Bannisters: Where luxury flies under the radar
When we arrive at Bannisters at Mollymook on the New South Wales south coast, we learn that the celebrated chef that runs its restaurant, Rick Stein, was there earlier in the week – we’ve just missed him. But although we may have missed an encounter with the man himself, we still have a good chance of one with one of its other frequent visitors – the whales.
Between July and August, the whales make their way northwards up the coast only to retrace the same route back south in October and November. They frequently break the water here at the point, putting on an unforgettable show for visitors, sales and marketing director Annie Cochrane tells me.
And guests needn’t even leave their rooms for a glimpse of a whale tail breaking through the surf – all of the 32-rooms here have sea views. Our room has a vast balcony which offers 180 degree views of the ocean. Heck, we can even enjoy those views from within the depths of the bed, which I’m delighted to discover comes complete with electric blanket as the fast approaching clouds on the horizon bring with them a wintry chill.
Our chances of a sighting diminish as night darkens the sky yet further, however this is when the spectre of Stein once again reappears as we head to the restaurant for dinner. The menu reads almost as if the softly spoken gent is telling me exactly what’s going on the kitchen himself. The Madras fish curry is “a beautiful hot and sour Southern Indian curry which brings out the very best of one of my favourite fish,” he almost whispers in my ear. “Don’t believe it when people say spice ruins the taste of good fish, it accentuates it.”
He’s sold me. Although not 100% taken with the black nori butter that is a trademark of the restaurant, very little else escapes my jaws.
The curry is a tangy recipe that comes complete with naan bread, raita – the ultimate winter comfort food. My companion opts instead for the signature fish pie. Sated and stuffed, we ponder a nightcap in the boho chic pool bar or simply returning to the comfort of our room which one of the many DVDs available at the front desk.
While the property has been open since the 1970s, Stein only took on the restaurant in 2009. His hallmark has proved a major drawcard for visitors to the sleepy town of Mollymook lured by the promise of seafood excellence.
But still the property remains low-key. Although it has a number of major accolades under its belt, its focus is no longer on chasing awards. Instead it prefers to “fly under the radar” offering couples escaping Sydney or Canberra a low-key yet luxurious escape from the big smoke, Cochrane explains.
Although there was once a gym, it has been taken out because visitors were simply not using it, preferring instead to completely take advantage of the opportunity to relax. Die-hard sweat junkies can instead do laps in the solar-heated infinity pool or they can offer their bodies some respite in the form of a relaxing soak in the spa baths located in many of the bedrooms, or take a massage in the day spa – not simply a beauty salon, but a remedial therapy centre which specialises in pregnancy treatments and holistic therapies using Bannister’s own Pinnacles range of products.
This winter travellers can take advantage of getaway packages starting from $640 per couple which include two nights accommodation and a daily hot breakfast for two along with a selection of Bannisters Day Spa treatments and a $100 voucher to be used at Rick Stein at Bannisters Restaurant.
Latest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.