ON THE MOVE: MILTON
THIS IDYLLIC COUNTRY TOWN IN THE NSW SHOALHAVEN REGION HAS IT ALL.
This charming town on the NSW South Coast is nestled between green mountains and sparkling surf.
IT MAY BE RENOWNED for its historic streetscape, bucolic, evergreen setting and close proximity to the coast, but it’s the supportive community that makes the small town of Milton, in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast, so special. “It’s the friendliness — everyone looks after each other,” says Jo Delly, who, with her chef husband, Alex, runs acclaimed local restaurant St Isidore, which sources many ingredients from its large kitchen gardens. “There’s comradeship between people, and businesses are really great at supporting each other. It’s just so welcoming and laidback.” Jo estimates that as many as two new families are moving to Milton each week, ensuring the town’s vibrant mix of food, retail, education and medical services continues to develop and evolve. A proposed bypass — which would see the highway diverted past Milton and Ulladulla — is also thought to be getting closer, with commencement of the project expected in coming years. The Budawang tribe are the original inhabitants of this part of NSW, and were sighted by Captain Cook on his voyage in 1770. The first European settlers arrived in Milton in 1828, establishing a cedar-cutting industry that drew more farmers and saw Milton become the commercial centre of the district by 1875. Today, the main street is a charming mix of old and new, and the town is framed by rolling pastures, the majesty of Pigeon House Mountain and the Budawang Range, and the occasional glimpse of sparkling surf. With mild temperatures year round, there’s plenty to enjoy. “The bushwalking is amazing,” says Jo. “You can really entertain yourself — you can eat, drink, walk, meditate, do yoga, do a cooking class…” For more information, visit miltonnsw.info