Issue 07

COASTIESMAG.COM.AU

OCT | NOV 21

COASTIES THE LIFESTYLE MAG FOR THE CENTRAL COAST

INSIDE

, ON .

C’M ME KE !

E TA E FR I’M

FREEDOM DAY HAS ARRIVED ON THE COAST FANTASTIC AL FRESCO BRUNCH SPOTS DOG-FRIENDLY CAMPING PICKS FOR SPRING

CROWNE PLAZA TERRIGAL PACIFIC @HUBJACK70

ISSUE 07

G’DAY Well, that was unexpected, wasn’t it?

Just as we felt like the pandemic was well and truly behind us after a tough 2020, the C-word reared its ugly head once more. And for the past four months it has raged through NSW, locking us into our homes and keeping us apart from our nearest and dearest.

I can’t be alone in thinking lockdown 2.0 was incredibly challenging.

Thankfully, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Freedom Day has been granted. And we’re now able to enjoy our region once more as local businesses - that’ve had their doors closed since June - are finally able to open again.

And what a homecoming it is! A time to eat, drink, play and stay in all our favourite spots across the Central Coast. So, let’s get out there, support local and push some much needed dollar into our economy. But most of all, have some fun along the way. We bloody deserve it!

Founder & Editor Amy

CONTRIBUTORS OAK STREET IMAGES | DELICIA SMITH NIKKI TIEDEMAN

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ISOBEL GOODWIN-MOORE

INSIDE EAT

CONTACT US Editor & Founder Amy Nelmes Bissett

hello@coastiesmag.com Suite 1/220 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW 2250

12

A NEW STYLISH COAST CAFE TO TRY SHARPISH

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AL FRESCO BRUNCHING AT ITS FINEST

EXPLORE

WE’RE ONLINE For your daily inspiration of fun things to do on the Coast, new openings, the best restaurants and cafes and so much more, visit coastiesmag.com.au

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A GUIDE TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF UMINA

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DOG-FRIENDLY CAMPING SPOTS ON THE COAST

FOLLOW US Give us a follow and tag us in your pictures as we love to share them with our 10,000 followers. We’re @coastiesmag on both Instagram & Facebook

LOCAL 34

NEW RESTAURANT & CAFE OPENINGS IN OUR REGION

39

INSIDE THE MOST SUPERIOR SPA ON THE CENTRAL COAST

Coasties is an independent publication. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without permission. All information found in this magazine is for information only, and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of printing.

Coasties does not accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in information.

EAT The Box on the Water, Ettalong. Image supplied

And just like that, we have a new contender for trendiest cafe on the Coast. Unexpected curveball: It’s not in Terrigal, Long Jetty or Avoca, but in the unlikely spot of Warnervale. Let’s go...

BRUNCH

Food

Palladium Social Eatery 47/2 Warren Road, Warnervale NSW 2259 palladiumsocial.com.au

Woah there. The Palladium menu is bumper in size and variety. Yes, there’s the usual breakfast offering of eggs, bacon and avo toast. But if you’re looking for something a bit different, then there’s also sprouted buckwheat muesli for the healthy of us and fried chicken waffles for the hearty. The lunch menu also punches, with towering burgers, pulled beef salad and loaded fries.

Bring a decent appetite, for sure.

Drinks The coffee bean choice is to be celebrated: Will & Co from Bondi.

And while, sure, it isn’t local; it is delicious. There’s also kombucha, cold-press juices and some mighty milkshakes.

The Other Stuff For the early risers, Palladium Social Eatery opens at 5.30am everyday from Tuesday to Saturday. The brunch menu is also available all day, every day.

And this is a child-friendly spot, even if the trendy interiors might make you feel that it isn’t.

All images supplied

Rating: Substance & Style Suitable for:

Kids

Dates

Friends

Gossy’s growing, but it’s the old favourites, like the mighty South End Social, that always keep us coming back for more.

LUNCH

Food

South End Social Shop 1/32 Mann St, Gosford NSW 2250 southendsocial.com.au

Brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.

South End Social has it all. But today, let’s descend onto the stylish eatery for a spot of lunch. A winner in our eyes is the souvlaki pita. Each is packed with a choice of slow roasted lamb shoulder, falafel or grilled chicken and topped with traditional Greek sauces like tzatziki or eggplant dip. Truly delicious. Pair with a vino and nab an outdoor seat, and well, spring has firmly arrived.

Drinks Yes, you can pick one of the many Australian and French wines available, or level up your lunch and go for a cocktail. The pomegranate fizz has us truly forgetting the winter of discontent. You know what we’re getting at.

The Other Stuff Kids are welcome, but this is a place to enjoy a cheeky day date or a long lunch with girlfriends.

Go on, treat yourself to a cocktail-fuelled lunch. You deserve it. Double drinks for those who home schooled.

All images supplied

Rating: Cracking menu Suitable for:

Dates

Friends

AL FRESCO BRUNCHING The biggest signifier of spring? Outdoor dining.

And here’s who does it well

The Point Cafe, Avoca. Image supplied

ISOBEL GOODWIN-MOORE

Spring has sprung and lockdown has been lifted, which means that long brunches in the morning sun are back on. We’ve handpicked our top seven Coast breakfast spots that not only nail the incredible brunch brief, but also offer outstanding views of our favourite beaches and waterways.

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga Looking out over the sparkling Patonga waters towards Sydney’s Northern Beaches, The Boathouse Hotel Patonga serves one of the most delicious breakfast menus on the Coast. The super popular and flavourful mushroom and eggs dish features potato rosti, tomato, poached eggs and salsa verde.

Oh-so perfect for veggie lovers.

(6-8 Patonga Dr, Patonga)

The Box on the Water, Ettalong. Image supplied

Point Cafe, Avoca Beach

The BOX on the Water, Ettalong

After enjoying a swim or surf at Avoca Beach, the Point Cafe is the perfect spot to cool off and grab an irresistible, Instagramable bite to eat. The donut french toast with a Nutella crumb, white chocolate anglaise, shards of chocolate and fresh berries is not to be missed, but neither is the keep-it-relaxed eggs on toast. Win win.

(10 Vine St, Avoca Beach)

The Box, as the locals call it, offers panoramic water views of the Ettalong foreshore in a stylish space that serves modern Australian cuisine. And while you can come for lunch or dinner, it truly shines at brunch. The menu is extensive, but our go-to is always the spicy scrambled eggs. Add in a mimosa and life is looking good again.

(The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach)

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga. Image supplied

Aromas On Sea, Terrigal

Avoca Sands Cafe, Avoca Beach

Aromas On Sea sits right on the very doorstep of Terrigal Beach, making it the perfect spot to eat after soaking up all that sweet morning sunshine.

The Belgian waffles are sinfully covered in brownie bites, maple syrup, maple glazed nuts and seeds, fresh berries and ice cream. It’s divinely good for the soul, if not entirely for the waistline.

(40 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal)

It’s no secret that Avoca Beach is packed with great spots for coffee, and one of our favourites has to be Avoca Sands Cafe. The friendly team roast their own blend and it is oh-so good. Grab a bacon and egg roll at the same time, and your morning is made.

We generally take them to go and sit on the beach. The perfect spot.

(85 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach)

Cove Cafe, Terrigal Perched right on the edge of Terrigal Haven’s foreshore makes Cove Cafe one of the only Terrigal cafes where you could almost dip your toes in the water. Journey across the new boardwalk and you’ll find yourself at this cosy hideaway, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise cove.

Trading seven days a week from 6:30am, you can sit and soak up the scenery from the cafe or enjoy a takeaway thanks to the newly renovated kiosk.

(Scenic Hwy, Terrigal)

Usui Cafe, The Entrance The Entrance’s Usui Cafe is a bit of a hidden gem. This pocket of a cafe, with views of the sparkling stunning inlet, offers organic food and amazing juices. Try the homemade watermelon, lime and mint sparkling soda. It’s best to sit at one of the tables outside to take full advantage of the water views on show. (Shop 1/4 Marine Parade, The Entrance)

PSST.

Top, Cove Cafe.

Bottom, Usui.

Images supplied

If you decide to visit any of these restaurants, why not tag us in on social?

@coastiesmag

#coastiesmag

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SCAN FOR MENU

| BRUNCH

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LUNCH

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DINNER

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COCKTAILS |

FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB HAPPY HOUR 4PM TIL 6PM | BAR SNACKS TILL 9PM | DINNER 6PM TIL 9PM

1/32 MANN ST, GOSFORD NSW 2250

SOUTHENDSOCIAL.COM.AU

EXPLORE

Get Ready, Umina has Arrived It’s no longer the inferior choice of peninsula towns.

Spend a day here and you’ll soon know why...

AMY NELMES BISSETT

It’s always been firmly down the pecking order of peninsula towns, hasn’t it? Ettalong has the best foodie scene. Woy Woy is the top pick for shopping. And Patonga’s allure was cemented with the arrival of the Boathouse. Umina was always kind of a so-so option.

But slowly and surely, Umina’s main street, West Street, is transforming.

A kitsch ice-cream shop, a trendy ceramicist with a cafe and even the arrival of the millennium pink Bouffant bakery has upped its offering in recent times. Yep, Umina is back in the race.

So, if you’re looking for a guide to the very best of Umina then look no further. Let’s go…

MORNING There’s something special about Ocean Beach, the beach that runs the length of Umina, first thing in the morning. To take true advantage of a sunrise here, join the free Saturday morning meditation at the front of the Surf Lifesavers from 6.30am to 7am. It’s run by Making Meditation Mainstream (makingmeditationmainstream. com.au).

Left, Sundae Sesh. Right, Centred Ceramics. Images supplied Left, Frankie's Rooftop. Right, Tropicana Pizza Pizza. Images supplied

Next it’s time for an ocean swim before grabbing breakfast from Jasmine Park Kiosk (Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Sydney Ave, Umina). While it might not look much from the outside, here you’ll find the freshest fare in Umina and set in a playground with a bike track for kids of all ages. Try the Brasserie Bread topped with avocado, toasted seeds, feta and herbs. It’s a firm favourite.

And the coffee really is a winner.

Now let’s treat yo self to some rest and relaxation and there’s no better place than the peaceful sanctuary that is CryoPlus (6/204 West St, Umina Beach). It has floating tanks, an infrared sauna and, of course, full body Cryotherapy, which is essentially plunging yourself into icy temperatures to help with everything from boosting immunity to fighting stress.

MIDDAY

The sun has set and it’s now time to load up on BBQ meats and outstanding cocktails at smokehouse eatery Sounds On West (2/227-231 West St, Umina Beach). Try the burgers. We reckon they’re some of the best on the Coast.

It’s time to head over to Centered Ceramics (246 West St, Umina Beach) to learn the art of wheel throwing and pottery making.

There’s a whole range of classes available, from one-hour beginners to a three-hour plant pot making class. Best bit? The on-site cafe has incredible coffee and a wide range of freshly baked treats for the perfect low-key lunch.

EVENING

To finish off the perfect day in Umina, it has to be a visit to Sundae Sesh (258 West St, Umina Beach), a multicoloured ice-cream parlour with a huge variety of flavours and even unicorn sundaes.

Bindi & Minka's doggy picks Get planning for spring and beyond with these dog-friendly campsites, recommended by the insta-famous @bindi_and_minka

Two Shores Holiday Village

Toowoon Bay Holiday Park

If ‘absolute waterfront’ sounds like your kind of camping, then Two Shores in The Entrance is the place to be. The biggest plus is that all cabins, powered and unpowered sites are dog friendly. (twoshoresholidayvillage.com.au)

Pups are welcome at the powered camping sites within this resort-styled holiday park that’s just a stones throw from both Toowoon Bay and Shelly Beach. Plus, there’s even a pool. (toowoonbayhp.com.au)

Norah Head Holiday Park

Budgewoi Holiday Park

For those with fur babies and human littlies, Norah Head Holiday Park is a stellar spot.

A wading pool for kids and plenty of dog-friendly walks nearby. (norahheadhp.com.au)

Located on Lake Munmorah foreshore, this is the place for all things boating and fishing.

Furry friends are welcome if you are bringing a tent or caravan. (budgewoihp.com.au)

Incredible image courtesy of Dave Gosling

Coasties Weekend Walk

DAVISTOWN

60

WATERFRONT

MINUTES

BEGINNER

While the Coasties Weekend Walk is usually dedicated to a bushwalk, we thought we’d mix it up with a lesserknown waterfront walk for this issue.

The best place to park is at the Pirate Playground, which is found at the southern end of Davistown at 2 Illoura Reserve.

Davistown is almost a forgotten pocket, found at the end of the three villages peninsula that’s also made up of Saratoga and Yattalunga.

From here, you’ll follow the grassy bank that encases Brisbane Waters.

The walk takes you all the way to the furthest end of Davistown, cutting through a designated dog park, and then to Lintern St Wharf where you’ll loop back on yourself.

And here you’ll find a relatively easy walk as its totally flat, but it’s one with outstanding views of the waterways that surround the area. However, take a note of the tides as this spot really looks its best at high tide.

Looking for a spot of lunch? Then head over to The Dart & Feather for oysters and some well-deserved bubbles.

Staycation DON’T

HAVE

TO

GO

FAR

TO

GET

AWAY

The Growers Cottage. Image supplied

YOU

THE

GROWERS

SLEEPS

FROM

COTTAGE

2

This incredible cottage is surrounded by orange trees, veggie patches and herb gardens and it truly comes alive in late spring with bright blooms.

$328

For a full list of the best farm stays on the Central Coast, visit: Coastiesmag.com.au or scan the QR code.

The Growers Cottage can be found in Lower Mangrove, and it is a flawlesslydesigned one-bedroom, one-bathroom space surrounded by almost two kilometres of bushland. Talk about getting away from it all.

The best bit? It’s not only one of the most luxurious farm stays in NSW, but there’s also an outdoor bath where you can soak and stargaze at the same time.

Leave the kids at home for this one. It’s a retreat for adults. (Airbnb)

LITTLE COASTIES

Ruby’s Home Store is an eclectic mix of quirky homewares, statement décor, classic coastal living and best of British design.

Quality homewares online that you will LOVE.

www.rubyshomestore.com.au

Follow us on Instagram @rubys_homestore

LOCAL

new openings Opening in a pandemic? Let’s raise a glass to these new business who recently opened their doors AMY NELMES BISSETT

Studio Lane, Erina

Nash Restaurant & Bar

Slick and cool. That’s the name of the game at this new cafe that recently opened in Erina. There’s specialised coffee on offer as well as seriously gourmet treats. Go check them out and say we sent you. (4/185 The Entrance Road Erina)

Opening mid-pandemic, Nash Restaurant & Bar in Ettalong Beach had to make do offering takeaway meals during lockdown. But it’s now time to shine as it opens the doors for dine-in. The menu is outstanding. (1/382 Oceanview Road, Ettalong Beach)

Smash You, Erina

Sorrisos, Toukley

The Coast’s first ever smash and splash room has opened. Grab a baseball bat and smash up a whole room. Or load up with a bucket of paint and splash the walls.

Whatever you choose you’ll get rid of that pent-up lockdown anger you hold within. (smashyou.com.au)

This brand new Italian will open in the heart of Toukley at the end of October, just in time for summer.

It’s a great addition to the evergrowing foodie scene in the area, brought to us by the same team behind Dunes by Dish in Soldiers Beach. (thedishgroup.com.au)

The Cnr., Woy Woy There’s toasties and then there’s specialised toasties packed full of the finest ingredients. That’s what you’ll find at the newest cafe over on the peninsula. Try ‘The Troppo’ which is packed with shaved ham, pineapple, tasty cheese with jalapeño and tequila relish on sourdough. Game changers.

(63 Trafalgar Ave, Woy Woy )

PSST. Want to keep in the know about the latest openings on the Coast? Visit our website at coastiesmag.com.au

Studio Lane. Image by @bethcolemann

h a r Smaeets .

Kristal Naividi of Coastal Lawyers. Inset: Sarah Forster

From her public housing roots to becoming the Coast’s leading lawyer, Kristal Naividi has had an incredible journey. Star 104.5’s breakfast host Sarah Forster (@sarahamyforster) finds out more

As a lawyer, if people joke that they’d consider committing a crime just to hang out with you, you must be doing something right. And that’s exactly the case for Coastal Lawyers founder Kristal Naividi. A lawyer who broke the mould with a pathway to the courtroom that wasn’t what you might expect. “I grew up in public housing, not far from [Sydney’s] Long Bay jail. I was surrounded by alcoholism and lots of violence,” recalls the mother of three. “No one in my immediate family had even finished high school let alone gone to university.”

From as young as she can remember, her family life was turbulent. “A lot of kids who have a similar upbringing to me might go down the same path because they don’t see any other way.

There’s a risk you can get stuck in that cycle,” Kristal says. “But I just knew I didn’t want to be like that, and I didn’t want to live that life.”

Supporting herself as a Target cashier though her senior years at high school, Kristal knew she wanted to be a lawyer.

She explains, “But the reality was that I wasn’t going to be able to go to uni and still support myself. So, I did the next best thing, which was to become a legal secretary.”

It was there that Kristal took a major step towards making her dream of becoming a lawyer a reality, and found a Diploma in Law course that she could do part time. “It was perfect, because I went to work in the day, studied each night and did weekend school. I just chipped away at it, paying one subject at a time until I eventually got it done,” Kristal explains.

After graduation, came almost a decade of climbing the ranks as a criminal prosecutor. Until motherhood changed Kristal’s perspective. “Once I had kids, the vicarious trauma of work started to get to me a bit. It was harder to detach, which was really dangerous in terms of burn out,” she explains.

Around the same time, Kristal’s husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. “It shook my world and it shook his as well,” she tells.

Three years on and with hubby in remission, Kristal sees it all as a blessing in disguise because it gave her the push she needed to take the plunge and start her own legal firm, Coastal Lawyers, located in Gosford.

This is where Kristal’s past plays a big part in what she does now, “I see little bits of my story in so many of my clients’ stories. I’ve experienced alcoholism, family violence, mental health. I’ve got a brother who is in jail. So I understand the complicated emotions and perhaps shame that can be associated with that.”

“The feedback I always get from my clients is that they felt really heard by me and that’s my goal. Because a lot of the time, people just want somebody to listen to their story and feel like they’ve actually been heard.”

Coastal Lawyers 2/2 Watt Street, Gosford coastallawyers.com.au 1300 271 289

. . . o t t i s i v A Let’s be real, the nearest we’ve got to pampering in recent months is a warm shower and a DIY facemask (if you’re lucky). Now, it’s time to level it up with the Coast’s leading spa.

Let us take you to Vie Spa, Pullman Magenta Shores.

Found in our region’s leading hotel, within the five-star Pullman Magenta Shores, is a secret world that only a few seem to take advantage of - Vie Spa. We’re talking about the very best day spa on the Central Coast. It’s award-winning for a reason.

Here you can unlock a truly indulgent experience that your post-lockdown self really does need. There’s an extensive treatment menu, friendly staff and it is a truly tranquil space.

Our top pick? We’ll be going for the Magenta Indulgence, with body polish, facial massage, foot restoration massage, facemask and more. It’s the ultimate ‘I’m ready to be back in the world’ experience. Go on, you deserve it.

Vie Spa 1 Magenta Dr, Magenta NSW 2261 pullmanmagentashores.com.au (02) 4352 8121

BEAUTY HONESTY BOX THE TREATMENT

WHY IS IT SPECIAL?

Sunny Skin Super Sun SPF50.

Sunny Skin Super Sun SPF50 is a natural, vegan and 100 percent mineral-based, chemical-free SPF, free from potential irritants and health hazards including, chemical UV filters, fragrances, parabens and preservatives.

WHAT IS IT? Brand new SPF50 sunscreen created right here on the Central Coast by local skincare expert, Danielle McDonald. It’s been specially formulated to fight back against the nasties and sun damage our face soaks up every day.

IS IT ANY GOOD?

WHO IS IT FOR?

It soaks straight into your skin and leaves your face feeling dewy. It really is a winning choice.

Anyone who goes out in the sun.

McDonald is passionate about teaching Coasties about the importance of wearing sunscreen.

Sunny Skin Super Sun SPF50 is available now at sunnyskin.com and costs $46.

@coastiesmag Go on, give us a follow us on Facebook and Instagram for your daily inspo of awesome things to do on the Coast. Oh, and we’ll let you in on a secret: @coastiesmag always has epic giveaways

s e t i r u o v a Loca l F

Nikki Tiedeman is the powerhouse behind the Slow Coaching Co. (slowcoachingco.com). She lives in Wamberal with her two-year-old son, Sonny, and husband Matt. Here are Nikki’s local favourites for good ol’ Wambie...

EAT For a healthy and hearty working lunch and really great coffee it has to be the back-street cafe of Three Donkeys. There is a saying that you can’t be local to Wambi if you don’t frequent Sal & Co for their killer breakfasts. I definitely back this! And for a special evening, it has to be Suq Restaurant, which is outstanding and serves wonderful and unique dishes.

We also love Lagune Artisan Pizza Co. that has all the simplicity a good wood-fired pizza should.

DRINK It has to be Wamberal Ocean View Cafe for a cheeky Saturday arvo rosé.

It has unparalleled views and never gets that busy. It’s a bit of a hidden gem. Breakers has a great beer garden and a huge playground, ideal for day drinks. But let’s face it - we tend to do a lot of drinking from our home these days, thanks to a two year old, and for that we love Distillery Botanica for Moore’s Dry Gin and Mr Black.

PLAY We love being outdoors. Our favourite morning is a walk into Terrigal where we go to Parklife Coffee for a play in the park and a coffee. Or if we’re feeling ambitious, we walk all the way to The Haven, especially when the Trojans are playing.

@HUBJACK70

Issue 07 OCT | NOV

Thank you to all the people that made this issue special.

coastiesmag.com.au

If you would like to be involved in future issues of Coasties contact us at: hello@coastiesmag.com @coastiesmag