#Lake Tabourie Museum Lake Tabourie

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Shoalhaven Tourism has launched eight arts & cultural trails throughout the stunning coastal region, with each unique trail highlighting the charm of the South Coast.

“We are so lucky to have such a vibrant arts and culture scene in the Shoalhaven, with many talented makers as well as great places to see and engage with art. Art is an important part of any city and it reflects the diversity, creativity and history of this wonderful place we live in.”  said Shoalhaven Mayor, Amanda Findley.  Presented in a new 32-page Art and Culture Guide, the eight trails showcase a diverse range of the top 80 fun things to do across the region in the following categories: Shoalhaven Art and Culture Guide

Museums

Galleries

Public Art

Heritage

Craft & Artisan

Music & Performing Arts

Events & Festivals

Workshops & Talks

On-Trend, Shoalhaven is a cultural destination:

Shoalhaven Heads

Across Australia, international cultural tourists spend 24% more and stay 24% longer than international tourists generally. And domestic travellers staying overnight at a destination spend 56% more and stay 37% longer when they incorporate cultural activities into their visit.​

In 2015 NSW hosted over 11.4 million ‘cultural and heritage visitors’, both international and domestic, who spent an estimated $11.2 billion in the state, an increase of 15.4% on the previous year.​

Kangaroo Valley

In terms of overnight stays, cultural tourism is growing more quickly than tourism overall, increasing in 2015 by 15% for international visitors and 11% for domestic visitors, compared to 8% and 7% respectively for overall tourism. This trend is supported internationally. ​

Cultural tourism comprises 37% of world travel and is growing at a rate of 15% year on year

Merry Beach

  Source: Arts NSW Cultural Tourism Tool Kit

  Hidden gems in bespoke trails for visitors and locals alike will inspire new adventures or holidays away.  3.4 million visitors come to the Shoalhaven every year with many coming in school holidays, but off-season initiatives like this arts and culture guide help to attract visitors in autumn and winter when local Shoalhaven businesses need customers the most.   Over the last three years, the off-season (April – October) has grown 43% with the focus on campaign and brand development for cooler season experiences. As a compliment Surfing and Foodie campaigns will also be launched this winter to stimulate the visitor economy.

  Amongst the diverse, culturally rich eight trails, the Museum trail takes visitors on a journey to another world or another time. It ranges from exploring historical exhibitions of Aboriginal culture to maritime collections and antique machines, visiting a life from generations back.

The Galleries trail is for visitors interested in exhibits by local artists, mapping out a path to explore hidden gems of quality art, sculptures, and beautiful gardens. It can give visitors a chance to pick up something fresh for the home.

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Enriched with a mix of Aboriginal culture and urban street art, the Public Art trail is a fabulous mix of sculptures and murals set amongst lush outdoor walks. Check out street art by world-renowned graffiti artists such as Adnate and Smug or stop and gaze at the Aboriginal Carved Poles by Jerrinja Elder, Uncle Noel Wellington.

The Heritage walk takes visitors back tens of thousands of years, visiting European-style architecture and some of the oldest buildings in Australia. Embark on this trail to explore the region’s quaint cottages, old terraces, heritage pubs and more.

az20180215 COOLANGATTA WINES AND BIGFOOT ADVENTURE TOURS Shoalhaven’s Coolangatta Wine Estate vineyards and grape picking along with Bigfoot mountain tours. L-R Anna Jurgen,Ramona Klenk, Lisa Marie Wirth and Mona Ehmer (German interns) walk through the vineyard during picking season. Thursday 15 February 2018 Pic by Andy Zakeli

az29189615 GREENDALES and JINDY ANDY MILL in Pyree. Owners Allan and Josh who run the cafe and restaurant along with hosting fun events including drag queen shows, chicken shit lotto and booze and views. Friday 15 June 2018 Pic by Andy Zakeli

az20180913 NOWRA HERITAGE TRAIL BUILDINGS Roxy Theatre Art Deco building on Berry Street Nowra Thursday 13 September 2018 Pic by Andy Zakeli

Craft & Artisan showcases an eccentric mix of local makers peddling souvenirs that ooze a bit of retro, nanna charm or something sleek and modern. Pick up handcrafted wares and upcycled goods at Sol Sisters, beautifully glazed porcelain goods from Yatte Yattah Pottery, or get hands on at a creative workshop with The Artisan Collective.

The Music & Performing Arts trail adds live entertainment to the journey with stunning shows and performances, both from local and international acts. The fun ranges from quality Australian theatre and musical stages, to musicians gigging in historic buildings for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

az20170603 Milton Theatre facade VIVID!

Connect with local artists and the community on the Events & Festivals trail which changes every season. In autumn, the Blessing of the Fleet Festival celebrates fishing and maritime culture over Easter, with family-friendly events, parades and fireworks.

2018 Burradise festival in Culburra May 2018

Winter showcases recitals, concerts, and sculptures with the likes of Kangaroo Valley Arts Festival, Culburra Beach’s Burradise and the spectacular SeeChange Festival in Jervis Bay. Spring holds creative meetings with musicians, artists, films with Milton-Ulladulla’s Escape ARTfest and summer holds Fairgrounds, a two day music festival with only the best international and local acts.

The Workshops & Talks trail brings out the creative side of visitors with amazing workshops like hand-making kokodamas or succulent wreaths atThe Mud Shed, weaving traditional Aboriginal baskets at Bugiya Naway Buradja, and even some chocolate-making fun at The Chocolate Cottages.

az20190212 Bugiya Naway Buradja – Yesterday Today Tomorrow Aboriginal Tour Guide and basket weaver Deidre Martin who is a local Yuin woman and conducts bush tucker tours, weaving classes and aborignal cultural education on the beaches of Jervis Bay. Tuesday 12 February 2019 Pic by Andy Zakeli

az20180201 MILTON COUNTRY RETREAT in Morton NP. Owner Cassandra Hamel and some of her unique chocolate creations along with a champagne view overlooking Pigeon House mountain. 2 February 2018 Pic by Andy Zakeli

Shoalhaven is bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and 109 magnificent beaches, and includes 49 towns and villages.   From Sydney, it’s an easy two hours’ drive 160 kilometres south. And from Canberra, it’s a two and a half hour’s drive north of around 200 kilometres.

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@greendalescafe has a little bit of magic about it. It's snuggled among paddocks that change dramatically with the seasons, dotted with vintage furniture and lovely leafy trees, and home to amazing treats for the eyes and the tastebuds. Bookings are encouraged. 📷@the_golden_amicus . . . . #pyree #greendalescafe #shoalhaven #southcoastnsw #newsouthwales #seeaustralia #travel #explore #beautifuldestinations #eat #localproduce

A post shared by Shoalhaven Tourism (@visitshoalhaven) on Mar 30, 2019 at 2:00pm PDT

    80 Arty Things To Do across Eight Cultural Trails in Shoalhaven Shoalhaven Tourism has launched eight arts & cultural trails throughout the stunning coastal region, with each unique trail highlighting the charm of the South Coast.