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STANWELL PARK & TOPS

After a winding drive down Lawrence Hargrave Drive (named after Australia’s aviation pioneer, who lived in the area during the late 1800s and experimented with kites and gliders), you will be enchanted by the beautiful village of Stanwell Park. Stanwell Park was historically known as “Little Bulli”, an Aboriginal name. The word “Bulli”, meaning “two mountains”, described the mountains that were on either side of Stanwell Park. Settlers first moved into the area in the early 1820s.
As well as a spectacular beach there are many other attractions for the visitor.
At the bottom of the hill, turn left opposite the old service station and you will come to Ruby’s Kitchen, which serves lovely food and great coffee (ph 4294 1822). Further down on the left is another must, the 111 Lawrence Hargrave Drive complex, home to Articles Fine Art Gallery (Ph 4294 2491), owned by local artist John Vander and his wife, Frances and open Friday to Sunday.
Here you will see a wide selection of John’s popular work, much of it reflecting local themes and scenes, plus that of other Australian luminaries including David Boyd and David Brayshaw.
Also in the complex is the Stanwell Park Boutique stocked with fabulous ladies fashion and accessories (ph 4294 3111) and the Palms Cafe with its fabulous breakfast and lunch menus open Thursday to Mondays and public holidays (ph 4294 3371).
To find Stanwell Park Reserve, retrace your steps to Ruby’s Kitchen and turn right down the hill. Just around the corner on the right hand side on Station Street is the Essential Surf & Skate shop for all your surf and skate needs (ph 4294 4838) and inside you’ll also find Essential Surf School running surfing lessons for the keen-to-be surfers (ph 0407 283 117).
Opposite on the left is Watergum Grove (ph 4294 2100), a self-contained apartment within walking distance to the beach, shops, cafes and the railway station.
At the bottom of Station Street is a magnificent park featuring a children’s playground and bike track, barbeque and picnic facilities.
This is also the spot where the hanggliders land, which is an ever popular spectacle for young and old alike. Beyond the reserve is stunning Stanwell Park beach, which is patrolled and is a great spot for surfers and swimmers alike.
If you want to stay overnight in Stanwell Park, there are a number of options. Relax by the pool at B&B at 63 (ph 0411 049 065), a self-contained flat ideal for couples including a continental breakfast or for larger groups, Fernleigh Cottage B&B (ph 4294 1991) is also self-contained and sleeps up to seven people. A continental breakfast is supplied.
On the top of the mountain overlooking Stanwell Park is Stanwell Tops and Bald Hill. See the paragliders and hanggliders take off. If you want to give it a go call Warren Windsports (ph 0434 222 111) or Sydney Paragliding (ph 0408 864 083). Also see the Lawrence Hargrave Memorial erected in 1940.
To stay in Stanwell Tops, try TopStay Accommodation (ph 1300 857 100). Close to Kelly’s Falls and surrounded by bush and wildlife, this comfortable house can accommodate up to 12 people.