As dawn breaks, stand-up paddle-boarders trace the shore of Mollymook Beach while surfers wait in the swell.
With its patrolled stretch of sand and laid-back village feel, Mollymook is a popular destination for young families to unwind, but it is also increasingly garnering a reputation as a gourmet getaway alongside its pretty neighbouring harbour hub, Ulladulla.
Like many places in Australia right now, the NSW South Coast has been devastated by the bushfire crisis and the loss of tourism to the area continues to affect residents and small businesses who rely heavily on summer trade.
Now that the fire threat has eased, we urge you to visit these towns and help the community rebuild by supporting businesses where you can. To make it easy for you, here is a list of places to shop, eat and stay in the South coast towns of Ulladulla and Mollymook.
Locals heading down to the beach, boards in hand.
(Photo: Prue Ruscoe / aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Photo: Prue Ruscoe / aremediasyndication.com.au)
EAT
GWYLO, MOLLYMOOK
Gwylo restaurant is one of Mollymook’s most popular eateries. Here, co-owner Matt Upson serves up his favourite Asian street eats, including fish cakes, grass fed beef skewers and chargrilled cuttlefish.
Just be sure to book well in advance, as it’s not unusual for spots in the dining room to be booked out for weeks at a time. Open from Wednesday to Saturday 6-11pm.
For more information, visit Gwylo Mollymook.
CUPITT’S, ULLADULLA
This award-winning winery wears several hats: it’s a fromagerie, a brewery, a wedding venue and a restaurant.
Try a bit of everything and enjoy views of the vineyard, Burril Lake and the Budawang Ranges. Open 7 days a week for lunch.
For more information, visit Cupitt’s Winery.
MAVERICK COFFEE, ULLADULLA
The guys at Maverick Coffee eat, sleep and dream about coffee and you will too once you drop in for your daily caffeine hit!
Don’t leave without trying one of their vegan donuts or a delicious, freshly-baked pastry.
For more information, visit Maverick Coffee’s Facebook.
RICK STEIN AT BANNISTERS, MOLLYMOOK
Seafood lovers can’t visit Mollymook without stopping into celebrity chef Rick Stein’s restaurant.
The fresh food is divine, but so are the views! The restaurant is perfectly positioned so you can enjoy views of the south coast hedland and ocean views.
For more information, visit Rick Stein, Mollymook
THE TREEHOUSE CAFÉ, ULLADULLA
The sofas are deep and comfy, a perfect spot for a long natter over a pot of tea.
The food is also second-to-none, with a commitment to locally-sourced, fresh ingredients and creating nutritious, delicious meals.
For more information, visit The Treehouse Café.
SHOPPING IN ULLADULLA AND MOLLYMOOK
THREADZ & HOME, ULLADULLA
Threadz & Home is your one stop shop for fashion, jewellery, homewares and gifts. Some of the products they stock include Royal Doulton home fragrances, Anna Chandler porcelain and Bopo Women bath soaks.
Open 7 days.
For more information, visit Threadz & Home’s Instagram or website.
LIONS MOLLYMOOK BEACH MARKETS, MOLLYMOOK
The Mollymook Beach markets are held every 5th Sunday of the month. Explore the stalls, buy a fresh bunch of flowers and let the kids have a ride on the merry-go-round all with Mollymook Beach as the backdrop.
For more information, visit Lions Australia.
DWELL 35 DEGREES SOUTH, ULLADULLA
Newly opened, Dwell 35 Degrees South is a mecca for handmade candles, luxury linen bedding and on-trend woven furniture and accessories.
For more information, visit Dwell 35 Degrees South’s Instagram or website.
STAY
BEACHFRONT MOLLYMOOK BEACH HOME, ULLADULLA
This five-bedroom home overlooks Mollymook Beach. It has everything you could need for a family holiday, including a barbecue area, sunny outdoor space, enclosed front yard with a trampoline, skate ramp and parking.
The beach is just a short stroll away. Rates start at $1221 per night.
For more information, visit Stayz
This five-bedroom home is perfect for a family holiday by the beach.
(https://www.stayz.com.au/holiday-rental/p9631569) (Credit: https://www.stayz.com.au/holiday-rental/p9631569)CLIFF HOUSE, MOLLYMOOK
When you envision an ideal beach house, uninterrupted ocean views are a must. This is exactly what Cliff House in Mollymook delivers in spades.
For more information, visit Cliff House on Airbnb.
BANNISTERS BY THE SEA, MOLLYMOOK BEACH
Bannister’s is a local institution offering delicious food, a lively atmosphere and luxury accommodation with views overlooking Mollymook beach.
For more information, visit Bannisters Hotels.
SPEND WITH THEM
As a Mollymook resident and bushfire surviour herself, Turia Pitt felt compelled to help not just her community but many others that have been affected by the far-reaching bushfires.
With the help of her marketing and content assistant Grace McBride, the pair set up an Instagram account called Spend With Them that promotes small businesses to help rebuild towns affected by fire.
“This is a way to put money directly in the pockets of the people and communities who need it the most, and need it NOW. Long after the threat is over and the choppers stop flying overhead. Long after summer ends and the wail of sirens ceases in the streets. Help them rebuild. Make them feel heard. Spend with them,” Turia posted on Instagram.
From hotels to homewares stores to cafes and boutique distilleries, follow @spendwiththem on Instagram and help small businesses across Australia get back on their feet.
VISIT MILTON, NSW
The town of Milton is just a 7 minute drive from Ulladulla and Mollymook. For all the things to do, and places to shop, take a look at our insider’s guide to Milton, NSW.
