Want some great ideas for a short romantic getaway? We've headed south from Sydney to the NSW South Coast to discover all the best things to do, and places to see, in our series of romantic getaway features. Here's our top six things to try:
Stay At A Romantic Resort
You're spoiled for choice in the beach haven of Mollymook, with no less than two top class resorts on offer. Enjoying a cliff-top location, Bannisters by the Sea is the iconic luxury boutique hotel offering the full package for anyone seeking a full-service resort; ocean-view accommodations with private balconies, a spa, a pool, a bar, and fine dining at Rick Stein's restaurant. Dating back 1970, when it began life as a sleepy seaside motel, this resort has undergone series of upgrades over the years, evolving into a much-loved luxury resort. Today it's one of the most popular couple's retreats in NSW, if not Australia, just three hours from central Sydney with a variety of accommodation from standard doubles to indulgent penthouses. You can read our full review of Bannisters by the Sea here. New to Mollymook as of December 2015, however, is a sister property, Bannisters Pavilion, just 900 metres away complete with 32 stylish guest rooms and two luxury penthouse suites. This contemporary modern resort is set back from Mitchell Parade and Beach Road, just steps from Mollymook Beach, and with a stunning backdrop of impressive eucalyptus trees, and highlights including an ultra-modern and stylish decor, and a gorgeous rooftop deck featuring a pool, a bar and a grill. Like its sister property, it's also well located and an excellent spot for activities from bike riding, golf and beach walks to local wine tasting, should you be able to tear yourself away from your luxurious accommodations. You can read our full review of Bannisters Pavilion here.
Walking The Beaches
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to beach walks in this part of the world, by day or at sunset. And fortunately for guests staying at Bannisters at Mollymook, there's a long stretch of golden sand right at their doorstep. Mollymook Beach is deep and flat for walking, as well as famous for crystal clear waters. If you fancy venturing further afield, however, the national parks surrounding Mollymook including Moreton, Conjola, and Meroo offer plenty of options. One lovely walk is Mt. Bushwalker, which is relatively easy, and offers great scenery en-route. You drive to the top of the mountain, and then walk across a plateau with views of The Castle and Pigeon House Mountain; the approximately 6.5 kilometre walk can be completed in about two hours, and begins around 9 kilometres north of Milton.
Go Out For Coffee
Just like Mollymook, nearby Ulladulla has grown over the years from a sleepy village into a vibrant small town, and along with that growth, some new places to get a good caffeine fix have emerged. It's also the best place to pick up supplies if you're self catering, particularly fresh seafood and fish from the harbour front. Pick of the choices of places to grab a coffee include Sea Breeze Cafe, which has a lovely water front location with a view across Ulladulla Harbour, and the Treehouse Cafe on Boree Street, conveniently opposite Coles supermarket, which has a quirky design and a menu wholesome food including light snacks and cakes.
Visit The Wineries
It may not rival the Hunter Valley for numbers, but from Kiama to Durras, and west to Kangaroo Valley, the Shoalhaven Coast wine growing region has emerged in the past 20 years. A combination of green valleys, with some wineries overlooking the beach, it's also one of the few wine regions where visitors often get the chance to meet vignerons and wine makers on the premises. Grape varieties grown here include Chardonnay, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. There are 13 member wineries in the region, with one of the most scenic being historic, family owned Coolangatta Estate at Shoalhaven Heads; it's open daily and the region's sot awarded winery, known in particular for its Semillons (www.shoalhavencoastwine.com.au).
Enjoy A Game Of Golf
Fortunately for guests at staying Bannisters who are partial to a game of golf, Mollymook has a club with two splendid courses, Hilltop and Beachside, and two clubhouses. The 18-hole Championship Hilltop course enjoys bushland beauty accompanied by the sound of the ocean waves, with meandering tree-lined fairways and undulating greens. Beachside Golf Course is a 9-hole par 33 course, ideal for social golfers, sitting at the southern tip of Mollymook Beach and twisting around the Collers Beach Inlet (www.mollymookgolf.com.au).
Treat Yourself To Some Fine Cuisine
If you dine out only once during your romantic getaway, make it Rick Stein's at Bannisters. Although it's open for breakfast and lunch, and its waterfront location means ocean views at every turn, at night it takes on a different atmosphere, as well a seducing you and your beloved with fine cuisine. If Rick Stein knows anything, its how to "do" fish and seafood; the menu changes frequently, but there are classic staples you can enjoy all year. Examples to whet your appetite include super fresh sashimi, shucked oysters, Indonesia fish curry, and a simply grilled fresh snapper with clams and mussels. Save room for dessert too, in particular the hot chocolate fondant with macerated cherries and white chocolate ice cream.
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