Nosh & Beverage

Who knew such treasures existed on extensively traversed roads...

On a sunny weekend in winter, my boyfriend and I took a trip up Barrenjoey Rd and locked in a 2 night stay at Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach. Little did we know the enriching experience we were in for at this beach-side oasis. Decorated in an eclectic fusion of farmyard frolic meets beach vintage, with the occasional smattering of African influenced tribal statuettes, this little guesthouse will engage the sights, sounds and taste buds in each tantalising bite.

The rooms are comfortable and quaint, themed with cane and antique rustic wooden furnishings, reminiscent of Melbourne vintage style cafe interiors. A breakfast area lies adjacent to the bedrooms, freshly stocked with fresh vanilla yoghurt and jam in the fridge, and a bench top decked with sour dough, muesli, cornflakes and fruit, depending on where your morning desires lie.

When it comes to evening dining, this menu is definitely not lacking in options. Catering to seafood supremacists, meat lovers and vegetarian vagabonds alike, you will most likely find something that tickles your fancy.

For appetisers, the marinated olives with sour dough will kick the evening off to a good start (as any starter should). The grilled scampi and lightly spiced and battered squid were divine, simple flavours creating a delectable result. For mains, the Butterflied Spatchcock, Lamb Tagine and Queensland Spanner Crab Spaghetti will go down a treat. Meals are quite heavy, so for light eaters it would be recommended that you share the meals.

Now for the pièce de résistance – the desserts. The crème brulee was baked to the perfect creamy viscosity and the soft centred chocolate pudding with praline ice cream will send any chocolate lover into a cocoa coma.

One thing I must absolutely commend is the excellent customer service, as well as the perpetually friendly disposition and accommodating nature of the staff. No request was too difficult to be catered to, including taking our desserts back to our rooms for pre-midnight hedonism. Service was prompt and efficient and the close proximity of the bar to the dining area ensured the liquor faucet kept flowing. Topped off with a lightly roaring fireplace and dim lighting – an imminent preface to a romantic night in.

  

Aside from food consumption, there are a range of outdoor adventures you could undertake during your stay, weather permitting. There are scenic bushwalks to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, with the Smugglers Trail being the quickest and probably most exciting. Pack a light picnic lunch to indulge in once you reach your destination, while you soak in the coastline views.

In the opposing direction from Barrenjoey House, there is an engineered wooden stair case that will take you on the path to Palm Beach via Mackay Reserve, though do not be alarmed by encountering the occasional bush turkey on your journey. A light feed and coffee from Expresso 2108 will energise you for the journey back.

Before you leave, I recommend you sit on the benches next to the pier out the front of Barrenjoey House and watch the sunset. A memorable sight when shared with that special someone.

Overall a great experience, and we are keen to make our trips annual (it should be bi-annual according to my beau, but whether he is he willing to foot the bill is the question!).

One night’s stay is $340, plus the dinner package amounting to $140 (starter + main + dessert for two).