TOP 5 FOR FEBRUARY ON THE SOUTH COAST28 January 2020 – posted in: Event News, Winery, Craft Ales, Restaurant, Cheese, Rosie's Tips, Uncategorized

With the school holidays over, February can be the best month to enjoy the South Coast

With the pace sliding into an even more relaxed gear, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the last of the glorious summer days, while unearthing the smorgasbord of things to do in the region.

February is one of the best times to enjoy and rejuvenate on the South Coast. Enjoy uncrowded beaches, celebrate the South Coast’s beautiful lakes for stand-up paddleboarding, dine at a range of great venues and treat your loved one with a special Valentine’s Day plan. We’ve shortlisted all the best things to do on the South Coast this February.

Not sure where to start? Here are our top picks on the South Coast in February.

1) BRING YOUR EMPTY ESKY AND SAVOUR THE FINAL MONTH OF SUMMER

The Australian fires have had devastating effects on not only the environment, communities, animals and human life but also on the local economy and peoples’ livelihoods. Empty Esky is a national movement of foodies and adventurers on a mission to support small businesses affected by the Australian fires.

The mission is simple, grab an Empty Esky, embark on a road trip to a fire-affected town and to stock up with produce and wares purchased from local traders.

With average highs of 24ºC and average lows of 19ºC, the weather is fantastic for pretty much anything. Golf, fishing, bush-walking, swimming in pristine water, shopping, wine tasting or long walks on the beach. 

There are so many great places to visit but here are a few tips for the historic village of Milton – journey to Cupitt’s Estate Cellar Door for wine, beer and cheese, visit the newly opened Van Rensburg Galleries, Spaces 2538  and Home at Last for Homewares and furniture, Woodstock Chocolate Co for amazing artisan chocolate and Miss Moss for fabulous ethical, Luxe Fashion.

See Tip No. 3 for some recommendations on where to take your Empty Tummy in Milton!

2) TOAST TO LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

14 February

If you’re one to celebrate Valentine’s Day, you couldn’t be in a more perfect place than the South Coast. Reserve two seats at Cupitt’s Kitchen for either lunch or dinner. Experience something extra special with your loved one and take them on a sunset wine tour followed by a cocktail on the deck overlooking vineyards, lake and mountain ranges at Cupitt’s Winery.  Continue to delight your senses in Cupitt’s restaurant with a three-course meal and delicious wine.

Credit – DNSW

3) AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS

Afternoon and nights

The South Coast is blessed with many fine establishments. With its lush farming areas and seaside location; fresh, seasonal, local produce is made easy to sample via a string of top quality restaurants.

Tuck into a tasty fish and chips at Mollymook Beach Hut (top tip – BYO a bottle of Cupitt’s Estate wine and watch the waves roll in) or dine at a number of awesome restaurants, eateries and bars, there’s sure to be something, somewhere, to tickle your taste buds.

We’ve made your selection a little easier with a list of our top picks for dining and drinking in our little part of the South Coast region. All these venues are licensed as we feel this is critical!

• Cupitt’s Kitchen, Ulladulla – check out the Local’s Night every Thursday! 
• Rick Stein at Bannisters, Mollymook
• Tallwood Eatery, Mollymook
• Bannisters Rooftop Pavillion, Mollymook
• Small Town, Milton
• The Milton Hotel
• The Guild, Milton
• The Ruse, Ulladulla
• Harvest Bar, Milton
• Milk Haus, Milton
• Alter Bar, Milton

Other awesome local haunts include

• Peach Cafe, Milton
• Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe, Milton
• Duke and Co, Milton
• Treehouse Cafe
• Native Cafe
• Sunday Life Coffee

4) WATCH BOAT RACES 

8-9 Feb – 2020 Paddle Australia Canoe Ocean Racing Championships – Ulladulla Harbour

14-16 February 2020 – The 2020 Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open – Mollymook Beach from 14 – 16 February 2020

Two very exciting events are coming to town. The ASRL Open will bring both thousands of surf lifesavers from far and wide to  Mollymook Beach for three days of exhilarating surf boat racing. Similarly, the MAKAI Cup will bring visitors to the area to compete in Canoe Ocean Racing.

Both events will be great spectator sports and a perfect opportunity to bring your Empty esky to the Milton, Ulladulla and Mollymook and visit all the local businesses who will be thrilled to see you.

The South Coast has a great reputation for being an incredible surf destination so come and check it out in all its glory. 

5) FOODIE TRAILS

Any day (check with the producer!)

Cupitt’s Estate is open to the public every day with opportunities to sample boutique wine, handcrafted beer and artisan cheese. The Tour and Taste Experience at Cupitt’s includes a one-hour walking tour of the stunning property visiting the winery, brewery, fromagerie and organic kitchen garden. The Tours are scheduled at 11am everyday at cost $40 per person.  Cupitt’s also hosts a Grower’s market on the last Saturday of the month. 

Slow Food South Coast and Shoalhaven Tourism partnered up to create the South Coast Foodie Trail highlighting all the places you can taste the flavours of the Shoalhaven. Download a copy of the guide here. 

Our Top Picks

Milton Showground markets 1 February 2020

Towradgi Food and Wine Festival – 9 February 2020

Cupitt’s Growers Market 29  February 2020

INSIDER TIP – When visiting the South Coast via Sydney take the 140-kilometre Grand Pacific Drive which hugs the coastline. The views from the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, the cantilever bridge linking Coalcliff and Clifton in the northern Illawarra are spectacular. See grandpacificdrive.com.au; southcoasttourism.org; visitnsw.com

Aerial of a car taking the scenic route over Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. Photo Credit Dee Kramer Photography