Photo credit: Fleurieu Imagery
Normanville’s scenic coast is buzzing as the Normanville Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) unveils its $7 million redevelopment, just in time for the holiday rush. This weekend marks a significant milestone for the Fleurieu Peninsula, as thousands are expected to flock to the area for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The project, a collaborative effort between the State Government, the District Council of Yankalilla, and the Normanville SLSC, aims to enhance the beach experience for both locals and visitors. The revamped clubrooms, along with a a trio of dining options, are set to become the heart of Normanville’s beachside activity.
Visitors can now enjoy improved facilities, which promise not only greater comfort but also heightened safety. Key upgrades include a new access ramp to the beach and a strategically relocated first aid room, ensuring quicker emergency responses and better beach and ambulance accessibility.
The Aqua Blue Normanville Beach kiosk, conveniently located downstairs, is the go-to spot for beachgoers seeking quick and tasty takeaway options. From ice cream to fish and chips, and even some scrumptious salad bowls, there’s something for everyone looking to grab a bite on the go.
Perched upstairs, with panoramic views of the coast, is the Aqua Blue café. This restaurant promises an exceptional dining experience with a menu that has a particular focus on seafood, a nod to its seaside location. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the same expertise that has made the nearby Forktree Brewing microbrewery a hit, as the owner oversees both.
On the other side of the building, the surf club’s own clubroom offers patrons a casual atmosphere where they can enjoy a range of drinks and classic pub grub. The space shares the cafe’s commitment to first-class views, allowing diners to feast their eyes on the stunning coastline as they savor their meals. The NSLC cafe delivers up all your surf club favourites including 6 different burgers, fish of the day, schnitzels and parmis, plus a kids menu and more.
The menu offerings at Aqua Blue are more extensive, ranging from tapas and entrees like king prawn & avocado and chargrilled octopus salad, to mouth-watering mains such as Goolwa pipis & mussels and 250g Scotch fillet. Vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities are also well catered for, with dishes such as the Vegetarian Moroccan Tagine and Greek salad. Children can enjoy a selection of kid-friendly dishes, and the dessert menu with treats like Honeycomb Panna Cotta promises a sweet ending to any meal.
Looking ahead, the club is poised to host its first major Surf Life Saving event post-redevelopment: the Masters State Championships, scheduled for March in Normanville. This event is expected to showcase the club’s new capabilities and solidify its position as a premier location for such competitions.
Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Emergency Services, was excited for the launch. “This is a welcomed moment for the surf life saving community, for locals and for visitors to our picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, who will get full benefit out of the new facilities,” he said. He emphasised the Government’s commitment to transforming surf clubs into desirable destinations and equipping them to ensure the safety of South Australian beachgoers.
Leon Bignell MP, Member for Mawson, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “This is a great collaboration between the state government, Yankalilla Council, Surf Lifesaving SA and of course all the wonderful volunteers at the Normanville club.” He added that the new facilities at Normanville and Carrickalinga will enhance the region’s appeal and provide the volunteers with the best facilities as they work to keep the beaches safe.
Darryl Houston, the Mayor of the District Council of Yankalilla, expressed his delight in the partnership that led to the creation of this new beachside destination. “It’s fantastic to see the vision now operational and the early positive feedback has been overwhelming,” he noted.
For more info about the club, head to their website at http://www.normanvilleslsc.org.au/
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