Sapphire Coast Comes Alive In Autumn

Tathra Enduro Mountain Bike

Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Sapphire Coast of NSW, with great weather and plenty to do. Check out the website (http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au) for a full list of what's happening this month.

SPECIAL SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL PARKS AUTUMN DISCOVERY PROGRAM - FROM APRIL 3

NPWS is running a wide range of family and children's' activities through the school holidays including snorkeling, story telling, Aboriginal discovery, Twofold Bay boat ride and exploring the Davidson Whaling Station and snakes alive. Bookings are required. Call NPWS on 1300 361 606 or (02) 6495 5000 or check the website http://www.wildwildworld.com.au

SAPPHIRE COAST MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE - FROM APRIL 4

The Marine Discovery Centre in Eden is running a wide range of activities including snorkeling tours, rocky shore rambles with a marine biologist to explain it all, tsunami demonstrations and a host of marine-themed creative activities. Bookings are essential. Phone (02) 6496 1699 or visit the website http://sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au

KIDS FISHING WORKSHOP - April 17

Kids 8-14 years old are invited to come and learn to fish safely and responsibly under the tuition of experienced volunteers and staff from the Department of Primary Industries. The day runs from 10am-2pm and involves fishing techniques, bag and size limits, fish handling for catch and release.

Cost is $40 per child and each will receive a rod, reel, tackle box, shirt, cap, water bottle and sample bag to take home. Lunch and a snack are also provided. Bookings are essential. Ring Stephen Thurstan, (02) 4295 1809 or 0438 245190 or email stephen.thurstan@industry.nsw.gov.au

TATHRA ENDURO MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENT - April 21 and 22

A mountain biking odyssey that offers a rare opportunity to race along the coastline, tracking through reclaimed farmland and the stunning Mimosa Rocks National Park, offering a mix of forest roads, double track and secret stashes of single track deep in the heart of the coastal wilderness. A range of races for a range of ages and fitness levels.

More information: http://www.mountainbiking.com.au/tathraenduro

GENERAL FAMILY EVENTS

MERIMBULA CENTENARY - March 27-April 7

A 10-day event to celebrate Merimbula's 100th birthday with celebrations including a historical photo exhibition, a centenary ball, an aerial display by the RAAF Roulettes, the burying of a time capsule by local school children and a street parade and concert.

More information: http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Tilba Easter Festival

TILBA EASTER FESTIVAL - April 7 - Easter Saturday

The old village of Central Tilba prepares to expand its population from 100 to 10,000 for one great day of fun with music, roaming street performers, games, a reptile awareness show, magic demonstrations, market stalls and lots of yummy food etc.

More information: http://www.tilba.com.au

SNOWY MOUNTAINS AND THREDBO TOUR - April 11

Travel with SoulQuest to the Snowies in a luxury coach with optional extras including quad bike tour, chairlift, and bobsled ride. Non-members $65 per person; SQT Tour Club members $61.75 per person.

More information: 1800 855 439 or http://www.soulquesttravel.com.au

31st MERIMBULA GAME FISHING TOURNAMENT - April 23-25

Presented by Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club, the major prize is two return flights to Vanuatu and accommodation for five nights.

More information: http://www.fishmerimbula.com.au or phone Robert Wood, 0413 333 598.

ENTERTAINMENT

KAMERUKA BUSH DANCE - April 7

The Kameruka Bush Orchestra hosts a bush dance on the first Saturday of every month (except January) from 7pm to 10pm. Come along and kick up your heels up at the Kameruka Hall. Cost is $5 or $10 for a family.

More information: http://www.cas.org.au or phone (02) 6493 2764.

THE McCLYMONTS LIVE AT MAGIC MOUNTAIN - April 7

Since joining forces five years ago, Brooke, Samantha and Mollie McClymont have taken the country music world by storm. They'll bring their beautiful three-part harmonies and soaring vocals to Magic Mountain on Easter Saturday. Gates open at 5pm; show starts at 6pm. This is an alcohol-free event.

Tickets from Magic Mountain (02) 6495 2299) or the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre, 1800 150 457.

Tathra Moonlight Cinema

TATHRA MOONLIGHT CINEMA - April 7

Tathra Surf Club will be holding a Moonlight Cinema evening on Easter Saturday. Be on the beach at sunset. Movies begin at 6:15pm (Tangled, the story of Rapunzel) and 8.05pm (The Help). BBQ, chips, popcorn, ice-cream and drinks available. BYO low chairs, pillows and a blanket. Tickets: Adults $10; Children under 12 $5; Family $35. Proceeds go to the Surf Club.

FOUR WINDS FESTIVAL - April 6-8

A biennial festival of classic, cultural and world music, held every second Easter in a bush amphitheatre near Bermagui. Ticketing closes April 4.

More information: http://www.fourwinds.com.au/

FAMILY FUN DAY at THE SEAHORSE INN - April 8

Come on out and enjoy a family fun day by the beach with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy a meal and a drink whilst listening to the live jazz band. Jumping castles, Easter egg hunt, face painting and more.

More information: (02) 6496 1361.

Magic Mountain

MAGIC MOUNTAIN'S EASTER FAMILY FAIR 
 - April 8

Easter Hat Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny, plus the park's usual rides and attractions. Park entry is free; tickets available for rides.

More information: http://www.magicmountain.net.au

 

GALLERIES

CUTTAGEE ARTISTS 16th Annual Easter Exhibition - April 7-15

'The Poetry of Form': paintings, ceramics, sculpture, prints and textiles, featuring the work of local artists at Cuttagee Exhibition Space, Buragga Bay, 8km south of Bermagui on the Four Winds Road, follow the signs.

More information: www.cuttageeartistsgroup.blogspot.com

Gallery hours: 10am-4pm daily; 9am-5:30pm Easter weekend.

BODY | FORM | SURFACE - An exhibition at Australian Pottery at Bemboka - To June 30
Australian Pottery at Bemboka: 1 Oliver Street, Bemboka. More information: (02) 6493 0491 or http://www.australianpotteryatbemboka.com.au

Gallery hours: 10am to 5pm Friday - Monday or by appointment.

WRECKS, REEFS AND THE MERMAID - To May 20
Australian National Maritime Museum Travelling Exhibition.

Eden Killer Whale Museum, 184 Imlay Street, Eden.

More information: (02) 6496 2094 or http://www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au

LANDSCAPE, PORTRAIT, STILL LIFE - To April 14

Bega Valley Regional Gallery, Zingel Place, Bega. More information: (02) 6499 2187. Gallery hours: 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday; 9am-12pm Saturdays.

EXHIBITION AT IVY HILL GALLERY - To April 30

Works by Chris Denton, Danielle Pirrie and Philippe Ravenel.

Ivy Hill Gallery, 1795 Bermagui Road, Wapengo. More information on (02) 6494 0152 or the website, http://www.ivyhill.com.au

Gallery hours: Friday-Monday, 10am to 5pm; till 7pm over Easter Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

MASTERPIECES IN WOOD IV - To April 17

Narek Galleries, Old Tanja Church, 1140 Tathra-Bermagui Road, Tanja.

More information: (02) 6494 0112 or http://www.narekgalleries.com

Gallery hours: Friday-Monday, 10:30am to 5:30pm and by appointment.

From April 27 to June 11

Mark Ward has assemblages, lino cuts and paintings at Narek Galleries.

MARKETS

Nethercote Produce Market

Seasonal markets (four times a year):

April 21: Quaama Harvest Fair (inaugural event), Quaama School of Arts Hall, from 9am. More information: http://thebegavalley.org.au/quaamacommunity.html

April 28: Nethercote Produce Market, Old Nethercote Hall. More information: http://nethercote.nsw.au/events/seasonal-produce-market

Regular markets

(More information on all Bega Valley markets: http://thebegavalley.org.au/1562.html)

Saturday, April 7: Cobargo Laneway Market, Cobargo.

Sunday, April 8: Pambula Market, Sports Grounds, Narregol Street, Pambula.

Sunday, April 8: Pambula Robin Hood Market, Town Hall, Pambula.

Sunday, April 8: Pambula Craft Market, Masonic Hall, Monaro Street, Pambula.

Friday, April 13: SCPA Local Market, Littleton Gardens, Bega (more information:

Saturday, April 14: Cobargo Laneway Market, Cobargo.

Sunday, April 15: Merimbula Seaside Market, Ford Park, Ocean Drive, Merimbula.

Saturday, April 21: Eden Local Produce Market, Uniting Church, Chandos Street, Eden.

Saturday, April 21: Cobargo Laneway Market, Cobargo.

Sunday, April 22: Wyndham Village Market, Wyndham Hall, Wyndham.

Thursday, April 26: Twyford Hall Craft Market, Market Street, Merimbula.

Friday, April 27: Twyford Hall Craft Market, Market Street, Merimbula.

Friday, April 27: SCPA Local Market, Littleton Gardens, Bega.

Saturday, April 28: Cobargo Laneway Market, Cobargo.

Saturday, April 28: Mandeni Markets, Mandeni Family Fun Park, Merimbula.

Sunday, April 29: Bermagui Market, Dickenson Park, Lamont Street, Bermagui.