SCARBOROUGH HOTEL - Hardy pub meals washed down with a beverage, good for large groups and families, ocean views
I have learned from my travels that you can research something at nauseum to ensure that the perfect day/week/month ensues or you can embark on a journey and simply allow it to unfold the way in which it was meant to. All things are a matter of perspective and being open to change and ever evolving circumstances can result in some of the most perfect chance happenings.
On this particular weekend I was meant to drive to Berry, via the Sea Cliff Bridge, however my GPS re-routed me due to a road closure and was sent over the bridge back to Sydney instead. What I wasn’t prepared for was the back to back traffic on the opposite side of the road, which definitely deterred me from turning back to Berry! Instead I got to explore Stanwell Tops to Thirroul, a row of small beach towns one after the other and only a short hour and twenty minute drive from Sydney. Perfect for a quick day trip or overnight stay. And actually, not a bad place to invest or even live due to its close proximity to Wollongong and the Sutherland Shire.
Cute cafes, homeware and nik-nak stores pop up along the drive through the neighbouring suburbs. The main event for the day was stopping off at the old Scarborough Hotel founded in 1886, a stunning old pub which backs onto a large green lawn overlooking the sea. A wonderful weekend lunch enjoyed with a group of friends or your partner, the venue is child friendly, with the majority of seating outside to enjoy the sea breeze and views. We were there in the middle of winter on a gloriously sunny day. I’m sure the atmosphere would be vibing during the long summer days too!
Enjoy a bottle of white wine or champagne with their selection of seafood, or a few beers with the more traditional pub meals on offer. The beef burger was delicious!
We then drove over the Sea Cliff Bridge back to Sydney, although next time I plan on walking the stretch between Coalcliff and Scarborough, stopping at the pub for lunch and then walking back. The Sea Cliff Bridge is 665m long, with a pedestrian pathway built on the coastline of the bridge. If you’re after a lazy Sunday drive, I suggest taking the Grand Pacific Drive route through the Royal National Park, there is a clearly marked sign indicating a Left turn off of the Princess Highway. It is a short 40-45 minute drive from Sydney airport to this point.
You can also access the Sea Cliff Bridge via train, disembarking at Coalcliff station and walking the fifteen minutes to the Bridge.
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