FRIDAY 26 DECEMBER: Jervis Bay is buzzing with summer fun, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, catch world-class live music, or join the family fun at a summer fair or carnival, our local area is serving up a spectacular variety of high-quality experiences. Dive into the best of the Bay and Basin these holidays with our curated weekly guide to what’s on.
Friday 26 December, Husky Carnival Kick-off: The annual carnival in the sports fields of Huskisson, by entertainment co, Joylands starts today with ticket prices from $40 for one night or $225 for a season pass. There are around 18 rides plus food and entertainment for the whole family, every night from 6pm-10pm, till 26 January.
Saturday 27 December, Artists’ Open Studios: The Jervis Bay Arts Trail is on across the Bay & Basin with around half a dozen artists opening their studios this month in Vincentia, Sanctuary Point and Tomerong. For the full list of who is open and how to find them between 10am and 3pm, plus a handy map, see their website.
If you want to check out some more art and exhibitions this week, we can recommend immersing yourself in the artist’s presentation of what it means to be a sea person at Mariw Minaral Exhibition, at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Works including intricate linocut prints as well as sculptural works, contemporary masks and film by Torres Strait Islands artist Alick Tipoti. The museum is open daily, 10am-4pm and entry is $14/$12.50. Until 31 May.
Or head to Culburra to see an exhibition by the Shoalhaven plein air painters and friends, Summertime, now on at The Common South Coast. From boats and birds to bikini bottoms, these works are all for sale and best enjoyed with a beverage in hand from the bar at The Common, open Thursday to Sunday.
Saturday 27 December, Summer Fair in Ulladulla: There’s a wonderful afternoon of street foods (including a special dessert section), artisans stalls, live music and carnival rides planned at the Ulladulla Civic Centre Summer Fair, starting at 4pm and wrapping up around 10pm. Directly across from the picturesque working harbour, where you can stroll along the waterfront.
Saturday 27 December, Bands on the Bay pop up Starts Today: The twice-annual coastal pop-up that is a locals’ favourite joint venture between Jervis Bay Brewing Co and the Vincentia Sailing Club is on again at Plantation Point. Don’t forget the deal with the reusable cups – you will get your deposit back when you return your cup! On daily till 4 January. Check online for the full program of food trucks and music acts.
Sunday 28 December, Markets in Berry: Head to the Berry Bowlo from 10am for a boutique markets including fresh produce and baked goods. There will be a facepainter for the kids, live music and outdoor seating areas, till 3pm.
Sunday 28 December, Sunday Sessions: There’s always plenty of incredible livemusic across the South Coast, here’s a selection we love: Start at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla for one of our all-time favourite musical duos, The Castaways, playing from 12.30pm. Their country-pop soundtrack is the perfect accompaniment to lunch on what promises to be a mild summer’s day. Then head to Flamin Galah in the industrial zone at Woollamia for more country-pop with a dash of rock as Liam Maihi brings the vibes to the beer garden from 3pm.
Over the road at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co, the afternoon’s musical entertainment will come from singer/songwriter Jeremy Butterworth, bringing joyful music the whole family will enjoy.
Sunset cocktails with the perfect soundtrack can be found at the rooftop bar of Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook, with Timea Wright providing a soulful and mellow live music soundtrack from 5pm.
Wednesday 31 December, Make Plans for NYE: Read our story by Hospitality Editor Narrell Tabone for the hottest tickets in Huskisson this New Year’s Eve.
Fresh ideas:
Flamin Galah’s first-ever NYE celebration in the Woollamia industrial estate, starting with karaoke at 6.30pm, followed by DJ Nemesis keeping the dance floor alive till after the midnight countdown. They are taking group bookings now or drop in after the 9pm fireworks in Huskisson.
Bar Yuki in Milton is loading up a full night of DJs, dancing and immersive party chaos, including best dressed prizes. Doors open at 6pm and close after the Countdown, tickets from $22.
The Growers By Ponte at the Worrigee Sports Club is hosting a dinner party, from 6pm with a sumptuous 5-course set menu to see out the year in style. For $65/$40/$25 this family-friendly new year’s eve feast includes seafood and a classic dessert, book online.
Dance Tribe South Coast is holding a New Years Eve Arv dance meditation at Tomerong Hall from 2pm-4pm, to help release the year by shaking off, clearing out and setting intentions for the new year. This is a 16+, alcohol free event. Tickets are $30 online or at the door.
Wednesday 31 December, Bottomless at Bud’s: Start your NYE celebrations (or end your year, depending which way you look at it) with a delicious Bottomless Brunch at Bud’s Tavern in Huskisson. For $75, you get endless refills of Lady Assassins combined with dumplings from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Book on the Bud’s website and prepare to indulge.
Plan Ahead – these things are worth waiting for!
Saturday 3 January, Yoga at Worrowing: In need of a new year’s refresh? Start with an early morning yoga class with Mary Baseler, in the new venue, Melaleuca at Worrowing. Classes start at $25 for a casual, and the program can be found on their website.
Sunday 4 January, Daniel Champagne Plays Tomerong: The community hall in Tomerong offers another fantastic Aussie performer, Daniel Champagne, singer/songwriter, one-man instrumentalist of a unique fusion of folk, blues, roots and pop. This family-friendly concert starts at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) and tickets are $40/$20 to see this internationally-acclaimed musician.
Thursday 8 January, Music at the Museum: On Thursday evenings throughout January, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is serving up sensational music by the pond, with the Whaler’s Bar open for a drink and a food truck or two offering snacks or an early dinner. Start with two incredible local acts with the unmistakable sounds of Kim Hair singing all the jazz favourites at 3pm, followed by the Jackee B Trio at 5pm. El Cantina will be serving Tex-Mex dinner and sweet Coastal Swirls for dessert.
Monday 26 January, Duck Derby: Get ready for a quacky Australia Day at Moona Moona Creek with the annual Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Duck Derby fundraiser from 9am. Tickets are now on sale for race day, from $5, which could win you a fistful of dollars if your duck floats in first at Moona Moona Creek. Stay tuned for more information about the day, including market stalls, food trucks and entertainment.
