Mollymook, New South Wales

Mollymook
New South Wales

View of Mollymook Beach from Golf Avenue
Population 1,184 (3,246 including Mollymook Beach) (2011 census)[1]
Postcode(s) 2539
Elevation 19 m (62 ft)
Location
LGA(s) City of Shoalhaven
State electorate(s) South Coast
Federal Division(s) Gilmore
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
? ? 1,430 mm
56.3 in

Mollymook is located on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia approximately three hours' drive south of Sydney within the City of Shoalhaven local government area. At the 2011 census, Mollymook had a population of 1,184 [1] while the adjacent locality of Mollymook Beach is home to a further 2,062 people.[2] Geographically, Mollymook is considered part of the Milton-Ulladulla district, a coastal corridor of urban development stretching from Burrill Lake, south of Ulladulla to Mollymook's northern neighbour, Narrawallee and the historic town of Milton a few kilometres inland.

The area collectively referred to as Mollymook is formed by two distinct localities; Mollymook Beach - a mostly residential area incorporating Bannister Headland adjoining Narrawallee, and Mollymook - containing the Mollymook golf and surf lifesaving clubs, motels and serviced apartments. The name "Mollymook" is believed to be a corruption of mollymawk, the name given by sailors to small species of albatross.[3]

History

Mollymook was first settled as a rural area of Ulladulla. In 1859, the Mitchell family established a property named "Molly Moke" in the vicinity of Garside Road.[4] "Mollymook" is possibly a reference to the black-browed mollymawk. A cemetery overlooking the sea was in use by 1893. Some time around 1900, John Coller allowed public access to the beach and rock pools on his family estate (present day Collers Beach), and Mollymook began to earn a reputation as a popular retreat. Silica mining operations were commenced on Mollymook's southern headland by the Illawarra brick company prior to 1920 and brought an influx of workers to the quarries.[5] Bannister Headland at the northern end of Mollymook beach was the site of a silica crushing facility and loading jetty in the early 20th Century. In 1924, a tramway was constructed across Narrawallee Inlet to transport silica from mining leases near Conjola for preparation and shipping. The industry declined during World War II.[6] During the 1990s, many of Mollymook's older homes began to be redeveloped with medium density apartments and resort style hotels. Like much of the south coast, the town is popular with retirees.

Facilities and infrastructure

Today Mollymook has an economy largely based on tourism relying on nearby Ulladulla with a larger population base for many services and employment opportunities. A small shopping centre with a supermarket, pharmacy and several specialty shops is located at the northern end of Mollymook, as well as a public sportsground - the Bill Andriski Mollymook Oval, medical centre and bowling club. A range of beachside accommodation options are popular during the summer holiday seasons including motels, holiday rental homes, serviced apartments as well as the upmarket Bannister Head Lodge. In peak holiday times South Mollymook Beach, North Mollymook Beach and Narrawallee are all patrolled by members of the Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club.[7] The Sandridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery has been in use since 1893 and is the largest in the district, located at the corner of Ocean Street and Mitchell Parade, overlooking Mollymook Beach.[8]

Ulladulla Bus Lines route 740 provides public transport services six days per week toward Ulladulla and Milton, with several stops in Mollymook up to five times per day.[9]

Sport and recreation

The Mollymook Golf Club maintains two golf courses; the Hilltop course is an 18 hole Championship course, renowned as a challenging and picturesque layout. Designed in 1977, the March 2006 edition of Australian Golf Digest rated this course as number 97 in the top 100 Australian golf courses. The smaller 9 hole, Par 33 Beachside course is aimed at social golfers and offers sweeping views of the ocean. The Hilltop course features a lounge bar, pro-shop and locker room, offering cart hire, conference and practice facilities. The main clubhouse is located next to Mollymook Beach, adjacent to the Beachside course and offers gaming and dining options and a large function room with panoramic views of the beach.[10]

Mollymook Golf Club, located on the southern end of Mollymook Beach

The smaller Mollymook Beach Bowling Club also offers bistro style dining and a range of recreational activities including lawn bowls and poker tournaments. The Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club hosts many competitions and surf carnivals throughout the year. Events include surf boat races and ocean swims. The club encourages the participation of "Nippers", junior club members aged between 5 and 14 who learn skills in water safety and surf lifesaving many of who go onto to patrol the local beaches. The club also maintains a kiosk and function rooms at their clubhouse at the southern end of the beach.[7]

The Bill Andriski Oval is the home ground of the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs, a rugby league team which competes in the Group 7 competition of the Country Rugby League. In July 2004, the Nine Network broadcast an episode of The Footy Show live from the oval, including several pre-recorded segments featuring Mollymook Beach and the Surf Lifesaving Club.[11]

Surfing is a common sport in the area and Mollymook contains numerous popular breaks, including Colliers, Golfies, Kamakazes, and more along Mollymook beach. Diving and spear fishing is also popular around the rocks, and Bannister Head to the north of Mollymook beach contains the well known jumprock and run-and-jump.

Tourism and attractions

In addition to the surf beach, Mollymook also boasts a large natural rock pool known as the "Bogey Hole". This sheltered pool is protected from the sea, making it popular with families due to the calm waters.[4] Nearby Collers Beach offers opportunities for snorkelling and has been designated by the Shoalhaven City Council as an off-leash area where dog owners can allow their pets to exercise freely.[12] Additional amenities are provided at the northern end of Mollymook Beach which is popular with surfers due to it being more exposed to the open sea.

Looking south over Mollymook from Bannister Headland

In October 2009, English celebrity chef and restaurateur Rick Stein opened his first Australian restaurant in Mollymook - 'Rick Stein at Bannisters'.[13] Located at 'Bannisters' a Boutique Hotel on the cliff tops of Bannisters Point, the opening of 'Rick Stein at Bannisters' bought a new level media attention and public awareness to the town of Mollymook.[14]

References

  1. 1 2 "2011 Census Quickstats: Mollymook (State Suburb)". Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  2. ↑ "2011 Census Quickstats: Mollymook Beach (State Suburb)". Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Towns and Villages of the Shoalhaven". Shoalhaven City Council. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Mollymook". Shoalhaven Holidays. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  5. ↑ "The Bogey Hole at Mollymook". Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  6. ↑ "Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve Plan of Management" (pdf). Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW). July 2006. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  7. 1 2 "Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club". Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  8. ↑ "Sandridge Cemetery". Shoalhaven Bereavement Services. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "Timetables". Ulladulla Bus Lines. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  10. ↑ "Mollymook Golf Club, Beachside & Hilltop". Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  11. ↑ Crawford, Robert (2 July 2004). "Dudes or Dare Devils?". The South Coast Register.
  12. ↑ "Map of off-leash areas". Shoalhaven City Council. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  13. ↑ Rick Stein at Bannisters
  14. ↑ The Daily Telegraph
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