So lace up those warm wooly boots, round up your mates and get out and about this winter with our July must-do’s as your guide.
Your winter just got that little bit more adventurous.
Go get it!
1:: ARTS & CULTURE
Whether you’re into brushstrokes, installations or ballads, this month is stacked with artistic inspiration and entertainment to suit every taste.
Explore the beauty of nature at CanAssist’s fourth Botanical Art & Illustration Prize at the White Cottage Gallery, Retford Park. A stunning celebration of work by artists from the Botanical Art Society of Australia and raising much needed funds to support locals living with cancer. And for all you music lovers, don’t miss Aussie singer-songwriter Beccy Cole’s Lovely Little Venues Tour at the Robbo pub for a dose of intimate country tunes – it’s storytelling with humour and heart.
And literature lovers – rejoice! The Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival is back across three jam-packed days in July. Bringing together award-winning authors, thought-provoking panels and creative inspiration, this year’s event includes some of Australia’s greatest writers and thinkers. And be sure to rug up and head to Ngununggula’s Midwinter Festival – it’s a wholesome, hearty and fiery celebration of art, light, music and local flavours the whole family will simply love.
This is your cultural cue to get out and about!
2:: NAIDOC WEEK
NAIDOC Week is a time to honour, learn and reflect – and this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” invites us to celebrate the power of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders while recognising the legacy and resilience passed down through generations.
Across the Highlands, you’ll find events, art, storytelling and community gatherings that shine a light on First Nations voices, culture and history.
Get our full guide to what’s happening locally during NAIDOC Week here.
3:: COMEDY
If you need a good laugh to warm your winter blues – then July’s got you covered!
Australia’s most iconic comedy tour – the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow – rolls into town with a killer line-up of stand-up including comedy legends and some fresh faces.
Geraldine Hickey is bringing her trademark deadpan brilliance and cheeky humour to Bowral Bowling Club, while the Love & Laughter Tour starring country music stars Luke O’Shea and Lyn Bowtell promises a heartwarming night of songs, stories and plenty of laughter.
4:: FOOD & WINE
Shake off the day with an after-work fix at Aspinalls’ Happy Hour at Berida Hotel in Bowral, or enjoy crepes and quality family time at Franquette Creperie – extra delicious when kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays!
Christmas in July is also serving up the goods, with festive feasts popping up all month long – think roasts with all the trimmings, cosy vibes and a glass [or two] of mulled wine. One not to miss? Highlands Hotel’s Christmas in July dinner and show – an unforgettable night of festive dining, live circus acts and a touch of fabulous flair.
And if you’re in the mood for something a little French and a little fancy, keep your eye out for Franquette’s candlelit Le 14 Juillet dinner – a charming way to celebrate Bastille Day in true Parisian style.
Deliciously good times await this month!
5:: CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Chilly nights, roaring fires, festive feasts [baubles? too far?] – there’s so much to love about Christmas in July in the Highlands. It’s our chance to enjoy the kind of Christmas the movies promised, without the summer sweat!
We’ve rounded up the merriest local events and experiences right here to help you get your mid-year Yulefest on.
6:: SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
From whimsical craft workshops to hands-on art and cultural experiences, the Highlands is brimming with boredom-busting activities these school holidays. Kids can get creative with everything from 3D animal sculptures and glittery star mobiles to bird sketching, mixed media animal portraits, and tiny tea light making. There’s also a fantastic line-up of NAIDOC-themed workshops celebrating Indigenous culture through activities like traditional weaving and bush medicine.
Our full round-up of July School Holiday Fun is here – and there’s sure to be something to delight even the fussiest of kids!
7:: HEALTH & WELLBEING
Winter is a wonderful time to slow down, take time out for yourself and restore energy within.
The Wellness For Women retreat in beautiful Bundanoon offers a soothing mix of meditation, mindfulness and yoga in a supportive space.
For deeper healing from things like PTSD and CPTSD, check out the Moving Beyond Trauma Residential Program, or embrace the next chapter at The Art of Ageing Joyfully, a life-affirming weekend celebrating the beauty of growing older with intention and vitality.
Take time out for yourself this winter!
8:: EXPERIENCES & CLASSES
Lean into the season with hands-on experiences that feed your soul [and skill set!]. Rug up and head to Moonacres Farm for their Winter Farm Experience [and some tasty produce!], learn how to make magic in the kitchen with Gill Dinh’s Modern Vietnamese cooking class [yep, Gill’s is a Top 10 MasterChef contestant!], or stitch something beautiful at the Sew Good – Sewing Workshop while you master the art of mending.
There’s also a fruit tree pruning session with Rebecca Landman from Bloomer’s Garden, and an inspiring creative workshop with Sydney WaterColour artist Jacqui Sloan for anyone ready to brush up their painting skills.
Go on, try something new – winter is the perfect time to explore your curiosity!
Still need more ideas?
Our Events Directory is full to bursting at the seams with just under 300 events listed happening across the region this month – from live music and performances to gallery shows and foodie feasts. There’s truly something for everyone.
Get out there, Highlanders – it might be cold, but our region’s July offerings are hot.
This is your month to explore!
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