Dunwich Treats

One of the best aspects of being anchored off Myora (great in a SE'ly) or in Deanbilla Bay (when the wind swings N) is access to the township of Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. It’s a sleepy little historic town with Goldilocks properties:- just enough amenities. Most visitors arrive on North Stradbroke Island by passenger ferry or the vehicle barge from Redland Bay and head out to Point Lookout or Amity Point and get absorbed into the various styles of accommodation and landscape to admire ocean views, roos, koalas, eagles, turtles, dugongs etc. On our first visit we anchored off Myora and took the dinghy in tying up at the public wharf with the idea of finding the bakery/general store. The first person we met to ask if they could direct us,  happened to be the local baker. He was meeting a couple of gas fitters off the ferry who were to repair his ovens. “Hop in the ute” he said “the boys will drive you up”.  SWEET, how's that for good luck!

 

View from the main drag

The Bloke was inspired once again to conduct a Sausage Roll tasting. Sadly, although the pasty was very flaky and pleasant, the filling lacked flavour. Ah well, at least he was giving it a go and the view lovely.

There’s a bottle shop, a newsagent, a fish and chip shop, dedicated post office, supermarket and butcher. We were not going to starve or go thirsty which was reassuring. In fact the butcher was a really good find and very ‘old school’ with a traditional cheerful butcher pulling on a cord from behind the counter to pull the door open for customers. With lots of lovely cuts, interesting small goods, marinated chicken etc, all cryo-vac packed, we were won over immediately.


The Island Fruit Barn/Coffee Shop became a favourite for its great coffee, sourdough bread and fruit bread available, in addition to quality fruit and veggies. Their sausage rolls were not too bad either. Although nowhere near top 10, it hasn't deterred the Bloke from successive sampling!



The ‘Incredible Shop’ is nearby the Fruit Barn and amply stocked camping/hardware store, and is only open a few days per week. If this were near Spearwood, south of Fremantle, there would be a queue of people outside wishing to upgrade their concrete swans and lions!

Buddah’s, Gnomes, Darth Vaders, mermaids, the 'Bundy Bear', plump ladies in bright bathers/swimmer/cozzies/togs - this yard had the lot!

We’ve come to love this part of Morton Bay even if the signs suggest some unexpected hazards.