WINTER 2018 SOUTH COASTER

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WINTER 2018

thesouthcoaster.com.au

Indulge Gourmet guide

Wine, cheese, cider and chocolate!

Animal magic Meet the locals – from wombats to whales!

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Sharing local knowledge

south coaster THE WINTER

e Insids thi issue ER WINT 2018

Indulge Gourmet guide

Wine, cheese, cider and chocolate!

Welcome to the whales!

Celebrate, don’t hibernate this winter. Take a hike and explore six of the wildest places to watch whales on their annual migration. Follow our Indulgence Guide to discover farm stores, cellar doors and craft breweries.

Find a recipe for mulled cider that will warm heart and home. Meet our cutest ever cover star, Millie the Wombat, at Symbio Wildlife Park.

The South Coaster is all about sharing local knowledge and all our stories are written by local experts – we hope you enjoy this insider’s guide to the stunning South Coast of New South Wales.

Visit us online at thesouthcoaster.com.au. Happy reading!

south coaster

Genevieve and Marcus, the Editors

DESIGN: youngwise design

Read all about it 04 Animal magic All creatures great and small at Symbio Wildlife Park 06-15 Helensburgh, Stanwell Park, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul Your guide to the villages along the Grand Pacific Drive 16 Map Top 21 places to visit when you do the Loop in the Illawarra 18 Cheers to craft cider! Visit Glenbernie Orchard, home of Darkes Cider 20 Whales ahoy! The wildest places to see migrating humpbacks 22 Wildlife watching Backyard Zoology blogger shares her top 3 spots 24 Indulgence Guide Cheese, wine and other gourmet treats 26 Grape potential Expert view of the Shoalhaven Coast’s vineyards 28 Beautiful bushwalks Author Sue Whiting describes her favourites 30 Winter calendar Art, food, festivals and the great outdoors 31 Markets Galore! The best fresh produce, as well as artisan everything

Cover: Millie the Wombat, by Kevin Fallon/Symbio Wildlife Park

Meet Our Contributors

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SUE WHITING is a Stanwell Park author who has written 65 books for children. Her latest story is Missing, a moving tale of secrets and suspense. Sue has lived on the South Coast for almost 30 years – she shares her favourite bushwalks on page 28.

LARA McCABE is a freelance photographer who lives in Coledale with her three children and husband. Lara is the artist behind the South Coaster’s hand-drawn and painted maps. Lara has compiled this winter’s Indulgence Guide. See page 24.

AMANDA DE GEORGE is the Thirroul local behind popular Facebook blog, Backyard Zoology. Amanda started observing animals at home, but now this nature-loving girl finds herself exploring an ‘ever-expanding backyard’. See page 22.

Don’t miss out on your chance to advertise in the Spring issue of the South Coaster! Call Karen McDougall on 0403 789 617.

THE WINTER

EDITORS: Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER: Anthony Warry ADVERTISING: Karen McDougall, 0403 789 617.

Email editor@thesouthcoaster. com.au for a rate card. Terms and conditions apply.

CONTACT: editor@ thesouthcoaster.com.au; phone 0411 025 910; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508.

DEADLINE: August 24 for Spring 2018 edition.

DISTRIBUTION: Pick up the South Coaster at tourist hot spots, such as Glenbernie Orchard, Symbio Wildlife Park and visitor information centres.

Visit thesouthcoaster.com.au.

PUBLISHER: The Word Bureau (ABN 31 692 723 477), the Illawarra’s local independent publisher of The South Coaster, 2508 District News and 2515 Coast News.

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain South Coaster property unless otherwise supplied. No part of this mag may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Views expressed in submissions and advertisements do not reflect those of the publishers.

PRINTED BY: Spotpress on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper from sustainable forests.

PROUDLY A MEMBER OF: The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce

ARTIST JOHN VANDER OF STANWELL PARK www.johnvander.com.au

John Vander and two of his popular works: On The Way Home (top right) and

By The Seashore.

Articles

Fine Art Gallery

111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive (on the way to the Sea Cliff Bridge) Stanwell Park 2508 P: 02 4294 2491 E: articlesgallery@optusnet.com.au

Details of works by: (left) Judith Dalozzo, (below) David Brayshaw.

Possibly one of the most popular artists in NSW today, his work has been reproduced extensively in prints for many years and has attracted a large following among art collectors. Over the past 40 years, John has become a household name throughout Australia. Don’t miss the chance to view and buy one of his original paintings. Over the past 36 years, countless visitors to his gallery – Articles Fine Art Gallery – have had the great experience of meeting the artist himself.

The FINEST Gallery in the South OPEN 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays Situated on the lovely beach of Stanwell Park, the Gallery is a pleasant 30-minute drive from Wollongong and 60 minutes from Sydney. Artist John Vander and his wife Frances own “Articles”.

The gallery features the works of well established and emerging artists as well as ceramics and sculptures, glass and homewares.

Details of works by: (left) David Boyd, (below) Robert Dickerson.

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ARTIST JOHN VANDER OF STANWELL PARK www.johnvander.com.au

John Vander and two of his popular works: On The Way Home (top right) and

By The Seashore.

Articles

Fine Art Gallery

111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive (on the way to the Sea Cliff Bridge) Stanwell Park 2508 P: 02 4294 2491 E: articlesgallery@optusnet.com.au

Details of works by: (left) Judith Dalozzo, (below) David Brayshaw.

Possibly one of the most popular artists in NSW today, his work has been reproduced extensively in prints for many years and has attracted a large following among art collectors. Over the past 40 years, John has become a household name throughout Australia. Don’t miss the chance to view and buy one of his original paintings. Over the past 36 years, countless visitors to his gallery – Articles Fine Art Gallery – have had the great experience of meeting the artist himself.

The FINEST Gallery in the South OPEN 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays Situated on the lovely beach of Stanwell Park, the Gallery is a pleasant 30-minute drive from Wollongong and 60 minutes from Sydney. Artist John Vander and his wife Frances own “Articles”.

The gallery features the works of well established and emerging artists as well as ceramics and sculptures, glass and homewares.

Details of works by: (left) David Boyd, (below) Robert Dickerson.

3

south coaster THE WINTER

eeper Junior K r ages fo Camps, on in the re 7 to 12, al holidays. schoo 294 1244.

4 Call (02) ymbio S Park Wildlife

Animal magic

Meet the cute, cuddly and cheeky critters at Helensburgh's zoo!

Make your first stop on the South Coast at Symbio Wildlife Park, an award-winning zoo in Helensburgh, just an hour south of Sydney.

Owned by the Radnidge family, the zoo has won a string of accolades, including Illawarra’s Business of the Year – and for good reason!

Over the past five years, Symbio has transformed from a small park to an innovative, creatively designed zoo famous for “getting you closer”, be it hand-feeding roos or bottle-feeding lambs. Symbio has also become a leader in education, sustainability and conservation.

General manager Matt Radnidge reckons what sets Symbio apart from other zoos is that it offers visitors an immersive experience.

“We get consistent feedback about the interactive side of Symbio; how close you feel and how close you can get to a lot of the animals – really close, intimate encounters,” he said.

Here are the South Coaster’s top 3 reasons to go the zoo.

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1. FEED THE FARMYARD BABIES Symbio’s Farmyard is one of the largest in Australasia. It includes two barns covering 700 square metres and a chicken coop the size of a three-car garage. Visitors may bottle-feed baby animals, including little lambs with fleece as white as snow, just like the nursery rhyme.

“All of the farmyard favourites are in there, including baby lambs and kid goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducklings etc,” Matt said.

“Interaction is our key focus within the farmyard, with lots of feeding and petting opportunities.

We aim to have additional experiences such as milking demonstrations, billy tea and damper, and Happy Snap photo memories.”

2. ENJOY A PHOTO WITH NATIVE CRITTERS Buy a bag of food in reception and you’ll have kangaroos eating of your hand before you can say “Instagram”. Symbio’s resident mob of roos live a life of leisure, nibbling away in a big green

fe Park

Photos: Kevin Fallon / Symbio Wildli

3. MARVEL AT ENDANGERED ANIMALS Symbio is involved in several species

THE WINTER

paddock, blissfully unaware of their star status on social media.

Symbio is also home to many other natives, including koalas, blue tongue lizards, freshwater crocodiles, emus, dingos, echidnas, Tasmanian devils and adorable Millie the wombat (this issue’s cover star!).

The Reptile House is a must-see: each enclosure is literally a work of art, with a painting of a different outback or rainforest scene. Here you’ll find turtles, chameleons, crocs, rare lizards, and snakes, including the world’s most venomous – Australia’s inland taipan.

For an extra-special experience, book a Close Encounter with a koala, kangaroo, echidna or wombat. Holding a koala is forbidden in NSW, but you can pat and hand-feed fresh eucalyptus leaves to the famous marsupials.

south coaster

GREAT JOB, JARRAD!

Symbio’s Jarrad Prangell, 26, was recently named 2017’s Zookeeper of the Year! A bird, reptile and invertebrate supervisor at Symbio, Jarrad has wanted to be a zoo keeper since he was a boy. “We grew up watching the likes of Steve Irwin; he was the one person I aspired to be like.” Jarrad’s favourite animals are venomous reptiles. “They are the most misunderstood of any animals, and because of this it made me more invested to care for them and the challenge to change people’s perceptions around snakes.” In his spare time, Jarrad is “out there in the bush, looking for reptiles. Mostly for venomous snakes – someone’s got to give them a little bit of love.”

management programs. “Captive breeding programs are an essential part of preserving appropriate numbers and genetic diversity of threatened species,” Matt said.

In June, Symbio said goodbye to its Sumatran tigers, but lovers of big cats will still find deadly beauties to admire in the cheetah enclosure.

And the zoo also recently welcomed Aurelio and Jari, a breeding pair of golden lion tamarins, so named for their stunning golden manes, like those of an African big cat. The tamarins are South American natives whose coastal rainforest home is disappearing in Brazil as logging, agriculture, and industry take a toll.

Symbio offers ‘Behind the Scenes’ experiences with exotic animals, including red pandas, meerkats, monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs.

Symbio is open daily, 9.30am-5pm, 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Helensburgh. Phone (02) 4294 1244 or visit symbiozoo.com.au.

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Helensburgh

THE WINTER

Map Key 1 Train station 2 Historic tunnel 3 Tradies club 4 Pool 5 H'burgh Hotel

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6 Post Office 7 Pharmacy 8 Surefire Boards 9 Essential Surf

10 Alcara cafe & Raya Thai 11 Coal Coast Emporium 12 La Belle

Boutique 13 Coles 14 Massage 15 Library 16 Burgh gym

17 Sunrise Nursery 18 Symbio zoo 19 Hindu temple 20 Kellys Falls

Miner Charles Harper discovered coal here in 1884 and the town is thought to have been named after his daughter, Helen (or, some argue, after Helensburgh in Scotland). While the Metropolitan Mine still operates, Helensburgh is slowly changing from a mining town to the country home of Sydney commuters.

Flanked by the gum trees of the Garawarra State Conservation Area and on the southern doorstep of Sydney's Royal National Park, the ‘Burgh is a great base for bushwalking and off-

THE WINTER

This historic town is a gateway to the Royal National Park and Grand Pacific Drive.

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Helensburgh

road biking. Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club's track behind Rex Jackson Oval is good fun for kids and the whole family will enjoy the scenic ride from Audley south along Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal National Park.

Two popular Helensburgh attractions are Symbio Wildlife Park (see page 4), and Sri Venkateswara Temple (SVT), one of the southern hemisphere's most famous Hindu temples.

Building started in 1978 at this site, chosen according to Vedic principles (Agama Sastras) with five requirements: the site should be on virgin land, a forest, ideally on an island, with fresh water, and on a coastline. Today it is one of the region’s most popular attractions, with many thousands of visitors each year.

About 20 major festivals are held annually, with the temple exploding into a vibrant whirl of colour, music and fragrance as statues are paraded around, accompanied by musicians, priests and chanting crowds. The Ganesh festival in September is a highlight, finishing at Stanwell Park beach, where clay idols of the elephantheaded god are thrown into the ocean.

The temple's canteen serves delicious vegetarian food, open 10am-4pm (Sat/Sun and public holidays). For more information, call 1300 626 663 or visit www.svtsydney.org.

get wild at symbio wildlife park

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with all your favourite Australiana and exotic animals, head on out to Symbio Wildlife Park. Feed kangaroos, cuddle up next to a koala, come face-to-face with tigers and cheetahs, or fall in love with our adorable red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, monkeys and more.

WWW.SYMBIOZOO.COM.AU • 7-11 LAWRENCE HARGRAVE DRIVE, HELENSBURGH NSW 2508

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Stanwell Park

THE WINTER

Map Key 1 Bald Hill 2 Off-leash area 3 CWA Hall, home of Stanwell Park

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Arts Theatre 4 Beach Reserve 5 Live Life Health, next to The Stanny cafe

6 16 Feet Cafe 7 Uluwatu Blue 8 Surf Club 9 Hargrave Cafe 10 Articles Fine

Art Gallery 11 Boho Chic & Boho Emporium 12 Palms Cafe 13 Train station

14 Wodi Wodi Walking Track, a steep and slippery 6.5km challenge.

THE WINTER

Stanwell Park is the first seaside village on the NSW South Coast. It is famous as the home of 19th-century aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave, whose experiments with box kites on Stanwell Park Beach were instrumental in the development of human flight.

It’s still a popular recreational flight spot – paragliders and hang gliders take off from Bald Hill to enjoy panoramic views along the coast before swooping down to land at the beach.

In the colonial era, Stanwell Park was the abode of a gang of bush rangers, led by arch

south coaster

Stanwell Park

Go walking, surfing, shopping or cafe hopping.

villain ‘Wolloo Jack’. Today the village is a more peaceful spot, home to a creative community including artists, filmmakers and authors. It gets busy on weekends when families, surfers, dog walkers and fishermen come out to play.

Stanwell Park has no supermarket, petrol station or pharmacy. But it has enough cafes to give keep visitors entertained daily. Parents will enjoy a cuppa at 16 Feet, with its backyard playground. Everyone will love the gelato at Uluwatu Blue, hot chips from the Stanny and morning coffee on Hargrave Cafe’s balcony.

Next to an avenue of palm trees, in a sunny courtyard with escarpment views, the Palms Cafe is a superb spot for a leisurely brunch or lunch. Afterwards, enjoy a browse at Boho Chic and Articles Fine Art Gallery, owned by painter John Vander and his wife, Frances.

The Beachside Reserve has a fun-filled playground, with swings, climbing frames and a scooter track. There are barbecue areas and vast lawns for picnicking or impromptu soccer.

Winter is great for bushwalking – discover the challenging Wodi Wodi track and scenic Forest Walk to Sublime Point (see page 28).

Wrap up the day with a yoga class at Stanwell Park Surf Club, overlooking the sea. Whale watch while you stretch! Call Karen, 0403 789 617.

COLD WINTERS

Hot Buyers

Buyers are not seasonal. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean they stop looking for their perfect home.

Let your area specialist help you get the best price for your home.

111 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Stanwell Park NSW 2508 02 4294 3371 • info@thepalmscafe.com.au • thepalmscafe.com.au

WENDY LEPRE 0431 322 192

Open Breakfast & Lunch | Thursday - Monday 9am - 4pm

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south coaster

Coledale

THE WINTER

Map Key 1 Coledale Hospital 2 Mike Dwyer Reserve 3 Coledale Camping Reserve

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4 Coledale Surf Life Saving Club 5 Coledale Public School 6 Planet Childcare Centre 7 Rock Pool

8 Coledale Fine Wines 9 Mr & Mrs Smith cafe 10 Coledale R.S.L. Club

11 Earth Walker & Co. General Store & Cafe 12 The Salon 13 MDK Hair 14 Sharkys Fish & Chips

15 55 Parrots 16 Coledale Train Station 17 St James Park and Playground 18 Sharkey's (off-leash) Beach

Our family starts the morning with a tasty breakfast at the new Mr & Mrs Smith cafe.

We then take a leisurely walk, following the Lawrence Hargrave Drive footpath north to the beautiful Comradeship sculpture, in honour of community activist Mike Dwyer. This reserve has one of the best views in Coledale and is perfect for a picnic. We head back down south and at Coledale Beach take to the sand to walk along the foreshore. At low tide, you can stroll along the rock shelf in front of Coledale Surf Club and south to the ocean pool.

THE WINTER

Lara McCabe shares her dream day in the seaside village.

south coaster

Coledale

We debate whether it's warm enough for a swim and the kids win the argument, preferring to keep walking south to Sharkeys Beach, popular with dog walkers and surfers.

Leaving the kids to build sandcastles and frolic with local dogs out for a run, I make my escape to The Salon for a little pampering then squeeze in a bit of shopping across the road at 55 Parrots homewares store, admiring their amazing furniture and decorative pieces.

The family catch up and we take a turn at the oval onto Cliff Street, then up to the playground for more playtime.

Tummies are rumbling, again! Lunch options include take-away fish and chips from Sharkys, the Coledale RSL bistro, a DIY barbecue courtesy of Coledale beach facilities and, of course, Earth Walker & Co can whip up the tastiest meal. You could also drive two minutes north to a beloved local haunt, the Scarborough Wombarra Bowlo, for good Thai/Oz food and fun on the green.

We spend the afternoon on the beach, looking for creatures in rock pools. There's talk of one day trying fishing or snorkelling, and I am yet to do a yoga class at the Surf Club or Community Centre. So much to do! Want to stay longer? Pitch a tent at Coledale Camping Reserve and wake up to sunrise over the sea.

Scarborough Wombarra

Bowlo

Barefoot bowls The Hidden Gem 578 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

live music

t s e b on z o i/ tha t the coas

Wombarra (02) 4267 2139

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south coaster

Austinmer

THE WINTER

sou co AUTUMN

Map Key 1 Playground 2 Tennis court 3 Headlands 4 Little Austi 5 Glastonbury Gardens

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6 Bells Point 7 Playground 8 Surf Club 9 Amenities 10 Rock pools 11 Sublime Point

Track starts 12 Ibah Spa 13 Train station 14 Vet 15 Mala Beads 16 Mimi’s Place

17 Chiropractor 18 Shell’s Diner 19 Austi Beach Cafe 20 Newsagency & post office

21 Scout Hall 22 Moore St General 23 Haveli Living 24 Fireworks 25 Yoga studio

“Austinmer...I’m glad I’m here. there’s nowhere else I’d rather be” sing local band, the Glamma Rays. It’s a breezy, gorgeous tune which truly gets this charming beachside village between the escarpment and the sea.

Here are some suggestions to make the most of your visit: Start with a morning bushwalk up to Sublime Point. It is a steep climb up the stairs and ladders but the view from the top is worth it. The track from the bottom starts near Foothills Road and Buttenshaw Drive (1.4 kilometres return).

CMYK: 54 0 100 0 If you need relaxation and a foot scrub after

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Sharing local knowledge

Grand walks

From Sea Cliff Bridge to Sublime Point

Discover Playgrounds full of fun 6 of the best for active kids

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THE WINTER

Famous for its twin pools, this is a classic holiday spot.

south coaster

Austinmer

your walk, try Ibah Spa Austinmer or, if this is booked out, nearby sister spa, Ibah Spa Thirroul.

After walking and unwinding, you can stretch out an Iyengar yoga class the Moore Street Yoga Room.

Wander down Moore Street and grab a coffee from Austinmer favourite, Fireworks. You’ll find delightful shops nearby including jewellery store, Mala Beads, Haveli Living and Mimi’s Place.

Then on to the star attraction, Austinmer beach with its twin ocean pools and a big rock pool, which is perfect for young kids and their parents to loll around in and explore.

Take a moment to turn your back on the water and take in the breathtaking escarpment views too. The outside of the old dressing sheds are updated on weekdays with the water temperature and a trivia question. If the kids need a change of scene, there’s a recently renewed gated playground there too.

After all that virtuous walking and swimming, tuck into some takeaway fish and chips from 50’s themed Shell’s Diner or try Austi Beach Cafe with views of the waves. If you’ve forgotten anything, Austinmer Beach newsagent sells lots of useful bits and pieces.

Drink in a perfect Austinmer day with a cocktail at Headlands Hotel.

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south coaster THE WINTER

Top Spot

Thirroul

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Map Key 1 Beach Pavilion 2 Pool 3 Playground 4 Naturopath 5 Crust Pizza

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6 IGA 7 Horizon Credit Union 8 Nest 9 Post Office

10 Anita’s Theatre 11 DP Surfboards 12 See Side Optical

13 Op shop 14 Coles 15 Ibah spa 16 Egg & Dart 17 Belle Property

18 Byrne Surf 19 Newsagency 20 Cocoon 21 Food co-op 22 Library

THE WINTER

south coaster

Thirroul Discover unique boutiques, surf stores and great coffee.

There’s a buzz about Thirroul. Possibly because this popular seaside village thrives on some of the finest coffee on the coast. This love of caffeine has resulted in about a dozen flourishing cafes in a town of only 6083 people.

Thirroul is a good place to dine out, with everything from pub grub at Ryan’s Hotel to dégustation at The Postmans. Try South Sailor for seafood, Toro for sushi and Jose Jones for cocktails. Lovers of organic goodness should stop by the Flame Tree Food Co-op for everything from fresh bread to fruit and vegies.

Other reasons to explore Thirroul include eclectic boutiques and homewares stores such as Cocoon. For vintage treasure hunters, there are four options on Lawrence Hargrave Drive: Thirroul Antique Centre, Now and Then Collectables, the Mission Australia op shop and Retro Wombat. Surfers should check out Byrne Surf and DP Boardroom – run by legendary local board shapers, Parrish Byrne and Dylan Perese.

The town takes its name from the Thurrural Aboriginal people who lived here. Translated, it means “the place or valley of the cabbage tree palms”. One iconic building is the old Kings Theatre, now Anita’s Theatre. Built in 1912, it was once an open-air theatre with a canvas roof and still hosts events, including music nights.

Children will love Thirroul’s beachside playground. The beach is heaps of fun for brave winter swimmers, surfers and bodyboarders.

And, of course, you can enjoy a coffee! Kick back at Thirroul Beach Pavilion, overlooking the sea.

For authentic primitive pieces, original artwork, furniture, rugs, lighting, gifts, games and more

e ehoupsen Newwwroaorm o shosk in store a Shop 2, 357 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 2515 Monday to Friday 9.30 – 5.30 Saturday 9.30 – 4.30 Sunday 9.30 – 3.30

02 4267 1335

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Top

HELENSBURGH

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THE WINTER

11. Scarborough Wombarra Bowlo.

10. Wombarra Sculpture Garden (due to close in June 2018).

9. Sea Cliff Bridge.

8. Coalcliff.

7. Stanwell Park village, beach and cafes.

6. Bald Hill – lookout and hang-gliding launch pad.

5. Road to Royal National Park.

4. Kelly’s Falls picnic area.

3. Tradies Helensburgh.

2. Sri Venkateswara Hindu Temple.

1. Symbio Wildlife Park.

Follow the Illawarra’s beautiful route from bush to beach – discover the famous Sea Cliff Bridge and other highlights of the Grand Pacific Drive.

Do the loop

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COAL COAST EMPORIUM

21. Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park.

20. AppleShack store at Glenbernie Orchard.

19. Boomerang Public Golf Course.

18. Turn-off to Sublime Point Lookout.

17. Southern Gateway Centre, Bulli Tops.

16. Thirroul village.

15. Sublime Point walking track starts.

14. Austinmer Beach, with twin rock pools.

13. Sharkeys Beach, a dog off-leash area.

12. Coledale, with beach camping, cafes and general store.

11. Scarborough Wombarra Bowlo.

Garden (due to close in June 2018).

south coaster THE WINTER

Make mulled cider Glenbernie Orchard’s Jo Fahey shares a recipe to warm the heart.

Breaking out the crockpot in winter is one of those domestic activities that warms the heart.

Here are my six tips to building a better brew: 1. USE CIDER MADE FROM 100% FRESH CRUSHED APPLE JUICE (AUSSIE PREFERABLY!) Great mulled cider begins with great cider.

It should smell and taste rich and sweet, like an apple pie cooling in the farmhouse, with enough acidity to balance out the sweetness. Dry ciders can be used for mulling, but may need a touch of sugar or honey. Use non-alcoholic cider or apple juice to make a non-alcoholic version.

2. MAKE YOUR OWN SPICE MIX Don’t use pre-packaged mulling kits; the spices are often dull on the palate. Besides, selecting and playing with the blend is half the fun.

3. USE APPLE-FRIENDLY SPICES Spices bring out the natural flavours in apples.

• Cinnamon, for sweetness and spice • Clove, to restore some of the depth and body thinned out by mulling • Cardamom, for its floral perfume (Never had it with apples? Trust me, it works) • Coriander, for its musky-citrus flavour • Star anise, for the faint touch of licorice in some apple varieties • Vanilla pod, for a little sweet nuance 4. TOAST YOUR SPICES, KEEP THEM WHOLE Avoid grinding spices. Filtering out the ground bits is a pain. Cider can be left to steep for hours, plenty of time to leach flavour from whole spices. Grinding spices provides bolder flavours in less time, but at the expense of nuance. I toast my spices first to excite their essential oils.

5. ADD SOME BUZZ A nip of alcohol added shortly before service makes the spicy, fruity aromas come out all the more. Slivovitz, a type of plum brandy, marries

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the cider’s flavours well. Any apple-friendly liquor will do. A tablespoon is all you need!

6. TOOLS TO USE Use an electric slow cooker, and you can forget about the cider for hours while it stews away.

Ingredients: 1 litre apple cider 3 sticks cinnamon 5 cloves 4 cardamom pods, pressed until just cracked ¼ teaspoon coriander seed ½ star anise 1 vanilla pod 1 tablespoon brandy (optional) Honey or sugar to taste, if needed Whole apple, slices of orange or lemon to taste Method: Turn slow cooker to low and warm the cider.

Heat a small frypan and add spices. Toast, stirring, until fragrant and coriander seeds begin to darken. Transfer to a spice bag or add loose to the cider in your cooker. Cover and let the cider cook slowly for about 4 hours, or until spice is well infused. Ten minutes before serving, add brandy. Add sugar or honey in a rounded teaspoon at a time, if cider is too tart. Serve plain, or with a slice of lemon, extra brandy, or a small grating of nutmeg.

BUY DARKES CIDER DIRECT FROM THE FARM Glenbernie Orchard is a beautiful, fourthgeneration family farm in Darkes Forest, just 10 minutes’ drive south of Helensburgh. This is where the fruit for the Illawarra’s award-winning Darkes Cider is grown. Cut the journey from tree to table – buy fruit, apple and pear ciders, apple cider vinegar and other tasty farm produce direct from Glenbernie’s AppleShack farm store, 259 Darkes Forest Rd, Darkes Forest, (02) 4294 3421. Open 10am-4.30pm daily.

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hopeful that her Australia-wide provenance comparison focussed on dessert varieties of apple can give us a few answers as to why apples grown in Darkes Forest are so different.

Madeleine will also look at whether there are impacts on phenolics with different ways of fermenting. She has some early results that time of harvest impacts on flavour. This may inform when to pick our apples for certain characteristics to stand out in our ciders.

Australian small craft cider makers are becoming known around the world for our clean, crisp apple flavours in cider. We achieve this by fermenting 100 percent fresh, cold, crushed fruits using wine science techniques.

Australia is known for its application of research in grape-based wine making, now we are well on the way towards a high reputation in craft cider making too!

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Cider flavour begins with the apples you use!

We have been saying for a very long time that apples grown at our farm are different to the same varieties grown elsewhere. We know they can look different and definitely taste different. There’s never been any research to back this anecdotal evidence.

A PhD candidate, Madeleine Way, studying at the University of Tasmania, has chosen to do research into this issue. Madeleine is mapping Australian cider uniqueness for the production of high quality and consistent craft cider.

Madeleine’s research is really exciting to us as she will be measuring phenolics (flavour compounds) in different apples and looking at whether they have the same characteristics regardless of where they are grown. We are

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Apples maketh the cider – and so does where they’re grown. Jo Fahey, of Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, reports on new scientific research.

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Australia’s first cider PhD!

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Whale Trails Head into the wilderness to watch humpbacks on their annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters.

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National Parks make up almost half of the NSW coastline, so for some of the best whalewatching vantage points, lace up your walking boots and head into the wild. Here, Susan Crocetti, Wildlife Team Leader at the Biodiversity and Wildlife Unit of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, shares stories from park rangers.

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Montague Island Lighthouse, Montague Island Nature Reserve Montague Island walking track reveals the lighthouse against a dramatic island backdrop.

The walk leads past penguin breeding boxes, and whales, dolphins, seals and migratory birds are all regular visitors – Montague Island Nature Reserve is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Make a weekend of it and stay at the incredible Montague Island Lighthouse Cottages.

“During the humpback whale migration, Montague Island Nature Reserve offers vantage points where you can experience a 360-degree view of whale activity,” Susan said.

“There are very few locations in Australia that can rival that experience!”

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Green Cape Lightstation, Ben Boyd National Park No wrap-up of whale-watching is complete without Eden. On the far south coast of NSW, it is home to the Davidson Whaling Historic Site. The Green Cape Lightstation, at nearby Ben Boyd National Park, is a historic site built in 1883 and perched on the edge of the peninsula.

Take a tour to explore the lightstation and see passing whales. For a unique experience, wake up with the whales and stay at the Green Cape

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Lightstation Keeper's Cottages.

Susan shared this story from a ranger: “Most amazing sight off Green Cape was the day we had a pod of humpback whales (three to four) animals turning tight circles just off the rocks on the point of Green Cape. They were feeding at the time so there was a lot of activity very close to shore.

“There were also dolphins getting in on the action and they were leaping over the whales and swimming amongst them, feeding off the same thing, probably a school of bait fish.

“In addition to all this excitement, there were a mob of seals in amongst the action, sea eagles collecting fish and gannets diving into the melee as well. This went on for a good half an hour before the frenzy broke up.”

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Murramarang National Park With 44km of dramatic coastline near Batemans Bay, this is a great spot to explore the cliffs, headlands and pristine beaches of the South Coast. Head to Mystery Bay or Snapper Point lookout to spot migrating whales, and enjoy a weekend getaway by staying at Depot Beach or Pretty Beach cabins.

Snapper Point and North Head in Murramarang NP are great for whale watching, Susan said. You may even have “rookie’s luck”, as one parks officer reported.

“We were waiting, waiting, waiting for any sign of whales. We were scanning the horizon, searching for a blow or a tail slap. After about two hours of no signs, a car pulled up and two elderly people got out and said, ‘Hi, we have never seen a whale in the wild, what time do

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1. Humpback, Montague Island.

2. No one knows why whales breach; maybe to communicate, attract other whales, or warn off males.

3. Green Cape keeper’s cottages 4. Green Cape vantage point.

5. Lobtailing, aka tail slapping.

they come out?’ We all just laughed and looked at each other and thought ‘Rookies’ – until someone shouted, ‘Whale!’

“Just then a large humpback whale travelling north split the surface and breached four times right in front of us. The elderly couple said: ‘Oh, that’s great’, jumped back in their car and drove off.

“If only whale-watching from the coast was always that easy! Often you have to wait some time to see anything. But that is all part of what makes it so exciting when you do!”

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Meroo National Park Located between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, this national park has great vantage points for whale watching – don’t miss the panoramic coastal views from Meroo Head lookout, or follow the walking track to Nuggan Point.

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Eurobodalla National Park South of Narooma, this park offers plenty of lookouts and headlands for whale viewing.

Visitors keen to explore the area on foot can set out on the Bingi Dreaming Track, a 14km walk along the coast south from Congo to Tuross Head.

“Eurobodalla National Park is full of excellent vantage points for viewing whales,” Susan said. “One amazing sighting by a ranger has been southern right and humpback whales feeding 50m to 200m from the shore in several locations. Killer whales have also been seen from Montague Island – quite the experience!”

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Mimosa Rocks National Park For a view you’ll never forget, head to Bunga

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Head in Mimosa Rocks National Park for sunrise, then take a short walk to Wajurda Point and relax on the rocks as you look out for whales.

The lookout at North Tura, just south in Bournda National Park, is also a great vantage point to spot the majestic animals on their journey.

WHERE TO STAY Want fabulous ocean views? Try the heritagelisted Montague Island Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages or the Green Cape Lightstation Keeper’s Cottages. Looking for something family friendly and affordable? Check out Pretty Beach campground and cabins; Depot Beach campground and cabins; and Pebbly Beach Shacks in the secluded coastal rainforest of Murramarang National Park. (Pebbly Beach is also famous for its ‘surfing’ kangaroos.)

NSW National Parks is offering special winter deals on accommodation (for example, stay 3 nights for the price of 2).

For rates and bookings, go to www.wildaboutwhales.com.au.

Thank you to NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service for providing information and photography for this article. For more about whales, the latest sightings or to share your own photos, visit www. wildaboutwhales.com.au or download the free Wild About Whales mobile app.

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Wildlife Watch

South Coast blogger Amanda De George shares her four top spots for spotting birds and beasts!

Thirroul local Amanda De George runs a Facebook page called Backyard Zoology. It’s populated with cheerful, chatty observations and beautiful images of creatures great and small, from whales to bees. And this blogger knows her stuff. Amanda studied zoology, but when illness prevented her from taking up her "dream job" as a Taronga Zoo keeper, she found a creative outlet as a citizen scientist.

"It started out being just in my backyard, but that’s grown," Amanda told the South Coaster.

"Now I say on my page, ‘a nature-loving girl, her camera and her ever-expanding backyard’.”

1The hill overlooking Bulli Beach (or the Bulli Beach Cafe if you prefer to wildlife watch with a coffee in hand) This is the perfect place to watch pods

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of dolphins cruise by, along with fishing cormorants and diving terns and Australasian gannets. It is also a prime humpback whalewatching spot. Whales migrating north may be seen from early May. From September to November, the sea becomes a whale classroom as mothers teach their calves how to breach, tail- and fin-slap just off shore.

2Wollongong's coastal cycleway

From McCauleys Beach to Sandon Point Ocean on one side, a creek, grassland and dense vegetation on the other. You will see everything from smaller birds, such as fairy-wrens and finches, through to majestic yellow-tailed black cockatoos that feed in the trees next to the cycleway. If you're lucky, you might even see one

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1. Violet snail at Sandon Point.

2. Humpback at Bulli.

3. Blue dragon.

4. Nankeen kestrel aloft.

5. Lyrebird in the escarpment.

6. Green catbird.

7. Nankeen kestrel.

8. Yellow-tailed black cockatoo.

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of the local raptors, such as the white-bellied sea eagle, come in with a fish between its talons or a black-shouldered kite feasting on a freshly caught rodent!

Don’t be afraid to get down on the sand either – the flotsam is always fascinating and earlier this year there were plenty of oceangoing critters washed up, including blue bottles, blue buttons and blue dragon nudibranchs!

3The Sea Cliff Bridge

What's not to love?

The soaring escarpment and the ocean!

Dolphins, whales, seals, sea birds such as Australasian gannets and albatross, little penguins, sooty oystercatchers and whitebellied sea eagles may all be seen here. Smaller birds of prey, such as nankeen kestrels, hover

just off from the bridge and can even be seen perched on the railing as you walk or drive by.

4The Illawarra Escarpment

Take a track less travelled.

The famous Sublime Point track is a killer walk, both visually AND physically. But there are also loads of other incredible walks with a great diversity of wildlife – just walk quietly and take lots of breaks to let the animals get used to your presence. The Wodi Wodi Track, the Forest Walk and the Lower Escarpment Trail all feature a mix of dry eucalypt forest and dense rainforest.

Swamp wallabies, lyrebirds, satin bowerbirds and green catbirds are some of the highlights.

Photos: Amanda De George

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Gourmet trail

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Eat &k drin

Coast South treats

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Indulgence Guide Treat yourself this winter – follow our gourmet trail!

The South Coast in winter: it is crisp, fresh ocean air with a lingering smell of chocolate and cheese. It is the warm and inviting hospitality of local food artisans and their equally welcoming open fireplaces. Wine-tasting here, whiskytasting rooms there – what’s not to love about a South Coast winter? Get out of your cosy bed, into the fresh air and have a wonderful time exploring our Winter Indulgence Gourmet Trail.

Cheese, 1Specialty IGA Thirroul

275 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul Touring the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive? Make your next picnic break a gourmet one thanks to the wide range of international and Australian cheeses to choose from at IGA’s cheese and deli counter – something of a local secret and an unexpected treat in a village supermarket.

2AppleShack farm store

Glenbernie Orchard, 259 Darkes Forest Road, Darkes Forest Taste and buy drinks from the award-winning Darkes Cider range, brewed from fruit picked at this fourth-generation family farm. For a nonalcoholic option, try ‘Little Blue’. Plus, find honey, honey mead made from local bush honey, apple cider vinegar, jams, relishes – the list goes on.

Map & photos by Lara McCabe

Barrel 3Five Brewing,

318 Keira Street, Wollongong This micro-brewery is celebrating its second birthday. The range of craft brew styles include Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Extra Special Bitter and more.

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The Cooperative 1888

18 Belinda Street, Gerringong The former site of a dairy co-op, this historic building now hosts functions and a distillery

room. Add a visit to your list for tastings of beer, whisky and other fine spirits.

Berry 5The Donut Van

73 Queen Street, Berry If you haven’t heard of the Berry Donut Van ... well, we don’t know what to tell you – other than get there quickly for donuts made to order and deliciously rich milkshakes.

6Berry Chocolatier

113 Queen Street, Berry Boutique handmade chocolates and premium Genovese coffee. If that’s not enough, there are handmade cakes and slices, followed by gelato and sorbet.

Valley Fudge House 7Kangaroo & Ice Creamery

1/ 162 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley This cute original cottage is the home of awardwinning brittles and gluten-free fudges cooked in store, gourmet ice-cream, coffee and more.

8Silos Estate

B640 Princes Highway, Berry Silos is a picturesque working vineyard located on an original dairy farm dating back to 1870.

Take a proper break and book one of the wonderful cabins alongside the vineyard.

Wander down to taste the fruits of their labour at the cellar door and spectacular gourmet dishes from the award-winning restaurant.

9Coolangatta Estate

1335 Bolong Road, Coolangatta Prepare to be wowed in the foothills of Mount Coolangatta! Wine, fine dining and history will compel you to make an extended visit to Coolangatta Estate. The cellar door has

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estate-grown wines, you can stroll the historic grounds of the original convict-built village and feel yourself relax as you take in the expansive vineyard views.

10Two Figs Winery

Corner Bolong & Back Forest roads, 12km from Berry Established in 2003, this boutique winery and vineyard is atop of one of Mount Coolangatta’s foothills and has spectacular views over the Shoalhaven River. The Two Figs cellar door selection includes cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, chambourcin and verdelho.

Enjoy a plate of local produce with a glass of premium hand-made wine, seated at a scenic picnic table.

11Cambewarra Estate

520 Illaroo Road, Bangalee Visit this second-generation family winery set in the foothills of Cambewarra Mountain. Cellar door wine tasting can take you through the wine range, which includes chardonnay, verdelho, petite rouge, through to chambourcin and cabernet sauvignon.

12Woodstock Chocolate Co.

Shop 6 / 23 Wason Street, Milton For hand-made artisan chocolate, ingredients including fine highest-grade Belgian chocolate, plus local ingredients and their own homegrown produce.

13Cupitt’s Winery

58 Washburton Road (off Slaughterhouse Road), Milton/Ulladulla At Cupitt’s Fromagerie, established in 2015, traditional techniques are used to make a wonderful range of cheeses onsite. With all the milk sourced from local farms, the Fromagerie specialises in a large range of cow and goat’s milk cheeses. On to the cellar door for wine tasting, the Cupitt family create their wines from estate grown and grapes sourced from surrounding districts.

14Bawley Vale Estate

226 Bawley Point Road, Bawley Point For the last stop on our indulgence map, Bawley Vale Estate provides a stylish tasting room to sample their range of chardonnay, verdelho, rosé, sparkling rosé, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, cabernet/shiraz.

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Grape potential Lara McCabe spoke to wine expert Leigh Dryden about the Shoalhaven Coast vineyards.

June’s Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Festival was called off, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from discovering our wonderful South Coast wineries. We asked a local expert to tell us more.

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Leigh Dryden and along with my partner, Brunehilde (Brune) Reillant, we own and manage a wine-importing, wholesale and distribution company [Decante This]. I started the company in Zurich, Switzerland in 2009, we are now based on the South Coast in Gerroa.

Brune moved to Australia a year ago and joined the company as our director of wine.

How did you get involved in the wine industry?

I am a serial wine tragic and have been involved in wine professionally for many years.

Born behind the vineyards of Brown Brothers in Milawa, Victoria, you could say wine was in my vines at a very early age. I completed my first degree in agricultural economics, intending to be a smart farmer, but somehow the corporate world got hold of me and I built up my business experience, spending over 25 years working for the likes of The Coca-Cola Company. This also allowed me to travel extensively, experiencing the best of the world of wine along the way.

Brune is a true daughter of Burgundy, born in Dijon, France and a winemaker in her own right.

Brune got the bug early, completing her first harvest in Marsannay when she was 17. Brune is professionally trained; her studies and passion focussed on developing her wine making and

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1. Leigh Dryden, of Decante This.

2. Brune Reillant at Crooked River Winery.

3. Frosty morning at Coolangatta Estate.

4. Note to self: go wine-tasting this winter!

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Photos: Decante This

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viticultural skills, firstly in Beaune and then in Reims, where she also completed her degree in international wine and spirit marketing.

For us, it’s all about the passion we share together for this amazing thing we call wine – it’s in our blood.

individuality. For the South Coast, the focus has to be to determine what wine is truly the regional hero and develop that focus – for us, this is semillon.

We should also see the application of greater sustainable viticultural practices.

How does the Shoalhaven compare to other Australian wine regions?

The Shoalhaven has great potential to become a great wine region as – despite its maritime climate – it can produce, with the right care and attention, some outstanding wines.

It is still a very young wine region and there needs to be significant change by many of the local wine makers about what they are doing to support its development. Being Sydney’s closest wine region, it still remains for many an undiscovered gem that will need a lot more support, collaboration and marketing to be taken seriously as a genuine wine destination.

What is your stand-out South Coast winery?

Coolangatta Estate. The great man Greg Bishop is a true pioneer of the region and without his contribution the region would not be where it is today. Currently, Coolangatta Estate is the only wine maker in the region that does not buy grapes in from other areas of Australia.

Coolangatta Estate is entirely estate grown, so is a true representation of the style and quality of the wines that can be produced in our region.

A visit to the Coolangatta Estate cellar door for wine tasting is a must.

What are the wine trends worldwide – and what does this mean for the Shoalhaven?

We are seeing the continued rise of biodynamic, organic and biological wines, especially in Germany and France, with many young wine makers returning to more traditional and kinder practices. Wine makers are moving away from the production of a vast array of wines, sweetstyled wines, and creating wines of terroir and

What’s on the agenda for Decante This?

We are all about presenting wines of quality, authenticity, terroir and difference as we want to bring the best of the best to the South Coast and share these with friends and clients. We will continue to develop our educational focus on wine. We will be rolling out a series of events … we are also very excited to open our new cellar door and warehouse in Gerringong mid 2018.

Check out @decantethis on Facebook & Instagram, visit www.decantethis.com.

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Beautiful bushwalks

Stanwell Park author Sue Whiting shares her favourite tracks.

Stanwell Park author Sue Whiting has written 65 books for children since she was first published in 2000. Her latest story is Missing, a moving tale of secrets and suspense that tugs at the heartstrings.

“I have written a great variety of stories, but I think if I am true to myself, I like a tearjerker, I like a story that has a lot of emotional impact,” Sue told the South Coaster.

“Missing is for 10- to 14-year-olds and it’s about a girl called Mackenzie da Luca, and she’s 12.

It’s the story of Mackenzie, whose mother goes missing in the jungles of Panama. Her mother is a bat biologist, so she is often overseas.

“The story starts 114 days after she goes missing and Dad wakes up Mackenzie in the middle of the night and says, ‘We’re going to Panama, pack your things.’ Her father is obviously desperate to find out what’s happened to his wife, but Mackenzie is equally desperate to make sure he doesn’t – and that’s what the story is about.

“It flips backwards and forwards between the then and the now, Panama and Sydney …

“The main question I was looking at was, what do you hope for when there is no hope? Which is a really sad premise, but I had to find a positive out of that and have hope at the end.

“It’s about resilience, and I think that’s really important when you’re writing for kids, that kids have the good and the bad – life’s not just good things, or exciting things, there are times of tragedy and great sadness. We live in really uncertain, tricky times now and it’s important that we have books where kids can develop some strategies and see that people do come through these things.

“You might be changed, the world might be

different, but you do come out the other end and you can find joy again.”

Sue – who has lived on the South Coast for 30 years – kindly shared three of her favourite walking tracks.

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OTFORD TO GARIE BEACH, SOUTHERN SECTION OF THE ROYAL COAST TRACK The Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford Lookout is a well-known two-day trek, but if you aren’t quite up to the logistics of this, a great alternative is to start at Otford Lookout and take the track to Garie Beach in the Royal National Park. The track is well marked and has some steep sections, but the payoff is the spectacular views across the Tasman Sea. And if you time your walk to coincide with the humpback whale migration (May to November) you might also be rewarded with a humpback or two breaching or showing off doing back-flips! This section of the walk takes about three hours and requires organising car drop-offs if you aren’t keen on doing the return trip on foot.

Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Garie Beach.

READ THE BOOKS!

Sue is a former primary school teacher who really knows her audience! She writes children’s books for all ages – from picture books to young adult fiction. Her latest, Missing, is published by Walker Books. Visit suewhiting.com.

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Forest Walk

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THE FOREST WALK: SUBLIME POINT TO STANWELL PARK One of my favourite walks along the Illawarra Escarpment is the Forest Walk from Sublime Point Lookout to Stanwell Park. This 11-kilometre walk winds across the top of the escarpment through dry eucalypt forests, impressive stands of Gymea lilies and colourful arrays of wildflowers. The early sections are relatively flat and include boardwalks over swampy areas.

At various points, you come within cooee of the cliff edge and can divert to lookouts for stunning ocean and coastal vistas. The highlight for me is reaching the top of Mount Mitchell above Stanwell Park – a great place to perch atop of the rocky outcrops for a picnic with a view – before descending into the village.

Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ things-to-do/walking-tracks/forest-walk-tosublime-point-track

GERRINGONG TO KIAMA COAST WALK Growing up, my family had an onsite van at East’s Beach Caravan Park, so as a child I spent many hours roaming the grassy hills and rocky beaches along this track (before it was a track). So for me, this walk is as nostalgic as it is breathtaking. Starting at the northern end of Werri Beach, the track winds up dale and down, though grassy paddocks, past grazing dairy cows, along cliff tops, across sandy beaches and rock platforms, through some suburban streets, and finishes up at the Kiama Blowhole.

The walk is well marked, 11kms long and takes about 3-4 hours (one way). I like to take the train to Gerringong and time the walk to coincide with the arrival of a train homeward bound from Kiama. A great day out! (Please note that the Werri Beach end can be problematic after heavy rain when the lagoon may open out to sea.)

Visit www.visitkiama.com.au.

Kiama Coast Walk

Photos: Sue Whiting, Kiama Municipal Council (Kiama Coast Walk); John Spencer/OEH (Forest Walk)

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Winter Calendar Food Pie Time Tuck into a pie at the Pie Time festival in the Southern Highlands throughout June. With Paddock to Plate tours, Pie and Pinot pairings and an exhibition of vintage pie-making equipment at Berrima District Museum.

www.southern-highlands. com.au

Chilli and Chocolate Get your sweet and spicy fix at the annual Nowra Chilli and Chocolate Festival held on Sunday, 29 July (9.30am– 3.30pm) at the Archer Racecourse, Nowra. chillichocolatenowra.info

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Out & About FUN TO RUN June 24: Kiama Coastal Classic. Run past rolling green hills, rugged coastline and a South Coast icon, the Kiama Blowhole. With 2.5km, 10km or 14km races.

July 29: Mountain to Mountain Challenge. Run 13.6km from the base of Mt Keira to the heights of Mt Kembla. This year there is also a 7km option.

Your reward: stunning escarpment and coastal views of Wollongong.

August 19: Husky Half Running Festival. Run a flat, fast course on the scenic shores of Jervis Bay. Take on a half marathon, or jog 2km or 5km instead!

Festivals Max Mannix exhibition Articles Fine Art Gallery in Stanwell Park will hold a landmark show of recent works by Max Mannix, famed for his insightful, humourous depictions of life in the outback (in his youth, Max worked as a shearer, drover and cattle station manager). Attend the launch on Saturday, June 23, from noon, and you may get to meet the artist himself! This major exhibition of Mannix’s work will be on until July 1.

Articles Fine Art Gallery, (02) 4294 2491

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Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Laugh yourself silly at Wollongong Town Hall on June 29-30. Comics include Matt Okine and Aaron Chen; expect a top night of stand-up, sketch and song. www.comedyfestival. com.au

Jamberoo Music Festival Tap your toes at this boutique blues and roots festival with a bit of country music to boot. More than 100 musicians will play in three intimate venues in the scenic village of Jamberoo on July 21. www.jamberoomusic festival.com

ON YOUR BIKE!

Lauren Martin picks 3 top off-road biking spots.

Helensburgh Community Mountain Bike Trail. The 2km loop trail starts on the grass behind Rex Jackson Oval, traverses banked berms and jumps, then into bushland for a fun trail ride.

Park at the carpark next to the Helensburgh Skate Park. Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club holds meets on the first and third Saturday of the month. All welcome.

Lady Carrington Drive, Royal National Park.

A great track for beginner mountain bikers and families, this beautiful 10km fire trail along a river heads south from Audley. Ride out-and-back, making it 20km, or park a car at either end. With lots of lovely rest and picnic spots.

Green Valleys Mountain Bike Park. This downhill mountain bike park is on private property at the foothills of Macquarie Pass, outside Albion Park.

Gravity Days run on selected weekends, require booking and payment for a shuttle service up the mountain – all you have to do is ride down! It’s free to push your bike up the hill any day from 9am-4pm. greenvalleysmountain bikepark.com

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Coledale Markets 4th Sunday of month, 9am-3pm, Coledale Public School, 699 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale.

Foragers Market Bulli Sundays 9am-2pm. Bulli Showground.

Eat Street Thursdays, 5-9pm.

Crown St Mall, Wollongong.

Warrawong Markets Saturdays, 7am-1pm, by the Lake, Northcliff Drive, Warrawong.

Shellharbour Village Harbourside Markets 4th Sun of month, Little Park, Addison Street, Shellharbour Village.

The Farms Market 1st Sunday of month 10am-3pm, Killalea Drive, Killalea State Park.

Jamberoo Village Markets Last Sun of month, 8am-3pm, Reid Park, cnr Allowrie and Churchill Streets, Jamberoo.

Kangaroo Valley Farmers Markets 2nd Sunday of the month, 8.30am-1pm, 165 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley.

Kiama Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday, in winter 2-5pm, Coronation Park, Surf Beach, 72 Manning Street, Kiama.

Gerringong Village Markets 3rd Sat of month, 8am-2pm, Gerringong Town Hall, Fern St. Berry Produce Market 2nd Saturday + 4th Sunday of month, Andrew Place Park.

Shoalhaven Heads Seafood and Fresh Produce Fair Every Sat, 8am-1pm, Heads Hotel, River Rd, Shoalhaven Heads.

Pyree Village Art & Handmade Market 4th Sunday of month, 888 Greenwell Point Rd, Pyree.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Market 1st Sat of month, 8am1pm, Woollamia Rd, Huskisson.

Huskisson Market 2nd Sunday of the month, Huskisson Sports Ground cnr Huskisson Road and Kiola Street, Huskisson.

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Markets

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