On the mid north coast of NSW, 24km south of Taree, there lies a little town called Nabiac. Bypassed by the Pacific Highway, the oasis that Nabiac provides is often overlooked. Those who stop find themselves welcomed in a town were retro is alive and the spirit of positivity has not been forgotten.
With the first house being established in 1850, Nabiac, meaning “place of the wild figs”, is a town rich with history. Once inhabited by the Katang-speaking aboriginal people of the Worimi and Biripai tribes, Nabiac was first named Wollomba, changing to it's current name in 1908.
With the Wallamba river running through town, Nabiac provides a place of rest and wonderment for tourists and travelers alike. Using Nabiac as our base we spent a week exploring the surrounding districts and found ourselves welcomed in a town that offers old style country hospitality with all the facilities of modern day life.
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| Greenhouse Cottage Cafe |
On our arrival at Nabiac I will be the first to admit that I did not initially fall in love with the town and actually wondered how anyone could live there. The saying 'looks can be deceiving' soon rang true. Although not visually appealing, the warmth, history and acceptance that is found in Nabiac surely makes one sure they will revisit. From those who serve you to those who you pass there was always a smile, a “How are you” and a moment to chat.
All that is required, plus more, can be found in Nabiac, with an IGA providing for your daily grocery needs and a bakery to tempt your taste buds. There is a hair salon for a pamper and even a place for your tired weary dog to get that much needed shampoo. Whilst the living and breathing are being catered for there is also facilities to accommodate the mechanical and metal, with motor and caravan repair facilities. For the traveler there is plenty to eat, with the Nabiac Hotel providing cheap and delicious meals with a room to keep the kiddies amused. Having computer problems then your needs are catered for, along with an internet cafe allowing a place to contact loved ones. With plenty of rest rooms within town and a park for the kids to stretch their legs, Nabiac impressed me with its versatility and style.
Being a lover of coffee I found myself in heaven as I sat and sipped at Greenhouse Cottage Cafe. Situated in the main street I visited this cafe on numerous occasions, building a loving relationship for their organic Merlo coffee. By far the best coffee I have ever had, Merlo is soft on the palette, not drying the mouth out like some coffee's. The atmosphere at Greenhouse Cottage is that with an Indonesian feel. As I sunk into the relaxing modern lounge chairs I could only dream of visiting places far away. With my little one amused with the toys provided I was able to spend time rebalancing my mind, body and soul. Opening at 7.30am Greenhouse Cafe is available for breakfast and lunch and also provides take away meals. With indoor and outdoor dining all weather is catered for.
With bargain shopping being an important part of life and reusing and recycling a hot topic, Nabiac sure fits in with the times. This town may be small but there is certainly not a lack of second hand shops that cater for the needs of all. If it is a bargain or an antique you are looking for Nabiac is sure to be the place you will find it.
Being one with a taste of the alternative I found myself not wanting to leave The Cool Look Shop which is situated in Nabiac Street. Vintage, retro, modern, preloved and new can all be found within the doors of this shop that had me walking down memory lane. The Cool Look Shop has everything girls, of all ages, could ever want. From homewares to clothing and fashion accessories I was in awe of the contents of the shop and could not believe that some of the items were still 'out there', actually circulating. With my children often hiding in embarrasment I went through the clothes racks laughing to myself and wondering what anyone was ever thinking all those years ago when they were fashionable. I definitely showed my age as I walked the shop in excitement stating “I remember these” with a chorus following “ Are you for real?”
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| Did they really wear an outfit like this? |
The front of the brochure that sits next to me as I write this reads
'Nabiac. Stop, Shop, Come alive! You'll be surprised at what you find.......”
And that you will be!
Learn more about Nabiac at www.nabiac.com
More photo's of Nabiac can be viewed and purchased at http://samlophotography.blogspot.com
article: Jennifer Deaves
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