Spectacular and Right on Sydney’s Doorstep.

Sydney is without doubt the world’s most visually dramatic city, with its amazing backdrop of the Harbour and its many bays and inlets, the Sydney Opera House and of course the Harbour Bridge, but many Sydneysiders, Australian’s generally and overseas visitors don’t often appreciate what absolutely stunning beauty there is right on Sydney’s doorstep. Just a short drive and even better a nice mid-week or weekend break away.

In the coming months TravelMole will be featuring some of these amazing locations and others further afield, to encourage Sydneysiders to take a trip across their own doorstep and also to provide agents and others either in Sydney, elsewhere in Australia or overseas, who are looking for ideas for either short breaks or for inbound tourists, with information on great things to do and see and excellent places to stay very near to Sydney.

The first of this series features The Southern Highlands and the upper part of the South Coast, including the Illawarra.

The catalyst for running this feature first was the recent opening of the absolutely stunning 665 metre, over the Sea Cliff Bridge between Coalcliff and Clifton – The Mole just loves anything that is dramatic and engineered so this was a must see.  It is only a very short trip out of Sydney to the South on the road to Wollongong, made even easier now by the freeway around the airport.

In no time at all driving out of Sydney to the South towards Wollongong, the entry to the world’s second National Park, (second to Yellowstone in the USA and established in 1879 – The Mole always wants to say Jellystone as in Yogi Bear and all that!), the Royal National Park can seen to the left and it is here that this great trip really begins.  It is hard to imagine many cities with such a massive National Park right on its doorstep, but this is the case in Sydney and The Royal National Park.  The drive is one of peace and tranquility, through shaded coastal rainforests, open plains and considering it is only 32kms from Sydney an absolute oasis. 

There are a series of turnoffs and places to stop in the Park and a great Interpretative Centre not far from the entrance and there are locations for rowing on the Audley River and riverside picnics, great swimming and the beach or lagoon at Wattamottla and the beach at Garie, the beachside village of Bundeena, clifftop heathland walks, rainforest cycle tracks, and much more.  Have a look at http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf/parkContent/N0030?OpenDocument&ParkKey=N0030&Type=xo for more detailed information.

Exiting the park to the South make a point of stopping a Bald Hill, because this is where the marvelous feat of engineering, Sea Cliff Bridge, which now forms part of the newly promoted Grand Pacific Drive (more details on www.grandpacificdrive.com.au)can be first viewed.  Not it may only be 665 meters long, but it not only provides the critical coastal link to residents after the land slip that wiped away the old road which clung to the cliff face, but a spectacular ocean edge scenic drive for visitors. 

From Bald Hill, continue along Lawrence Hargrave Drive and cross the Bridge – drivers keep your eyes on the road, but everyone else can peak over the side at the crashing waves and oceanscape below.

The building of this amazing bridge has re-opened to us all, the charming and spectacular beaches and northern Wollongong coastal villages of Stanwell Park, Coalcliff (recognising the area’s roots in coal), Clifton, Scarborough, Womabarra, Coledale, Austinmer and of course Thirroul.  The road winds through the most northerly ones offering glimpses of the sea, arts and craft stores and cafes and charming restored beachside cottages, some now replaced by more recent designer houses, now easy commuting time and distance from Sydney and who would blame the owners of wanting to live here!

One place that did catch The Mole’s eye for bite to eat was the Hotdidelydogs Hot Dog shop – more details on http://www.hotdidelydogs.com   Recently opened, Hotdidelydogs offers an amazing range of Hot Dogs, but check the web site before driving past to check they are open – they also deliver between Corrimal and Coalcliff if you happen to be staying.

It is at Thirroul that we rejoin the road between Sydney and Wollongong and head on down to the Gong through Bulli – take every opportunity you can to turn left and get closer to the Ocean to catch the excellent views.

Wollongong is working hard to shake off its industrial image and while industry is still a key economic and employment driver, the Northern suburb of Northbeach just does that – you are a million miles from factories when staying in this charming area with the Novotel Northbeach as its hub.

The Mole put its weary head to rest at the Novotel Northbeach, part of the Accor Group and now run by charismatic Swiss GM, Walter Immos, until recently the GM of the Menzies Hotel in the City. 

This is a hotel that continues to transform itself, having undergone extensive recent refurbishment and it is looking really good. 

The combination of the refurbished rooms, a really good restaurant and excellent staff make the Novotel Northbeach a great place to stay, not only for trip such as this, but for conferences, wedding, special occasions or simply just getting away. 

The staff were particularly impressive and the hotel has a really innovative customer care programme called Fred, which encourages them to go that extra step in making sure that the guest has a great time – an boy does it work.   A great example is that The Mole asked Concierge Cathy for some directions and not only did she take the time to explain them in detail, she even gave her phone number to call and ask for more directions if The Mole became lost – now that is good service!  Well done Walter – a great hotel. 

More information about The Novotel Northbeach can be obtained from http://www.novotelnorthbeach.com including  the hotel’s facilities, hot deals and how to book, etc.  

The hotel also offers a very extensive rang of special packages, special offers and promotions, which must suit every taste there is, including (click on any of these to take you straight to their web site): –

EXPERIENCE WOLLONGONG HARLEY DAVIDSON PACKAGE
Novotel Northbeach Wollongong and Just Cruisin Tours invite you to experience the South Coast on this amazing two night adventure package…

LUSH ESCAPE PACKAGE
Indulge that someone special with our Lush Escape hotel accommodation package…

SENSUAL SUMMER GETAWAY
Escape to the beautiful South Coast and spend some romantic, quality time with the one you love. Indulge with our E Sensual package…

SUMMER LOVIN FOR ROMANTICS
Here is one for the Romantics! Say I love you with this ultimate package set to make the one your love weak at the knees…

JUST FOR HIM PACKAGE
Spoil the man of your life with this getaway package designed to keep him smiling…

BODY AND SOUL ESCAPE PACKAGE
Looking for the ultimate weekend getaway, fit for 2? Then checkout this escape package, either for you and your partner or that girls weekend away…

LIFE IS A BEACH
Have some fun in the sun! At Novotel Northbeach our waterfront location means life really is a beach! Check out this package…

CONFERENCE AND MEETINGS SPECIAL OFFER
Six good reasons to hold your next conference or meeting at Novotel Northbeach Wollongong…

SUNDAY SPECIAL OFFER
Were giving you the PERFECT excuse to extend your weekend with a very special PLUS SIX SUNDAY offer!!

The next stage of our journey will take us off the Grand Pacific Drive trip, by winding inland through the charming towns of Berry, Mittagong, Jamberoo and Moss Vale into the Southern Highlands.

The Mole will be staying in an amazing Australian icon – so watch out for the next installment.

Report by The Mole on the road