The holiday season is drawing to a close, but there are still events and attractions to check out in the regions!
If you’re keen to keep the summer spirit going, there are plenty of events where you can get out and about. A touring digital installation all about Australia’s birdlife is on display in Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, while Tiny Zoo’s wildlife sessions are continuing (if you’re brave enough to meet some of our animal friends). Basketball NSW has also organised a one-day clinic for beginners and experienced players alike and there is plenty planned for an annual race meeting in Moruya.
Meanwhile, the Archibald Prize 2023 touring exhibition has its final days in Bega before it moves to its next stop and Bungendore will host a session dedicated to improving teenage girls’ self-esteem. The coming week will also be a strong one for music, with a Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribute show taking to the stage in Thredbo, as well as gigs from Corey Legge and Daniel Champagne taking place in the state’s south.
Multiple days
The Birds of Australia installation
When: 14 December 2023 to 17 March 2024
Where: Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, Deep Creek Dam Road, Batemans Bay
Cost: Free entry.
Birds of all kinds are coming to Eurobodalla Shire in this touring digital installation. This exhibition sees a 3D cube illuminated with the work of English ornithologist John and Elizabeth Gould, as well as First Nations stories and knowledge in the first comprehensive survey of the birds of Australia. The Goulds travelled across NSW in the 1800s, describing and illustrating Australian birds. This installation, presented by the Australian Museum, isn’t just something to look at – scan the QR code to hear the birdcalls, for interactive activities and more.
Archibald Prize 2023 touring exhibition
When: 18 November to 7 January, 10 am to 5 pm daily
Where: South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA), Zingel Place, Bega
Cost: Tickets cost between $10 and $50 (depending on age and ticket package purchased), and are available via the centre’s website.
If you haven’t stopped by SECCA and taken a browse through this very special touring exhibition, you don’t have much time left before it closes this week. One of just six galleries across NSW and Victoria to host the touring Archibald Prize tour, all 57 artworks from the national prize are on display in Bega. It is the first exhibition to be hosted by SECCA since it opened in late 2023 after a multi-million dollar redevelopment.
Wildlife at the Wharf: Summer Sessions
When: 29 December 2023 to 27 January 2024 (specific days), various times
Where: Eden Visitor Information Centre, Snug Cove, Weecoon Street, Eden
Cost: Tickets cost between $12 (5 to 15 years) and $22 (16 years and older) and are available via Tiny Zoo’s website.
Summertime brings many animals out to play, and this holds true at Eden. Tiny Zoo is offering the chance to meet insects, a python or a potoroo (and yes, you may be able to touch or even hold the animals, pending animal welfare concerns). A zookeeper or ecologist will be on hand to answer any questions and to teach everyone about the animals. Each session will be capped at 12 people, so get in quick to book your spots – if you are brave enough!
Friday
Thredbo Summer Music Series: Tusk
When: 5 January, 2 to 6 pm
Where: Alpine Bar, Thredbo Resort, Thredbo Village
Cost: Free entry.
Music is coming back to the mountains as the Thredbo Music Series returns for another series of live performances. On the second of three consecutive weekends, Tusk will take to the stage in a Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribute show set to showcase some of the best of rock. The concert – which will give you the chance to sing along to chart-topping favourite hits – is for all ages. While this is a free event, entry is first come, first served.
Saturday
Corey Legge at Cobargo Hotel Motel
When: 6 January, 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Cobargo Hotel Motel, 39-41 Princes Highway, Cobargo
Cost: Free entry.
Who says you have to have a quiet night inside on a Saturday? Corey Legge will take to the stage at the Cobargo Hotel Motel with an acoustic performance. His setlist will include his own alt-country, blues and rock music, as well as covers of well known hits by Chris Stapleton, Bernard Fanning and Paul Kelly.
South Coast Summer Slam
When: 6 January, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Moruya Basketball Stadium, Moruya Showground, 98 Albert Street, Moruya
Cost: Free entry, though registration via Basketball NSW’s website is required.
Have a child or teenager aged 10 to 18 in your life? Consider booking them a spot in this one-day basketball clinic to get them to burn off some energy. Beginners and experienced players alike are invited to learn basketball drills, play 3×3 games and maybe play in mini competitions. While attendees can register alongside their friends, teams will be chosen on the day so no one is left out. Each team will be limited to two representative players, and attendees are asked to bring a drink bottle, lunch and to wear joggers.
Sunday
Daniel Champagne at Tilba Valley Winery
When: 7 January, from 7:30 pm (doors open at 7 pm)
Where: Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House, 947 Old Highway, Corunna
Cost: Tickets cost between $33.08 (adults) and $17.19 (under 18), and are available via eventbrite.
Daniel Champagne has performed around the world – but he’s coming back to Australia for a series of shows across NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Luckily for Eurobodalla residents and visitors alike, he’s stopping by the Far South Coast for a special performance this weekend.
Monday
Moruya Cup Raceday
When: 8 January, gates open from noon
Where: Moruya Jockey Club, 100 Donnelly Drive at North Head Moruya (opposite Moruya Airport)
Cost: Tickets cost $15, are available at the gate and for purchase online.
With gates opening from noon and the last race at 5:35 pm, the Moruya Cup Raceday is set to be another day full of fun in 2024. This year there is a beach theme, so put some thought into your outfit and you might win the best dressed child under 12, male, female or couple categories. Off the racecourse, there will be plenty of attractions to keep everyone busy! The food options will include Mexican, pizza, ice cream and donuts – as well as coffee to wash it all down. As for the youngsters, there will be a jumping castle, a sideshow alley, face painting and pony rides to keep them entertained. There will also be buses leaving from Narooma, Tuross and Batemans Bay.
Thursday
Girl Power Teens Program
When: 11 January, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Bungendore School of Arts, 59-65 Gibraltar Street, Bungendore
Cost: Tickets cost $77 and are available online.
Growing up can be difficult – especially when you’re a teenager. Organised to boost the confidence of local teenage girls, this half-day program will see attendees come together to carry out activities including yoga, martial arts board breaking, journaling and more. Morning tea is included, though attendees are asked to bring a water bottle, yoga mat and pillow, if possible.