Sunset Cottage, Port Stephens

30/05/2024

This year, we are pleased to be involved with sponsoring a great community football club. The mighty Kingfishers ⚽️
www.gardensuburbfc.com

22/05/2024

One of the best fishing spots in Port Stephens is directly in front of Sunset Cottage about 200m from shore in the centre of the Bay.

In 1940, the decommissioned HMAS Psyche sank during a heavy storm, which rolled the ship onto her side. The wreck was used by RAN clearance divers for training between 1950 and 1973, and was later broken up during an underwater demolition exercise. The remains of the ship sit about 6 metres below sea level, around 200 metres off Roy Wood Reserve. A memorial to the ship was unveiled at Roy Wood Reserve in June 2015.

Further details of HMAS Psyche can be found on the following link;

https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/109226-h.m.a.s.-psyche/

Photo Credits:
Port Stephens Examiner
Australian War Memorial
Monument Australia

19/05/2024

In May 1974, a huge east coast low storm caused the MV Sygna to run aground on Stockton Beach. The storm was so severe the Sygna eventually broke into two parts during the salvage efforts. The Stern remained on Stockton Beach until the weather, the elements and erosion finally took its toll and is no longer visible.

The Bow of the ship was towed inside Port Stephens for shelter and was anchored directly in the middle of Salamander Bay for approx 14 months before being towed back to Taiwan in 1976 for scrap metal.

The Bow of the MV Sygna was directly in front of Sunset Cottage and created a lot of interest from locals who would often venture out around the ship in small vessels. In fact, you could even enter the inside of the broken end of the ship.

15/05/2024

Up until the early 1990’s Salamander Bay was full of oyster leases. Some of these leases were directly in front of Sunset Cottage.

Now one might think having oyster leases right on your doorstep had its culinary benefits. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The oysters never developed well in the environment and also suffered several disease outbreaks. Many of the leases were eventually abandoned and left to deteriorate.

During the 1980’s they became an eyesore and a navigational hazard. The top racks and posts were made of pine covered in tar and would often wash ashore during storms and strong westerly winds. The oyster shells would also wash ashore creating endless trips to the Polyclinic with cut feet. Getting stitches from an oyster shell cut was not as bad as the following tetanus needle.

As tourism took off in the early 1990’s the NSW Dept. Primary Industries embarked on a Derelict Oyster lease program to remove old leases to clean up the waterways. The pine posts that were covered in tar were cut off at sand level. On a very low tide in front of Sunset Cottage, you can sometimes see a small part of an old post on the edge of the seaweed line. Most of the time they are covered by sand.

It wasn’t all bad. Whilst the oysters weren’t great, the racks created a sanctuary for multiple fish species like an artificial reef. There were always schools of bream, whiting and luderick hanging around. The base of the posts made an ideal home for an octopus.

13/05/2024

On 24 December 1998, the original fishing shack that held so many family memories was guttered by fire in an arson attack.

I received a call at home in Newcastle shortly after 1am Christmas Day to say there was a fire at the property and fire crews were attending. I was requested to attend Nelson Bay Police Station to make a statement and arrived soon after 2am.

I arrived to a somewhat very cold, frosty and rude reception from local police officers. I was surprised by the lack of compassion for someone who had just lost a house to fire on Christmas Day. I was questioned about the house, any occupants and my whereabouts.

At that point, It was clear that these police officers most likely believed this was an insurance job. Their attitude
changed completely when I told them that the old shack was NOT insured.

As the shack was not classified as a dwelling, more of a renovated boat shed. The type of structure was uninsurable at the time. The Police Officers' attitudes changed significantly and they were, in the end very helpful.

An investigation found several appliances were stolen and mower fuel from the shed was used as an accelerant to ignite the fire.

Even though there were no deaths involved. As a standard practice with house fires, we were offered a Coroner's Investigation into the cause of the fire but declined. The Police agreed any further coroner's investigation would most likely not discover any further information than we already knew.

Nobody was ever charged by police over the arson.

10/05/2024

This is one of the earliest known photos of the original 'fishing shack' that stood at Sunset Cottage. The original shack was built directly on the sand, with no piers, and no foundation. The continual movement and shifting of the sand base meant constantly adjusting door hinges among other adjustments and maintenance.

On the 24 December 1998 the premises were broken into and a number of items stolen. The thieves then set the house on fire. By the morning of Christmas Day 1998 the entire shack was guttered and lost by fire.

06/05/2024

We now have so many wonderful regular returning guests that I wanted to share a series of posts over the coming weeks to show some history of Sunset Cottage.

This is Bob Maddison who owned the property through the 60's-80's. This photo is directly in front of Sunset Cottage and shows a huge Mulloway (Jewfish) caught in the Bay. It wasn't caught off the beach, but not too far out past the moored boats.

In those days (1960's) all the houses were fishing shacks and in the adjacent Roy Wood Reserve, you could park your FJ Holden almost right on the beach.

Image taken from a Kodak color-slide

02/05/2024

Some wild weather around at the moment in Port Stephens. This photo was taken today off the Shoal Bay jetty of a waterspout forming.

Stay safe everyone.

Photo Credit: Adam Peterson

19/12/2023

Visions of the Past

This photo, circa early 1980s, shows the oyster leases that filled Salamandar Bay beaches. These leases were also directly in front of Sunset Cottage before they were removed in the early 90s. The leases were abandoned and deteriorated over time causing navigational hazards and many many cut feet from the washed-up oyster shells that would come ashore during storms and strong westerly winds. Some of the old posts still remain today. As much of an eye-sore they were, the leases attracted numerous fish species and other marine life. I remember getting some great Bream back in those days.

Photo: Facebook
(The location of Sunset Cottage is marked with a red arrow)

20/07/2023

Yes, I can confirm we are haunted too ....

22/12/2022

From our family to yours, we wish all our friends and guests a very Merry Christmas and hope you all stay safe and well during the holiday period. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year ❤️

27/09/2022

Do you think you could ever get a better Sunset photo?

09/05/2022

Winter is Whale Watching Season. There's no better time for a winter escape with this $99p/n mid-week special. Check out some of the whale watching options on the following link.
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/whale-watching

04/04/2022

LAST-MINUTE GETAWAY
Looking for a school holiday getaway? Due to a cancellation, we have available the 2nd week of the school holidays (The week after Easter)

Tue 19-Sun 24 April. (5 nights only)

For bookings: https://www.sunsetcottage.net.au/the-cottage/

Sunset Cottage Waterfront Beach House accommodation Port Stephens NSW - Holidat Rental

01/03/2022

Here's proof that rain alone doesn't always mean a green healthy lawn. Our lawns have been treated by Coochie HydroGreen Port Stephens over the past 12 months. Can anyone see the difference ??

For us, having a healthy lawn is critical in maintaining erosion measures from storm and tidal surges. That's why there's a thick fringe of grass at the edge of the beach.

Great work from the Coochie Team !

Coochie HydroGreen Newcastle Coochie HydroGreen Lawn Services Coochie HydroGreen Maitland

17/01/2022

Summer Storms

21/12/2021

🎵"The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
I'm not the kind of girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh, no " 🎶

This photo is not actually at our cottage, but it's certainly got potential. 😜

14/12/2021

Great to finally see some blue skies in Port Stephens.
Photo Credit: Stephen Keating

07/12/2021

After a catastrophic collapse during the March storms, Council with support from State Government disaster funding has managed to design and build a new bridge on Foreshore Drive in just 9 months. Impressive to say the least.

16/11/2021

Mambo Creeks new bridge is well underway, due for completion before Christmas

🎉 Foreshore Drive repairs are underway! 🏗

Installation of the new bridge is on schedule to be complete in time for Christmas. Starting today and in preparation for the bridge, 12 concrete piles are being installed over the next week. This is our most complex part of the works with lots of hazards.

We have noticed lots of sightseers passing by so to keep you safe, please keep outside of the fencing and observe the signage that’s in place.

We’re on our way to meeting our goal of opening the bridge by the end of December 2021, with final line works happening early January 2022.

For more information and to keep up to date with the project visit bit.ly/3kG0o6U

06/10/2021

Congratulations NSW, who's looking forward to regional travel. ?

28/09/2021

NEW Digital 'Guest Guide' is ready.

While we have been closed, we have been working with a US tech start-up business to offer a new digital guest guide.

Everything from property information, key access, local recommendations, emergency numbers, local weather and a whole lot more in one simple App.

And the best thing .... NO downloads, NO sign-ups, NO log-ins and NO registration .... Simple and Easy to use.

21/09/2021

Did you know ?

From 1 November 2021, the NSW Government will introduce regulations for all Short Term Rental properties. Anytime you stay in an Airbnb or Stayz property, the property needs to meet certain standards and compliance requirements. This includes;

1. A statewide enforceable 'Code of Conduct' for the behaviour of guests, property owners and booking platforms.
2. Fire and Safety Standards, including evacuation plans, emergency procedures and risk management.
3. Adequate Insurance in place.

and more.....

These regulations are a huge step forward for the STRA Industry to increase guest safety.

We have already begun making the appropriate improvements to Sunset Cottage to comply with new regulations including employing the services of a Fire and Safety Consultant to assist with evacuation procedures and plans.

10/09/2021

Sadly, one of the most photographed and iconic trees in Port Stephens nicknamed 'The Salamander Tree' has succumbed to the elements and strong winds. The tree was a regular subject for professional and amateur photographers for many years.

Photo Credit: Nash Hall Photography (sunrise photo)

09/09/2021

03/08/2021

Stage 1. complete. New hardwood deck fixed with almost 600 marine grade stainless screws = stronger, safer, smoother.

01/08/2021

Our deck re-build starts today. Tradie James right into demolition mode.😜

21/07/2021

🎶 🎵 Don't Worry, Beach Happy 🎵🎶

25/04/2021

Not all Sunsets are a like, but equally as beautiful.
Photo Credit:Tracy Rigby

02/04/2021

Foreshore Drive ... 🎼 we’re on a road to nowhere .... 🎶🎵