales Team at Pacific Palms Real Estate can help you find your permanent Barrington Coast dream home!

Our green-conscious community is growing the trend in the region for electric vehicles, and the Barrington Coast is constantly adding to its extensive list of EV Charging stations to ensure that all holidaymakers and day-trippers can get around our beautiful region easily. Find your nearest EV Charging Station at evee.com.au/blog/your-evee-intro-guide-to-charging/#nsw

Emma Jenkins and the expert holiday rentals team at Pacific Coast Holidays know all the insider secrets to guiding you to the perfect holiday home, with a wide range of rental options suitable for solo travellers, couples, families, friends, extended family and friends’ groups – and your fourlegged friend!

At the beach, by the lake, in a rural setting or in towns, rentals come in all shapes and sizes including wellappointed apartments and villas, luxury family homes and

stylish beach retreats.

Pacific Coast Holidays provides guests with easy electronic payments and electronic check-in, as well as increased peace of mind during their stay, with the implementation of the new Short Term Rental Association (STRA) Code that sets new minimum standards including for fire safety and compliance requirements.

Emma and her team make the process easy – simply call and speak to one of the friendly team experts, or shop online and book direct at forsterholidayrentals.com.au

TASTE OUR VERY OWN LOCAL

Street ROASTERS!

Explore

LITTLE

Grab a bag of fresh, locally roasted Bootleg Coffee Beans from select retail outlets including Little Street Roasters own Tartt Café and Wingman Espresso in Forster.

1. Belcanto's - Tallwoods, Hallidays Point

2. Thirty Three Degrees Restaurant – Tuncurry

3. Pezzella’s Pizzeria | Ristorante | Bar – Forster

4. Red Spot Jetty – Forster

5. The Farmers Patch – Forster

6. Forster Marina – Forster

7. Tartt Café – Forster

8. Wingman Espresso – Forster

9. Blueys Cellars and Deli – Blueys Beach (retail)

10. Palms Artisan Bakery – Pacific Palms

11. Village Brew – Mayo Hospital Taree

12. Pulteney Bakery – Taree and Taree West

13. Valley Café – Taree

14. Bakers Choice – Taree

15. Mr Ben and the Weasel – Bulahdelah (retail)

16. Sips @Mobys – Boomerang Beach

17. The Hangout Forster greatlakescheerleading

18. Tiona Beach Café – Tiona

19. Tradies Café- Kularoo Drive – Forster

littlestreetroasters.com

Coast Our

LAKES & RIVERS

Renowned for its unique ‘Great Lakes’ triple lakes system of Myall, Wallis and Smith Lakes, and a stunning, sprawling Pacific Ocean coastline dotted with incredible beaches, Barrington Coast waterways are some of the most accessible and appealing in the state. Add to that our beautiful rivers including the Myall, Manning, Wallamba and Coolongolook and that’s a phenomenal amount of water!

Swimming, surfing, snorkelling, diving, fishing, boating, kayaking, water-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, tours, activities, gear hire, insider tips and more – we’ve gathered the resources and handpicked 20 activities to get you started on your exploration of our coast, lakes and rivers … and one of the best ways to experience all that our amazing waterways have to offer is by boat!

From luxury houseboat holidays to guided fishing tours, whale and dolphin watching cruises, party boats and runabouts, there’s nothing quite like getting out on the water in a boat. Helm your own adventure or sit back and relax in the care of experienced local guides and skippers who know the best spots in our ocean, lakes and rivers like the backs of their hands.

• Explore Myall Lakes by Houseboat myalllakesgetawayhouseboats.com.au

• Luxury Houseboat Hire Bulahdelah Luxury-Houseboat-Hire

• Tea Gardens BBQ Boat tgbbqboats

• Whale & Dolphin Cruise amaroocruise.com.au

• Wallis Lake Tours forstermarina.com.au

• Reel Ocean Adventures ROA.Forster

• Fishing Tours with forsterfishingcharters.com and forsterestuarycharters.com.au

• Crowdy Bay Charters barringtoncoast.com.au/directory/ crowdy-bay-charters

• Hire a boat on the Barrington Coast barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/ where-to-hire-a-boat-in-the-barringtoncoast

• BUY A BOAT! grahambarclaymarine.com.au

Find Patrolled beaches across the Barrington Coast, visit our regional map on page 4 -5 beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety

eastcoastphotography.com.au

Play DISCOVER AND

ACTIVITIES ON OUR WATERWAYS

Blueys Beach Surf School PacificPalmsCoastNSW

SUP & KAYAKS

+ SURFBOARDS, WATERCRAFT, FISHING GEAR, TOURS AND MORE!

Pacific

pacificpalmssup.com.au

Jungle Surf SUP School Tuncurry junglesurf.com.au/sup-school

MidCoast Adventures Forster midcoastadventures.com

Harrington Adventure harringtonadventure.com.au

Red Spot Jetty Forster redspotjetty.com.au

Lazy Paddles Tea Gardens lazypaddles.com.au

Great Lakes Tackle Tuncurry greatlakestackletuncurry

Forster Marina forster.marina

Harrington Bait & Tackle harringtonfisho

Bohnock Bait & Tackle (Manning River) Bohnock-Bait-Tackle

Manning River Marine Taree manningriver.marine

Saltwater Surf School, Old Bar Saltwater-Surf-School

Great Lakes Surf School, Forster GLSurfing

Palms SUP Smiths Lakes

73 Little St, Forster

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EXPLORE ON HORSEBACK

ALONG THE SHORE

Follow the 3.1 km loop walking trail near Redhead via Shelly Beach and explore the natural art display of rocks, shells, seaweed and driftwood scattered along the foreshore.

Prop on a jetty or set up on the banks of the shore and drop a line in a lake or river; stand in the sand, with the water lapping at your toes, and cast your line into the ocean.

Witness a beautiful sunset with a difference – on the jetty at Tahlee, where the convict-built (1826) colonial Tahlee House is located above historic Boat Habour; or over Wallis Lake at a special sunset picnic spot in Booti Booti National Park on The Lakes Way at Elizabeth Beach. Trek through the Dark Point Aboriginal Place in Myall Lakes National Park at Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest. This sacred conservation area is a culturally significant site for the Worimi people and offers scenic coastal views across to Broughton Island. nationalparks.nsw.gov. au/things-to-do/aboriginal-sites/dark-point-aboriginal-place Explore the historic lighthouses. Crowdy Head Lighthouse is just 33km north-east of Taree or visit Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse located at Seal Rocks. Both lighthouse positions offer stunning coastal views and a top spot for whale watching.

Horseabout Tours Tuncurry horseabouttours.com

Horseabout Tours Tuncurry

ardentsoulphotography

ardentsoulphotography

lazypaddles

Kayak Hires - head to Little Street, Forster

Crowdy Head Lighthouse

Interesting, pretty, and welcoming … get out and about like a local to uncover the hidden charms of our diverse towns and villages. Along the Pacific coastline and inland to the Barrington Tops, explore our laidback beach villages, country charm, historic hamlets and vibrant towns.

BULAHDELAH – nestled on the banks of the Myall River, this lovely town is the gateway to many natural attractions in the region including Myall Lakes National Park and The Grandis, the tallest known tree in NSW. COOLONGOLOOK and WOOTTON – replete with farms, forests and grazing animals, these quintessential country villages invite a leisurely drive through pretty, pastoral scenery before lunch at one of the Wootton eateries serving fresh local produce. STROUD – as you stroll around town, you’ll see many examples of the convict labour that helped to build Stroud’s charming and historic heritage, first established way back in 1826.

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FORSTER-TUNCURRY – these twin towns exemplify the very best of lakeside living and have been the centrepiece of the Great Lakes region since Forster was founded at Wallis Lake in 1862. The lifeblood of the region for centuries, the towns are vibrant regional hubs for great eating, drinking, shopping, boating, water recreation and fishing.

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GLOUCESTER – declared a township in 1855, Gloucester is not only the closest town to the Barrington Tops but also a fabulous place to stroll and browse for antiques, books, clothes, homewares, gifts and more. Offering a number of great places to stay, it’s well worth lingering longer to uncover absolutely everything Gloucester has to offer!

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HARRINGTON and HALLIDAYS POINT –venture north to Harrington, a former fishing village at the mouth of the Manning River. From there it’s just a stone’s throw to Crowdy Bay Lighthouse. Head south via Taree and Old Bar to Hallidays Point, a coastal town famous for Black Head, Red Head and Diamond Beach.

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NABIAC – the Gathang speaking Aboriginal people of the Worimi and Biripi tribes lived on Nabiac country before the arrival of Europeans. Set on the Wallamba River, Nabiac means ‘place of the wild fig’ and today boasts a National Motorcycle Museum, shops, the picturesque Greenhouse Café and, at nearby Dyers Crossing, the Villa d’Esta Vineyard winery.

eateries. You can’t miss the colourful and eclectic street art installation – One Square Gallery –at Blueys Motel. Discover Elizabeth Beach, Boomerang Beach and SMITHS LAKE and pop into Tiona Holiday Park to see the renowned Green Cathedral.

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OLD BAR – wind down and kick back in the beach town of Old Bar – take your cozzie and fishing rod and enjoy fresh local fare and chilled vibes at Flow Bar. Stay overnight at Flow’s funky Boogie Woogie Beach House, influenced by designers, artists and musicians!

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PACIFIC PALMS – epitomising beach life, visit the village at BLUEYS BEACH, just 200m from its famous surfing namesake, and sample the local fare at fresh food providores and funky

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TAREE …. TEA GARDENS – explore everything on the Barrington Coast, from the big town of Taree in the north to the postcard pretty town of Tea Gardens in the south. Taree is just 10 minutes from historic WINGHAM, which is home to many National Trust buildings. Tea Gardens and HAWKS NEST form the southern gateway to the region and are spectacularly located at the mouth of the mighty Myall River. Call into the Providence Deli on Booner Street at Hawks Nest for homemade cakes, grazing boxes and sandwiches, and delicious cheeses.

theprovidencedeli

The Grandis - tallest known tree in NSW.

*Ray White Tea Gardens Hawks Nest – Ray White Premier Member

*Principal Stuart Sinclair Ray White Tea Gardens Hawks Nest – Ray White Elite Performer 2017/2018/2019/2020/2021/2022

However, it was a different story in the early 19th Century, when European settlers were first drawn to the region for its abundance of waterways, lush valleys and forests. In the 1800s our majestic lakes system, coupled with great rivers and a long stretch of Pacific coastline were vitally important links to facilitate transport of people and goods through the state, particularly to the settlement

of Sydney. Villages and towns soon sprung up, centred around crop farming, cows for beef and dairy, sheep for lamb and wool, timber logging, mining and abundant fishing. And when gold was discovered, eager prospectors rushed in, as did bushrangers, attracted by the growing prosperity of the region. The longest roaming bushranger in Australian history, Captain Thunderbolt, even has a lookout and a roadway named for him here!

Discover Dark Point in Worimi Country, a declared Aboriginal Place north of Hawks Nest in Myall Lakes National Park for its 4,000-year-old archaeological significance. nationalparks.nsw.gov. au and Search

‘Dark Point Aboriginal Place’

Saltwater National Park in Biripi Country is a declared Aboriginal Place. The small coastal reserve near Taree is surrounded by rainforest and is great for swimming and fishing. Take the Five Islands Walking Track, rich in Aboriginal history. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/thingsto-do/walking-tracks/five-islands-walkingtrack

Experience Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place in Bulahdelah State Forest, a place of cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the Worimi people, marked by traditional carved trees. barringtoncoast.com.au/ directory/bulahdelah-mountain

Take a walk around historic Wingham, the oldest town in the Manning Valley and named after Wingham, in the County of Kent in England. Originally settled for its cedar forests, enjoy the English-style town square and heritage-listed buildings.

The Barrington Coast is enshrined in the culture of the Gathang speaking Biripi and Worimi peoples who are the Traditional Owners of the land and, today, as a community, we proudly acknowledge and respect their culture.

The Bank Guest House

John Spencer/DPE

Explore our spectacular Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and Crowdy Head Lighthouse – dating back to the 1800s and invaluable to early shipping on the coast – take in incredible views from above on a Heli Scenic Flight. affinityaviation.com.au

Learn more about the ways in which some of our earliest settled towns were shaped in the 1800s. Visit Gloucester Museum in Church Street for a glimpse into the past, and the Great Lakes Historical Museum in Tuncurry for maritime, social and heritage stories of the twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry.

mgnsw.org.au/organisations/gloucester-museum mgnsw.org.au/organisations/great-lakes-museum

Some of the oldest buildings in the state are found in Stroud. Convicts built many of the town’s now historic buildings – and made bricks by hand! – and the town itself is under National Trust classification. Take a Heritage Walk through Stroud to learn more. stroudhistoricalsociety.com

Uncover places of historic significance on a Harrington SelfGuided Heritage Walk – from the pilot station and Pilot Hill to the Harrington Hotel and funny bollards around the town. barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/where-to-find-thebest-walks-around-harrington

Head out on the 6km one-way

Wootton

wootton.org. au/documents/ railway1.pdf

Tour the rich gold mining heritage of Mountain Maid Mine in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area – see mine shafts, gold separators, gold carts and more with volunteer guides. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/ historic-buildings-places/mountain-maid-gold-mine

Historical Railway Walk in Wauk Wauk State Forest that follows the remnants of old logging railways and bridges.

Brent Mail/DPE

ardentsoulphotography

At the heart of our hinterland, Barrington Tops represents the westernmost area, and highest point of the Barrington Coast region, and the highest point on the Australian mainland after the Snowy Mountains – so high, in fact, that it’s often snow-capped in winter. If that wasn’t accolade enough, Barrington Tops National Park forms a significant part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage-listed area and is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the country.

The lush valleys below abound with grazing animals, while native wildlife and birdlife flourish in the plentiful forests. So much of the region’s amazing local produce is nurtured right here, in the rich soils of the hinterland, fed by the clean, clear waters of the Myall, Barrington, Manning, Gloucester and Karuah rivers.

Providing an important link to the Barrington Tops via Gloucester is The Bucketts Way, the second oldest tourist drive in NSW. Set out on this scenic loop for a journey of discovery through our breathtaking and picturesque hinterland.

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centralhotelstroud

Mountain bike, trail bike, hike through the glorious natural high terrain in Barrington Tops National Park or take the gentle Gloucester River walking track and cool off with a swim along the way! Visit nationalparks.nsw.gov. au and Search ‘Gloucester’

Pit stop at a true country pub and relax over lunch at the Central Hotel Stroud, followed by a stroll through the town to explore its lovely antique shops.

Ben Cirulis

Head to Greenhouse Café in Nabiac, serving delicious local farm-fresh produce, and visit Greenhouse Collective for heavenly homewares, gorgeous gifts, furniture and fashion fromourfarmnsw.com.au/greenhouse-cafe greenhouseemporium

For something completely different and unforgettable at Tomalla in the Barrington Tops – you will need to book well in advance – join an Aussie Ark Devils in the Wild Tour per month) to see Tassie devils in free-range enclosures, with the opportunity to get up close and personal and maybe even meet brand new joeys. aussieark.org.au/tours

Enjoy fantastic fresh local dishes and great coffee at Bent On Food in Wingham – breakfast, brunch or lunch – then browse the stylish homewares and gifts at Bent On Life. bentonfood.com.au BentonLife

Visit family-friendly Great Lakes Paddocks Winery in Wootton – the 89ha property produces grassfed angus beef and delicious homegrown fare and houses its own vineyard and cellar door. Book ahead for a private tasting! greatlakespaddocks.com.au

While in Gloucester, relax and recharge at the iconic Roadies Café and enjoy all day breakfast and hearty lunches. Pop into the funky 3 Blind Mice for fabulously fresh, sustainable eats, and visit Batter & Dough for delicious handcrafted organic sourdough breads, buttercream cakes, pastries, pies and desserts. roadiescafe2422 3blindmicegloucesternsw batternddough

Visit Gloucester Gallery – GACCI – a community art gallery located in the town’s historic School of Arts. Presenting monthly exhibitions by visiting and local artists and community groups, as well as Aboriginal Art and Youth Art, entry to the Gallery is free. GloucesterGalleryNSW

Where to start …? Not only are NSW National Parks awesome and vast, but they are plentiful in our region, and for that we’re extremely grateful. Daily, we have the incredible opportunity to embark on any number of easy or exhilarating walks through these wild and wondrous natural parks in our backyard, and we invite visitors to do the same!

The parks are incredibly diverse, and each offers a different set of experiences. We have World Heritage-listed ancient Gondwana Rainforests in our midst in Barrington Tops National Park; Ramsar Convention Wetlands of International Importance in Myall Lakes National Park; the tallest single drop waterfall in New South Wales in Tapin Tops National Park near Elands; and sacred and declared Aboriginal Places in Saltwater National Park near Old Bar and Taree.

So why not get out and about on the numerous and beautiful scenic walking trails and paths, through our stunning National Parks, and treat yourself to so much more of the world on the Barrington Coast!

Find a park and a walk – and enjoy your adventure!

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/nature-walksfor-all-walks-of-life

The NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has a handy grading system for its walks and trails so you can find a walk that is suitable for you before you set off.

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/ bushwalking-safety/australian-walking-trackgrading-system

kate_miles_

Shelley Kurtz

Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Track – this popular 7.3km loop walking track in Booti Booti National Park winds along the shores of both the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake and begins at the Ruins campground, near Forster and Pacific Palms. Signposts lead you to Seven Mile Beach, Seagull Point, Lindemans Cove and Elizabeth Beach, returning you along the shoreline of Wallis Lake.

Cabbage Palm Loop – Follow The Lakes Way just past Bungwahl to Wallingat National Park and begin your adventure at Sugar Creek picnic area. Some bushwalking experience is required for this hour-long walk, through blue gums, brushbox and cabbage tree palms.

Yacaaba Headland

Five Islands Walking Track – follow this spectacular 2.4km coastal walking track, rich in Aboriginal history, in Saltwater National Park near Taree and Old Bar. From the picnic area, the walk meanders through coastal heath and paperbark swamp, crossing Saltwater Gully to Khappinghat Creek where you will discover the ‘five islands’ – the largest area of undeveloped wetlands on this Mid North Coast of NSW.

Gloucester Falls Walking Track

– a family friendly, short 1.8km loop in Barrington Tops National Park, near Gloucester. From the picnic area, the track leads through subalpine woodlands of snow gums and tree-lined gorges, with scenic lookouts along the way and views across the Gloucester River.

Mungo Rainforest Walk – an easy 2km loop track through rare coastal rainforest full of colourful birds including golden whistlers and satin and regent bowerbirds and brush turkeys. Begin at the northern end of Mungo Brush Camping Area near Hawks Nest in Myall Lakes National Park, and follow the walking track to the historic fishing village of Tamboi.

Walking Track – a slightly challenging 7km loop, with steep gradients and rocky terrain rewards the adventurous with a stunning vista over Myall Lakes National Park. Park at Jimmys Beach in Hawks Nest, experience Seal Rocks and Tomaree Headland views from on high, and finish with a swim back at Jimmys.

Cape Hawke Walk – this 500m walk rewards with breathtaking 360-degree views from Cape Hawke Lookout. Located at the northern end of Booti Booti National Park, pack binoculars and camera to capture the lofty panorama from this spectacular 8.4m tower, the top reached after approximately 420 steps! Enjoy the abundance of birdwatching, and seasonal whale sightings!

kate_miles_

John Spencer/DPIE

John Spencer/DPIE

The Barrington Coast is ready-made for bike enthusiasts – with specialised parks, tracks and trails catering for all riders from beginner to pro, through scenic terrains including road riding, gravel, downhill and cross-country. The region also hosts fantastic competitive events to test your skills and showcase our spectacular destination – are you up for the challenge?

1Head out for a day visit, or stay onsite, to enjoy riverside biking experiences along the Barrington River at The Steps Barrington, near Gloucester. Trails are fun and challenging for all skill levels which means kids can join their parents for a family day out on the bikes.

Suitable for riders of all skill levels, the Cross Country Loop at The Steps Barrington is 3.5km of single track with flowing downhills, technical climbs and log bridges.

The Steps Barrington also features a Pump Tack for family fun and skill building. Bookings Essential thestepsbarrington.com.au

Special thanks to eastcoastmountaintrails.com.au

Just north of Taree, on The Bucketts Way at Tinonee, you can design your own mountain biking adventure across 70km of interconnected trails at Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Park. Known locally as the Tip Trails because of their proximity to the Taree Waste Management Centre, the Park trails range from family-friendly to cross-country and enduro, with purpose-built features including jumps, bridges, rollercoasters, drops and wall-rides. Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Trails

Next to The Steps is the new expert-built Barrington Bike Park, offering adventures for beginner riders to expert level riders under rainforest canopy on a wild mountain. Uplift only with a 370m drop across black, blue and green trails, and both flow and technical trails, you’re guaranteed an exhilarating downhill experience. Bookings essential.

barringtonbikepark.com.au

Combine bike-paddle-run in the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri-Challenge held annually in September. Kicking off with a 24km mountain bike ride, the triathlon includes a 10.7km kayak paddle on the Barrington River and an 8.8km run leg along Thunderbolts Way to Gloucester. gloucestertrichallenge.com

Competent long-distance riders can sign on for the next Thunderbolts Adventure, slated for May 2023, and experience an overnight gravel experience in the Barrington Tops. graveleur.cc/thunderbolts-adventure-faq

2022 saw the inaugural Dirty Detour gravel cycling event, a weekend-long family-friendly adventure held near Stroud and catering to all rider levels. Keep an eye on the website for details of the next event at dirtydetour.com.au, and stay up-to-date with details of the next annual Barrington Coast 500, a self-supported ride event that loops from Gloucester. barringtoncoast500

Joshua Macpherson

3 BLIND MICE

67 Church St, Gloucester 3blindmicegloucester@gmail.com

3 Blind Mice Gloucester 3blindmicegloucesternsw

Discover Gloucester, in the scenic foothills of the World Heritage wilderness region of Barrington Tops, located on the Barrington Coast of New South Wales.

ACCOMMODATION GLOUCESTER

destinationgloucester.com.au

a.m.s.g@bigpond.com 0427 589 075

AccommodationGloucester

BATTER & DOUGH

35 Church St, Gloucester 0407 001 778

hello@batterndough.com.au batterndough.com.au

batternddough

ELK & WILLOW BOUTIQUE

41 Church St, Gloucester 02 6558 1448

mleitchbusiness@gmail.com

www.elkandwillow.com.au elkandwillowboutique

GLOUCESTER COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC LAUNDROMAT

39 Church St, Gloucester 02 6558 9908

gloucesterlaundry@outlook.com

gloucesterlaundromat

ROSELEIGH COTTAGE (GLOUCESTER TOPS)

2804 Gloucester Tops Rd, Invergordon (Gloucester Tops) 0466 876 944

roseleighcottage.com.au roseleighcottage

COPPERS HILL ACCOMMODATION

11 Church St, Gloucester 0427 589 075 coppershill@gmail.com coppershill.com.au

/ CoppersHill

GLOUCESTER FARMERS MARKETS

Billabong Park, Gloucester 0427 589 075

gloucestermarkets.com.au / GloucesterMarkets

GREAT ESCAPE LOFTS

40 - 42 Hume St, Gloucester 0427 589 075

thegreatescapelofts@gmail.com greatescapelofts.com.au

TheGreatEscapeLofts

UPTOWN COUNTRY

23 Denison St, Gloucester 02 6558 2199

sales@uptowncountry.com.au

uptowncountry.com.au

uptowncountry

UptownCountryGloucester

Wangat Lodge, Chichester River Sandra Henri Photography wangatlodge

CONTENTS

10

GETTING HERE, COUNTRY DRIVES & STAY

An easy drive from our neighbouring regions and only 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney CBD, Dungog Shire warmly welcomes visitors to enjoy leisurely and scenic day trips … with plenty of great accommodation choices so you can stay and linger longer!

12

BE ACTIVE AND FIND FUN IN DUNGOG SHIRE

Explore Barrington Tops National Park and our abundant forests on exhilarating mountain bike trails and scenic bush walking tracks; enjoy entertainment in our towns.

DELICIOUS!

Our super-fresh local produce is fantastic! Savour heartwarming, mouth-watering meals, delicious delicacies and artisan goodies – and locally brewed craft ale! 14

Delve into our Aboriginal and European heritage, and discover our talented contemporary local artists and innovators. 16

17

SOMETHING DIFFERENT …

FIND

TREASURES IN DUNGOG!

The town of Dungog is brimming with wonderful curios, collectibles, sustainable and local handmade products and clothing. Spot that ‘special something’ as you browse the town’s great shopping.

DIRECTORY

Find everything you need in Dungog Shire in our at-a-glance Directory of local businesses – from accommodation and cafes to shopping and art galleries. 18

EXPLORE MORE

Handy resources to help you make the absolute most of your Visit Dungog experience!

Sandra Henri

Ready Aim Media

The Barracks Tocal

Welcome to charming

When you first arrive here, allow your gaze to slowly scan the rural expanse of lush valleys, rolling hills and meandering rivers that lie before you, dotted with grazing animals, distinctive farmhouses, and charming cottages. Embrace the freshest of fresh mountain air emanating from the Barrington Tops.

Then take a deep breath and pause for a moment to truly appreciate this delightful, bucolic picture –because it really is THIS beautiful all year ‘round, and there’s so much more to discover!

Sitting at the gateway to the Southern Barrington Tops, Dungog Shire is just 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney and 1 hour’s drive from Newcastle.

Bounded by Singleton, Maitland, Port Stephens, Upper Hunter and the Barrington Coast, the Dungog Shire covers an area of 2248 km2 that includes the magnificent World Heritage-listed ancient Gondwana Rainforests of the Barrington Tops National Park.

The traditional Aboriginal landowners – the Gringai – lovingly nurtured these lands for over 40,000 years before Europeans arrived,

naming it Tungog (or Tunkok) meaning ‘the place of thinly wooded hills’ in the Awabakal language. It’s easy to imagine the first European settlers to the area in the early 1800s being captivated on arrival, reminded of the familiar rural landscapes they had left behind in England, Scotland and Wales and many place names reflect that affection. The banks of the Williams, Paterson and Allyn Rivers made ideal first settlements and the rich land, producing cedar timbers, citrus fruit, grains, tobacco, grapes, wine, and dairy and beef cattle, built the local economy.

Today, Dungog Shire extends a BIG WELCOME to visitors, inviting you to explore our historic and charming villages and bigger towns like Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford and East Gresford, Paterson and Vacy; have fun vintage and boutique shopping; taste our delicious local fare; absorb our heritage, art and culture; discover our natural beauty on mountain bike, walking and cycling trails; enjoy our friendly accommodation options; and soak up our warm hospitality wherever you go.

visitdungog.com.au

Getting

Here

Dungog Shire sits between the Pacific Highway and New England Highway and is approximately one hour’s drive from Newcastle, the Barrington Coast, Hunter Wine Country or Port Stephens. From Sydney it’s an easy 2.5 hours north of the CBD on the M1 Freeway.

Transport NSW runs daily rail services to and from Dungog Station and Sydney’s Central Station, and to and from Newcastle and the North Coast. transportnsw.info

With so much to see and do, nothing beats embarking on a leisurely and scenic country drive through our villages and towns. From Clarence Town and Paterson in the south, through Vacy, Gresford, Dungog and further north to Allynbrook, Eccleston, Salisbury, Bandon Grove, Chichester and Fosterton, the region unfurls before you, revealing natural wonders, friendly village life and panoramic views.

Plan your own mountain adventure route from Dungog to Main Creek. Allow time to explore the shops and sights in the eclectic town of Dungog, visit the open-air historical

Speedy Cycles Dungog

logging museum in Telegherry Forest Park, picnic at Jerusalem Creek and stop to marvel at Chichester Dam, constructed between 1915 and 1926.

Set out on a forest drive from East Gresford, first settled by Europeans in 1840, among them the famed winemaker, Dr Henry Lindeman. Travel through Allynbrook to Eccleston and pit stop at Boot Hill to see the fun, anonymously built public artwork of approximately 1000 shoes! At Salisbury, embark on the popular 3.5km Blue Gum Loop Walk, then head to Dungog for a hearty pub meal, or pop into one of the many fantastic eateries in the town.

Indulge in a day of history at Paterson, near Tocal. This charming old colonial town, which was the head of navigation on the Paterson River, is both contemporary and historic, retaining the buildings and heritage of European settlement, steam trains and farm buildings. Visit Paterson Courthouse Museum which includes an exhibition on Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar, and the Rail Motor Society Museum. trms.org.au Find more country drives at visitdungog.com.au/brochures

Stay

Why not stay a while and really soak up the region?

Enjoy the country pub charm of the historic Royal Hotel in Dungog, with a choice of 14 deluxe guest rooms, all with Wi-Fi, Smart TVs and air-conditioning, or a suite at the Tall Timbers Motel in Dungog. Relax with an authentic B&B experience at Paterson Lodge and enjoy the sunsets over the Paterson paddocks or try something different with family and friends in your own private, restored and self-contained ‘Red Rattler’ train at Carriageway in Dungog or in an eco-luxe private cabin at Carawirry Forest Escape in Main Creek. Settle into the Vacy Hunter Valley Lodge boutique motel, with picturesque country views and free Wi-Fi or experience the unique heritage of The Barracks in Tocal, with boutique accommodation across four suites on one of Australia’s oldest colonial working farms. Indulge in luxury at St. Helena River Retreat in Upper Allyn, with a choice of The Grainery for two people or The Dairy which sleeps up to four people. At Wangat Lodge in the foothills of the Barrington Tops two cottages offer great accommodation – one sleeps up to 46 people bunk-style, with event facilities perfect for special occasions, retreats and conferences. Main Creek’s Bower Retreat is a delightful and private child and pet friendly

4-bedroom cottage set on a 22.5ha estate and Bluegums Cabins in the foothills of Barrington Tops National Park has four private, boutiquestyle cabins each with cosy log fire, spa bath, four poster bed and kitchen. Campers and caravanners will find the ideal spot to set up camp at the Williams River Holiday Park, in the Coachwood Camping Area at Chichester Forest and the Ferndale Camping Area in Ferndale Park.

visitdungog.com.au/stay

vacyhuntervalleylodge

thebarrackstocal

GET ACTIVE AND FIND FUN IN DUNGOG SHIRE

On 2 wheels

Dungog Shire is tailor-made for cycling adventurers – from easy family bike rides to exhilarating mountain bike experiences. Ride Dungog is a not-for-profit community of passionate mountain bike riders whose mission is to inspire pedal-powered adventure and fun and to advocate, develop and maintain highquality and sustainable multi-use trails in the Shire. Keep your eye on weekly activities and events at ridedungog.org/events-calendar Or visit ridedungog.org to learn more.

Walking trails

Take a gentle bush walk or head out on a challenging hike – our walking tracks through National Parks and State Forests are abundant and cater to all levels of fitness. You’ll discover spectacular scenery, amazing lookouts, refreshing swimming holes, cascading waterfalls, beautiful bird life and perfect picnic spots.

• Enjoy the natural ambience on a leisurely amble on walking tracks in Dungog Common. You can also ride your horse on the

many trails. Don’t miss the fabulous ‘Sowelu Two’ Carten steel sculpture installation by Jen Mallinson, winner of the 2021 Sculpture on the Farm Acquisitive Prize for Dungog Common. sculptureonthefarm.com

• The 1.5km return Allyn River Rainforest trail wends through Allyn River Forest Park’s luxuriant sub-tropical rainforest.

• Choose from a 10-minute stroll to a 2km loop past waterfalls and creeks on one of the

Check out Dungog Common – 250ha of beautiful recreational trails including 20km of single mountain bike track.

dungogcommon.org/mtb

Speedy Cycles in Dowling Street, Dungog hires MTBs, road bikes and town cruisers and can help with all your maintenance requirements. speedycycles.com.au

Jerusalem Creek trails in the Chichester State Forest area.

• Try the 3.5km Blue Gum Loop among rainforest and blue gums in the Barrington Tops National Park. A wheelchair accessible path leads to the Williams River.

• An add-on to the Blue Gum Loop is the 16km return walk through dark rainforest and the beautiful mudstone terraces at Rocky Crossing.

sandrahenriphotography

Visit James Theatre in Dungog, the oldest purposebuilt cinema still in operation in Australia. James Theatre first began screening open air films in 1912 and became the social hub of Dungog for decades. Today, the Friends of the James Theatre Inc and other groups host a great calendar of events including film programs and live performances and special events including the annual Dungog Tea Party! dungogteaparty.com.au

Stay up to date with what’s on by visiting jamestheatre.com.au or James.Theatre.Dungog

Wander into the historic Royal Hotel in Dowling Street, Dungog and catch the Friday Sunset Sessions featuring the talented Performing Artists of Dungog presenting great local live music.

dungogroyalhotel.com.au/events

PerformingArtistsDungog

ENTERTAINMENT

BREWING RUSTIC BEER IN DUNGOG

SINCE 2016

The team at Tinshed has been brewing rustic beers in the heart of Dungog since 2016. Jimmy and Haley have worked hard to create a small brewery with huge personality. It's the perfect place to sit, relax and share a story with a beer, wine or cider. The small bar has 9 taps which regularly rotate over with different styles and flavours. Speaking of flavours, the brisket burger comes highly recommenced, smoked low and slow in-house – you just can't go past it! If you're in Dungog it's a must-see – pop in for a beer, have a chat and take some home to remember beautiful Dungog.

109 Dowling Street, Dungog

tinshedbrewery.com.au

dixie@tinshedbrewery.com.au

tinshedbrewerydungog

Delicious!

Café culture

Stroll through vibrant Dungog and relax over coffee, refreshments or a meal. Along Dowling Street you’ll find Stella Bistro, Meg’s Kitchen, Styx n Stones or The Long Room Café, and step back into yesteryear at the newly opened Dungog Trading Post, serving sandwiches, tea and scones and more amid a collection of Aussie memorabilia, gifts and products that evoke days of old.

Fresh and locally sourced are hallmarks of our delicious produce – from mouth-watering morsels and handmade condiments to hearty fare and heart-warming comfort food, put the Shire’s stellar gastronomic reputation to the taste test and you won’t be disappointed!

Pack a picnic

Fill your hamper to the brim with locally crafted goodies and dine al fresco. Discover a wide selection of artisan baked goods, condiments, cheeses and more at the family-owned Loveys Grocers IGA in Clarence Town and in Dungog, and BYO containers to stock up on fresh and organic produce at the community-owned Dungog Wholefood Co-Op. On Saturdays between 8.30am and noon head to the Dungog Growers Stall to pick up fresh-as-fresh seasonal produce direct from our growers’ gardens – cash only! Take the time to browse Vacy General Store, a grocer, café and gift store-in-one (also serving great dine-in and takeaway favourites) and pick up yummy pastries and baked goods delivered fresh daily from Shaw’s Williams River Bakery in Clarence Town.

dungogtradingpost

dungogfoodco_op Carly Skinner Photography

Pub Grub

Friendly and welcoming, our charming hotels not only look the part but also tick all the boxes for tasty tucker – surround yourself with history and enjoy! The Royal Hotel in Dungog is open for lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays and serves up a Sunday Roast from 12pm-3pm. The Settlers Arms Hotel, also in Dungog, is open from 6pm-8pm Wednesday to Saturday and from 1pm-3pm for Sunday lunch. In Clarence Town, pop into the Erringhi Hotel, a charming rustic pub with favourites on the menu including burgers, schnitzel and steak and, in Paterson, enjoy live music and pub grub at The Court House Hotel. Country hospitality and hearty meals are on the menu at The Hotel Beatty in East Gresford or pop next door for something lighter at the Twin Rivers Café.

Local Liquids

Visit the Tinshed Brewery in Dowling Street, Dungog, and sample locally-made craft ale brewed onsite – Check out the extensive tap list, and cider or wine from neighbouring Hunter Valley producers. This family-friendly brewery also serves up a selected menu that includes kids’ favourites like nuggets, plus burgers and vegetarian dishes. Take a trip to Rock Frog Grange Winery in Clarence Town and enjoy a winery and vineyard tour of the handmade and bottled onsite Verdelho, Chambourcin and Shiraz – free tastings too!

Something Different

We proudly boast a whole bunch of talented, committed and creative locals in Dungog Shire, who inspire their communities and visitors alike through art, innovation and the passionate preservation and promotion of Dungog Shire’s unique heritage and culture.

Learn more about the history of Dungog Shire – from the traditional Aboriginal owners to the arrival of European settlers.

Dungog Museum in Dowling Street is open Wednesday 10am-12.30pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. mgnsw.org.au/organisations/dungog-museum

Paterson Court House Museum is open on Sundays from 11am-3pm. patersonhistory.org.au

Gresford Heritage Museum is open on the first and third Sundays of each month from 10am-2pm.

Peruse the wonderful paintings, photography, quilting, ceramics, miniatures, jewellery and more of our local artists at Dungog Arts Society in Dowling Street. Open Monday-Sunday from 10am-2pm. dungogartssociety.com.au

Visit Gallery on Dowling in Dungog and view the beautiful artworks of printmakers and painters Helen Leane and Jeanne Harrison and the works of other local artists and creatives. GalleryonDowling

Step into the serene world of Hive & Gobbler in Dungog, a destination hub for sharing in creativity, slow-living and sustainability ideas for all ages. The store also runs free creativity workshops, among them knitting, spinning, nature art and chocolate-making. hiveandgobbler.com.au

Explore our colonial past in the vast grounds of heritage-listed Tocal Homestead in Paterson – now one of the foremost agricultural institutions in Australia. A beautiful venue for events and special occasions too, visitors are welcome on Sundays between March and November tocal.com.au

Clarence Town & District Historical Museum is open on the second Saturday of the month from 8am-2pm, and the last Saturday of the month 10am-2pm. mgnsw.org.au/organisations/ clarence-town-courthouse-museum

Artwork by Greg Mudie

Stroll along Dowling Street in the town of Dungog and delight at the fabulous shopfront window displays luring you inside to uncover a treasure trove of wares – vintage, collectibles, antiques, homewares, clothing, shoes, jewellery, flowers, children’s toys and clothes, gifts, sustainable, handmade, stylish, unique … browse our boutiques and take home that extra special something … discovered here in Dungog!

Billie & Grace – mindfully handmade ladies and children’s clothing, plus accessories and gifts – ethical, sustainable and local. billieandgrace.com.au

Sassafras Dungog – sharing a space with Billie & Grace, browse the lovingly curated collection of children’s natural play themed toys, books & gifts – many locally made. sassafrasdungog.com.au

Chic & Antique – antiques and upcycled vintage clothes, shoes, accessories and gifts including locally made Good Vibes Candles range of candles, diffusers and room sprays. Chic-Antique

At Yia Yia’s – French-inspired homewares from furniture and furnishings to cookware, china, glassware and vintage lace! Open 10am Saturday & Sunday. ATYIAYIAS

The Magpie Dungog – with an ethos of fair trade and sustainably sourced where possible, find pre-loved and new clothing, totes, jewellery, shoes and much more. The-Magpie-Dungog

Country Elegance Garden & Gifts – head up Hooke Street and wander through this beautifully landscaped garden and homewares store for fresh flowers, plants, pots, gift ideas, garden tools and friendly advice. countryelegancegardensgifts.com.au

readyaimmedia

CHIC & ANTIQUE

211 Dowling St, Dungog 0419 448 147

chicandantiquedungog

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP DIRECTORY

AT YIA YIA'S

222 Dowling St, Dungog 0416 220 500

ATYIAYIAS

atyiayias

COUNTRY ELEGANCE GARDEN GIFTS

103 Hooke St, Dungog 02 49 923 555 countryelegancegardensgifts.com.au / country elegance

DUNGOG ARTS SOCIETY

266 Dowling St, Dungog 0428 630 214 dungogartssociety.com.au

dungogartssociety@gmail.com

DungogArtsSociety

GALLERY ON DOWLING

120 Dowling St, Dungog 0403 733 776

heleneleane.com

GalleryonDowling

SPEEDY CYCLES

Bike Hire Service & Parts

146 Dowling St, Dungog 0408 607 272 speedycycles.com.au

SpeedyCyclesDungog

SASSAFRAS

DUNGOG

137 Dowling St, Dungog 0409 829 735 sassafrasdungog.com.au / sassafrasdungog

BILLIE & GRACE

137 Dowling St, Dungog 0409 829 735

BillieandGrace.com.au

@billie_and_grace

DUNGOG

TEA PARTY

James Theatre, Dungog 0429 629 014 dungogteaparty.com.au

/ Dungog Tea Party

THE MAGPIE. DUNGOG

220 Dowling St, Dungog 0409 150 173 / themagpie.dungog

Artwork by Gaye Shield

PATERSON COURT HOUSE HOTEL

23 King St, Paterson 02 4938 9520

info@patersoncourthousehotel.com.au patersoncourthousehotel.com.au / patersoncourthousehotel

EAT AND DRINK DIRECTORY

LOVEY'S GROCERS

IGA DUNGOG

229 Dowling St, Dungog 02 49 921 988 loveys.com.au

loveysigaPlusLiquorDungog

ROYAL HOTEL

DUNGOG

80 Dowling St, Dungog 0450 187 330

dungogroyalhotel@gmail.com

dungogroyalhotel.com.au

Dungog.Royal royalhoteldungog

STELLA BISTRO

205 Dowling St, Dungog 02 4992 3272

StellaBistroDungog

stellabistrodungog

THE DUNGOG TRADING POST

Yesteryear Tea Rooms

140 Dowling St, Dungog 0418 298 929

dungogtradingpost

TWIN RIVERS CAFE

54 Park St, East Gresford 02 4938 9507

TwinRiversCafe

THE HOTEL BEATTY

52 Park St, East Gresford 02 4938 9451

The-Hotel-Beatty

TINSHED BREWERY

Beers & Burgers

109 Dowling St, Dungog

tinshedbrewerydungog

tinshedbrewery_dungog

LOVEY'S GROCERS

IGA CLARENCE TOWN

47 Grey St, Clarence Town 02 4996 4137

loveys.com.au

loveysgrocersigaclarencetown

STIX n STONES

234 Dowling St, Dungog 02 4992 2051

Stix n' Stones

VACY GENERAL STORE CAFE & GIFTS

803 Gresford Rd, Vacy 02 49388 425

Vacy General Store Cafe & Gifts

STAY DIRECTORY

BLUEGUMS CABINS

1953 Chichester Dam Rd, Bandon Grove 0403 806 310 bluegumscabins.com bluegumscabins

PATERSON LODGE

19 King St, Paterson 02 4938 5767 patersonlodge.com.au

PatersonLodge

ST HELENA RIVER RETREAT

3334 Allyn River Rd, Upper Allyn 0400 223 069 sthelenariverretreat.com.au

/ sthelenariverretreat

SETTLERS ARMS DUNGOG

Rural Escape, Country Hospitality 45 Brown St, Dungog 02 4992 1615 settlersarms.net.au

BOWER RETREAT

855 Main Creek Rd, Main Creek 02 4992 1899

retreat2maincreek.com.au / retreat 2 main creek

THE BARRACKS, TOCAL

Boutique accommodation on a unique heritage site 957 Tocal Rd, Paterson 02 4939 8901 tocal.com

/ thebarrackstocal

TOCAL HOMESTEAD

957 Tocal Rd, Paterson 02 4939 8901 0498 018 984 tocal.com.au

TocalHomesteadHunterValley

WANGAT LODGE

1938 Chichester Dam Rd, Bandon Grove 02 4995 9265 wangat.com.au wangatlodge

LODGE

Boutique Accommodation & Restaurant 802 Gresford Rd, Vacy 0499 344 475 vhvlodge.com

WILLIAMS RIVER HOLIDAY PARK

98 Durham St, Clarence Town 02 4996 4231 visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/ barrington-tops/dungog/accommodation/ williams-river-holiday-park

Williams-River-Holiday-Park

VACY HUNTER VALLEY

"We feel so lucky to live on our farm on the Williams River in Dungog, doing what we love to do, every single day. Named Weemala, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Distant Views’, our property grows premium Hass variety avocados – each handpicked with love – and is also home to our Angus and Full Blood Wagyu cattle."

CONTINUING DUNGOG SHIRE’S PROUD TRADITION OF GROWING PREMIUM QUALITY FOOD

JAMES AND ROZ NORVAL

hello@huntervalleyavocados.com.au

info@huntervalleywagyu.com.au

Roz - 0414277571 huntervalleyavocados.com.au

- James and Roz Norval

PUBLISHER El Rattray, Barrington Coast Publishing Pty Ltd

EDITOR: Christine Hopkinson

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Dylan Gaul

Two Minds Creative

CONSULTANT: Daniel LeBlanc

Manager Economic Development Dungog Shire Council

Cover Image: Banksia, Barrington Tops State Forest.

Photographer: Ready Aim Media

more Explore

The Dungog Visitor Information Centre is located in Dungog town centre, at the corner of Dowling and Brown Streets. Open Monday to Friday from 9am5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm. PH: 02 4992 2212 visitdungog.com.au

For up-to-date information and access points and to learn more about Barrington Tops National Park visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-apark/parks/barrington-tops-national-park Barrington Tops State Forests visit forestrycorporation.com.au

VISIT DUNGOG is proudly presented by Barrington Coast Publishing Pty Ltd in partnership with Dungog Shire Council, Dungog Regional Tourism (DRT) and Dungog District Chamber of Commerce.

dungog.nsw.gov.au drt.org.au

ddcc.org.au

VisitPublished by Barrington Coast Publishing Pty Ltd

ABN: 630 115 025

PO Box 58, Pacific Palms, NSW 2428

Editorial & Advertising Enquiries hello@barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au

Administration & Distribution admin@barringtoncoastpublishing.com.au

COPYRIGHT © Barrington Coast Publishing Pty Ltd 2022

Reproduction in whole or part of content within this publication without written permission, including editorial, photography, design, maps, graphic art and design of advertisements by Barrington Coast Publishing, is strictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.

DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and Barrington Coast Publishing. Information provided by contributors, advertisers, interviewees and all source material was understood to be correct at the time of publication. Barrington Coast Publishing does not warranty the accuracy of information contained within this publication, nor any liability that may arise from any reliance on information provided within this publication.

saradowling02

saradowling02

saradowling02

RIDE DUNGOG

...A thriving community connected by sustainable trails and pedal-powered fun

ridedungog.org

readyaimmedia eastcoastmountaintrails

FRESH...ORGANIC...ORIGINAL...DELICIOUS

Here’s what you need to know about the culinary choices on the Barrington Coast – there are many! We proudly grow, farm, fish and produce incredible FOOD. And whether you dine-out or cook at home you’ll taste the local freshness and goodness in every mouthful.

Central to the fabulous food offerings on the Barrington Coast is the abundance of local produce that inspires our restaurateurs, chefs and artisans to whip up truly original signature dishes, innovate menu favourites, play with flavour fusions and create delicious accompaniments.

While you will still find your favourite yummy fish ‘n’ chips and burgers here, you’ll also discover variations on traditional staples in cafes and restaurants that will knock your socks off! When fresh daily ingredients are at your fingertips you have the luxury of being able to mix it up a little in the kitchen, testing and tasting new combinations that are pleasing to the eye, and the tastebuds.

Your foodie adventure starts with breakfast. Beach Bums Café in Forster is the perfect place to start your day and indulge in the Breakfast Berry Bruschetta with toasted choc-chip banana bread, mascarpone, fresh berry salad and a drizzle of espresso maple

….Hardwood Espresso offers coffee and artisan breakfast delights by chef Neal at the Brush Turkey Cafe in WOOTTON

1633 Wootton Way, Wootton

Dog-friendly

Open 8.30-11.30am Fri,Sat, Sun

syrup. Beach Bums also serves up a direct view of Main Beach, free of charge! Wander into Bent on Food at Wingham for their Brookfarm

Porridge with caramelised banana, vanilla, mascarpone and Sticky Tips local honey (vegan and gluten-free options available). Relax on tranquil Smiths Lake at the popular Frothy Coffee Boatshed and partake of their famous Surfers Big Breaky of eggs, bacon, tomato, mushroom and sausage, and also at Smiths

Lake visit The Good Food Store for bacon and egg on a gluten-free buckwheat crepe; try the Persian Breakfast Bowl at Plunge Café in Forster, a unique blend of turmeric-roasted cauliflower, zucchini, sweet potato, chickpeas, baba ganoush, labna, herb pesto and toasted flatbread. Note: Menu items are subject to change

Continue your journey through lunch and into the afternoon. Most cafes cater to the leisurely lifestyle here, welcoming locals and holidaymakers early for breakfast, lunch and allday dining, while others like the iconic Roadies Café at Gloucester are fully licensed, also open for dinner, and lay on great entertainment too!

discover variations on traditional staples in cafes and restaurants that will knock your socks off!

When fresh daily ingredients are at your fingertips you have the luxury of being able to mix it up a little in the kitchen...

Watering Mouth

att Monin was dining in a ritzy restaurant in Melbourne several years ago, with his wife Kellie, when the waiter proceeded to wax lyrical to the pair about the menu’s award-winning Wallis Lake oysters. “He asked us if we’d ever heard of Wallis Lake,” Matt recalls, laughing. “It was nice to know that Wallis Lake was renowned around Australia!”

The Monin Family boasts over 70 years in the local seafood business – and not just any old seafood but the absolute best!

Purveyors of the highest quality local fare, including those famous Wallis Lake Oysters (aka Sydney Rock Oysters), Monin Seafoods is passionate about the seafood industry.

Locals and tourists alike have trod a well-worn path over many years to their door in Rodmay Street, Tuncurry, to marvel at the extensive range of fresh seafood and, if you don’t see what you’re looking for in store just ask, as their neighbouring wholesale division might have

something in stock! In fact, the wholesale division of Monin Seafoods supplies the hospitality industry and other seafood outlets all the way from Port Macquarie to Newcastle, and everywhere in between.

Open from 7am Monday to Saturday, a visit to Monin Seafoods is a must – Matt and the team are always on hand to help you with your selection, offer their tips and delicious recipe ideas and send you home to cook up a storm with the very best quality local seafood.

And you can find fabulous fresh Monin Seafoods fish, prawns, oysters, lobsters and crabs on either side of the bridge – at Red Spot Jetty in Forster and at Monin Seafoods in Tuncurry.

Beverages Barrington Coast

Don’t deny your palate the pleasure of tasting some of the great local liquids crafted by our talented winemakers, brewers and distillers. Fresh local produce is not just limited to food on the Barrington Coast – these craftspeople have turned their hands to creating uniquely local beverages from fresh local ingredients, and the results speak for themselves!

uniquely

local beverages from fresh local ingredients ...

Visit the Brewery at the Coastal Brewing Co in Forster to see an impressive range of independently crafted and brewed beers. Founded by husband and wife, David and Helen Black, in 2017, the Coastal Brewing Co has experience and innovation at its core, with the concept of L.I.F.E – Local, Independent, Fresh, Everytime – as its central motivation. Take a tour of the Brewery and visit the Tap Room where you can taste, then take away, cans and cases of your favourite beer. Look out for Coastal Brewing Co beers in restaurants and bottleshops across the region.

thecoastalbrewingcompany.com

Sip the many varieties of craft distilled gin made from 13 original botanicals and produced by Farmer’s Wife Distillery at Allworth. Each different from the other, Summer Spritz is enhanced with citrus characters, sauvignon blanc grapes from Tamburlaine Organic Winery and a floral finish of honey and passionfruit. Sweet Spring has notes of cherry blossom, vanilla and musk, and a velvet palate of

bittersweet cherry, spice, honey and citrus. Try them all!

farmerswifedistillery.com.au

Crisp, clean whites and medium-bodied reds are the hallmarks of Great Lakes Paddocks’ wines in Wootton – Sparkling Lily, a brut sparkling Pinot Chardonnay; Semillon Sauvignon Blanc; Pinot Grigio; Cabernet Shiraz and Sparkling Shiraz; and the ‘liquid caramel’ Tawny Port. Settle in for a ‘Wine and Cheese Flight’, sampling three wines paired with three cheeses, some from local artisan cheesemakers. Purchase your favourites by the bottle, by the dozen or half dozen.

greatlakespaddocks.com.au/wine

Debbie and John Faull planted their first crop of Shiraz grapes on their acreage at Tugrabakh near Gloucester in 2005, followed by Verdelho and Chambourcin grapes in 2009. Today, the boutique winery, Faulls Ridge Wine, is growing more grapes than ever before. Open to the public, call ahead to secure a cellar door booking for a tasting, accompanied by a delicious cheese plate and local produce.

faullsridge.com.au

Farmers Wife Distillery

The Farmers Wife Distillery

AN EXPERIENCE

LIKE NO OTHER!

Proudly Australian owned and operated East33 is Australia’s largest vertically integrated Sydney Rock Oyster producer, supplier and exporter. East 33 unites marque fourth and fifth generation oyster farming families under a single premium banner, growing oysters that are a bold expression of the sun-kissed, pristine waters of the east coast of New South Wales.

Thirty Three Degrees is the company's latest venue that overlooks the very water that produces over 20% of NSW’s premium Sydney Rock Oysters, and panoramic views of Wallis Lake.

Situated on one of the most pristine waterways along Australia’s coastline, Thirty Three Degrees is the must-go for the best Sydney Rock Oysters.

Whether it is just champagne on our deck, or a special evening out, our team is here to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.

One of the largest suppliers, the Barclay family, has been farming here for over a century and Graham Barclay Oysters, whose namesake celebrated his 90th birthday in 2022, sells these delicious delicacies from their outlet on the corner of Mark and Little Streets in Forster. You’ll also find Barclay Oysters in many outlets across the Barrington Coast including Pacific Palms Supermarket, Red Spot Jetty in Forster and Monin Seafoods in Tuncurry. barclayoysters.com.au moninseafoods.com.au

Plentiful in these parts, you can feast on oysters at one of the unique Boatshed Oyster Bars on Little Street in Forster, or buy fresh from Stone’s Oysters in Coopernook, with a choice of two different sizes – bistro and cocktail oysters – from their farms in Wallis Lake and the Manning River. stonesoystersandseafoods.com.au

For a finer dining experience, paired with an ice-cold beer or champagne, savour fabulous oysters and fresh local seafood in water’s edge locations at 33 Degrees in Tuncurry and Mumm’s On The Myall at Tea Gardens.

thirtythreedegrees.sydney mummsonthemyall.com.au

The local beer is brewed by The Coastal Brewing Company, based in Forster. You’ll find their beer in bottleshops, bars and restaurants across the region as well as nationally through select online retailers and via the brewery’s online store. Established 2017, The Coastal Brewing Company concept of ‘L.I.F.E’ – Local, Independent, Fresh, Everytime – is fundamental to the brewery’s operations, and the names of the beers, including Cellito IPA, Diamond Beach Pilsner, Treachery XPA and Wallis Weizen, are inspired by the local Barrington Coast region. In the Tap Room, as well as cans and cases, Coastal Brewing also fill ‘growlers and ‘squealers’ for takeaway and are part of The Great Lakes Food Trail.

3 Dalman Street, Forster 02 6554 7886 thecoastalbrewingcompany.com

Over 20% of the prized Sydney Rock Oysters that you love are farmed right here in Wallis Lake and its estuary.

Chilled vibes, arty décor, music, and exotic eats … if you’re looking to tempt your tastebuds and shimmy your soul, we’ve got a host of fantastic eateries where you can satisfy your cravings for something a little different.

For modern and traditional Asian cuisine, with a strong Japanese influence and a unique

PUB GRUB

& FAMILY FAVES

There’s nothing quite like the familiarity of a schnitty, spag bol and nuggets on a menu to evoke comfort food cravings and delight the kids. Go where the locals hang out for good food and a warm friendly ambience. In Harrington try Harrigan’s Irish Pub and the Harrington Hotel; in Taree visit Club Taree and the Waterfront Pavilion in The Exchange Hotel; check out Halliday’s Point Tavern; and The Recky (Pacific Palms Recreation Club).

Cook at

sushi bar, head to Spice Monkey in Forster, overlooking Wallis Lake on Wharf Street. Enjoy soulful sounds every Friday evening from 5.30pm. spicemonkey.com.au

Take in the funky Good Vibes art, ice-cold margaritas, and stunning sunsets over Wallis Lake at Forster’s fantastic Manyana Mexican Taqueria on Little Street, where Happy Hour kicks off at 5pm daily.

manyanaforster.com

The newest restaurant on Forster’s Little Street is Verde where fun, casual Australian and Mediterranean dishes are created with a focus on sustainable food and practices.

verdeeatery

Family friendly and funky, Flow Bar in David Street at Old Bar, has a casual, relaxed vibe that reflects its laidback beach location. An iconic destination, Flow Bar is a licensed music venue and offers scrumptious breakfasts, lazy lunches, sunset dinners, and drinks on the deck.

flowbar.com.au

Kick back at the newest beachfront bar and restaurant in Pacific Palms at Sips @ Moby’s in Boomerang Beach, featuring trivia nights and live entertainment. sipsatmobys.com.au

It’s pizza and pasta time, and every town has a must-visit pizzeria! In Harrington, make your way to Nate’s Pizzeria on Caledonia Street; feel the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen at Pezzellas Pizzeria e Bar in Forster; visit the pizza institution that is Huey’s at Blueys at Blueys Beach.

natespizzeria.com.au

pezzellas.com.au

hueys.com.au

Farm to Fridge offers easy ordering plus home delivery and pick-up options for fresh local food farmfridge.com.au Visit our Farmers and Produce Markets across the region barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on/category/markets

Discover

barringtoncoast.com.au/directory/category/bakeries#results

Spice Monkey Forster

Verde Eatery

The Waterfront Pavillion

EAT AND DRINK DIRECTORY

BEACH BUMS CAFÉ

Cnr North & Beach St, Forster Main Beach 02 65552840 beachbumscafe.com.au / beachbumscafe

COUNTRY PALINGS CAFÉ GIFTS

44 Green Point Dr, Green Point 02 6554 7433

Country-Palings-Petals-PotsCafe-Gifts-Green-Point Country Palings Café Gifts

FROTHY COFFEE BOATSHED

Amaroo Dr, Smiths Lake 02 6554 4202 frothycoffeeboatshed.com.au frothycoffeeboatshed frothycoffeeboatshed2428

GREAT LAKES PADDOCKS

Wootton 0419 618 211

greatlakespaddocks.com.au

Great-Lakes-Paddocks

greatlakespaddocks

HARRINGTON HOTEL

28 Beach St, Harrington 02 6556 1205 harringtonhotel.com.au

harringtonhotel1 harringtonhotel

FLOWERS BY FILLERY

Shop 3/15 Wallis St, Forster 042 352 3716 flowersbyfillery.com.au / flowersbyfillery

BENT ON FOOD

95 Isabella St, Wingham 02 6557 0727 bentonfood.com.au / BentonFood

THE GOOD FOOD STORE

Shop 4, 58 Macwood Rd, Smiths Lake 02 6554 4884 goodfoodstore.com.au

gfsgoodfoodstore

HALLIDAYS POINT TAVERN

551 Blackhead Rd, Hallidays Point 02 6559 2995 hallidayspointtavern.com.au hallidayspointtavern

HUEYS AT BLUEYS PIZZERIA

201 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach 02 6554 0222 hueys.com.au

WATERFRONT PAVILION

Exchange Hotel Taree , 154 Victoria St, Taree 02 6552 1160 exchangehoteltaree.com.au waterfrontpavilion

VERDE EATERY

Level 1, 8 Little St, Forster 02 5591 7079

verdeeatery.com.au

verdeeatery

HARRIGAN'S IRISH PUB HARRINGTON WATERS

1 Josephine Blvd, Harrington 02 6556 0555 harrigansharrington.com.au harrigansharrington

SPICE MONKEY

Shop 4, Wharf St, Forster 02 6554 8767 spicemonkey.com.au / spicemonkeyforster

STONES OYSTERS & TAKEAWAY SHED

479 Harrington Rd Coopernook 02 6556 3222 stonesoystersandseafoods.com.au StonesOystersAndSeafood

THIRTY THREE DEGREES

WALLIS LAKE

12 Point Rd, Tuncurry 02 6554 8245 thirtythreedegrees.sydney east33sydney

CLUB TAREE

121 Wingham Rd, Taree 02 6539 4000 hello@clubtaree.com.au clubtaree.com.au

ClubTaree

FLOW BAR

31 David St, Old Bar 02 6557 4224 flowbar.com.au flowbar_oldbar

CAKES BY CANDI B

Shop 2, 21 Boundary St, Forster 0437 726 635 cakesbycandib.com.au / cakesbycandib

MUMM’S ON THE MYALL

46 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens 02 4997 1162 hello@mummsonthemyall.com.au mummsonthemyall.com.au mummsonthemyall

MANYANA

8 Little St, Forster 02 6554 5906 manyanaforster.com

hola@manyana.com manyanaforster ManyanaForster

NATE'S PIZZERIA

13/1-5 Caledonia St, Harrington 02 5509 7756 natespizzeria.com.au natespizzeria

PLUNGE CAFÉ + BAR

6/21 Boundary St, Forster plungeforster.org / plungeforster

PEZZELLA'S PIZZERIA & BAR

24/30 Memorial Dr, Forster 0432075297 pezzellas.com.au Pezzella's pezzellas1

MONIN SEAFOODS

13 Rodmay St, Tuncurry 02 6555 9189 moninseafoods.com.au / moninseafoods

RED SPOT JETTY

3 Little St, Forster 02 6554 7189 / redspotjetty info@redspotjetty.com.au

ROADIES CAFÉ

77 Church St, Gloucester 02 6558 1712 roadiescafe2422 roadiescafegloucester

I LOVE TARTT

12 Wharf St, Forster ilovetartt tarttcafe

SIPS @ MOBYS

4 Red Gum Rd, Boomerang Beach 02 6591 0095 sips@mobys.com.au / sips@mobys

WINGMAN ESPRESSO

22 North St, Main Beach, Forster 0421 550 354 wingman_espresso

Fresh authentic Mexican food and ice cold margaritas served with a pinch of sun and sand from Tulum.

HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY FROM 5-6 COME ENJOY MANYANA MAGIC DINE IN, TAKE AWAY OR DELIVERY

Physicist and mathematician Albert Einstein is credited with saying “Creativity is intelligence having fun …” and in the imaginative and inspiring artistic works of our painters, sketchers, musicians, sculptors, writers and photographers, of all ages, the evidence backing that sentiment is hard to deny!

Across the length and breadth of the Barrington Coast you’ll see – and hear – the vibrant expression of creativity in our cafes, restaurants and on our streets. We’re creatively having fun everywhere! For an in-depth exploration of our flourishing visual art scene, step into the worlds of established and emerging artists showcased in the Exhibition Program at Manning Regional Art Gallery in Taree mrag.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Home, at Blue Dust Collective Gallery within Plunge Forster café bluedustcollective.com.au, and at Galleries in the Gardens at Tea Gardens. galleriesinthegardens.com.au

View the exciting monthly exhibitions at Gloucester Gallery gloucester-arts.com.au/art-gallery.html.

Visit Forster Gallery to see exhibitions, including the renowned work of the Late Valerie Wright, and the major exhibition winners showcased at the 40th Open Exhibition, judged by contemporary artist and Florence Academy of Art-trained educator, Alice Laura Palmer. You can also take part in workshops and classes. forstergallery.org

Local Aboriginal artist Lara Went’s art works are on display at her Yukul Art Studio in Tuncurry, in Worimi Country. Lara’s works reflect her culture, her home and growing up in this beautiful place. yukulart.co Want more? Check out Good Vibes Street Art @ Manyana Forster on Little Street, and @onesquaregallery street art installation at Blueys Motel, Pacific Palms.

Youth

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU TH

The Barrington Coast community proudly boasts many innovative and supportive programs that champion our super talented young and emerging artists, among them Wattle Ceramics Workshops in Taree, Skateboard Deck Art Workshops in Tuncurry and Gloucester, Drawing with Scissors Drop-in Workshops in Taree.

As part of MidCoast Council’s Youth Week 2022 activities, budding photographers were invited to participate in the Youth Week Photo Exhibition with their works interpreting this year’s Youth Week theme “It’s up to YOUth”.

Lyndie Hepple, Coordinator, Community Development at MidCoast Council said participation in the exhibition gave young people a voice and the opportunity to demonstrate what is important to them.

Entries were exhibited at the Manning Regional Art Gallery, the Gloucester Gallery, in shop front windows in Wharf Street in Forster and online.

‘Wildlife’

This butterfly gives us a sense of change.

‘Space to be filled’

The empty chair represents the possibilities for the artist's future

- Kate Fletcher (16)

- Ethan Ruprecht (17)

….Youth between 12-24 are joining the ACE (Arts, Culture, Environment) team to pitch ideas create events, workshops, classes, and exhibitions for youth in the region haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ace

Eve! All about

Astudent at Great Lakes College Forster Campus, Eve Lloyd, has been named the prize winner of the 2022 Pacific Palms Youth Art Exhibition for her work, “True Colours”. Among the 15-year-old’s prizes are $100, donated by Pacific Palms Real Estate, and inclusion in the One Square Gallery street art installation at Blueys Motel, Pacific Palms. Originally from Redfern in Sydney, Eve and her family moved to Forster seven years ago in search of a quieter life. Encouraged by her artist father, she has had a paintbrush in hand since the age of two, and as a young child would sit and watch her dad paint for hours. Eve still spends most of her spare time painting and creating art, often with her father in his studio, and loves to work with different mediums such as oils, acrylics, watercolour and clay sculpting, across ‘anything paint will stick to’ including shoes, jeans, speakers, phone cases and canvas!

Eve says she finds inspiration in compassion, and the influence of her parents. “'True Colours' conveys that no matter what form something takes, you should always display your true personality, no matter the circumstances.” Her mother’s love of skulls informs the skull in her winning artwork, and her own love of octopi is evident. "The anatomy of them is always interesting to paint because they are all different, I think that octopi would give really good hugs too”.

And although she adheres to the credo ‘once an artist, always an artist”, this talented young woman also sings, and plays the flute, piccolo and guitar and likes learning new languages!

#evelloyd_art

#onesquaregallery

EAST COAST PHOTOGRAPHY

Forster 0411 846 084 info@eastcoastphotography.com.au eastcoastphotography.com.au / eastcoastphotography

ART AND INNOVATORS DIRECTORY

BLUE DUST COLLECTIVE

6/21 Boundary St, Forster bluedustcollective.com.au / bluedustcollective

JO LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY

225 Squires Rd, Wootton 0412 617 928 jolyonsphotography.com / jolyonsphotography

MIDCOAST AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

midcoast.aerial.photography

MANNING REGIONAL ART GALLERY

12 Macquarie St, Taree 02 6592 5455

art.gallery@midcoast.nsw.gov.au

mrag.midcoast.nsw.gov.au

ManningRegionalArtGallery manning_regional_art_gallery

...Aussie Ark is located high above the beautiful heritage-listed Barrington Tops of NSW and is committed to creating a long-term future for Australia’s threatened wildlife and their ecosystems “Through the creation of insurance populations, Aussie Ark is breeding endangered wildlife fit for return to the wild. The Aussie Ark team is committed to preventing any further extinctions,"says, Partnerships and Sponsorships Director - Jo Runciman. Like to help support Aussie Ark's mission. Get in touch with Jo 02 4326 5333 linktr.ee/aussieark

RAW EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

61 Boomerang Dr, Boomerang Beach 0450 187 330 rawedgephotography.com.au / rawedgephotography

SHANE CHALKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Forster Tuncurry 0408 215 304 shanechalkerphotography.com / shanechalkerphotography

THE MANNING ENTERTAINMENRT CENTRE

33 Manning River Dr, Taree 02 6592 5466

theMEC.com.au

ManningEntCent manningentcent

you have done ... clever, quirky, and very original”

• Boutique 4 star accommodation • In the heart of the village at Pacific Palms • 200m from Blueys Beach • 10 chic coastal-vibe rooms • Relax poolside

Pezzellas

After graduation in 2018 Elle and Pez set off on a big adventure to regional Italy to explore his cultural heritage, exchanging board in small villages for work picking grapes and olives, making wine, olive oil and cheese, milking goats, planting seasonal fruit and vegetables and cooking.

Returning to Australia after 12 months, when Elle’s dad became unwell, the couple arrived in Perth, bought a van and two ‘ooni’ mini portable woodfire ovens and drove across the country, destination NSW.

“Over the Nullarbor and various dirt roads, back roads and major highways we practised making dough and cooked pizzas. The plan was to make true Neapolitan Pizzas, something we had loved and, frankly, overindulged in while we were in Italy, until we made it back to Nabiac, my hometown,” says Elle.

“Once home, we started a very casual pizza market business called 'Pezzella's'.

Our first market was the Taree Secret Markets and while we didn’t quite crack $100 profit, we had a blast.”

One day at Forster Markets, they were approached by a customer who, impressed by

The plan was to make true Neapolitan Pizzas, something we had loved and, frankly, overindulged in while we were in Italy, until we made it back to Nabiac, my hometown

their Neapolitan pizzas, returned to offer them his empty commercial venue in town to set up a permanent restaurant.

Six months later, with a new landlord and friend, Pezzella’s Pizzeria e Bar opened its

doors in December 2019, just as that summer’s bushfires raged across the country. Soon pandemic lockdowns followed. Despite the setbacks, the incredible journey that began in 2018 has been worth it for Elle and Pez – bringing an authentic taste of Italy to Forster, thanks to their experiences, talents and passions and the enormous support and friendship from the local community, customers and producers. Elle says Pezzella’s evokes everything the pair loved about the ‘beautiful people and beautiful fresh food’ of regional Italy. “It’s a place for wholesome food and wholesome conversations, with the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen.”

pezzellas.com.au

When Elizabeth (Elle) Farr met Alessandro (Pez) Pezzella at Wollongong University little did she imagine the journey that lay ahead – one that would take the pair to Forster via Italy and Perth, crossing the Nullarbor Plain in a van, making pizzas along the way.

It’s a place for wholesome food and wholesome conversations, with the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen.

A passionate advocate for regional tourism, and the General Manager of Tiona Holiday Park, Margaret has been recognised for her commitment, enthusiasm, and initiative, being named 2022 Myall Lakes Local Woman of the Year. But it’s not the first accolade for this community and industry powerhouse, with recent awards including the Mid Coast Regional Business Awards Winner for Most Outstanding Start-Up 2021, Brides Choice Awards for Best Wedding Venue 2021 and Brides Choice.

Arriving in Australia from across the ditch in New Zealand, with a Bachelor of Tourism & Marketing from the University of Otago, Margaret quickly embraced and fostered the development and growth of the Australian Caravan and Camping Industry and held senior roles at BIG4 Great Lakes Holiday Park and Ballina Beach Village before coming to Tiona. A current Board Member of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Chair of the Future Leaders of the Australian Caravan and Camping Industry, she is “… proud of our caravan industry, which continues to punch above its weight in the larger tourism pool.”

UNIQUE LOCALS

Acknowledging her “… unflagging passion to make the Myall Lakes a better place” Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, also noted Margaret’s active involvement in the community as a member of the Forster-Tuncurry Business Chamber and the Great Lakes Tourism Industry Association, and as a driving force behind the

Simon France

entry of Forster-Tuncurry in the 2021 Tourism Top Town Awards which saw Forster-Tuncurry achieve Finalist status.

“I’m a big supporter of ‘the little guy’,” she says, “and encourage local business to collaborate and communicate their way to success.”

Simon says it is a privilege to be able to bring some of his experience in other industries to the table in support of the local business community.

"It’s good to be able to address key areas of interest. Collaborative discussions allow for the business community to take positive steps in supporting the growth and enhancements of our region.”

The 2022 “An Eye to the Future’ series, held over three weekly sessions in June, addressed key local business issues including identifying major infrastructure projects that could enhance the business community, council regulation changes that would support business growth and local projects that could be delivered together to enhance the business community.

As President of Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber, Simon France actively champions the sharing of ideas within the local business community to build a vision for our region and grow local business connections and relationships.

His 20 years’ experience in a wide range of communications, people management

and strategy development positions have been invaluable in his role on the Chamber Committee, emceeing monthly CONNECT events where local businesses are invited to pitch. With a focus on collaboration and partnership, these events are designed to inspire collective efforts, as a region, as well as inform local, state and federal government strategies.

“We need people to come together to share their ideas, listen to the ideas of others and work together to help prioritise the things that can have a genuine and lasting positive impact on our valuable business community and prosper our region.”

ftchamber.com.au

“If you want more, do more” is Margaret Shannon’s long-held mantra and, indeed, she does DO more.

SHANNON

L-R: Jo & Simon Gould, Orbit Marketing – July Event CONNECT Sponsor 2022; Lauren Walsh from Dundallo – Best Pitch Prizewinner; Simon France, Preesident Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber

Wellness Beauty

HILLVIEW

HERB FARM

5 Fairbairns Rd, Forbesdale (via Gloucester) 02 65582369

hillviewherbfarm.com / hillviewherbfarm

WELLNESS AND BEAUTY DIRECTORY

FORSTER

YOGA STUDIO

Level 1, 48 Wharf St, Forster 0422 390 570 forsteryogastudio.com.au / forsteryogastudio

BLUEYS BEACH

NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE

191 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach 02 6554 0196 blueysnaturalhealth.com Natural Health Blueys Beach @blueysbeachnaturally

GO VITA

Unit 2/23 Breese Pd, Forster 02 6554 8152 govita.com.au/pages/go-vita-forster

GoVitaTareeForster

SPECIALISED HEALERS

ANN SCHUBERT

Bowen Therapist bowentraining.com.au

DENISE BALL

Womb Devotion

wombdevotion.com

ROSEMARY BUTTERWORTH

Energy healer

rosemarybutterworth.com.au

JUNE LAFFEY

Topi Topi Crystal bed healing topitopiretreat.com

JUNGLE SURF

SUP & YOGA

Wallis Lake, Forster-Tuncurry 0428 640 772 junglesurf.com.au / junglesurfsupschool

GLAM CO

HAIR & BEAUTY

Shop 2, 15 Wallis St, Forster 02 6505 2722 gettimely.com/glamco/bb/book / glamcohair_forster

FORSTER HEALTH SOLUTIONS

111 Macintosh St, Forster 02 6555 4062

forsterhealthsolutions@bigpond.com forsterhealthsolutions

What’s

Forster Health Solutions boast a team of ATMS accredited therapists in Craniosacral Therapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy, Remedial Massage, Osteopathy, Naturopathy, Sports Podiatry, Kinesiology & Chiropractic.  A modern health facility with on-thespot Health Fund rebates via HICAPS

HEALTH & FITNESS

Step into a welcoming oasis at Forster Yoga Studio – a unique space that provides a wealth of wellness experiences-within-a-wellness experience, The Healing Hub.

Promising to live up to its name – The Healing Hub places your individual wholistic health and wellbeing centre stage, delivering a choice of therapies and treatments, in a professional, caring and supportive environment.

“Everything is interconnected,” explains Mia Tycehurst, Principal of the renowned Forster Yoga Studio and creator of The Healing Hub. “Food affects mood and mood affects the food we eat; movement springs from joy, and joy brings movement. But what do we do when we’re just not feeling switched on? Often, it’s a vicious cycle. When we’re stressed or depressed, we might make poor choices regarding nutrition, sleep, and exercise and then, in turn, those poor choices make us feel tired, stressed, and depressed!

“The Healing Hub’s practitioners are here to help you get back to feeling complete and well. You might find one style of treatment suits you best, or a series of therapies in conjunction with each other deliver the transformative whole health experience you need.

“Our modern lives are geared towards depleting us and reinforcing messages that we are not enough. But we’re here to tell you … you are absolutely enough … you’ve just forgotten that you are whole as you are.”

Forster Yoga Studio and The Healing Hub offer life-changing experiences for every stage of life. Yoga memberships and discounts, holiday packages and retreats are all available so that you can personalise your journey to wellness solo, or with friends.

HOLIDAY PAMPER PACK

1 week unlimited Yoga & IR Sauna

2 x 60 min treatments of choice

1 x 30 min Marma Therapy

$269 - value $450 or

HEALING JOURNEY PACK

$399

Value $499

4x 60 minute treatments (tailored to your needs and goals)

6 x Infrared Sauna or Yoga sessions

Forster Yoga Studio forsteryogastudio.com.au

info@forsteryogastudio.com.au

Forster Healing Hub forsterhealing.com.au

info@forsterhealing.com.au

Level 1, 48 Wharf Street, Forster 0422 390 570

JESS KARNAGHAN

Resolve & Evolve

Combining Holistic Coaching, Crystal Dreaming, NLP and Matrix Therapy, Jess will support and guide you to empowerment so you can reach your highest potential.

PAULINE MAUDUIT

Reiki Massage + Coaching

A mind-body therapist who uses Reiki to rebalance energies, Intuitive Massage to harmonise body and mind and Coaching to help you achieve goals. Pauline’s focus is on holistic wellbeing, inside and out.

DARREN CLAYTON

Great Lakes Osteopathy & Chiropractic

Darren is an Osteopath and yoga teacher who uses gentle techniques to release physical discomfort and improve function and vitality. Bianca Clayton is a chiropractor (not in photo) who individualises her care while treating a diverse range of the community. She has specialised in treating children and babies to get them off to the best start to life.

TRACEY EHLEFELDT The Beauty Sanctum

From managing 5-star spas to delivering high quality beauty therapy, Tracey is known around here as The Fairy Godmother for her pampering, professional and blissful presence.

BERNADETTE COPELAND Mind Body Works

Performed to music, Bernadette specialises in the Hawaiian Kahuna Bodywork (Lomi Ka’aleleau), a flowing and dynamic form of massage-like therapy that eases body aches, aids relaxation and assists in times of change and transition.

NICOLA (NITYA) ROBERTSON Evolve Yoga and

Meditation

An accredited Yoga Teacher since 2000 and a qualified Yoga Therapist, Marma Therapist and Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach, Nitya unveils the holistic benefits of relaxation and being centred.

RENALDA KLEEMAN Colour Harmony By The Sea

Renalda empowers you to embrace transitions –for more joy, peace and harmony in your life and relationships. The qualified Colour/Light Therapist, Transpersonal Coach and Healy Practitioner has over 30 years’ experience in Ancient Chinese Wisdom, the Energy Body and Jungian Therapy.

Are you a Kombi aficionado? Partial to a tartan kilt and a Highland Fling? Rodeo ready? Are you mad for markets?

Check out our fun and family-friendly events and festivals … like these …

• The annual Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition happens in our own backyard in Stroud NSW! stroudbrickthrowing.com.au

• Old Bar goes Kombi krazy over the October long weekend with this annual festival started in 2005. Great family atmosphere, food stalls, markets and a Kombi parade! oldbarbeachfestival.com.au

• Experience all the wild action at Wingham Show Society’s two annual autumn and summertime rodeos held in the Rodeo Arena at Wingham Showground. winghamshowsociety.com.au/rodeo

Coastal

Country Racing at its best!

eastcoastphotography.com.au

• Since the inaugural event in 2007, the annual Wingham Music Festival has seen big name Aussie artists including Richard Clapton, James Reyne, Joe Camilleri and Kasey Chambers take to the festival stages. akoostik.com.au

• Taste of Seafood Festival celebrates our seafood industry and showcases our fresh local catch, food vendors, market stalls, competitions and games. tasteofseafood.com.au

• On The Manning – Celebrate local produce, awesome entertainment, wine and beer tasting. tastefest.com.au barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on/ category/major-events barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on/ category/markets

Tee Off!

bulahdelahgolfclub.com

hawksnestgolfclub.com.au

gloucestergolfclub.com.au

barringtoncoast.com.au/directory/ category/golf

Try Water Golf!

swingshotgolf.com.au

forstertuncurrygolfdrivingrange.com. au/html/watergolf

Putt Putt Golf – and SO much more!

Big Buzz Fun Park bigbuzz.com.au

Forster Entertainment Centre forsterentertainmentcentre.com.au

The Hangout Forster - play centre and café

TheHangoutForster

Race Days

January Seafood Race Day

February Men of League Race Day

May Ladies Day

September Gold Cup

www.tuncurryforsterjockeyclub.com.au

Alex Jack Photography

PALMS Tiona

Celebrate in style, right at the water’s edge, at one of TIONA’s unique and incredible spaces, where friends and family can gather for special, and memorable, occasions.

TIONA accommodation and its lake’s edge Event Centre are perfect for weddings, retreats, conferences. Palms Pavilion – Event Centre has been designed to capture the natural beauty of TIONA’s surrounds by day, and the visually splendid sunsets that turn the lake shades of red and orange – perfect photo backdrops! The Lakeside venue provides a space for people to meet and connect with each other and the natural environment; a space where yoga on the foreshore, as the sun slowly peeks through the trees, can begin a day’s conference; a space where communities gather during the week or

Located

on weekend to relax, share and connect.

Located between Forster and Pacific Palms, TIONA has both beach and lake frontage and is the home of the famed Green Cathedral, an outdoor church with natural wooden pews enclosed by a beautiful palm forest on the shores of Wallis Lake, in the Booti Booti National Park. The Green Cathedral is peaceful and sacred … a naturally stunning location for weddings and special ceremonies. Bookings at the Green Cathedral can be made by contacting Wendy Ballard at greencathedralministries.com.au/bookings

TIONA offers dedicated Wedding and Event Co-Ordinators who can assist you with your wedding reception enquiries and planning – contact the Events Team for Wedding Guide and availability on 0427 965 258 or weddings@tiona.com.au

4451 The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms 02 6554 0290

tiona.com.au/weddings-and-events

tiona.com.au/things-to-do

katiemay_danny

blakechaneyphoto

Midcoast.Aerial.Photography

CAKES

CAKES BY CANDI B hello@cakesbycandib.com.au cakesbycandib.com.au

NADINE THE CAKE QUEEN nadinethecakequeen@gmail.com thecakequeen.com.au

CELEBRANT

WENDY BALLARD 0411 036 171 wballard@cofchrist.com.au

LOVE N SOUL CELEBRANT 0413 732 981 lovensoul.com.au

SPECIAL OCCASIONS DIRECTORY

CAKES BY CANDI B

Shop 2, 21 Boundary St, Forster  0437 726 635 cakesbycandib.com.au / cakesbycandib

ENTERTAINMENT

JAKE DAVEY bookings@jakedaveymusic.com jakedaveymusic.com

REUBEN CARR MUSIC reuben.carr.music@gmail.com reubs.carr.music

CRAIG MORRISON - DJ 0418 266 511 craig@congadrumming.com

STUART GRAY - DJ 0467 708 364 stuart.gray048@me.com

MAX MARVELL 0413 091 042 Maxmarvell.music@hotmail.com

ACOUSTIC KICK 0409 982 201 tweml09@gmail.com

GREEN

CATHEDRAL

4451 The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms 02 6554 0291 tiona.com.au / tionaweddingsandevents

HUDSON ROSE hudsonrosemusic@gmail.com hudsonrosemusic.com.au

BRIANNA MALEY 0467 241 733 briannamaley.music@outlook.com

FLORIST

FLOWERS BY FILLERY flowersbyfilleryinfo@gmail.com flowersbyfillery.com.au

HARLO FLOWER STUDIO harlo.flowerstudio@outlook.com

GREEN ROOM BOTANICALS melinda.a.l.ovenden@gmail.com boomerang49

GINGERMEGS hello@gingermegs.com.au gingermegs.com.au

PROUDLY RECOMMENDED BY THE PALMS PAVILION @ TIONA

luminousweddings

littleblackbowphotography

nicolebutlerphotography

benadamsweddings

alexjack.photography

photographybyjameswhite.com.au jameswhitephotography1 james_white_photography

HAIR & MAKEUP

STELLAR WEDDINGS HAIR & MAKEUP stellarweddingspacificpalms@gmail.com stellarweddings hairandmakeup

VANITY SKIN AND BEAUTY vanityskinandbeauty@gmail.com vanityskinandbeauty

PHOTOGRAPHY

LITTLE BLACK BOW PHOTOGRAPHY hellolittleblackbow@gmail.com littleblackbowphotography.com.au

BEN ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY mail@benadams.com.au benadams.com.au

STICKS AND STONES PHOTOGRAPHY sticksandstonesphotography1@gmail.com sticksandstonesphotos.mypixieset.com

BEC ESSERY PHOTOGRAPHY info@becessery.com.au becessery.com.au

BARE AND WILD PHOTOGRAPHY Bareandwildphotography@outlook.com bareandwildphotography.com

LAUREN ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY 0422 785 688

hello@laurenannephotography.com.au

REDMOOSE PHOTOGRAPHY info@redmoose.com.au redmoose.com.au

STYLING

MARTIN & KO hello@martinandko.com.au martinandko.com.au

THE BOHO STYLING CO thebohostylingco@gmail.com thebohostylingco.com.au

NADINE THE CAKE QUEEN

Third Ridge Rd, Smiths Lake 0413 514 570

nadinethecakequeen@gmail.com

/ NadineTheCakeQueen

ISN’T IT LOVELY EVENTS rochelle@isntitlovely.com.au isntitlovely.com.au

THE WEDDING DESIGNER design@theweddingdesigner.com.au fortheunique.com.au

GINGERMEGS hello@gingermegs.com.au gingermegs.com.au

SOMETHING EXTRA WHITE WEDDING JUMPING CASTLE 0407 155 675 danielleosborne73@gmail.com

CREATIVE PHOTO BOOTH info@creativebooth.com.au creativebooth.com.au

KATES CUSTOM SIGNS 0434 192 176 ktp852@gmail.com

JAMES WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

PROUDLY RECOMMENDED BY THE PALMS PAVILION @ TIONA

alexjack.photography

thesaltyshutter

Enjoy a spot of holiday shopping in our towns and villages where you can find everything from swimwear, surfwear and boating supplies to handcrafted clothing and jewellery, antiques and familiar brand name retailers. Looking for something different …? Browse an array of collectibles and antiques at The Curiosity Shop and Vintage Magnolia in Nabiac, Nanna’s Homewares & Antiques in Gloucester, Crafty Friends in Stroud, Heidi’s Attic Wares in Old Bar and Just Seconds and Collectables in Forster.

If you love Op Shop rummaging, visit

Nabiac Second Chance Opportunity Shop (opposite the tennis courts), Rural Town Lifeline Shop at Wingham, and Vinnies at a number of locations on the Barrington Coast including Taree, Forster, Wingham, Tea Gardens and Old Bar.

Gardening and gifts galore can be found at Country Palings in Green Point, Alana’s Flowers & Gifts at Hawks Nest and at Lumpy’s in Tuncurry. Visit one of the many markets held across the region – from Farmers’ and Produce Markets to community markets selling all manner of bric-abrac, clothing and accessories.

barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on/category/markets

gatherandplace_

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP DIRECTORY

BBQS GALORE

27 Breese Pde, Forster 02 65546324

barbequesgalore.com.au

/ bbqgaloreforster

FARM TO FRIDGE MIDCOAST

farmtofridge.com.au

orders@farmtofridge.com.au

farmtofridgemidcoast

farmtofridge

INDIGO ATTIC

hello@indigoattic.com.au indigoattic.com.au

/ indigoattic

GATHER + PLACE

109 Victoria Street, Taree 0490 812 140

gatherandplace.com.au

gatherandplace_thestore

MANNING MALL SHOPPING CENTRE

81 Manning St, Taree Supermarket + 30 specialty stores

Food & Dining

Fashion & Accessories

Beauty & Health

Gifts & Lifestyle Service & Travel manningmall.com.au

FLOWERS BY FILLERY

Shop 3/15 Wallis St, Forster 0423 523 716

flowersbyfillery.com.au

/ flowersbyfillery

COUNTRY

PALINGS

CAFÉ & GIFTS

44 Green Point Dr, Green Point 02 6554 7483

Country-Palings-Petals-PotsCafe-Gifts-Green-Point Country Palings Café Gifts

JUNGLE SURF

86 Manning St, Tuncurry 02 6555 8556 junglesurf.com.au

jungle2428

junglesurf2428

MANNING SHOES

Taree • Forster • Port Macquarie 02 6552 1177

manningshoes.com

/ manningshoes

STOCKLAND FORSTER

3 -17 Breese Pd, Forster 70 specialty stores Supermarkets

Outdoor take-away food Cafe precinct & children's play area

LUMPY'S

NURSERY AND GIFTS

Everyone is WELCOME AT LUMPY'S... even the dog!

Pick up plants, pots, statues, ornaments, gifts and other garden goodies. All of your horticultural supplies and advice can be found at Lumpys Nursery & Landscape Yard on Chapmans Road, Tuncurry. The family owned and run business provides personalised and specialist horticultural advice to ensure you make the right plant choice or get the right advice for plant problems. Jeff, Jenny and their team can also help with courtyard and garden makeovers. As a Participating Purchase and Redeem Store, you can also purchase your #ShopMidCoast gift card at Lumpy's *Free local delivery pots, plants & gifts *excludes bulk landscape supplies

27 Chapman Rd, Tuncurry NSW 2428 02 6557 6558 lumpys.com.au lumpysyard

The

Commandments: Life Lessons From Dogs

There’s no need to leave your canine companion at home when you holiday on the Barrington Coast. With many great accommodation options that welcome your four-legged family member, a host of fabulous dog-friendly parks and beaches, and numerous cafes eager to greet your poochy pal, a holiday here lets both of you fully embrace an active and social getaway – together!

If you spot a dog pooping while their owner is distracted by a spectacular view or casual conversation, call out with a friendly "COOEE" to alert them, so they can promptly pooper scoop and keep our beaches and reserves clean!

For the full list of where you can frolic and have fun with your dog on the Barrington Coast visit: barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/a-locals-guide-to-dog-friendly-beaches-and-parks

"Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong." - W.R. Pursche

Canine

Agree priceless MEMORIES

In special memory of Eric Pearce 20:05:29 - 17:06:22...and top little dog Leela!

With a choice of 23 holiday parks, including 17 dog-friendly parks, the family will love experiencing nature at its best, plus loads of awesome onsite activities, at holiday parks across the Manning Valley and Great Lakes region of the Barrington Coast.

Our parks are found at the beach, by the river, lakeside, in towns, and in bushy sanctuaries. You’ll enjoy fantastic swimming pools and waterplay areas, indoor and outdoor games and so much more for your perfect family holiday!

Find your perfect holiday park here; caravancampingnsw.com/nsw-holiday-parks/manning-valley-the-great-lakes

Fabulous Farmstays

Who wouldn’t want to relax and unwind in the countryside, surround by hundreds of hectares of nature, feeding animals, milking cows, collecting eggs, gathering vegetables and maybe even experiencing your first tractor ride? Farmstays offer hands-on fun that is a world away from urban living – and unique opportunities, particularly for kids, to get up close to farmyard animals. Farmstays come in all shapes and sizes – some in relaxing homesteads with pastoral views from every window; some on busy working farms, dairy farms, cattle farms and on organic farms where guests are invited to muck-in and learn more about rural life.

Find a fabulous Barrington Coast Farmstay here:

barringtoncoast.com.au/farmstays

Images courtesy Barrington Coast

Sleep on crisp linen in dreamy beds – including romantic four posters – in Safari-style Glamping Tents at Myall River Camp in Hawks Nest. You can embrace nature in luxurious comfort as you enjoy hot rainfall showers in your ensuite bathroom and soak up the magical river view from the tents’ outdoor lounges.

The three Safari tents sit in a private section of the off-grid Campground, and each is uniquely custom-made in layout and decor, featuring vintage pieces, upcycled lights and local art. Joining them are two eco-friendly rustic Tiny Houses, perfect for couples.

Campsites cottages in

our

Eco-Luxe

GLAMPING BY THE RIVER

Stay a few nights in one of our spectacular national parks for a real nature immersion –from the 8km peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake that is Booti Booti National Park to the ancient World Heritagelisted Gondwana Rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park and the friendly Diamond

Each tent can be enjoyed by couples, groups of friends and families (children over 9 years) with two of the tents sleeping four people and the largest sleeping six people. Why not reserve all three tents and enjoy exclusive use of the riverfront enclave, with private river access?

Spend days exploring the waterways, coastal forests and stunning nearby beaches. Enjoy nights around a fire pit under a canopy of stars. The green haven is located less than a tenminute drive from the coastal villages of Hawks

Nest and Tea Gardens which boast waterfront cafes, restaurants, pubs, galleries, shops and golf course.

Myall River Camp

341 Mungo Brush Rd, Hawks Nest 2324 0409 836 828

myallrivercamp.com.au

myallrivercamp.com.au/glamping-tents

MyallRiverCamp

myallriverglamping

Beach mob of kangaroos and historic lighthouse at Crowdy Bay National Park.

The National Parks and State Conservation Areas in this region offer diverse terrains, flora and fauna, with rivers, streams, waterfalls, sandy beaches and hidden coves.

Set out on amazing bush walking paths, stop at breathtaking lookouts, discover sacred Aboriginal sites, sleep under the stars and wake with birdsong and a new day breaking over dense forest canopies!

Discover our Barrington Coast National Parks on p. 28 of this issue!

For more information visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or download the NPWS app #NSWParks.

_markfitz

Amber's Food Wraps are hand made on the Barrington Coast – Planet Friendly, Original Aboriginal Artwork on 100% Cotton? Est. 2016. ambersfoodwraps.com

RE-IMAGINE WASTE

In late 2021, MidCoast Council was recognised as a Bronze Partner of Sustainability Advantage, a program of the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that supports organisations who commit to sustainable practices and achieve improved outcomes in sustainability across their business. Among Council’s many sustainable initiatives, the recent Climate Change Strategy commits to achieving 100% renewable energy and net zero emissions by 2040, along with net zero

TAKE 3 TO SAVE OUR OCEANS

Plastic pollution is killing wildlife, devastating oceans, and threatening the health of our planet. Through education that inspires participation, Take 3 For The Sea is building a global movement of people to educate and involve communities across 129 countries.

Together, Take3 For The Sea, MidCoast Council and the Hunter Local Land Services are working to inspire student leaders across the MidCoast to find solutions to protect the ecology of our marine environments. This partnership is also connecting with businesses to be part of the solution and prevent litter from entering our waterways and beaches. Join the movement to make plastic pollution a thing of the past on the Barrington Coast – Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or … anywhere … and you have made a difference.

take3.org

emissions from landfill by 2050. Council also has a target to achieve a 75% diversion rate of waste from landfill to recycling.

So, what can you do? Follow Instagram “Re-Imagine Waste” and get onboard with MidCoast Council’s practical and sustainable ideas for keeping our beautiful region clean and green and help to protect our planet. Learn how to create your own eco-cleaning products, make reusable beeswax wraps and more by visiting;

midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Bins-and-Recycling/Re-imagining-our-waste

@Plunge Forster can help you keep our sea plastic free with many reusable takeaway options.

• Reusable bamboo cutlery

• Returnable coffee cups @greencaffeen

Check out their retail shelf next time you visit Plunge Forster.

ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING

PROUD STROUD

The remodelled Stroud Waste Management Centre includes a covered Community Recycling Centre and waste transfer station with an office, tip shop and improved parking. The redeveloped facility will form part of the Mid Coast Council waste network of Community Recycling Centres and waste transfer stations, including the award-winning Tuncurry facility. “The facility is designed to enhance the overall appearance of the site, provide a safe, user-friendly facility to better serve the Stroud community and promote the importance of diverting, recovering and recycling waste material,” says designer and architect, Ian Sercombe.

isarchitect.com.au/stroud-waste-management-centre.html

For more information about the work of MidCoast Council’s waste team and all waste management facilities across the region visit midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Bins-and-Waste

We’re big on local produce on the Barrington Coast, and the movement to organic and sustainable farming is growing every day, with more and more people trying their hand in their own backyard. If you want to learn more about the ways in which some of our delicious local produce is nurtured sustainably take an educational tour of Limestone Permaculture Farm near Stroud and gain amazing knowledge on things like integrated permaculture farm design, organic principled market gardening, European and native bee keeping, native bush foods, seed saving and propagation, companion planting and plant guilds, composting, manure teas, building with recycled materials and farm fresh nutritious cooking. Discover the variety of native plants used for food, shelter and medicinal purposes and found on the traditional lands of the Worimi and Biripi people on a 4km tour in Copeland Tops State Conservation area near Gloucester. barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on/category/sustainability

You can kick the single-use coffee cup habit with greencaffeen.com.au. MidCoast, NSW Barrington Coast is part of the Green Caffeen 760 locations. Swap & Go Reusable Coffee Cups greencaffee.com.au/café-finder

… electric vans are more affordable than you think. Pop into Pezzellas in Forster and chat all things sustainable with Elle and Pez - they each have an electric van and love them! pezzellas.com.au

Read more of their story on P. 56 of this issue.

TAREE UNIVERSITIES CAMPUS FURTHERING EDUCATION CLOSE TO HOME

Ready

Young people living in the regions often face challenges accessing the resources they need to continue further education without having to head to the Big Smoke.

Taree Universities Campus (TUC) is a community-owned organisation partnering with several established Universities to support access to high quality tertiary

We support online stages of the journey,

Wand tested’ recipes from Pacific Palms Public School families, Flavour of the Palms soon attracted the interest of the wider community, passionate about food and the place they call home, and eager to share their favourite meals.

Through food and beautiful photography, this special cookbook reflects what it means to live in this wild and natural place, that nourishes the soul through its connection to the earth and sea. With recipes as diverse as the landscape and the locals, Flavour of the Palms recipes inspire, nourish, and delight the senses! And since every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of growing and eating healthy food, some of the proceeds from Flavour of the Palms will go towards the creation of a kitchen garden at Pacific Palms Public School.

flavourofthepalms.com.au

Flavour Palms of the

Taste the fabulous flavours of The Palms with this special cookbook of delicious recipes straight from the kitchens of the local community.

Flavour of the Palms cookbook and Pacific Palms Public School are proudly supported by Pacific Palms Real Estate.

Photography by Cath Muscat and Claudia Gabriel Lim

Graphic Design by Joyce Design

SUNDAY BANANA

PANCAKES

INGREDIENTS

1 cup self-raising flour

pinch salt

¼ teaspoon bicarbonate soda

1 egg

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 tablespoon white sugar

sliced banana

METHOD

Sift flour, salt and bicarbonate soda into a bowl. Make a well in the middle. Place egg, milk, vinegar and sugar in the centre of the flour and mix in gradually. Using an electric mixer, beat until pouring consistency.

Melt butter in a hot pan. Pour about cup of mixture into the pan and quickly place sliced banana into the mixture. Cook until bubbles show and flip.

Serve with maple syrup, yoghurt, berries or ice cream!

Recipe by Kate McDonnell, mother of Kai McDonnell (Kindergarten)

TURN

Red Spot Jetty sits at the water’s edge of the pristine Wallis Lake, right in the heart of Forster and next door to Amaroo Cruises. Hire a boat, SUP or kayak and grab some bait and tackle, or relax and enjoy the activity on the Lake with an ice-cream, or great coffee from our local ‘Little Street Roasters.’

Red Spot Jetty offers a large variety of quality Monin Seafoods– fresh fish fillets, prawns, lobsters, crabs and, of course, the famous Sydney Rock Oysters from our very own local Graham Barclay Oysters.

Little St Forster | Open 7 days a week redspotjetty.com.au redspotjetty

EXPLORE DEALS

Tap into what’s hot across the Barrington Coast 1. Attractions 2. Eat & Drink 3. Services 4. Shop ‘til you drop 5. Wellness & Beauty 6. Play 7. Stay

Shane Chalker

We know

Eating out – Scenic drives – Epic hikes – The best coffee – Camping – Glamping –

Girls weekends – Ellenborough Falls – Markets – Lighthouse walks – Waterfalls – Rock pools –

Forster – Bulahdelah – Kayaking – Oysters – Gloucester – Farm stays – Shopping – Wineries –

Rainforest walks – Unique stays – Wild swimming – Where to see snow – Surfing – Snorkelling –

Hallidays Point – Wildlife spotting – Horse riding – Old Bar – Coastal walks – Art trails – Barrington Tops –

Star gazing – Fine dining – Galleries – Gravel grinding – Harrington – Whale watching spots –

Country pubs – Seafood – Smiths Lake – Local produce – What’s on events – Rainy day ideas – Seal Rocks –

Breweries – Distilleries – The best bakeries – First Nations experiences – Wingham – Beach stays –

Hawks Nest – Off grid stays – Lookouts – Stroud – Myall Lakes – Cycleways –

Sunrise spots – Sunset spots – Safe swimming – Lansdowne – Nature reserves –

Tiny houses – Ocean pools – Beer gardens – Stand-up paddling – Secret beaches –

Gloucester Tops – 4WD driving – Mountain biking – Luxury stays – Pacific Palms – Fishing – Taree –

Boat hire – Tuncurry – Fun family ideas – Caravaning stays – Waterside dining – Pet friendly stays –

Get the best ideas to blaze your own trail and experience the Barrington Coast. Ask an expert. Ask us. Ask a local.

barringtoncoast.com.au 1800 802 692

@barringtoncoast #barringtoncoast