View source for Milton, New South Wales

{{Use Australian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type      = town
| name      = Milton
| state     = nsw
| image     = Milton streetscape.JPG
| caption   = The [[Princes Highway]] as it passes through Milton
| lga       = [[City of Shoalhaven]]
| county    = [[St Vincent County|St Vincent]]
| parish    = Ulladulla
| region    = [[South Coast (New South Wales)|South Coast]]
| postcode  = 2538
| pop       = 1663
| pop_year  = {{CensusAU|2016}}
| pop_footnotes = <ref name=Census>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC12630|name=Milton (state suburb) |accessdate=10 July 2017|quick=on}}</ref>
| est       = 1860
| elevation = 76
| coordinates = {{coord|35|19|S|150|26|E|display=inline,title}}
| relief    = 1
| maxtemp   = 
| mintemp   = 
| rainfall  = 
| stategov  = [[Electoral district of South Coast|South Coast]]
| fedgov    = [[Division of Gilmore|Gilmore]]
| dist1     = 6
| dir1      = NW
| location1 = [[Ulladulla, New South Wales|Ulladulla]]
| dist2     = 59
| dir2      = SSW
| location2 = [[Nowra]]
| dist3     = 222
| dir3      = SSW
| location3 = [[Sydney]]
| near-n    = [[Yatte Yattah]]
| near-ne   = [[Narrawallee]]
| near-e    = [[Mollymook Beach]]
| near-se   = [[Ulladulla]]
| near-s    = [[Woodstock (Shoalhaven), New South Wales|Woodstock]]
| near-sw   = [[Woodstock (Shoalhaven), New South Wales|Woodstock]]
| near-w    = [[Croobyar, New South Wales|Croobyar]]
| near-nw   = [[Little Forest]]
}}

'''Milton''' is a village in the [[South Coast (New South Wales)|South Coast]] region of [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]], within the [[City of Shoalhaven]].<ref name="GNR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/6076668#map=13/-35.3209/150.4397|publisher =OpenStreetMap|title=Milton|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref> It was founded in 1860, named after the property of post master George Knight<ref name="GNR">{{NSW GNR|id=anQlvqsEJP|title=Milton|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref> and became an important regional centre during the 19th Century. Today, Milton remains one of the two main commercial centres of the Milton-Ulladulla district, with a population at the {{CensusAU|2016}} of 1,663.<ref name=Census/> It is  a popular stopping place for travellers on the [[Princes Highway]] which runs through the centre of town. In recent years, Milton has undergone a resurgence largely influenced by the local tourism industry and an influx of residents to the district seeking a [[seachange (demography)|seachange]]. Several new housing estates are being developed on the fringes of the village and new boutique stores, cafes and [[bed and breakfast]] type businesses have located in the town.

==History==
The coastal area of the Milton-Ulladulla district was observed by [[Captain James Cook]] in 1770 when sailing along the east coast of [[Australia]], before landing at [[Botany Bay]]. Cook noted the nearby [[Pigeon House Mountain]], a prominent landmark.

The [[Thomas Kendall|Reverend Thomas Kendall]] was the first European settler to the area, issued a land grant in nearby [[Yatte Yattah]] in 1827. He named the estate "Kendall Dale" and commenced pastoral activities as well as cutting red [[Toona ciliata|cedar]] found in abundance near Little Forest and Yackungarrah Creek. Poet [[Henry Kendall (poet)|Henry Kendall]], the grandson of Thomas Kendall was born at the property in [[Yatte Yattah]] in 1839. Further land grants in the 1830s led to a town site being surveyed in 1837 at Boat Harbour (present day [[Ulladulla, New South Wales|Ulladulla]]). The district prospered through the 1840s on the back of the timber industry.<ref name=history>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-factsheet/mollymook--culture-and-history-20081125-6gfp.html|title=Mollymook - Culture and History|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=25 November 2008|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref>

Former convict, Henry Claydon took possession of 100 acres of land near Milton in 1855, establishing an estate known as Claydon Park. A devout [[Methodist]], Claydon donated land in 1856 to the [[Wesleyan Church]] and the following year, the first church in the district was built on the site. The Sarah Claydon retirement village in Milton in named for Henry's wife, who worked as a Midwife in the area until her death in 1876.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ulladulla.info/henry-claydon-of-milton|title=Henry Claydon of Milton|publisher=ulladulla.info website|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref> The village was formally established in 1860 as a private town on land owned by John Booth, soon after followed by the construction of several public buildings, including the Star Hotel (1860), St Peter and St Paul [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican]] Church (1860), [[Uniting Church in Australia|Uniting]] and [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] churches (1872), Town Hall (1871), courthouse and public school (1877) and a post office (1880). As a town, Milton is classified with the Australian [[National Trust of Australia|National Trust]], due to the number of homes and buildings in the town that were built from 1870 onwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heritageaustralia.com.au/search.php?state=NSW&region=15&view=677|title=Historical towns directory: Milton|publisher=Heritage Australia Publishing|year=2013|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref> The town has declined in importance as a regional centre through the 20th Century, but remains a popular tourist destination.

==Facilities and infrastructure==

===Health and Education===

Milton has a public primary school; Milton Public School. Originally constructed in 1877, the school took its first enrollments in April 1878. From 1943 until 1973, it operated as a central school, catering for students of both primary and secondary age groups. The school has operated as a [[Kindergarten]] to Year 6 primary school since the beginning of 1974, and the original classroom is still in use alongside modern additions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/our-school/school-tour|title=School Tour|publisher=[[New South Wales Government]] Department of Education and Communities|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref> Milton also has one private school. St Mary's Star of the Sea is a Catholic primary school located adjacent to the 1872 church. The [[City of Shoalhaven|Shoalhaven City Council]] operates a public library in the old town hall on the Princes Highway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/MyCommunity/Library/Yourlocallibrary/MiltonLibrary.aspx|title=Milton Library|publisher=Shoalhaven City Council|access-date=8 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331145812/http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/MyCommunity/Library/Yourlocallibrary/MiltonLibrary.aspx|archive-date=31 March 2013}}</ref>

The [[Milton Ulladulla Hospital]] (MUH) located in the town provides accident and emergency, general ward, [[obstetric]], [[oncology]] and outpatient facilities. The hospital services southern Shoalhaven area from [[Sussex Inlet, New South Wales|Sussex Inlet]] south to [[South Durras, New South Wales|North Durras]] as part of the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/milton-ulladulla-hospital|title=Milton Ulladulla Hospital|publisher=[[New South Wales Government]] Department of Health|access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref> A helipad on Croobyar Road is used by the hospital for emergency evacuations.

[[File:Milton Public School.JPG|thumb|upright=1.5|left|Milton Public School built in 1877]]

===Public Transport===

Milton is the northern terminus for local bus services operated by Ulladulla Buslines. The town is serviced by routes 740 and 740V to [[Burrill Lake, New South Wales|Burrill Lake]] via [[Narrawallee, New South Wales|Narrawallee]], [[Mollymook, New South Wales|Mollymook]] and Ulladulla six days per week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buslinesgroup.com.au/ulladulla-maps-timetables.html|title=Timetables|publisher=Ulladulla Buslines|date=June 2019}}</ref> Taxis and private hire cars are also available throughout the district.

[[Premier Transport Group#Premier Motor Service|Premier Motor Service]] offer coach services on the South Coast which pick up in Milton travelling north to [[Nowra]] and [[Sydney]], as well as south to [[Eden, New South Wales|Eden]]. Services operating to Nowra generally offer connections to [[Bomaderry railway station]], the terminus of [[NSW TrainLink]]'s [[Illawarra railway line|Illawarra line]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premierms.com.au/PMS/pages/timetables/|title=Timetables|publisher=Premier Motor Service|access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref>

===Parks and recreation===

Milton has a public swimming pool complex maintained by Shoalhaven City Council. The complex includes a 25m main pool, a shaded wading pool for toddlers and kiosk, along with picnic tables. The pools overlook the rural countryside, with views to the ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/DiscoverShoalhaven/Swimmingpools/Miltonswimmingpool.aspx|title=Milton swimming pool|publisher=Shoalhaven City Council|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref> The Frogs Hollow sports ground located on Matron Porter Drive is home to the Milton Ulladulla [[Touch football (rugby league)|Touch Football]] Association.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austouch.com.au/index.php?id=1077|title=Milton Ulladulla Touch Football Association|publisher=NSW Touch Football|access-date=8 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627212036/http://www.austouch.com.au/index.php?id=1077|archive-date=27 June 2013}}</ref> Mick Ryan Park is a small botanical reserve containing a large heritage listed Illawarra little leaf [[ficus obliqua|fig tree]] believed to be over 180 years old. The tree covers a land area of close to one [[acre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timespastbnb.info/miltontp.pdf|title=Milton Times Past Bed and Breakfast|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Ficus obliqua at Princes Highway Milton New South Wales.JPG|thumb|right|300px|The fig tree (''ficus obliqua'') in Mick Ryan Park]]

Milton Theatre was originally built in 1927 as the Milton School of Arts and later used as a picture theatre before closing in 1993. The building was subsequently restored and now operates as a 200-seat venue hosting community performances, as well as visiting national and overseas artists. A grand reopening gala concert in July 1998 relaunched the theatre following a $460,000 renovation. The theatre also contains a recording studio and is managed by a community committee in cooperation with the Shoalhaven City Council. Notable artists who have performed at the theatre include [[Justin Townes Earle]], [[Muddy Waters]], [[Eric Bogle]], [[Sarah Blasko]] and former [[Hunters & Collectors]] front man [[Mark Seymour]] who described it as the best live venue on the South Coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miltontheatre.com.au/|title=Milton Theatre|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref>

==Events and attractions==

Milton hosts a number of annual events and festivals, drawing visitors from as far away as [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]]. The Milton Show Society holds an annual agricultural show and exhibition featuring events including equestrian competition, produce displays, pet show and rodeo. The community event is held at the Milton Showgrounds on Croobyar Road on the first weekend in March. The Milton Scarecrow Festival is held annually on the [[King's Official Birthday|King's Birthday]] long weekend in June. The festival involves a theme which locals and visitors are encouraged to interpret through decorating [[scarecrows]]. Entertainment includes live performances, art and craft markets, a farmyard petting zoo and children's rides. Milton Village markets are held on the first Saturday of every month and on long weekends<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miltonnsw.info|title=Milton NSW &#124; NSW South Coast}}</ref>

"The Settlement" is a row of [[Victorian era]] shops built in the 1870s on the Princes Highway at Milton. Businesses currently operating within this block include boutique restaurants and cafes, art galleries and antiques stores. Street markets focused around The Settlement are held on the first Saturday of each month as well as peak tourist times during Milton's festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ulladulla.info/milton-village-markets|title=Milton Village Markets|publisher=ulladulla.info website|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref> Other activities available year-round include guided tours showcasing the town's heritage as well as "ghost walks" every Thursday and Saturday night for those hoping to catch a glimpse of supernatural happenings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heritagetourism.com.au/ghosts-walks-of-milton-south-coast-nsw/|title=Ghosts walks of Milton South Coast NSW|publisher=Heritage Tourism|access-date=8 April 2013}}</ref>

==Notable residents==
* [[Winter Warden]] (1860–1936), a former member of the [[New South Wales Legislative Council|NSW Legislative Council]] lived in Milton.<ref name=pnsw>{{cite NSW Parliament |title=Mr Winter David Warden (1860-1936) |id=1069 |former=Yes |access-date=16 June 2019}}</ref>
*[[Perceval Shipton]] (1906–1972), member of the New South Wales Legislative Council.<ref name="Perceval Shipton NSW Parl">{{Cite NSW Parliament |id=1672 |name=Mr Perceval Martin Maurice Shipton |former=Yes |access-date=16 June 2019}}</ref>

==External links==
* [https://www.ulladulla.info/ ulladulla.info]: Information about the area and the history of the Milton/[[Ulladulla]]/[[Mollymook]] area.
*[https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/jervis-bay-and-shoalhaven/milton/ visitnsw.com – Milton]
* https://www.facebook.com/Milton-NSW-History-Photos-327566804061539/?fref=ts

==References==
{{commons category|Milton, New South Wales}}
{{reflist}}

{{Localities in the City of Shoalhaven}}
{{South Coast (New South Wales)}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:City of Shoalhaven]]
[[Category:Towns in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Towns in the South Coast (New South Wales)]]