FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER: Tonight’s new art show highlights local female creatives at Jervis Bay Brewing Co, while humpback whales pass right along our coastline as they head back to the Southern Ocean. From sea pool swims to open studio trails, our local villages have a packed lineup of events across the Bay and Basin this week.
Things to do Right Now
Celebrate Women in Brewing and Art on Friday. Tonight, Friday 4 September at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co, the Pink exhibition opens with artworks by 12 exceptionally talented local artists, from 6pm. In support of the Pink Boots Society, a community of women and non-binary folks in the fermentation industry—from brewing and distilling to designing labels—local artists such as Dr Vanessa Barbay, Pat Campion and Helen Nugent are among the artists in the show. Enjoy the infectious vibe of George Bishop’s music and a snack from the 5 Little Pigs food truck.
Visit a Pop-up Gallery Shop on Saturday. In Erowal Bay, Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop presents the work of 20+ makers and artists, curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh. As well as investment pieces, you will find beautiful, hand-made works priced under $100 in the enticing collection of ceramics, textiles, wearables, toys, jewellery, homewares, wall-hung work, and one-off cards that Natalie has curated for this iteration of the Artfulmind Gallery. Email Natalie to let her know you are coming and she will send you the address. Also open on Saturdays 12 + 19 September with an opportunity to Meet the Makers 2-4pm on each of the three Saturday pop-ups. Artfulmind is open from 11am-4pm.
Dunk Yourself in a Sea Pool. The Ulladulla and Huskisson sea pools are now open for swimming. Husky is closed to be flushed with new water on Thursdays and Ulladulla on Tuesdays, check their web pages for the latest on opening hours and maintenance.
Watch the Southern Migration of Humpbacks. The majestic creatures are heading south again from their sojourn in the warmer waters of the north for the breeding season. Tour operators including Woebegone Dive and Jervis Bay Wild are reporting lots of activity on the Humpback Highway and even in the Bay. Find a land-based vantage point in Booderee National Park.
Fire Permits Now Required. The bush fire season is already upon us and the local RFS brigades are reminding everyone that you need a permit from 1 September for any light pile burns, burn-offs or non-recreational fires. Please check the current status before you light any fire as total fire bans may be applied at any time.
What Else is Happening Around the Bay & Basin
On Now–Saturday 10 October, New Exhibition at Melaleuca: Artist Taz Witkamp is showing her latest serious of Australian landscape paintings at Melaleuca at Worrowing, which she describes as a love letter to the South Coast and a witness statement to a world changing beneath her brush. The series, Incomplete Diorama, is inspired by often-unnoticed pockets of bushland, and feature raw and incomplete elements that emphasise something authentically human. View the exhibition Wednesday-Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 9am-12pm. Check the website before you visit for up-to-date opening hours.
Saturday 5 September, Local Markets: While the Milton Showground Markets have been cancelled due to the forecast wind, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Market is on by the pond from 10am-2pm. This Saturday, there will be live music from 11am-1pm from the Jackee B Trio, so bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it.
Saturday 5 September, Art Trail: The Currarong Art Trail is on from 10am-3pm, a walkable meander around the seaside village meeting the makers and buying new artworks direct from the studio where they were created. See the website for information about open studios.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, Grevillea Magic: If you fancy a bit of a drive and a wander through a rarely-open garden, this is your chance to head up to Bulli to see the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden, which is only open to the public on the occasional weekend (also next weekend, 12/13 September), 10am-4pm. The garden was established in 1987 to house the Grevillea Study Group’s plant collection and to showcase Australian native plants. This time of year, the garden puts on a stunning display worth the 1.5 hour drive from Huskisson. Alongside the beauty of the collection, the park has a scientific mandate as a member of the South East NSW Bioregion Working Group which aims to increase knowledge of rare and significant flora.
Sunday 6 September, Local Markets: Start your day at one of these local markets with a hot coffee in hand. Berry Markets is on at the showgrounds from 8am-2pm, as you wander around the 100+ stalls, keep your eye out for Wernincke Craft Cottage who are garnering support for their venue on the park in Nowra, which is at risk of being sold off by Council. Culburra Beach Markets is on from 8am-1pm at the community centre on Fred Evans Lane. Browse the all-local makers, growers, artists, crafters and small businesses and find something special for Dad.
Wednesday 9 September & Thursday 10 September, Angelic Voices: Six local public schools are performing each night at this year’s Shoalhaven Choral Music Festival for two nights at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, after much dedicated rehearsing by the students and their choral leaders. Come along to this celebration in song for $23/$17 and free to students who are performing. Both evenings commence at 5.45pm.
Saturday 12 September, Feast Along the Shores of Jervis Bay: The Coastal Forage progressive lunch is on again along the foreshore of Jervis Bay. For $225, taste the flavours of our very best chefs and producers at dining stations from Moona Moona Creek to Orion Beach. Spend a leisurely few hours taking in the 10 stops, with morsels created by Old Salt Distillery, Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp and Cupitt’s Estate, among many others. The route is almost all flat and a van will be ready to return you to the carpark at the end of your journey.
Sunday 13 September, Women’s Spring Gathering at Falls Creek: Join a small gathering on a bushland property only minutes from Huskisson or Nowra to find out what might be wanting to bloom in your life. Hosted by Jax Weschler who will perform a mindful tea ceremony alongside practices to help you slow down, listen to yourself and be held by nature. Reserve a place, from $80 for the day which starts at 9am, and accommodation options are also available.
Saturday 19 September, Heaven for Bird Enthusiasts: The Bird Haven Festival is coming to Shoalhaven Heads for a full day of talks, walks, raffles, refreshments and more. Tickets are $50/$25 for a day of celebration, community and learning about birds. Start off with a Bird Walk on the amazing “International Bird Airport” on the estuary, from 8.30am. Read our story about the festival to find out more.
Saturday 19 September, Indigenous Films from Across Australia: Celebrate First Nations stories at the third annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, with the theme Caring For Country. Caring For People. A mix of shorts and features will screen at Huskisson Pictures, after a welcome ceremony at 2pm. See the full program, and book your ticket, $20.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Chamber Music in KV: The intimate drawing room of Barrengarry House is the setting for two performances of chamber music by a trio of acclaimed performers on violin, piano and soprano. “Spring with Brahms & Strauss” is presented with Music in the Valley for $70/$30 including refreshments.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, KV Beer Fest: It’s the annual Craft Beer & BBQ Festival behind the Friendly Inn in the heart of Kangaroo Valley, with cooking demonstrations, mower races, kids games, line dancing and of course, loads of tasty food and drinks. Single day tickets are $30 and a weekend pass is $50 (concession tickets also available).
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Bonsai Immersive Weekend: Our local bonsai master, Mason Keene is offering a weekend of trimming, wiring, potting and talking about these artful miniature trees at his nursery in Woollamia. The tickets are $455 for one or $820 for two people and include all the supplies you need plus lunch and refreshments.
Saturday 26 September, Pop-up Pub Choir at Culburra: As part of this year’s Culburra Beach Festival, you can experience the pure joy of community singing, led by the inimitable Tina Broad. The festival organisers say, “Get out of the shower and come down to the community hall for a big group sing”. You will be amazed at how quickly the room full of people will sing an Aussie pub classic in harmony, and with a live band. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Jervis Bay Brewery will be in attendance and tickets are now available for $25. Then all you need to do it turn up at the Waratah Hall for a 3pm start. Listen to Tina talk about community choirs to inspire you to get involved.
Sunday 27 September, Tea and Tones: Steep in the sounds of live improvised music while partaking in a Chinese tea ceremony on a beautiful rural property in Falls Creek (10min drive from Huskisson), $40. Tea and Tones hosts Jax Wechsler and Scott Gillespie invite you to gather among the trees and birdsong from 10.15am for a couple of hours of slow, meditative spaciousness and shared silence.
Sunday 27 September, Adventure Book Launch: Author Ruth Boydell is launchingRocking the Boat: a life in three voyages, her debut book with an author talk followed by drinks and nibbles at the Classroom in the grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at 4pm. Learn about her adventures chronicled in this true story of adventure, courage and discovery. Signed copies will be available to purchase. Rsvp on 0412 886 382.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October: Echo Mapping at Bundanon: A unique performance billed as a thrilling, joyful sound and movement duet performed by longtime collaborators, is on at the Bundanon Art Museum with two afternoon performances $18/$12. Echo Mapping features Azzam Mohamed, dancer, performer, and educator and Jack Prest, composer, mix/master/recording engineer and interdisciplinary artist in a conversation of body, voice and live music in a mesmerising, pared-back duet.
