Summer is upon us - hooray! Cue three blissful months of sunny days, long afternoons, and time spent in and out of the crystal clear South Coast water.
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Whether you want to plunge into a pool, dive into the deep blue, or enjoy your time relaxing on the shore, this issue of Eat Play Stay takes you there.
Click here to read the summer 2025/26 issue of Eat Play Stay - NSW South Coast and discover the best bites, sights and delights across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coast.
In this issue we take a look inside an award-winning country retreat in Kangaroo Valley, introduce you to the new(ish) restaurants and bars in Merimbula, Bermagui and Eden, entice you to explore the heritage charm of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, and embark on Australia's road trip with the most food stops per kilometre - the Illawarra's Grand Pacific Drive.
We also chat with two 2026 Good Food Guide hat recipients - Bangalay Dining in Shoalhaven Heads and South on Albany in Berry - about what makes their approach to dining so successful. Spoiler alert: fresh, local seafood takes the cake.
The foodie accolades continue on the Sapphire Coast with Toast cafe in Pambula and Eden recognised as the 2025 Bega Valley Business of the Year. Owner and co-director, Nicky Austin, who was awarded Outstanding Business Leader, shares her top menu recommendations.
And if that's not quite enough to satisfy your appetite, let Linley Wilkie remind you why farm gates and cellar doors are the best excuse to wine and dine your way through the Eurobodalla.
In this issue, Linley also takes us back in time to the beginning of the much-loved agricultural show and lists the South Coast events to add to your summer calendar - there are 10 happening across the regions this season!
If this isn't already enough to tempt you to dive into the new issue of Eat Play Stay, the pictures on page 13 ought to seal the deal.
Shoalhaven photographer Chloe Aubin has captured incredible aerial photographs of the wreck of S.S. Plutus off Currarong.
Be sure to check out her pictures alongside historian Peter Lacey's insight into the fascinating and tragic history of shipwrecks along the NSW South Coast.
In this issue you will also find the ultimate summer bucket list, expert tips on how to build a sandcastle, advice on calm and safe car trips with kids, insight into maximising your music festival experience, and new-release books to slip into your beach bag.
To top it all off, local ACM staff share their recommendations on where best to eat, play and stay in their communities this summer.
Grab a free copy of Eat Play Stay at Visitor Information Centres and tourism hotspots along the coast, or read the magazine online at here.
Emily Gibbs
Twice weekly
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