The Nest Markets

24/06/2026

Illawarra SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE – what’s on?

Let’s build it together

School holidays are around the corner and we know the Illawarra always delivers so let’s make this the ultimate local list.

We already have some great things happening but we want to hear from YOU.

✨ One of the newest additions to the calendar, the Saturday 11th July Markets (9am – 3pm), is shaping up to be a huge winter family day out. Local makers, food, music and a real community atmosphere.

🎭 I’m a dirty that I was born a mere Muggle but I have the heart of a Gryffindor. If you’re up for something fun, Harry Potter Trivia is on 9th July at Plough and Ale and yes if you beat me, I may curse.

But we know there is more happening across the region

👉 Are you running a workshop
👉 What are some kids activities, sports clinics, art sessions or pop ups that we should know about
👉 Know a hidden gem event we should all be at
Drop it below

Let’s build the most useful school holiday guide in the Illawarra together.

If it is happening locally, we all should know about it.

If you wish to collaborate. Reach out.

23/06/2026

Imagine this...

A fresh coffee in hand.

Live music drifting through the trees.
Lake Illawarra sparkling beside you.
The smell of pizza, BBQ skewers and donuts filling the air.

This isn't just a market. It's your perfect Saturday.

Treat yourself to:
🌭 Sausage Sizzle
🍕 Fresh Pizza
🍖 BBQ Skewers
🥩 Jerky
🌶️ Mojo Picón
🥐 Fresh Pastries
🍩 Hot Donuts
🧁 Cupcakes
🍖 Salamis and meaty goodness
🥜 South Coast Nuts
☕ Barista Coffee
🍋 Just Squeeze Lemonade
⚡ Energy Teas

Then spend the day discovering talented local makers, unique handmade gifts, creative stalls and community spirit in the beautiful natural parklands of Lake Illawarra.

Whether you're coming for breakfast, lunch, a family outing or simply a relaxing stroll by the water, there's something waiting for you.

📅 Saturday 11 July
⏰ 9am – 3pm
📍 Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra

Good food. Great people. Beautiful surroundings.

We'll see you there.

23/06/2026

School holidays are officially sorted ✨
Mark it in now — Saturday, 11 July | 9am–3pm

A full day by the lake filled with easy family fun, fresh sea air, and that slow, feel-good energy you only get when you’re outside together in winter sunshine 🌊

This is a free event to wander, explore, eat, listen, and soak it all in.

Expect:
🌿 Lakeside markets with plenty of local stalls
🍔 Food trucks serving all-day favourites
🎶 Live music + roaming entertainment
🧺 Free lawn games for the kids (and the big kids too)
🌊 Open lake views, fresh air, and space to breathe

Plus a paid experience zone with friendly farmyard animals and face painting — perfect for making it a full school holiday memory moment 🐑🎨

No rush, no pressure, just an easy day out where everything is in one place.

So tell us… what’s your kind of lake day?

🌟 Wandering the stalls at your own pace?
🌟 Picnic rug + snacks by the water?
🌟 Food truck first, decisions later?
🌟 Kids fully entertained while you actually sit down for a minute?

Drop your vibe below 👇
And tag the person you’re bringing so they can’t back out later 🌊✨

19/06/2026

16/06/2026

Thank you to all those that came by and supported Luca on the weekend.

He went home happy to have sold so many of his pumpkins that he himself grew and he was a bit relieved that he wouldn’t have to eat as much pumpkin soup 🤣. His words. Not mine.

You could tell that this inspired him as a farmer (no easy task these days). He is still a kid at heart and we loved that he took the time to enjoy himself as well with games, food and with the company of others in our community.

16/06/2026

We hit 5k Facebook followers 🤍

So grateful for each and every one of you

This isn’t really about numbers. It’s about watching something grow that feels like a little pocket of community we all share.

The kids running wild playing lawn games. The food you come back for. The animals. The knights. The stallholders you now recognise by name. The chats that turn into friendships.

That’s what this has become.

Thank you for being part of it. It genuinely means a lot.

14/06/2026

Our Guardians of the Lake competition also saw beautiful submissions by a class at Kemblawarra Public School.

We are delighted with their beautiful artworks and they will each receive a Certificate, little trophy and reward for all of their hard work.

Thank you to their beautiful teacher for making sure it all came together. The work and love you have for the children you care for doesn’t go unnoticed and we should all be so lucky to have someone like you in our children’s lives.

Thank you.

14/06/2026

It was so much fun to see your fans greeting you and taking an interest :)

14/06/2026

The Guardian of Lake Illawarra (Stall holder Edition) ... ✨🌊

For generations, locals have whispered tales of a mysterious Guardian watching over the waters of Lake Illawarra. Some say it's a legend. Others aren't so sure...

After much deliberation, two worthy souls were found to possess the qualities every Guardian values: community spirit, care for our environment, and a love of the lake.

🏆 Congratulations to our two new Guardians of Lake Illawarra, who have each won a FREE stall at next month's markets!

The following are such talented artists and we are in absolute awe of their creations!

The Stoney Coast Collective with Sticc made from shells

Rust to Riches with their Nerida the Seahorse artwork.

Keep your eyes on the water... the Guardian is always watching. 👀🌊