The first thing we did was head to the main beach with its spectacular rock formations at the southern end and glorious miles of uninterrupted surf.
Ella trailed along in the shallows and the boys kicked a ball on the beach before we headed into the main street of town.
A country town isn’t a country town without an emporium, and McPherson’s Emporium on Quondola Street didn’t disappoint, with a quirky mix of gorgeous vintage houseware finds, quirky jewellery and evening bags to die for. There’s a fine selection of beautiful cotton tops and frocks, stashed in amongst the typical garments found at a country outfitter.
McPherson’s Emporium, (below) 33 Quondola Street, tel: 02-6495 6038
Further along up Quondola Street, you'll find a gorgeous little Op Shop where I snaffled a divine lacquered 70s wooden tray and a stand-up box to put the kids homework pencils in (below left).
Pambula Toad Hall is in a quaint double-storey building and features kitsch kitsch kitsch – country craft galore with everything Grandma used to make – wooden toys, doilies, dolls and my absolute favourite – knitted toys.
Toad Hall (below left), 55 Toallo Street (Princes Highway), tel: 02-6495 6762
Further down Quondola Street, where you’ll find the countryside laying in wait at the end of the street, Pambula Meditation Centre sits, most invitingly, inside a fresh blue weatherboard. A little further on, the very tempting Wild Rye’s bakery has outdoor furniture to take in the sunshine whilst nibbling on a treat.
Wild Rye’s (below right), 26 Quondola Street, tel: 02-6495 6649
Back on the Princes Highway, heading north through the main town roundabout, is the Second Edition bookstore, selling a great range of second hand books, and on the other side of the road, next to Art Essence Gallery, is a picture framing place and tattooist.
Second Edition (below left), 34 Toalla Street, tel: 02-6495 6971.
Art Essence (below right), 47 Toalla Street, tel: 02-6495 7286
Just outside town, Oaklands Pambula features farm and garden supplies, a village art gallery, camel, trail and pony rides, an animal nursery, kids’ craft centre and café. The highlight, along with the beautiful collection of very loved animals, is undoubtedly Merv’s Collectibles and Old Wares (tel: 6495 6822).
A lover of bric-a-brac, this large country store set in an old barn is a true treasure trove – I could have taken home most of the wares on display including this exquisite fine blue glass decanter and miniature glasses, picture-perfect pink pitcher, and 1950s Japanese salt/pepper shaker set.
Merv actually has super-decent, really hand-sifted collectibles that are very treasurable. They consequently have a price-tag to match (a reasonably price-tag, I might add) but just a little outside the super-bargain hunting price I was after because the place we stayed at sucked dry both our wallets AND our coffers (and our patience).
Also housed in Merv's is the Wooden Toy Man who has a great range of locally made wooden toys including a pretty fab set of changeable traffic lights and a petrol pump for your little driver, or dolly accessories for wee miss (also a tad pricey).
Anyhoo - we could afford a pony ride, which Ella delighted in...
While Riley talked with the animals and jumped on the bouncy castle.
There was a really gorgeous lady at the Oaklands barn who runs a fabulous arts and crafts centre (in the barn!) for kids, so Oaklands is really worth a visit if you have littlies (and if you don't... the café looks divine).
But my big find in Pambula is the newly opened Eve Boutique – housed in a stunning, sun-drenched store with original floorboards and a divine collection of summery wares from adorable baby singlets by birdhouse, to flowing kaftans - all with a decided whimsy about them.
Opened less than a month, the owner, Libby, is in the process of setting up a website where you can peruse her unique wares (tel: 6495 7331). Check back with me and I'll let you know when she's up and running. Simply gorgeous.
Heading out of Pambula, back to Merimbula, it was so wonderful to see the countryside in wait at the end of the street. Love that about country towns.
Back at Merimbula, we went for a swim along the main beach with its stunning water, gorgeous blue skies and gale force, sand-whipping wind.
It was nice to head inside for an early night with a strong G&T and fond memories of Pambula.
Far South Coast of New South Wales - Day One
Far South Coast of New South Wales - Day Three
Far South Coast of New South Wales - Day Four and Five and Six
5 comments:
So how are you going to fit in writing as the tourism marketer for Merimbula?? What a gorgeous post about all the fabulous finds. Love the occy strap holding down Merv's precious bottles, only in Australia!! Love Posie
Hi Tania,
It sounds like you found all the right places down in that part of the world on your holiday - and thanks so much for loving and mentioning my singlets :) so strange that it should coincide with posie patchwork leaving a message on my blog also!
Looking forward to having a good look through your very exciting looking blog, (putting the slackers like me to shame!). I'll look out for you at Mathilda's Market later in the year, when I'll be launching a new label with a friend.
x Sal
Is the Merimbula issue that obvious?! LOL! Stayed tuned, it does get better...
Great to hear from you Sal and I hope we can meet at Mathilda's!
Love that part of the world...we stayed at Cobargo in an old convent and did day trips to Pambula & Merimbula. So many hidden treasures, we just let the country roads lead us and came across some real gems.
Cheers Em
Post a Comment