CHECK-IN
The village of Bundeena in NSW’s Royal Nationwide Park has lengthy been a southern weekend bolthole for in-the-know Sydneysiders craving quiet seashores, aromatic bush, solitary walks, a kayak on calm waters or a spot of dolphin and whale watching simply 80 minutes away by automotive. Drive by winding coastal streets till a white picket fence on the finish of a cul de sac opens to disclose 180 diploma water views framed by cockatoo-splashed towering gums and landscaped gardens. Right here, Simpson Cottage has dominated its spectacular roost overlooking Simpson’s Bay for greater than 150 years.
THE LOOK
Market gardener George Simpson was one of many first males to be granted land within the space. His cottage, constructed within the 1860s with the assistance of convict muscle, is one among Sydney’s best-preserved sandstone properties. However that is no poky shrine to yesteryear. The three-bedroom cottage has large verandahs and is mild and ethereal with excessive ceilings and pure tones. It final modified palms in 2010, and has undergone sympathetic renovation that has solely emphasised its stately magnificence. However at all times competing for consideration is that view, finest loved on waking from the entrance bed room; in a chair on the sunny entrance verandah, or from the cottage’s picnic desk below bushes plonked proper in entrance of that glowing bay.
THE COTTAGE
There are three good-sized bedrooms, the entrance one has a queen mattress; the second has a king that may be reconfigured to 2 singles, and the third has bunks. There is a cavernous lavatory with a stand-alone tub (candles and salts provided) and underfloor heating. The well-equipped kitchen has a pod espresso maker plus a stove-top possibility and good teas. Simply outdoors is a six-burner barbecue. A separate storage or youngsters’ retreat has a TV, one other lavatory and pinball machine. The cottage has so many suntraps and cosy spots that there is no such thing as a must “baggage” your favorite. The entrance sitting room has an open fireplace and there is an out of doors fire-pit with seating, however that picnic desk with the unimaginable views – lit with photo voltaic fairy lights at evening to magical impact – is difficult to beat. Head simply previous this down unique stone steps to secluded Bonnie Vale Seashore.
OUT & ABOUT
The Royal Nationwide Park is your playground right here, with many waterfall-dotted bush walks and panoramic views to select from. Bonnie Vale Seashore and campground has cute seaside shacks. Right here you possibly can swim, fish, rent a kayak (bundeenakayaks.com.au), or spot deer as you stroll a bit additional to the village of Maianbar. The straightforward five-kilometre Jibbon Seashore Loop Observe begins on the ferry wharf and gives surf seashores, views to Cronulla, and Indigenous rock carvings (look out for the roo and the whale.) To move additional afield, Boats and Baskets (boatsandbaskets.com.au) will choose you up and drop you at a picnic spot throughout the water the place you possibly can get pleasure from one thing they ready earlier. Or in case you fancy a ferry trip and a sooner tempo, catch the Bundeena ferry to Cronulla for breakfast and a spot of buying. However George Simpson knew what he was doing when he constructed his namesake cottage: when you sit within the sunshine with a glass in a single hand and a guide within the different, you will not wish to enterprise far.
FOOD & WINE
Bundeena is extra a picnic than a foodie hub, with myriad spots to unfold out with a water view. On the town, I Grill wine and gin bar (igrill.com.au) has 20 gins to select from, together with the Sutherland Shire’s personal Ruby Wednesday has a mixture of cuisines. There’s the dependable Bundeena Pizza; Driftwood Cafe; the aptly-named Brown Paper and Vinegar cafe for burgers and fish ‘n chips, and the RSL gives membership fare and popping water views. The Audley Dance Corridor and Cafe (a 25-minute drive) gives good meals and wine within the solar – beware marauding kookaburras – and can even whip up pre-ordered picnic hampers. Warning: in case you’re staying early within the week Bundeena’s few eateries are prone to be closed however the kitchen is so well-equipped you would possibly want to BYO feast substances or head to the grocery store on the town which is blessed with a bottleshop. Some goodies – whether or not it’s a bottle of wine, eggs from the proprietor’s chooks, home-baked biscuits or sourdough – will likely be left to shock company.
THE VERDICT
Come right here for peace and quiet, nature, seashores and ample comfortable spots to take a seat, learn, ponder or to chill with family and friends.
ESSENTIALS
8 Simpson Street, Bundeena. From $690 an evening; minimal two nights. Sleeps six. Good for 2 {couples} or a gaggle of associates. See simpsoncottage.com.au nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
RATING
★★★★½
HIGHLIGHT
Waking as much as birdsong and solar glowing on the water from the entrance bed room.
LOWLIGHT
Maybe just a few too many dried-flower preparations.
The author was a visitor of Simpson Cottage.
