Pretty Perfect

“It’s like coming home,” said Ashish Sanghrajka, president of Big Five. That is how he describes the feeling that embodies the Pretty Beach House, an elegant yet casual lodge on the stunning Bouddi Peninsula.

Just a short ride by seaplane from Sydney, this exquisite private getaway features just four pavilions that sleep a total of eight guests, and sits on seven and a half acres. The four exclusive pavilions have names that describe their best feature: Treetops, Bayview, Hideaway & The Retreat (2 stories). All sport views through a mass of ancient angophoras trees down to the sparkling bay waters of Pretty Beach. Each pavilion, orientated to take advantage of the surrounding views, houses a generous king bedroom, separate dressing room, deluxe bathroom, open-plan sitting area, a fully stocked bar.

The kitchen is overseen by award-winning chef Stefano Manfredi, recognized Australia-wide and internationally as a master of modern Italian cuisine, who has influenced the food scene in Australia since first opening Restaurant Manfredi. He has made his mark as chef, restaurateur, an inspired coffee blender, successful cookbook and food writer and an ambassador of sustainability. And, the wine cellar and cocktail bar at Pretty Beach House offers a hand-picked collection curated and presented by proprietor Brian Barry and sommelier Adam Lambeth.

While the property alone is a haven of natural beauty, it also pays respect to the traditional owners of the land, the Darkinjung people. Indeed, the word Bouddi is the local aboriginal name for the eastern headland of Maitland Bay. Around 100 aboriginal sites have been recorded in the park and nearby areas and many more sites are likely to exist. Sites include rock engravings, grinding grooves, rock shelters with drawings and paintings, middens and other archeological deposits. Aboriginal sites provide a valuable insight into the original culture here and interactions with the environment. They remain an important part of today’s Aboriginal culture.  The national park is located near Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast and offers several great walks, swimming and fishing.

Pretty Beach House is the perfect first stop on your Australia adventure. Explore Australia with Big Five.