Top 5 things to do this long weekend on the Far South Coast

Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast will come alive with the energy of the fifth WinterSun Festival, a celebration that blends elite competitive racing with the warmth of a community-driven event.

Set against breathtaking coastal landscapes, the festival features serious competitive races that challenge athletes in cold-water swims through pristine Merimbula Lake and trail runs that traverse rugged coastal terrains rich in Indigenous history.

WinterSun isn't just for competitors, though. It's for everyone who loves great music, food, and place-based experiences.

From 8.30am on Saturday, June 7, enjoy a morning dip at Mitchies Jetty, including the fun of Pups on Sups, the chilly community Salty Swim, and the 1.2km Jetty to Jetty challenge.

Then from 12 until 6.30pm enjoy a host of free entertainment at StreetFest, with live local bands, food vans and artisan brewers and distillers all setting up shop right in the heart of Merimbula.

On Sunday, June 8, tackle the epic Wharf to Wharf challenge, a competitive trail run from Tathra Wharf to Merimbula Wharf. Along rugged cliffs and through coastal forests and long stretches of sand, this route demands focus, strength, and determination.

On Monday, WinterSun launches its new offering - the Light to Light trail run. Conquer one of Australia's most spectacular coastal trails, from the iconic Boyds Tower to the towering beacon of Green Cape Lightstation.

Full details at https://wintersunfest.com.au/

The rhythm in the Far South Coast will change over the June long weekend as jazz musicians, both established and up-and-coming, as well as a multitude of jazz lovers, descend on Merimbula.

Born in 1981, the Merimbula Jazz Festival is the longest-running jazz festival in Australia.

The committee behind the festival was dedicated to ensuring its longevity and for jazz to live on for the coming generations.

Hear different styles from big band, swing, modern, funk, fusion and mainstream to traditional and ragtime across four fabulous days.

With seven venues within walking distance and around 100 bands on offer, there will be plenty for everyone.

For more information, venue schedules and tickets, go to www.merimbulajazz.org.au

The 2025 Bega Valley Rally is set to deliver high-octane action, breathtaking scenery, and fierce competition, whether behind the steering wheel or watching from the sidelines.

Stages include 200 kilometres of diverse rallying terrain, from flowing gravel roads to tight, technical forest sections.

Head along to see some of the best rally cars and drivers from NSW and Victoria across two massive days of racing.

The origins of the Bega Valley Rally go back to the very early sixties, when it was variously known as the Snowy Rally and Southern Mountains Rally.

In 1973 it was rebranded the Bega Valley Rally and has since become one of Australia's iconic events and believed to be the second longest running event behind Victoria's Alpine Rally.

It is a national special stage rally, conducted on the very special shire roads near Bega and forestry roads further south around Eden.

The event usually sees a full field of exciting modern 4WD rally cars along with many classic rally cars from the 70s, 80s and 90s and attracts competing crews, their support crews, spectators and officials from all over south east Australia.

More information is available on the Sapphire Coast Sporting Car Club Facebook page: www.facebook.com/scscarclub

Grab yourself a winter read or five at the Eurobodalla's giant book fair.

Held this Saturday, Sunday and Monday, at the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens, the annual preloved book fair is back - bigger and better than ever.

Open from 10am until 3pm each day, there will be thousands of second-hand books on offer.

You'll be sure to find something unique to read. Drop in to grab a bargain or find that special book that's been on your wish list for years.

Free to enter. All funds raised from book sales will go towards supporting the Botanic Garden.

Cheer on some of the best young tennis stars from across the country as Batemans Bay hosts the South Coast Open all long weekend.

From 4pm Friday right through to Monday, Batemans Bay Tennis Club is playing host to the best up-and-coming talent on its courts at Hanging Rock.

The South Coast Open acts as a stepping stone to the Australian Pro Tour and offers both prize money and Australian ranking points, with competition for A, B and C grade players.

Head along to the Batemans Bay tennis complex to watch rising juniors and seasoned seniors compete across four big days!

Grab your dive gear and get involved in the 2025 Eden Spearfishing Challenge.

Entry fees include food, drink and a huge prize draw via lucky ticket raffle for all entrants. Competition is a 100-point scoring system.

All boats and divers must have safety equipment and valid accreditation to sign up.

Sign-up at the Quarantine Bay boat ramp in Eden from 3-5pm Friday, June 6, and 6.30-7.30am Stiurday, June 7.

Fishing competition from 8am until 2pm June 7, with weigh-in at 2.30pm. Presentation at the Eden Amateur Fishing Club on Sunday, June 8, 3pm.

Or head to Narooma for the South Coast Woodwork Show.

Held at the Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre, the annual show highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of the combined woodworking clubs of the South Coast.

Demonstrations of wood turning, carving and engraving. Exhibition and sale of locally made woodwork items.

In addition, the local Dalmeny Quilters will also be in attendance exhibiting and selling their fine quilts and other items.

EFTPOS available. Entry $2, children under 16 free. Saturday 9am until 4pm, Sunday 9am until 3pm.