ARTISTIC LICENCE

Follow the locals to these Coal Coast attractions. Austinmer Beach “It’s got beautiful headland either side of it, and looking back up there’s the escarpment,” says Chris Zanko, who grew up going to this popular, small beach. Bread, Espresso & Paul Ryan recommends this cute café, which is known for its excellent coffee and pastries. 190 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. 0431 011 528. Buck Hamblin Chris loves the way the owners of this café have preserved the original building, which once housed a shoe store. Albert “Buck” Hamblin was the first of three generations to occupy the space. 260 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. buckhamblin.com Franks Wild Years A bar, record store and live-music venue, Franks is The Egg & Dart’s post-show watering hole. 3/2 Raymond Road, Thirroul. frankswildyears.com Luca Luna Gabrielle Adamik recommends this florist for blooms and handmade ceramics by local artists. 1/364, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. (02) 4268 6666. Moore Street General This sunny café and local favourite serves Single O coffee in handmade cups, which according to Gabrielle “always makes things taste better”. 36–38 Moore Street, Austinmer. 0438 673 224. Sharkey’s Beach “There’s a big row of Norfolk pines there, which I love to paint,” says Paul of this beach in Coledale. The Egg & Dart Aaron Fell-fracasso’s gallery holds a new exhibition every four weeks. Shop 2, 1–3 Raymond Road, Thirroul. (02) 4268 4885. Two Sisters Garage A café owned by siblings, Aaron recommends the coffee and “they’ve just opened a small wine bar”. 233 Princes Highway, Bulli. Follow @twosistersgarage on Instagram. >