Crystal-clear waters, dotted with surfers, gently break onto the cream sands. The sound of the Pacific Ocean arriving in Australia is broken only by laughter of happy children frolicking in the shallows.

This is Mollymook, a quaint beachside paradise on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Nestled between the bustling hubs of Batemans Bay and Wollongong, Mollymook is one of the most popular beach destinations on the NSW South Coast.

There are too many people dotting the two kilometre stretch of sand to call it undiscovered, but there’s a something special about this place. A charm that makes Mollymook unique from the bevvy of beachside towns that make up this part of the world.

Arriving in Mollymook, the first thing that strikes you is the unblemished, sweeping beach that welcomes undulating waves of the Pacific. A gentle breeze is enough to shift a series of huge Norfolk pines that frame the view from the local surf club.

Mollymook is a throwback to another era. Its population is made up of a transient mix of holiday goers and retirees, all drawn to the easy-going way of life around here.

With accommodation options ranging from Airbnbs to more exclusive options at a pair of Bannisters hotels; more on those in a moment. If you have more than a few days to visit, it’s worth renting a house to get the genuine beachside holiday experience Australia is famous for.

The beach itself, is renowned among surfers for its consistent waves. The local surf school provides an encouraging introduction for those new to the sport.

Mollymook beach at dusk

It’s rare to head mention of Mollymook, without reference to Bannisters by the Sea. The boutique motel-style hotel that clicks to the headland at the north end of the beach. The brainchild of English celebrity chef Rick Stein, it’s become a mecca for foodies keen to stay and eat at the on site restaurant, renowned for its seafood.

So popular was the original location that a second venue, Bannisters Pavilion was opened in 2015. Set less than a kilometre from the original venue, and a mere 100m from the beach, it shares the boutique vibe of the original.

For those looking for a break from the beach, the area offers not one but two golf courses. A casual 9-hole course sits at the southern end of the beach, surely offering one of the most picturesque final holes on the NSW coast. A second course, Hilltop Golf Course, offers a full 18-hole experience. The course is recognised in the top-100 courses in Australia, yet carries over the approachable vibe of the area.

No matter how long you’re staying, you’re bound to come away from Mollymook a little more relaxed than when you arrive.

Mollymook is a three-hour drive from Sydney. The closest airport served by Australia’s major regional carriers is Canberra airport, 2.5-hour drive.