Summer is when the South Coast’s towns and villages are at their best, shining the spotlight on some of NSW’s most iconic landscapes.

From Christmas markets and community celebrations to carnivals, beaches and New Year’s Eve events, The Bugle has rounded up what’s happening across the region.

Destination Kiama’s manager of tourism, events and economic development, Sally Bursell said summer signals the region's peak period with the last week of December traditionally the busiest.

“Boxing Day tends to be the busiest day in the year at the Kiama Visitor Information Centre at Blowhole Point,” Bursell said.

“Not every business is open on Boxing Day, so the VIC (Visitor Information Centre) is a beacon that people can trust, and plays a role in dispersing visitors through to our key experiences and activities around the region such as The Illawarra Fly, Minnamurra Rainforest and of course Jamberoo Action Park.”

Bursell encourages those who have family and friends staying, to be Kiama’s ambassadors.

Huskisson Fair.

“A lot of people have friends and family staying and they sometimes get a little bit of cabin fever over the Christmas and New Year period,” she said.

“Go out and explore your own backyard and show your friends and family – there are just so many options.

“Supporting locals this time of year is super important - it’s been a challenging year and a little patience and kindness goes a long way.”

Christmas and pre-Christmas events

To kick off the festive season, The Picnic Train will run a special diesel locomotive-hauled return trip from Sydney to Kiama on 20 and 21 December, offering a nostalgic way to arrive on the South Coast.

In the Shoalhaven, the Milton Village Showground Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 20 December from 9am to 2pm, featuring collectables, giftware, and handmade goods.

Gerringong’s annual Christmas Parade will also be held on Saturday from 10am hosted by Gerringong Lions, beginning at Belinda Street, with floats, music and entertainment. Christmas on the Greens at Gerringong Bowlo will offer a free, family-friendly community celebration from 4pm.

The Gerringong RFS Santa Run will be held on Sunday, departing at 2pm from Stafford Street, Headland Gerroa and finishing at Michael Cronin Oval around 5:15pm.

Shellharbour Council will host Create and Sleigh at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday (22 December) from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, a free evening of Christmas arts and crafts where you can design and create Christmas decorations.

For those last-minute Christmas gifts, Kiama Farmers Markets is on Tuesday at Black Beach Reserve with over 150 stalls of locally made crafts, boutique fashion, art, jewellery, homewares and gourmet treats.  

Kiama Library will host a children’s Christmas activity with local children’s author Diann Rodgers-Healey on Tuesday from 10am - 12pm for a morning filled with activities, designed ages 10-12 - cost $5.

 Gerringong's Santa Run.

Carnivals and school holiday fun

Running from Boxing Day until 4 January, Laurie’s Kiama Family Carnival returns with food carts and rides with the kids sure to leave whatever energy they have left at Laurie’s!

Further south, Husky Carnival begins on 26 December and runs right through to Australia Day on 26 January at Huskisson Playing Fields, with over 20 exhilarating rides, extensive side show games, tasty carnival food and entertainment – including fireworks on Saturday (3 January), it’s a family night of fun. The ticket box opens at 5:30pm daily.

Jamberoo Action Park will again offer its six weeks of summer program, including Dive-In Movies every Saturday evening, beginning 20 December at 5pm.  

 Illawarra Fly.

For those seeking adventure above ground, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk and Zipline Tours at Knights Hill offer extraordinary views of the local rainforest and adrenaline-fuelled experiences.

Beaches, walks and outdoor adventures

The Shellharbour-Kiama-Shoalhaven region has more than 100 beaches nestled into its coastline from the famous Seven Mile Beach in Gerringong, to the whitest of sand at Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay - swimmers are encouraged to check BeachSafe website or download the app for current information and conditions and patrols.

With many coastal walks along the headland of the Kiama region, from the Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole, to Loves Bay in Kiama Heights to Gerringong – there is something for everyone to remain active and burn off that extra pudding!

For those who want to go 'Fishing with a Local' – check out one of the South Coast’s finest fishers George Newcombe where you will be taken to tried and tested fishing spots. Bookings are essential.

Always wanted to hang 10? Check out Surf Camp Australia lessons at Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa where there is consistent ideal surfing conditions for beginners.

Check out the Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight with the NSW National Parks and enact all of your senses with this unforgettable adventure – bookings are essential.

Learn more about the oldest living peoples and cultures, check out Gumarra Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Education and learn about the many different facets of art, language, food and dance – bookings are essential.

New Year’s Eve across the region

While there will be no fireworks in Kiama this year, celebrations are still set to light up the town.

“Lots of businesses have decided to embark on new things and Yves is launching their new deck with their New Year’s Eve white party theme,” Bursell said.

Yves Social White Party provides a chic and coastal celebration while overlooking Kiama Harbour to celebrate NYE25. Bookings are essential and this is an 18+ event.

 Jamberoo Action Park.

Located at Kiama Blowhole, Diggies is holding two sittings: Sunset Sitting from 4:30pm-6:30pm and Dinner Party from 7:30pm – featuring a Mediterranean-style feast.

“Diggies is somewhere that always has a NYE event, but they are upping the ante this year with a Mediterranean style feast,” Bursell said.

Meanwhile Cin Cin Wine Bar at Little Blowhole is taking over with a mini street party, beginning at 5pm, offering wines, food and an outdoor celebration to reminisce on 2025 and welcome 2026.

Check out the Destination Kiama website for more information: www.kiama.com.au

For more information on BeachSafe head to www.beachsafe.org.au