Perched right on the Pacific in Mollymook on the NSW South Coast – at Bannisters you’ll discover see-through waters, powdered sandy stretches for miles skirted by lush Australian foliage and the best oysters you’ll find anywhere. That, and it’s only two and a half hours' drive from Sydney. No airports. No transfers. No luggage limit.

See ... The natural landscape – at certain times of the day the colours are indescribably stunning.

Stay ... Both locations – Bannisters By the Sea and Pavillion – have pretty spectacular dipping options, one with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and the other suspended on a rooftop. By the Sea houses Rick Stein restaurant, Collette Dinnigan- designed penthouses and a luxury day spa, while the Pavillion has a rooftop bar and grill for a more casual stay-in-your- swimmers dining option, and it’s a stones throw from Mollymook beach.

Taste ... When a celebrity chef owns the place you’d have fairly high expectations of the restaurant, and when the restaurant is sitting on a gold mine of the finest freshest seafood in the world, you’d expect nothing less on your plate. Rick Stein excels at delivering the best local produce from an elegant, seasonal seafood-based menu. Order the oysters. Then order them again.

Insider tip ... Don’t miss out on sundowners in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean surrounded by gum trees. We recommend a margarita – not too sweet. The moment will remind you why Australia, all things considered, wins every time.