UPDATE FRIDAY 8 MAY: Motherhood is a daily rotation of hats worn with quiet strength. This year, we’re trading the usual routine for experiences that reflect the beauty of our coastline. From brunch under the Woollamia gums to slow afternoons on the water, here is how to show your appreciation right here in the Bay on Sunday 10 May.
NEW BirdLife Walk in Vincentia
Mother’s Day Birdwatching Surprise: Nature at the Treatment Plant: don’t let the name put you off, the Vincentia Waste Water Treatment Plant is one of the Shoalhaven’s best-kept secrets.
This Mother’s Day special was created by avid birdwatcher Robyn Hill for mums who love nature and those looking for a peaceful way to celebrate the day. Robyn is a true expert who has travelled the world birdwatching from England, France, and Tahiti to NZ, Borneo, Sumatra, and all over Australia. She’s bringing that wealth of experience to this local walk.
Tucked inside the lush Jervis Bay National Park, this hidden gem offers a stunning mix of woodland and wetlands where it’s common to spot over 50 bird species in a single trip. I’ve done the walk myself, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
While the walk is flat and easy, you’ll be on tracks and walking through occasional long grass, so please wear good walking shoes or hiking boots and preferably long pants.
For more walks around the South Coast, check out Birdlife Shoalhaven or Birdlife Australia to find your local branch.
Meet at 8:30am at the corner of Berry Street and McNamara Ct in Vincentia for a 2.5-hour stroll to admire both bush and water birds. Remember to bring your binoculars and some morning tea to enjoy at the end.
For more info, contact Robyn Hill on 0428 740 364.
NEW Fusion Flavoured Feast at Wild Ginger Huskisson
For Mother’s Day, Wild Ginger will open with its full a la carte menu alongside a selection of seasonal chef’s specials, inviting families to settle in for a long lunch or relaxed dinner celebrating mum.
Head chef Aleix Carbonell is featuring a rich duck red curry layered with aromatic house-made flavours, lychee and pineapple, balancing warmth with a touch of sweetness. There is also locally sourced kingfish sashimi with apple vinaigrette and pickled cabbage, keeping things fresh, clean and produce-led.
Blending signature favourites with thoughtful seasonal dishes, the menu brings together a depth of vibrant flavours, generous sharing plates and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that suits Mother’s Day perfectly. Lunch starts 1pm, book online.
NEW Koala Cocktails at Husky Pub
Yes, you heard that right, the Peter Koala is a punny Aussie twist on the pina colada, created by beverage manager Mike for the Huskisson Hotel.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Husky Pub overlooking the clear waters of Jervis Bay with a Bottomless Brunch on Sunday 10 May from 12pm to 2pm. For $65 per person, enjoy two hours of bottomless bao buns and endless Peter Koalas.
The menu features a DIY bao feast with pillowy white and charcoal buns, house-pickled veg, cucumber, and coriander. Filling options include tender steamed pork belly, honey-sriracha fried chicken, and vegan-friendly popcorn cauliflower. Book online.
Bay & Bush Breathes New Life into Brunch in Woollamia
Chef Alexia Brown at the new Bay & Bush cafe in Woollamia has created a Mother’s Day special that’s a masterclass in textures: think sizzling chorizo, silky labne, and a golden panko crunch. We’re keeping the full details under wraps, but let’s just say your brunch game just levelled up.
Adding to the finesse of the menu, Jayden is creating a two layer flourless chocolate cake… we have been told it’s the kind of finish that lands like a quiet hug.
On the day, there is also a strawberry cold foam matcha special on offer, a refreshing little twist that tastes exceptional.
To keep the celebrations sparkling, you can toast to their seasonal Elderflower Collins, it’s light, floral and just right. There’s also more options from their new Autumn drinks menu with a wide range of Cupitts Estate wines starting from $13 a glass and $63 a bottle and three styles of local craft beer from Jervis Bay Brewing ranging from $12 to $13 a beer.
There will be fresh local floral arrangements from Sassafras Nuts in the Budawang Ranges and ambient music creating the perfect backdrop for conversation on a day’s celebration.
Under the quiet rustle of the gum trees on this 27-acre bushland property abutting the Jervis Bay National Park that also features cottages, safari tents, a wellness studio and a productive apiary, mum will be able to unwind from the everyday.
Reserve a table online (inside or outside) for brunch service that runs from 8.30am till 1.30pm or call them directly to secure your spot at this hidden gem which is becoming the toast of the Bay.
More Great Ideas for Mum at Bay & Bush
- Treat mum to a “stay and dine” package at Bay & Bush, which replaces the standard breakfast with the Mother’s Day brunch.
- Give mum a gift voucher so she can customise her own visit to the property.
- Discover the sweet signature flavour of Bay & Bush at their on-site apiary featuring 10 productive hives where guests can learn about the magic of beekeeping.
Seafood, Sorted at JB Shellfish Market
Opt for a seafood spread over the café rush — whether a beautifully laid table at home or a picnic by the water with a well-packed hamper — and make Jervis Bay Shellfish Market your first stop. The best part of a seafood spread for mum? Minimal kitchen fuss with maximum wow-factor.
Located in the heart of the Woollamia industrial precinct on the outskirts of Huskisson village, home to the innovative producers of Jervis Bay, the Shellfish Market is preparing fresh, ready-to-enjoy seafood boxes designed to keep things simple yet thoughtfully prepared.
Create an effortless centrepiece with a half lobster, finished with your choice of mornay or garlic butter, ready with a quick turn under the grill or on the barbecue. The Seafood Indulgence Box brings together half a lobster with your choice of dressing, 500 grams of prawns and half a dozen oysters with lemon for $70.
The Seafood Hamper Box keeps things classic with prawns, a dozen oysters, prawn sauce and lemon. For something a little more generous, the Seafood Platter Box adds scallops into the mix alongside prawns, oysters and garlic butter at $55.
Each box is made to order, keeping everything fresh and ready to enjoy.
Don’t forget Jervis Bay’s sweet blue lip mussels. They are perfect for a simple cook-up with a knob of butter, a few cloves of garlic, a generous splash of white wine, diced chorizo and a finish of fresh lemon zest.
A seafood box is a lovely way to celebrate and indulge, especially for mums in an age care setting who still enjoy the pleasure of good seafood brought to them.
Orders close Thursday 7 May, for pick-up on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May, so you will be set to go for Sunday celebrations.
Al Fresco Advice: If you are heading outdoors, Greenfield Beach Picnic Area and Plantation Point Reserve offer easy access with BBQ facilities, while White Sands Park brings a lively foreshore feel with the township close by. For a quieter escape, Murrays Beach offers a calm coastal setting framed by native bushland in Booderee National Park. For more about bbq areas in Jervis Bay, read our story.
Cooking Class in a Cambewarra Cottage
Join an internationally experienced chef on a quaint country property for a cooking class with mum that includes foraging in the garden and eating your creations, of course!
Carramar Kitchen & Cottage sits in the valley under Cambewarra Mountain, where delicious wholesome cooking classes would make the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
Hosted at her delightful rural property, Chef Justine Whitney’s classes are relaxed, personal and beautifully curated. In her spacious country-style kitchen with a touch of open-plan Hamptons, Justine brings warmth as much as skill, creating a space where each guest feels part of the family.
Justine has incredible food industry experience, from private chef work in Los Angeles with high-profile clients to more than 30 years across Australia and the US, you’re in very capable hands.
An example of a cooking class day begins at 9:30am with a hot drink and a bite from the kitchen, followed by a wander through the seasonal garden harvesting fresh, pesticide-free produce. Back inside, Justine shares recipes, discusses ingredients and under her guidance, dishes come together in a way that feels celebratory and satisfactory.
Upcoming classes span a mix of styles across the seasons, from Autumn vegetarian feasts and rustic Italian winter cooking to festive Christmas in July sessions where the “ugly jumper” is encouraged.
Justine will cater for dietary requirements to make sure everyone is well fed.
Classes are $200 per person for a generous, memorable experience best enjoyed with family, friends and of course mum. Gift vouchers are available.
View the upcoming classes and book online.
Life is Sweet at The Treat Factory in Berry
The sweetest gift you can offer mum is at Berry’s Treat Factory, where everyone gets an A+ in the advanced chocolate class.
Only four students at a time can participate in this intimate session that feels like hanging out in a friend’s kitchen, but with way better equipment. You’ll get to play with everything from raw cacao to that trendy pink ruby chocolate. There’s something so satisfying about hand-dipping Turkish delight or crafting your own nut clusters from scratch.
By the time you’re done, you have a professional-looking gift box filled with your own Belgian chocolate creations to take home. At $85, it’s such a special way to slow down and create something delectable together.
If you want to turn the celebration into a bigger family event, you don’t have to stick to the scheduled classes. For groups of eight or more, you can organise your own personal chocolate-making experience anytime between Monday and Friday.
The Treat Factory in Berry runs chocolate cooking classes throughout the year in Old Creamery Lane, including some great school holiday options. Check out their website for scheduled classes and information about how to book.
A Festive Day in Kangaroo Valley
Make a day of it with mum and the whole family at Street Beats & Eats which is taking over Kangaroo Valley along Moss Vale Road for a full day of food, music and celebration.
Give mum a little taste of everything the valley has to offer at this special event, which is part of the Autumn Celebration of Food across the whole Shoalhaven from 1 May-15 June.
The street party kicks off at 9am and features a strong line-up of local food vendors offering specially created delights along the main strip. We love the sound of Mexican fare from The Valley Table, canapes and sparkly from Caterina, and authentic hand-made Nepalese momo (dumplings) from the team at Valley Bliss café.
At the centre of the village, popular local dining venues participating in the festivities include The Friendly Inn, Wildes Dining and Osteria La Vallata, alongside Hampden Deli, The General Store and the Fig Farmers Markets.
Make sure you drop by Kangaroo Valley Preschool is hosting a flower and bake sale, where you will be sure to find a special gift for mum.
Music will flow through the day, with live sets from Edmund St Clair, Faraday Way and others, plus a drum circle and open jams that anyone can join. The Kangaroo Valley Community Choir brings a lovely local feel, and there’s a busking comp that keeps things lively and a little unpredictable.
After all that walking around, check out the mobile massage and make sure you snap up a raffle ticket for a Mother’s Day hamper worth over $500.
Take your time wandering around with mum tasting a little of everything, till 4pm.
Set Sail and Spoil Mum in Huskisson
Set out from Huskisson Wharf and see what marine creatures appear alongside, while basking in the beauty of Jervis Bay and its white beaches, secret coves and majestic coastline.
A Season of Whales this Winter
Whale watching season officially starts on 16 May and season passes are now available for a short time only, at $350/$325/$300 you can head out any time during the season, which ends in November, with the team from Jervis Bay Wild.
Each cruise lasts between two and three hours, with the to-do list including spotting a fluke (a whale tail), a breach or maybe even a mother and calf.
Cruise on Jervis Bay
Don’t wait for the humpbacks to enjoy the coastline of pristine Jervis Bay – take mum out on Sunday 10 May on the Jervis Bay Passage, a 2.5 hour cruise that uncovers the hidden gems of Jervis Bay Marine Park, the cliffs of Point Perpendicular, the protected lagoon of Honeymoon Bay, and the world-famous white sands of Hyams Beach, $109/$99/$64.
For a sunset option, there’s the Sundowner Bay Cruise, a two-hour sunset tour perfect for all ages on Saturday evenings until the end of May. Cruise along the crystal-clear shorelines and explore the local ecosystem, with a glass of wine and your own snacks or treat yourself to a cheese platter for two for an extra $30. Keep a watchful eye out for local birdlife and our resident bottlenose dolphins with commentary from the knowledgeable crew, $70/$60.
Dolphin Delights
Did you know there are around 60 resident bottlenose dolphins who call Jervis Bay their home all year round? Plus scores of visitors who stop in to the Bay on their journey through the Pacific waters.
Enjoy these playful mammals in their own backyard on a Dolphin Watch tour with Jervis Bay Wild, $59/52/$39, available all year round. On the 1.5 hour tour you can watch them feed near Plantation Point or race to play on the boat’s bow.
Dolphin Count news
On Saturday 30 May, citizen scientists will take part in the first-ever NSW-wide dolphin census, which includes Jervis Bay. The one-day census is a collaboration between Dolphin Research Australia and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to create a statewide snapshot of where dolphins are found and what habitat they use.
Volunteers who register will be trained as citizen scientists in the weeks before the NSW Dolphin Census Day and on the day, volunteers will spend at least 15 minutes continuously watching for dolphins from their favourite vantage points along the NSW coast — from beaches and headlands to harbours, bays and river estuaries. Find out how to get involved at Dolphin Research Australia.
Yoga With Mary at Worrowing
This Mother’s Day afternoon, join Mary Baseler for a two-hour Yin yoga special from 3–5pm in the light-filled Melaleuca studio, among the paperbarks and spotted gums on Worrowing farm and retreat, on the Wool Road at Old Erowal Bay.
More than a class, it’s a space for a long exhale and quiet reflection. With over 25 years of experience, Mary is known across Jervis Bay for her warm, grounded approach, gently guiding the unwinding of body and quieting of busy mind.
Mary created this one-day Yin special as a heartfelt offering. As a mum, a grandmother and a daughter who no longer has a mum, she shares this class as a way to pay homage to all mothers doing the best they can. “Worrowing is my favourite place to teach, surrounded by towering eucalypts and bushland. The light-filled space offers a peaceful setting to pause, breathe and reconnect to self,” she shared with us.
Open to anyone who carries the spirit of a mother, this session welcomes all, whether celebrating, remembering or simply taking a moment to pause. At $45, it’s a simple, meaningful way to gift a little stillness.
The afternoon wraps up in time to drift into Mother’s Day dinners around the Bay. Reserve your place online.
Long Lunches, Done Right for Mum
Bangalay Dining at Shoalhaven Heads is making mum’s day memorable with a special Mother’s Day breakfast and lunch on 10 May where a spectacular seasonal menu has been created to be shared and enjoyed, 2 courses $80 or 3 courses $95. Children’s menu available.
Peter Eva Italian Restaurant in Huskisson is creating a lot of Italian-style love for mum with a Mother’s Day flavour-packed menu with beef carpaccio or burrata with alici to start, followed by crab ravioli in lobster bisque or a prawn and lemon pizza, finishing with a playful pizza tiramisu, plus a “Cuore di Mamma” cocktail built on rose gin with sweet and sour, grenadine, lychee and a silky egg white. Book your table for lunch or dinner.
Farmgate Restaurant in Nowra wants mum to sit back and be spoilt with a complimentary drink on arrival for lunch or dinner. Bookings essential.
The Growers by Ponte at the Worrigee Sports venue along Greenwell Point Road is firing up family time with a bbq grill menu and buffet of salads, veggies and rice plus house-made bread and mini desserts served to your table. Adults are $69 while teens are $42 and kids $22. Bookings are highly recommended.
