Known for its 100 beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and boutique food and wine scene, the Shoalhaven is one of the top-visited destinations in Australia, but cultural tourists are in for a treat with the re-imagining of Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon. Australia’s only regional art museum accompanied by seven delightful art and culture trails, all within 2 hours from Sydney and Canberra.
Shoalhaven Tourism has launched a refreshed 32-page Art and Culture Guide showcasing seven cultural trails throughout the Shoalhaven, each trail unique and highlighting the charm and essence of the NSW South Coast. The seven trails showcase 90 arty things to do across the region coinciding with the re-opening of Bundanon after a 30 million dollar redevelopment in the following categories:
- Museums
- Galleries
- Art Outdoors
- Craft & Artisan
- Music & Performing Arts
- Heritage
- Workshops & Talks
Along with Bundanon locals and visitors alike have long-loved the Fleet Air Arm Museum showcasing the Naval history of the region, the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery with multiple exhibitions featured over Autumn from Prominent Sydney artist Peter Sharp to illusion portraits inspired by architectural design, a mural trail with well-known street artists and Sydney Living Museums ‘Meroogal’. These cultural institutions are all based around the town centre of Nowra, but beyond, a bustling community of artists in coastal villages have created a vibrant scene that can be explored via online trails at shoalhaven.com/art or with the new guide available to be mailed or via local Visitor Centres.
The Shoalhaven offers visitors something unique with the great variety if offers, the perfect quick break or long getaway so close to capital cities and with wide open spaces to enjoy nature especially in the off-season from February to October. Art and Culture is the cherry on top for the destination that offers many experiences, all in one destination.
Amanda Findley, Mayor Shoalhaven City Council says: “Art and culture plays a big part in the essence of the Shoalhaven, from the local artists to touring works and everything in between. Looking back, Arthur Boyd chose the Shoalhaven as his place to live and make work, and his legacy lives on with the new fantastic Bundanon, his gift to the people.
The arts is an important part of the Shoalhaven visitor economy that is now been given it’s time to shine. Cultural tourists spend 56% more and stay 37% longer*, and tourism supports approximately 6,000 jobs in region which need to be sustained year-round.
The arts and tourism sectors have been hit most hard over recent years, and now more than ever it’s important to support regional towns by bringing your positive energy engaging in art workshops, attending an event or visiting a local gallery to help reinvigorate this beautiful place.”
In addition to cultural trails across several arts disciplines, itineraries have been created on shoalhaven.com with a few highlighted in the printed guide. Visitors are encouraged to come for the arts and culture but stay for the friendly local hospitality, great food, COVID safe wineries, attractions and beautiful unspoilt outdoor adventure activities.
Featured image : Art Outdoors Sculpture Willinga Park Bawley Point