The Milton-Ulladulla region may hold a special place in your heart over summer, but have you ever considered what is waiting for you to explore during the cooler months? Sure, days of spending all day laying in the sun at the beach may be on hold, but there is so much more to do and explore on the South Coast – and the winter off-season is the perfect time to enjoy it all.
Whether you’re wanting to perch on a cliff and watch the annual humpback whale migration or eat your way through the outstanding local restaurants – there is so much to embrace in winter when on holiday here.
If you’re travelling with family, friends, a lover or solo, there is something for everyone on the South Coast. Discover your options for activities and start planning your holiday today, we’ll see you for a few mulled wines soon!
Whale Watching at Warden Head
One of the biggest migrations of the natural world happens right here on our doorstep annually. The 5,000km voyage of whales and other marine life takes place between May & November, and there are so many ways you can bear witness to this incredible period. Watch in awe as humpback whales breach and play with their young, and don’t forget to keep a look our for dolphins too!
The lighthouse at Warden Head, just a short 5 minute drive from the main strip of Ulladulla is a great spot to sit with a picnic rug, some snacks from our Cellar Door and even binoculars if you’re keen to get a really close look.
You can also check out some local fishing charters that have tours out on the water. However you choose to spy on these magnificent whales, there are plenty of places to pick from when you visit Milton-Ulladulla in Winter!
Hiking in the Budawang Ranges
We love the beach, and we love summer. But often the heat makes it impossible to be outside all day long, let alone trying to attempt a day-long hike. That’s one of the biggest reasons we love a cool change of seasons – the opportunity to get our hiking boots on and explore the beautiful mountain ranges surrounding us.
The 2019 fires were incredibly destructive, and while the landscape may not be what it once was, a hike can be a profoundly moving experience. The amount of greenery and regrowth that has immerged is truly admirable. The opportunity to immerse yourself in our landscape is a reminder of the natural world’s resilience and serves as a beautiful anecdote for perseverance and regeneration. After a year filled with more change and disruption than we could imagine, a reminder of this nature from the natural world really goes a long way. A hike can do wonders for your wellbeing, and we have SO many amazing options for all fitness and age levels.
Surfing (of course)
This one is pretty self-explanatory – the surf breaks down here are world-class all year round. Pack your steamer and cold-water wax, we’ll see you out there.
Arts & Culture
The beautiful historic Milton is such a unique town with so much character. Our live events scene is bursting at the seams to give our community a dose of arts & culture again, and you should get on board. StoryFest has been announced for June & the Milton Theatre has just opened up it’s doors again. Keep an eye on their websites and make sure you get to an event if you can!
Mountain Biking
With endless trails running like rivers through our national parks, road tracks that run from Milton to Burrill Lake and the amazing Mountain Biking Woodburn State Forest MTB Park – the South Coast is an amazing destination for mountain biking thrill seekers. Whether the whole family is coming along or you’re hitting the road solo, definitely dedicate a day to being on 2 wheels.
Wine & Dine
A day filled with whale watching, hiking, surfing & mountain biking calls for one thing – wine & a delicious feast. Or a beer. Or a cocktail. That’s where we come in! We’re not alone though, there are sooo many other incredible venues & the South Coast is an amazing destination for outstanding  food, wine & beer (check out the South Coast Food Alliance for the best spots!).
Don’t forget you can always pop into our cellar door and pick up some of our house-made cheese & wine to have your own picnic atop the cliffs while whale watching, or even on your hike. You do you! Just make sure you don’t overlook coming to the South Coast when you’re planning your winter getaways. We can’t wait to welcome you to our corner of the world for an entirely different experience soon!
For all the best ideas on where to hike, whale watch, bike & explore - check outShoalhaven Tourism!
