After the thrill of our Koh Samui trip, our group promised to meet again for another getaway—this time a little closer to home.
After a few months of planning we chose a weekend on the South Coast of New South Wales.
Yes, this account is a bit overdue—I’m writing about a trip we took in January—but the memories are worth sharing.
Here are some thoughts and plenty of photos from our holiday on the South Coast.
I’m not much for roughing it under the stars. I prefer a few comforts when I travel, and food always matters.
The South Coast of New South Wales is many things: a mix of mountains, rivers, pristine beaches and spectacular wilderness. It’s about a two-hour scenic drive from Sydney, dotted with quaint towns along the way.
The region is well known for its eclectic craft and antique shops and a thriving artisan food scene that makes it perfect for a short escape.
We stayed at a stunning property called Redleaf. The moment we arrived I half-expected characters from Dallas to step out—its sprawling driveway and grand presence felt like a country estate.
Redleaf is best described as a French provincial-style country home with modern conveniences. It has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a 20-metre pool in the backyard, set in landscaped grounds with protected views over bushland and the coast.
My favorite part of the weekend was the cooking. The kitchen was fully equipped—double oven, dishwasher, a KitchenAid, and even an espresso machine—everything you need to prepare meals for a group.
We shopped for groceries in a nearby town before settling in. Some people can’t imagine cooking on holiday, but I enjoy it. I’m one of those people who wakes at 6 a.m. to bake blueberry muffins for everyone, then thinking ahead to lunch.
We all pitched in with the cooking and enjoyed beautiful meals together. Highlights included a kohlrabi and greens pie, homemade flatbreads with souvlaki, and a butterflied leg of lamb cooked on the gas barbecue.
We relaxed, ate, swam in the lovely lap pool, drank wine, and lounged on big sofas while watching Muriel’s Wedding. There was also a moment of unexpected hilarity when I was bitten by a leech—unpleasant, but something we all laughed about afterward.
Many of us—accustomed to Sydney’s fast pace—left feeling refreshed after a few days on the scenic South Coast. Being able to unwind in a beautiful setting with friends is a simple but meaningful reward.
Redleaf is an exceptional property. If you have a large group and want a nearby retreat for a few days, it’s a wonderful choice—you won’t be disappointed.
