Five Surf Life Saving Clubs to visit on your next coastal drive
For a meal that not only has amazing ocean views but contributes funds back into the local community, what's not to love about Australia's Surf Life Saving Clubs?Hats off to Australia’s surf life saving clubs, who perform an invaluable service of keeping swimmers safe. Better than that, in a lot of cases our SLS clubs offer instaworthy opportunities to enjoy good food and drink in the best locations the country has to offer, overlooking our fabulous beaches. Usually good value, unpretentious and with sea views second to none, here are five of our favourites.
Avalon Beach SLSC, Avalon, NSW
Sydney’s northern beaches had a tough summer so now’s a good time to drive there for a bit of sun and surf. Avalon has a lovely stretch of sand facing the Pacific and while members of its SLSC look after swimmers, the Beach House restaurant looks after diners. It’s a pretty upmarket eatery (no nachos and parmas here!) but the prices are moderate, the view is fabulous and the vibe definitely beachy. For something more casual, try the Kiosk downstairs or enjoy a drink at the Bangalley Bar.
Fairhaven SLSC, Fairhaven, Victoria
Dining on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road can be expensive and surprisingly, not many places have a sea view. That’s not the case at the Fairhaven SLSC: just around the corner from Aireys Inlet, the clubrooms are nestled in the dunes with a killer view along kilometres of sand and waves. There’s a full-length deck with bar stools to watch the surfers, a patch of grass with tables and inside the menu is hearty, family-friendly affair. If you’re in the area, also drop in to the newly rebuilt and swanky Anglesea SLSC with its new Kiosk eatery and Main Beach Kitchen + Bar.
Sunshine Beach SLSC, Sunshine Beach, Queensland
Nobody does a club like Queensland and if you’re on the Sunshine Coast there are plenty of choices at famous haunts such as Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Noosa. For awesome beach views head to Sunshine Beach, just down from Noosa. The SLSC is huge, but thoughtful architecture means it’s far from barn-like and there is plenty of outdoor seating on the deck. The menu strays from club-classics (including fish and chips, of course) to lighter, veggie-heavy fare and pizza.
Seacliff SLSC, Seacliff, South Australia
The Seacliff SLSC is barely 30 minutes from the centre of Adelaide but its history dating back to the 1930s and sand-in-the-toes beachside vibe feel like another world. Forget about mega-trendy; the club’s dining space has an almost pub-like atmosphere, plenty of space under the veranda for a Coopers beer on tap and endless views of St Vincent Gulf’s waters. The Sunday afternoon acoustic session is a local institution and, at a stretch, somewhat in keeping with the City of Churches.
Port Douglas SLSC, Port Douglas, Far North Queensland
Yes, we’re back in Queensland although this time in the far north where life’s a beach, especially on the palm-fringed sands of Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach. The SLSC at the town end keeps an eye on swimmers (plus there’s a stinger net in season), while at The Surfy bistro the outdoor deck is a fabulous place to enjoy burgers, fish and chips and other family faves. You might find more fashionable dining in PD’s top-end restaurants, but there’s not a better beachside experience than this.
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