St Helens
A great day trip north from Edge of the Bay is the drive to St Helens. Turning left onto the A4 at Chain of Lagoons takes you over the Elephant Pass and some stunning places to stop and take in the views up and down the coast, a fantastic temperate rain forest drive. Into St Mary’s and your 1st stop of the day at the Purple Possum for coffee and cake, don’t let the website fool you. There are 2 great walks that can be done here, the South Sisters Lookout for 4wd cars or the St Patricks Head Track, both a great way to stretch the legs and what views!
From there it’s down the St Marys pass through Scamander and Beaumaris to St Helens. St Helens give visitors a few different options depending on what takes your fancy. St Helens Mountain Bike Trails for the adventurous, a further drive to Pyengana Dairy and the walk into St Columbia Falls with lunch at the Pub in the Paddock (great old school country pub). Or take the shorter drive to Binalong Bay, the southern end of the Bay of Fires and lunch at Meresta Eatery or picnic at cosy corner, The Gardens, Binalong Bay. This sums it up pretty well! – Bay of Fires.
There’s also plenty to do in St Helens itself and an option for great fresh fish and chips at the wharf.
Really good pizza is available, but we haven’t been able to find it yet and Furneaux Restaurant & Comptoir is a cut above. And don’t forget Priory Ridge vineyard, good wine and not a bad view at all.
Serpentarium is a good option for all ages to get up and close with the wildlife; and Secret River Gem Hunting and Kayaking Tours is a great adventure and something totally different for a day.
Leaving a bit earlier White Sands, along the coast road A3 and the Brewhaus bar and café. Brewery, distillery and café/restaurant, a good option.
Bicheno
Bicheno is only a quick 30 minutes jaunt north of Edge of the Bay. A whole day and part of the night could be spent here depending on your want to explore.
Apsley Gorge National Park is a great start. Little Bay Patisserie is a must for good coffee and proper French pastries and Governors, great coffee and truly superb toasties. Nature world has animals and birds, from devils to snakes with everything in between. Quick extras are the Whalers Lookout climb, and if the sea is surging The Blowhole can be pretty exciting.
Then if wanting to stay a bit later the Bicheno Penguin Tours is a great way to start the night for all ages. The Lobster Shack for great fish and chips and much more seafood, Food and Brew always a good option. Then there’s The Farm Shed, a huge supporter of local winemakers and distillers with an extensive range of local wine and spirits, and a lengthy tasting list, happy days!
