BURRILL LAKE...south coast NSW

Ever heard of Burrill Lake south of Ulladulla ??….. well I hadn’t until just the other day when I called into see some old friends. This little village has to be one of the most peaceful yet beautiful spots I have stopped at along the east coast so far. Just a 10 min drive south of Ulladulla ( or about 3 hours from down town Sydney ) its all about nature. 

Take a step back in time when Cook sailed past in 1770 - he named a mountain behind it Pigeon House mountain as he sailed passed the entrance to the lake. The name Burrill comes from the local aboriginal meaning of Wallaby. According to records the oldest Aboriginal known rock shelter on the east coast was found nearby - and with the abundance of food on the land, fresh water and seafood I would have lived here too. The place was settled around 1880 with the usual timber mills, a school, shop built nearby. Back in the day - shell grit was gathered and sold for lime as another early industry. 

Today there’s about 1500 residence around the stunning lake but during the holidays this number triples with tourists who flock to the area. The lake itself is open to the ocean and in most parts it's only up to 6 feet deep and absolutely crystal clear, combine that with stunning white clear sand and the water has a beautiful turquoise blue to it. It’s a massive lake system and is teaming with a variety of fish and rays, birds and so much more. Smithy’s point is a parkland right beside the lake where you can enjoy picnics on the grass with a stack of shelters and bbqs. Oh and if you want some of the best fish and chips around - the little seafood shop at the lake has been awarded the best fish and chips in NSW !!.

Now while there’s a few big caravan parks around the lake who like to sting you with holiday rates - head south for 3 km to the Lagoon Point Conference Centre. Here they have bush camping set on a stack of acres all within a cooee of the stunning Wairo Beach that stretches for miles to the south. Surrounded by NP’s you can be assured of visiting wild life all in peaceful surroundings. Plenty of facilities, massive informal shady sites, great for groups or you can just tuck away in a corner plus heading to the beach is only a 3 min walk. Down here you can fish till dark or just wander for miles exploring the area or the honeycomb rock at the headland. 

This is one place that Ill def be coming back too and considering the fires came to within the shore of the lake - the place is open and looking fantastic.