Sail On In Boatshed, Huskisson review: Maritime states of mind

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This was published 11 years ago

Sail On In Boatshed, Huskisson review: Maritime states of mind

All shipshape... Sail On In Boatshed retains its marine feel.

All shipshape... Sail On In Boatshed retains its marine feel.

A boat shed bolt-hole gives Megan Johnston a bayside view of Huskisson's deep-water charms.

Sitting behind me on my daily commute, an English tourist is selling the virtues of a weekend in the Jervis Bay region. "Huge windows, everything looks just like a painting and beaches with not a soul on them," she gushes to a friend.

A couple of days later, I'm shacked up in an old boat shed in Huskisson and, after surveying my new surroundings, I realise every eavesdropped word rings true.

Kayaks are available to guests.

Kayaks are available to guests.

Run by former cray fisherman Brian Malton and his wife Leonie, the Sail On In Boatshed has bi-fold doors that open to a painterly view of the harbour and pristine shore line. Converted to a cosy cabin on the site of a former shipyard 10 years ago, it has just enough room for a queen bed, comfortable leather couch and kitchenette.

Clean surfaces and polished floorboards create a modern, pared-back vibe but a couple of fuzzy cushions and colourful scatter rugs lend plenty of charm. It's more coastal comfort than top-notch luxury but we're on a working harbour. All the usual entertainment devices, some books and DVDs are supplied, too.

Portal windows complete the boat-shed look but, personally, I'm not completely convinced by the curious life-size iridescent merman overlooking the bed. With practice, I learn to look past him to the huge deck area and beyond.

And then we ate The kitchenette lacks an oven and stove top but there's no risk of hunger as we arrive to find chilled draught beer in the fridge alongside liqueur chocolates, a bottle of sauvignon blanc semillon and packets of porridge and gourmet muesli. A fantastic coffee pod machine turns out espressos. On the deck, a large barbecue has succumbed to the salty elements but a small rust-free marine barbecue does a decent job as a replacement.

For the rest of our meals, we stroll to nearby eateries. Battered whiting and flathead from the local fish-and-chip shop make a fine lunch on our first day; salads and savoury treats from Supply, a cafe-cum-deli, the next. The latter also sells hampers, perfect for a picnic at the beach or a feast back at the boat shed.

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Dinners include cocktails and zesty, refreshing Asian salads at Wild Ginger, plus a romantic supper among the treetops at The Gunyah, a restaurant at the heart of a safari camp a short drive away at Woollamia.

The deal maker Location. The boat shed combines the convenience of town with the tranquillity of water. We are fascinated by the goings-on in the bay - from the stand-up paddlers and outrigger canoes in the morning to the fishing boats and leisure vessels coming through later in the afternoon. Combined with the sound of gulls and the lull of breaking surf, the bay never rises above a gentle hubbub, though the passing traffic does sacrifice a little seclusion.

Stepping out If we were inclined, the boat shed would be a great base for water sports such as windsurfing, snorkelling or fishing. Boating would be especially easy, given the private jetty and moorings here.

Instead, we borrow the boatshed's kayaks and paddle up Currambene Creek, taking Brian's suggestion to follow the tide each way. Thanks to the clever tip, the long journey seems easy and we return feeling like heroes. Back on land, we discover the best way to get around is by bike, cycling to Vincentia along a top-quality bike track.

On our final day, we farewell the bay with a picnic at Green Patch, an abundant native area of Booderee National Park that edges to the bay's powder sand and turquoise waters. I guess I'll be gushing to friends, too.

Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.

VISITORS' BOOK

Sail On In Boatshed

Address 13 Field Street, Huskisson.

The verdict Cute, romantic bolt-hole for two.

Price From $250 to $320 a night at weekends, depending on the season. Minimum two-night weekend stays.

Bookings Phone 0499 263 200, see stayz.com.au/99769.

Getting there Huskisson is 185 kilometres from Sydney or about 2½ hours' drive south on the freeway and Princes Highway.

Perfect for A seaside escape where you can hunker down for a couple of days without being too far from civilisation.

Wheelchair access No.

While you're there Kayak Currambene Creek, cycle along the beachfront, stock up on fish and chips, picnic at Green Patch or dine at Wild Ginger (see wild-ginger.com.au).

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