The water, even in July, was still warm enough for swimming and in a sunny pool sheltered from the breakers by giant rocks at the far end of Killcare, children splashed and played as if it was mid-summer. The air temperature was a balmy 23-25 degrees compared with a chilly 8-10 at home.
All but deserted beachesMy only exposure to Australian beaches in the past has been Sydney’s Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee, tourist hot-spots seething with people year-round. But Killcare and neighbouring Putty, Maitland and Tallow beaches are all but deserted at this time of the year, apart from a few surfers and dog-walkers. Our Sydney-based daughter, Sophie, found the seclusion and lack of people blissful after the stresses of life in the big city . . . and being only 100km away, Killcare is easily do-able for a weekend.
The region is part of the Bouddi National Park and is rich in wildlife and history. Around 100 Aboriginal sites have been discovered on the peninsula, including middens, rock engravings and rock shelters of the Guringai people, the traditional custodians of the region.
On our walks, we learned about the fascinating geological phenomenon of tessellated pavement where sandstone rock has been fractured over millions of years of weathering and erosion into shapes resembling a pavement or mosaic floor. I wanted to take them home for my garden.
We stayed right on the beach at Killcare in a stunning Luxe Houses vacation home belonging to a Sydney family. The substantial abode with five bathrooms, four-bedrooms plus a huge, sunny bunkroom, sleeps eight adults and six children with ease and comfort.
The three-level design of the home allows for all age groups to have their own space. Every room has magnificent ocean views and the bedrooms, including the bunkroom, open onto balconies.
The main entrance, living, lounge, kitchen and dining area are on the middle floor.
The kitchen with its long marble bench and island is designed to handle large gatherings. The oval dining table, made from weathered, recycled wood, is forgiving and fuss-free. There’s an outside dining option in a semi-enclosed patio beside the pool and a BBQ station which is so well-equipped, it’s really a second kitchen.
Cosy and relaxedPlump, comfy couches, recliners, floor cushions, a wall-mounted wood-burner and a 62-inch flat-screen television make for a versatile, cosy, relaxed lounge and living area with a stunning panorama of the beach.
There are also two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a garage on the middle floor.
When in need of peace, the adults can take refuge in their top-floor, two-bedroom, two- bathroom retreat with a spacious lounge and television.
The younger ones have their own sunny, lower-level rumpus room with couches, trundler beds, a play station, television and drawers stacked with books and games.
A clever design feature on this level is the separate entry from the beach with an outside shower and foot bath where little ones can be de-sanded before coming into the house. Towels and togs can be hung on an outside line in an enclosed patio or thrown in the huge washing machine and drier which are part of a ground-floor bathroom/laundry complex a small resort would be proud of.
Killcare Beach House has an effortless warmth and liveability and is an ideal venue for two or even three generations to enjoy a trouble-free holiday.
And for those in need of R&R, the constant sound of the waves has a soporific, relaxing effect, soothing jagged nerves and reviving weary spirits. The all-glass frontage and elevation allow you to watch the ever-changing moods of the ocean, sand and sky, whatever the weather.
It’s a big-hearted house which over-delivers in every respect. I loved the gorgeous Appelles spa products in every bathroom, the exquisite bespoke Cocolux candle scents, and restful décor of the house. The colours of the landscape — sand-coloured floor tiles and earthy textures and fabrics — are echoed inside the house.
While Killcare has the feeling of seclusion, within walking distance there are excellent cafes and restaurants including the award-winning Manfredi at Bells. Chef Stefano Manfredi is rated so highly, well-to-do Sydney-siders often catch a seaplane there just for lunch. But for casual lunches, you can’t beat the Killcare Beach Kiosk at the surf club building a short stroll away. The fish and chips are delicious and great value for money.
When I’m a granny, I’m going to take my grandchildren to Killcare — it’s a special, carefree place.