Milton Country Cottages - Summer News 2010

Last minute gift idea

Looking for a last minute gift for someone who needs a break, or just someone who already has everything? A Milton Country Cottages gift voucher can be purchased for any amount. For example, you can purchase one night with wine and chocolates, 2 nights with a pottery lesson – there are many options. We send out the voucher with our brochures so there is a nice package to give the recipient/s.

Special anniversary gifts for subscribers

When you make a booking Just tell us if it’s your anniversary or birthday and that you subscribe to our newsletter and you will receive a gift made by Kees from our gallery.

TakeABreak awards

We’ve won again! Although we didn’t actually enter for any awards this year we have just won the TakeABreak award for best self-contained B&B in NSW. This was based on guest reviews through TakeABreak so we would like to thank all those who gave us a review. Most of the reviews were 5/5. We appreciate all feedback from our guests.

Summer special for our Subscribers

There are still some vacancies for December and January. Tell us you are a subscriber to this newsletter and for bookings of 3 nights or more you will receive a bottle wine and a gift from our gallery.

Things so do apart from the beach

Clyde River Berry Farm - For something different to do in December and January the Clyde River Berry Farm is worth a visit. Pick your own blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries and more.

Wine Tasting by the sea - The 2011 South Coast Wine Show judging will take place on Friday 21st January 6.00 – 8.00 pm at the Mollymook Beach Golf Club. The cost is $15 p.p. to taste the mostly local wines and enjoy finger food against the backdrop of Mollymook beach. More information on www.southcoastwineshow.blogspot.com

Millhouse summer art exhibition - This exhibition of works will be held at the Ulladulla Civic Centre (opposite the harbour) from December 29th to January 9th. The art work featured will include a diverse range of media- oils, pastels, water colours, acrylic and mixed media. Works will cover a wide selection of subjects from landscapes to contemporary and are by artists who live and work in the Shoalhaven area.

Guided fossil walks - Phil Smart, a retired geologist and former head of Resource Sciences at Canberra Institute of Technology, has identified the significance of fossils on the horizontal rock platforms of Ulladulla Harbour. For a long time the fossils had be noticed but their geological importance not realised and until last summer were visited only by universities.
There are guided walks most days this summer (maximum of 15 adults per group) for a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children. The walk is not physically demanding and takes 1.5-2 hours.
Tour times are arranged spanning low tide so vary each day.
There is more information on www.ulladulla.info/fossil-walk or call the Ulladulla Visitors Centre on 02 4455 1269

Shopping Mecca! - Discover or re-discover the streets of Milton for a unique shopping experience. Several fantastic new shops have opened since last year. Milton combines the charm of an historic country town with a contemporary lifestyle. There are great restaurants and cafes, the best fashion boutiques on the South Coast, antiques, galleries, home décor, furniture and many more.

Great line up of shows - Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the Milton Theatre this summer. The program includes:

Saturday 18th December – Kim Churchill (experimental acoustic guitar)

• Friday 7th January - Dallas Frasca (unique alt-roots/rock style)
• Friday 14th January – Casey Donovan
• Saturday 22nd January – Backsliders

More information at www.miltontheatre.com.au
For show bookings please call 02 4455 3056 or ask us to book for you.

Spring Offers From Milton Country Cottages

Spring Offers Exclusive To Subscribers

Our very popular Wine and Cheese packages are being continued through Spring until the end of November by popular request. Prices for these packages are on our website.

Subscribers who book directly with us for Spring will receive a gift box of 4 artisan locally hand-made chocolates. For bookings of 2 nights or more you will also receive a bottle of wine. We hope to see you soon.

Summer Holidays Offer

The summer holidays are booking up fast but we do still have availability.

Book a one bedroom cottage for 4 nights or more between Monday 17th January and the end of January and we’ll include a 2 course dinner at the Tipsy Fig restaurant in Milton. Exclusive for our subscribers and for direct bookings only.

Southern Shoalhaven Escape ARTfest

1st to the 10th October 2010 with pre events from 19th September and post fest at the Cinema on Friday 15th October

Now in its 12th year, Escape ARTfest promises a feast of fun and festivity. With more than 70 events being held over 10 days in one of Mother Earth’s most beautiful regions – ARTfest is..…. 10 days of artistic bliss in the MUD! (Milton Ulladulla District)

Each year the festival presents a theme on which the artists base their work. This year the theme is ‘REFLECT’ in honour of the town of Milton’s 150th birthday.

Events are wide and varied with something for everyone in Art, Music, Literature, Film or Performance. Ticketed events are very reasonably priced and many events are FREE.
For more information and a calendar of events go to www.escapeartfest.info or let us know what you would like to attend and we’ll arrange for your tickets.

Dining In And Around Milton

Rick Stein at Bannisters

For a special occasion why not stay with us and treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner at Bannisters Restaurant, only about a 10 minute drive from here and just awarded the Best Restaurant for the NSW Southern Region in the NSW restaurant and catering awards 2010.

Guests can relax on the deck outside or enjoy a view of the ocean from every seat inside the restaurant. An experience not to be missed, bookings are essential.

Dinner Daily from 6.00 pm
Lunch Wed. Sat. and Sun from 12.30 pm
Breakfast Daily from 7.30 am

Phone for reservations 02 4455 3044 or just ask us and we will book for you.

The Tipsy Fig

Casual dining with a mixed Australian menu. This B.Y.O. Milton restaurant continues to provide excellent food and quality service. Several of our guests have compared it favorably to Bannisters! Without the sea views of course.

Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday and lunch Wednesday to Sunday it tends to book out quickly for weekends. For bookings phone 02 4455 3383 of just ask us to book for you.

The Cupitts Winery and Restaurant

Cupitts is a 5 minute drive from Milton with stunning views to the Budawang ranges and Burrill Lake. Learn about underground wine making in the “barrel” cave with barrel and vat tastings by appointment.

Rosie Cupitt is the Shoalhaven representative for Slow Food International. Its members believe in dining as a source of pleasure and encourage the use of local fresh produce.

Lunch Wed- Sunday 12 pm to 3.00 pm
Dinner Friday and Saturday 6 00pm to 10.00 pm

For booking call 02 4455 788 or ask us to book for you.

The Best Cakes

Coastal Indulgence café in Milton make their own delicious cakes and slices - a great place for morning tea, afternoon tea or lunch. They will also make cakes to order for special occasions. If you need a cake just ask us to arrange a special cake for you.

Vegetarian?

Even meat eaters will love Pilgrims vegetarian café in Milton!

What’s on at the Milton Theatre?

Please let us know if you would like us to arrange tickets for you

Friday 24th September, 7pm

Wollongong Music Collective Tour
www.wollcon.com.au/events/tour

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is presenting some of its leading staff performers in its September tour. The group will feature a combination of jazz, classical, and contemporary music.
The music will cover a range of styles including jazz, classical repertoire, tango, and new Australian music composed by the performers. Tickets $22

Thursday 21st October 8 pm

THE BREAK
Support - DOG TRUMPET
www.thebreak.net.au
www.myspace.com/dogtrumpet

Three parts Oils, one part Femmes make THE BREAK
It’s been a long time between drinks for Midnight Oil fans. The only gigs in the last eight years have been at the Wave Aid and Sound Relief charity concerts. These exhilarating performances prompted a strong desire in drummer Rob Hirst and guitarists Martin Rotsey and Jim Moginie to start making music together in a new form. With that we introduce you to THE BREAK.

Supported by DOG TRUMPET
Ex long time members of Mentals As Anything and two of Australia’s foremost artist/musicians (& brothers with different surnames) Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa, perform as Dog Trumpet, they left the Mentals at the dawn of the third Millennium to concentrate on their artwork. Tickets $42.

Saturday 6th November

JAMES REYNE TRIO, 8 pm
www.jamesreyne.com.au

James Reyne is one of Australia’s most loved singer songwriters. James led the seminal Australian Crawl to the top of the Australian music scene. With his prolific songwriting and unique vocal style, James Reyne continued to chart the musical path he initiated in the last stages of his former band's career, achieving further success with his solo career, releasing 9 solo albums to date. "Reyne makes mature-age rock that is consistently interesting......“ - David Costello Daily Telegraph. Tickets $32

Milton Country Cottages Cosy Winter Packages

Enjoy cosy nights in front of the fire at Milton Country Cottages. In this newsletter we have a our special winter package, wonderful sights along the way, and even some dining and movie ideas.

Special Package: Winter Weekend Wine and Cheese Package

Book directly with us* and treat yourself to cosy nights in front of the fire with our weekend autumn/winter package. This includes a gourmet breakfast hamper, firewood, complimentary port, bathrobes, candles, bath products, slippers; bottle of wine and a gourmet cheese platter. $420 per couple for 2 nights or $520 for 3 nights in a one bedroom cottage with double spa bath. An additional $25 per night for the two bedroom cottage with garden spa bath.

- Also available as a mid-week package at even lower rates – please contact us for details.
- This offer includes school holidays!

*Either by direct email, phone or directly through our own website booking system. The system will give you the full price but just mention the package and the package rate will apply.

Our Competition Winner

Each year we hold a draw to win a stay at Milton Country Cottages exclusively for our subscribers. We are pleased to announce the winner of our first annual draw is Tracey McPherson who wins a two-night stay (Sunday-Friday) in our two-bedroom cottage with Bali-themed garden spa bath, a gourmet breakfast basket on arrival and a bottle of wine. We hold this draw every year, and all subscribers are automatically in the draw - so just stay subscribed and you could be our next winner.

Hot Chocolate Offer

Laze in front of the fire with a mug of delicious hot chocolate. For every booking directly with us this winter we offer a gift tin of Vittoria hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Eat-in Menu

Too cold to go out? Enjoy a gourmet eat-in dinner in the comfort and privacy of your cottage. We offer delicious food made from fresh local produce at The Kitchen in Milton. This service continues to be popular and many guests go back to The Kitchen for more! A menu and order form will be emailed to you on request. Return this with your selections and your order will be in your cottage when you arrive. Selections include curries, soups, dips, quiches, main meals, friands, tarts and desserts.

The menu includes several vegetarian and gluten free options. A $5 service fee applies. This service is available with 3 days notice.

Winter Wine Festival 2010 June Long Weekend

The Shoalhaven is celebrating the wine of the region on the June long weekend. We have one cottage left so come along and find out more of what the South Coast has to offer. The closest to us are Kladis Estate, Cupitts Winery and Fern Gully winery. More information at www.shoalhavencoast.com.au

Movies

In the cooler weather with the longer nights our movie library is always popular, and, of course comes at no extra charge. We continue to add to our collection.

Enjoy a Unique Experience at the Milton Theatre

Did you know that Milton has its own 200 seat historic theatre? It was used for movies until about 10 years ago and has been recently refurbished. It is now used for live theatre, community performances and as a recording studio. Information about the theatre and coming performances can be viewed at www.miltontheatre.com.au if there is a performance you would like to attend we would be happy to arrange for tickets for you.

Travelling To or From Sydney to Milton Country Cottages?

If you have the time there are alternate scenic routes between Sydney and Milton Country Cottages.

Grand Pacific Drive

Grand Pacific Drive starts in the Royal National Park, then heads south along the coast from Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Travel through rainforests and past seaside villages that follows a strip of stunning coastline. A highlight is Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel that swerves out from the cliffs over the ocean. There is themed signage all along the way as far as Nowra.

Guests travelling from the Illawarra region can follow the Grand Pacific Drive signs to take the scenic coast road between Kiama and Nowra, going thought Gerringong and Gerroa and past 7 mile beach and the Coolangatta Estate to Nowra.

The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

Experience a 1500 metre walk through beautiful rainforest. 500 metres of this walk is nestled in the treetop canopy 20-30 metres above ground level. The walkway culminates in a spiral tower rising to 45 metres above the forest floor. Then there is the thrill of two swaying springboard cantilevers taking visitors to the edge of the escarpment.

The views are breathtaking, there is a great café and the drive is an adventure in itself! From Wollongong drive to Albion Park and follow the Illawarra fly sign which takes you up through the Macquarie Pass. There is a sign to turn left just before Robertson into Jamberoo Mountain Road. After leaving the Illawarra Fly turn left and head south following the signs to Jamberoo and Kiama. On the journey from Milton to Wollongong follow the signs from Kiama to Jamberoo and take Jamberoo Mountain road.

This detour adds about an hour to the drive. For more information www.illawarrafly.com

Winter Packages

Enjoy cosy nights in front of the fire at Milton Country Cottages. In this newsletter we have a our special winter package, wonderful sights along the way, and even some dining and movie ideas.

Special Package: Winter Weekend Wine and Cheese Package

Book directly with us* and treat yourself to cosy nights in front of the fire with our weekend autumn/winter package. This includes a gourmet breakfast hamper, firewood, complimentary port, bathrobes, candles, bath products, slippers; bottle of wine and a gourmet cheese platter. $420 per couple for 2 nights or $520 for 3 nights in a one bedroom cottage with double spa bath. An additional $25 per night for the two bedroom cottage with garden spa bath.

- Also available as a mid-week package at even lower rates – please contact us for details.
- This offer includes school holidays!

*Either by direct email, phone or directly through our own website booking system. The system will give you the full price but just mention the package and the package rate will apply.

Hot Chocolate Offer

Laze in front of the fire with a mug of delicious hot chocolate. For every booking directly with us this winter we offer a gift tin of Vittoria hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Eat-in Menu

Too cold to go out? Enjoy a gourmet eat-in dinner in the comfort and privacy of your cottage. We offer delicious food made from fresh local produce at The Kitchen in Milton. This service continues to be popular and many guests go back to The Kitchen for more! A menu and order form will be emailed to you on request. Return this with your selections and your order will be in your cottage when you arrive. Selections include curries, soups, dips, quiches, main meals, friands, tarts and desserts.

The menu includes several vegetarian and gluten free options. A $5 service fee applies. This service is available with 3 days notice.

Winter Wine Festival 2010 June Long Weekend

The Shoalhaven is celebrating the wine of the region on the June long weekend. We have one cottage left so come along and find out more of what the South Coast has to offer. The closest to us are Kladis Estate, Cupitts Winery and Fern Gully winery. More information at www.shoalhavencoast.com.au

Movies

In the cooler weather with the longer nights our movie library is always popular, and, of course comes at no extra charge. We continue to add to our collection.

Enjoy a Unique Experience at the Milton Theatre

Did you know that Milton has its own 200 seat historic theatre? It was used for movies until about 10 years ago and has been recently refurbished. It is now used for live theatre, community performances and as a recording studio. Information about the theatre and coming performances can be viewed at www.miltontheatre.com.au if there is a performance you would like to attend we would be happy to arrange for tickets for you.

Travelling To or From Sydney to Milton Country Cottages?

If you have the time there are alternate scenic routes between Sydney and Milton Country Cottages.

Grand Pacific Drive

Grand Pacific Drive starts in the Royal National Park, then heads south along the coast from Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Travel through rainforests and past seaside villages that follows a strip of stunning coastline. A highlight is Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel that swerves out from the cliffs over the ocean. There is themed signage all along the way as far as Nowra.

Guests travelling from the Illawarra region can follow the Grand Pacific Drive signs to take the scenic coast road between Kiama and Nowra, going thought Gerringong and Gerroa and past 7 mile beach and the Coolangatta Estate to Nowra.

The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

Experience a 1500 metre walk through beautiful rainforest. 500 metres of this walk is nestled in the treetop canopy 20-30 metres above ground level. The walkway culminates in a spiral tower rising to 45 metres above the forest floor. Then there is the thrill of two swaying springboard cantilevers taking visitors to the edge of the escarpment.

The views are breathtaking, there is a great café and the drive is an adventure in itself! From Wollongong drive to Albion Park and follow the Illawarra fly sign which takes you up through the Macquarie Pass. There is a sign to turn left just before Robertson into Jamberoo Mountain Road. After leaving the Illawarra Fly turn left and head south following the signs to Jamberoo and Kiama. On the journey from Milton to Wollongong follow the signs from Kiama to Jamberoo and take Jamberoo Mountain road.

This detour adds about an hour to the drive. For more information www.illawarrafly.com

Milton Country Cottages: Autumn News

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Enjoy the cooler nights of autumn and winter at Milton Country cottages with a deliciously warming hot chocolate drink. Our newsletter subscribers who book directly with us for 2 nights or more until the end of June will receive a gift tin of “Snoozy Choc”. This is quality Vittoria Italian hot chocolate mix and we’ll include a packet of 2 gourmet marshmallows to go with it.

Play with Clay

Many of our guests are enjoying the experience of learning to throw a pot on the wheel with Kees. Cost is $40 per hour for one person and $60 per hour for 2 people. Please let us know when you book if you are interested and we’ll arrange a suitable time. We’ll glaze and fire your piece for a small fee but be aware that it may be a couple of months before its ready. Our kilns are large and only fired when full – and each pot must be fired twice.

Walking Time

Autumn and winter are great times for walking and this area has limitless options, from the difficult but spectacular Pigeon House to the easier but also spectacular Mount Bushwalker. There are also magnificent coastal walks and what better time for a beach walk and picnic.

Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve is only a few minutes’ drive from here. It was gazetted in 1986 and conserves important coastal forest, estuarine wetlands and the breeding and feeding areas of Pattimores Lagoon. It's coastline of nearly five kilometres is backed by a parallel dune system and an area of natural woodlands and forest. Take in the beauty of coastal forests, quiet beaches, honeycombed rock platforms and beautiful estuaries.
We provide picnic backpacks and rugs.

Milton is 150 Years Old

This year Milton is celebrating 150 years since it was established as a private settlement.

The first white Settler was Rev Thomas Kendall who started cedar cutting at Narrawallee Creek near Milton in 1828. The entire Milton Ulladulla district was known as Nulladulla - meaning safe harbour. The Boat Harbour of Ulladulla was used for shipping of timbers and farm produce etc for trade to Sydney. Farms were established around the Settlement which became Milton. This historic private township was established in 1860 and became the commercial centre for the entire district by 1875. Milton today is listed with the National Trust and one can walk around the streets of Milton and see home and buildings dating back to 1860s.

Tourists have been coming to the Milton Ulladulla district for many years. At the turn of the century, Ulladulla was advertising fishing and surfing as highlights of the area. Ulladulla harbour today plays host to the largest commercial fishing fleet on the South Coast.

There will be many events making the 150th anniversary, including the launch of a new website with information about Milton. This site, www.miltonsouthcoast.com.au lists boutique accommodation in and around the village as well as providing information about local attractions and events.

Water Filling Station in Milton

On 15th of April, Shoalhaven Water launched a water bottle filling station in Milton. The station is located on the eastern side of the Princes Highway near the pedestrian crossing. This is the first of its kind to be installed in the Shoalhaven. It incorporates both a water drinking fountain or and access points to fill re-usable bottles. The filling stations are a much cheaper and environmentally responsible option for free drinking water to the public.

The installation of water filling stations particularly in popular community areas is a great opportunity to promote the benefits of drinking tap water. Shoalhaven’s tap water is clean, natural and healthy and we want to be able to contribute to a city that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

Milton Theatre

Come along to Milton Theatre and enjoy the intimate atmosphere, great sound system and excellent acoustics. Theatre bar open for events. Visit www.miltontheatre.com.au for events and booking information.

Just let us know if you would like tickets and we’ll make a booking for you.

Carol Joyce and Kees Staps
Milton Country Cottages

83 Egans Farm Lane
Yatte Yattah 2539
Phone: 61 2 4456 5299
Mobile: 0417 467 880
www.miltoncountrycottages.com.au