20 May 2022
Tiff and Matt from OzRoamerz continued exploring the NSW coast with a recent stay at Discovery Parks – Burrill Lake, Ulladulla.
Nestled in the Shoalhaven region of the south coast, Ulladulla is a charming coastal spot offering more than meets the eye...
Ulladulla was our next stop as we continued our fishing adventure up the NSW coast. While the weather disrupted some of our plans, we discovered so much more on offer at Discovery Parks – Burrill Lake, Ulladulla.
Have you ever been to a caravan park and been given such a warm welcome that you instantly felt the extra pep in your step? That’s exactly what we found, from the friendly reception staff who gave up their tips for what to get up to during our stay, to the groundskeepers giving us a wave and a smile each time they drove past.
Here’s what we discovered in Ulladulla that made our stop much richer than anticipated...
A different way to see the waterway
We love the water but this time we swapped our boat and rods for testing our balance on a stand up paddle board! We got our togs on, picked up a life jacket from reception and hit Burrill Lake.
As beginners in the SUP world, having the hire equipment available in park gave us an easy way to give something brand new a go. At first I was worried about the fish touching my toes if I fell in, but a few laughs later it was well worth jumping in and paddling around. Burrill Lake is a beauty, and the water was still, calm and relaxing.
Hello cocky
One thing we discovered at Discovery Parks – Burrill Lake, Ullladulla, which we hadn’t seen at another park, was the bird aviary. We met the friendly cockatoos and budgies on display and got in on the daily feedings at 3pm. I may have had a few conversations with the cockatoos and they were good for a chat – talking back with a one liner: “hello cocky!”
Fishing at your doorstep
Of course we got some fishing in! Discovery Parks – Burrill Lake, Ulladulla has land-based access to Burrill Lake so it’s easy to wet a line just steps from your caravan or cabin. You’re in for a chance of a bream of flathead when you cast straight out for one of the two jetties with your rod.
The best bait options include prawns, blue bait and sandworms. Fishing with soft plastic? Try a wriggler tail soft plastic in colours like new penny, chartreuse, pilchard, black and gold, or bloodworm. If you’re using a hard body, give a Bent Minnow, Double Clutch, Samaki Vibe or Cranka Crab a shot.
Aim towards the rocks, shorelines, pier pylons and structure to lure fish out from their hidey holes and you might just snag one. Patience is key with this!
If you have children that like to reel fishing rods in all the time, why not give them the option of using a soft plastic. This offers them practice of casting, being independent on the rod, and something to focus on whilst casting their plastic out.
Burrill Lake also offers a safe boating haven for those that have a boat or kayak. With bushy surrounds, calm waters and lots of water to explore, it’s also a good option to fish this way using the above techniques.
If you’ve caught some fish, the park even offers a fish cleaning table right near the lake. How convenient is that!
Fun for kids big and small
We might not have any kids but if we did, they would have had a ball here! With kids’ activities including mini golf at the Holy Moly course, jumping pillow, playgrounds, swimming pool and games room, there is endless fun without even leaving the park.
And hey, us big kids like a competitive game of table tennis and billiards as well!
Cooking up a storm
There’s nothing like coming home from a full day of activities to cook up some home-made grub. There are several camp kitchens around the park, with BBQs, hot plates and – my favourite – a pizza oven.
Did someone say pizza for dinner? Mama mia! Grab a pre-made base, some tomato paste and your favourite toppings and you can have your own slice of Italy just a stone’s throw from your campsite.
Get your walking shoes on
Outside of the park there is heaps to explore, including a number of great walks and hikes. The Warden Head Walk (also known as the Coome Nujunga track) is around 4 kilometers and you can weave in and out of walking trails to coastal views. Start at the Warden Head Lighthouse, which is a local icon that’s been around since 1879.
One of only two lighthouses constructed of wrought iron in New South Wales, you’ll get a great view out to sea and, depending on the time of year, you might spot a whale or two.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Things to Do in Ulladulla
All in all, we discovered a difference at Ulladulla and it did not disappoint!
- Tiffany
Are you ready to discover Ulladulla?