Ulladulla is the centrepiece of a trio of attractions on the New South Wales south coast that together combine history, the ocean and a stunning hinterland to provide an all-in-one destination that is perfect for a campervan holiday. Only 220 kilometres south of Sydney, Ulladulla is a picturesque harbour town built next to the still waters of a secluded bay. Just to its north lies Mollymook, whose stunning beach is popular amongst surfers and swimmers. Completing the triangle is the historic settlement of Milton, a thriving cultural community just 4 kilometres inland from the coast. Between the three there are a wealth of attraction and activities that will make any visit here an exciting one, no matter what your interests are.
Water is very much a feature of the narrow coastal strip Ulladulla is perched on, with seven nearby lakes complementing the numerous bays and beaches that make up the shoreline. As a result any holiday here is going to be very outdoors-oriented, so remember your sunscreen! Dont forget your hiking boots either, because inland the lush National Parkland, the thick state forest and the rugged cliffs and gorges of the Bundawung Ranges provide a myriad of bushwalking opportunities.
Being the commercial centre of the Shoalhaven district, there is a vibrant buzz to Ulladulla that is mostly concentrated around its harbour. Fishing is the main income of this town, and an interesting morning can be spent wandering amongst the docked fishing fleet and the historic yachts moored in the harbour. Fishing is an important part of this region for a reason- there are fish here, and lots of them! So why not go out on a charter to some of the reefs that begin just twenty minutes away from the harbour? You are guaranteed a catch, and if you head out to the even deeper water you can expect to catch marlin, tuna, wahoo and sailfish... and various species of shark! If your love for fish only extends as far as their culinary worth, then forfeit the fishing expedition for a long seafood lunch in the harbour. You won't find fresher seafood or a greater variety of it anywhere!
While the waters around Ulladulla are calm and serene, you can get your fix of waves at Mollymook, which lies just a couple of kilometres up the coast on the other side of the headland. Grassy reserves surround the golden sands of the beach here, and the waters are teeming with sea life that often makes itself known to tourists on the beach. There is a pod of dolphins that can often be seen surfing the waves close to shore, and the majestic humpback whales are sometimes spotted breaching offshore on their annual migrations. Mollymook also has two golf courses with grandiose clubhouses that give you the opportunity of playing a round of golf next to the crashing waves of the ocean!
When you have had your fill of the coastline, hop into your motorhome and make the short drive to Milton. Established in 1860, there are a large number of historic buildings still standing here and the cultural feel is enhanced by a number of antique shops, museums and galleries. An accommodating and welcoming town, it has a quiet village atmosphere created by country pubs, cafes, bistros, and cosy restaurants. But dont let the serenity fool you- Milton loves any excuse to celebrate, with a number of festivals and fairs taking place annually, including the Milton Settlers Fair in October and the Scarecrow Festival in April.
If its solitude and a bit of time to appreciate nature that you are after, then one of the largest National Parks in NSW, Morton, is yours to enjoy. With a large water system consisting of dozens of tributaries flowing into the Shoalhaven River, canoeing and kayaking are very popular here. There are also the impressive Fitzroy Falls to see, where a river cascades down a sandstone escarpment. Boardwalks and vantage points have been built here, and there is a large visitors centre. Another popular attraction is Pigeon Hole Mountain, a dome shaped mountain with a distinctive peak that was named by Captain Cook. The climb to the top is fairly arduous and should only be attempted by the relatively fit, but the views from the peak make the effort worthwhile. Some of its cliff faces are regular haunts of rock climbers and abseilers, but that should only be attempted by trained people.
Lying on the Princes Highway, Ulladulla is an easily accessible tourist destination, and should only take you about three hours in your camper if driving from Sydney. Finding a camping ground or caravan park is an easy task, as the region is geared towards providing for tourists and their needs. With a climate that has mild winters and hot summers, any time of the year is good for a visit, although the summer months are obviously more popular. Whenever you choose to come, its guaranteed that your stay in Ulladulla, Milton and Mollymook will leave you re-invigorated and relaxed, and chances are high you will be back again next year!
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. Originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Discovery Campervans.
