G'DAY!
I visited the off-the-beaten-track nature resort with undisturbed beaches and sunbathing kangaroos
Heading south along the Sapphire coast you will find the so-called oyster trail
I HAD thought the Australian countryside would be a place to get away from it all, undisturbed.
But as I peel back the blinds of my bedroom window to reveal a misty morning, I’m greeted by a host of beady eyes staring back at me.
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A mob of wild kangaroos and baby joeys have swung by for a nosey — yet I find them quite a pleasant crowd with whom to share my 7am cup of coffee with.
They live in their millions on this sleepy stretch of New South Wales’ southern coastline — and my garden visitors seem happy as can be, chewing on the dewy grass outside my window.
This chance to get up close and personal to Australia’s national animal is just one of many perks that comes with a stay at Jaguar Stay, a collection of six luxury one-bedroom villas in a glorious 160-acre estate just outside the village of Mogo.
The villas are styled in tune with their rural home — with leathery cow-print chairs, sliding wooden doors and vast floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome the outside in.
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Each has its own plunge pool — most welcome in the height of summer Down Under.
From your living room you can hear the chatter of monkeys — not wild ones, to my relief, but from the nearby animal park — and just down the road are some of the country’s best sandy beaches.
You’re likely to spot more kangaroos on the sand, too, sprawled out to stretch their limbs. Head to Mill Beach in the village of South Durras, around a 25-minute drive away, for a chance to see them in the wild.
I soon discovered wildlife is a big part of what makes this region special — that and its proximity to Sydney if you also fancy some time in the buzzing city.
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Heading south along the Sapphire coast you will find the so-called oyster trail where the shellfish are not seen as a luxury like in Europe, but a traditional food of the indigenous people.
A visit to Broadwater Oysters, on Pambula Lake, is a must for fans of this tasty treat.
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
I toured the farm in a small group while boats loaded with racks of oysters floated by.
We learned about the tide-to-table process on farms like this, where oyster cages are flipped regularly to mimic waves and help the creatures grow.
We then had a go at shucking some freshly plucked oysters — taking off their shells to reveal the meat inside.
Surfer dudes
Shucking is more challenging than it looks but our incentive was knowing we could later gorge on the oysters — with wasabi toppings, pickled shallots or natural, flavoured only by the lake’s salty water.
If you plan on staying in the area, the Tathra Hotel affords dreamy clifftop views over the crashing waves below.
It also has its own microbrewery on site and the frothy IPAs, rich amber ales and fiery ginger beer go down a treat.
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A 30-minute drive from here will take you to Pambula River where those keen to learn more about the indigenous oyster farming ways can join a guided Aboriginal Culture Kayak Tour.
We paddled along the narrow waterway flanked by weathered rocks smothered in wild shellfish and paused at a patch of sand to sip tea while our guide explained stories from times past.
This isn’t the only place to sample the local Sydney Rock oysters, though.
As the name would suggest, you can find these palate cleansers on near-enough every menu in Sydney itself — including at Cafe Sydney, which offers a magical view of the city’s sparkling harbour at night.
At the elegant bar Dean & Nancy On 22, you can wash down that evening’s dinner with an Oyster Shell Martini — made from gin distilled with oyster shells to give it a salty twang.
But if you somehow tire of food from the sea, Esteban restaurant in Sydney’s Paddington neighbourhood offers some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine outside of Mexico itself.
It’s got a killer tequila menu that lets you tailor your margarita with your tequila of choice, according to how long its been aged and with either a spicy or salty rim.
With more than 100 beaches in the Sydney area, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sunbathing spots
Aside from its thriving food and drink scene, Sydney is a city that, in my humble opinion — I lived here for a short stint in my twenties — is like no other.
There are breathtaking beaches, full of surfer dudes, just a 15-minute drive from a quality shopping district and a harbour that’s home to one of the world’s most iconic pieces of architecture — the Sydney Opera House.
The performing arts attraction’s design is inspired by the white sails of passing yachts and ships and it welcomes all manner of musicians and shows, from historic plays to modern DJs such as Fred Again — who for the last two years has thrilled festival-goers at Glastonbury.
If you don’t have time to catch a performance, book a tour — adults pay 45 Australian dollars (£23) and children 25 dollars (£13).
Or for a view of the harbour even better than from the Opera House balcony, take a boat trip — Lifestyle Charters offers them from around £12pp for three hours, taking in landmarks including the Harbour Bridge.
Do also make time for Bondi Beach.
It feels peak Aussie with its wave-riding surfers and bohemiam, avocado-loving cafes.
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But with more than 100 beaches in the Sydney area, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sunbathing spots.
Now, pass me another oyster.
GO: NEW SOUTH WALES
GETTING THERE: Emirates flies from Heathrow to Sydney via Dubai from £915 return. See .
STAYING THERE: A one-bedroom villa at Jaguar Stay is from £240 per night with a minimum three night stay (), rooms at the Intercontinental Sydney are from £186 per night () and at Tathra Hotel from around £86 per night ()
OUT & ABOUT: An Aboriginal Culture Kayak Tour costs from £81pp for four hours. See .
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