Around the corner from Austinmer is Bulli Point, where you can see all the way up the coast line to the cliffs of the national park.
South Coast Line – Austinmer
Further down the coast (although not quite in Wollongong) is the village of Austinmer. It has a little beach that is surfable, rock pool that I’ve swam in many a time, and is backed by the Illawarra Escarpment.
Fortunately/unfortunately, it’s been gentrified, so instead of the old milk bars we now have cafes.
South Coast Line – Bald Hill and Stanwell Park
We’re out of the national park and driving down the Grand Pacific Drive. The view from Bald Hill has got to be one of the most photographed in NSW after Sydney Harbour and Blue Mountains. On a clear day you can see all the way to Port Kembla, even all the way to Saddleback Mountain near Kiama. If the wind is favourable you can see the hang and para gliders do their thing.
Stanwell Park beach is pretty nice too, but it’s really a surfing beach and not a swimming beach. I’ve been caught up in a scary rip or two there to know.
South Coast Line – Wattamolla – Part 2
Given that this is one of my favourite places, I think Wattamolla warrants another post.
The highlight of the lagoon for some people is the 5 metre high rock platform. I think it’s a rite of initiation for kids from the Shire to jump off it, and believe me, there’s always a small crowd wanting to do this despite the warning signs.
But the lagoon has some tranquil bits as well, like this place near where we picnicked.
South Coast Line – Wattamolla
A kilometre down the coast is Wattamolla proper. This is an inlet with a little beach on one side…
And a magnificent lagoon on the other.
I’ve spent many summer days in that lagoon. I can’t deny that it is a popular spot, but no matter how busy it gets on land, I’m always able to find a serene spot on the water to float away.
South Coast Line – Coast Track
One of my all-time favourite walks is the Coast that spans the length of the Royal National Park. Funnily enough, I haven’t walked the length of it yet, but this bit between Little Marley and Wattamolla is my favourite. Sure, there are similar sights up and down the coast line, but the cliffs here are rather more dramatic to my eyes.
I also love how the sandstone form multi-caked layers, like pancakes.
South Coast Line – Bundeena
Since I’ll be travelling down the South Coast in a few weeks, I’m starting a series on its magnificent coastline. I’ll start off at Bundeena. It’s in the Royal National Park, and technically still in Sydney, but it feels like a world away, especially when viewed from the water.
Inner West Brunch – Steak Sandwich
But I think this steak sandwich is the most attractive. A generous-sized fillet, cooked to perfection, with onion relish, rocket, tomato, on sourdough.
Inner West Brunch – Burger
Now we’re getting into the more substantial meals. Their burger and chips look pretty good, although I can’t seem to spot the beetroot…
Inner West Brunch – Ravioli
The rest of my buddies ordered lunch items, like a nice spinach and ricotta ravioli with tomato sauce.
Static and Silence 