Mollymook News
editor Ken Banks
North Stradbroke Island
Hope you are all well, here are a few photos from North Stradbroke Island where we are staying in Geoff’s caravan. This is a stunning island with so much to explore and do. The whales are a treat to watch, so many of them. Water temperature was 21 yesterday .
Click on pics to enlarge.
Kanchana’s Thai Restaurant is located at the stairs, entering the Coles shopping centre in Boree Street, Ulladulla. They have been open a full year.
The food is typical Thai, but more importantly, it’s quality is EXCEPTIONAL! The customer service? AMAZING! so courteous, I can’t speak highly enough of this Thai restaurant in Ulladulla, in my opinion, it is without a doubt, the best in our area. My wife and I are so impressed we usually visit almost weekly. At our most recent visit, my wife chose a ‘Fish and salad’ dish. The Flat Head fish was freshly caught by the Father in Law and the salad was picked direct from his garden that morning.
A special dish on their evening menu (but they can do it for lunch if you ask), is the ‘Paella’. The flavor of paella lies in its freshness. Paella is usually made with new rice, vegetables, and meat, which gives paella an excellent taste. The best thing about paella is its freshness and its taste.
Highly Recommended
Pad Thai with mixed Seafood (dinner menu)
Thai Flavors Restaurant, a new highly recommended fully licenced restaurant has recently opened in Mollymook. It is located in the Mollymook Shores motel, opposite the Mollymook Golf Club.
The food is Thai, Thai, not Aussie Thai, but real Thai and more importantly, it’s quality is EXCEPTIONAL!
My wife and I were one of its first customers and were thrilled with the flavors. We can’t speak highly enough of this Thai restaurant that has opened in Mollymook.
Highly Recommended
Azure Kingfisher @ Lake Curalo, Eden
I recently travelled to Eden on the NSW South Coast. The visit was two-fold, a) I had never before spent much time exploring this beautiful area. Previously it was simply a passing through and stopping for coffee or such like. b) On this occasion I was determined to spend a few days exploring this beautiful area. Highlights, first and fore-most included the fantastic ‘Birdlife’ around Lake Curalo, 2nd was our visit to Green Cape Lighthouse plus Boydtown, a village on Twofold Bay and Aslings Beach, 3rd was the marvelous meals we enjoyed at the Hotel Australasia, 4th my wife enjoyed the Eden golf course and beautiful hospitality extended to her by the ladies playing golf. Lastly I must mention the enjoyable stay we had at the Eden Gateway Holiday Park.
A highlight was finally seeing and capturing a pic of an Azure Kingfisher.
Below are photographs of some of the bird species enjoyed, mostly in the Lake Curalo areas.
Click on images to enlarge
Lake Curalo, Eden
Heather continues with her updates on the wonderful retirement holiday tourist destinations throughout Australia. “Following on from their time in Arkaroola they headed south to Ikara Flinders range for 4 days, such a stunning area, Wilpena pound & Brachina gorge, Arkaroo rock. We’ve done a few walks, hiked St Mary’s peak loop 21klm and 1100mtrs, a big day but incredible. Had a big rainfall one night at Brachina gorge and tried to help out a bogged caravan heading out of a gorge , the national parks had to come and we also saw another van jack knifed in a creek bed. We’ve had a couple of flat tyres.
The last four days have been spent at Silverton, Broken Hill & Menindee. Really enjoyed this area, so sparse. Did a few tourist destinations, the Palace hotel where Pricilla was filmed and the mad max museum. Amazing sunset at Menindee bush camp and living desert park. River Cruise in the Menindee lake and some historic stops. Also the Pro Hart museum.
We have started our drive home and are looking forward to seeing the clan, Briddy baby is due in 7 weeks ”
Click on pics to enlarge.
Heather provides this update on the wonderful retirement holiday, touring throughout Australia. “For this trip we are doing a five week loop version. Down to Cape Conran and the Marlo free camp where the snowy river meets the sea, then a little surf for Paul at Salmon rocks, then four amazing days at Wilson’s Prom. Climbed Mt Oberon for our 38th wedding anniversary and a couple of other hikes. Cruise to skull rock was spectacular and a quick stop at Peninsular hot springs. Ferry across to Queenscliff and then headed to Apollo Bay / Cape Otway.
Few days along the Great Ocean Rd, Johanna camp ground, Otway National Park so beautiful and the coast. Then ‘The Grampians’, can you find me in the forest pic hiding behind a tall tree?
We spent a few nights at ‘The Grampians’ and did a couple of wonderful 14klm hikes up and down. Spectacular area very lucky with the weather clearing at each view. Complimentary infrared sauna & cold plunge at our camp.
Spent time at Port MacDonnell, Mt Gambier and Southend SA. We did a cold snorkel in the Ewan’s Ponds absolutely unforgettable crystal clear water with an under water garden and limestone, we did three ponds. Visited the Blue lake. Had a dip in the cool ocean and we could not resist the lobby territory
Spent four days at Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges, incredible area, wildlife sanctuary with bush camping. We did the 4wd ridge top tour, it was great, and a couple of walks.
Hope all the Mollymook ocean swimmers are doing well and a happy 79th birthday to Isabella” Click on pics to enlarge.
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, new swim cap
Mollymook Ocean Swim Caps have arrived.
Hans provides the following update: “I have received the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers caps. I think they turned out great. I gave out caps this morning to the ones who have paid. I will be at the surf club every morning till Saturday (this week) as I then will be leaving in the afternoon for a few days in Sydney. I will keep the ones who have NOT been paid for a few weeks as I have a small waiting list for caps from those who didn’t order.” Regards, Hans
P.S. John Louth mentioned that during the original design of the caps, the inspired words ‘between heaven and earth’ were Issi’s contribution and passes on his thanks to Han’s, as do we all, for getting them made.
Street art in Baradine, gateway to the Pilliga State Forrest.
Between the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountains and the Western Plains are the vast forests of the Pilliga. The ‘Discovery Centre’ in Baradine provides some excellent brochures and bird trails whilst most of the bird routes are clearly sign posted. I chose the ‘Bugaldie Bird Route’ as my first outing arriving about 8.00 am. Most of the following pics were taken in this area.
(Click on pics to enlarge)
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Sulphur Crested Cockatoos perched in the Wollemi National Park @ Coorongooba Camp Ground. (Bird Trail; 8)
This scenic Capertee Valley encompasses the Capertee River and hamlets of Glen Davis and Glen Alice. It is surrounded by the Wollemi, Capertee and Garden of Stones National Parks and has some magnificent bush walks.
I enjoyed a wonderful Birdlife experience. My first stop en-route was the Lithgow Visitors centre. They have an amazing amount of information, including maps with 19 various ‘Capertee Valley bird trails’ clearly set out, with references to the species you are likely to see.
I stayed at Dalli’s Camp ground, which is located on the Glen Davis road. However there are numerous basic camp grounds to choose from and a few ‘Airbnb’ listed cottages.
It was mid-Autumn and it rained for the first two days that I was present, however despite the ‘time of year’ plus the rain (showers and some heavy storms) I saw some amazing birdlife by following the various Bird Trails listed in the visitors centre brochure.
(Click on the bird pics below to enlarge)
Brown Falcon on the Glen Davis Road. (Bird Trail; 7)
The local Mollymook Ocean Swimmers line up for a photo shoot prior to starting the 2023 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic
Kath Rogers provides this report and pics on the 2023 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic.
“Conditions were not the best very choppy, strong currents and some nasty sets slamming onto the banks at the southern end for the finish.
So a great effort by everyone especially the support team out there in boats, ski’s especially Bob and Mike in the water with the swimmers with safety floats.
It was a fun morning” Kath.
The results are available on this link: 2023 Mollymook Surf Club Charity Ocean Swim.
Feedback: From Peter Hendriks: “Thanks, Kath for the report. What a beautiful sunny day for the swim. I was registered for the 2.4km “Coogee Island Challenge” Swim, which was to be held today (the day after the Mollymook swim). Sadly, due to rough seas the Coogee swim was cancelled. See you over the Easter Weekend”. Peter.
The Blessing of the Fleet is holding a fabulous Taste of the Sea Dinner at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Easter Saturday night, 8th April, with all proceeds going to help fund the Blessing of the Fleet Festival.
Tickets are $100 including a fabulous Seafood dinner featuring locally caught Tuna, Flathead, South Coast Oysters and Prawns amongst other things.
Local performers Met & Maya will perform live with plenty of music and dancing available. There will also be a presentation from local Fishing experts.
It will be a great night.
Please share this with the Mollymook Ocean Swim group, as I’m sure a number of them would love to know about it and come along.
The attached poster has more information and a link to the Booking site for tickets (tables of 8-10)
Swimmers pose for a pic at this morning’s ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim @ Narrawallee
Greg Young reports on today’s ‘Welsh Island’ Classic II Ocean Swim.
“Sunrise on the horizon, blue skies and great water conditions provided for a beautiful morning, swimming the ‘Welsh Island’ Classic.
Mingling swimmers @ Osprey, before heading down track to start the swim. Quick water brief on beach then off, under way.
Thanks again to Dave & Ian [on boards] for our water safety. Although water was a little stirred up, clarity wasn’t too bad. Water temperature was excellent.
A few of our swimmers decided one way was enough, [No big deal] they walked back to Osprey.
All back on beach, breakfast / coffee was in order. Excellent spread of food on table was very much appreciated by All.
Oopps… Along with our own baristas handling machines – Chris & Ian, job well done.
All in All great morning Cheers Greg”
(Pics courtesy of Greg, Sue, Hans and Ed)
Comments:
“A really wonderful morning with a terrific bunch of swimmers”. Sue.
“Great article and pics. Thanks” Johnny Sarich, Charleville, Qld.
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A beautiful sunrise greeted the swimmers entering the water for the ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim
Pic from last years ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim @ Narrawallee
Greg Young provides this update on details for this Sunday’s ‘Welsh Island Classic II’ Ocean Swim, Sunday February 19, 2023
“Weather forecast looking good; sunny – calm – low swell.
Details – We’ll meet @ Chris & Sue’s home “Osprey” 51 Matron Porter Drive , Narrawallee 6:30 am to be in water @ 7am.
Leaving the beach, we will head out around Welsh Island then turn south, to South Narrawallee. (end of beach /regroup) Return heading north to Welsh Island, rounding Island and back to the beach. Approx. 2km. (If needed, feel free to exit water & walk back)
Breakfast will be on balcony @ Chris & Sue’s.
Please bring breakfast contributions, coffee/tea on the house. (Breakfast suggestions-fruit, pastries etc. or check with Sue, Leonie, Kate or Isabel in morning @ the beach). Cheers Greg”
Feedback: Peter Hendricks responded from Sydney: “Hey that’s fantastic, I hope to get there for this one”.
Pic of contestants in last years ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim @ Narrawallee
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers line up prior to their Jones Beach Ocean Swim
Greg Young files this report on today’s, Jones Beach Ocean swim. “This morning’s Jones Beach Swim greeted us with a bute day, calm waters , No wind – Ideal !
26 swimmers, all anticipating the temperate water conditions, along with our water support, Dave & Sienna [many thanks]
Swimming along with so many different fish species, also spotted a 3′ Bronze Whaler.
Small waves back @ beach, the feeling was pretty up beat, good time by all.
Look out for next years swim 2024. Cheers Greg”
Feedback:
John Sarich: What a wonderful swim. Great pics.
Alison Lockhart: So much fun. I hope we get south one weekend. Missing you all, the beach, the morning swim, the plovers, cafe, etc
Ed Macartney: Great swim this morning.
Preparing for their start in the Jones Beach Ocean Swim (Click on pics below to enlarge)
Pristine Mollymook Beach
GRASS roots environmental group, Treading Lightly, held a successful Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday around the Mollymook Beach area organized by Moni Mudge of ‘Take 3 for the Sea’ fame.
Moni reports on this years successful ‘Clean Up’. “Just thought I would let you know we had 49 people show up for clean up Australia Day today. We collected 29kgs of non recyclable waste, 30kgs of recyclable waste (almost 70kgs in total) in one hour and just at the south end, north end will be next months Treading Lightly Tidies.
Lots and lots of happy smiling, caring faces, including ocean swimmers and club members, which was wonderful because I miss you all loads. I love our community. Moni x”
Group pic of the helper’s for ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ at Mollymook Beach this past Sunday