‘The most unique place I’ve ever stayed in was just a short drive from home’
Before I’ve even got out of the car, through the windscreen I spot a whale breaching a couple of hundred metres offshore. It’s just one of dozens I’m about to see over the weekend, from our holiday rental in what I’ve just decided is Australia’s most perfect location.
Ten minutes later, we’re settled in the hundred-year-old cottage we’re calling home this weekend, soaking up the winter sun and exclaiming every few minutes as we spot another whale on the horizon.
This was our backyard for the weekend. Supplied / Jemima Skelley
I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to head overseas or to far-flung locations on holiday, but as time goes on and adult responsibilities (and costs) pile up, I’m changing my tune.
Norah Head, where we’re spending the weekend, is just a 30-minute drive from where I live. From Sydney it’s an hour and a half and from Newcastle, just an hour.
It means you can clock off work on a Friday afternoon and be in full holiday mode before the sun goes down. No airport lines, no long road trips, no excessive planning.
We’re not just staying in any regular home, either. This is the heritage-listed Norah Head Lightkeepers cottages, perched on the top of a grassy hill next to the lighthouse itself, surrounded by bushland. It’s safe to say this might be the most unique place I’ve ever stayed.
Built in 1903, I had a vision of a quaint cottage – comfortable, but with creaky floors, chilly rooms and old-fashioned furnishings. But even in mid-June I didn’t have to crack out the Ugg boots I’d packed; the house is perfectly renovated with modern conveniences, without detracting from the history.
There are three, three-bedroom cottages, which can each sleep up to nine guests, perfect for a family weekend away. They’ve got huge rooms, high ceilings, a kitchen with all the appliances you’d need, a fenced backyard and BBQ, a modern bathroom, laundry, and best of all, sweeping views of the headland and ocean.
Managed by Reflections Holidays, it’s a laid-back and budget-friendly spot that’s more interesting than a classic holiday park cabin – with the added benefit of being close to home for many.
The home is cosy and well-renovated. Supplied / Jemima Skelley
Norah Head is a stunning holiday spot in its own right. Along with the whale watching in the cooler months, it’s also home to a string of sandy beaches, rock platforms, surf spots, ocean pools, and a welcoming village.
There are plenty of bush walks to tackle, some of which traverse secluded beaches and end at cafés for a much-needed refuel.
We were also lucky enough to visit when the monthly Saturday markets were on, with ocean views, coffee, food, and local vendors. My tip? Stock up on some fruit from the farmer’s stall, grab some freshly baked pastries and a coffee, then walk down to the rock pool at Cabbage Tree Bay.
The beaches are clean and empty. Supplied / Jemima Skelley
And while we’re on the topic of local recommendations, don’t miss a meal at Johnny Tapas. We had it delivered to the house on a chilly Friday night after our toddler went to bed, and decided it’s probably one of the best pizza spots on the Central Coast. I reckon if you can eat there – and order a couple of cocktails – it’d be even better.
For brekky, Norah Head Beach Haus is a must-try, conveniently located next to the beach and at the end of a bushwalk trail. If you’re happy to drive a bit further, Okyn in Noraville has great-quality coffee, and Rise Mofo in Toukley serves up trendy Insta-worthy iced coffees and delicious toasties.
It’s an ideal family holiday spot. Reflections
Don’t leave without taking a tour of the historic lighthouse, which is free if you’re staying on site. The guides have so much knowledge about the building and its history, making for a fascinating tour. Even without that, it’s worth it just to soak in the view from the very top of the lighthouse – on clear days, you can see the Sydney skyline.
And of course, there are whale breaches galore.
It might sound cliche to say that I’m already thinking about the next time we can go back, but it’s true. I’m in the process of corralling the extended family to come along for a weekend because I know it’ll be such a hit with everyone from the kids to the grandparents.
The writer and her family stayed as guests of Reflections Holidays.
