FRIDAY 23 JANUARY: Whether you’re settling in for the Triple J countdown at the Husky Pub, hunting for handmade ceramics at the Pyree markets, or joining a “Walking Together” ceremony in Nowra, this Australia Day long weekend is packed with ways to connect. From the industrial-chic beer gardens of Woollamia to the tranquil banks of the Shoalhaven, here is everything you need to know to plan your week on the coast.
Saturday 24 January, Hottest 100 Listening Party: Head to the Husky Pub for their annual Triple J Hottest 100 Listening Party, where the countdown will be aired live from midday.
Saturday 24 January, Jervis Bay Arts Trail: Support local artists on this trail through the home studios of some seriously talented Jervis Bay artists. The Jervis Bay Arts Trail is on from 10am till 3pm, see the website for who is open, how to find them and a handy map.
Sunday 25 January, Local Markets: The Pyree Village Art & Handmade Market is on from 9am-1.30pm out along Greenwell Point Road. Alongside the Shoalhaven Potters will be a range of handmade items, crafts and homewares. The Berry Village Market has been cancelled due to forecast high temps.
Sunday 25 January, Irish Session: If you love traditional Irish music, come along to a session at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village (2 doors up from The Local café) from 3pm-5pm. All instruments and singers are welcome, music is provided on the day and BYO snacks.
Sunday 25 January, Sunday Sessions Live Music: If you love to support some of the best indie music around the Coast, we have a few top recommendations for you. Two of our favourite South Coast acts will be in the Woollamia industrial zones’s beer gardens.
The Castaways duo will play their upbeat and breezy set from 3pm at Flamin Galah while Benji Fowler, best known for his reggae ensemble The Saltwater Sound System is playing at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co Taproom from 4pm.
For a perfect lunchtime soundtrack, head to Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla where the 7-piece band Soul Tonic will be blending funk, soul and disco including rich horns and warm vocals.
Monday 26 January, Walking Together in Nowra: The Resistance & Resilience event at Harry Sawkins Park will start at 10am with a smoking ceremony and welcome, and all are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, chair, plenty of water and find some shade. Throughout the day till 2pm there will be entertainment by Koori performers, and elders tent, panel discussions, artists’ market stalls, kids’ activities and more. This is an alcohol free event by the Shoalhaven Walking Together Alliance.
Monday 26 January, Gadhugal Marring at Moona: At Moona Moona Creek Reserve in Huskisson, cultural custodians Gadhungal Marring will start the day at 9am with a smoking ceremony and welcome, followed by performances and stories, while the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay will host the annual Duck Derby. Read more about these events in our story.
Monday 26 January, Indigenous Animation Family Movie Afternoon: An animated film combining Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge technology, Imagine is a movie about Kim, a 15-year-old non-binary kid drowning in the noise of the attention economy, guided by Jeff, a sarcastic alien dog, and the steady voices of Aboriginal Elders. Showing at Nowra Library from 2.30pm. Tickets are $5+bf online, bring a cushion and popcorn will be provided. This is a general admission film suitable for all ages.
Monday 26 January, Healing Day at KV: Kangaroo Valley Park Care is holding a Healing Day gathering under the Hampden Bridge, including some bushcare activities, followed by a swim and food. Everyone is welcome at this free, family friendly event, from 4pm.
Monday 26 January, Portrait Deadline: Today is the final day to enter your portrait of a Jervis Bay resident in the inaugural Jervis Bay Portrait Prize, by 6pm. Entry of a 30x30cm portrait is just $30 and entries must include a 50-word statement about the sitter. Find out all the entry requirements on their Facebook page, and hurry!
Friday 30 January, Flamin Speed Dating: The craft brewery Flamin Galah is almost sold out of spots for its first speed dating event for singles aged 30-45. For $20, you get a welcome drink, 5-minute meets and a 15-minute break halfway through the 2-hour session that starts at 6.30pm. If you feel like it’s time to ditch the apps, this IRL mixer might be the antidote you seek. An event for the younger crowd has just been announced for the night before Valentines Day on Friday 13 February.
Plan Ahead
Sunday 8 February, Bottomless at Husky Pub: Enjoy two hours of tacos and margaritas from midday at the Waterfront Bar of the Huskisson Hotel, at this $65 bottomless brunch. Colourful plates and a stunning outlook is best shared with friends.
Friday 13 February, Portrait Prize Opening Night: The highly anticipated inaugural Jervis Bay Portrait Prize will be revealed at 6pm at Jervis Bay Brewing Co, with the winner set to receive $1000 cash and two vouchers up for grabs for two more artists. This promises to be revealing night about artists and their sitters!
Saturday 21 February, Comedy at the Brewery: The Wollongong Comedy Festival is touring two funny fellows to the Jervis Bay Brewing Co for a night of hilarity for $25. From 7pm, Cam Knight, whose familiar face has hosted many a TV show and Chris Radburn, a former lawyer-turned-comedian, will be bringing the laughs.
Sunday 22 February, Drag High Tea in Husky: Celebrated cabaret drag star, Dolly Diamond is bringing her signature charisma and comedy to the Huskisson Community Centre for a high tea that promises to be OTT. For a few hours from 2.30pm, enjoy a banquet-style high tea with either mocktails or cocktails served by the boutique mixologist behind the vintage Ansett trolley along with a captivating show. Earlybird tickets are currently available for $79+bf for the mocktail version and $115+bf for the alcoholic option.
Saturday 28 February, Get in the Spirit: The Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival is on again at the Husky Pub and White Sands Park, starting at midday and showcasing the South Coast’s finest distillers, food trucks serving up delicious snacks, and live music by the Bay. Tickets are now on sale, $22.49 includes bf.
Saturday 14 March, St Paddys Day In Jervis Bay: The rousing fiddle and lyrical voices of Lindsay Martin and Victoria Vigenser will make this a St Paddys 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.
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. Tickets are $40 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.
