MILTON...southern NSW

Milton ( just 6km to the north of Ulladulla ) is a town that 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. 

The best camping in town its the local Showground. Apparently its about $20 pn but the caretaker is rarely there so its a bit hit and miss. For that you get power and water, but when the caretaker does turn up he will give you the code for the showers. The Showground is quiet, has specie views, plenty of green grass underfoot and only about 2km from town where you can spend the morning by walking up to shop and have a great coffee or simply drive. 

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.

BATEMANS BAY...nsw

To be honest I was a bit apprehensive about coming down the south coast to explore after the heartbreaking fires went through at xmas, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Now while the Eurobodalla Coast did get hit pretty hard, most of it has bounced back and is open for business. 

Being a first timer down here I wasn’t sure what to expect. First impressions are the best and when I rolled into Batemans Bay I fell in love straight away. You see its all about the natural surroundings and enjoying the outdoors. Batemans Bay has one of the largest river systems on the east coast, and it aptly named the Oyster Coast due to the local Clyde River being one of the freshest in Australia. The whole town is centred either around the bay or along this pristine river. Captain Cook sailed past and named the bay back in 1770. From then on it has grown to what it is today. Theres been some interesting history surrounding the bay in past times like when a Japanese submarine destroyed several trawlers back in 1942 and when over 100,000 bats decided to drop into Batemans Bay to call home in 2016. Luckily they have been moved on. 

Today the bay is a stunning tourist town and is part of the south coast snorkelling trail due to the crystal clear water of the Clyde River, numerous bays along the coast and the abundance of fish. National Parks surround the town giving it a real bush backdrop and with plenty of natural walking, mountain bike trails and 4wd tracks to explore its an outdoor paradise. 

Around town you can shop till you drop with plenty of great shops and markets on the weekends. But it’s the surroundings that attract the array of tourist to the town. Because the town has been built right beside the Clyde River ( back in the early 1820’s ), Batemans Bay thrives on the sunshine and fresh produce. There’s a magnitude of beautiful restaurants and eateries  along the coast walkway from town south to the marina all highlighting amazing seafood and and local produce. Several years ago the town hosted Sculpture on the Clyde in which a 10 day celebration let local artists show off their work along the river and each year the festival gets bigger and better. Today as you walk the 5 km loop there’s a stack of quirky statues like, a bronzed octopus, a pelican head holding a crab in the air, weird whale bones sticking out of the ground and many more. 

Now while the main town central is focused around the Clyde River the real beauty of the area isn’t far away. By hugging the coast road you’ll follow the river to the sea entrance and then be blessed by a host of secluded bays and beaches and most of the time the surf is a calm ocean shore break which is perfect for the kids 

Batemans Bay is at the northern end of the Eurobodalla Coast and with the Aboriginal meaning ‘land of many waters’ be prepared to see a different bay, rock pool or beach all the way along the coast. There’s also many rivers in the hinterland that carve their way towards the coast through pristine rainforest pockets. For the water junkies that want more, the Bay is renown for its excellent scuba diving around the islands just off shore in the marine parks around Tollgate Island and the many other rocky outcrops. The fisherman aren’t left out either as there’s a stack of jetty's, rock walls and pontoons that you can fish off plus if your a pelagic hunter this is the place to come as there are regular catches of Tuna and Marlin plus bottom dwelling fish. 

But there’s also life outside of Batemans Bay, so if you’ve had enough salt on your skin and in your hair why not explore the outer reaches of there area on a fantastic 40km loop. Starting at the Bay head south back down the Princess Highway passing through huge stands of gums until you enter the beautiful village of Mogo. This boutique town is the go to place for home made food and gifts, from some of the yummiest pies, cakes and coffee you’ll ever taste. After a stroll up and down the main street and the back alley ways I found that I had burnt off the pie so there was room for ice cream, oh and then there’s the lolly and fudge shops too - options are great in Mogo that has the small town spirit. In fact on most days you’ll struggle to get a parking spot as the town is This place was settled back in 1850 for farming and timber, and soon they had their own cheese factory. Gold was found and the rush was on in 1871, the town boomed where they soon had 15 000 people living here with 17 pubs. The loop continues from Mogo back to Surf Beach where you're treated with crystal clear water in many more secluded bays. Mogo is a laid back village like many others around the Bay where the chilled lifestyle is the way of life just like bbq’s, naturally talented artists and coffee shops along the way. 

FIRES

In recent times this area was hit hard by the fires especially the smaller towns and villages. Even tho the burnt areas of peoples lives and business’s remain for everyone to see, the area is alive and doing well. Some businesses are open and thriving, others may take just a little longer, but they need our support to kick along for years to come. Even just stopping for a coffee and a stroll down the main street they will appreciate it. So stop, smile and get back out there. 

MOGO...south coast NSW

Mogo, a little village 10 mins south of Batemans Bay on the Princess Highway. Its a sleepy town today where tourism is the main source of income. Theres the Mogo Zoo ( the zoo has an extensive breeding program for several exotic animals as well as all your other favourites ) and the old Gold Mining village to explore with the shops ******* 

The town surrounds have many natural talented and vibrant artists within and there are plenty of recycled shops to explore as well. This boutique town is the go to place for home made food and gifts, from some of the yummiest pies, cakes and coffee you’ll ever taste. 

After a stroll up and down the main street and the back alley ways I found that I had burnt off the pie so there was room for ice cream, oh and then there’s the lolly and fudge shops too - options are great in Mogo that has the small town spirit. In fact on most days you’ll struggle to get a parking spot as the town is This place was settled back in 1850 for farming and timber, and soon they had their own cheese factory. Gold was found and the rush was on in 1871, the town boomed where they soon had 15 000 people living here with 17 pubs. The last gold mine actually only closed back in 1984 but today thrives on the passing trade. 

FIRES

******In recent times this area was hit hard by the fires especially the smaller towns and villages. Even tho the burnt areas of peoples lives and business’s remain for everyone to see, the area is alive and doing well. Unfortunately the Zoo and the Gold mining village are closed atm due to fire damage. Some businesses are open and thriving, others may take just a little longer, but they need our support to kick along for years to come. Even just stopping for a coffee and a stroll down the main street they will appreciate it. I personally did not take any pics of the destroyed buildings, houses or businesses as I don’t think it is right. A very humbling experience to walk the main street and see what the horrific fires did here. Some were very unlucky yet others extremely lucky. The loop road from Batemans to Mogo back to Sunshine Beach all tells the same story, very devastating for all.  

So the main thing that the locals are after is to stop, smile but just get back out there for them as most of the south coast is open for business. 

TOMAKIN...south coast NSW

If you were to google the meaning of Paradise there are several means including ; a place that is extremely beautiful and that seems perfect, and I think I have found a destination to describe paradise. Tomakin, on the south coast of NSW about 4 hours south of Sydney, on the stunning Eurobodalla Coastline.Tomakin has had several names over the years from when Thomas Florence explored the coast that Cook missed when he sailed north. Today it’s a quiet place yet it holds a stack of interesting history in amongst stunning unspoilt beaches and beautiful coves. 

Melville Point is where you’ll have views all up and down the coast, out towards the rocky island outcrops, river inlet and the cove. There are WW2 secret area’s, bunkers to the north, a stunning walk through massive old Banksia trees past the lighthouse and to the end of Burrewarra Point, which overlooks Guerrilla Bay. Most people drive straight due to its on Eurobodalla’s tourist drive number 7 but I can assure you it’s well worth the stop. 

Tomakin cove is regarded as one of the best ones on the coast for beginners to snorkel, explore on a kayak or a SUP as the waters are calm and crystal clear. If by any chance the cove isn’t calm as I found out, the Tomakin River is a magical waterway where I was lucky to see fish swarming around the sea grass, massive eagle rays scouring the bottom for a feed and plenty of birdlife on top of the water. If you haven’t got a kayak you can hire one just near the boat ramp either for a guided tour or you can freely go off on your own.

This epic coastline is home of many rock formations that started to form some 510 million years ago making it an Ancient coastline. From different points ( if you know rocks ) you can identify different time periods. There are tiny fossils embedded in different rock clusters, sedimentary sandstone that was once connected to the Blue Mountains, honeycomb patterns, petrified magna but the most visible to all is the sharp Tectonic plates that rise out of everywhere along the coastline. 

With all this coastline one day is just not enough time to explore. My choice of stay was the unbelievable Barlings Beach Holiday Park located smack in the middle of these stunning locations. Situated right on Barlings Beach and covering a massive 22 acres they are only 2 mins from town the park has everything that you could ask for.

The Eurobodalla coast certainly packs a lot in with its stunning scenery, spectacular and pristine beaches through to a little history thrown in, all I can say is do your self a favour and explore the south coast. 

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.