Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Ulladulla, Australia

The largest commercial fishing fleet on NSW’s South Coast is stationed at Ulladulla’s charming harbour, which has a rich history spanning 170 years and is nestled between two headlands.

Ulladulla maintains several longstanding traditions, including the Blessing of the Fleet festival held each Easter, and the seafood offerings here are exceptional.

The town is endowed with additional attractions, featuring placid coastal lakes, perfect for paddlesports, alongside untamed ocean beaches frequented by skilled surfers.

One can discover the splendid shoreline via various trails, and there are opportunities for guided walks that delve into Ulladulla’s Aboriginal heritage or its extensive geological history.

1. Ulladulla Harbour

Nestled in a cove between two headlands, Ulladulla’s picturesque harbour was established in the mid-19th century and is protected by two breakwaters frequented by pelicans.

This harbour serves as the port for the South Coast’s most extensive fishing fleet, and it is the ideal location for fishing charters or simply observing fishing boats return to the co-op with their bounty.

You may enjoy a picnic along the foreshore, and there are numerous dining options on the south side if you desire a sit-down meal or indulge in fish & chips.

A market is also held right on the wharf on the second Sunday of the month.

Significantly, the harbour is central to the Blessing of the Fleet Festival each Easter, a celebration that was brought to Ulladulla by its Sicilian immigrant fishermen.

Each year, the festival features live music, various entertaining activities, a float parade, and a pilgrimage to the harbour for the ceremonial Blessing.

2. Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk

Additionally, the harbour is framed by ancient natural rock platforms that date back hundreds of millions of years.

To gain insight into this fascinating geology and view remarkable specimens, one can partake in the two-hour, guided Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk.

This excursion is led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides and occurs only at low tide when the rock formations are visible.

Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear to explore the remnants of prehistoric marine life embedded within the rock faces.

Complementing this experience, the Geological Time Walk established on the northern side of the harbour features boulders and interpretive boards that take participants through a chronological exploration of 500 million years.

3. Fish and Chips

It is only natural that a town with the largest fishing fleet on the South Coast should excel in providing fish and chips.

Recommended is The Fish Shop at Burrill Lake, consistently regarded as the finest fish and chip establishment in the region.

The flathead tails are exceptionally fresh, the batter is light and crispy, and the tartar sauce serves as an excellent accompaniment, while sides such as potato scallops, oysters, and salt and pepper squid are also noteworthy.

Enjoy your takeaway meal at Dolphin Point, although you may find yourself sharing the scenery with pelicans.

Honorable mentions include Tigers Famous Fish & Chips and the Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe.

4. Warden Head Light

The peninsula that shelters Ulladulla Harbour from the south is a serene landscape filled with residences and green spaces.

A walking trail around Warden Head offers satisfying views of the coastline, starting from the lighthouse car park located at the tip.

Warden Head serves as a prime observation point in Ulladulla for whale watching.

Humpbacks migrate northward in July and August and return in October and November alongside their newborn calves after their time in tropical waters.

The lighthouse has been positioned at its current site since 1889 after being relocated here from Ulladulla Breakwater, where it was originally established in 1873. The light has an operational range of 14 nautical miles and is distinguished for being one of only two such structures in the state constructed from wrought iron plates.

5. Meroo National Park

In less than 15 minutes, you can arrive at the unspoiled lakes, wetlands, forests, and beaches of Meroo National Park.

These environments represent some of the most pristine areas in New South Wales.

This coastal landscape encompasses endangered habitats like bangalay-banksia dry forest and swamp oak floodplain forest, protecting vulnerable flora such as the leafless tongue orchid and tangled bedstraw.

The park is also recognized as a significant regional Important Bird Area, providing habitat for the endangered swift parrot.

The popular Termeil Point Campground is accessible by road and available for free use.

From this location, visitors can hike and encounter native species such as snakes, possums, monitors, kangaroos, and kookaburras, while enjoying a beautiful ocean beach nearby where dolphins can often be spotted in the surf.

6. Rennies Beach

Beyond Warden Head lies a 500-metre south-facing beach at the base of the dunes.

Access to Rennies Beach is only available via a steep staircase from the dunes above.

Due to this challenging approach, the beach maintains a natural, undisturbed ambiance, yet is conveniently close to the town center of Ulladulla.

The views toward Warden Head are stunning, especially during early morning or late afternoon, and visitors may frequently spot dolphins playing in the surf.

The sand is invariably pristine; however, it lacks lifeguard supervision.

During large swells, Rennies Beach is considered one of the premier surf beaches in the area, but the rip currents and rocky formations make it unsuitable for anything beyond wading in its shallows.

7. One Track for All

Ulladulla also features a couple of insightful cultural trails to explore.

The first of these trails is located on the striking headland that encloses Ulladulla Harbour on the northern side.

This complimentary track narrates the story of Shoalhaven’s indigenous and non-indigenous history from an Aboriginal perspective.

The two-kilometre trail is enhanced by art and relief carvings created by Aboriginal elder Noel Butler, whose intention is to weave together indigenous culture and European history.

Moreover, the walk includes four lookout points that provide breathtaking views of the harbour and coastline.

8. Burrill Lake

Located west and south of Ulladulla, there is a freshwater body characterized by a meandering shoreline, which drains into the Pacific Ocean via Stony Creek.

Burrill Lake provides excellent conditions for paddlesports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as opportunities for motorized water activities including jetskiing and waterskiing.

Anglers have flocked to this lake for generations, seeking blue swimmer crabs, whiting, blackfish, flathead, and bream.

Overlooked by the iconic Pigeon House Mountain to the west, the shoreline is primarily enveloped by tranquil forest, interspersed with holiday homes and a Big4 Bungalow situated on the southern side, which welcomes non-guests for mini golf and pedal boat rentals.

Furthermore, there is a park along the lake’s foreshore, maintained by the local Lions Club, equipped with picnic facilities and barbecue areas.

9. Feeding Wild Rainbow Lorikeets

Another enjoyable activity available at the Big4 Bungalow Park open to everyone is bird-feeding.

In a tradition that has persisted for years, a vibrant flock of rainbow lorikeets arrives at the park each afternoon.

Feeding time occurs at 15:00 daily, but the first birds often appear at least half an hour early.

The tame nature of the lorikeets is remarkable as they will perch on your head, arms, and shoulders to partake in feeding.

10. Dolphin Point

Where Stony Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, Dolphin Point provides a secluded and idyllic setting with diverse activities available.

Development in this part of the South Coast is minimal, save for discreet holiday communities along the shores of Burrill Lake.

For those skilled in surfing, the rocky Dolphin Point Beach on the ocean side boasts the most consistent surf in the vicinity; however, it is strictly recommended for experienced surfers.

Additionally, anglers can fish from the rocks for species such as tailor, whiting, and Australian salmon.

Conversely, the inlet side of Dolphin Point features calmer waters, where, depending on tide levels, you can explore small sandy beaches or launch a kayak.

11. Cupitt’s Estate

Situated by Stony Creek in the western part of Ulladulla, Cupitt’s Estate offers a multifaceted culinary experience, featuring panoramic views over Burrill Lake toward Pigeon House Mountain.

The property encompasses a farm, restaurant, bar, boutique winery, fromagerie, and craft brewery all in one location.

The restaurant’s menu is enriched with seasonal vegetables sourced from its kitchen garden, alongside high-quality black Angus beef raised on the property.

The bar offers an elevated deck with breathtaking rural vistas and a rotating selection of crafted beers brewed on-site.

The winery’s cellar door is open for walk-ins from Wednesday to Saturday, while special wine and cheese tasting experiences can be arranged in advance.

12. Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail

This walk harmoniously pairs scenic charm with rich Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail flows through a coastal landscape of low heathland at Warden Head, consistently sensitive to the breezes of the Pacific.

This trail leads to the beach while traversing the last bends in the path of the Rainbow Serpent, a creator figure in numerous Aboriginal Dreamtime narratives.

For added context and insightful perspectives regarding the terrain, it is possible to contact the Aboriginal community for guided walks along the trail.

13. Bogey Hole Mollymook

There exists a location nearby Mollymook Golf Course where one can bathe in the ocean safely.

Interestingly, the term “Bogey Hole” is unrelated to golf and originates from the local Aboriginal word for “bathing.” This expansive tidal pool has likely served as a fishing trap for Aboriginal peoples for centuries, if not millennia.

The pool is naturally sheltered by tall rock formations, offering an inner zone ideal for swimming and an outer area suited for snorkeling.

If you are an adult seeking a substantial swim, the Bogey Hole is most enjoyable at high tide; however, families with young children will find it appealing at any time.

14. Funland Ulladulla

The Funland amusement center chain includes five locations across New South Wales, one of which is conveniently located near the harbour in Ulladulla on the Princes Highway.

This “mega center” is the largest amusement arcade on the South Coast, offering three floors filled with both contemporary and classic video games, as well as pinball, air hockey, pool, interactive attractions, ticket games, multilevel laser tag, and dodgems.

Check for specials during school holidays, such as unlimited games for a fixed fee.

15. Ulladulla Wildflower Reserve

This serene and meticulously maintained forested area is not prominently featured on the tourist map, ensuring visitors may enjoy the trails in solitude.

Situated on the western fringe of town, near the Ulladulla Leisure Centre, visitors can choose from Short, Long, and Leafy loops, each taking no more than an hour to complete.

These trails lead through dense temperate forests, dotted with ferns, and a vibrant array of wildflowers during the spring and summer seasons.

The reserve is managed by a local trust, which has provided laminated information sheets to help distinguish various plant species such as “love creepers” from blue flax lilies.