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Autumn Gold & Local Soul: Your Insider Guide to Jervis Bay

By

Samantha Tannous

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FRIDAY 13 MARCH: The light is changing, the mornings are crisp, and Jervis Bay is leaning into the cozy, creative energy of autumn. While the crowds thin out, the local calendar is filling up with events that celebrate the people and the produce that make this region so special. From world-class classical music in the museum to foraging for your own dinner on the escarpment, here is how to spend your next seven days like a local.

Bek shows us how to score a chestnut at Sassafras Nuts. Photo Samantha Tannous
Bek shows us how to score a chestnut at Sassafras Nuts. Photo Samantha Tannous

Saturday 14 March, Women Performing, Women Writing: As part of International Women’s Day celebrations for 2026, a special concert for women, by women is on at Tomerong Hall, $10/$5. Arrive by 6pm to enjoy food by Claude’s Kitchen, with performances starting at 7pm. Earlier in the day, women writers are invited to join a session at Nowra library meeting room where they can read their work in a warm and supportive environment. Arrive at 10.30 for an 11am start, $5 with refreshments provided.

Saturday 14 March, St Paddy’s Day In Jervis Bay: The rousing fiddle and lyrical voices of Lindsay Martin and Victoria Vigenser will make this a St Paddy’s Day eve to rejoice at Jervis Bay Brewing Co from 2pm. To aid the celebrations, the Taproom will be serving  $7 schooners of a new Irish stout. Wear something green and head out to the Woollamia industrial zone. READ MORE

Sunday 15 March, More St Paddy’s Day in Huskisson: The Jervis Bay Slow Sessions will perform Celtic folk music to kick off an afternoon and evening of Irish hospitality at Sandbar Restaurant in Huskisson. Chef Jason Wilkinson will be serving tasty traditional fare such as corned beef and cabbage sliders and of course, Irish stew, while pints of Guinness will be flowing. For the non-beer drinkers, the bar is mixing up some Irish themed cocktails. Live music from 3pm-5pm and you can book a table online.

Sunday 15 March, Sunday Sessions Live Music: If the above isn’t enough, here are a few more recommendations for sensational music around the South Coast this weekend. Start with pop-folk duo, The Castaways at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla from 12.30pm, the perfect soundtrack for a lazy lunch in the vineyard. Head to the Jervis Bay Brewing Co Taproom, in the Woollamia industrial estate for the soulful melodies and joyous music of Jeremy Butterworth from 4pm. Then it’s the smooth jazz of Lux Trevis for sunset cocktails at Bannisters Pavilion rooftop bar in Mollymook from 5pm.

Monday 16 March, International Women’s Day Morning Tea Vincentia: Come along to the Hub at Vincentia Shopping Village on Burton Street to commemorate International Women’s Day with a morning tea. Three prominent women from our local community will speak on a panel: Christine Miller, Cr Jemma Tribe and Joanne Warren. Please rsvp via email for this free event (for catering purposes).

Learn how to rewild your garden to attract endangered native species like the Australian blue banded bee. Photo via Wiki Commons/Louise Docker
Learn how to rewild your garden to attract endangered native species like the Australian blue banded bee. Photo via Wiki Commons/Louise Docker

Monday 16 March, Rewild Your Garden: Only a few seats remain for this talk at the Nowra branch of Shoalhaven Libraries where you can learn about Rewilding Your Garden – part of NSW Seniors Week celebrations. From 5.30pm till 6.30pm, Jeff from Whipbird Environmental will give an inspiring talk on practical ways gardeners can support native species and create resilient ecosystems.

Thursday 19 March, Dancing Freedom: Dance Tribe South Coast is hosting a Conscious Dance and Sound Bathing evening at Tomerong Hall, from 7pm, . A soundtrack reflecting the elements is the perfect accompaniment to a movement meditation, for ages 16+. Bring a shawl and/or yoga mat, $25 online or $30 at the door.

Friday 20 March-Sunday 19 April, Chestnut Harvest: Sassafras Nuts, the chestnut, walnut and mushroom farm on the escarpment west of Jervis Bay, is gearing up for its annual very short harvest season, where you can collect your own bounty. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for up-to-date information on the harvest. Entrance is $5 per person (children under 12 free). Pick your own nuts for $12kg or buy pre-packed chestnuts at the on-site farm shop. We loved our visit to the farm last harvest, where we met the team behind the scenes, you can read about it here.

Friday 20 March, Bach in the Museum: Music in the Regions is touring another internationally acclaimed classical performance, by Bach Akademie Australia who bring the musical story of J.S. Bach to life, including his famous Concerto for two violins in D minor and some special arias for soprano. Tickets are $40 (under 18s are free but need to reserve a seat) for this performance at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, starting at 6.30pm. There will also be performances in Berry and Ulladulla on this tour.

Saturday 21 March, Jazz in KV: Hear the swing sounds and slow ballads of Sydney jazz vocalist Kate Wadey, supported by some of Australia’s top jazz musicians, performing at Kangaroo Valley Hall from 5pm, tickets $40/$30/$20. Kate will perform some well-known jazz standards alongside original compositions. Doors open 4.30pm and drinks and light refreshments will be available.

Saturday 21 March, Makers Market: The destination is the Bundanon Art Museum in Illaroo – about 50min drive from Huskisson – for one of their Makers Markets, 9am-3pm. This is a lovely way to explore the property while supporting independent makers and artists.

Sunday 22 March, Spiritual Journey in Film: A special event screening of ‘Ocean to Sky’ is on at Husky Pictures from 2.30pm, the multi-award-winning film by Michael Dillon. This iconic story follows Sir Edmund Hilary in jet boats up the Ganges as far as possible, then hiking to the source of the river. Read more about this extraordinary tale and see a trailer. Tickets available in the box office at Husky Pictures or you can reserve a seat by calling (02) 4441 5076 or email hp.movies@2540.net.au.

Plan Ahead – get out your diaries

Monday 23 March, Filo Feasts: Bud’s Tavern in Huskisson is continuing their Filipino Mondays, which is the best excuse to stay out of the kitchen. Enjoy authentic flavours with a contemporary twist from chef Curth and the team, book a table online.

Thursday 19 March, McLaren Vale in the Shoalhaven: Wines from the Mitolo family and the star wine maker Luke Mallaby, will be showcased at a special dinner at The Growers By Ponte, at the Worrigee Sports Club along Greenwell Point Road. Starting at 6pm, this is a 3.5-hour dining experience across four courses plus canapés on arrival, $110+bf per person. Book online.

Sunday 29 March, Musical Tales at Coastal Waters: Marvel at the sonic wizardry of Niq Reefman, a songwriter, musician and inventor who can simultaneously play a synth accordion (named Morpheus) and a trumpet named Victor. Residents and friends of Coastal Waters retirement village are invited to witness this unique trio lays brass lines over a klezmer groove, $25 at the door (card or cash) and the bar will be open prior to the performance which starts at 2pm in the auditorium.

Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April, Bands on the Bay: The twice-annual collab between Vincentia Sailing Club and Jervis Bay Brewing Co is on again for the Easter weekend at Plantation Point, 12pm-8pm daily. Check the full schedule for live music and food trucks and prepare for a cruisy weekend kicking back by the Bay.

Saturday 4 April, Blak Markets: The South Coast First Nations cultural custodians Djirirba Waagura will be hosting a Blak Markets starting with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 9am, and including dance and music performances, free weaving workshops and stalls offering original and affordable artworks, handcrafts, homewares and jewellery. There will also be food and refreshments available. In White Sands Park till 2pm.

Saturday 4 April, Piglets in KV: It’s time for the annual Pig Day Out in Kangaroo Valley for Easter, at The Friendly Inn. Back a racing piglet to win pub vouchers and cash prizes. There will be a great lineup of live local music alongside the pig racing, with all proceeds going to our local community groups. The first race is at 11.30am.

Saturday 11 April, Harvest Fair: Sassafras Nuts’ annual Harvest Fair will be a great day out for the family at this chestnut, walnut and mushroom farm – and a flower farm tucked away on the property, too – where you can pick, roast and eat the nuts while enjoying market stalls and entertainment. Entry is $5 and kids under 12 are free.

Thursday 23 April, Movie Night for Cancer Research: Buy a ticket to a special screening of romcom, You, Me & Tuscany for $25 in support of the Mothers Day Classic, raising funds for cancer research. Sponsored by Husky Bakery, your ticket includes a drink and a treat plus entry into a lucky door prize. The team behind the Huskisson fundraising promises a fun night starting at 6.30pm (film starts at 7pm).

Sunday 26 April, Huskisson Artisans Market: One for your diary, the first Huskisson Artisans Market for the year – this is a celebration of makers, artists and providores at the Huskisson Community Centre, 10am-3pm, featuring hand crafted items from jewellery and textiles to ceramics and small-batch specialty foods and beverages. The Artfulmind pop-up gallery/shop is a unique centrepiece of the event, curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh and showcasing a dozen of the South Coast’s finest makers. These markets are designed by artisans, for artisans to offer the community a wonderful opportunity to meet the makers and support independent artisans. Stallholders can apply till 23 March.

Friday 1 May-Sunday 3 May, Jazz in Milton: The second annual Milton Folk Jazz and Blues Festival will be a celebration of music, community and culture. The festival weaves through Milton town and its parks, pubs and establishments over three days, including 70 free performances at over 20 venues throughout the town. See the program and make your plans.

Sunday 10 May, Mother’s Day Classic: One for your diary: the annual Mother’s Day Classic, the nationwide event that raises funds for breast and ovarian cancer research, is turning 10 in Huskisson this year. There will be 3km, 5km or 10km walks/ runs as well as family-friendly events in and around White Sands Park. Get in early, register your participation and start hitting up your family and friends for support.

Samantha Tannous

Samantha is a visual artist, and also organises arts, crafts and cultural events, including Arts Muster on the stunning NSW South Coast. Sam has also enjoyed a successful career as a public relations consultant and journalist, content creator and social media communicator.