Have you been to Mollymook?
I was recently in Sydney for my blogging agency’s mid-year workshop and, at the end of that week, my husband flew over to join me for a weekend in Mollymook – 3 hours south of the city.
I’d heard of Mollymook before but didn’t really know what to expect… and my goodness, it was love at first sight!
Here’s what we did, ate, drank and where we stayed.
Friday Night: Dinner at SOUTH on Albany
After quite the drive, battling Sydney’s peak hour traffic to get out of the city, our dinner stop in a town called Berry was welcome relief.
We were warmly greeted by Sonia – one half of the dynamic duo that owns SOUTH on Albany, Berry’s newest restaurant.
The menu has a strong modern European influence and the wine list features local and NSW wines.
We asked Sonia to help us choose a red wine and she selected the 2013 Centennial Reserve Barbera from the Canberra district. A reasonably light red wine, with a berry driven flavour and very easy drinking.
Sonia then talked us through the menu designed by her other half, chef John, pointing out the changes they would make to any selection for me (as I’m dairy and egg free). We kicked things off with freshly shucked oysters with a pink grapefruit and eschalot dressing – refreshing and delicious. For entree, we both couldn’t go past the citrus cured kingfish with smoked Pecora Dairy yoghurt, coriander, radish, mint and finger lime.
For main, Chris chose the pink roasted sirloin with celeriac puree, baby carrots, green beans, lentils and madiera jus while I had the fish of the day. To finish, Chris had the flourless chocolate pudding with chocolate crumbs and popcorn ice cream, and I had a lovely dessert made especially for me which featured fresh figs, rhubarb and raspberries.
With an emphasis on sourcing the freshest seasonal and local produce, John and Sonia have created a friendly venue for their guests to enjoy the best the South Coast has to offer. Highly recommended!
We then hopped back in the car for the final leg of our journey – to check into Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook.
Saturday Morning: Breakfast and a Beach Walk
After a much needed sleep-in, we made our way upstairs to the Rooftop Bar and Grill for a hearty breakfast and strong coffee by the pool.
The rooftop is lined with sun beds, umbrellas, private lounge spaces, a bar and grill – all centred around a spectacular suspended pool. It’s a beautiful spot that’s perfect at any time of the day.
Once our bellies were full and our caffeine intake acquired, it was time to explore the nearby beach.
Mollymook Beach is a 2 minute walk from Bannisters Pavilion and is a gorgeous, secluded, quiet stretch of stunning coastline. The air felt so fresh and the sun danced upon the crystal clear water. It was such a beautiful little slice of heaven and instantly made us feel relaxed.
Saturday Lunch: Cupitt’s Winery
After freshening up, a short 10 minute drive found us transported from beachside to countryside.
Tucked behind the hills of Milton is Cupitt’s – a boutique winery, micro brewery, fromagerie and restaurant with extraordinary views to Burrill Lake and the Budawang Ranges.
Libby Cupitt was our gracious host and after a tasting of Cupitt’s amazing range of wines (it was so hard to pick a favourite!), Libby showed us around the property and shared the story of how her parents-in-law, Rosie and Griff originally bought the property to simply run a small cattle farm. Rosie then decided she’d like a small vineyard and winery. Together, they decided to both follow their passions and Cupitt’s Winery was born.
The vineyard grows Semillon, Sauvignon and Verdelho grapes, while the farm specialises in Black Angus Cattle, and the herbs and vegetables grown in the garden are used in Cupitt’s Kitchen. Their sons, Wally and Tom now make the wine and beer, while Libby manages the restaurant and is the events coordinator.
We were then shown to our spot for a lunch. A gorgeous little table was set for two on the edge of the vineyards, but we soon had two extra guests join us – cellar door dogs, Louis and Dusty. Too cute!
Lunch was incredible. Each course was paired with a matching wine and we began with Leek and Mushroom Cannelloni, Slippery Jacks, Blue Cheese and Hazelnut Dressing as well as a Dodine of Free Range Chicken with Pistachios, Nectarine Chutney and Toasted Brioche.
Next up was Steamed Kingfish with Chickpeas, Tomato, Oysters and Chorizo, and Charred Leek and also Grimaud Duck Breast with Braised Witlof, Black Pudding and Preserved Quince Puree.
To finish, we were served Fresh Figs with Pear and Fig Compote, Financier, Meringue and Orange Sorbet, and also Apple and Cinnamon Roses with Sable Breton, Calvados, Cream and Vanilla and Cinnamon Ice Cream.
Spoilt? Yes… and we loved every second of it!
Saturday Afternoon: Cocktails and a Massage
The great thing about staying at Bannisters is that there is a free shuttle to take you between the two properties – Bannisters Pavilion and Bannisters by the Sea.
In the late afternoon, we went to Bannisters by the Sea and enjoyed a cocktail by the pool as daylight slowly disappeared.
I then ducked away to the Pinnacle Day Spa and had what could quite possibly be the best massage I’ve ever had. Seriously. It was divine and I felt like I was floating on a cloud afterwards. Thank you, AJ – I wish I could see you every week!
Saturday Night: Dinner at Rick Stein’s
Cue great excitement: it was time to dine at Rick Stein’s!
Located at Bannisters by the Sea is world renowned seafood chef, Rick Stein’s restaurant.
Utilising the best seafood the south coast of NSW has to offer, Rick has combined Australian, French and English cuisines with olive oil, lemons and tomatoes from the Mediterranean and chilli, ginger and spice from Asia.
It must be said that the service is exceptional. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, and they are also incredibly knowledgable about seafood. We asked a million questions about oysters and fish, and they patiently answered every single one.
We started our meal with freshly shucked oysters with eschallot vinegar. For entree, I had Sashimi of Tuna, Salmon and Snapper while Chris had salmon tartare. For main, Chris had the Blue Eye Trevalla, while I had the Indonesian Seafood Curry with Ling, Squid and King Prawns.
By this stage, we were contentedly full so politely declined the offer of dessert and caught the shuttle back to our hotel.
Sunday Morning: Dolphin Cruise
After breakfast and a beach walk, it was sadly time to pack up and check out of Bannisters Pavilion.
But that sadness soon dissapated as we boarded a boat, ready for a dolphin cruise.
Dolphin Watch Cruises is located in the town of Huskisson and operates dolphin and whale watching cruises in picturesque Jervis Bay.
Apparently there are 80-100 dolphins who live full time in Jervis Bay and I swear, they all came out to play during our cruise – it was amazing! They were jumping out of the water, swimming alongside us and just generally being the adorable and lovable creatures they are. We loved every single second and it was incredibly inspiring to hear the staff talk so passionately about their job. A truly special experience.
It was then time to hop back into the car and drive to our final stop before the airport.
Sunday Lunch: Berry Sourdough Cafe
Back to the beautiful town of Berry, we had a lunch booking awaiting us at the Berry Sourdough Cafe – a gorgeously rustic bakery and cafe with an adorable gift shop – The Picnic Shed – adjoining it.
For lunch, I had the Angus skirt steak with onion rings, smoked butter and roast mushroom salad, while Chris had the rigatoni with spanish pork sausage, roast fennel, sofrito and mascarpone. Delicious!
Again, we were treated to the most fabulous service. The staff were friendly, lovely and genuine. It was an absolute pleasure to spend an all-too-short amount of time in Berry.
We then had a quick browse in The Picnic Shed, where we picked up a thank you gift for our friends who had been looking after Amalfi and it was then time to hit the road one final time to get to the airport to fly home.
Mollymook (and Berry) – you’ve stolen a little piece of our hearts!
Your Berry & Mollymook Itinerary
As you can see, we had a bit of a whirlwind trip that left us wanting more.
If you are keen for a fabulous getaway to the south coast of New South Wales, here’s how we would plan it…
Day 1: Fly into Sydney and spend the night.
Day 2: Get up bright and early and drive to Berry. Wander the town, have lunch at Berry Sourdough Cafe, do a little shopping, and finish the day with dinner at SOUTH on Albany.
Day 3: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Berry and then drive to Mollymook. Check into Bannisters (Pavilion or by the Sea – your choice!) and then go for a beach walk to work up an appetite. Have lunch and then treat yourself to a massage or a facial at the day spa at Bannisters by the Sea. Enjoy dinner at the Rooftop Bar and Grill at Bannisters Pavilion, followed by a nightcap.
Day 4: Make the most of the fabulous buffet breakfast at Bannisters and then work it off afterwards with a brisk beach walk… or bike ride… or stand up paddleboarding. Head to Cupitt’s Winery for a spot of wine tasting followed by a decadent lunch. Head to the nearby town of Milton for a wander and a spot of shopping before dinner at Rick Stein’s restaurant back at Bannisters by the Sea.
Day 5: Check out of Bannisters and drive to Huskisson for a dolphin cruise with Dolphin Watch Cruises. Have lunch in Huskisson before hopping back into the car to drive to the airport, homeward bound.
Stay…
Bannisters Pavilion or Bannisters by the Sea (Mollymook)
Eat…
Berry Sourdough Café (Berry)
Cupitt’s Winery (Ulladulla)
Rick Stein at Bannisters by the Sea (Mollymook)
Rooftop Bar and Grill at Bannisters Pavilion (Mollymook)
SOUTH on Albany (Berry)
Do…
Dolphin Watch Cruises (Huskisson)
Mollymook Beach (Mollymook)
Pinnacle Day Spa at Bannisters by the Sea (Mollymook)
The Picnic Shed (Berry)
Have you been to Berry or Mollymook?
What are your recommendations?
This trip was thanks to Destination NSW.
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