SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER | GET IN THE SPIRIT: Purified rainwater from Woollamia, native finger limes from Falls Creek and recipes honed inside Sydney’s top fine-dining kitchens are all pouring into tasting glasses at White Sands Park this Saturday. Returning to Huskisson from midday on 14 November, the Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival pairs 11 South Coast distilleries with local street food vendors, roaming circus performers and live music beside the Bay.
Raise a glass of something small-batch and super local this weekend at the Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival, bringing together many of the South Coast’s distillers, food artisans and local providores. Meet the master makers, discover the stories behind what they eat and drink, and learn a little about their unique crafts while you sample some of the distinctive flavours being created across our region.
Jervis Bay in Name and Spirit
Woollamia’s own Jervis Bay Distilling Co is the most “local” of the line-up, right down to the rainwater they collect and purify for every batch.
Founded by Rob and Lilly Bartlett in 2021, the distillery is Rob’s longstanding connection to the region and his passion for capturing the feeling of an Aussie summer, in a bottle.
Several bottles, in fact, with Rob drawing on his distilling experience in Australia, Japan and Europe to develop a range of gin, vodka, rum and aperitifs using local ingredients and native botanicals—such as finger limes from Falls Creek and honey from local hives.
At the festival, visitors can sample the full range of award-winning spirits, explore pre-mixed cocktails ready to enjoy, and shop for 700ml bottles, gin and aperitif explorer gift packs and distillery merchandise to take home (think: Christmas gifts).
Fine Diners, Distilled
The impressive culinary background of Terry and Michelle Robinson, founders of Old Salt Distillery in South Nowra, is evident in every bottle and can and the festival is your chance to taste the “seasoning” of their experience in in some of Sydney’s celebrated kitchens, including Tetsuya’s, Quay and Sepia.
Exotic fruit liqueurs and creative, refreshing seltzers join their line-up of distilled favourites including their range of gins, plus craft beers and rare tastings only available on the day. Their experience as chefs carries through in the artisanry of every beverage that results from their unique combination of the kitchen and the still, there’s plenty of creativity behind what makes its way into the glass.
A little something for the food lovers
Of course, good drinks deserve equally good food, and the festival’s food line-up brings together a mix of regional makers, street food and familiar favourites.
Among the vendors is Artisan Delish Salami, bringing traditional Italian-inspired smallgoods to the festival. This family-owned business takes a traditional approach to curing, using premium Australian pork and time-honoured Italian techniques. Its range also includes more adventurous flavours made with game meats such as venison, wild boar and kangaroo.
Blue Nami brings Japanese flavours to the line-up including fresh sushi, sashimi and Japanese street-food offerings. For the festival, the menu will include house-made karaage chicken bowls, sushi rolls, gyoza, bao buns and its signature edamame.
There will be plenty more to explore, with Ola Chola Food Truck, Momo Tibet, Taste Original Chips on a Stick, Ribs and Wingz, South Coast Soft Serve, The Tipsy Trotter, Unexpected Guest and Wanderfood also joining the food line-up. Hywel’s Lemonade will offer something refreshing, while Jervis Bay Brewing Co adds another familiar local name to the drinks offering.
Celebrating the people behind the produce
What makes gatherings like this worthwhile is the opportunity to go beyond the labels and meet the people making the products. From the selection of botanicals and the patience involved in distilling to traditional curing techniques and the preparation of street food, there is plenty of skill and creativity behind the food and drinks we enjoy.
Live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon
Kiana Tomic opens the entertainment at midday, followed by George Bishop from 1.15pm. All The Fusstakes to the stage at 3.30pm, before Stacey Street brings the afternoon through to 6.30pm, performing across two sets. DJ Brendo will then take over from 6.30pm through to the festival’s close at 8pm.
Families are also catered for, with roaming entertainment throughout the afternoon. Family entertainment begins at midday, followed by interactive circus activities from 3.30pm. There will be comedy juggling from 5.45pm, while a stilt walker adds to the fun from 6.30pm.
Set against the backdrop of White Sands Park and the glittering waters of Jervis Bay, this is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends, discover a few new favourites and support the people making the South Coast such an iconic place for food, drink and celebrating Jervis Bay.
General admission is $22.50 and kids are free. Find out more about the lineup.
