Precinct Visit the hidden gems of Thirroul in New South Wales
WE REVEAL AUSTRALIA’S MUST-VISIT SHOPPING DESTINATIONS AND UNCOVER THEIR HIDDEN GEMS
NESTLED BETWEEN A KILOMETRE-LONG BEACH and a towering escarpment, Thirroul’s beauty will make you realise you’ve struck road-trip gold. The township, an hour south of Sydney, is a must-stop on the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, layering its rugged good looks with inspired retail options and a smorgasbord of eateries.
1 | Nest Emporium
A pair of Raffles armchairs stands sentinel at the door of this iconic local, as they have for much of its 14 years. Downstairs, owner Melinda Charlesworth has collated a comprehensive library of homewares, such as hooks and handles from The Society Inc and her popular stock of designer cushions. Upstairs, the scene shifts in scale to occasional chairs, side tables, prints and lighting – a treasure trove for day-trippers seeking a hero piece that fits on the back seat. “Our point of difference is our difference,” says Melinda. “We try to have pieces you won’t find in every store.”
Must have: Wrapped four-arm candelabra, $174.95.
Open: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 10am-5pm.
Visit: 287 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, (02) 4267 2122.
Bookmark: nestemporium.
com.au. 2 | Cocoon Intrigue and authenticity are the dominant themes in Karen Jeffery’s eclectic bazaar, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Venture here for ethnic treasures and uncommon objects of beauty from as far afield as India and as near as around the corner. Ethically made rugs in natural fibres are a star feature, as are mirrors crafted from old Indian shrines. Many pieces are packaged with a backstory, such as the bone inlay daybed from Nagaland that took two men two months to carve from out of a single piece of timber.
Must have: Fossil stone canisters, from $57.95 each.
Open: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm; Sat, 9.30am-4.30pm; Sun, 9.30am-3.30pm.
Visit: 2/357 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, (02) 4267 1335.
Bookmark: cocoontrading.net.
3 | The Living Hearth Now in its third year, this gift and homewares store stocks a fascinating range of musthaves sourced from fair-trade foundations, collectives and crowd-funded artisan operations globally, with a strong accent on one-off and ethically sourced pieces. Alongside these global treasures sits store owner Linda Sheahan’s own label, Miss Molly linen, with multiple colourways of beautiful French flax. Andean
frazadas (blankets) from El Hummingbird make a cosy and colourful accessory, while exquisite jewellery from Inspired Tribe serves as wearable artwork.
Must have: Handpainted ceramic parrots, from $114.
Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5.30pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.
Visit: 2/273 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, 0412 295 048.
Bookmark: instagram.com/ thelivinghearth. 4 | Buck Hamblin Buck Hamblin was a cobbler in the 1940s whose shoe store was the first of three generations to occupy these premises. Despite recent years of vacancy, Buck’s signage never left the building, and when new owner Luke Barrett opened the doors to a cafe on the premises in 2016, he chose to respectfully adopt the brand and repurpose some of the old fittings. The Marvell Street Roasters coffee fix and natural light will get you firing on all cylinders, while recycled brown paper menus tempt with comforting fare, such as spiced pumpkin soup and ‘fancy toasts’.
Must have: Sautéed mushrooms, ricotta, rosemary, white truffle oil and a poached egg on Thoroughbred sourdough, $14.
Open: Mon-Fri, 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 7am-2pm.
Visit: 260 Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Bookmark: buckhamblin.com. 5 | Luca Luna It’s easy to see why this florist has experienced staggering demand since opening in May 2017. Originally a 1920s bank, the quaint building now houses vibrant potted plants, a rainbow of artistically curated blooms, tropical cut foliage and an array of pots. Status Anxiety purses, Zakkia pots and vases, crocheted toys from Miann & Co, as well as handmade soaps and scrubs from The Soap Bar meet the toughest of gift-giving briefs.
Must have: ‘Dansk’ lightweight timber pots, from $49.95.
Open: Mon and Wed-Fri, 9am5.30pm; Tues and Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 10am-3pm.
Visit: 1/364 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, (02) 4268 6666.
Bookmark: lucaluna.
com.au.