South Coast Events & Tours

25/07/2024

Celtic Music Charity Concert in Cambewarra
From Kiama to Berry and Cambewarra a large number of Irish settled in this area in the 1800s. Join us on Saturday, August 31st, for an unforgettable evening of Celtic music in the historic 1879 Cambewarra School of Arts! Enjoy live performances by two incredible bands: Kejafi (Scottish traditional music) and arís (Irish traditional music).
📅 Date & Location: August 31st, Cambewarra School of Arts
🕕 Time: 5 PM for private lessons, concert starts at 7 PM
Live Performances: Kejafi and arís, each playing a 45-minute set.
Traditional Music Session: After the concert, join or listen to a traditional music session with the band members.
Private Lessons: One-on-one lessons available on fiddle, guitar, flute, whistle, tenor banjo, and double bass before the concert.
Experience a magical night of music in a beautiful, historic setting, celebrating the area's rich Irish and Scottish history. With no sound gear and great acoustics in this historic building, you'll feel like you've gone back in time 145 years. Tickets are only $39 each.
🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1248854?&track=scoast All profits support SCAD Research INC Australia. Don’t miss this unique event for a great cause!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of traditional Celtic music in Cambewarra on Saturday, August 31st! Featuring live performances by two...

09/08/2023

Tickets for children under 16 are now free for our Scottish music concert Saturday night. Tickets available here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1071947

07/06/2023

Get ready for a night of traditional Scottish music with "Kejafi"! Join us on Saturday, August 12th at 7pm at the historic Cambewarra School of Arts.

Fiona, James, and Ken of Kejafi will enchant us with beloved classic Scottish songs and tunes, including two performed at this venue in the 1800s. You'll not only enjoy their captivating performances but also learn the stories behind these rich tunes.

Light refreshments will be available during a short break between two absorbing 50-minute sessions. Experience the charm of the Cambewarra School of Arts, a venue known for hosting concerts by early settlers.

This is your chance to experience Scotland's musical heart through Kejafi's performance. Get your tickets now for this memorable evening!
Tickets are $69 each. Book now. https://coast.fyi/scott
This event is BYO

06/06/2023

Dark Secrets Unraveled
Uncover the chilling stories that lurk in the shadows of history on our Dark Secrets Unraveled tour. This unique experience combines intrigue, suspense, and drinks in a captivating journey through the South Coast's most notorious true crime tales and eerie ghost stories.

Your evening begins at 'The Garden' café in Berry, a historic building that sets the mood. Here, enjoy a complimentary drink (coffee, hot chocolate, wine, or beer). Our knowledgeable guide will lead you on a 30-minute walk through town, revealing fascinating stories and dark secrets.

The tour concludes at the historic Berry Hotel, holding many secrets within its old walls. Here, you'll be treated to a complimentary glass of wine or beer as you relax in the hotel's atmosphere. The Berry Hotel offers the perfect setting for absorbing the final mysteries and ghostly tales.

Purchase your tickets here - https://www.trybooking.com/CHTKV
This tour is run most Saturday nights. Other nights available by request for bookings of 6 or more.

12/05/2023

There are only 6 tickets left for tomorrow night. Get your tickets here before you miss out - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1041652 We have 4 great muscians coming along including Ben Stephenson on guitar, flute and bodhran from Nowra Hill, Stephen Murray on fiddle from Ireland, Colm Keown on button accordion from Fermanagh, and Andrew McKay on Uilleann pipes from Helensburgh.

Experience a captivating evening honoring the unique connection between Irish settlers and the communities of Jamberoo, Gerringong, Kangaroo Valley, Berry, and Cambewarra at "From Ireland to Australia: Tunes & Tales." Held at the historic Cambewarra School of Arts, this event promises....

02/04/2023

🎶 From Ireland to Australia: Tunes & Tales - A Night of Enchanting Music and Stories 🍀
South Coast Events and Tours is excited to announce our upcoming event "From Ireland to Australia: Tunes & Tales," taking place at the historic Cambewarra School of Arts on Saturday, May 13th, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. 🍀🎻
Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the unique connection between Irish settlers and the communities of Jamberoo, Gerringong, Kangaroo Valley, Berry, and Cambewarra. Enjoy traditional Irish music performed by our talented lineup of four musicians, including some from Ireland, as they transport you to the heart of Ireland through their captivating tunes.
We'll also have a fascinating talk on the Irish settlers, the illegal stills hidden in our mountains, and the intriguing tales that make our local communities so special. This relaxed, BYO event offers a delicious buffet-style dinner and a chance to connect with friends, old and new, while celebrating our shared heritage.
Book your tickets now and join us for a memorable night of music, stories, and warm companionship! 🎉
🎫 Get your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1041652&track=adv001

01/11/2022

We still have a few tickets left for the dinner session on November 12. More details and tickets here - https://coast.fyi/ire10 There are some tickets for the lunch session as well.

21/10/2022

Ben Stephenson playing the bodhrán and Louise Phelan playing the fiddle at our last Irish music event. Ben is very talented and also plays the flute and guitar. The next Irish music dinner is on Saturday November 12 at the 'Berry Hotel' Book now https://coast.fyi/ire9

14/10/2022

Two of Australias finest Irish Traditional musicians Ben Stephenson and Louise Phelan will play for you over lunch or dinner in an intimate musical experience at the Berry Hotel.

They will play a selection of Irish traditional music including a couple of tunes from Fermanagh where many Irish Immigrants from the local area came from. Ben plays the flute, Bohdran (Irish drum) and guitar. The flute is the most common traditional instrument in Fermanagh. Louise Phelan is originally from Ireland and is an expert fiddle player.

We reveal the forgotten tales of the legendary Poitín (moonshine) distillers who brought their craft from Ireland to the mountains of Jamberoo down to Kangaroo Valley and Cambewarra. You can even sample some Poitín from Ben Stephenson's Tara Distillery.

Discover why so many Irish immigrants settled in these areas in large numbers that made it one of the most Irish places in Australia in the 1800s.

Bookings can be made here coast.fyi/ire6
We only have 40 tickets available this time so don't delay and book early. Last time we had 80 tickets and it was sold out.

23/09/2022

We have 4 tickets available for tomorrow afternoon at 3:30pm for the Ireland to Australian dinner. Traditional Irish music over a meal at the Berry Hotel. Book here https://coast.fyi/ire1

19/09/2022

From Ireland to Australia - We have 12 tickets left for the 3:30pm dinner this Saturday at the Berry Hotel.
Traditional Irish instrumental music, Irish food and local stories over a meal in the historic 'Coach House' at Berry.
Tickets available here https://coast.fyi/ire1
You will be entertained by two world-class traditional Irish musicians on the day. Ben Stephenson will play guitar, flute and bodhrán and Louise Phelan is on fiddle.

17/09/2022

Update: All the tickets have now been sold. We will announce another date for this dinner in a week.

Only 3 tickets are left for our Murder & Mysteries Dinner on Friday November 11th. These dinners are selling out well beforehand so don't delay getting tickets if you want to go. We keep the numbers to only 28 for each dinner to make it a better experience.
Find out more and book here https://coast.fyi/murd8

12/09/2022

Join us for tales of terrible murders, mayhem and mysteries from the South Coast over a 2 course dinner in the historic 'Coach House' at Berry Hotel on Friday 11th of November from 6:30-9:00pm
Find out more and book here https://coast.fyi/murd8
The first two dates have already sold out so don't delay.

29/08/2022

For our Ireland To Australia Dinner at 3:30pm on Saturday 24th of September we have a bus running with pickups in Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa for $15 per person for the bus transport to the dinner. The bus will return at 6:30pm. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased here https://coast.fyi/ire1

28/08/2022

True Crime tales of terrible murder and mysteries from the South Coast over a 2 course dinner in the historic 'Coach House' at Berry. From Wollongong in the North To Batemans Bay in the South learn of the crimes that terrified the locals.

The 1860 brick 'Coach House' at the Berry Hotel is the perfect atmosphere for a night of tales from the past.
These are all new stories not included in our 'Secrets of Berry Night Walk'
Bookings can be made here https://coast.fyi/murd1

17/08/2022

From Ireland to Australia - new sessions - UPDATE due to demand an early dinner session has been added.
Traditional Irish instrumental music, Irish food and local stories over lunch in the historic 'Coach House' at Berry. The 1863 building and traditional Irish music creates an experience to remember.
Tickets available here https://shoalhavenwalks.rezdy.com/505408/from-ireland-to-australia

Due to popular demand we have three new sessions, a lunch, early dinner and a dinner on the 24th of September. The first three nights sold out quickly so don’t hesitate to book if you are interested.

To Kiama, Jamberoo, Gerringong, Berry , Cambewarra the Irish immigrants came in great numbers. Listen to their music and learn their stories.

Join us in the historic 'Coach House' at the Berry Hotel over a 2 course dinner. Warm yourself by the fire, have a drink or two, relax and listen to some traditional Irish tunes. Find out about the lives of the Irish immigrants when they arrived in this part of Australia.

You will be entertained by two world-class traditional Irish musicians on the night. Ben Stephenson is one of Australia’s most sought after Irish flute and guitar players. He is much in demand as a recording artist and has been a featured soloist on various film & television projects, including the major hollywood movie 'Australia'.
Throughout the dinner there will be more Irish tunes and stories of the local Irish immigrants.

05/08/2022

The From Ireland to Australia night has been so popular we have been working on some new dates. We are looking at adding lunchtime dates as well as more evening dates. The last filled very fast so if you don't want to miss out sign up here https://mailchi.mp/28eb9d311758/ireland-to-australia-evening and we will email you before it gets announced on Facebook and Instagram.

28/07/2022

From Ireland to Australia
UPDATE - Two of the dates have now been sold out. Due to the unexpected high demand we are working on securing new dates in the future. If you would like to be updated on when we have more dates before we announce them on Facebook you can sign up here https://mailchi.mp/28eb9d311758/ireland-to-australia-evening

A night of traditional Irish instrumental music, stories and history over dinner. To Kiama, Jamberoo, Gerringong, Berry , Cambewarra the Irish immigrants came in great numbers. Listen to their music and learn their stories.

Join us in the historic 'Coach House' at the Berry Hotel over a 2 course dinner. Warm yourself by the fire, have a drink or two, relax and listen to some traditional Irish tunes. Find out about the lives of the Irish immigrants when they arrived in this part of Australia.

You will be entertained by two world-class traditional Irish musicians on the night.

Ben Stephenson is one of Australia’s most sought after Irish flute and guitar players. He is much in demand as a recording artist and has been a featured soloist on various film & television projects, including the major hollywood movie 'Australia'.

Sue Hobson is an acclaimed fiddle player from the South Coast.

The evening will starts at 6:30pm with some traditional Irish tunes. Dinner will start at 7:00pm and the evening will finish up at 9pm. Throughout the night there will be more Irish tunes and stories of the local Irish immigrants.

2 nights only. This will be held on Thursday 4th of August and Thursday 18th of August in the 'Coach House' at The Berry Hotel.
Due to popular demand an extra date of Thursday 8th of September has been added.
Get your tickets here https://shoalhavenwalks.rezdy.com/505408/from-ireland-to-australia

21/07/2022

Looking for something to do in this rainy weather? Join us on our 'Secrets of Berry Night walk'. Start out at 'The Garden Berry' with a hot chocolate or coffee, spend a short time undercover on the street and finish up inside the 'Berry Hotel' where you can have a drink while listening to more dark tales. All of our tour is out of the rain.
Discover the lost legends, tragic true crime, forgotten stories and dark side of Berry and the Shoalhaven on this history based walking tour down Queen Street. For more information and booking - https://shoalhavenwalks.rezdy.com/474268/secrets-of-berry-night-walk

14/07/2022

New daytime tour 'Berry History Unearthed' starts on Saturday 30th July.
Unearth the controversial, the fascinating and the forgotten history of Berry over lunch and a stroll down the main street of Berry.
We explore the infamy of Alexander Berry and why he was one of the most hated men in the colony. Controversy and conflict between the Berry's and locals was a big part of Shoalhaven's history which has faded from the memories of locals over time. Find out how the Berry family shaped the history of Berry. Get an insight into the lives of local women, long left out of official history. Discover the stories of the local farmers, their struggles, their resilience and resourcefulness. Get the stories of the people behind the buildings of Berry. Learn about the large number of Irish immigrants that settled in the area.

The tour starts at midday with lunch at the historic 'The Garden Berry'. Lunch plus one drink is included in your ticket price.
Book here https://shoalhavenwalks.rezdy.com/466103/berry-history-unearthed

14/07/2022

Our Secrets of Berry Tour now finishes off in the historic Berry Hotel. We give you time to grab a drink before we finish off the tour with dark tales and stories of the supernatural.

04/07/2022

Discover the lost legends, tragic true crime, forgotten stories and dark side of Berry and the Shoalhaven on this history based walking tour down Queen Street.

Start out the night at the historic 'The Garden Berry' with a complimentary hot drink. Your choice of coffee, tea or a hot chocolate.

Book your tickets now - https://shoalhavenwalks.rezdy.com/474268/secrets-of-berry-night-walk

26/06/2022

The reason Broughton Creek Become Berry

The name of the town of Broughton Creek was actually changed in August of 1888 before David Berry died in 1889.

A short version is that people thought that Broughton Creek was too confusing as there was already Broughton Vale and Broughton Village and that ‘Broughton Creek’ is the name of a creek not a town. A poorly attended meeting was held and they wrote to David Berry and he said he was happy for the town to be called Berry. Most people probably weren’t interested in the subject and seemed to be indifferent about it. Longer version below with references.

In 1885 The local debating society held a debate about changing the name. Illaroo was found to be taken and the two suggestions were Berry Town and Berry Vale. Mr Hay who worked for David Berry said he would be happy if the name was changed from Broughton Creek.
In 1887 local John Stewart was suggesting the town be called Broughton and he was said to be the person most responsible for pushing for the name to change.
In 1888 a public meeting was called by the mayor of Broughton Creek to discuss the changing of the town's name. The attendance of that meeting was very poor. A resolution in favour of ‘Broughton’ was carried. A letter was written to David Berry asking for his opinion on the matter. He wrote back saying he gave his consent for the town to be called ‘Berry’
A petition was sent to the postal service requesting the name be changed and it was approved. A few months later it seems residents were indifferent to the change of name.
The municipality of Broughton Creek and Bomaderry was changed in 1890 to Berry. That was not the name of the town but the council area.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127948665
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106428206
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106430843
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71096471
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71098061
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/161892126

A few months ago a petition was presented to the Government, through Mr. Fraser Martin, M.L.A., asking that the name of this town be changed to "Berry." The Mayor has received a letter from the Postal Department ...

23/06/2022

Our Secrets Of Berry tour will now start at The Garden Berry . A complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate will be provided. They offer a range of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails. If you wish to have a drink beforehand a table for the tour is reserved from 7:30pm. The building was constructed in 1893 so is the perfect place to start off the night. If you want to make a night of it why not contact The Garden Berry and make a booking for dinner beforehand.

18/06/2022

Tour the streets of Berry by night.