Photo: Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0
Milton and Ulladulla, two charming towns on the NSW South Coast, offer a relaxed coastal escape with a rich heritage and vibrant creative scene. Milton is a historic village known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, and thriving arts community, while Ulladulla is a laid-back seaside hub with a working harbour, excellent seafood, and easy access to stunning beaches. Together, they make an ideal stop on a drive along the Grand Pacific Drive or a base for exploring the nearby Budawang National Park.
Highlights & What to See
- Milton Village: Stroll the main street lined with heritage-listed buildings, browse artisan galleries, and visit the Milton Theatre for live performances.
- Ulladulla Harbour: Watch fishing boats unload their catch, grab fish and chips from a local takeaway, and walk the breakwall for panoramic ocean views.
- Warden Head Lighthouse: A short coastal walk from Ulladulla leads to this historic lighthouse, with whale-watching opportunities in season (June–November).
- Bendalong & Manyana Beaches: Pristine white sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming, surfing, or a quiet picnic—less crowded than the main town beaches.
- Booderee National Park (Jervis Bay Territory): A short drive south, this park offers Aboriginal cultural sites, white-sand beaches like Hyams Beach, and excellent bushwalking.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow at least one full day to explore both towns and their surroundings. Spend the morning in Milton, enjoying coffee and browsing galleries, then head to Ulladulla for lunch at the harbour. Dedicate the afternoon to a coastal walk or beach time. If you have two days, add a day trip to Booderee National Park or the Budawang Ranges for hiking.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Jervis Bay: Famous for its white-sand beaches and marine park, just 30 minutes south—ideal for swimming, kayaking, and dolphin-watching cruises.
- Bateman's Bay: A larger coastal town 40 minutes north, with a picturesque marina, seafood restaurants, and the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens.
- Budawang National Park: Rugged wilderness with dramatic clifftop walks like the Pigeon House Mountain trail, about 45 minutes west.
- Kangaroo Valley: A scenic drive inland leads to this lush valley with historic bridges, waterfalls, and canoeing on the Kangaroo River.
- Murramarang National Park: Coastal park with secluded beaches, rock platforms, and the famous Pebbly Beach kangaroos, 30 minutes north.
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
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bateman's Bay — MrMosely / CC0
- Kangaroo Valley — user:Grahamec / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Murramarang National Park — Pascal Vuylsteker from Paris, France - Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Ulladulla Harbour — Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0