South Coast NSW beaches for you to holiday

Have
you been on holiday to the south coast of New South Wales?  The coastal
stretch expands to hundreds of kilometers and the lush country is
blessed with such spectacular beaches, bays, lakes and national parks
where you can just relax while on holiday or maybe look for some
sporting activities like surfing, diving, fishing, kayaking or lengthy
bushwalks. What ever you fancy, its all taken care of when you are
holidaying here. To top it up great shopping and classy cafes,
restaurants and takeaway seafood outlets are all there for you to
experience a wonderful and memorable vacation. Places to stay are plenty
too. Right along the south coast from Wollongong to Kiama, Berry,
Nowra, Callala Bay, Culburra Beach, Hyams, Huskisson, Vincentia in
Jervis Bay and then accommodation in Mollymook Beach
in the Shoalhaven as well as Batemans Bay and further south are blessed
with resort townships offering plenty of affordable south coast
accommodation for your holiday.




Many who love to explore and enjoy the south coast opt to take the scenic Grand Pacific Coastal Drive
from Royal National Park south of Sydney up to Nowra. This drive in
sections sweeps right out to the sea and will take you past pretty
villages, beautiful beaches and scenic lookouts.  Do stop over and enjoy
the beauty when you are at a lookout point or driving through a quaint
coastal township.


Are you the adventurous type? If you are then try hang gliding at Bald Hill near Helensburgh and skydive in Wollongong.




Have you ever thought of learning to surf (that is if you are not one now)? Well you can learn to surf at the surf beach called “The Farm” at the Killalea State Park close to Shell Cove and Shell Harbour. This is a national surfing reserve with vast hectares of fabulous surf beaches.




There are thrills for the nature lovers too. Take a walk in Ben Boyd National Park where you will be fascinated with the pretty beaches, the spectacular rock formations along some of the rugged coastline.


Your exploration of the south coast is not complete without some time spent in pretty Kiama. You must visit the popular “Kiama Blow Hole” and if time permits take the Kiama Coast walk to admire the rugged coastal terrain.  Kiama also offers great beaches for surfing enthusiasts.


Wine enthusiasts should note that Shoalhaven region is the premier wine region of the south coast. There are circa 20 vineyards and 11 cellar doors
in the shoalhaven region and some world class restaurants when you are
looking for a place to wine and dine. Some known dining spots are Silos Restaurant, Coolangatta Estate and Cupitt’s Winery in Ulladulla where you can dine in the winery.




The Shoalhaven is blessed with beautiful coastal suburbs such as
Milton, Narrawallee, Mollymook, Ulladulla, Kings Point, Tabouries Lake,
Burill Lake and many more for you to explore. You could stay in one of
the apartments or a holiday house in Mollymook where you have the luxury of not only enjoying the pretty beaches but you also have access to two of the best golf courses the country has to offer. Well if you love fine dining, Rick Stein’s Bannisters has also found Mollymook as its home.




If you have made the journey from Sydney along the coast to the
south, you could make the return journey to Sydney via the inland route
exploring the scenic hinterland in Jamberoo and Kangaroo Valley as well as some of the pretty suburbs in the southern Highlands such as Bowral, Bundanoon, Mittagong and Moss Vale.




The beautiful south coast eagerly awaits to be explored by you.

Mollymook beach holidays

Just
three hours drive from Sydney and approximately two hours from Canberra
brings you to picturesque weekend getaways in NSW in beautiful
Mollymook area.  You are greeted by the scenic coastal suburbs like
Mollymook, Milton, Ulladalla, Narrawallee and the lake suburbs like
Burill Lake and Tabourie Lake in the southern end of Shoalhaven region
for your long awaited scenic holidays. Book one of the Mollymook holiday homes to begin your fun weekend.




The area has become so popular for holidaymakers that couples,
families, groups looking for that relaxed coastal break come here from
Sydney, Canberra and from Melbourne. Come over and you will enjoy
fishing in Ulladulla one of the most picture perfect harbours in the
continent. The coastline is packed with stunning beaches for you to
swim, surf or go fishing. On most public holidays an school holidays,
Mollymook beach is patrolled by the volunteer lifesavers of the
Mollymook Surf Club. Then again you get the beaches in Ulladulla and
Narrawallee which are also super spots for a break by the sea. The
northern end of Narrawallee is a popular spot for snorkeling and ideal
for youngsters to learn surfing.




If you are looking for some historical charm, antique shopping,
collecting souvenirs and gifts, if after art and craft galleries and
studios…. you will love historic Milton. There are plenty of top
restaurants and cafes to enjoy a relaxing meal when you are feeling like
having a bite. Several clubs in the area provide night time
entertainment for those who love some partying.


The
area is getting increasingly popular among visitors who want to explore
the region on a self driving tour, go bushwalking, go on a dolphin
watch cruise or a whale watching cruise. Mollymook is home for two
beautiful golf courses – the picturesque 9 hole course by the beach and
the Hill Top Championship course. No wonder golfers from far and beyond
flock here to have a game of golf in this paradise.




If you are after a vacation looking for some all year round outdoor
fun like swimming, surfing, diving, fishing, boating, snorkeling,
bushwalking in the national parks and along the coastal reserves and
wanting to indulge in some retail therapy, then Mollymook and the
surrounding suburbs will be a top pick for a weekend getaway in NSW
 you’ve been waiting for.




The area offers holiday accommodation to suit any need.  Click here to secure a holiday rental for your weekend getaway or even for that romantic getaway.

Mollymook holidays - Ulladulla holidays so close to Sydney

An iconic landmark in the shoalhaven region is the Pigeon House
Mountain. This mountain always known as Didthul among the local
indigenous people, was first named as Pigeon House Mountain by Captain
Cook in 1770. This 719 metre high mountain is a challenging expedition
for those who plan to take up the challenge.  Shoalhaven is a superb
holiday destination. Stay a few days in one of the Ulladulla accommodation including a Ulladulla caravan park or Ulladulla guest house to enjoy the region to the fullest.


The
mountain is easily accessible from the southern shoalhaven region from
Milton, Mollymook ,  Ulladulla or south Burill Lake.  From the sealed
road you need to turn off to a gravel road to reach the base of the
mountain.  Before you begin the journey, find out the condition of the
road from the tourist information centre in Ulladulla. Be aware the
gravel road is more suitable for 4WD vehicles. The approach to the
mountains and the base of the walking track consist of BBQ, picnic areas
and public toilets. Recently a café also has been opened for the
convenience of tourists coming here.




The climb can be rated as tough. There is about 1.3km of steep climbs
and series of steel ladders before reaching the summit of the Pigeon
House Mountains.  Those who have embarked on this journey have no
regrets. The spectacular views of the rugged cliffs, bush land and the
gorges below  and the spectacular views to the distance from the summit
have certainly over shadowed the tiring climb to the top.




Milton motel apartments and Milton country cottages are also
convenient spots to stay and explore this beautiful region of the south
coast. You can secure shoalhaven accommodation in this region by browsing the link here.

Welcome to beautiful Mollymook beach

Once
again the summer season where you have been waiting for long days and
warmer months have arrived. Happy days where you can either take a short
weekend break or longer summer break by the beach are here for us to
enjoy. Whether looking for a relaxing holiday experience by the beach,
or looking for an active vacation with kids, family and friends where
you enjoy an ocean swim, surfing and bogey board in spectacular beaches,
then holidays in Mollymook offers holiday makers all the above and plenty more fun.




Mollymook, the spectacular beach suburb in the south coast of New
South Wales is just 3 hours south of Sydney and just over 2 hours drive
from Canberra. Holidaying in Mollymook gives you the added advantage of
close proximity to Milton a quaint seaside township buzzing with
souvenir and gift shops and exciting cafe culture as well as Ulladulla
the more popular shopping hub in the region. Mollymook Beach is a dream
spot for any beach lover, but for those who are looking for a change of
beach scenery have access to several pretty beaches in Narrawallee and
Ulladulla.




It is advisable to plan and book your summer holiday accommodation in Mollymook
in advance to avoid disappointment. Once less known Mollymook has
become a popular summer holiday destination over the years and many who
are looking for a last minute bargain during summer holidays have been
unable find a place to stay.




The well known coastal road “Mitchell Parade” in Mollymook leads you
to the Mollymook Surf Club and the pretty seaside public golf course.
This is a splendid course for amateurs of any age to enjoy a round of
nine holes. The club is home to a fabulous family friendly restaurant
and bar which serves comfort food at great value. The serious golfers
would obviously like to experience a round of 18 holes at the world
famous Hill Top Championship golf course. Both these golf courses are
just less than 5 minute drive from popular beach accommodation in
Mollymook.


When
it comes to dining options and looking for great restaurants, you will
be spoilt for choice. There is no better place to have a meal
celebrating a special occasion other than in Rick Stein’s Bannisters
positioned in a beautiful spot with 180 degree ocean views at Bannister
Head in Mollymook. Then you have the choice to pick any type of food you
prefer in both Milton and Ulladulla. While these restaurants cater for
every palate, the township of Milton has a superb restaurant which
caters only for vegetarians.




There are many scenic walks you could explore, venture on dolphin
cruises or a whale watching cruises (during the migration season) or
maybe go fishing in Burrill Lake or Lake Tabourie. Below we have offered
you links to several other blog posts about Mollymook and the
surrounding area which you may wish to browse through when planning to
visit Mollymook and beautiful Shoalhaven region in south coast of NSW.

Mollymook Beach holidays, Swim, Surf, Golfing, Relaxation

The article first appeared in Mollymook Beach holidays, Swim, Surf, Golfing, Relaxation



Once
again the summer season where you have been waiting for long days and
warmer months have arrived. Happy days where you can either take a short
weekend break or longer summer break by the beach are here for us to
enjoy. Whether looking for a relaxing holiday experience by the beach,
or looking for an active vacation with kids, family and friends where
you enjoy an ocean swim, surfing and bogey board in spectacular beaches,
then holidays in Mollymook offers holiday makers all the above and plenty more fun.




Mollymook, the spectacular beach suburb in the south coast of New
South Wales is just 3 hours south of Sydney and just over 2 hours drive
from Canberra. Holidaying in Mollymook gives you the added advantage of
close proximity to Milton a quaint seaside township buzzing with
souvenir and gift shops and exciting cafe culture as well as Ulladulla
the more popular shopping hub in the region. Mollymook Beach is a dream
spot for any beach lover, but for those who are looking for a change of
beach scenery have access to several pretty beaches in Narrawallee and
Ulladulla.




It is advisable to plan and book your summer holiday accommodation in Mollymook
in advance to avoid disappointment. Once less known Mollymook has
become a popular summer holiday destination over the years and many who
are looking for a last minute bargain during summer holidays have been
unable find a place to stay.




The well known coastal road “Mitchell Parade” in Mollymook leads you
to the Mollymook Surf Club and the pretty seaside public golf course.
This is a splendid course for amateurs of any age to enjoy a round of
nine holes. The club is home to a fabulous family friendly restaurant
and bar which serves comfort food at great value. The serious golfers
would obviously like to experience a round of 18 holes at the world
famous Hill Top Championship golf course. Both these golf courses are
just less than 5 minute drive from popular beach accommodation in
Mollymook.


When
it comes to dining options and looking for great restaurants, you will
be spoilt for choice. There is no better place to have a meal
celebrating a special occasion other than in Rick Stein’s Bannisters
positioned in a beautiful spot with 180 degree ocean views at Bannister
Head in Mollymook. Then you have the choice to pick any type of food you
prefer in both Milton and Ulladulla. While these restaurants cater for
every palate, the township of Milton has a superb restaurant which
caters only for vegetarians.




There are many scenic walks you could explore, venture on dolphin
cruises or a whale watching cruises (during the migration season) or
maybe go fishing in Burrill Lake or Lake Tabourie. Below we have offered
you links to several other blog posts about Mollymook and the
surrounding area which you may wish to browse through when planning to
visit Mollymook and beautiful Shoalhaven region in south coast of NSW.

Touring the historical gold mining town of Ballarat

This information first appeared in Touring the historical gold mining town of Ballarat



Days
of the gold rush may be over, but the model gold mining town in
Sovereign Hill Ballarat gives you plenty of insight into what life would
have been in the 1850s when gold mining in Ballarat was a booming
industry.If you are heading from Melbourne, the journey to Ballarat is
roughly one hour and 30 minutes.




When we reached Ballarat our first stop was at the visitor
information centre to collect some valuable information of the area. We
then decided to first explore the Gold Museum and thereafter head to
Sovereign Hill.  Your ticket to the museum is free when you buy the
ticket to Sovereign Hill. The museum re-enacts you the story of this
historical city. The museum displays a priceless collection of gold
nuggets, alluvial deposits, valuable gold artefacts and a priceless
collection of gold coins. Visitors to the gold museum will end the
exploration with a walk through the award winning gift shop which gives
you the chance to buy your own piece of gold jewellery, gold nuggets or
an item of pretty giftware.




The
must visit Sovereign Hill is a treat for all ages. Be prepared to enjoy
most part of the day here, exploring the reconstructed mining town. The
young ones will spend hours on end enjoying the experience of gold
panning. There is a bakery, a printing press, a court house, a mail
room, a bank, boutiques etc for you to experience the township the way
it appeared in the 1850s. Meander your way well below ground level to
the gold mine and you too could experience the time inside a mine. We
watched a gold nugget been made out of melted gold which was just a
fascinating sight. While walking in Sovereign Hill we noted that the
machinery and equipment used are the same machinery used during the gold
rush in the 1850s.  You too could dress up in the 1850s attire and pose
for a photo shoot while you are in Sovereign Hill. By the way take
plenty of photographs while you are in Sovereign Hill to take home.  We
too felt as if we were living in the 1850s. How exciting!




The ticket gives you access to visit Sovereign Hill the following day
as well. If you are arriving here with kids, they will definitely want
to visit again and do some gold panning, take a tour of the mine and
watch a gold nugget been made all over again. So why not stay over by
booking one of the motels in Ballarat or a caravan parks in Ballarat if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Ballarat. Online bookings are also possible by clicking here. Remember to select “Victoria” as the state and  “Goldfields” as the region for your search.

Trip to see the Apostles during Great Ocean Road holidays

This article first appeared in Trip to see the Apostles during Great Ocean Road holidays



This
is an experience never to be missed. You would agree, the magnificent
Apostles visible via Great Ocean Road just 12 kilometers east of Port
Campbell to be one of nature’s spectacular creations.  If travelling
from Melbourne, head west towards Geelong and then take the well sign
posted directions to Torque or Great Ocean Road. On a bright sunny day
the drive along Great Ocean Road on the frill of Victoria’s south coast
is a spectacular journey which takes you past the surf beaches in Torque
and pretty coastal suburbs such as Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay.




The journey is so picturesque that you just can’t help but stopping
at some of the lookout spots on the way to take photos of the
spectacular scenery to reminisce at a later date. From Melbourne the
journey will take over 4.5 hours, so leave mid morning to arrive in Port
Campbell Apostles lookout point around mid afternoon to witness the
Apostles during sunset.




We took the journey from Melbourne at a comfortable pace and decided
to stop at several look out points as well as in pretty Apollo Bay. The
holiday resort suburbs along Great Ocean Road are geared for tourists
with plenty of great ocean road holiday rentals and superb cafes and
restaurants for you to have a meal when you decide to break journey.




As I mentioned we arrived mid afternoon at the lookout point. There
is plenty of parking for visitors. We parked the vehicle and walked
towards the lookout point. What an amazing sight! The limestone cliff
edge and the giant Apostles scattered in the ocean are clearly visible
from the lookout point. We remained here for a couple of hours soaking
in the spectacular limestone formations and then headed a kilometre or
so further east towards the The Loch Ard Gorge. When you are here, take the steps which take you to the beach area of the gorge. Once again the scenery before
your eyes is magical, and you will be able to have a closer look at
limestone formations in the caves which consist of both icicles and
isotopes.




You may decide to stay in a coastal resort in Great ocean road for
the night so that you will be able to look around the pretty townships
in this region the following day. If you decide to do so, great ocean road holiday rentals
including holiday rentals in Torquay, holiday rentals in Lorne, Holiday
homes in Apollo bay or motels in Anglesea can be booked here. Online bookings are also available via this link (select Victoria as the state and Great Ocean Road as the region for your search).




Those who want to head back to Melbourne taking a quicker route could
opt to come back via Princess Highway where the journey is just over
2.5 hours.

Delightful Fairy Penguin Parade While Holidaying in Phillip Island

The article first appeared in Delightful Fairy Penguin Parade While Holidaying in Phillip Island



A
comfortable 1.5 hour drive south of Melbourne will bring you to Phillip
Island a destination which is popular among tourists who flock here
each afternoon to watch the Fairy Penguin Parade. The non for profit
organization which promotes this attraction has converted the area to a
safe habitat for these penguins to live, build their nests, breed and
bring up their off spring.




If you are planning to witness the penguins arrive back into shore
and parade back to their nests, make sure you arrive here well before
dusk. Even if you arrive early, the information centre provides plenty
of great insight into the living habits of penguins and the species of
penguins scattered around the world. There is a cafeteria for you to get
a bite or a drink as well as a souvenir shop for you to collect
something for you to take back home. Every cent you spend here helps us
to protect and ensure the safe breeding of Fairy Penguins, the species
only found in Australia.




If you arrive in Phillip Island around 3pm, you could also visit the
nearby chocolate factory, take a tour of the chocolate making process
and even make your own delicious blend of chocolates.




We took our seats in the Penguin observation area around 5.45pm and
waited eagerly. You are at the southern tip of Victoria and the icy cold
winds can get you if not rugged up well. So even during summer months
you need to be ready for a cold spell of winds from the south.


The
experience was well worth the wait. Around 6.45 the sun set welcomed
the arrival of the first little penguin. This solitary penguin appeared
out of water, took a few steps towards the shore and kept looking around
for it’s friends. There were none to be seen so it dived back into the
water. It was such a cute sight. The numbers arriving onshore increased
gradually, and groups of 5 – 20 paraded across the sand to their
burrows. Obviously these cute creatures believe in parading in groups
and take the same path which they used to cross the sand during the
early morning journey into the sea to find food for themselves and the
young ones back home. You will be able to spend hours watching these
penguins parading and you can also observe them at close proximity.
These fairy penguins repeat their habitual journey day after day without
a break which makes it a wonderful attraction for you to enjoy any time
of the year.




If you plan to stay in Phillip Island there are Phillip Island holiday houses or caravan parks in Phillip Island available for you. Online bookings are also possible via this link. Ensure you select Victoria as the state and Phillip Island as the region for your search.

Explore Melbourne City | Visit St.Kilda Beach

Information first appeared in Explore Melbourne City | Visit St.Kilda Beach



It
is not a secret that cosmopolitan Victoria is a great place to be on
holidays. So we decided to explore the known attractions in Victoria.
The road trip from Sydney began around 8.30am on a mid week school
holiday. During this drive we were keen to explore the beautiful east
coast of New South Wales too. Hence decided to take the Princess Hwy,
the ocean route. The drive took us past spectacular scenery and
beautiful townships such as Wollongong, Kiama, Milton, Mollymook,
Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Tilba Tilba and Bega.  We stopped in pretty
Tilba Tilba and Bega to enjoy some cheese tasting as well as to delight
our taste buds with the delicious chocolate fudge.




We travelled circa 500km before breaking journey in beautiful Eden
very close to the New South Wales and Victorian border. Eden is a
coastal township with pretty bays and pretty scenery. Since we arrived
late afternoon, the city centre was rather quiet. The tourists arriving
at Eden will definitely enjoy the Killer Whale museum and even be able
to watch whales at the lookout point during the migration season from
August to November. There are several Eden accommodation
and places to spend the night while in Eden, but maybe you may prefer
to stay in neighbouring coastal suburbs such as Merimbula or Pambula
just a few kilometres north of Eden.




After a relaxing night in Eden, we set on our way to Melbourne, once
again via Princess Highway. The journey from Eden to Melbourne via this
route is about 560km. We took a break in Lakes Entrance and Metung in
East Gippsland coastal area of Victoria to soak in the pretty scenery.
Both townships are holiday resorts and there are plenty of water
sporting activities and cruises offered in this area if you are planning
a vacation here. Both townships are great to break journey and to enjoy
a bite in one of the many waterfront cafeterias.




We reached Melbourne late afternoon and the 560km road trip from Eden
was a pleasant one. The following day was set aside to explore
Melbourne city. If travelling to the city, the most convenient option is
to hop into a train so that you don’t have the bother of finding
parking. Ensure you have a Myki card with adequate money for your
journey. The Myki is used for all public transport including the
Melbourne trams. We stepped out at Flinders Street station which is a
central spot close to many Melbourne city attractions as well as the
shopping precinct. Opposite the Flinders Street station is the tourist
information centre where you can gather brochures and talk to the staff
at the centre to guide you around the attractions and map out a
customised plan for what you want to explore.


We decided to carry out our
own exploration with the aid of a tour map of the city. We walked along
the main streets close to Flinders Street station and continued our
enjoyable a walk along the Yarra River. South Yarra area is popular for
shopping and the cafes and restaurants along the river are superb to
hang out and relax.




Deciding to take the tram to St.Kilda Beach was a good one since you
get to look around and get a feel of this cosmopolitan city. Melbourne’s
cafe culture and love for food is quite apparent when you are in
St.Kilda Beach precinct. The streets are packed with cafes and
restaurants serving a splendid variety of international cuisine of your
choice. St.Kilda Beach is a great spot to hang out. You can eat to your
hearts content and shop till you drop while in Melbourne city.




Well, you might want to spend the night in Melbourne city. Check out St.Kilda accommodation or short term accommodation in Melbourne by following the links. Online bookings are also possible here.

Holidays in Eden – A super spot for whale watching

Information first appeared in Holidays in Eden – A super spot for whale watching

Do
you know that Eden is known to be one of the best spots for whale
watching?  Have you been there yet?  The township is positioned in
Twofold Bay approximately 512km south of Sydney.  Obviously the superb
natural harbour has shaped the town to be a great spot for fishing and
for a thriving timber transportation industry.  When you plan to head
south, check into one of the caravan parks in Eden,
one of the motels in Eden or you may be able to locate one of the
cottages, holiday units, holiday parks or a holiday home to stay during
your holiday break.

Destination information |What can you do | things to see while on holiday

• Explore the Eden Killer Whale Museum.  You will be able to see the skeleton of the well known killer whale “Tom”.
• Venture out on a cruise in the bay to admire the beautiful coastline from a distance.
• Come over in October to November and you
  will be able to enjoy a whale watching cruise. This is the time the
  majestic mammals once again swim back to the southern parts of the
  ocean.
• Head to the Ben Boyd National Park. While in the national park enjoy some of the activities such as;
  
  • Fishing.
  • Swimming.
  • Bushwalking.
  • Visiting the 1840’s Boyd’s Tower.
  • Check out the spectacular red and white earth formations at Red Point.
  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery while exploring the national park.
  • Head to Boydtown in Nullica Bay to check
    out the convict built Sea-Horse Inn. Boydtown has a safe beach and ideal
    for recreational fishing too.
  • If looking for yet a different spot for fishing, you should head to nearby Wonboyn Lake for some enjoyable recreational fishing.
  • Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along
    the coastal fringes. You can enjoy the scenery while on a bushwalk in
    the national parks and while in a watercraft in any of the lakes.
  • Head to nearby Kiah Inlet where the
    historic Davidson Whaling Station is located. Learn a bit about what
    this area was famous for during the years bygone.
  • Take a scenic drive where you are sure to enjoy the scenic areas between Ben Boyd National Park and Nadgee Nature Reserve.

Accommodation

There are holiday parks, Eden caravan parks
and motels in Eden as well as holiday units, bed and breakfast
accommodation, cottages, holiday homes and inns for you to stay. Check
out this link for a listing of short term accommodation in Eden where you can request a quote and check out availability.

If you wish to book accommodation in the South Coast of New South Wales online, we suggest you check out this link. Select NSW at the state and south coast as the region when searching.