FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER: This week, the Jervis Bay region unlocks a weekend full of vibrant, unexpected experiences, from high-end dining to engaging community adventure. Catch the new evenings at Huskisson’s Darling House Deli and Fisherman’s Wharf, follow the Currarong Art Trail to meet local artists or take part in the 8th annual Sussex Inlet Santa Paddle.
Friday 5 December, Nights at the Husky Deli: Darling House Deli in Huskisson (formerly Jervis Bay Coffee Co) is now opening on Friday and Saturday nights, in time to enjoy their wine bar ambience with a sea view. On the menu for the weekend: signature special every week, 2 for 1 cocktails on Saturday afternoons between 4 & 5pm, wine, cheese, curated plates & cosy evening vibes in the heart of Husky. Seats are limited for the opening weekend so secure a spot via DM to the venue.
Saturday 6 December, Sussex Santa Paddle: The annual Sussex Inlet Santa Paddle is on for the 8th year, from 10.45am Grab your Santa suit, SUP, kayak, or canoe and join hundreds of festive paddlers on the beautiful Sussex Inlet waterways supporting two causes: Sussex Inlet Marine Rescue, and Sussex Inlet Foundation for Community Development (Youth Programs). Register online for $15/10 and stick around for the festivities.
Saturday 6 December, Currarong Art Trail: Pick up some original art for your loved ones this Christmas on the Currarong Art Trail, a walkable route in the seaside village that takes in many open studios where you can meet the artists and buy directly from them. The studios are open from 10am till 2pm with information on who’s open and how to find them on the Trail website.
Saturday 6 December, More Art to See: Head to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in Huskisson to see 1000 Colours for Lalita, a painting and sound installation in the form of a coloured, mystic, power diagram of one thousand, coloured squares that spatialises the text of an ancient Indian Sanskrit prayer by Anna Nangle. Entry to the museum is $14/$12.50, open 10am-4pm daily. Head to the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra to see a lineup of notable artists who are commemorating the 21st birthday, with all works for sale. The 12 artists in the exhibition create in a wide range of mediums, including paintings, ceramic and fibre, on till 14 February 2026.
Saturday 6 December, More Night Life in Husky: Fisherman’s Wharf Huskisson is hosting live music from Revolution Rock, a full band from Bowral playing classic hits from the 60s through to today. Catch them from 5:30–8:30pm on Saturday, bringing wharf-side vibes with covers of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, CCR, AC/DC and more. Fully licensed including cocktails and dinner menu with bar snacks.
Saturday 6 December, Twilight Markets: The final Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Twilight Markets for the year will be on from 3pm, including the fundraising bar, live music, food to eat and last-minute gift shopping. Spend the evening around the Pond and soak up the summer atmosphere.
Saturday 6 December, Milton Markets: Head south to the Milton Village Showground Markets where around 100 stallholders will surely help you with last-minute Christmas gifts, stocking up on fine fresh produce, something to wear at the beach or perhaps something for the garden. On from 9am till 2.30pm.
Saturday 6 December, Carols: The Shoalhaven Lydian Singers will sing Gloria! At the Nowra School of Arts from 2pm this Saturday, helping us to get in the spirit of the season. The recital will feature soloists from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a chamber orchestra. Tickets are $30/$15 online or at the door.
Sunday 7 December, Bonsai at the Brewery: Bonsai master and Jervis Bay local, Mason Keane is hosting a very special, 2-hour bonsai class at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Sip on a drink while you learn how to shape and wire your very own tiny tree. For $130 you get a pot, a tree, a drink and a unique Christmas tree option. Places are limited so booking is required.
Sunday 7 December, Culburra Markets: Support this lovely local monthly event on Fred Evans Lane, Culburra Beach Markets from 8am till 1pm and pick up some local produce and hand-made wares, among other things.
Sunday 7 December, Sunday Sessions Live Music: We love the venues who support independent musos across the region, not just on Sundays! But here is this Sunday’s list of recommendations from us. Start at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla where the bluesy sounds of The Stayers will be the perfect soundtrack to a laid-back afternoon, from 12.30pm. Then head to the Woollamia industrial zone to Flamin Galah, where Oli Statham will share his eclectic mix of blues, soul, folk, and reggae from 3pm. Inspired by Ben Harper and Jimi Hendrix, he’s known for versatile sets that move from mellow grooves to driving rhythms. Sample a fresh hard soda to brighten your summer’s day, passionfruit now on tap and in cans from today.
From 4pm at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co, around the corner from the Galah, where folk duo Blue Mallee bring humour, heart and cinematic soundscapes to the beer garden.
Sunset is better with a cocktail and sounds by The Condiments and DJ El Woodrow celebrating the 10th birthday of Bannisters in Mollymook, at the rooftop bar from 5pm.
What’s On This Week
Tuesday 9 December, Taco Tuesday: The Local Café in Vincentia Shopping Village has three tacos on the menu for this week and pre-orders are now open or take your chances on the day from 4.30pm until sold out (or 7pm). Taste the freshest taco flavours alongside an icy cocktail, or go for a nacho or burrito bowl. The café has also restocked beautiful blooms from the Sassafras Flowers – part of the Sassafras Nut Farm – grown by Salt Care, an organisation that provides assistance to people facing hardship.
Thursday 11 December, Stitch Meditation: Breath. Life. Thread is a unique workshop designed to be an intimate encounter with yourself, facilitated by death doula Annette Tesoriero and Dr Natalie McDonagh, through Shoalhaven Health & Arts. Participants (over 18) are encouraged to bring only themselves, all cloth and thread will be supplied, as you are guided through a meditation and the silent act of stitching. At the CWA Building in Nowra starting at 2pm, tickets are $15+bf
Friday 12 December, Vampires 20-year Tour: ARIA-award winning jazz ensemble The Vampires is making a stop at El Horses in Nowra on their 20th anniversary tour, which promises to be a night melding intertwining saxophone and trumpet, hypnotic grooves and genre-defying textures. Tickets are $30 to this show that starts at 8pm.
Plan Ahead – worth waiting for
Saturday 13 December, Bottomless at Bud’s: If you love bao buns and Long Island cocktails, book in to the next Bottomless event at Bud’s Tavern in Huskisson for a two-hour sitting, 2.30pm-4.30pm to enjoy your fill of karaage chicken, vegan sweet & sour tofu and a gf option, all for $75. Reservations are essential.
Saturday 13 December, Santa Ride for RFS: Dust off your Santa Suit and sign up to cycle in the 20th Santa Ride raising vital funds for the Huskisson Rural Fire Service. Read our story on the fantastic impact the money raised has contributed for our community.
Saturday 13 December, Xmas Pre-order Deadline at Old Salt: If you want a chef-prepared Christmas feast on your table come 25 December, this is the cut-off date to order from the special menu at Old Salt Distillery. Any order no matter how small from the Christmas menu also gets you 10% off their beverages.
Thursday 25 December, Jervis Bay Portrait Prize Open for Entries: Fair warning to start creating a portrait of a Shoalhaven resident by any artist, to enter into the inaugural Jervis Bay Portrait Prize. There’s plenty of time to choose your subject, gather your materials including a 30x30cm canvas, and get started. Entries will be $30, and more details are to come on the venue and prizes for the final show. This portrait prize is being organised by Randall Sinnamon, Scribbly Studio and Vanessa Harries, who is available for questions via email, vjharries@gmail.com.
