Posted on June 22, 2026June 28, 2026 by Ken Banks

Gwylo Restaurant Mollymook

Matt Upson’s new venture: Gwylo Restaurant Mollymook

Chef extraordinaire, Matt Upson opens his latest venture: Gwylo Restaurant, Mollymook

The name ‘Gwylo’ was Matt’s nickname working as a chef in Asia which he remembers as an ‘epic experience’. Matt has a super impressive background, having originally worked in South Australia for Cheong Liew, Simon Bryant and thereafter stints at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Capella,at Lord Howe Island.

In 2010, after having travelled extensively through Asia, he and his partner moved to the south coast and open Tallwood in 2013. Tallwood was an outstanding success ranking among the best in the local area. Now 2020, Matt steps out to showcase his latest venture, the highly anticipated Gwylo Restaurant.

Gwylo is an ‘Asian Fusion’ style restaurant with an ever changing menu of ‘punchy Asian street food flavours’.

According to ‘Wikipedia’ “fusion food has become very popular as it offers culinary adventures based on unique and distinctive tastes, to the mainstream culinary culture. Food Fusion is a form of cooking that combines contrasting culinary traditions or techniques into a single dish. In Australia, due to the increasing influx of migrants, fusion cuisine is being reinvented and is becoming increasingly the norm at numerous cafes and restaurants, with Modern Australian Asian-fusion restaurants like Tetsuya’s in Sydney ranking highly in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.”

phone: (02) 4454 0201 map & address: 85 Tallwood Avenue, Mollymook. facebook: Gwylo website: Gwylo.com.au

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Posted on June 21, 2026August 5, 2026 by Ken Banks

Rick Stein Restaurant Reviews – Bannisters Mollymook

Reviews Rick Stein restaurant,Reviews Rick Stein,rick stein,Rick Stein Bannisters,Bannisters Restaurant,reviews,mollymook

Rick Stein Bannisters Restaurant Mollymook

Internationally acclaimed restaurateur Rick Stein chose the idyllic Bannisters Headland at Mollymook on the NSW South Coast to be the location for his Australian restaurant. Here he focuses on the abundance of freshly available NSW South Coast seafood. His menu highlights the unique seafood dishes that include king fish, trevally, snapper as well as local oysters, superb prawns, calamari, scallops and cray fish. Its not unusual to also have dishes on the menu utilizing his Asian culinary influence.

Foodies from a variety of countries across the globe make the Rick Stein restaurant a destination when in Australia, as do the local Aussie foodies from inter and intrastate.

Operator: Rick Stein phone: (02) 4455 3044

Email: info@bannisters.com.au Address: 191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook

Website: Rick Stein Restaurant Check out their web site for opening hours (Bookings strongly recommended).

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Posted on June 15, 2026June 28, 2026 by Ken Banks

Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop Bar – Reviews

Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop Bar

Open to the public from 12.00 noon daily.

Enjoy wine, cocktails, a variety of craft beers & light snacks.

Light snacks see ‘Daily Specials’ board. Plates are designed for sharing.

Sample snacks include: Bar Bites, i.e. nuts, marinated olives, etc. Small Bites i.e. sliders, calamari, etc. Big Bites i.e. BBQ Chicken, Char grilled rib eye steak, etc. plus a selection of Salads, Sides & Deserts.

Map & address: 87 Tallwood Avenue, Mollymook

Phone: (02) 4455 3044 email: info@bannisters.com.au

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Posted on February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 by Ken Banks

2023 Narrawallee Ocean Swim

Narrawallee Adventure Swims, March 2023

Adventure swims along Narrawallee beach and Bannister Head are open to all Mollymook swimmers and friends. The setting is beautiful Narrawallee beach, clean water, protected, a great challenge with the possibility of seeing sea life in the clear waters.

Details are:

Saturday 11th March: Jones Beach Swim.
Meet 6:30 am South end Narrawallee beach – car pool to Jones beach.
Milton coffee / breaky following.
Sunday 19th March: Welsh Island Classic.
Meet 6:30 am @ the Welsh beach hut for a 7:00 am start/enter water.
BYO contribution breaky plate.

For more information contact Greg , Kathryn &/or Sue at the beach.

Up coming Narrawallee Adventure Swims, scheduled for March 2023

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Posted on February 1, 2023 by Ken Banks

Short Memorial Service for Joe

PASSING OF JOACHIM (JOE) SCHUCK

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers of past years will all have fond memories of Joe. Often he would arrive for coffee and sometimes breakfast at a similar time to us swimmers at the Beach Hut café.

He shared many beautiful stories with us and took a real interest in our swimming activities. I remember attending his 90th birthday many years ago, it was well attended by so many locals here at the Mollymook Surf Club. After a bad fall a number of years ago, his family had him admitted to the ARCARE, age facility, Ilett Street, Mollymook. My last visit to see Joe was about two months ago and he was struggling. Today he is at peace.

Joe Schuck, 1927 – 2023

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Posted on January 29, 2023January 29, 2023 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Gold Medals

Simone Bayne, on her way to winning a GOLD Medal at the NSW Country Surf Titles

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Gold Medals at NSW Country Surf Titles

Another wonderful Country Surf Championships event was held over this past weekend at Cape Hawk (one-mile beach), Forster.

How time flies. As a teenager, Simone Brayne (nee Everett) was one of the foundation members of the Mollymook Ocean swim group back in 1999. For a number of years she was a regular competitor at the various ocean swim events throughout NSW travelling regularly with the likes of John Sarich (formerly Smeeth), Bobby White, Peter Cooke, Kim Wilson etc. Twenty plus years on, married with a family, Simone continues to do what she enjoys most, swimming in the ocean. Still a regular swimmer in the annual Mollymook Ocean swims, today she spends her spare time with husband and children heavily involved in the Mollymook Surf Club. And of course competing at country and NSW State title events, this year entering and winning the 40 to 49 masters age category.

A convincing winner, a wonderful lady of outstanding character, with family including Mum and Dad travelling up from Mollymook for the event.

Simone Bayne, GOLD Medal, Masters 40-49 age category, NSW Country Surf Titles

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Posted on January 27, 2023 by Ken Banks

Swimmers celebrate Australia Day at Bawley Point

Mollymook Ocean Swimmer’s celebrate Australia Day at Bawley Point.

Swimmers entertained at Bawley Point Beach Reserve

Roving reporter Kath Rogers writes, “We had a perfect day at Bawley Point Beach Reserve.
Swimming, snorkeling, eating and laughing, and more dipping in that divine ocean.
Thanks to Greg, Kate, Sue and Chris for organizing this lovely day.

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Posted on January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 by Ken Banks

Iceberg Award to Mollymook Ocean Swimmer

Mollymook Ocean Swimmer presented with the ‘Iceberg Award’.

Mollymook Ocean Swimmer, Kath Rogers shows off her ‘Mollymook Beach, Iceberg Swim Award’

‘Swimming in the Arctic’ awarded to Kath Rogers

From roving reporter Mike Gaffney, “Mollymook Ocean Swimmers are known for their wintry ocean adventures but this achievement really put an icy shiver up everyone’s wetsuit.

Last year during her Icelandic travels with Geoff, Kath decided to go for a dip. We understand that it was somewhere north of the Arctic Circle.

In recognition of her polar achievement, Kath was duly awarded the 2022 Iceberg Award. Pretty cool eh?

[nb: Certification was arranged by John and Jacqui under the auspices of the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers 2022 Night of Nights. The ceremony took place at an extraordinary morning meeting at the Beach Hut] ”

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Posted on January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Beach, a surfing mecca for tourist

Dolphin display at Mollymook Beach

Sydney tourist fall in love with Mollymook.

Tourist from Sydney staying at Mollymook posted their January 2023 review on Google mentioning the “gorgeous view of the ocean where we saw both surfers and dolphins riding the waves”. They enjoyed every minute of their stay, not only the beach but the many other places to visit in the surrounding areas on their trip as well as the fantastic local restaurants.

On departure, they wrote saying; Yes, we will definitely be back!

For an extensive list of things to do in the Mollymook, Milton Ulladulla area, click on the link: Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla

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Posted on January 1, 2023March 11, 2023 by Ken Banks

May 2014 News – Mollymook Ocean Swimmers

Mollymook ocean swimmers,mollymook,ocean,mollymook beach,beach

May 2014 News

Plenty happening in this idyllic place, Mollymook.

Pete Humphries, where is he these days, they ask? Well the young reporter paid Pete a visit the other day at his building site. “He said well you know when to turn up, we are just finishing up for the day.” Take a look at Pete’s face covered in cement. They had been pouring most of the day beside fitting steel work into the water tank. It will be some house when its finished.

Feedback from last weeks article on Grant Kenny: “You two would have to have a body and face lift to look like Grant Kenny. And a sun ray lamp. Thanks for the laugh”. Allie

Christmas in May: Yes a special occasion, Jackie finally got out of bed and made a belated return to the ocean. And guess who she swam with? Grant Kenny!

The Kids from Cape York: Back on deck with their bundle of joy and sent through this pic below, taken of the amazing sunrise from their Garside home deck.

“Popeye” the photographer paid us a visit and took these beautiful images of the “Bogey Hole” and “A Lady and her companion”.

…

Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla

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Posted on December 16, 2022 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Ladies night out.

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, 2022 Ladies night out.

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, 2022-Ladies. (Pic credit Simone)

‘Ladies night out, Mollymook Ocean Swimmers’.

Sue writes; “After much excitement and anticipation the night had finally arrived : the Annual Girls Night Out for the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers. Despite not being the balmy summer’s evening one would expect the cool and blustery conditions did not dampen the spirits and fun of the nineteen happy partygoers.

A lovely night of chatter, laughter, reminiscences and friendship, enhanced by pizza and assorted cool drinks, was enjoyed by all gathered on Bannister Headland.

Meanwhile, on Narrawallee Headland the boys had gathered for a night to rival the girls festivities. Beer and wine flowed, enhanced by a terrific BBQ and salads supplied by the Hospitable Host Ian McLeod.

It is truly such a unique and special blessing to be a part of the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers – whether as a die-hard swimmer or as a friend or partner of these crazy year round swimmers. Nights like this bring it home and reflect the strong and enduring friendships amongst the swimmers.

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to all”.

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Posted on December 4, 2022January 4, 2023 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers Annual Awards Night

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers 2022 Awards night and Christmas Party.

Tim, harmonica and guitar.

Mike and Lloyd sing some beautiful ‘old time’ songs.

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Posted on October 31, 2022 by Ken Banks

Fashion Parade, Dickson College

Dickson College Fashion Parade

This ‘Fashion Parade’ in Canberra will be Mollymook Ocean Swimmer, Jill Pettifer’s final display as she has announced her retirement. On her ‘Bucket List’ is spending more time at Mollymook Ocean Swimming. Website: Dickson College

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Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla

Ken B., Mollymook Beach Waterfront: Editor for Mollymook News, Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla and Mollymook Ocean Swimmers

Posted on October 6, 2022January 4, 2023 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers’ Annual Christmas Party

Mark the Date, ‘Night of Nights’ for the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers.

Former Swimmer of the year, Gentleman John L. sends this email: “Hi Swimmers and Friends

Well the Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies are already appearing on supermarket shelves so it must be time to start planning the big event. As last year’s Swimmers’ Party at the Surf Club, organized by “Professor Mike”, was such success, I asked Emma if the Surf Club would be happy to extend the same courtesy to us this year. Emma answered with an enthusiastic YES so the gig is on. Thanks Emma!!

Date: Saturday December 3rd, 2022

Time: 5:00pm to 8:30pm

Food: Please bring a plate to share

Drinks: Purchased at the bar

Music: A star studded cast of world class musicians (guess who) will keep us entertained and get us dancing AND of course, SWIMMER OF THE YEAR – OCTOPUSES GARDEN AWARD and GOLDEN FLIPPER AWARD will be ceremoniously bestowed on worthy individuals (let me know if you have any nominations) Thanks everyone for another great year. John”

Who will it be? 2022 Swimmer of the year award

Sunrise two days ago on Tuesday morning.

Today, Thursday morning.

Dave Tudor-Jones described this morning in the surf: ‘We had a dark cold stormy morning with rough seas, bluebottles, a ‘card-board shark’ scare and blood from Ed’s lip’ what a morning..

Billy Rushton’s poem

Being a lover of your doggy companion, I’m sure you will relate to this poem that I’ve attempted to put together after sitting here in Covid isolation playing on the computer. I’m sure you will enjoy my attempt to portray the comfort and love pets can give to you. ( it’s about my son Andrew’s tradie dog called Rex).

ANDREWS BROWN KELPIE by Billy R.

Who barks and wags his tail with glee

And greets the new day joyously

With such a silly grin?

“My kelpie Rex .. that’s who”

Who, with head on paws

Waits patiently whilst I do the chores

It’s plain to see who he adores?

“My kelpie Rex .. that’s who”

Who sticks with me the whole day through

And never asks for favours,

No matter what I say and do?

“My kelpie Rex .. that’s who”

Who digs the holes in garden beds

And tears his sleeping mat to shreds,

Does his poos all-round the yard

Not caring where he treads?

“My kelpie Rex .. that’s who”

Who sometimes whimpers in the night

Perhaps from canines long – past fight?

“My kelpie Rex .. that’s who”

Who hides and howls with utter fright

When thunderstorms light sky at night

He’ll jump the fence and then be gone

So, bring him in with a soothing pat

And soon his fright abates?

“My kelpie Rex .. that’s who”

Who is my mate – not just a pet

I shan’t forget,

Perhaps and yet a mere brown dog

A loyal friend so very true

A staunch companion each day through?

“My kelpie Rex.. that’s who”

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Bird pics in the Queensland outback

For those who may be interested in one of my recent trips, here is a link to my recent post: ‘Bird pics in the Queensland Outback’

Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla

Ken B., Mollymook Beach Waterfront: Editor for Mollymook News, Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla and Mollymook Ocean Swimmers

Posted on September 9, 2022September 13, 2022 by Ken Banks

Birdlife on the NSW North Coast

Bird life at Crescent Heads, Woolgoolga & Lennox Heads.

Having returned from our holiday on the NSW North Coast, the following are a few bird pics I took. The bird life species can differ a little as you move from area to area and I came across some interesting species on our travels along the NSW North Coast areas.

Some species I had never before seen / photographed; such as Helmeted Guineafowl, Spangled Drongo’s, Scaly Breasted Lorikeets, Cattle Egrets and a female Brown-Quail.

Click on images to enlarge