New South Wales Information

A hidden lakeside world

By Mercedes Maguire
As we drive along the narrow dirt road that winds its way through landscaped grounds, kids fly past on their bikes on their way to and from the pool.
Pelicans at the Myall Shores Resort You could be forgiven for thinking you had just walked into a campsite.
But behind the laid-back screen of the Myall Shores Resort, a hidden world of luxury unfolds.
Specially designed villas are dotted through the bushland, inviting you into a world of spa baths, king-size beds, DVD players and air-conditioning.
The Myall Shores Resort, less than three hours north of Sydney, is undergoing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment that has already seen it transformed from a slightly outdated holiday spot to a chic and modern resort.
In the process, it has become a peaceful destination catering to a diverse group of travellers, from budget-conscious families, groups of singles and retirees to overseas tourists, business types and even honeymooners.
Powered camping and caravan sites and basic cabins sit alongside luxury villas.
There are 39 new villas, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen with microwave oven and a flat-screen television and DVD player. Many have absolute lake frontage, with all the trappings you'd expect in a luxury stay.
The two "presidential" villas are the ultimate, some extras taking them into another league: namely, a massive spa that looks out on to the Bombah Broadwater.
But little details make your stay special: the hand-made luxury bath soaps and essential oil gels you find tucked away amid the fluffy white towels on each bed.
Then there's the designer bed linen and firm but fluffy pillows that adorn the bedrooms – and the double-size showers and deep baths that are typical of each new villa.
The resort has a 1.5km lake frontage in the Myall Lakes National Park, and is committed to preserving the local environment. Cabins have been designed to use less lighting, heating and cooling; bore water is used for irrigation and roof water captured for showers; and environmentally safe cleaning products are used throughout the complex.
Myall Shores Resort was once known as Legges Camp, named after Henry Walter Legge, who established the site in 1906.
According to local legend, Henry and his brother, Byron, walked 170km to Bombah Point from Tuggerah, on the central coast, carrying only a rolled-up blanket, a billy, a mug, tea, sugar, flour, a rifle and fishing lines.
Henry is said to have bought the land on Broadwater Lake for the equivalent of just $80.
Even then, the natural landscape attracted tourists so Henry and his wife, Emily, who later joined him, soon built a guest house to accommodate 70 visitors.
Back then, people flocked to the area for game shooting and fishing. Today, water sports and eco tours are among the most popular activities.
A number of nature walks depart almost daily from the resort, catering to varying fitness levels. One of the most thrilling is a tour of the Dark Point sand dunes, which spread for about 2km.
Interpretive tours are also popular, including bird-life walks and morning and sunset cruises.
Leggey's Bar and Grill Restaurant serves modern, tasty dishes such as lamb shanks braised in tomato and rosemary, Thai green chicken or prawn curry served with Asian vegetables and grilled chicken breast served in a creamy garlic and sweet chilli sauce.
Simple yet hearty breakfasts are also on offer or, if you prefer, hampers for breakfast, lunch or a gourmet cheese and fruit platter can be organised.
The writer was a guest of Myall Shores Resort
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FACT FILE
Getting there: Up to a three-hour drive north of Sydney on the Pacific Hwy; turn off for Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. The Bombah Point car ferry takes you a short distance to the resort for $4, or stay on the Pacific Highway and turn right at Bulahdelah.
Cost: Presidential Villas from $255 a night in low season and $445 a night in peak season (December 19-January 18, 2005); four-star villas from $185/$235; four-star $125/$195; three-star $100/175; two-star $55/$105; bunk rooms from $35/$65 a night. Caravan and camping sites from $25/$50.
Details: (02) 4997 4495, or www.myallshores.com.au

The Sunday Telegraph

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