By Kylie Mitchell-Smith
There’s something about the South Coast of NSW, from the green valley hamlets to the pristine blue coastline. Take a short drive south of Sydney, stopping off at Wollongong along the way, to explore the picturesque Shoalhaven region.
The South Coast stretches from Shoalhaven in the North to the Sapphire Coast in the South. Coastal roads, wind in and around quintessential beachside villages all the way down to the southern tip of Eden, making the South Coast a popular destination from Melbourne to Sydney.
First stop Shoalhaven Heads, book a stay at Bangalay Luxury Villas. Decadent in design Bangalay is naturally beautiful and is a subtle yet stylish addition to the beachside village of Shoalhaven Heads.
Bangalay is owned and operated by a local family who have captured the essence of the South Coast in their exclusive property. From stylish beach abodes to well-appointed family bungalows and their award winning restaurant Bangalay Dining.
Conveniently built next to the Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club, Bangalay caters for all your needs. Ideal for the whole family, the villas are a home away from home, where you can unwind and immerse in the natural surrounds.
Bangalay Dining is a hive of activity from breakfast to dinner and is the central heartbeat to the contemporary property. An emphasis on native ingredients, ensures the seasonal menu reflects the South Coasts abundance of produce, with a thoughtfully curated wine list, the flavours are natural, and the ambience is on-point.
Sample dishes like smoked crocodile and green ants, roast emu and pepper berry sauce and cherry and ribery sorbet. Head Chef Simon Evans is inspired by indigenous flavours and has fused ingredients to create a uniquely Australian menu that changes with the seasons.
From Shoalhaven Heads head into the hills of Milton, destination Cupitts Winery passing by Rick Steins Bannisters along the way. Chefs and foodies have been flocking to the South Coast, such as Justin Hemmes well known for reinventing old spaces and landmarking an area, like Quarterdeck in Narooma and the soon to be renovated Whale Inn Hotel.
Stop off at Hamilton on the outskirts of Milton to a quaint dairy farm that is home to Milk Haus, a paddock to plate experience that offers great food, roasted coffee and a pop-up produce store. Take a short drive to the stunning Cupitts Winery in Ulladulla, where you can book one of their stylish garden pods and enjoy all the region has on offer.
The Cupitt Family know a thing or two about hospitality and working the land, having previously owned and operated the Berry Hotel, a family of wine and cheese makers they have created a farm gate, winery and popular destination restaurant.
The recently opened accommodation pods are tastefully dotted around the property to capture the rolling grapevines and valley views over yonder. Sustainable in design the custom-made pods are styled for comfort, with all the modern cons such as supersized outdoor bathtubs, where you can sip a glass of Cupitts wine or brewed beer, to watch the sun go down.
The South Coast is an agri-tourism, nature-based destination, rich in diversity with pristine beaches and green acres of fertile soil, making it a foodie’s paradise. Meet the makers and shakers along the way, at the many farmers markets held weekly from the valley to coast.
Take a long weekend drive from Sydney and explore Shoalhaven or if time is on your side, meander your way down further to the tip of the Sapphire coast. Discover the beachside villages of Tathra, Merimbula and Pambula and catch the whales migrating North at Eden along the way.
There’s something about the South Coast of New South Wales from its natural beauty to the friendly coastal towns to the abundance of fresh produce the region has to offer.
To follow Kylie’s adventures head to: www.travellingsenorita.com
