Dog-Friendly Mollymook & Ulladulla: Visiting with a Dog

Just over three hours south of Sydney, the neighbouring seaside towns of Mollymook and Ulladulla and the surrounding coastal region are a great place to head for a dog-friendly holiday on the South Coast of NSW.

Along with plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options, the Ulladulla region also offers beautiful dog-friendly beaches, terrific dog-friendly dining and some great short walks, ideal for a relaxing getaway with your pup.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ulladulla & Mollymook

The Ulladulla and Mollymook area has a great selection of dog-friendly beaches. Beaches in the area have been grouped into on-leash beaches, off-leash beaches and a handful of beaches where dogs are prohibited. The latest details and maps are provided on the council website.

The closest off-leash beach to the centre of Ulladulla is Ulladulla Harbour North Beach. Adjacent to the boat ramp on the north side of the harbour, it’s a small and sheltered beach. There’s lots of smells for your dog to sniff out from the fish cleaning station.

A little further north is Collers Beach in Mollymook. This small and calm beach is fairly quiet and isolated, but popular with dog owners as it’s great for off-leash romps. Access the beach from Riversdale Avenue or the steps down from Shipton Crescent.

For a more typical surf beach head to Mollymook Beach. The centre section of the beach, between the northern end of Donlan Road and Mollymook Creek, allows dogs all day, but they need to be kept on leash. Make sure to keep a close eye on your dog near the water, as it is a surf beach and the waves can sometimes be rough. Dogs are prohibited from the northern and southern ends of the beach.

Just north of Mollymook is Narrawallee Beach. Note that dogs are only permitted off-leash on the beach during limited hours. From October to April, dogs are permitted off-leash before 8am and after 4pm, while over the winter dogs are permitted off-leash before 10am and after 3pm. During the rest of the day they need to stay leashed.

Dogs are also limited to the section alongside the Matron Porter Drive Reserve, as far north as the unnamed island. You can access the off-leash area only via the access tracks from the reserve, with the shortest track at the northern end where there is a bend in Matron Porter Drive.

Previously, the area extended as far as the access steps at Victor Avenue, with an additional 10m-wide on-leash access way from Surfers Avenue, but this has been removed. Dogs are also not permitted at Narrawallee Lagoon.

Heading further afield, dogs are also allowed off-leash at Washerwomans Beach at Bendalong, on the north side of Lake Conjola. I loved this beautiful calm beach, close to the Holiday Haven Bendalong park where we stayed. I even spotted kangaroo prints on the sand early in the morning!

South of Ulladulla, dogs are allowed off-leash at Cormorant Beach at Bawley Point. It’s about 25 minutes drive south of Ulladulla. This is the closest off-leash beach to the dog-friendly caravan parks at Kioloa Beach and Merry Beach.

For more dog-friendly fun on the water, consider heading out in a boat or kayak on the many lakes around Ulladulla, perhaps going fishing. There’s Lake Conjola to the north, plus Burrill Lake and Lake Tabourie south of town.

Dog-Friendly Walks in Ulladulla & Mollymook

There’s some great options for dog-friendly walks around Ulladulla, although dogs need to stay on leash for each of these walks.

On the northern side of Ulladulla Harbour at Ulladulla Head, walk along the One Track for All Aboriginal Cultural Trail with your dog. There’s two 1km loops available, that can be walked separately or together. Along the way are beautiful carved signs with information on the local wildlife and Aboriginal history.

Extend the walk by taking the Geological Time Walk down to Ulladulla Harbour North Beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash. The walking trails are an easy grade, either gravel or paved.

On the southern side of Ulladulla Harbour head to Warden Head. There’s a variety of walking trails available on the headland, including the Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail. A highlight is the Ulladulla Lighthouse, which is also the best place around to spot whales during their annual migration.

There’s multiple carparks along Deering Street, including at the lighthouse. Note that some of these trails are a medium grade, with some stairs.

Both of these walks are part of the recently launched Southern Headlands Walk, a 20km walk between Narrawallee and Burrill Lake that incorporates many existing walking trails. Leashed dogs are allowed along most of the walk, but are not on some of the beaches it passes along. While I couldn’t spot any signs for the walk on my recent visit, the map gives you an idea of the many coastal paths in the region.

Another final option for a dog-friendly walk around Ulladulla is at the Ulladulla Wildflower Reserve. Starting on Green Street there are a number of nature walks, ranging in length from 900m to 1.5km. The walks are best appreciate during wildflower season.

Dog-Friendly Wineries in Ulladulla

Just a couple of kilometres inland from Ulladulla, surrounded by beautiful rolling farmland, is a wonderfully dog-friendly winery, Cupitt’s Estate. This winery produces an extensive range of wines from plantings both onsite and throughout the state, plus is home to a highly regarded restaurant and garden bar.

While dogs are not permitted inside the compact cellar door due to its size, there are sheltered tables with heaters just outside where guests with dogs can be guided through a wine tasting. Alternatively, you can add on a self-guided wine flight while enjoying a meal in the Wine Garden.

There’s also the option to take a behind the scenes tour of the winery, with your dog welcome to join you. On our tour we sampled the latest vintage fermenting in steel tanks, checked out the recently cropped vines and ventured inside the barrel room located underneath the restaurant where wines are aged in oak. It was fascinating to learn so much about the process of producing wine.

While dogs are not permitted inside the restaurant, they are warmly welcome to join you in the alfresco Wine Garden for lunch (see below).

Dog-Friendly Parks in Ulladulla & Mollymook

While most of the off-leash locations around Ulladulla are beaches, there are also a pair of off-leash parks available.

At Mollymook, head to Mollymook Oval Reserve (listed as “Bill Andriske Oval” on Google Maps). Dogs are permitted off-leash in the area southeast of the buildings and playing fields, next to Mitchell Parade. However, they are only allowed off-leash between 4pm and 8am from October to April, or between 3pm and 10am the rest of the year. I didn’t spot any signs on my recent visit, with the area quite small and no off-leash dogs using it.

A better off-leash area is in Milton, just to the north. Dogs are allowed off-leash in a large area at the Milton Showground, excluding the show ring and livestock yards, outside of major events. There’s even a fenced dog park in one corner, with no time restrictions.

Dog-Friendly Cafes in Ulladulla & Mollymook

There’s plenty of places to dine out with your dog in Ulladulla and the surrounding towns. Head to some of these cafes, restaurants and shops on your next visit. If you’re staying at Bannisters Pavilion in one of their pet-friendly rooms (see below), you can also dine at the Rooftop Bar & Grill.

Fish’n’Chips

Ulladulla is renown for its seafood, with the town home to the largest commercial fishing fleet on the entire South Coast, plus the annual Blessing of the Fleet festival. You should definitely try some of the local catch while in town!

Perhaps grab some takeaway fish’n’chips at the Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood and eat them on a picnic bench around the harbour. Another great spot is The Fish Shop at Burrill Lake, where it’s easy to order at the counter then walk to the nearby picnic tables.

Cupitt’s Estate

One of my favourite spots around Ulladulla is Cupitt’s Estate, a winery and venue just a few kilometres inland. As well as a cellar door (see above), Cupitt’s also has a fine dining restaurant and a wine garden onsite, overlooking their plantings of Sauvignon Blanc.

Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables in their spacious Wine Garden. Order from the casual dining menu seven days a week at lunchtime, plus on selected evenings. On weekdays the menu includes Appellation oysters, burrata with focaccia and a cheese plate, with a more extensive menu on weekends, including pizzas. Don’t also miss checking out the specials board – we loved the Duck Ragu.

An extensive drinks menu is available, including cocktails and Cupitt’s wines both by the glass and bottle. Or add on a wine flight to your meal if you’re not having a tasting. Water bowls are provided for dogs. Just note that this alfresco section is weather dependent.

The Treehouse Cafe

In the centre of Ulladulla is The Treehouse Cafe, one block back from the main street in a renovated cottage, where we enjoyed a tasty lunch on one of our visits to the area. There’s lots of seating outside on the deck, with dogs welcome.

Highlights on the menu include their bowls. There’s plenty of vegetarian choices, along with a long list of cakes. Generally the cafe is just open for breakfast and lunch, except on Sundays. At times it has offered monthly themed dinners – check the website whether any are scheduled.

Hayden’s Pies

If you’re just wanting something simple, a highly regarded pie shop along the main street in Ulladulla is Hayden’s Pies. Established over 20 years ago, the shop has a covered outdoor area out the front to sit and feast on their freshly made pies with chunky fillings. There’s a range of classic and gourmet options, with the Butter Chicken especially popular.

Cafes Around Milton

The historic village of Milton also offers more great cafes, most with some dog-friendly outdoor tables. Check out options like Pilgrims and Peach Cafe, both located along the main street. Afterwards, take a stroll and check out the many boutiques in the village.

If you drive a few kilometres inland, you’ll soon reach Milk Haus, a whole foods cafe situated in the old Cheese Factory at Woodstock. The cafe is usually open for lunch from Thursday to Monday, with a focus on home grown produce from their gardens. Dogs are allowed in the courtyard.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Ulladulla & Mollymook

No matter what your accommodation preference, whether you’d prefer a luxury hotel stay, a relaxed holiday rental or plan to bring your own caravan or tent, there’s plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options in the Ulladulla and Mollymook area.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Ulladulla & Mollymook

If it’s a luxurious stay that you’re after, Bannisters in Mollymook offers pet-friendly options, situated just a short stroll from the on-leash stretch of Mollymook Beach.

At Bannisters Pavilion, there are two pet-friendly classic rooms and one pet-friendly balcony room, with pets up to 25kg welcome. Plus upstairs at The Rooftop Bar & Grill, there are a few pet-friendly tables exclusively for in-houses guests with pets to dine at.

Alternatively if you’re staying with friends or family, make a booking for either the Pavilion Beach House or Rick’s Beach House, both are pet-friendly with an additional cleaning fee. The former can accommodate up to eight, while the latter sleeps 12.

For more information, read about my review of my stay at Bannisters Pavilion.

Dog-Friendly Holiday Rentals in Ulladulla & Mollymook

There’s plenty of holiday homes located around Ulladulla and the surrounding towns, with quite a few of them permitting dogs, although always double check the rules, including whether dogs are allowed inside.

The Burrill Lake View Holiday Cottage is located next to Burrill Lake, just south of Ulladulla. A classic holiday home, but recently renovated with a new kitchen and bathroom, it has two bedrooms and can sleep four. Small pets are welcome, with many recent guests with pups leaving glowing reviews, especially about the large fenced yard.

Alternatively, head to Narrawallee, adjacent to Mollymook, and stay at Sage Coastal Cottage. This cottage also has two bedrooms and a fully enclosed yard, perfect for kids and dogs. Pets are allowed inside, although an additional cleaning fee will be charged for muddy footprints on furniture and linen. Double check the full rules when booking.

Dog-Friendly Caravan Parks in Ulladulla & Mollymook

While there are plenty of “dog-friendly” caravan parks around Ulladulla and the surrounding lakes, many of the parks only permit dogs seasonally. Often no pets are allowed in parks during the peak periods, such as the Summer and Easter school holidays.

One of the caravan parks that allows pets year round is Ingenia Holidays Ulladulla, which we stayed at when it was previously Kings Point Retreat. As well as being allowed on sites (where we stayed in our campervan), pets are also allowed in a wide range of pet-friendly cottages, some with fenced balconies.

While the caravan park isn’t beachfront, it’s still walking distance from multiple beaches (where dogs are allowed on a leash). Plus the park has plenty of facilities to keep you entertained, including two swimming pools, a magnificent children’s playground and waterslides, a fire pit and more.

Some of the other caravan parks in the area that allow dogs year round include:

• BIG4 Ulladulla Beachside Ulladulla Holiday Park (Including selected cabins, plus the park has an off-leash dog park)
• Tasman Holidays Parks – Kioloa Beach (Including their cabins, plus the park has a dog wash)
• Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach (Including selected cabins)
• Mollymook Tourist Park

Another alternative for camping with a pet during the peak seasons is to stay at Milton Showground, which offers affordable rates year round, plus is adjacent to the off-leash dog exercise area and fenced park.

Another of my favourite pet-friendly caravan parks in the region is Holiday Haven Bendalong. Note however that the park only allows pets on selected powered sites, during standard season (i.e. outside of peak, shoulder and school holiday periods).

What I love about this park is its peaceful location, particularly outside of the summer months. Bendalong is just a small village and the park is next to beaches, including the off-leash Washerwomans Beach, which is lovely and calm and a delight for dog walks.

The Holiday Haven parks at Lake Conjola, Ulladulla, Burrill Lake and Lake Tabourie are also dog-friendly, on selected sites and in selected cabins, but with the same date range exclusion. It’s best to call up and chat directly to make a booking.

For a more rustic experience, head south than inland to Shallow Crossing Camping Ground. The camping ground is situated next to the Clyde River, surrounded by three different state forests, perfect for dog-friendly hiking, swimming and nights by a fire.

Head Next To

• Dog-Friendly Batemans Bay
• Dog-Friendly Jervis Bay
• Dog-Friendly Berry & Kangaroo Valley

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