South coast holidays: Best staycation spots from Berry to Eden
The global pandemic has changed the way we holiday and it’s been a boon for the local tourism industry. From eco pods to glamping, here are the top locations on the coast.
The South Coast News
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With COVID-19 ruling out overseas travel and south coast communities who rely on tourism hit hard by the flow on effects of the pandemic, it’s the perfect time to plan a staycation getaway.
The south coast has many hidden gems, where you can feel a million miles away from everything while soaking in the pristine coastline and surrounding bush scenery.
Devour local produce while you recharge your batteries and discover somewhere new close to home.
Here are some of the south coast’s best staycation locations.
TILBA LAKE CAMP, CENTRAL TILBA
Situated between coastal mountains a scenic lake and the pristine ocean, Tilba Lake Camp is off-grid accommodation at its best.
Owners Tim and Rebecca Jones left the fast-paced Sydney lifestyle behind in 2015 to settle on the 4 hectare farm surrounded by rolling green hills.
Mr Jones said they started the business as a way to share the stunning views with others, and have used last year’s downtime to install new up-market tiny homes onsite.
“We were hit hard by bushfires, COVID and floods which would’ve put people off coming here, but because of everything we’ve been through people are making the effort to visit now,” Mr Jones said.
“We’ve also had a surge of pop-up businesses around here like cafes and bars. Showcasing these to our guests is important.
“What’s happened over the last year has driven people to be more creative.”
Mr Jones said the availability of hyperlocal oysters, wines and cheeses help add to the perfect south coast getaway experience.
Their self-contained units are built and run with sustainability as a top priority.
Two of the camp’s eco-pods offer direct ocean views, while the others overlook the beautiful scenery of Tilba.
Mrs Jones said since part of the appeal of the holiday venue was a detox from technology -there are no TVs, but there is Wi-Fi, and books and board games to enjoy on the deck.
Guests also have access to a shared solar-heated swimming pool.
TANJA LAGOON CAMP, TANJA
Set on the edge of a wild coastal lagoon, surrounded by the spotted gum forests of Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tanja Lagoon Camp is glamping at its best.
Run by Loz Hunt and Sam Bright, the camp is jumping on-board the staycation movement by offering discounts to locals looking for a new experience close to home.
“We want to encourage people not to travel far for a holiday,” Ms Hunt said.
“Even though 30 per cent of our market over the years has been Dutch and German travellers, we’ve been really busy since COVID. We’re also currently building two more cabins and a central building which will be a bushfire refuge and a meeting place.
“We’ve got people coming from Pambula and Bega, so we want to support them with a discount of 20 per cent. There’s also loads of retirees coming through the week.
“I’m loving the way we are rethinking the way we travel.”
The camp’s safari style inspiration came from Kooljamon, a Bardi Jawi community owned safari tent camp on North Western Australia.
Its “African Safari” style tents offer luxurious comfort with minimal separation from the sights and sounds of the natural environment.
BAREFOOT, CALLALA BEACH
Barefoot is the quintessential Australian beach house holiday.
Their stunning architecturally designed beach “shack”, truly defines barefoot luxury.
Manager Steve Butler said before the pandemic, 10 per cent of their visitors were from overseas, and locals seeking staycations have filled that gap over the last six months.
“Staycations have been unbelievably popular for us,” he said.
“This year we’ve predominantly had visitors from NSW, because we are just a few hours from Sydney.
“I think people have been in lockdown, and they see us as somewhere different to see that is closer to home.
“Locals are treating Australia as a destination now.”
Barefoot isn’t just luxury accommodation, it also offers a touch of the old, with French doors leading out to its rustic timber decks.
It’s also one of the only locations in this list that allows you to enjoy your staycation with your furry friends.
THE GUEST HOUSE, FOXGROUND NEAR KIAMA
Tucked away in Foxground, The Guest House offers the perfect escape from reality.
After a day of tasting the finest south coast wines, or visiting nearby Kiama you can return to the venue’s very own infinity pool overlooking nearby hills.
The Guest House is also perfect for a winter getaway, and is fully equipped with a fire pit to sit by while you stare at the stars.
Secluded in the hills of a working cattle farm it’s available midweek for couples only, making it perfect for a romantic staycation.
Situated just 10 minutes from both Gerringong and Geroa’s famous beaches, Berry’s cafes and restaurants are also just a short drive away.
THE COVE, SUNSHINE BAY
With ocean views from your bed, you don’t even have to leave your room to soak up the stunning views of Sunshine Bay.
Just a few minutes from Batemans Bay and Batehaven, The Cove offers a two-person spa, complimentary breakfast for your first morning and stunning uninterrupted views.
The Cove is a place where you will quickly feel at home with nature right at your doorstep.
EDROM LODGE, TWOFOLD BAY
Edrom Lodge is full of history and situated in a prime fishing and hiking spot within East Boyd State Forest.
The Lodge is around 35km south of Eden and overlooks Twofold Bay and the mountains beyond.
Built between 1910 and 1913 as a family residence, the lodge sits at the start of the famous Light-to-Light walk from Boyd’s Tower to Green Cape.
It was once the home of turn of the century businessman J.R. Logan and his large family until 1942 when it became a guesthouse for the well to do.
RIVER SONG, PAMBULA BEACH
With ocean views from your bed, River Song makes for the perfect staycation destination.
The privacy offered means you can recharge your batteries and enjoy time with your loved ones to the max.
With breakfast included you can wake up early and watch the sunrise from the comfort of your pillow.
WILDERBERRY COTTAGE, BERRY
Located on top of a hill in Broughton, the Wilderberry Cottage offers unbeatable views of the surrounding bushland.
With Berry just seven minutes down the road, you can indulge in a variety of country cafes and restaurants through the day.
Once the sun has set head outside for a moment of stargazing bliss.
Exclusive, private and surrounded by lush scenery, Wilderberry cottage has been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.
With a double bathtub, wood fire, comfy robes, luxury toiletries, full kitchen, coffee machine, free wi-fi, you‘ll never want to leave.
RIDGE RETREAT, MOLLYMOOK
With Mollymook Beach and a plethora of restaurant options just a five-minute drive away, this retreat offers the perfect mix of bush and beach.
Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, it’s near wineries, award-winning restaurants and even a golf course.
Ridge Retreat offers breakfast, a cosy fireplace and its own heated infinity pool.
HUSKISSON BEACH BED AND BREAKFAST, HUSKISSON
This bed and breakfast is not just a stone‘s throw away from Huskisson Beach, but also has a jacuzzi to help you unwind after a day of taking in the sights.
In your downtime, take your pick from hanging out on the balcony soaking in the views, or wander down to Moona Moona Creek.
Explore wonderful Jervis Bay, or take the 10 minute walk to Huskisson’s main street along the tranquil “Ocean Pathway”.
Offering six modern rooms with comfortable queen size rooms with modern designed en suite bathrooms and a luxurious outdoor spa, the venue also has its own pizza oven.
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