There's so much to see and do on the NSW far south coast this month, with major events including the George Bass Surfboat Marathon, the Tathra Wharf to Waves Ocean Swim, some great country shows and wonderful music, as well as a wide range of other activities for all kids great and small.
EVENTS
2012 XV11 NAVY GEORGE BASS SURFBOAT MARATHON & DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG SURF SKI MARATHON
Sunday, January 1 - Saturday, January 7
Seven days, seven legs and 190km of the best coastline (Bateman's Bay to Eden) in Australia - the longest, toughest surfboat race in the world. First run for surfboats in 1975; surf skis were added in the 1990s.
The course:
Day 1: Bateman's Bay to Moruya, 27km.
Day 2: Moruya to Tuross, 19km.
Day 3: Tuross to Narooma, 22km.
Day 4: Narooma to Bermagui, 24km.
Day 5: Bermagui to Tathra, 35km.
Day 6: Tathra to Pambula, 27km.
Day 7: Merimbula to Eden, around 20km, depending on actual finish line. More information at http://www.georgebassmarathon.com.au
103rd ANNUAL PAMBULA SHOW
(Saturday, January 14)
Who doesn't remember the excitement of an annual country show? Come along and relive your childhood and share it with your children and grandchildren at the Annual Pambula Equestrian events start at 8.30am with six rings including showjumping. The woodchop competition starts at 11.00pm, the grand parade features vintage cars and there are art, craft, needlework, flowers, vegetables, photography, cooking and preserves exhibits in the Pavilion. For the younger ones there is the animal nursery, Pirate Pete, face painting, alpacas, pony rides, sideshow alley and more.
See http://www.agshowsnsw.org.au/index.cfm?show_id=1357 or phone 0409 421 460.
125th ANNUAL CANDELO SHOW
(Sunday, January 15)
Exhibition of Dairy Cattle, Commercial Cattle, Dairy Goats, Poultry, Pavilion exhibits including local produce, arts, crafts and much more. Ring events including show jumping competitions are conduced throughout the day. The amazing woodchop and dog jump competitions are a must see. Our animal nursery gives children a real hands-on experience of farm animals. For more information, (02) 6493 2990 or visit www.candeloshow.org.au
11TH ANNUAL TATHRA WHARF TO WAVES WEEKEND
(Saturday, January 21 - Sunday, January 22)
Something for everyone in the family to take part in. Saturday events include a 2km Beach Fun Run and the 30km Bridge to Bridge Bike Bash from Bega to Tathra Surf Club. On Sunday it's the Wharf to Waves Ocean Swims. The 1200m Open Mal's Pizza Bite Splash for Cash Ocean Swim with cash prizes up for grabs, and a series of 600m age races. Lots of prizes.
To register for events, find times for events, or to find out more about the weekend, visit www.tathrawharf2waves.com or email info@tathrawharf2waves.com
CRUISE SHIP VISIT
(Saturday, January 31)
The stunning 'ATHENA' arrives in the port of Eden on this day.
More information from Eden Visitor Information Centre, corner Mitchell and Imlay Streets; (02) 6496 1953; www.visiteden.com.au
DRAMA SCHOOL 2012 WITH FOOTPRINT THEATRE
(January 14 - 22)
Two-day workshops including character workshop, radio play workshop, short film making, acting to camera. Classes result in a live performance for family and friends and/or a DVD recording of your achievements. Classes available for ages eight to adult (check details).
Enrol by calling (02) 6495 7160 or visiting Footprint Theatre's website at www.footprint.org.au
FAMILY FUN
TATHRA MOONLIGHT CINEMA
(January 6; January 13)
MOVIES BEGIN AT 8:30PM; Bar open. Chips, popcorn, icecream and drinks available. BYO low chairs, pillows and a blanket.
Tathra Surf Life Saving Club, Tathra Beach; (02) 6494 1588; http://www.tathrasurfclub.com.au
SAPPHIRE COAST MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE
(until January 20)
A range of activities including guided snorkeling and rocky shore rambling tours (with a marine biologist), and marine-themed craft activities. Bookings essential!
Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre, The Wharf Building, 253 Imlay Street, Eden: (02) 6496 1699; http://www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au
NATIONAL PARKS DISCOVERY PROGRAM
(throughout January - check for details)
A range of activities at different national parks through the area including canoeing, Aboriginal bush walks, rock pool rambles and baby shark feeding, introductions to tai chi and yoga in bush settings, Wanda on Wheels (traveling reptile and wildlife display), Merimbula Board Walk discovery, Davidson Whaling Station. Bookings are essential.
National Parks & Wildlife Services on 1300 361 606 or (02) 6495 5000.
KIDS CLUB ACTIVITIES MEAL DEAL AT MERIMBULA AQUARIUM AND WHARF RESTAURANT
(various dates in January)
Dine in at 6:00pm and finish by 6:30pm ready for the activities from 6:45pm to 7:30pm held in the Aquarium including a Touch Tank on display for children to hold some marine creatures. (Please Note: These activities are only for children who have participated in the Meal Deal). Open to children 3 - 12 years. Meal deal price $16.90 per child which includes free entry to Aquarium. Bookings essential.
Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, Lake Street (Merimbula Wharf); (02) 6495 4446; www.merimbulawharf.com.au
KIDS FISHING WORKSHOP
(Friday, January 13)
Kids 8-14 years old are invited to come and learn to fish safely and responsibly. Instructors are experienced volunteers and staff from the Department of Primary Industries. The day runs from 10am - 2pm and involves fishing techniques, bag and size limits, fish handling for catch and release. COST: $40 per child which includes a rod, reel, tackle box, shirt, cap, water bottle and sample bag to take home with them. A lunch and or morning/afternoon tea is also provided. At the end of the day, a quiz session, provides each child with a prize to take home, plus a certificate of achievement. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL - MAXIMUM OF 25 PARTICIPANTS.
Big Game and Lakes Angling Club Inc, Spencer Park, Main Street, Merimbula. Ring Stephen Thurstan, Primary Industries NSW, on (02) 4295 1809 or 0438 245 190 or or e-mail stephen.thurstan@industry.nsw.gov.au
NETHERCOTE SEASONAL PRODUCE MARKET
(Saturday, January 28)
A wide range of markets is on offer across the region during the holiday season (check www.sapphirecoast.com.au) but Nethercote's first seasonal market of the year promises to be a fine summer treat for lovers of fresh and local produce. As well as an abundance of salad, vegetables, and stone fruit, market-goers can stock up both kitchen and garden. We're selling organic meat, olive oil, local cheese, smoked fish, wine, eggs and freshly baked bread as well as scrumptious cakes, ice cream, jams and pickles. We sell seeds, seedlings, pot plants and trees, plus the sheep poo needed to keep them happy. Shop then flop with cake and a great cup of coffee or a BBQ breakfast, chilling in gorgeous surroundings to the music of Easy Street whose mellow rhythms have become the sound of market. Nethercote is strictly a growers market but the range of produce available and the number of stalls continues to expand. Great quality and fair prices are assured. Shoppers are advised to bring big baskets and come for the morning. From 8am to 12:00pm
For further information, call Karen on (02) 6495 7102 or Barbara on (02) 6495 6400.
ARCH THE SWAGGIE
(January 4)
Australian poetry and history for children, from 3pm.
Eden Killer Whale Museum, 184 Imlay Street; (02) 6496 2094; http://www.killerwhalemusem.com.au
TWILIGHT ART CLASS WITH TRACEY CREIGHTON AT BOARDWALKART GALLERY
(January 3 - 19)
Enjoy a later afternoon/evening class followed by drinks and nibbles in the gallery. Class limited to six participants. Learn to paint in acrylic on canvas and produce your own work of art to take home (including landscapes, seascapes and still life). Materials supplied. Class hours: 5pm - 7pm. Fee: $75 per person. Bookings are essential.
BOARDWALKART Gallery, 7 Bodalla Place, Merimbula; (02) 6495 4608; http://www.boardwalkart.com.au
SUMMER HOLIDAY ADVENTURES
Soul Quest Travel has a range of holiday activities on offer including kayaking, snorkeling, progressive dinners (local restaurants), visits to Mogo Zoo and horse riding.
Soul Quest Travel, 39 Redfern Close, South Pambula; 1800 855 439; http://www.soulquesttravel.com.au
MAGIC MOUNTAIN SUMMER ACTIVITIES
(January 2 - 25)
DJ GREY WITH KIDS KARAOKE: Monday 2nd; Wednesday 4th; Friday 6th; Monday 9th; Wednesday 11th; Friday 13th; Wednesday 18th; Friday 20th; Wednesday 25th.
KIDS MAGIC SHOW WITH THE GREAT ZAMBONI: Tuesday 3rd; Thursday 5th; Tuesday 10th; Thursday 12th; Thursday 19th
* Plus face painting may also be available on weekdays
Park opens 10am seven days (free); Unlimited rides passes: under four FREE; four-11 years $29; 12+ years $35; Senior Card $17.
Magic Mountain, Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula; (02) 6495 2299;
http://www.magicmountain.net.au
MUSIC
2012 TATHRA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
(January 3 - 5)
Three days of some of Australia's finest music, from midday January 3 to midnight on January 5. Performers include: Tim Freedman, Corey Legge, Melanie Horsnell, Heath Cullen & The 45, Ashleigh Mannix, Robert Susz Continental Blues Party, Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson, Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Andrew Winton, Chris Wilson, Andrea Kirwin & Amos Moje-Enders, Lucie Thorne & Hamish Stuart, Andrew Winton, Big Wheel, Daniel Champagne, Collard Greens and Gravy, Ray Beadle Band, Dallas Frasca, Suzannah Espie, Chase The Sun and Jeff Lang.
Tathra Hotel, 8-12 Bega Road; (02) 6494 1101; http://www.tathrahotel.com.au/Festival
SUNDAY SESSIONS LIVE MUSIC AT MIMOSA WINES & DRYSTONE RESTAURANT
(January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
Mimosa Wines and Drystone restaurant proudly presents a host of local musicians every Sunday during January in our Piazza. Music ranges from Celtic Guitar to contemporary jazz and standards. Bookings are highly recommended.
Mimosa Wines & Drystone Restaurant, 2845 Bermagui/Tathra Rd, Bunga via Bermagui; (02) 6494 0164; http://www.mimosawines.com.au
LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD AT THE THYME GARDEN GALLERY
(Every Sunday in January)
Enjoy live music every Sunday afternoon.
The Thyme Garden Gallery, 336 Sapphire Coast Drive, Tura Beach; 0428 469 461.
EXHIBITIONS
'WILDERNESS COAST' ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION
(January 3 - 5)
Art and craft exhibition and sale; Opens 7pm on January 3 with free drinks and nibbles in the club auditorium. Also open Wed 4th - 10am to 8pm and Thurs 5th -10am to 8pm. Pottery, china painting, needlework, leadlight, mosaics and photography.
Bermagui Country Club, Tuross Street; (02) 6493 4340; http://www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au
ART @ BERMI EXHIBITION
(January 2- 15)
An annual exhibition of painting, ceramics, sculpture, mosaic, print, pottery and woodwork. Shop7 Artspace, Bermagui Fishermen's Wharf, Lamont Street; (02) 6493 4575; http://bermaguifishermenswharf.com.au
EXHIBITION BUILT FOR THE BUSH - GREEN ARCHITECTURE OF AUSTRALIA
(until February 13)
This travelling exhibition from the Historic Houses Trust explores some of the energy-efficient features of Australia's 19th century country homes and the reappearance of many of these traditional practices in contemporary green architecture.
Eden Killer Whale Museum, 184 Imlay Street; (02) 6496 2094; http://www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au
BODY | FORM | SURFACE - Australian Pottery at Bemboka
(until June 30)
A gallery featuring Australian pottery 1960s to date. This season we are contrasting the effect of flame on wood-fired works with the delicacy of porcelain and the bling of lustres and crystalline glazes. We have liberated a range of platters from the gallery drawers and one wall is devoted to teapots, mugs, etc. Gallery hours: 10am to 5pm Friday - Monday or by appointment.
Australian Pottery at Bemboka, 1 Oliver Street; (02) 6493 0491;
www.australianpotteryatbemboka.com.au
EVER PRESENT PAST by Beth Hatton, Christine James & Julian Laffan
(January 6 - February 20)
An exhibition of 2D and 3D works evoking transitional narratives from the constant modification of our landscapes by human habitation and endeavour, the layering of generations, the memories of 'work' within the living landscape. Drinks with the artists Saturday 7th at 6pm. Gallery open - Friday Saturday Sunday and Monday 10:30am to 5:30pm and by appointment.
Narek Galleries, Old Tanja Church, 1140 Tathra-Bermagui Road, Tanja; (02) 6494 0112;
www.narekgalleries.com
VERONICA O'LEARY AND KAREN CHARLEBOIS
(January 6-30)
An exhibition of paintings by Veronica O'Leary and sculpture by Karen Charlebois. Drinks with the artists, Saturday 7th from 6pm. Gallery open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 5pm.
Ivy Hill Gallery, 1795 Bermagui Road, Wapengo; (02) 6494 0152; www.ivyhill.com.au
MORE INFORMATION
You can find details about accommodation and other activities on the Sapphire Coast by visiting the website (http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au) or calling toll-free on 1800 150 457.
