Avalon Archives - Page 6 of 6

Sea Wave Thai Makes a Splash in Avalon Beach

Opening a restaurant in the midst of a pandemic might be a scary business move and yet, against the odds, Sea Wave Thai successfully navigated risky waters when it opened for business at Avalon Beach in the last quarter of 2020.

Six months on and Sea Wave Thai continues to make a splash from its location on Avalon Parade. Slowly but surely, word got around among this suburb’s tight-knit community that there’s a new foodie haunt on the block, serving flavourful Thai dishes.

On the menu are nearly 50 dishes featuring a variety of dim sums, noodles and rice, curry, stir-fried, as well as Asian soups and salads.

First-time visitors ought to try the coconut prawn curry, a growing favourite among regulars. The prawns are so huge and it’s enough to last your cravings through the day. This dish is served in a stunning bowl — the actual coconut shell — and you’ll need to take a moment to appreciate its presentation.

To enjoy this beautiful dish, you’d have to scrape the coconut meat inside the shell to mix with the creamy sauce. This enhances the flavour and the freshness of the curry’s ingredients.

Take your time when dining at Sea Wave Thai with its lavish but cosy interior. The space evokes the feel of spending a summer holiday in Southeast Asia without having to leave Avalon.

Occasionally, the owner, who grew up in a Thai household, comes out to engage the customers and deliver her brand of warm and friendly service. Amidst social distancing restrictions, her careful approach is a breath of fresh air.

Follow Sea Wave Thai on Facebook for updates on its opening hours and deals. The restaurant is within the Avalon Pavilion, next to the homeware and handicraft stores.

Really great food. It’s a typical Australian Thai restaurant menu, but portions were generous, lots of meat in the dishes, tasted fantastic. Nice cocktails; and the outdoor seating is cosy.
Adam Frisby

Very fast service and tasty food – would recommend the salmon yellow curry! Such a tough time to be opening during lockdown, let’s show them some love.
Simon Abbott

Great food! Really fresh and full of flavour. If you like tai this is really good. Great service, laid back Avalon vibe.
Anthony Andersen

Around the Bends: Avalon Beach’s Iconic Swim Challenge Returns

Avalon Beach SLSC is gearing up for the return of Around the Bends, the annual swim challenge from Newport to Avalon. This year’s event, however, will have a few changes but it will still be a fun workout for adults and kids with the beautiful Northern Beaches as the backdrop.

Set for Sunday, 21 March 2021, Around the Bends will start at Newport at 8:00 a.m. with the 2.5 kilometres swim challenge to Avalon, whilst another competition will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a shorter distance of 1.2 kilometres.

Participants must take note of the courses:

DISTANCE	ROUTE
Newport to Avalon (2.5km)	– Starts at the northern end of Newport Beach – Head out around the headland, past Bilgola Beach, then past another headland into Avalon
Avalon (1.2km)	– Starts at the northern end of the beach – North Avalon Express – Head out to southern headland to around the middle of the beach and then straight in towards the clubhouse

The Newport to Avalon route is open for swimmers above 13 years old, whilst the journey off Avalon Beach is perfect for 10-year-old kids and above.

Parents who are swimming with minors will need to fill out an online entry for their children before the event. Due to the pandemic threats, this year’s Around the Bends will be strictly registered. Swimmers who have not submitted their online confirmation by Saturday, 20 March 2021, at 3:00 p.m., will not be allowed to join on race day.

A special division will be opened for Back of the Pack, for groups who want to enjoy a more relaxing time in the water as their time won’t be recorded. The Back of the Pack won’t be eligible for prizes at the end of the event.

Around the Bends has a $40 entry fee, whether participants are swimming in one or both challenges. Register online to join.

Avalon Beach Must Vaccinate Pet Rabbits Amidst New RHDV Release

A feral rabbit control program has been rolled out yet again in NSW and pet owners in Avalon Beach and nearby suburbs are still urged to vaccinate pet rabbits to ensure their protection.

The Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus program, also known as RHDV1-K5 RHDV program, has been released in mid-February to curb the growing number of feral rabbits damaging lands and livestock throughout the region.

Biosecurity experts said that these animals, declared as pests by the NSW, have to be controlled as it contributes to the decline of other native species. Every year, feral rabbits cost over $200 million in losses for farmers and landowners.

Since 2017, the RHDV program has been carried out to manage feral rabbits, dropping their population to 42 percent. The rollout this February 2021 is the fifth release.

However, domesticated rabbits could still be at risk because the virus can easily transfer through contact with other rabbits or via mosquito bites or flies within a significant distance. According to the RSPCA, the virus is able to survive for more than three months in the environment during the warm seasons and seven months and a half during moderate temperatures, hence recommendation to vaccinate pet rabbits.

RHDV has no effect on other animals.

“The virus is spread mainly by contact between rabbits or via insects such as mosquitos and flies, meaning it can travel significant distances. Importantly, RHDV doesn’t affect any other animals and if domestic rabbits are vaccinated, they become immune to it,” Greater Sydney Biosecurity Officer Jacob French said. “This program is designed to complement ongoing control efforts on private and public land.”

Areas affected by this current RHDV program rollout include Annangrove, Avalon Beach, Balgowlah Heights, Bella Vista, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Bilgola Plateau, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Collaroy, Cromer, Davidson, East Lindfield, Glenhaven, Gordon, Grose Vale, Ingleside, Kariong, Katoomba, Kenthurst, Killara, Kulnara, Kurrajong, Lindfield, Macquarie Park, Manly, Marsfield, Maraylya, Mona Vale, Mosman, Mount Colah, Mount Ku-ring-gai, Narrabeen, Narraweena, Newport, North Epping, North Turramurra, North Wahroonga, Palm Beach, Pymble, Roseville Chase, Rouse Hill, Ryde, Seaforth, South Turramurra, Spring Farm, Somersby, St Ives Chase, St Ives, Tahmoor, Turramurra, Wahroonga, Warrawee, West Pennant Hills, West Pymble, West Riverstone and North Richmond.

Meanwhile, pet rabbit owners are also advised to rabbit-proof their outdoor spaces to keep off wild rabbits or keep their pets indoors. Contact with unfamiliar pet rabbits must also be limited. Take out uneaten food as soon as possible to prevent flies. Apply decontamination protocols at home with the rabbit’s cage, bowls and the pet owner’s clothes and shoes, especially if they have been outside.

FREE Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers Roll Out In Avalon

Residents of Avalon and other suburbs in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley may now take advantage of the free Dine & Discover NSW gift vouchers from the government in a bid to support the food and entertainment industry impacted by the pandemic lockdowns.

Beginning March 2021, locals over 18 years old can use their gift vouchers (four $25 vouchers) at participating establishments if they have applied for the privilege by logging on to their Service NSW account or by using the Service NSW mobile app.

How to Use Dine & Discover Vouchers

Participating businesses will honor the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers every Monday to Thursday (for food business) or any day of the week (for cultural, arts and live music venues). The vouchers may not be used during public holidays. Excluded in the scheme are takeaway meals, online food orders, alcohol, tobacco and gambling.

This is the second and expanded trial phase to help the hospitality, arts and tourism industry bounce back after major losses due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier, the trial was launched within a small group in The Rocks and Broken Hill.

The State Government has funded $500 million into this rescue package to encourage residents to support local businesses. The scheme is expected to expand with more areas and establishments.

As such, applying for the vouchers does not carry a cut-off date and residents may still redeem when the scheme has been extended state-wide.

To use the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers:

Log in to the Service NSW App on your mobile device.
Select ‘Vouchers’.
Select the valid voucher you wish to use.
Select ‘Find a business’ to choose a participating business.
Present the voucher QR code for the business to scan at payment.
Your device will show the voucher as being used.
Residents may also download from the website the print the vouchers to be scanned at the establishment.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook*

Businesses must register to be part of the program and receive their payments from the grant.

“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.

Cash Grants Scheme

Meanwhile, a separate cash grants scheme to complement the Dine and Discover scheme has been launched to provide relief for small businesses.

Establishments that suffered 30 percent or 50 percent losses in revenues, between December 2020 and February 2021, would be eligible to receive $3,000 or $5,000 from the government as payment. Businesses can use this payment for maintenance and rent, wages or legal fees.

In December 2020, more than 150 COVID-19 cases were linked to an Avalon outbreak, prompting officials to put the Northern Beaches under lockdown. Additional measures were also tightened in Sydney amidst the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

By January 2021, face masks became mandatory in enclosed places whilst strict fines were imposed on violators. Restaurants slowly re-opened in a limited capacity and required locals to present their confirmed bookings and passes.

On 21 February 2021, the State Government launched its vaccination program. By this time, there has been no recovered COVID-19 transmission for nearly 40 days in NSW.

The government said that restrictions will be reviewed in the middle of March.

Why The Johnsons of Mitre 10 are an Avalon Institution

Anyone who has lived in Avalon in the last 70 years knows a Johnson or has heard of The Johnsons, the Mitre 10 family business on Avalon Parade. The store has been around since 1957 and continues to serve the community even today.

Brothers John and Bob Johnson opened their Avalon hardware store after moving to Freshwater from Rydalmere. Building their reputation as credible and reliable businessmen, whose service and expertise was unmatched, the Johnsons opened a second store in Mona Vale in 1989.

By 2003, the brothers expanded their Mona Vale operations and soon took over 10 Hardwoods Australia outlets.

The expansion and incorporation were renamed into JBH Timbers and Building Supplies with the Mona Vale outlet becoming a “one-stop shop,” boasting of a wide product range like timber, hardware, tools, plumbing, fixings and all kinds of houseware, electrical and gardening items.

The Johnsons moved to a bigger and better site in Mona Vale, which has a separate retail and trade section, a heavy hardware area, an outdoor department and over 150 parking spots.

Meanwhile, the original Avalon outlet continues to trade the basic hardware and household needs in its most accessible and familiar location.

In the midst of their success, John and Bob found their partners, got married and had children. All 10 of John’s sons and daughters, as well as his in-laws, are working in the family business. Bob’s 10 children are also involved in some capacity at the Johnson Bros Hardware empire.

John and Bob are no longer hands-on with the business after retiring a few years back. Their children have taken over, learning from their parents’ training after school, or the weekends and school holidays.

The Johnsons are not just prominent figures in the Avalon business community. They are also involved in local sporting clubs and surf lifesaving clubs.

Watch the story of The Johnsons, an Avalon institution, in the below video:

Avalon Property Market Picks Up Despite COVID Cluster

The pandemic hasn’t deterred investors from seeking property in Avalon Beach despite the area becoming Australia’s COVID hotspot in recent months. The latest figures show that house prices in this Northern Beaches neighbourhood jumped to 22.4 percent in the last quarter of 2020.

According to realestate.com.au, Avalon’s new median house price has risen to $2.3 million from $1.885 million during the same time period in 2020. House trades reached 157 for 2020 to current, with more than a dozen deals closed in December when a virus cluster emerged in the suburbs and Avalon was under a tight lockdown.

Realtors think that Avalon’s response to the virus threat made it more attractive to prospective buyers as the community followed the rules, made responsible decisions and rallied to curb the spread for good.

Thus, inquiries about properties in this beach suburb continue to attract buyers looking for a lifestyle home with an “increased sense of urgency,” according to James Baker of McGrath Avalon. Even the rental market is on the upswing as people look for space and properties in a less crowded neighbourhood whilst working from home.

Avalon has always appealed as a quintessential lifestyle destination. Now, people want to stick around and snap up a holiday home for a change in scenery.

Avalon Beach Boat Trailer Parking Permanently Banned on Barrenjoey Road

Boat trailers not in use will no longer be permitted to park on the stretch of Barrenjoey Road in Avalon Beach. The Northern Beaches Council announced that this is one of the 11 streets in its jurisdiction which must comply with the new boat parking rule.

Last year, the Council laid out a trial run to prevent boat trailers from taking up parking spaces on busy streets. After six months, the trial run has become permanent following a successful result.

“We are getting an increasing number of complaints from residents fed up with trailers and boats taking up most of the parking next to playgrounds, parks, and fields and rarely being moved,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan told the press in a statement.

“The trial has resulted in the relocation of all trailers at the 11 designated problem areas with 30 per cent not returning to the area again and the remaining 70 per cent relocating to adjoining streets or nearby reserves,” Mr Regan added.

Aside from Barrenjoey Road in Avalon, below are the other areas around the Northern Beaches where boat parking will be permanently prohibited. The ruling is effective in March 2019.

Aitken Reserve, Queenscliff
Allambie Road, Allambie Heights
Balgowlah Road, Fairlight
Bassett Street, Mona Vale
Harbord Park, Freshwater
Jacka Park, Freshwater
John Fisher Park, North Curl Curl
Kenneth Road, Manly Vale
Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen
Richmond Avenue, Dee Why

The Council may add more streets to the initial 11 sites. Plans to set up a trailer parking permit and payment system with a third-party parking operator are also in consideration.

Paddle Up at Clareville Beach in Avalon

Enjoy the great outdoors and learn how to use a paddle board at Tony Henry’s Avalon Stand Up Paddle today.

Are you looking for a new sport or hobby? Why not try paddle boarding at the tranquil waters of Clareville Beach, where you’ll find one of the best paddle schools around Sydney, Tony Henry’s Avalon Stand Up Paddle.

What is Stand Up Paddle

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a combination of exercise and leisurely paddle on a Sydney beach atop a Stand-Up Paddle board. Compared to surfing, paddle boarding is very stable and easier to manipulate. This makes this sport easy to learn and master regardless of a person’s fitness level and age. Overall, Stand Up Paddle can help take away stress, and given its physical benefits, it will surely make a person look and feel at his or her best.

Tony Henry’s Avalon Stand Up Paddle

Tony Henry’s Avalon Stand Up Paddle is an accredited SUP school in Avalon. The school is dedicated to teaching and helping out all its students to learn the sport from the best instructors in order for them to enjoy and easily paddle on the beautiful Clareville Beach.

Aside from paddle boarding, other facilities at Tony Henry’s Avalon SUP include picnic tables and chairs, electric barbecues, outdoor showers, toilet facilities, and viewing platform.

Check out the lessons being offered at Tony Henry’s Avalon SUP:

SUP Experience

A ‘taster’ session that is open for new SUPers who have not yet tried nor completed an SUP private or public lesson.
Fee is at $ 50. This includes a beach-based orientation for the board and rider safety, and it is followed by instructions and a short practice time on the water.
SUP Experience is only available during low wind conditions and favourable tides.

Individual 60 Minute Lesson

This is a comprehensive one-on-one lesson for beginners that covers all necessary skills and knowledge required to paddle safely on enclosed waters.
Aside from the 60 minutes of individual lessons, students get to have a free paddle time on water to hone their new skill.
An individual lesson cost $ 90.

Paddle Groups

Paddle Group Sessions run all year round. It is scheduled every Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.
Paddle group sessions also includes extra core strengthening and cardiovascular workout. These are needed for stamina building since the duration of the group paddle session is between 60 to 90 minutes and from 5 to 7 kilometres.
A SUP Experience is needed before joining one of the paddle group sessions.
The costs for joining a paddle group are $ 30 with board rental, and $ 15 for those who can bring their own paddle board.

Aside from these SUP lessons, Tony Henry’s Avalon SUP also offers special lessons namely, Twilight Paddle Tours and SUP Yoga. Click here to know more about all their offered lessons.

What are you waiting for? Experience the many pleasures of Stand Up Paddle today at the beautiful Clareville Beach by booking a lesson at Tony Henry’s Avalon SUP.