ULLADULLA ...NSW

A good 3 hour drive of Sydney is the wonderful town of Ulladulla nestled right on the coast. Known to the local Yuin people as ullada ullada which meant safe harbour, where today a huge fishing fleet takes advantage of the harbour that’s tucked in-between two headlands. Amazingly captain Cook sailed past on his voyage back in 1770 and named one of the hills Pigeon House mountain but it wasn’t until 1797 that explorer bass explored this southern coastline. During the next 30 years the area was surveyed and a town was settled to the north near present day Milton. The harbour at Ulladulla was used to load goods and timber for Sydney where it boomed in the 1840’s. A town was eventually built along with a timber jetty and a lighthouse at nearby Warden Head due to the exposed rocks around the headland and today it has grown to be the home of the largest fishing fleet in NSW. Each year on Easter Sunday - the blessing of the fleet festival is held where the town shuts down for a host of activities, parades and games.

The town itself is surrounded by several National parks where there are plenty off walking tracks across the headlands and along the beaches, the water is crystal clear which is great for diving offshore and the hills behind Ulladulla are perfect for the grazing animals. The Warden Head lighthouse can be found only minutes from town and is a great base for several walks. Built in 1873 it was originally placed down on the break wall but a few year later it was moved to where it stands today. At only 34 metres high and built from curved iron plates it was changed over to electricity in 1964 and still shines bright today. Just nearby the Coomie Nulunga Trail is a great 2 hour walk that winds its way around the headland giving stunning views along the coast as you meander past coastal Waratah, headland heath and Trigger plants. Keep an eye out for the Black Cockatoo that love to eat the Waratah seeds. To the north of town there is an amazing walk called One Track For All. This headland track has several lookouts overlooking back to town and along the coast, but the most interesting features are the timber sculptures and carvings done by local elder Noel Butler as it tells the story of the locals and their interaction with the land, sea and when white man came to the area. 

Away from Ulladulla to the north, the stunning Mollymook is a holidayers paradise where endless waves seem to roll in on beautiful beaches. Its all about the beach at Mollymook where there are rock pools for the kids, pristine beaches to walk and explore and from the lookouts you can see for miles along the coast. A small town with basic facilities its busy all year round with holidaymakers and retirees who flock here for the sun, pristine environment and away from the bustle of the larger nearby Ulladulla. 

At nearby Milton ( just 6km to the north ) this town was once a quiet pass through village but these days its full of coffee shops and loaded with history. There is a self guided walk around town that leads you to no more than 25 places of interest dating back to 1859. There are old churches, high house keepers residence, cottages and historical old banks to see. These days its hard to get a parking spot as hoards of people depend on this beautiful little village for homegrown meals, amazing coffee and hand made gifts, and a lot of these businesses operate from heritage buildings which add to the charm. Every month there are local markets highlighting what is grown within the area and for something different what about a Ghost walk around town where you’ll be led by lantern and be told old tales as you wander around town.

Ulladulla and the south coast have been a place where families can get away from it all yet only a few hours from Sydney, there are many hidden lakes where you can fish and enjoy a day on the water like Lake Conjola or Burrill Lakes. There are many National Parks where you can bush walk or enjoy the cycle trails to many stunning locations. Morton NP is where you can walk to the top of Pigeon House Mountain and enjoy almost endless vistas all around. If you can drag yourself away from the stunning coastline, head to Milton and follow the tourist drive signs for a great half day loop into the hinterland towards the top of the Clyde River and returning back to Ulladulla. Make sure you pack a picnic and swimmers as there are some beautiful stops along the way. 

While this area may not have the glitz and glory like other sea side towns, its all about the natural beauty that lies within as well as a stack of history thrown in. Do yourself a favour, take a few days off to explore the south coast.