Port Information for Ulladulla, NSW South Coast

Ulladulla is an all weather, breakwater harbour and is 24nm south of Jervis Bay. Although it is mainly a fishing port it also caters for the recreational and visiting boat owner. Tides are the same as Sydney. Coastal Patrol Ulladulla are port control and can be contacted on VHF 16 when arriving. They can also give details on harbour conditions and berthing or anchoring availability.

When approaching from the south it is advisable to give Warden Head a reasonable clearance as the shoals extend a distance out from the headland. It would also be advisable to stay on this clearance until the leads become visible.

Approaching from the north, use Warden Head light as a guide and giving Ulladulla Head clearance until the leads become visible. Enter on the leads that will give you clearance on Sullivan Reef (south of the leads). The leads are orange triangle tops pointing to centre with Orange flashing lights. They have now had the Blue triangles added which makes them stand out very well during the night time. Background lights are yellow as seen on any main road so it will pay to look hard at what you are seeing so as to sight the leads. Breakwater arms have port and starboard flashing lights on them. Once inside the harbour try for a berth alongside No 1 wharf. If there is only the possibility of coming alongside one of the trawlers, use plenty of fenders and be careful of their rubbing strakes and also of the outfall of water from their live bait tanks. If you use a trawler to come alongside of, show courtesy by asking and be prepared to let them leave, usually early in the mornings.

If you go alongside the wharf it would be advisable to use barge boards as there is no protection on the piles of the wharf and, at times, there is a swell rolling in which gives a fair amount of movement fore and aft whilst alongside.

Unfortunately all the wharfs are now under lease to the Co-Op and parts are sublet to specific trawler owners ( they don’t like anyone using their spot ) at present the wharf fees are $25.00 a day , and there will be someone there with their hand out, being a user and holder of a mooring in the harbour I have made it known that the charge is excessive for what you don’t get and at any time you could be made to move to accommodate a trawler or commercial vessel.

Most of the harbour is taken up with moored boats and the Keep Clear area is defined by large buoys that run roughly north / south in the harbour.

Anchoring would be difficult as the harbour is taken up with moored boats but if you have to anchor, best spot is between the most northern moored boat and the boat ramp on the northern side of the harbour, leaving room for access to the launching ramp on the northern side. Do not attempt to come alongside the small jetty on the northern side, as it is very shallow. You will be anchoring in about 5 metres of water and the bottom is fine mud on a rock shelf, holding is quite good.
Dinghies can be left on the beach on the southern side, make sure it is dragged up the beach so as not to go adrift when the tide changes, take the rollicks with you.

Water and electricity are available on the No 1 wharf (the large fitting on your hose will fit) but make sure you have a long hose, as it is a distance between outlets. Same goes for electricity.

Fuel is available at the Co‑op fuel wharf and can be obtained by seeing the people in the co-op office during work hours. Fuel is also available through the Coastal Patrol as they have the concession from the Co‑op. See the duty officer at the Coastal Patrol, payment is CASH only.

Use of the southern slipway (which is tide dependant) is available from the Small Craft Owners Association by phoning Warwick Millard on 02 4455 3158 or 0410485524. Make sure you have good details of your underwater shape, photos and boat drawings so Warwick knows what he is hauling out. Also it is your responsibility to ensure that your yacht and the slip are not damaged. If a Diver is needed Warwick Millard will know who to contact.

Shopping ashore will have almost everything you will need, there are most of the banks, post office, a couple of super markets (Coles & IGA),clothing stores, chemists, clubs, pub and grog shops, a couple of very good restaurants, a couple of spare parts outlets ( Repco & Auto Pro at the top of town),
More than enough take away food outlets, all the major churches, cinema, engineering workshops (that can deal with yacht break downs) local taxi (out side the MarIin Hotel). Easy walk to all from the harbour.

Golfers are well catered for with two clubs at Mollymook, which is about 8kms to the north of Ulladulla, Lawn bowls and Club is in the Park directly behind the leads. There is also a Fun Parlour in the main street and this caters for all age groups.

Shore amenities are available at the Coastal Patrol (very clean) during business hours, there is a small charge but it is worth it and / or at the back of the Co‑op there is a shower and toilet (best to use the Coastal Patrol), caravan parks too far away.

Day sailing outside can be very pleasant with Jervis Bay approx 24nm to the north and Batemans Bay approx 25nm to the south.

Updated Dec 7 2008