from the south coast: a winter getaway
We like holidaying in the low-season when the beaches are empty and it’s just the locals in town. The wintry, blustery goodness of a seaside escape was just what we needed; no deadlines, books instead of computers, all the time in the world to let the wind tussle our hair.
When we felt like wandering away from the shore we drove to Berry where the main street offered so much delight. I’m pleased to say that this sweet country town lived up to its reputation (and to all those features in Country Style).
Beautiful nature is everywhere on the South Coast so here’s my guide to the eateries and shops that will satisfy your tastebuds and empty your wallet:
- berry sourdough cafe is a renowned artisan bakery located in a rustic century-old building. The food is sublime – great coffee, rich pastries and just-baked sourdough (white, wholemeal, rye…) but the service….hmmmm. If I were you I’d go to their just-opened…
- milkwood bakery on the main street. There you can get beef bourguignon pies topped with croissant-worthy pastry, pear and ginger tartlets, exquisite brownies and the full range of woodfired sourdough breads without having to wait hours to eat it.
- fancy seafood of the same high quality? Head to Gerroa where the blue swimmer offers a European-inspired bistro setting (dine-in and takeaway). Try the beer-battered fish, amazing burgers and homemade aioli (Daniel may have said something akin to: “Jodi, you have eaten a lot of aioli today.” – it was good aioli)
- I had read so much about Roots and Wings so I was a little excited to finally visit this stunning boutique. It was full of rustic, minimalist homewares and contemporary organic-inspired clothes in a spring/summery colour palette. I declined the offer to try on the $580 maxi skirt (it was amazing) and purchased a bassike striped top (you can never own enough stripes) and a basil, lime and madarin candle-in-a-glass-jar instead.
- Perhaps my favourite part about Berry was Lisa Madigan’s The Store….more on this white-washed gem next week (but a visit there did result in my latest scarf – see above).
Have you spent time on the South Coast? If so, what’s your favourite thing about it?
Recommended Posts
Showing 41 comments
blue swimmer – hands down favourite place, AMAZING coffee and the BEST service.
did you try gerringong deli?
need to adventure around berry alittle more. will look out for these places.
I was in awe of the service at the blue swimmer. and there was a park across the road…perfect family-friendly destination.
Yes, popped in to Gerringong Deli a few times. Che declared the park opposite to be the best of our entire holiday. x
jodes the photos are insanely amazing! i love the tones of your images. whoooooaaaaaaaa!!!!!!
oh thank you! Most of these were taken AFTER "the nursery" 😉 – thanks tim!
We were camping down at seven mile beach at easter this year…..stumbled across the blue swimmer and just loved it. Berry sourdough cafe also a favourite.
I loved the aioli too!!
Can't wait to go back x
http://thelittlegnomeshome.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/our-easter.html
We stumbled upon the Lisa Madigan Store, it was my highlight too! Will be keeping an eye on upcoming workshops for an excuse to go back! gorgeous photos Jodi, as always x
I love reading about your little getaways. You see some lovely places.
"beef bourguignon pies topped with croissant-worthy pastry"…. I'm totally drooling! 🙂 Who would have ever thought of that – beef bourguignon in a pie? Only the Aussies! I wonder what Julie Childs would make of such fare?! It sounds divine! 🙂
xxx hope you are all well xxx
Looks like a perfectly lovely time! How lucky you are!
Poet's rosy cheeks are so delightful!
without a doubt, the windy drive to Kangaroo valley (from Berry); through the dappled light and tangly bush. Plus there's a self-service fridge full of homemade fudge on the way! Oh, I can't wait to return to Australia and take our little boy down the south coast…
p.s. some of my photos from the valley (http://thoughtsandbirosketches.blogspot.fr/2009/07/valley.html) xx
Lovely photography Jodi. That last one of Poet is just precious!
hi jodi – or other readers!
im planning on heading to berry soon for a similar weekend getaway, wondering if someone can recommend any accommodation? hoping for a cosy cottage for 2!
these photos are just beautiful – inspiring me to book in for one of these 'nursery' workshops1
we stayed in a newly-renovated 1950s cottage in Kiama (about a 20 minute drive to Berry). I'll be posting about it in the next few days…x
Check out Jasper Cottage, http://www.jaspercottage.com.au. Stayed here a year ago, its the perfect country cottage!
My family & me used to get every year down to Fairy Meadow, Jarvis Bay, Ulladulla but once babies came things changed. Hoping to go to Kiama next weekend to show Bella the blow hole.
Would you believe this was my FIRST trip south?!? And I've been all over Australia. Anyway, what a magical, windswept place. I felt like I was in Iceland, or a Jane Austen novel. Must go back and actually spend some time poking around!
Your photos are stunning by the way. I learned a lot yesterday, but mostly I learned that I need to buy a new camera, sigh…
x
I grew up on the south coast! Not too far from where you were…oh, how I miss it. My favourite thing? The crystal clear water and white, white sand.
O my goodness, how gorgeous — I can literally smell, nay feel!, that salty crisp wind. Thank you so much for your kind words; your children are absolutely beautiful, as is your blog — let's follow each other? 🙂
Your photos really are stunning – and looking at them always takes my breath away – talented, no doubt about it!
I have never been to Berry but I so want to visit now, it sounds amazing.
Gorgeous photos. Particularly love the one of Che with the abalone shells. I adore fossicking (especially in Winter).
When I drive down south, it is always the scenery, the patches of rainforest, the green, green grass with skinny cabbage palms sticking up. The dark rocks and the white sand on the beaches. The sky. It all makes me so happy.
On a rainy day this summer I visited the beautiful Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk – http://imogeneve.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/illawarra-fly-tree-top-walk.html.
amazing photos 😀
I haven't visited the South Coast of Australia but I think I can picture it from your description. Going off-season is such a good idea, and I can feel the calmness in your writing. I used to live on the South Coast in England and it was quite hard in the Winter but oh so wonderful in the Summer. Each day felt like the start of an adventure.
Emily x
Looks like a lovely getaway! That green sweater is adorable!
I made the trip to Berry twice for work… but spent all day and half the night shooting and didn't manage to escape to the treasures of the town. Sob. I probably could have done without the bakery(s), though 😉 xx
I love reading your blog Jodi!… I'm good friends with Belle and Kel Collett – I was talking to Kel one day and she told me about your blog and what you do. I recently became a mum for the first time and worked as a journalist before Jayse was born. Your blog has inspired me to get back into blogging myself. So just wanted to say thank you, your kids are beautiful and you have an amazing way with words! =)
Well, you know I love this part of the world. The Berry Sourdough Cafe was the place that gave me hope that there was a life beyond surfing and tracksuits. I kid you not. x
Well I'll chime in with the others- what a remarkable difference in your photos already! All of these little shops sound lovely, and only give me more inspiration to hop on a plane and visit sometime! 🙂
All things delicious in this post. The food, the muted colours, the fossicking, the resting and restoring. Oh for such a holiday! May very well earmark this gorgeous slice of this brilliant country for a wee family jaunt. Thanks for sharing such beauty 🙂
We always end up on the South Coast for our holidays. Kiama, Jervis Bay, Bateman's Bay. Blustery beaches, rarely warm, but oh, so beautiful. I'm daydreaming of a child-free day trip to Berry sometime soon. Alas, my girls wouldn't let me wander the shops and cafes the way I want to. Soon, soon x
Such captivating shots Jodi…love the paua shells that Che is holding.
We have never been to the South Coast but have it earmarked as a holiday destination for the future..there is so much of this beautiful country we are yet to discover.
x
you will love it Tammi – it will remind you of beautiful New Zealand – the green hills and raw, windy beaches x
I love the South Coast, we always pass through Berry on our way Marks parents house in Tathra … I always wish I could stay longer instead of a breakfast stop on the way there or a stretch of the legs stop on the way home …. think I will have to try and call into Lisa Madigan's store next time (didn't know about that little gem) I remember seeing some of her works in Roots and Wings a couple of years back …. Did you get the gruff french woman serve you at Berry Sourdough? lucky for her I was craving a prune tart and coffee more than I was craving manners !!!
Oh and PS …. stunning photos Jodi
I am so in love with Poet (that pic of her in the previous post goes down as my favorite yet) XXX
mine too Mandy x
Beautiful Jodi. Oh how I long for a holiday like that. xx
So beautiful! I would love to visit the South Coast. I've never been to Australia…just New Zealand. I'm hoping to make a trip to Australia by the end of this year!
I'm a South Coast girl Jodi and loved growing up there. Your pictures capture it beautifully. I also love holidaying 'off' season, although it feels very much 'off' season living here in Tasmania all year round. Mel xx
That's why I loved Tasmania so much – the 'off' season pace…perfection! x
Ahh, your photos are making me ache for a winter getaway… I think I will have to plan one for next year!
It looks like a wonderful spot – I'm a big fan of a winter getaway especially if it involves blustery beach walks!