Holiday houses in Milton

An elegant country escape, the historic New South Wales South Coast town of Milton lies just three hours’ drive south of Sydney. Settled by colonists in search of red cedar in 1828, the small town’s rich farmlands ushered in an era of economic prosperity during the late 19th century, with many grand buildings constructed during that period still standing today.

One of the South Coast’s key culinary hubs, Milton’s heritage landscape is now home to excellent bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and watering holes. Surrounded by verdant green farms, with the beaches of Mollymook less than 10 minutes’ drive to the east, Milton is also a popular base for bushwalkers, with two national parks and a nature reserve all within a 30-minute drive and the azure waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park just beyond. Others come to Milton simply to enjoy its superb gourmet offerings and browse its boutiques, galleries, and antiques stores.

Milton is a year-round destination, with the summer months perfect for sipping local wine at pavement tables, and winter days ideal for bushwalks followed by cosy dinners near the fireplace. Stock up on local produce at the Saturday morning produce market held at the Milton Showground. On the first Saturday of every month, the produce market is joined by a wide range of clothing, arts, and food stalls. In March, the Milton Food and Wine Festival showcases some of the South Coast’s most prestigious wineries, breweries, and restaurants across a day filled with live music and activities. Held over several days in spring at a different location each year, the South Coast Food and Wine Festival offers another opportunity to get a taste of the region in one spot.

Dining

The Milton area is one of the South Coast’s key food and wine destinations, with top restaurants concentrated in Milton and in Mollymook to the east. With foodies travelling from Sydney and beyond to dine here, advance bookings are recommended throughout the year. One of the Shoalhaven region’s most renowned wineries — complete with cellar door and restaurant — is located in Ulladulla to the south. Milton’s Heritage Bakery is an obligatory stop on the Princes Highway, with another classic pie shop to be found in Ulladulla.

Morton National Park’s Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track

Amongst the most popular local hikes is Morton National Park’s Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track. The trailhead lies a 35-minute drive southwest of Milton — allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the five-kilometre-return hike. There are more walking tracks in the northern reaches of Morton National Park, and in Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve and Conjola National Park, both located to the northeast.

Jervis Bay

The Sussex Inlet forms a natural border between Conjola National Park and the magnificent Booderee National Park to the north, which cradles the southern arc of Jervis Bay, known for its idyllic beaches and superb whale- and dolphin-watching opportunities. Huskisson, the bay’s main tourist hub, is only a 40-minute drive northeast of Milton. Visit on a weekday to avoid the bulk of Sydney daytripper crowds.