Planning a Christening, First Birthday Party or Naming Day in Wollongong or Shellharbour? Whether you’re after a formal seated celebration or a relaxed, family-friendly gathering, the Illawarra delivers in style. Find your perfect Illawarra Function Space & Room for Christenings, First Birthdays & Naming Days.

What’s On in Wollongong is your go-to guide for the best local venues — and these are our top picks. For even more inspiration, check out our full guide to Party, Engagement, Christening & Wake Venues.

Main title image c/o City Beach Function Centre


City Beach Function Centre – Wollongong’s Premier Beachfront Venue

With its stunning oceanfront location, floor-to-ceiling windows, and exceptional service, City Beach Function Centre is our number one pick for christenings, naming days and first birthday parties.

City Beach Function Centre offers:

  • Two modern, pillar-less event spaces with private terraces overlooking the ocean
  • Capacity for up to 250 seated guests or 330 cocktail-style
  • Packages from $99pp for two courses, up to four-course dining or canapés
  • Four-hour standard beverage packages
  • Complimentary centrepieces, cake table, dance floor, coloured lighting and Bentwood chair upgrades
  • Children’s menu options and space for entertainment like face painters or photo booths

Whether you’re envisioning a formal banquet or a more relaxed cocktail celebration, City Beach’s flexible packages, locally-sourced menus by Executive Chef Paul Hamilton, and impeccable service make it a standout.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with City Beach Functions hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


The Icon – Free Room Hire in Wollongong CBD

For flexibility and value, The Icon offers free private room hire in the heart of Wollongong CBD. You simply pay for your catering and drinks and have full freedom to style the room to your theme — perfect for christenings, naming days and first birthdays.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with The Icon hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


City of Wollongong Tennis Club – Exclusive Upstairs Function Room

City of Wollongong Tennis Club offers exclusive use of its upstairs function room, giving you the freedom to style the space your way. In-house catering is available, and the central location makes it convenient for guests.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with the City of Wollongong Tennis Club hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Wiseman Park Bowling Club – Friendly, versatile, welcoming

Wiseman Park Bowling Club is an ideal choice for a christening, offering a warm and relaxed atmosphere with flexible packages to suit your needs. With customisable menus, versatile spaces, and attentive service, it’s the perfect place to gather family and friends to celebrate your little one’s special day.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with Wiseman Park Bowling Club hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Celebrate Christenings and Family Events with Pro-Sound & Lighting

Pro-Sound & Lighting in Wollongong are the go-to party equipment hire & lighting specialists for christening celebrations, providing everything you need to make the day truly memorable.

From ambient lighting and sound systems to outdoor cinema setups, disco lights, and themed decorations, they bring a festive and joyful atmosphere to your home or venue. With delivery, setup, and expert advice on event theming, Pro-Sound & Lighting ensures every christening is stress-free, beautifully presented, and enjoyed by family and friends of all ages.


Altitude 1148 – Coastal Elegance with Panoramic Views

Perched above the escarpment in Bulli Tops, Altitude 1148 offers breathtaking views from the ocean to the escarpment. Perfect for smaller christenings or naming days, their menus and service match the views — and the backdrop makes for unforgettable family photos.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with Altitude 1148 hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


The Fraternity Club – Versatile Rooms & Catering Packages

In Fairy Meadow, The Fraternity Club offers multiple function rooms for any guest list size. With in-house catering, flexible drink packages, and both formal and casual set-ups available, it’s ideal for large family christenings or intimate naming days.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with The Fraternity Club hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Centro CBD – Italian-Inspired Dining & Private Event Space

In the heart of Wollongong, Centro CBD combines beautiful function spaces with top-tier Italian cuisine. From intimate family lunches to larger receptions, their catering is some of the best in the region.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with Centro CBD hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


The Balgownie Hotel – Views & Style

The Balgownie Hotel boasts a stunning upstairs function room with ocean and escarpment views. Flexible catering and drinks packages mean you can create a christening celebration that feels completely yours.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with The Balgownie Hotel here Tell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Woonona Bulli RSL – Spacious, welcoming, flexible

Woonona Bulli RSL is a wonderful choice for christenings, offering flexible spaces to suit gatherings from intimate family groups to large celebrations. With attentive service and tailored catering options, they make it easy to create a warm and memorable day for your little one’s special milestone.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with Woonona Bulli RSL here Tell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


The Shellharbour Club – Spacious & Stylish for Any Celebration

The Shellharbour Club offers versatile function spaces, excellent in-house catering, and a modern, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for larger christenings, naming days or milestone first birthdays, with both seated and cocktail options.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with The Shellharbour Club hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


The Imperial at Clifton – Historic Charm & Scenic Location

For something unique, The Imperial at Clifton combines historic architecture with modern event facilities, perfect for a christening or naming day with character.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with The Imperial at Clifton hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Pony & Wolf – Stylish Pop-Up Picnics

If you’re dreaming of a chic, outdoor naming day or first birthday, Pony & Wolf Bespoke Pop-Up Picnics can set up stunning picnic celebrations anywhere across the Illawarra.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire with Pony & Wolf Bespoke Pop-Up Picnics hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Wollongong Botanic Garden – Nature’s Backdrop

For a relaxed, family-friendly celebration surrounded by greenery, the Wollongong Botanic Garden offers shaded lawns, beautiful gardens and easy access for guests.

Christening Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire about Wollongong Botanic Garden hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


Celebrate Your Christening at Wollongong’s Best Restaurants

If you’d prefer a restaurant celebration, these local favourites offer private dining and group packages:

  • Steamers Bar & Grill – Overlooking City Beach and Wollongong Lighthouse, the award-winning Steamers serves history with a modern twist. Locally inspired dishes and a curated wine list pair perfectly with the ocean view.
  • Restaurant Santino – Award-winning Restaurant Santino brings Italian bistro charm to the heart of Wollongong. With art-deco elegance and a lively laneway location, it’s a dining experience worth toasting.
  • Kneading Ruby – Blends seaside charm with rustic elegance in the heart of Wollongong. Soaring ceilings, trailing vines, and polished timber set the scene for a warm, memorable meal.

Christening Catering Options

Want to celebrate at home or hire a hall? Villa D’Oro offers exceptional Italian catering, from grazing tables to hot buffet menus to everything in between and catering to all budgets.

For all Christening Catering Enquiries & Bookings: Enquire about Villa D’oro hereTell them What’s On in Wollongong sent you!


FAQ: Christening & Party Planning

Q: When should I book my christening venue in Wollongong?
A: Ideally 6–12 months in advance, especially for popular venues like City Beach Functions.

Q: Can venues cater for children and special diets?
A: Yes — most of these venues offer children’s menus, high chairs, and dietary options.

Q: Do these venues offer outdoor options?
A: Yes — from Botanic Garden Wollongong to Pony & Wolf picnics, you can enjoy open-air celebrations.


As a team of fun loving, grateful locals, we hope our What’s on in Wollongong team have helped you navigate and discover the best events and things to do in and around Wollongong & the Illawarra!

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