The Milton Accommodation Group has recently become incorporated, allowing it to apply for government grants to market and promote the village and its surrounds.

From historic bed and breakfasts, to guesthouses and secluded county cottages, Milton has a diverse array of boutique accommodation options which are highly sought after during the peak summer months.

However, it’s Milton’s unique winter attractions that the Milton Accommodation Group aims to promote with its new website launched last week.

www.miltonsouthcoast.com. au highlights Milton’s history, theatre performances and special events as well as the fantastic shopping, gallery and dining experiences on offer throughout the year.

The website encourages visitors to stay and discover Milton and beyond, from the beaches to the Budawang Ranges.

Group members Di Falloon from Meadowlake Lodge, Deb Forster from the Milton Bed and Breakfast and Carol Joyce from Milton Country Cottages at Yatte Yattah are among 12 accommodation operators keen to see Milton move forward.

“There’s so much to do here, that we decided to get together and actively promote Milton as a stand alone tourist destination,” Di said.

“Everyone knows about Ulladulla and Mollymook and come over summer for the beaches, but Milton is at its best in winter – we have one of the best climates in the world.”

“The climate is ideal for bushwalking and the beaches are deserted,” Carol added.

She said the new group would apply for council, state and federal government grants to promote Milton year-round.

“We are all working together with one common goal.

“There’s more to this area than beaches.”

Deb said most boutique accommodation houses were booked out over summer, but tourist numbers were increasing during winter.

“Last July was my busiest month,” she said.

“People are coming to enjoy more and more of what Milton has to offer, with great cafes and restaurants, shopping, galleries, wineries and bushwalking.”

Deb’s husband Chris said Milton’s bed and breakfasts were attracting international tourists who enjoyed the personal experience.

“Europeans love it – they’re more used to this type of accommodation.

“It’s something that many Australian’s aren’t used to, but it’s becoming more popular,” he said.

The accommodation operators have been working together for about six years, but began meeting formally after hosting the State B & B Association Conference in Milton in August 2008.