Tiger Tales

Serenity Bay

Easy listening icon Barry Manilow may have been referring to a New York club when he belted out his famous tune (Copacabana Beach is in Rio), but just 75 minutes north of Sydney sits another Copacabana – a sleepy beachside hamlet. A night- life capital it ain’t, but travellers may be inspired to grab imaginary maracas and do the samba at having stumbled across one of the nation’s best-kept secrets.

Copacabana has flown under the radar since Captain James Cook sailed past in 1770. Aborigines called it Tudibaring, which means “where waves pound like a beating heart”. In 1954, it was renamed in honour of Brazil’s iconic stretch of sand.

Contrary to the song, music and passion have never been in fashion in “Copa”. The charm of this village of less than 3,000 lies in its code of relaxation. Leave the glam frocks at home, go barefoot and live life in the slow lane during a quintessential Australian beach escape.

WANDER FARTHER

There are some gems to tempt restless feet within a 20-minute drive of Copacabana. A Central Coast highlight is the daily 3.30pm pelican feeding at The Entrance boardwalk. For shoppers, Hardy Bay’s Mooch Inside is a treasure trove of weathered wooden chairs, stylish silver and billowing kaftans. Catch an outdoor screening at the historic Avoca Picture Theatre.

FUEL UP

The shopping strip opposite the beach is modest, but includes the essentials such as a corner store, newsagency, bottle shop, bakery, two cafés and a fine dining restaurant. Grab a burger at Copa Surfside Takeaway. Upmarket café Sirocco caters to Sydneysiders seeking smooth coffee, while the best breakfast is at TC’s Café. For seafood, follow the locals to SeaCoast Fishing, near the Copacabana turnoff.

BUST A MOVE

While wave-seekers typically dot the beachside viewing platform, While wave-seekers typically dot the beachside viewing platform, from May to August it’s also a prime spot to see humpback whales. Or take the steep walk to Captain Cook Lookout, which offers stunning views. Fish in Cochrane Lagoon by day and search by torchlight for prawns at night. When a northerly swell blows in, join surfers who flock to the left-hand break at Copa Point.

FACT FILE

● The Entrance Pelican Feeding, www.theentrance.org
● Mooch Inside, 1/1 Killcare Rd, Hardys Bay, tel: +61 (0)2 4360 2257, www.moochinside.com.au
● Avoca Picture Theatre, 60 Avoca Dr, Avoca, tel: +61 (0)2 4382 1777
● Copa Surfside Takeaway, 224 Del Monte Pl, tel: +61 (0)2 4382 4222
● Sirocco, 204 Del Monte Pl, tel: +61 (0)2 4382 6967
● TC’s Café, Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club
● SeaCoast Fishing, 20 Patanga St, Kincumber, tel: +61 (0)2 4368 6160

There are no hotels in Copacabana but holiday homes are available for rent. www.ozstayz.com.au