Things to do in Mollymook on a Relaxing Weekend Away

Mollymook is nestled on the quiet New South Wales south coast just three and a half hours drive from Sydney. It is a beachside destination for those looking for a quiet, slower-paced weekend escape. We drove down to Mollymook for just that reason; some rest and relaxation as the summer heat begins to ease off, making way for more crisp mornings and cosy twilight hours. Here is a snapshot of things to do in Mollymook on your weekend away.

Skye Gilkeson

Bannisters Pavilion is a beautifully appointed 4-star boutique hotel in Mollymook NSW. | © Skye Gilkeson

Where is Mollymook?

Mollymook itself is a quiet town of few more than a thousand people, part of the larger Shoalhaven region.

Prized for the beautiful Mollymook beach which runs from Bannisters Point to the end of the Mollymook Golf Club, this has long been a popular destination for families in search of a relaxed beachside holiday promising surfing, swimming, fishing and diving.

While Mollymook is a pretty spot to base yourself for the weekend. There are plenty of fun things to do in Mollymook for families and couples alike, including a visit to the nearby towns which is a must if you can tear yourself away from your poolside spot.

The gorgeous cane furnishings offer a reminder that you are on the coast. | © Skye Gilkeson

6 Fun Things to Do in Mollymook

1. Stay at the Beautiful Bannister’s Mollymook

We didn’t quite have pool weather during our visit. We arrived in Mollymook on a drizzly afternoon and two relaxed and friendly faces greeted us at the reception desk at Bannisters Pavilion.

The laid-back coastal interiors reminded me of Byron Bay or Mexico. But those distinct accents brought me straight back to Australia.

We checked in and plugged in the car (they have electric car chargers in the parking area, bravo) and settled into our room.

The simple wood and soft white offer a comfortable welcome at Bannisters Mollymook. | © Skye Gilkeson

A reading corner we’d like to recreate at home. | © Skye Gilkeson

The gorgeous bathroom at Bannisters Pavilion, Mollymook. | © Skye Gilkeson

For those who need to mix work and pleasure at Bannisters Mollymook. | © Skye Gilkeson

We stayed in a Classic Room which was more than big enough for the two of us. The design notes as expected are coastal chic with simple touches where white and wood marry together effortlessly throughout the space. It was a room where you wanted to pack the pieces in your bag and recreate the understated magic, back home.

As it was Friday afternoon, it seemed fitting that we should start our stay with a tipple on the roof at their popular Rooftop Bar and Grill. Sitting at the bar we had a lazy afternoon of small-plate snacks and fresh cocktails.

This was how our weekend went on; slow, unplanned and deliciously quiet.

Here are some of the other things to do in Mollymook that we discovered along the way.

More design inspiration at Bannisters Pavilion Mollymook. | © Skye Gilkeson

The Rooftop Bar and Grill is a great Sunday afternoon spot complete with live music. | © Skye Gilkeson

The snack and small plates menu at The Rooftop Bar and Grill is delicious. | © Skye Gilkeson

2. Enjoy a Slow Meal at a Mollymook Restaurant

No list of things to do in Mollymook would be complete without sampling the delicious local food. While most know Rick Stein, there are also so many gorgeous cafes, wine bars and restaurants in Mollymook that should make your weekend dining list.

The Rooftop Bar and Grill

A lovely weekend afternoon spot, The Rooftop Bar and Grill was buzzing as we settled in on Sunday afternoon for drinks, snacks and live music. Live music starts at 3 pm, so grab a spot before then and enjoy a late lunch. The seafood is incredibly fresh, as are the antipasto and small dishes.

As guests at Bannisters Pavilion, The Rooftop was also where we started our mornings. They offer a complimentary continental breakfast which is very substantial and an a la carte menu at an additional charge.

Rick Stein

Rick Stein was the destination for our Saturday lunch date during our stay. A shuttle runs between Bannisters Pavilion and Bannisters By The Sea so you can avoid climbing the very steep hill in your Sunday best. This is a laid-back fine dining affair, with children welcome alongside couples and groups.

We sat in a cosy corner on the verandah outside as the rain came down, tickling our feet every so often. Our waiter was friendly and fun and made the experience that much more enjoyable.

We ordered the Warm Shellfish for two to start, the famous Bannisters Fish Pie and the deliciously sweet whiting with some sides. The whiting was the stand out for me and really represented their food ethos of ‘fresh seafood, simply cooked’.

Our only regret is that we didn’t have any room left for one of their incredible-looking desserts.