*Annual Orchid Festival 18-19 September - 10-5 Sat, 10-3 Sun. Adults $10, Conc $6.50, Child $5, Family (2+2) $23

*Spotlight Prowl - Saturday Evening 18 September - meet at visitor car park (Check start time when you book) Adults $10, Child $5, Family (2+2) $23

* Cygnets and Swans Nest - Open 7 days - weekends 9-5 - weekdays 9-4 - Adults $10, Conc $6.50, Child $5, Family (2+2) $23

*Breakfast with the Birds - Sunday 12 September - 7.30am - $30 adult - $15 child

*Canoeing Adventures on the A-MAZE-ING Ironbark Creek - Sunday 5 September - 9.30am & 1.30pm - Adults $15 - Child $10- Family $40 (2+2)

Native Plant or Weed?     Saturday 4th September      9.30am-12pm    Tanilba Bay  Bookings Essential

In our bushland areas and backyards it is common for native plants and weeds to be easily confused.  Learn how to recognise the difference between a native plant and weed look-a-like in this hands on, jargon free workshop.  Free field guide.

Flower Show 10am to 3pm. Admission $2.50 school children free. Judging commences at 8.30am. Presentation of Prizes 2.30pm. Displays Australian Native Plants and African Violets.

Spring Fair  - Opening 9am, Plant, Cakes, Books, Pre Loved Clothing, Trash & Treasure Stalls, Tombola Entertainment and Activities for children. Devonshire Teas and Light Luncheon. Lifeline Newcastle will benefit from proceeds

Presented by Wendy Austin and Aileen White plus a sumptuous Afternoon Tea. Entry $15
Saturday 4 September at 1.30pm

Activities include: Launch of Murray's icon 2IPA in bottles (which only happens once per year) Free Brewery tour for every dad.

Regular menu plus specials made and/or matched with icon, Mark Wells 4-piece band (hey Mums, Mark Wells is cute, and he sings too!)

Kids are very welcome.

Come and join us in September and see what you can find!
Apart from having a great night out, you will learn about Australian fauna and the threats they face, and more about biodiversity of the local area.

This year there are two walks specifically designed for families with young children.
Tues 7 September - 7-8.30pm, Butterwick (Age 8- adult)
Thurs 9 September - 7-8.30pm, Soldiers Point (Age 8 - adult)
Wed 15 September - 6.30-7.30pm, One Mile Beach, (Suitable for young children)
Mon 20 September - 6.30-7.30pm, Tanilba Bay (Suitable for young children)
Thurs 30 September - 7-8.30pm, Salamander Bay (Age 8 - adult) 

Bookings are essential

Come along and experience tantalising local produce from the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens. Sample wine from Hunter Valley Wineries, indulge in fresh local produce straight from the supplier or carefully prepared by experienced local chefs and be entertained with live Jazz concerts and kids entertainment all while enjoying the stunning views of Shoal Bay, Port Stephens. Tantalise your taste buds with sumptuous local produce including seafood fresh from the Bay and a delicious range of cheeses from the Hunter region.
Relax and enjoy the extraordinary musical talent on offer by Jazz bands from the Newcastle and Sydney jazz music scene. Free LIVE jazz acts will be playing the entire day:

• Jazzy Jess 
• Julie Wilson Duo 
• Jazz a la carte 
• Scott Davy 
• Snowy Amos 
  
  Parents can take a load off whilst children are entertained by face painting and children’s activities at Occies Kids Club. All the fun-filled festivities will be held indoors and undercover at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa to ensure even the slightest change in weather won’t affect a wonderful jazz, wine and food experience! Start the weekend in style on the eve of Friday 10 September over the Robert Oatley Wines Four Course Degustation dinner in Catch Restaurant, priced at only $79

Gates will be open from 9:00am till 4.30pm

Entry Adults - $10  Pensioners - $5 Kids under 15 - $2 (MAX 5) Family $15
Pipe Bands- Grand march to the grounds starting @ 0930hrs
Solo Piping Competition
Scottish & Celtic Dancing
Singing groups
Stalls - Celtic Jewelry, DVD's, Clothing and many more.
Ancient battle re-enactmentsand do your
Strong Man Competition (tug-of-war, LIGHT caber toss, push-ups) Prizes & trophies
Kids Events (Shoot-the-hoop(Netball), Kick at soccer target, Egg Toss, under 10s costume event- medieval warriors and maidens) Prizes & Trophies
School Celtic Art contest Prizes & ribbons
Clan Tents
Food & Beverages
Finale Grand Parade - Massed Bands
And More...

See the region’s biggest and most exciting air and ground displays ever by the Australian Defence Force and visiting allied aircraft. The event features the latest in technology demonstrating the range of stimulating and different careers on offer in the ADF. "It’s a family day with something for all ages". Watch this page for updates on the road traffic arrangements, flying and ground programs and information on the participating aircraft.

Whats On - Expect to see:

•Air Force F-111s, F/A-18A/B Hornets, AP-3C Orions, C-130 Hercules, the big C-17 Globemaster, Hawk 127, the new F/A-18F Super Hornet, B737 Wedgetail and the spectacular Roulettes aerobatic formation display team;
•Navy Seahawk and Sea King helicopters, plus the famous Dancing Squirrels aerobatic helicopters and the new A109e Augusta;
•Historic warbirds including the Neptune and World War II Mustang, Spitfire, Meteor and Catalina;
•Civilian sports aircraft, including an appearance by the celebrated Red Bull Air Racer Matt Hall;
•Hands-on static displays, entertainment, bands and lots more.

How much
Pre-purchased tickets: Adults $20; Children (5-15) $5; Family $46
At the gate on the day: Adults $25; Children (5-15) $5
(Family concessions will only be available through pre-purchased tickets and will not be available at the gate on the day).

Port Stephens Coaches will be providing services to and from the Defence Forces Air Show, with transfers from;

• Newcastle Station
• Maitland Station
• Charlestown
• Raymond Terrace
• Port Stephens (Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Anna Bay)

Tickets for transport available online here at www.pscoaches.com.au/airshow.php. Tickets will not be available for purchase on the buses.

Saturday 18th September    10am-12.30pm    Raymond Terrace  Bookings Essential

A community garden is many things-a place to connect and share knowledge,where kids can learn how to grow and eat healthy food, a place for creativity, and where you can pick your evening meal.  This family friendly workshop will show how your skills and experience can become one of the building blocks for your local community garden.

Sunday 26th September   9.30am-12pm  Nelson Bay Bookings Essential

Become more aware of the unique range of flavours and texturesof local bushland plants and discover ways to incorporatethese foods into your daily lives.  Enjoy a hot tea brewed from local native plant material and a bushland walk.

18 August - 28 September - Exotic Destinations Display
29 September - 9 November - Colours of our Country -  China Painters - Mosaic Exhibition 

The Festival is a family-friendly day, with a large variety of market stalls,stage entertainment, river activities, games and competitions for the kids, all taking place on the magical waterfront of Tea Gardens, beside the Myall River.

Indulge in our selection of delicious homemeade Decadent Sandwiches, Savoury Canapes & Exquisite Petit Fours served on a trandional three tier platter. A selection of quality, fresh leaf teas or expresso amanti coffee followed by our own refreshing Mocktail to finish. BYO bubbles welcome ($3 surcharge). First Sunday of every month. Time 2pm - 4:30pm. From $29.50 per person.

Enjoy a two course lunch including a complimentary glass of wine from $29.50 per person, or three courses for $39.00 per person (valid seven days, excluding christmas Day). For a copy of the menu click here - http://www.peppers.com.au/Port-Stephens-Menus

Country Club Hotel: Joker Poker  - Sunday (5pm), HQ Poker  - Wednesday & Sunday (7pm) PH 1800 181810
Nelson Bay Bowling Club - Tuesdays. Registration from 6pm, Start 6.30pm. Sundays - Registration from 12:30pm, Start 1:15pm ph 4981 1272
Nelson Bay Diggers - Australian Poker League - EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT. Rego will be at 6.15pm with a 7.15pm start. You must be over 18 to play. Prizes include cash, Starbucks & vouchers. FREE every Sunday. Phone 4981 1344 

 

Nelson Bay Bowling Club - Mon @ 1pm. Thurs @ 7.30pm, Fri 2pm - Ph 4981 1272
Soldiers Point Bowling Club - Mon 7pm. Tues 10.30am. Wed 10.30am. Fri 10.30am. Sun Housie 12.30pm - Ph 4982 7173
Fingal Bay Sports & Recreation Club  - Bingo - Camp Quality  Mon Night 6pm + JACKPOT - Wed 9am Children welcome - Ph 4984 1244
Nelson Bay Diggers - Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri. Eyes Down 11am. Cash housie on Thurs. Ph 4981 1344

Nelson Bay Bowling Club - Monday Mania On Sale 5pm - Drawn 6pm. . Thurs Bowlf Club Seafood Raffle On sale 4:30pm—Drawn 5:30pm.
Fri Wheel of Fortune. On sale 4:30pm—Drawn 5:45pm. Sun Variety Raffle Drawn 5pm. Ph 4981 1272.
Nelson Bay Diggers - Wed, Thurs, Fri from 4.30pm & Sun. Tickets $1 for 5 numbers. Ph 4981 1344.

Soldiers Point Bowling Club - Fri Night Mega Meat Raffle, tickets on sale 5pm, drawn 6pm. Sun Summer Change Raffle, tickets on sale 10.30am, drawn 11am. Travelling Bowlers Raffle, 2nd Thurs, tickets on sale 5.30pm, drawn 6.30pm. Fishing Club Raffle, last Thurs of the month, tickets on sale 5pm, drawn 6pm  -  Ph 4982 7173
Fingal Bay Sport & Recreational Club - Wed 6.30pm - Friday 5pm - Ph 4984 1244

ANGLICAN CHURCH - All Saints, Cnr Tomaree & Church Streets, Nelson Bay, 49811839. Website: www.allsaintsnelsonbay.org.au. Sunday 8am & 10am .
BAPTIST CHURCH - 19 Government Road, Nelson Bay 4984 2886, Sunday 9.30am and 6.30pm.
BAYLIFE CHURCH - 4236 Nelson Bay Road, Anna Bay PH: 4919 0104 www.baylifechurch.org.au Sunday 10am & 6pm.
BEACHSIDE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - 43 Shearwater Drive, Salamander Bay, Ph 4919 0126. Sunday Service 10am.
CATHOLIC CHURCH -ST MICHAELS - 12 Sproule Street, Nelson Bay, 4981 1069, Mass - Saturday - 6pm Sunday 8.30am.
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE - 180 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay, 4981 1852, Sunday 9.30am, 6pm.
CHURCH OF CHRIST - Nelson Bay Road, Salt Ash 4982 6655, Sunday 9.30am Youth Group 5.30 & 7.30pm Friday.
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - Bagall Avenue, Soldiers Point 49846600. Sunday 9.30am.
GATEWAY FAMILY CHURCH - Gateway, 43 Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay. 49821970. www.gatewayfamily.org.au Sunday 9.30am & 5pm.
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - Cnr James & Steel St, Hamilton (Newcastle) Ph 4961 1439 - Sunday 9.30am
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES - 32 Marsh Rd, Salt Ash Ph 4982 6168 - Sun 10am - Tues & Thurs 7.30pm
LUTHERAN CHURCH - 169 Gan Gan Road Anna Bay 4982 1127 or 4982 1469, 1st & 3rd Sunday -6pm, 2nd, 4th, 5th Sunday -8am.
SALVATION ARMY - 165 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay 4982 0192,www.salvos.org.au/contact/find-a-church Sunday - 10am.
SPECTRUM CHURCH - 14 Port Stephens Drive, Anna Bay, 4981 9339, Sunday 10am & 6pm.
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH - 133 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay 4981 3898, www.adventistConnect.org Saturday 9.30am & 11am.
TEMPLE - The Newcastle Hebrew Congregation Inc. 122 Tyrell St, Newcastle Ph 4929 6137 - 6.30pm Friday, every 2nd Sat 9.30am
UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA - Salamander Bay Centre,4982 0436, 174 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay. Sun 9.15am http:/psuc.users.nelsonbay.com. 

Nelson Bay Diggers Line Dance Club holds classes every Mon from 1.30-4pm. Tues practice from 7-9pm. Monthly dance socials. Mel Smith ph 4984 1535

Soldiers Point Bowling Club. Ph 4982 7173. Old Time & New Vogue Dance practice Thursdays at 7pm. Saturday Dances with That's Rhythm at 7.30pm 13th Feb, 8th May, 10th July, 11 Sept, 27th Nov.

Anna Bay Community Markets - Contact Colin Reddel phone: 0429 506 802 email:markets@gatewayfamily.org.au. Held 1st Saturday every month in the Gateway Family Presbyterian Church - Grounds and hall, 43 Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay, 8.30am-2.00pm. Craft, clothing, books, plants, tools, household & auto accessories etc. New stallholders and community groups welcome.
Medowie Markets - Contact David Plummer phone 4982 9123. Held at the Bull & Bush Motel the 2nd Saturday each month.
Nelson Bay Craft Markets - Contact Jeanette Murray on 0419 492 009. Held the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays of every month in Neil Carroll Park (Fly Point), Nelson Bay.
Tomaree Markets - Phone Elinor on 4981 3565. Held the 2nd & 4th Sundays every month at the Tomaree Sports Complex, Salamander Bay. -
Tanilba Bay Markets - Phone Kathy or Tim BH: 49824833 or AH: 49823567. 3rd Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm. Stall holders welcome. Kooindah Shopping Centre Car Park, President Wilson Walk, Tanilba Bay .

Country Club Hotel - P: 1800 181810 : Fri: (8.30-11.30pm) Sat : (8.30-11.30pm) Sun: (1-4pm & 8.30pm-close)
Nelson Bay Diggers - P: 4981 1344 - Main Lounge, Fri & Sat 8.30pm - 12mn. Sun 2pm - 5pm
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club - Ph 4981 1272 - Every Fri & Sat in the Main Lounge

Country Club Hotel - Ph 1800 181810 - Thursday 8-10pm

Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club - Ph 4981 1272 - Tuesday from 6.30pm

Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club - Ph 4981 1272 - Fridays from 5pm-9pm. Free entry. A fully supervised, fun-filled evening for kids aged from 3-12 years
Soldiers Point Bowling Club. Ph 4982 7173. Fri 5.30-10.30pm. Sat 6.30-10.30pm. Free to members for kids aged 3 years & over (toilet trained)

Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club - Ph 4981 1272 - Friday 5pm-6pm
Sandy Foot Cafe & Bar at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa - Ph 1800 181810 - Fridays 5pm-7pm. $10 cocktails, delicious cocktail nibbles and a funky soloist.

Soldiers Point Bowling Club - Ph 4982 7173. Wednesday to Saturday

Fingal Bay Sports & Recreation Club - Ph 4984 1244. Available from Corlette, Nelson Bay & Shoal Bay every day!

Nelson Bay Diggers - Pg 4981 1344. Transport Fri & Sat nights : Free taxi pick up and a $5.00 drop off