Summer has finally arrived and there’s a wonderful sense of anticipation and excitement in Berry, not just for Christmas celebrations, but for long days of sunshine, and warm evenings spent with friends and family. Looking for some great ways to enjoy summer in Berry? Here are our top tips…
1. Visit Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is a glorious 12 km stretch of beach from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads just 10 minutes from the centre of Berry. The northern end of Seven Mile Beach at Gerroa has both a surf beach and a river inlet. The inlet is extremely popular with young families, stand up paddle boarders, and kayakers, while the adjacent patrolled (summer only) beach is popular for beginner surfers, and swimmers. The southern end of Seven Mile Beach is at Shoalhaven Heads. This patrolled beach (summer only) is popular with more experienced swimmers and walkers. There is a dog off-leash area, starting 200m north of the Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club. Parallel to the beach you’ll find the Sand Track Walks (North and South) through the Seven Mile Beach National Park. The tracks can be accessed at several access points via Crooked River Road and Gerroa Road. Shoalhaven Heads Inlet at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach is a popular fishing and boating destination.
2. Ring in the New Year with Family Fun and Fireworks
See out 2023 and a welcome in a bright, shiny New Year with fireworks and festivities at Berry Showground. Gates open for the New Years Eve Family Fun Night from 5pm with the magnificent fireworks spectacular set to light up the skies at 9pm. Along with carnival rides and slides, there will be free games for the children to play, such as knock down the cans, sack races, hula hoops and more. Cherry MaMalade will provide entertainment throughout the night. There will be plenty of food stalls on site, and families are encouraged to bring a rug and make a real picnic night of it.
3. Explore Berry Markets
Berry is fortunate to have several regular markets. Berry Markets, the oldest and most established market, is held at Berry Showground on the first Sunday of each month except for February. Amongst the 200+ stalls you’ll find handmade/hand-produced products, homewares, fashion, locally grown vegetables and produce, collectables, books, plants, leather goods, and many other interesting stalls to browse. This summer, Berry Markets will be held on Sunday 7th January. There is no market in February.
Berry Farmers’ Market is a fabulous weekly market with fresh local produce, ready-made meals, flowers and plants, breads, cheeses and more. The market is held each Thursday 2-5pm at Berry Showground Cowsheds, with access from Albany St.
The new Berry Village Markets is set to kick off on Sunday 28th January and will be held regularly on the 4th Sunday of each month, at our local Bowling Club. Over 70 stalls are to be set amongst the shady grounds of The Berry Bowling Club.
4. Enjoy an Un’wine’d Picnic at Coolangatta Estate
Coolangatta Estate‘s Un’wine’d Picnics take picnicking to a whole new level. This 5-star luxury picnic experience is set within the beautiful grounds of the winery, taking in sprawling views of the heritage property, perfect for a romantic date or a unique group experience. Included in the package is a feast of delicious charcuterie and wine from the vineyard. While at the Estate you might also like to visit the cellar door, or take a guided walk through the fascinating convict-built Coolangatta Village historic precinct, the Shoalhaven’s most significant colonial site.
5. Treat Yourself to a Spot of Retail Therapy
Berry is well known for its wide variety of beautiful retail stores boasting amazing local produce, homewares, fashion, jewellery, books, arts and crafts, antiques, flowers and more. You could easily spend a whole day exploring all that is on offer.
6. Experience a Grass Roots Agricultural Show at The Berry Show
The Berry Show is set to return on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd February 2024, and it’s going to be a cracker! The 2-day program is set to feature all your favourite agricultural highlights including dairy & beef cattle breeds, horses & showjumping, goats & poultry, hay-stacking, Young Farmer Challenge and woodchopping plus the children’s pet show, local arts & crafts, food, fun, fireworks and a whole lot more!
7. Play at Boongaree
If you are visiting Berry with kids, the Rotary Nature Play Park, at Boongaree on North St Berry, is a must visit. This incredible, recently opened inclusive playground has been designed to suit all ages and abilities and is packed with nature and sensory play opportunities, a flying fox, bridges, tunnels, a cubby house, sand and water play areas, climbing nets, slides, accessible play equipment, amenities and even an exercise zone for adults. Adjacent to the playground you’ll find a fantastic Learn to Ride area, perfect for young ones gaining confidence, while the new pump track and skate park are both very close to completion. Covered picnic tables and BBQs are also available on site. We recommend a morning or afternoon visit during summer, as the many shade trees are still growing.
8. Cool off at Berry Pool
Berry Village Pool is set in the shady grounds of the Berry Showground, making it the ideal spot to cool off. There is a 19m outdoor pool and a toddler pool, which is partially covered by a shade cover, as well as picnic tables and a grassed area. The pool is open extended hours in the school holidays: 7am – 6pm weekdays, 10am – 5pm weekends and 1pm – 5pm on public holidays.
9. Indulge your Tastebuds
Berry is a foodie’s paradise. Whether it’s ice cream made from delicious local milk at The Dairy Bar, afternoon cocktails and grazing at Tara Distillery Tasting Room + Bar or The Rutledge Bar + Eats, a coldie and a bistro dining at The Southern Hotel or The Berry Hotel, or a delicious meal at one of Berry’s many fantastic cafes or restaurants, dining in Berry is always a treat. For a fine dining experience we recommend South on albany or Bangalay Dining, both of which were recently awarded a coveted ‘hat’ in the NSW Good Food Awards. Bangalay Dining will even create delicious picnic hamper for 2 should you wish to dine alfresco. Berry is also home to a range of amazing speciality food stores so you can stock up on produce for the perfect night in from Milkwood Bakery, Flavours Shoalhaven, The Treat Factory, The Berry Chocolatier, The Berry Tea Shop, The Berry Bon Bon and local wineries. Can’t decide where to go first? Jump on a food and wine tour.
10. Get Creative
Made a New Years resolution to be more creative in 2024? Start your creative journey this summer in Berry. Choose from ring making workshops at co.LAB Berry in the heart of town, a pottery experience with David Collins Pottery at his incredible studio with stunning views over Berry, or a weekend landscape painting workshop with Artxtra. Be inspired by the incredible legacy of Arthur Boyd at Bundanon – take in the latest exhibition at the Art Museum, explore the historic Homestead and original artist studio as well as bush walks around the property, or participate in one of the regular onsite workshops and events.
11. The Ultimate Unwind
Unwind and reset for the year ahead in Berry this summer. Attend a yoga class with Roaming Yogis at the Berry Yoga Shala located at the stunning Willow Farm Berry, book a massage or treatment with Mantra Therapeutic Thai Massage and Spa in town, recharge and empower yourself at a luxurious women’s retreat with Stand Tall Retreats, have your hair and makeup done at Blow Bar on Queen, get a great new cut or colour at Ghem Hairworks, indulge in an in-house massage with Angela’s Remedial Massage & Mobile Spa, or simply make the most of your chosen accommodation and soak up the country vistas.
12. See out the Summer with the Red Hot Summer Tour
The Red Hot Summer Tour returns in 2024 for another massive run of shows including Berry Showground on 2nd March. Featuring an international and Aussie lineup of Suzi Quatro, Cheap Trick, Jon Stevens, The Angels, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets, and Chocolate Starfish.
Have a fantastic summer!
