Ulladulla, New South Wales

One of the most picturesque spots in the Shoalhaven, Ulladulla boat harbour, with its distinctive rocky breakwater, is the natural hub of this delightful seaside township. The harbour has played an important role in the development of the area. It's establishment in 1859 providing a necessary port for the local pioneering trades of sawmilling, farming and tannery. Today the harbour shelters local leisure craft and a fleet of commercial trawlers.

Ulladulla is renowned for its seafood, and the local co-operative at the harbour is a great place to buy "fresh off the boat" fish of the day. The colourful Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony is held annually on the harbour breakwater. This is a time honoured custom borne by local Italian/Australian fishermen, where trawlers are decorated and blessed and a carnival-like family atmosphere pervades with much bon ami, all capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour.

For the visitor there are some fine restaurants in town and an excellent cultural walking track at North Head "One Track For Alll" constructed in two loops of 1 km each, the tracks are suitable for wheelchair access, and are a facinating journey into the Aboriginal and non-aboriginal history of the area. They take in Aboriginal carved artworks and travel on to stunning lookouts over the harbour and coastline.

There is an operational lighthouse at Warden Head on the southern end of the harbour.with uninterrupted views of the coast offering an ideal location for viewing dolphins and the southern right and humpback whales during their winter and spring migration periods.

Accommodation is available in backpacker, guesthouse, motels, serviced apartments, caravan parks and self contained holiday houses