As the mornings turn crisp and the salt air carries the scent of woodfire, Jervis Bay settles into a slower, more soulful rhythm. This week, the focus shifts to the hinterland for the start of the nut harvest and intimate village performances that show the real heart of the Shoalhaven. From the chestnut groves of Sassafras to music-filled venues in the Bay and Berry, here is how to spend your days like a local.
Friday 20 March, Bach in the Museum: Tonight, join the salon at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to experience an intimate 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 still available for $40 (under 18s are free but need to reserve a seat) for this performance starting at 6.30pm.
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. Remember that the Budawang Ranges are cooler and wetter than the coast, and take some gloves to help protect from the chestnut burrs while collecting your harvest. We loved our visit to the farm last harvest, where we met the team behind the scenes, you can read about it here.
Saturday 21 March, Food Market: The Tomerong Food Hall is open from 8am tomorrow featuring a delicious range of local produce and providores. Bring your basket and stock up on fresh food with a small footprint and support local growers and makers, till 1pm. We recommend arriving early if you’re after sourdough as it usually sells out before 10am.
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, 10 Years of Strings: The South Coast’s premier classical music ensemble, the Steel City Strings will celebrate a decade of music-making with a special concert, Home, at the Berry School of Arts. This performance is about what home means to us and features specially commissioned works as well as familiar classical pieces. Tickets are $65/$50/$25, starts at 2pm.
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.
Sunday 22 March, Sunday Sessions Live Music: Support the venues who support the musicians we love. Here’s a selection of the best live music on this Sunday around the South Coast.
Start at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla where one of our absolute faves, Horse Drawn Cadillac will bring the heat with everything from gritty Chicago blues to Mississippi stomps, swampy country blues, and a hit of Southern funk, from 12.30pm.
Then head to the Taproom at Jervis Bay Brewing Co for Salty, the melodic folk/rock four-piece from Gerringong who have been charming audiences recently with their catchy original tunes blending rock, folk and ska with a hint of swampy countrified blues.
Finish the weekend with sunset cocktails at Bannisters Pavilion rooftop bar with the soulful music of Timea Wright from 5pm.
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.
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.
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Tuesday 31 March, Business Networking Drinks: All businesses in the Bay & Basin are invited to the monthly Bubbles, Beers & Business casual networking drinks, hosted by co-working space Greenhouse Huskisson, upstairs from the 5 Little Pigs café on Owen Street, from 5.30pm. Register for this free event, and come along to meet some of this region’s most interesting and dynamic small businesses. If you are looking for an office to rent, there is currently a large room available at the Greenhouse, so why not take the opportunity to check out the space, the vibe and the neighbours.
Thursday 2 April-Monday 6 April, Easter Art Sales: The Shoalhaven Potters and the Shoalhaven Art Society will both have art sales on over the Easter weekend, in the village of Pyree. The potters, at 888 Greenwell Point Road, have works from 18 members for sale. Come and admire the works, meet some of the makers and maybe take a unique piece home with you. Next door at 880 Greenwell Point Road, the Shoalhaven Art Society will have works for sale from many of their members, who will also be on hand to talk about their paintings. Open 10am-4pm across the long weekend.
Friday 3 April-Monday 6 April, Easter 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. We recommend parking a km or two away from the sailing club and enjoy a leisurely walk along the path to breathe in the sea air.
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, Author Talk: In Conversation with Randa Abdel-Fattah, award-winning Australian author, lawyer, sociologist and human rights advocate as she discusses her 2025 novel Discipline, an exploration of censorship, conscience and the cost of silence in academia and the media against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. In this conversation, Randa will reflect not only on her literary work but also on the broader implications of these cultural conflicts for civil liberties in Australia and beyond. Her scheduled appearance at the since-cancelled Adelaide Writers’ Week became a flashpoint for debate about freedom of expression. Randa is the Jerusalem Peace Prize Recipient for 2026 and will be honoured in Melbourne on 10 April. Tickets are $10+bf for this event at the Nowra School of Arts, starting at 5pm.
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.
Friday 10 April, Groove at Tomerong: The reggae beats of Benji and the Saltwater Sound System with their unique blend of jazz and African roots will be creating hypnotic soundscapes at Tomerong Hall, from 7.30pm. Ben’s poignant lyrics and catchy melodies front this “tangy tribe of groove merchants”, and tickets are $25/$20 +bf.
Friday 10 April, Feed Me by Ponte: The original Ponte restaurant favourite, Feed Me Friday is coming to The Growers, Worrigee Sports Club with a share plate menu that takes your taste buds on a journey through seven dishes, $65. These special dining occasions sell out pretty quickly and can only be booked online.
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: 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.
Thursday 7 May, First Nations Films in Sussex: The Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival is coming to Sussex Inlet Cinema, with a great day of films screening across three sessions. There’s a morning session for primary school students starting with a screening of Like My Brother and including lunch and a cultural experience by Gadhungal Marring, which is put on free thanks to the Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce and Neighbourhood Centre. The afternoon screening, from 1.30pm and costing $25 includes two films, afternoon tea and a cultural experience. The evening screening is from 4.30pm, $25 including a drink and cheese platter. Find out more from the SFNFF social page.
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.
