Tourist operators in the Milton-Ulladulla district picked up a swag of accolades at Wednesday night’s South Coast Tourism Awards.

The Mollymook Beach Waterfront picked up gold in the Hosted Accommodation category and The Escape Luxury Camping at Shallow Crossing took gold for Unique Accommodation at the glittering awards night held at the Ulladulla Civic Centre.

The Milton-Ulladulla ExServos claimed a silver in the Registered Clubs category, while the Big 4 Conjola Lakeside took out the silver gong for Tourist and Caravan Parks.

Ulladullirious Comedy Festival members were ecstatic to pick up a bronze in the hotly contested Events and Festivals division.

Ken Banks from Mollymook Beach Waterfront said he was thrilled to accept the award with his wife June and said his clients were the key to success.

“The backbone of our successful business is without a doubt our repeat clientele,” he said.

“This past year our repeat guests and their referrals grew to 59 per cent of all bookings.

“My wife is fastidious in ensuring our accommodation is like a 'home away from home' for our guests who love their short breaks and holidays in the Mollymook, Milton, Ulladulla area.

“Talking to our guests, we find that one of their main attractions are the fine dining restaurants our area has to offer.”

Colin and Lucille Bailie from The Escape at Shallow Crossing were unable to attend the awards night as they were unable to leave their remote property due to the high rainfall, however Lucille said the couple was “absolutely delighted” with the win.

“Our ‘glamping’ idea has proven to be just as the popular description implies – very glamorous camping, providing an escape from the big city hustle and an opportunity to experience a world class eco-tourism destination in contemporary comfort and style,” she said.

Colin said the concept “always made sense when taking into account the location and features of the waterfront property”.

“The Clyde River is a truly world class river and we think she’s the star of the show when it comes to our guests’ experience.

“Simple pleasures like a great night’s sleep, a really enjoyable meal with a good glass of wine and a paddle on the Clyde can be the extent of most of our guests’ escapes.

““We’re absolutely delighted with our win at the South Coast Tourism Awards & we acknowledge all of the hard working business operators in this region, who all help make this world class tourist destination shine.”

South Coast regional Tourism chair Catherine Shields said entries had increased by 33 per cent this year, with a record-breaking growth in the region’s tourism industry.

She welcomed guests to the Ulladulla Civic Centre and said Ulladulla was the “jewel in the crown of the South Coast” with its surf culture and growing foodie culture”.

A total of 19 awards were presented throughout the evening, with Batemans Bay’s Bob Carver, described as a “quiet activist for tourism on the South Coast”,  winning the individual Contribution to Tourism Award.

Chief judge Gordon Beattie said the judging process was “quite extraordinary” with only one or two points separating some of the winners.

“It was really terrific to see such a great number of entries,” he added.