Photo: Festivefrog at English Wikipedia / Public domain
Lake Conjola is a serene coastal lagoon on the New South Wales South Coast, just north of Ulladulla. Its calm, protected waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while the surrounding bushland offers peaceful walks and abundant birdlife. This is the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe in the eucalyptus-scented air, and watch pelicans glide across the mirror-like surface at sunset.
Highlights & What to See
- Kayak or paddleboard on the lake – The still, shallow waters are ideal for beginners; hire gear from the local caravan park or bring your own to explore hidden inlets and sandy banks.
- Fish from the shore or a boat – Lake Conjola is known for flathead, bream, and whiting; try your luck off the jetty near the picnic area or launch a tinny from the boat ramp.
- Walk the Conjola Lake Walking Track – A 4.5 km loop through spotted gum forest and along the lakeshore, with excellent birdwatching (look for kingfishers, cormorants, and sea eagles).
- Swim and relax at Conjola Beach – A patrolled surf beach a short drive from the lake; the southern end has a rock pool for safe swimming.
- Spot kangaroos and wallabies at dusk – The grassy edges of the lake and the nearby golf course are prime grazing spots for these iconic Aussie animals.
Suggested Time to Spend
Lake Conjola is best enjoyed as a half-day or full-day escape from the nearby towns of Ulladulla or Milton. If you’re staying locally, a leisurely morning kayak followed by a picnic lunch and a swim at the beach makes a perfect day. For those on a road trip along the South Coast, a two-hour stop to paddle and stretch your legs is well worth it.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Ulladulla and Mollymook – Just 10 minutes south, these coastal towns offer excellent cafés, the Ulladulla Harbour, and the famous Mollymook Beach.
- Milton – A charming historic village 10 minutes inland, with boutique shops, galleries, and the beloved Pilgrims vegetarian café.
- Booderee National Park – About 40 minutes south near Jervis Bay, this park boasts stunning white-sand beaches, Aboriginal rock art, and superb bushwalks.
- Pebbly Beach – A 20-minute drive north (near Durras) famous for its friendly kangaroos that lounge right on the sand.
- Mogo Zoo – 25 minutes north in Mogo, a small but impressive zoo with lions, rhinos, and snow leopards.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Mollymook — Dfadden / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Booderee National Park — Adrian Setterfield / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Pebbly Beach — Pascal Vuylsteker from Paris, France - Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Mogo Zoo — JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / CC BY-SA 3.0