An interview with surfing prodigy, Sally Fitzgibbons

Australian surfing prodigy Sally Fitzgibbons has travelled from beach-to-beach around the country and across the world since she was 17, collecting trophies along the way.

She’s also authored Live Like Sally, a book that provides its readers with tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle, and has recently partnered with hotel brand Novotel as its new wellness ambassador, and Solar D Sunscreen. We chat to Sally about her favourite travel experiences.

1. As a child, our family holidays always…

Revolved around sporting activities. Surf lifesaving, soccer, athletics, surfing, running, sailing and representative sport for school took us all over Australia…

I made such great memories in teams, achieving my goals. We all supported one another as a family and did crazy fun road trips up and down the east coast.

2. Now, when I have spare time I head straight to…

Gerroa on the South Coast of NSW, where I grew up. I’m always travelling the globe with my surfing, so when I touch down in Australia there’s nothing better than driving home to spend time with my family. It is my favourite place to train in and out of the water.

3. The best thing about living on the South Coast is…

The beautiful open spaces. It is spectacular seeing the green rolling hills, dotted with livestock, meet the ocean.

It washes a wave of calmness and belonging over me as soon as I see the countryside and the long stretches of uncrowded beaches. This is where I started my dream and it will always be home.

4. My favourite beach in Australia is…

Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa. This is where I grew up surfing with my family and the place that really ignited my passion for the sport.

If it wasn’t home, it would be Bells Beach, one of the most prestigious waves in Australian surf history.

5. My favourite city in Australia is…

Sydney. I spend a lot of time there for ‘out of water’ commitments and have formed some great friendships there. And Sydney Harbour is simply amazing.

6. I keep fit and healthy while travelling by…

Going for a run at dawn, whether it be on the coast or in the city. The best thing about running is that you can do it anywhere and I love exploring by foot – it’s a great way to sight-see in different places.

7. The three things I always pack when travelling are…

My surfboards go everywhere with me – my day never feels complete without being in the ocean.

My fit ball – I use it as soon as I wake up to stretch out, then at training through the day and right up until I go to bed. It is one of my best buddies – haha! And my Solar D Sunscreen, of course.

8. My last great holiday/beach read was…

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.

9. The number one place on my bucket list is…

King Island, Tasmania. The island and landscapes look incredible and I’ve heard there are some amazing waves and sea life there.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Going walkabout with Sally Fitzgibbons