Our picks for what to do and where to head as the Highlands gets its summer vibes on!
Phwoar, it’s been a hot one so far folks and it looks like this warm summer weather is gonna continue.
Oh, how we love sunshine!
So it’s pretty obvious then that we’re excited about summer in the Highlands.
We love the vibe here in January. It’s super relaxed, everyone is outdoors and lovin’ the extra time off work, hanging out with friends and family and it might be just us…..but we’re super nice when it’s sunny!
And always super keen to get out and about, so we scrolled through our fab Event Directory and pulled out some of our favourite picks for things to do in January.
What a way to kick off 2025!
1 :: Australia Day At Berrima Village
Get ready for another round of Australia Day celebrations happening in the lovely village of Berrima on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
This day is jam-packed with cool stuff, like the Citizenship Ceremony and the 2024 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards.
The classic Australia Day market will be back at Market Place Park to bring that extra summer fun vibe. There’ll also be children’s entertainment and live music, and the midday street parade is back as well. Yay!
Many local shops, restaurants and cafes will also be getting involved with special menus, delicious treats and lots of fun to be had.
2 :: Red Cow Farm Open Day
Pay a visit to this hidden gem of a garden in Sutton Forest.
The owners have totally transformed the grounds around their 1820s cottage into something truly special.
With 20 garden rooms to explore, there’s everything from a peaceful monastery garden to a sweet cottage garden, plus rare plants, a beech walk, a sparkling lake, and even a hidden walled sanctuary that’s perfect for a relaxing moment.
Image :: Red Cow Farm
3 :: Art All Around
If you haven’t been to Ngununggula for the nationally known Archibald Prize Exhibition then make sure to do it soon as it’s set to leave town on the 26th.
And it’s so cool that you can also check out the Salon des Refusés at Retford Park with an Art Pass ticket. This showcases 35 alternative entries to the Archibald Prize,
If you’d like to have a go at making some art of your own then book in for the Artists Pastel Workshop Retreat held by master painter Tricia Taylor. Perfect for beginners all the way up to the more experienced.
Bookings are also open for the Stitching in the Highlands Summer Retreat which is three whole days of embroidery, English paper piecing, handwork, felting, knitting, or more… sew good!
Image :: Ngununggula
4 :: Dive In
Splish splash, summer in the Highlands is made for diving in and cooling down at many of our awesome natural swimming holes, local swimming pools and if you fancy, rolling down the hill for a float in an ocean pool or hitting the beach in the Illawarra.
We’ve put together a guide to stay cool with all forms of hydrotherapy – wild, man made or ocean! – covered.
5 :: School Holiday Fun
“I’m boooooooorrrrred……”
We guarantee you absolutely will NOT hear those highly annoying words these school holidays if you check out the Guide To The Summer School Holidays we put together.
Also check out Highlands Tennis Holiday Camps which are fab for kids aged 5 to 12. They are not just about tennis but also loads of other daily adventures that instill values like friendship, sportsmanship, and respect.
Aquabliss School Holiday Intensive Programs are great for any little one who may need a leg-up in their swimming skills!
And the Day Camps by The Outdoor Education Group at Camp Wombaroo sound like a total ball.
Image :: Highlands Tennis
6 :: Aperol Fridays at Berrima Vault House
Live your best European summer life at Berrima Vault House every Friday from 4-7pm.
Fresh Aperol Spritz’s and nommy snackys… sounds like La Dolce Vita to us!
Image :: Berrima Vault House
7 :: Wildwood Kangaroo Valley Lover’s Long Lunch
Don’t wait for February to start getting all romantical. We love the sound of this special lunch for our engaged pals.
Kick things off with a complimentary drink on arrival. Munch on gourmet canapés out on the lawn, then settle in for a tasty seated lunch. Snap some pics with a personal engagement photo session with a pro photographer and take a tour of the venue and check out everything it has to offer.
Tix are $80pp or complimentary for couples who book their wedding at Wildwood. Bridal parties and parents are more than welcome to join in on the fun too!
Image :: Wildwood Kangaroo Valley
So THAT should keep us Highlanders well and truly busy, relaxed and entertained this month.
Head to our Event Directory for even more event inspo and of course, don’t forget to support our local shops and food + bevvie outlets while you’re out and about!
Now, bring on the summer daze……..
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