Photo by Red Carnation Hotels
Natalie Le Clerc, general manager of The Chesterfield Hotel Palm Beach, lives in West Palm Beach, but her roots are in Thirroul, a picturesque seaside town on the southern coast of New South Wales in Australia. Le Clerc loves to travel and has visited more than 55 countries. She has spent the last 24 years living around the world—but she always makes an effort to return to this meaningful spot an hour outside Sydney. When visiting Thirroul, LeClerc stays with family, but this hospitality professional also appreciates a good hotel, especially when remaining closer to Sydney. Her top recommendations in the area include the Conrad, the Shangri-La Hotel, the Ovolo Woolloomooloo, and the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, which boasts the perfect view of the Harbour Bridge. When in Thirroul, Le Clerc spends her days jogging, relaxing at cafés, and taking in the beautiful beach and mountain scenery.
VIBE Scenic, beachy, and quaint
HOW TO SPEND A FREE MORNING Walking on the beach or cycleway.
WHEN TO GO October, which is the end of our springtime, through April, so all of summer and the start of autumn. The weather is warm and there is plenty of sunshine to enjoy the beaches.
A SOLO ADVENTURE Walk over the Seacliff Bridge. It’s a suspended road that seamlessly serpentines over the coastline. If you make a day trip here, you can visit the Figure 8 Pools on your way.
WHERE TO SHOP Boutique shopping in Thirroul is a must. I really love Plume, which has a mix of unique and sophisticated women’s fashion and accessories, but also relaxed, easy-to-wear pieces made from natural fibers.
AN ALFRESCO ACTIVITY Go to Sublime Point for a 180-degree view over the sea, rainforest, and beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong.
BEST SEAT IN TOWN Headlands Hotel’s bar has the best view of the ocean because it’s right off the water. The bar has a wide range of beers, a unique selection of cocktails, and a wine list featuring a variety of local and international wines. There’s also the Beer Garden, which has foodie pop-ups and live acoustic music on the weekends.
LOCAL DISH TO DREAM ABOUT The Earth Bowl from Earth Walker & Co. It has a house-made buckwheat falafel with beetroot hummus, roasted local maple pumpkin, seaweed, poached eggs, quinoa, avocado, greens, and deliciously fresh sourdough bread with nuts and seeds. It’s to die for and super healthy.
A CULTURAL EXCURSION Catch a show at the iconic Anita’s Theatre.
GUILTY PLEASURE Spending the day at the Ibah Spa. I love getting the Balinese foot massage along with a relaxing bath and a 60-minute relaxation massage or a botanical facial.
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