Events in Shoalhaven This Winter 2026

June Long Weekend NSW South Coast Events

The June long weekend is one of the standout times to visit the Shoalhaven, with a strong lineup of events drawing visitors to the region. For those searching for June long weekend events on the NSW South Coast, Sussex Inlet has become a key destination.

At the centre of the weekend is the Sussex Inlet Viking Festival, a large-scale event that has grown into one of the most recognisable winter festivals in the Shoalhaven. Set along the waterfront, the festival transforms the area into a lively Viking village, creating a completely different atmosphere to the usual coastal setting.

Across the weekend, the program is designed to run throughout the day, giving visitors plenty of time to explore and take part. The Viking village is the main attraction, with costumed performers, live reenactments and interactive displays bringing Norse history to life. These demonstrations often include mock battles, storytelling and traditional skills, making them as engaging for adults as they are for families.

Beyond the village, the festival has a strong focus on food and entertainment. Visitors can move between a wide range of food stalls offering everything from quick street-style options to more substantial meals, while live music and roaming performers create a constant sense of activity across the site.

Viking Festival HIGHLIGHTS TYPICALLY INCLUDE:

• Live Viking reenactments and combat displays
• Interactive village experiences and historical demonstrations
• A large selection of food stalls and local vendors
• Live music, stage performances and roaming entertainment
• Activities and rides designed for families and children

Its timing over the June long weekend makes it especially popular, and it often draws visitors from across the NSW South Coast and beyond. For those planning a winter trip, it is one of the key events to build an itinerary around, combining a strong sense of atmosphere with a full day of activity in one location.

Creative and Community Events that encourage you to live like a local when visiting

Not everything on the winter calendar is large-scale. Part of the appeal of the Winter at Sussex program is the mix of smaller, more local experiences that run alongside the major events.

Throughout the season, you will find:

• Creative workshops and hands-on sessions
• Food-focused gatherings and local events
• Cultural experiences and performances
• Pop-up entertainment across different venues

These events add variety to the calendar and give each visit a slightly different feel.

Turn It Into a Mid-Week Escape

While weekends bring the energy, mid-week is when the Shoalhaven really slows down. It is an ideal time to extend your stay or plan a short escape around the events calendar.

For those looking to stay nearby, Surfside Cudmirrah Beach offers a simple and comfortable option for a quick getaway. The cabins sleep up to four people, making them well suited to couples, small families or friends travelling together.

A one-night mid-week stay can be enough to reset the pace. Spend the afternoon exploring the coast or Swan Lake, head into Sussex Inlet for a meal or live music event, then return for a quiet evening. The following morning, there is time for a walk on the beach or a coffee before heading home.

It is a different way to experience the region, and one that works well alongside the winter events calendar.

Mid-Week Food and Wine Events Across Shoalhaven

While weekends tend to focus on larger festivals and events, much of the Shoalhaven’s food scene is built around mid-week experiences. The Shoalhaven Food Network brings together local venues, chefs and producers to deliver a consistent calendar of events that run primarily from Tuesday through Thursday.

A key feature of the season is the Autumn Celebration of Food, running from early May through mid-June. This extended program includes a wide mix of dining events held across the region, from Nowra and Huskisson through to Milton and surrounding areas.

Rather than one-off events, many venues offer recurring weekly experiences that give visitors flexibility when planning a short stay. These include:

• Themed dining nights such as Taco Tuesday and locally inspired set menus
• Mid-week specials like wings and whisky evenings or chef-led dinners
• Thursday night degustations and curated multi-course dining experiences
• Hands-on workshops, including cooking classes and food-based experiences

Alongside these regular offerings, there are also limited events scheduled throughout the program, including long lunches, collaboration dinners and seasonal menus that highlight local produce. These tend to run on select dates and often book out early, particularly during the peak of the program.

What makes these events stand out is the pace. Mid-week dining in the Shoalhaven feels more relaxed and local, with smaller crowds and a stronger connection to the people behind the food. It is an opportunity to experience the region beyond the usual weekend rush.

For visitors, it creates a simple way to shape a short trip. Arrive mid-week, head out to a food event in the evening, and spend the following day exploring the coast or nearby towns before heading home.

Explore upcoming events and plan around the schedule