Whale watching season is in full swing in Jervis Bay

We have whales!

Whale watching season has definitely begun and there is no better time to book than now with a cruise departing twice daily, 10.30am and 1pm, from Huskisson Wharf with Jervis Bay Wild. There have been many sightings over the past two weeks of the whale migration through Jervis Bay and will be many more to come, see their socials for the latest sightings. Plus, did you know that you can buy a season ticket? After your third cruise, you’re ‘making’ money!*

* not really, but not spending more any either.

Woebegone Freedive tours dive with the whales, seals and other majestic creatures of the sea. Photo: Woebegone Freedive

For the more adventurous and strong swimmers among us, try a whale dive tour with freediving experts, Woebegone, who can also supply all the gear you need for this very special experience. These incredible dive tours start in June, and there are plenty of dates to choose from so check out their online booking page and make a plan to visit the underwater world of these majestic animals.

Splurge

If you are a super-fan of red wine, especially shiraz, and you haven’t heard of this event, we recommend acting quickly as there are very limited places left at this very special dinner.

Altar Bar Milton is hosting “Shiraz Wines of Australia” six-course degustation dinner this Friday 24 May from 6pm, and of course, the wines are included in the ticket price of $350 per person. Chef Tom Grippon has created a sensational selection of dishes to complement the varietal, and this should be a memorable evening.

Moorish Please

Take your tastebuds across North Africa and into Persian flavour territory with A Moorish Feast, a three-course lunch in Kangaroo Valley this Saturday 25 May, from midday (the 2.30pm sitting is already sold out). For $80 with drinks available to purchase, this collaborative feast will be created by the talented people from Caterina, The Valley Table by Angie’s Food and Terra & Mare pizza.

Both of these fine dining events are brought to you by Shoalhaven Food Network’s Autumn Celebration. And so is the next event on our list today…

Tuscan Nights

Allow yourself to be transported to Tuscany via Husky this weekend at Peter & Eva, with cooking demonstrations, a special spiced cocktail and live music on Saturday night that will complete the experience.  Bookings are available online for Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May.

Long Lunch

Immerse yourself in the culture and food of the south coast at a special Long Lunch at Bundanon on Sunday 2 June. Chef Doug Innes-Will has designed three courses with native ingredients, and Indigenous cultural custodians Gadhungal Marring will welcome guests to the event. Tickets are $130 and include wine and beer, plus gallery entry. Read more about this special event in our story from Shoalhaven Food Network’s Ben Weldon. Ticket sales close this Sunday 26 May, so book now.

Immerse yourself in the food and culture of the south coast. Photo: Bundanon

Wine Tasting

If a gentle afternoon of sampling accompanied by a cheese board is more your speed, there is a perfect opportunity to indulge a little in the wines from Stone Cottage Vineyard, a small family-owned property in Woodstock. Hosted by the vineyard’s own Alan Broome, join from 1pm at the Lake Conjola Bowlo, Thursday 30 May, $25. Call to book, (02) 4456 1272 and press 1.

Markets, Markets!

Thursday is farmers market day!

Nowra Fresh Food Market is in Harry Sawkins Park from 2-6pm, including fresh produce, food trucks and some entertainment. New this week, sourdough! Plus Tim from Coopers Produce is back with a fresh harvest.

Berry Farmers Market is at the Bowlo from 2-5pm, always great selection of fresh food, ready-to-eat and other goodies from local producers.

Nowra Showground Markets is on Saturday 25 May, 8-1.30pm, via the Worrigee Street entrance.

Berry Village Markets on Sunday 26 May at the Bowlo, 10-3pm. Boutique stalls including plants and bonsai, pet gear, donuts and baked goods, snacks, fresh produce, gin tastings and live music.

Sunday Sessions Live Music

Laidback reggae sounds of George Bishop at Jervis Bay Brewing Co from 3pm – we loved the happy sounds of George and friends at last weekend’s Reggae Festival at KV Friendly Inn, really hoping the Inn continues to curate boutique music festivals in their back yard.

George Bishop’s laid-back reggae style is perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Photo: Jervis Bay Brewing Co

Jason Norris plays his melodic vocals and acoustic guitar to serenade your sunset drinks at the roof top bar, Bannisters Pavilion this Sunday from 5pm. The south coast local knows how to set the mood.

All the Fuss is back at Cupitt’s Estate this Sunday from 12.30pm. This 5-piece musical ensemble is the south coast’s favourite soul groove band. Perfect warm vibes for lunch

Saturday Jazz

If you can’t wait till Sunday, the Lachy Hamilton Quartet is jazzing up Callala Beach at the community centre from 3-5pm, $35+bf. Enjoy the smooth duet sounds of the sax and trumpet, perfectly matched by the double bass and drums, and help raise funds for the Jervis Bay Outrigger Canoe Club.

Congratulations to…

Caterina, the people’s choice of the best burgers at last Sunday’s Battle of the Burger in Huskisson. The Kangaroo Valley-based champ was closely followed by Vincentia’s own Albert N Miso, with La Cocina in third place. Caterina mentioned the amazing beef from @mountainside_meats and the buns from @sonomabakery for their contribution to the win, and a big thank you to the organisers at Shoalhaven Food Network and chutney makers, White Feather Designs.

PhycoHealth for their successful investment drive that will fuel further growth and development for their range of sustainable seaweed products. The scientists behind the seaweed are creating innovations like Phyaluronic acid, the world’s first seaweed-based alternative to the skin care ingredient, hyaluronic acid.

Plan Ahead

World Oceans Day film festival at Husky Pictures will be on Saturday 8 June, 4-8pm. Tickets are now on sale. Valerie Taylor’s Playing With Sharks is the feature, plus great lineup of shorties, a sausage sizzle (vegetarian options) and prize giveaway.

Commemorate World Oceans Day with a film festival at Husky Pictures. Photo: supplied

Classical guitarist Jesse Flowers is playing one show only! The Sydney-born musician is heading back to Germany to take up a professorship, so book now to see his solo guitar performance at the Kangaroo Valley hall on Saturday 27 July at 3pm, $25-$60.

Fine artist Jenny McIntosh is offering a two-day landscape oil painting workshop on the weekend of 22-23 June, at Berry Uniting Church, $390 early bird price if you book before 15 June. Jenny will share her expert techniques for capturing our natural world on canvas.