Down the Coast to magical Mollymook
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By Sandip Hor Edging the Pacific Ocean, the coastal strip winding southwards from Sydney almost down to the Victorian border is generally referred to as the South Coast of NSW and is blessed with spectacular beaches and expansive national parks. This makes it an ideal destination for a fun-filled vacation with plenty of things to do from playing in the sun, sea and surf to bushwalking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting and kayaking on the tranquil waters of a pristine lake. Or, you can just do nothing other than to relax and enjoy the top food and wine experiences the region has to offer. Bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and countless beaches, Shoalhaven area in South Coast is a popular retreat for Sydneysiders and Canberra residents being within easy driving distances from both the urban nests. The area’s pleasant climate has always been a lure. It is comfortable throughout the year with clement sea breezes to cool in summer while clean air for lengthy saunters in winter. With a population of just a few thousand, the tiny seaside hamlet of Mollymook is a star of Shoalhaven. It is located only minutes from the harbor port of Ulladulla and historic rural Milton. These three expanses match each other with their specialities and ambience. The surrounding boroughs offer lavishness of nature's delights with spectacular scenery, woody mountains and myriad captivating waterways. Lake Conjola, an aquatic haven for fishing, kayaking, water skiing and wakeboarding is pretty close. GREAT FOR SURFING Mollymook is best known for its excellent surf beach of sweeping clean sands and clear waters with plenty of space for surfers, sunbathers and fishing enthusiasts. While engaging with the sandy patch remains its main drawcard, there are many other things to do in Mollymook from playing golf at the sea edged greenery and whale watching during winter months from the high grounds of Ulladulla lighthouse through to enjoying luxury seafront accommodation and great food and wine at the local eateries. FIT FOR FORMER PM Former Prime Minister John Howard used to visit this serene destination regularly to relax and recharge batteries. Another key attraction of the area is the widespread presence of kangaroos. They can be seen jumping around in the neighboring valleys and forested areas and some of them don't mind posing for a selfie with the visitors Tourism has been badly hit in this region, earlier due to the shattering bushfires and since March this year because of the COVID19 lockdown and restrictions. They have eased a little bit now allowing travel within the state with cautions. The damaging extent of the bushfires is testified by thousands of burnt-down trees in the surrounding national parks. OVERCOMING PROBLEMS By the time when the bushfire recovery plans started activating, suddenly the flaming issues from the corona virus pandemic forced the tourism industry into a stage of induced coma. The situation has started improving marginally with some NSW dwellers traveling in and around the region. Local businesses are warmly welcoming whoever can make it there, as it not only reignites their economy in a humble way but also gives them hope to survive. Fact File Getting There: It’s easy to reach Mollymook by road, a three hour drive from Sydney (225km) and two and half hours from Canberra (200km) Stay: Plenty of staying options throughout the region from luxury resorts and hotels to backpacker hostels and Airbnb accommodations. More info: www.visitnsw.com 
THE SCENIC SOUTH COAST
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KANGAROOS GALORE ON THE SOUTH COAST
PEACEFUL LAKE CONJOLA
MAGICAL MOLLYMOOK BEACH
ULLADULLA LIGHTHOUSE
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