FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER: Spring arrives in full bloom across our region this weekend. From Japanese flower-arranging workshops in Worrowing to prize-winning native orchids in Ulladulla and rare grevillea garden walks, our local growers and artists are opening their doors. Plus a progressive lunch along the foreshore of Jervis Bay.
Things to Do Right Now
Cheer on the Huskisson Rural Fire Brigade, aka The Huskies, as they head to Dubbo today to compete in the RFS state championships. The team of 5 under captain Sanna Reeves, will spend this weekend engaging in friendly competition that aims to build their skills, teamwork, communication and leadership. Go Huskies!
Forage for your Lunch on Saturday, at this year’s Coastal Forage progressive dining along the foreshore. Tickets are still available for several timeslots on the day, for $225, taste the flavours of our very best chefs and producers at dining stations from Moona Moona Creek to Orion Beach. Spend a leisurely few hours taking in the 10 stops, with morsels created by Old Salt Distillery, Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp and Cupitt’s Estate, among many others. The route is almost all flat and a van will be ready to return you to the carpark at the end of your journey.
Visit a Pop-up Gallery Shop on Saturday. In Erowal Bay, Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop presents the work of 20+ makers and artists, curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh. As well as investment pieces, you will find beautiful, hand-made works priced under $100 in the enticing collection of ceramics, textiles, wearables, toys, jewellery, homewares, wall-hung work, and one-off cards that Natalie has curated for this iteration of the Artfulmind Gallery. Email Natalie to let her know you are coming and she will send you the address. Also open on Saturdays 19 September with an opportunity to Meet the Makers 2-4pm on each of the three Saturday pop-ups. Artfulmind is open from 11am-4pm.
Catch a Doco about Kangaroo Valley on Saturday, screening again due to popular demand, The Valley is on at Huskisson Pictures at 2pm, $15. This feature-length doco is portrait of life in the secluded Kangaroo Valley farming community.
What Else is On Around the Bay & Basin
Friday 11 September, Shop Boutique Sale: Beyond the Beach Lifestyle shop on Currambene Street Huskisson is in the final days of its end-of-season sale with lots of clothing and footwear under $50 ahead of the spring collection launch on 16 September.
Saturday 12–Sunday 13 September, Orchid Spectacular: The delicate, cleverly designed, colourful and intriguing orchid is the star of the show at the Ulladulla Civic Centre this weekend. See stunning displays of prize-winning orchids from exotic to native, and maybe even take one home. Entry is $2, open 9-4 on Saturday and 9-2 on Sunday.
On Now–Saturday 10 October, New Exhibition at Melaleuca: Artist Taz Witkamp is showing her latest serious of Australian landscape paintings at Melaleuca at Worrowing, which she describes as a love letter to the South Coast and a witness statement to a world changing beneath her brush. The series, Incomplete Diorama, is inspired by often-unnoticed pockets of bushland, and feature raw and incomplete elements that emphasise something authentically human. View the exhibition Wednesday-Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 9am-12pm. Check the website before you visit for up-to-date opening hours.
Saturday 12 September, Local Markets: The Sussex Inlet community markets are held on the church grounds and the Lions Club Peace Park from 8.30am-12.30pm, where you will find plants, arts and crafts, fresh locally grown food, gifts and lots more.
Callala markets are on at the Emmett Street Community Centre, supporting local community groups and independent vendors from 8am-1pm.
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, Grevillea Magic: If you fancy a bit of a drive and a wander through a rarely-open garden, this is your chance to head up to Bulli to see the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden, which is only open to the public on the occasional weekend, 10am-4pm. The garden was established in 1987 to house the Grevillea Study Group’s plant collection and to showcase Australian native plants. This time of year, the garden puts on a stunning display worth the 1.5 hour drive from Huskisson. Alongside the beauty of the collection, the park has a scientific mandate as a member of the South East NSW Bioregion Working Group which aims to increase knowledge of rare and significant flora.
Sunday 13 September, Flower Arranging at Worrowing: Billed as a “devotional flower workshop”, The Forgotten Stems is a flower-arranging workshop with Clare Lewis-Evans at Melaleuca at Worrowing Estate. For $85+bf, spend a couple of hours from 10am learning the gentle art of ikebana and create your own botanical composition, working intuitively with seasonal materials. Each participant receives a hand-sourced ceramic vessel to create their arrangement in and take home, selected for its character, history and relationship to the work. All tools, materials and light refreshments provided.
Sunday 13 September, Dementia-inclusive Musical Show: Head to Scot’s Hall on Victoria Street Berry for a performance by Alchemy Chorus, a dementia-inclusive choir who will be joined by the Ukuladies for a great show at 1.30pm, entry via donation at the door. The chorus is part of Active Ageing NSW.
Sunday 13 September, Markets Galore: The 2nd Sunday is the best day for local markets up and down the Coast. Start with the Huskisson Markets, where you will found around 100 stalls in the sports fields on Kioloa Road from 8am. Make sure to look for the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay gazebo to secure your duck in the iconic January Duck Derby, raising funds to maintain our fleet of rescue vessels here in the Bay.
If you need more markets, the next place to visit is Kangaroo Valley Farmers Markets, behind the Friendly Inn in the heart of the village. Bring your basket to stock up on zero-footprint produce, from 9am-1pm.
There’s also the Ulladulla Wharf Markets, for a great morning stroll along the picturesque working harbour. After browsing the stalls between 8am and 1pm, take some time to turn your gaze downwards and see if you can spot the many fossils in the rock platforms around the harbour. This evidence of the Gondwana Coast tells an ancient tale of shallow water marine life from millions of years ago.
Sunday 13 September, Live Music Afternoons: It’s the perfect time of year for long, lazy afternoons with the vibe set by some of our best indie musicians. Start your Sunday at 12.30pm as the soulful, melodic sounds of the Nat Lizak Trio fill the air at Cuppitt’s Estate in Ulladulla. Keep the vibe as you then head to Jervis Bay Brewing Co in Woollamia for surf rock/reggae artist Kane Calcite from Wollongong live at the Taproom. For sunset cocktails, head to the rooftop at Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook for the sounds of Ness Quinn from 5pm.
Sunday 13 September, Women’s Spring Gathering at Falls Creek: Join a small gathering on a bushland property only minutes from Huskisson or Nowra to find out what might be wanting to bloom in your life. Hosted by Jax Weschler who will perform a mindful tea ceremony alongside practices to help you slow down, listen to yourself and be held by nature. Reserve a place, from $80 for the day which starts at 9am, and accommodation options are also available.
Monday 14 September, Orchid Stories: Discover the secret life of orchids at a free event at Nowra Library. Register online to hear PhD candidate Brett O’Keeffe talk about the fascinating relationships between orchids and insects, revealing how mimicry, deception and specialised pollination strategies help some of our most unique native plants survive. This presentation is perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone curious about the wonders of the natural world.
Thursday 17 September, Tuck Shop Ladies in Sussex: For a classic, guaranteed entertaining dinner and a show, book now for the Tuck Shop Ladies at Inlet Cinema in Sussex Inlet. For $45 from 5.30pm, you get a Colombian food experience alongside your dose of Sam Lohs and Rosie Burgess with their pair of ukuleles and razor-sharp wit. Or opt for the cheese & wine session for $20 from 6.45pm before the 7pm performance. Either way, the Ladies will put on a fantastic show—part concert, part confessional and entirely joyful.
Saturday 19 September, Art On Show: It’s the 59th Annual Art Exhibition of the Shoalhaven Art Society, with members young and old hanging their latest masterpieces for a friendly competition and, mostly, for sale. The opening ceremony at starts at midday at the Berry School of Arts and the show runs until 8 October. To see the full details and opening hours, check the Society’s website.
Saturday 19 September, Heaven for Bird Enthusiasts: The Bird Haven Festival is coming to Shoalhaven Heads for a full day of talks, walks, raffles, refreshments and more. Tickets are $50/$25 for a day of celebration, community and learning about birds. Start off with a Bird Walk on the amazing “International Bird Airport” on the estuary, from 8.30am. Read our story about the festival to find out more.
Saturday 19 September, Indigenous Films from Across Australia: Celebrate First Nations stories at the third annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, with the theme Caring For Country. Caring For People. A mix of shorts and features will screen at Huskisson Pictures, after a welcome ceremony at 2pm. See the full program, and book your ticket, $20.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Chamber Music in KV: The intimate drawing room of Barrengarry House is the setting for two performances of chamber music by a trio of acclaimed performers on violin, piano and soprano. “Spring with Brahms & Strauss” is presented with Music in the Valley for $70/$30 including refreshments.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, KV Beer Fest: It’s the annual Craft Beer & BBQ Festival behind the Friendly Inn in the heart of Kangaroo Valley, with cooking demonstrations, mower races, kids games, line dancing and of course, loads of tasty food and drinks. Single day tickets are $30 and a weekend pass is $50 (concession tickets also available).
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Bonsai Immersive Weekend: Our local bonsai master, Mason Keene is offering a weekend of trimming, wiring, potting and talking about these artful miniature trees at his nursery in Woollamia. The tickets are $455 for one or $820 for two people and include all the supplies you need plus lunch and refreshments.
Sunday 20 September, Order Old Salt at Home: Today is the cut-off date to order your catering from Old Salt Distillery for pick-up on 24 and 25 September. The chefs behind Old Salt Distillery are taking a break from opening their premises for dining to welcome a new baby, but their dedication to their diners is unwavering. The take-home menu includes many of their fan-favourites like the slow-braised lamb and the chimichurri sauce along with a 10% discount on bottles and cans when you pick up your dishes. There will also be a chance to order before 27 September for pickup on 1 and 2 October. Email info@oldsaltdistillery.com for the full menu and to place your orders.
Friday 25–Sunday 27 September, Run to Burradise: The Culburra Beach Festival is shaping up to be an absolute cracker this year, with Crookhaven Park Oval the location of three days of live music, arts and coastal culture. Sing, dance, eat and immerse yourself in everything Culburra. There’s also a musical café trail and a kids’ art playground. Dozens of musical acts from local talent to headliners, make this program one of the best in the Festival’s history. Tickets $75 for the weekend or $40 for Friday or Saturday night.
Saturday 26 September, Pop-up Pub Choir at Culburra Festival: As part of this year’s Culburra Beach Festival, you can experience the pure joy of community singing, led by the inimitable Tina Broad. The festival organisers say, “Get out of the shower and come down to the community hall for a big group sing”. You will be amazed at how quickly the room full of people will sing an Aussie pub classic in harmony, and with a live band. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Jervis Bay Brewery will be in attendance and tickets are now available for $25. Then all you need to do it turn up at the Waratah Hall for a 3pm start. Listen to Tina talk about community choirs to inspire you to get involved.
Sunday 27 September, Tea and Tones: Steep in the sounds of live improvised music while partaking in a Chinese tea ceremony on a beautiful rural property in Falls Creek (10min drive from Huskisson), $40. Tea and Tones hosts Jax Wechsler and Scott Gillespie invite you to gather among the trees and birdsong from 10.15am for a couple of hours of slow, meditative spaciousness and shared silence.
Sunday 27 September, Adventure Book Launch: Author Ruth Boydell is launchingRocking the Boat: a life in three voyages, her debut book with an author talk followed by drinks and nibbles at the Classroom in the grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at 4pm. Learn about her adventures chronicled in this true story of adventure, courage and discovery. Signed copies will be available to purchase. Rsvp on 0412 886 382.
Plan Ahead—Get out your diary
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October: Echo Mapping at Bundanon: A unique performance billed as a thrilling, joyful sound and movement duet performed by longtime collaborators, is on at the Bundanon Art Museum with two afternoon performances $18/$12. Echo Mapping features Azzam Mohamed, dancer, performer, and educator and Jack Prest, composer, mix/master/recording engineer and interdisciplinary artist in a conversation of body, voice and live music in a mesmerising, pared-back duet.
Sunday 4 October, Sashimi Knife Demo: If you have never seen a master Japanese sashimi chef in action, this is the afternoon for you! The Tuna King of Australia, Narito Ishii will be at Loni’s on Currambene Street, Husksisson to demonstrate preparing a spectacular Southern Blue Fin Tuna. Joining him is Toshi, sushi master from two-hatted Sushi Oe. Naturally, there will be exceptional fish to eat, too. Tickets are $100 to attend this celebration of world class Japanese technique meeting some of the finest seafood our South Coast has to offer, bringing together fishermen, produce and craftsmanship for a truly unique experience.
Sunday 4 October, Pizza on the Farm: Fresh from a 3-week epic trip around the Simpson Desert, chef/farmer Ian Martin is ready to launch the new season of pizza nights at the Martins Ridge property where he raises heritage pigs and cattle. Starting on Sunday 4 October, for $70 you can enjoy the sunset over the paddocks while you start with a charcuterie board before free-flowing pizzas. The venue is fully licensed and serves a range of delicious beverages. Check their site for more dates, and beware, these events sell out very quickly.
