Article Updated: September 2026
Shoalhaven in spring offers some of the best reasons to escape to the NSW South Coast. Longer days return, the countryside bursts into colour and the coastline becomes a front-row seat for migrating whales. Across Jervis Bay, Berry, Kangaroo Valley and the wider Shoalhaven region, the spring calendar also fills with food experiences, family activities and live events.
Spring 2026 has plenty to plan a South Coast getaway around. Coastal Forage returns to Jervis Bay on 12 and 13 September, the NSW spring school holidays run from 28 September to 9 October, and the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival takes over the Valley from 16 to 18 October. (experiencenature.au)
With so much happening between September and November, it pays to stay a little longer. Spend one day beside the ocean, another wandering through Berry, then slow things down with an afternoon among the vineyards or an evening under the stars.
If you are planning a spring escape, explore our South Coast holiday homes across Jervis Bay, Berry, Kangaroo Valley and surrounds and make one of these experiences part of your stay.
See our go-to guide to the best things to do in Shoalhaven in spring 2026.
1. Food & Wine
Coastal Forage Jervis Bay
Image Credit: experiencenature.au/product/forage/
Coastal Forage, Jervis Bay: 12 and 13 September 2026
If you love discovering a destination through its food, Coastal Forage deserves a place at the top of your spring itinerary.
Returning on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, Coastal Forage combines one of Jervis Bay’s spectacular stretches of coastline with a 10-course progressive dining experience.
The journey covers around five to six kilometres between Moona Moona Creek Reserve and Orion’s Beach. Along the way, guests move between food stations showcasing Shoalhaven chefs, producers, seafood, wine and spirits. The experience takes around two to three hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenery between tastings. (experiencenature.au)
It is one of those distinctly South Coast experiences where the location is as memorable as the menu.
TIP: Make a weekend of it and stay around Jervis Bay. Enjoy Coastal Forage on Saturday, then save Sunday morning for a swim, coastal walk or long breakfast in Huskisson. Our guide to things to do in Jervis Bay has plenty of ideas if you are staying for a few extra days.
Berry Farmers’ Market
Spring is an especially good time to discover what is growing and being made across the region, and the Berry Farmers’ Market makes it easy.
Held every Thursday afternoon in Berry, the market brings local growers and producers together in one place. Expect seasonal fruit and vegetables alongside seafood, oysters, local Wagyu beef, honey, eggs, dairy products, sourdough, preserves, wine and ready-to-eat treats. (shoalhaven.com)
Pick up provisions for your stay, stock the fridge for a relaxed dinner at home or simply wander the stalls before heading into Berry for the afternoon.
If you are new to this part of the South Coast, our Shoalhaven bucket list is packed with more local food stops, beaches and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
Family Fridays at Cupitt’s Estate
There are few better ways to ease into the weekend than an afternoon at Cupitt’s Estate.
Family Fridays return during September 2026 on Friday 4, 11, 18 and 25 September, running from 5pm to 7pm. Kids have room to play while adults can settle into the Wine Garden, enjoy something to eat and watch the sun drop over the vineyard. (shoalhaven.com)
It is relaxed, family-friendly and easy to work into a weekend exploring Ulladulla, Mollymook and the southern reaches of Shoalhaven.
Bookings are appreciated, particularly if you are visiting with a larger group.
2. Family Entertainment
Rotary Nature Play Park, Boongaree
Image credit: berry.org.au
Spring is a brilliant time to visit the Shoalhaven with kids, particularly during the NSW public school holidays.
For 2026, the official NSW spring school holidays run from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October. (education.nsw.gov.au)
Popular attractions can become busy during this period, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Treetops Adventure Nowra
For an activity that will get everyone away from their screens and up among the trees, head to Treetops Adventure Nowra.
Set beside Shoalhaven Zoo overlooking the Shoalhaven River, the adventure park features more than 90 aerial challenges across courses of varying difficulty. Expect ziplines, climbing challenges, bridges and cliff-edge obstacles set high among the Australian bush. (treetopsadventure.com.au)
Junior courses cater for children from three years old, while older children and adults can work their way through progressively more challenging courses.
Allow at least two to three hours and book ahead during weekends and school holidays, as walk-in places are not guaranteed. (treetopsadventure.com.au)
TIP: Treetops Adventure guests can currently receive a 10% discount on admission to neighbouring Shoalhaven Zoo. Ask the Treetops team for a discount voucher when you check in. (treetopsadventure.com.au)
Shoalhaven Zoo
Located right next door to Treetops, Shoalhaven Zoo makes it easy to turn your visit into a full family day out.
The zoo sits across 16 acres of native bushland beside the Shoalhaven River and is home to more than 100 species of native and exotic animals. It is open from 9am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day. (shoalhavenzoo.com.au)
During weekends and school holidays, the current daily program includes a Furry Friends Show at 11am, Marmoset Monkey Feeding at midday, a Reptile Show at 1pm, Lion Feeding at 2pm and a Koala Show at 3pm. (shoalhavenzoo.com.au)
Give yourself a few hours to wander through the zoo, catch a show and stop for a break beside the river.
Discover Shoalhaven’s Best Family Activities
Sometimes the best holiday days are the uncomplicated ones.
Head to Berry and let the kids explore the Rotary Nature Play Park at Boongaree, spend the morning beside the water in Jervis Bay or pack bikes and follow one of the region’s easy coastal paths.
If you are travelling with younger children, it is worth leaving some room in the itinerary for beaches, playgrounds and spontaneous stops rather than filling every day with bookings.
For more ideas, browse our guide to family-friendly things to do on the NSW South Coast. It covers activities across some of the region’s most popular family destinations and makes a useful starting point for planning the school holidays.
3. Music & Culture
Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival
Image credit: visitkangaroovalley.com.au
Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival: 16 to 18 October 2026
Kangaroo Valley comes alive with music from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026 when the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival returns.
Held at Kangaroo Valley Showground, the festival brings together live music, poetry, dance and workshops, with kids’ activities and performances making it an easy choice for families as well as serious music lovers. Entry for under-18s is free for the 2026 event. (kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.au)
Turn it into a proper Valley weekend. Spend the morning exploring the village or nearby countryside, head into the festival for the afternoon and evening, then retreat somewhere private once the music finishes.
Our Kangaroo Valley guide covers more of our favourite things to see and do while you are there, from food and wine to outdoor adventures.
Live Music Sundays at Mountain Ridge Wines
A vineyard, a long lunch and live music make a pretty good combination for a spring Sunday.
Live Music Sundays at Mountain Ridge Wines take place on the first Sunday of each month. Spring 2026 dates currently include 6 September, 4 October and 1 November, with music running from midday to 4pm. (shoalhaven.com)
Settle in with a local wine and enjoy views across Coolangatta, Saddleback and Cambewarra while local musicians provide the soundtrack.
It is an easy addition to a Berry or Shoalhaven Heads weekend and works particularly well after a slow morning exploring the coast.
Boyd Music Series at Bundanon: 10 October 2026
For a spring experience that combines music, art and architecture, make your way to Bundanon.
On Saturday 10 October 2026, the Boyd Music Series welcomes the Australian Guitar Quartet, featuring Leonard Grigoryan, Andrew Blanch, Slava Grigoryan and Vladimir Gorbach. The performance runs from 3pm to 4.15pm. (shoalhaven.com)
The program spans classical and contemporary guitar, performed within Bundanon’s remarkable landscape near the Shoalhaven River.
Give yourself extra time around the concert to explore Bundanon itself. The property, architecture and surrounding landscape make the trip worthwhile long before the first note is played.
4. Immerse Yourself in Nature
Jervis Bay Stargazing
Image credit: exploresouthcoast.com.au
Jervis Bay Stargazing
The Shoalhaven is just as captivating after dark.
Jervis Bay Stargazing runs 90-minute astronomy experiences beneath the dark skies of Jervis Bay. Guided by a stargazing expert, the tours include naked-eye astronomy, telescope viewing, astronomy binoculars and laser-guided constellation storytelling. (jervisbaystargazing.com.au)
For something a little more indulgent, special Wine & Cheese Stargazing evenings are also scheduled at Cupitt’s Estate on 12 September and 10 October 2026. (jervisbaystargazing.com.au)
Pack something warm even if the day has been sunny. Spring evenings on the South Coast can cool quickly once the sun disappears.
If you are basing yourself around the bay, take a look at our Jervis Bay and South Coast destination guides for more local recommendations.
Go Whale Watching in Jervis Bay
Spring is one of the most rewarding times of year for whale watching along the Jervis Bay coastline.
Humpback whale season runs from May to November. During the southern migration from September to November, mothers and calves can use the calm, protected waters around Jervis Bay to rest as they continue their journey south. (jervisbaywild.com.au)
A Jervis Bay Wild whale cruise takes you out onto the water to search for migrating humpbacks against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and sea caves. Cruises run during whale season and depart from Huskisson.
Even without a whale sighting every few minutes, being out on the water gives you a completely different view of this beautiful stretch of coast.
TIP: Take a weatherproof jacket and sunglasses with you. Conditions offshore can feel cooler than they do back on the beach.
Take a Sunset River Cruise from Huskisson
Finish a day in Jervis Bay with a slower pace on a Sunset River Cruise along Currambene Creek.
The two-hour cruise runs through the sheltered waters of Currambene Creek and currently operates year-round. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine, drinks and nibbles aboard while the afternoon light fades over the surrounding bushland. (jervisbaywild.com.au)
Keep an eye on the riverbanks and treetops as you travel. White-bellied sea eagles, kingfishers, kookaburras and pelicans are among the local wildlife you may spot along the way. (jervisbaywild.com.au)
It is a relaxed way to finish a full day of swimming, exploring or whale watching around Jervis Bay.
Make the Most of Shoalhaven in Spring
Shoalhaven in spring is made for travellers who like to mix a little exploring with plenty of downtime.
You can wake beside the ocean in Jervis Bay, spend an afternoon discovering local food and wine, or head inland for a weekend of music in Kangaroo Valley. Families can fill the school holidays with wildlife and outdoor adventures, while couples can build an entire weekend around long lunches, coastal walks and evenings under the stars.
The best part of a South Coast escape is having enough time to enjoy everything between the planned activities.
At Supercalla Private Properties, our collection of holiday homes across the NSW South Coast places you close to Jervis Bay, Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Gerringong and the surrounding Shoalhaven region.
Each stay gives you a private base to return to after a day exploring, with our local knowledge helping you make the most of the destination while you are here.
Explore our properties and start planning your spring 2026 South Coast escape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoalhaven in Spring
What are the best things to do in Shoalhaven in spring?
Spring is an excellent time for whale watching in Jervis Bay, local food experiences, markets, live music and family activities. Major spring 2026 events include Coastal Forage on 12 and 13 September and the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival from 16 to 18 October. (experiencenature.au)
When are the NSW spring school holidays in 2026?
The official NSW public school spring holidays run from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026. (education.nsw.gov.au)
Can you see whales in Jervis Bay during spring?
Yes. The Jervis Bay whale season runs from May to November. September to November is the southern migration period, when humpback mothers and calves travel south along the coastline. (jervisbaywild.com.au)
What events are on in Shoalhaven in September 2026?
September highlights include Coastal Forage on 12 and 13 September, Berry Farmers’ Market on Thursday afternoons, Family Fridays at Cupitt’s Estate and Live Music Sundays at Mountain Ridge Wines. (experiencenature.au)
Is spring a good time to visit the NSW South Coast?
Spring suits visitors who want to spend plenty of time outdoors while still enjoying the region’s food, culture and events calendar. Whale season continues through November, spring markets and festivals are running, and the school holiday period brings plenty of family-friendly options.