Olivia22

Remember when you were young and summers were long and languid? When days were filled with the simple joys of early morning swims in blue seas, friends, bike rides and ice cream? Mum would tell you to be home by dinner time but the rest of the day was your own, exploring in safety with your friends? Callala Beach evokes these memories and is very much a beach community of days-gone-by. When you're there, time seems to stand still. Rustic retro fishing shacks are juxtaposed with sleek architectural beach homes and stand side by side in a nonchalant air of co-existence. The long, long stretch of white sand pristinely frames the clear azure water which beckons you into its depths. Pods of dolphins frolicking is a very common sight, that always delights. I guess some of the locals might be a little cross that I've left this review, and as I write, I'm torn about whether I should click the "Save Review" button, or just delete this. There's a sense that I don't really want to share this place, and already too many people know about it.....

The last time we visited Callala Beach, we timed our walk to the beach from our house in Watts Road. We strolled (and I do mean "strolled", as it was a very hot day) to the end of the street, and entered one of the tracks that goes through the bush to the beach. The trees are very tall and form a high canopy, and the undergrowth is humid and lush. There's sense of excitement as we approach the beach and then suddenly, there it is.....sparkling blue waters and the whitest sands on the east coast of Australia. It took us all of 4 minutes from heaven to paradise.

It always amazes me that Bradbury has remained a secret for so long. It's quiet, but SO close to the hub of town and everything you need. It's within a 5 minute radius of Macarthur Square, Campbelltown Mall, The Art Gallery and Chinese Gardens, Campbelltown Catholic Club, Rydges, The Cube Entertainment Centre, Aquafit and Bradbury Swimming Pool. Public and private hospitals, and specialist medical centres are close by. Greater Union Cinemas (including Gold Class) and Dumaresq Street Cinemas are easily accessible. Bradbury has a great little community shopping centre, including Foodworks, a medical centre and friendly neighbourhood newsagent, butcher, bakery, video store, eateries etc. There is a gymnasium and great Pre-School. People have been known to pretend to live in Bradbury, so that their children can have the opportunity of attending our excellent local school, Bradbury Public, which includes fantastic teachers and an Opportunity Class. There are many beautiful leafy streets in Bradbury to walk your dog, jog and generally enjoy passing lovely, well-kept gardens while getting fit. So many long-standing residents love their homes in Bradbury and take great pride in their gardens. If you have to get away (although why would you want to?), Wollongong's beaches are an easy 1/2 hour drive away, with almost no traffic lights!! (I've lived in Bradbury for over 20 years, unlike the person who left the negative review.) It's only a matter of time before the secret is out and Bradbury will no longer be an affordable suburban jewel.