FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER | WHAT’S ON JERVIS BAY: Morning bird walks along the Maritime Museum grounds, bustling community stalls at Sanctuary Point and flame-cooked dining at Old Salt Distillery mark a busy weekend across the Bay & Basin. Plus support local wildlife refuge, experience regional author talks or enjoy live community events right across our coastal villages.
Things To Do Right Now
Commemorate International Wombat Day (yesterday) by lending support to our local wombat refuge, Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge on Jervis Bay Road. Run by Belinda & Phil Donovan, the refuge relies on donations and volunteers to care for the orphaned and injured animals who land at their property. Learn more about the work at Mudgeroo from their Facebook page.
Wrap up Aussie Bird Week with a walk among the gardens and grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum with the good folk from BirdLife Shoalhaven this Saturday. The free walk starts at 8.30am at the boatshed, no need to book. Bring binoculars, hat, sunscreen and water. The flat, easy walk is suitable for families with children. Ring Jacky Fogerty, Birdlife Shoalhaven, 0407 191 342, if you have any questions.
Sign up your 8-14 year-olds to sing Christmas carols with the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra. Rehearsals are at the Nowra School of Arts on Tuesdays at 5pm (from 20 October) and everyone is welcome. The songs will be sung at a special concert on 12 December at 4pm. Find out more on the SYO Facebook page.
What Else is On Around the Bay & Basin
Friday 23 October & Saturday 24 October, Flame-Cooked Dining Returns to South Nowra: Following a short break to welcome a baby boy, the chef couple behind Old Salt Distillery are reopening their kitchen and restaurant. Enjoy flame-cooked dishes alongside house-made spirits, liqueurs, beers and tonics on Friday (2.30pm–10pm, kitchen open till 8.30pm) and Saturday (12pm–4pm, kitchen open till 3pm). Reserve a table via email at info@oldsaltdistillery.com or check current trading hours.
Saturday 24 October, Family Fun at Spring into Sanctuary Point: Francis Ryan Reserve hosts the 14th annual Spring into Sanctuary Point Fair from 9am to 1pm, featuring live entertainment, stallholders, food trucks and children’s activities with lucky gate prizes. Entry is free.
Saturday 24 October, Silent Cinema with Live Piano in Kangaroo Valley: Pianist Robert Constable accompanies two 1920s Buster Keaton silent comedy films live at Kangaroo Valley Hall from 5pm. Tickets are $30 for adults and free for kids under 12.
Sunday 25 October, Classical Trio at Coastal Waters: Friends of Coastal Waters retirement village are welcome to attend a performance by a classical piano trio from 2pm, $25 at the door. The auditorium in the village includes a cash bar which will be serving drinks before the concert and during a short intermission.
Friday 30 October, Ages of Ice Screening in Huskisson: Attend a preview screening of the ABC documentary Ages of Ice at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery for $10 with refreshments (drinks available to purchase from 4pm). Witness the valuable work of scientists driving climate solutions and conservation efforts in the Arctic and Antarctica. The 5pm screening will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Karina Holden and ABC Commissioning Editor Stephen Oliver.
Wednesday 4 November, Wall of Tears at Nowra: An extraordinary, moving installation opens at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery at 6.30pm, featuring thousands of names of children reportedly killed in the war in Gaza. Created by American artist Phil Buehler and opened by Palestinian/Australian social worker Safaa Rayan, the installation will be up till 12 November.
Thursday 12 November, Jazz in Sussex: Monica Trapaga is a star attraction for dinner and a show at the Elmoos Centre in Sussex Inlet as she performs with the Pocket Trio at Inlet Cinema. Enjoy a Mexican-inspired dinner by guest-chefs from 5 Little Pigs beforehand, $115 including a welcome drink or a cheese plate & drink for $30. Book soon because this promises to be a swinging night out.
Saturday 14 November, Get in the Spirits in Huskisson: The Huskisson Hotel hosts Spirits of Jervis Bay 2026 at White Sands Park, showcasing regional craft distillers, food pop-ups and live music from 12pm. Tickets are $22.49.
Saturday 5 December, Rock Out for a Cause in Tomerong: All-female rock band Which Witch plays their Friendsmas Party at Tomerong School of Arts from 6.30pm to 10pm in memory of late singer Deb, raising funds for breast cancer research. Tickets are $10.
The new date for our special author event with Kate Mildenhall and Dr Rose Searby The Shooting at Cape St George: An Epilogue, is fast approaching! A new date of Thursday 5th November 2026 is scheduled but if this date does not work for you, please contact Emma-Lee at the Museum on bookings@jbmm.asn.au to arrange a refund. Doors will open at 5pm, with the interview scheduled to start at 6pm.
