BERRY - A scenic ocean drive will transport you to the quaint village of Berry; fresh air, good food, meandering and home décor shopping
Weekend getaways and day trips are enough to transport you out of your norm, re invigorate your creative and productive output and allow you to smell the fresh air. I’ve always indulged in the much needed day trip. Enjoying new visual surrounds has always been an effective way of “restarting” my concentration and focus and if possible, the midweek day trips are great for dodging the crowds and lines.
One of my favourite day trips is to the village of Berry, located two hours from Sydney on the south coast in the Shoalhaven region of NSW. One of the most picturesque drives out of Sydney, you’re met with rolling green hills with grazing cows to the Right and seaside suburbs overlooking the South Pacific Ocean to the Left. Driving down the South coast of Sydney is like driving through God’s country. Grab your gal pals or significant other for a day of exploring or weekend of wine and laughs.
Head south towards the Sutherland Shire and onto Acacia Rd to Wollongong. If you have the time and fancy the drive, turn off to the Left and embark on the Grand Pacific Drive towards the Seacliff Bridge and passing the coastal towns of Shellharbour.
Once you arrive in Berry at around midday (because you’ve decided to be leisurely and not wake up at the crack of dawn to do this), you will enter via the main street, Queen St, turning Right at Alexandra st and Right again into Albert to find a small car park situated behind and amongst the shops.
Check the line-up for The Famous Berry Donut Van. Iconic for the last 55 years, they serve up deliciously fresh hot cinnamon donuts! Grab a ticket and wait while they’re made, hence checking the line at midday to plan accordingly! Don’t leave Berry without your donuts!
There are some wonderful little cafes serving up brunch and lunch, however a personal favourite of mine is off the main road on Prince Alfred Street, The Hungry Monkey. Their burger selection is particularly excellent, however on this day I indulged in the Sliced Avocado on Sourdough with Chimichurri, Chili Flakes, Soy Roasted Pepitas, Monkey Seasoning & Lime – dee-licious! They also serve up a fine dose of caffeine.
Once you’ve fueled yourselves, head to the main drag and meander into the many homeware boutiques on offer. Some of my favourites are below:
Few and Far
Beautifully curated homeware pieces from furniture, throws, decorative pieces, candles/defuses and kitchenware. Some very lush, indulgent items that may break the budget and others that won’t!
Haven and Space
I loved this store! Mainly because I was impressed at how well priced the pieces were, I only wish I needed to buy something for my place! Again, a beautiful selection of furniture, pillows, lamps and decoratives that won’ break the budget.
Moss Nest
Curated globally and from Australia, Moss Nest offers high quality women’s fashion, luxe gifts and unique furniture. This shop is stunning. The furniture is beautifully organic and earthy, with extraordinary hanging pieces. Definitely exclusive and very lush.
Goldfish Toy Shop
Toy shops are always super fun, this one doesn’t let you down. Albeit a little pricey, their selection of toys feel less commercial and exude the charm and magic that toys hold within them. They also have a great selection of puppets!
Bedroom Bliss
One for the ladies, this is a lovely boutique store with a selection of lush sleepwear, leather goods, fun gifts, body and bath luxuries as well as children’s ware. You will definitely leave this store with a purchase, guaranteed! And their customer service was fantastic, lovely friendly people.
Once you’ve walked into every boutique shop you’re probably due for an afternoon coffee. Head to Milkwood Bakery for your arvo treat; coffee, tea, pastries and breads.
Once you’re ready to make the drive home, take a fifteen minute detour to The Treat Factory, it’s literally just up the road off Prince Alfred Street. Here you’ll find a selection of jams, chutneys, oils, nuts, pasta, sauces, chocolates etc. It’s really well worth the visit as they have a vast selection of goodies to yummify your home cooking.
Pop Kiama into the GPS and go home via the coastal town that makes you feel like you could be in Queensland. I was lucky enough to do this on a Wednesday where Coronation Park at Surf Beach hosts the weekly Kiama Farmer’s Market so I managed to get my fruit and veg done before heading home!
The GPS will also take you directly to the Kiama Blowhole, with parking onsite and disabled access. Here the crash of the waves hit the rock structure precisely so the water sprays through the hole and into the air. Doesn’t sound like much? It’s actually quite cool! The kids will love it and eventually you’ll notice that the clever rock formation actually resembles a lady’s “hoo-ha” and it sprays water – that’ll get you giggling!
On another note, I’d never actually seen sea foam before and if you walk around the Blowhole on the specially built walkway, sea foam is thrown into the air from the crashing of water and rock below, floating like bubbles.
If you have time (and daylight), come home via the Sea Cliff Bridge for some more ocean views before you return to the grind of Sydney. Enjoy!
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