Best Free and Low Cost Things to Do. Wollongong & Illawarra Guide

Discover what's on for free, low cost things to do in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Fun on a budget here we come! Find free things to do, best deals, community events and low cost attractions to visit.

Free & Community Events. Low Cost & Budget What's On Guide.

More Free Things to do & Low Cost Ideas Locally

Apr 22
Wollongong Botanic Garden Review | Events, Free Activities & Visitor Guide

Visiting Botanic Garden Wollongong? Here’s all you need to know about this beautiful, free, top rated attraction the Illawarra. Wollongong Botanic Garden, located on Murphys Avenue in Keiraville NSW, is loved by locals and tourists. Just minutes from Wollongong CBD and the University of Wollongong, the garden offers stunning themed landscapes, peaceful rainforest walks, family-friendly […]

  • Attractions and Adventure
Apr 22
Festival Events in Wollongong / Illawarra. Best Music, Arts & Culture, Food & Wine Festivals / South Coast NSW

On the hunt for the ultimate festivals in Wollongong, Shoalhaven and the Illawarra? Well, look no further, baby! What’s on in Wollongong has rounded up the most vibrant and diverse festivals on the South Coast of NSW. From music parties that move your body, to folk gatherings that soothe the soul. From celebrations of Art and […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Apr 21
Your Guide to Lunch and Dinner Specials From Local Restaurants in and Around Wollongong

Looking for Lunch or Dinner Specials in Wollongong, Illawarra or Shellharbour? Welcome to What’s on in Wollongong’s guide to dining specials at our pubs and local restaurants. Discover bargain dining deals across the Illawarra. We include Wollongong’s best value lunches, dinners, plus fine dining deals too. Discover the best Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Pub Specials […]

Apr 21
Best Cheap Eats in Wollongong Now. Meals from $10 – $20 Illawarra wide.

Looking for amazing cheap eats and best value restaurant offers near me, across the Illawarra and Wollongong? What’s on in Wollongong reveals our best value dining deals on a budget. Grab your mates or family for amazing food deals including $10 Schnitzels and $10 Burgers. Read our top picks for Wollongong / Shellharbour lunch and […]

Apr 11
Best Places to Whale Watch Wollongong & Illawarra. Spot Majestic Whales from May – November Here…

Where to Whale Watch in Wollongong & NSW South Coast. Each year from May to November, more than 40,000 humpback and southern right whales migrate up and down the NSW South Coast. Let us at What’s on in Wollongong show the best Whale Watching vantage points in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Illawarra and further down NSW South Coast. […]

Apr 07
Discover the Best Illawarra Markets: Your Ultimate Guide to Wollongong & South Coast NSW Markets

Are you googling “Local Markets Near Me“? We have THE best markets in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra and Shoalhaven areas. Here at What’s On in Wollongong, we showcase diverse markets including Food, Artisan, Farmers, Craft and Vintage and more. Here are our top 20 Illawarra markets below – or find Illawarra or Wollongong Market today […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Apr 06
Live Music Guide to Wollongong & Illawarra. Find Venues, Bands and Gigs Near Me

Looking for the best live music venues, bands, gigs and DJs in Wollongong & the Illawarra?At What’s On in Wollongong – we’re your leading guide to live music, events, markets, festivals and entertainment across Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Illawarra. You can find upcoming events and live music and sort by date on our website here. Read […]

Apr 06
Best Happy Hours in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra: Bars, Pubs & Clubs.

There’s got to be a Happy Hour near me, right? Well, here’s 41 Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama pubs and bars with happy hours! Getting a drinks deal on your fave beers, wines and cocktails makes them taste oh so much sweeter. At What’s On In Wollongong, we get it. Whether it’s after work Friday drinks, […]

Apr 06
The Blue Mile Wollongong: Walk, Highlights, Cafes & Visitor Guide

Looking for Wollongong’s top attractions or planning a scenic coastal walk? The Blue Mile Wollongong is one of our most iconic and accessible experiences in the Illawarra. Got visitors? Bring them here! Stretching from Stuart Park and North Wollongong Beach to Wollongong Harbour, this coastal promenade offers walking & cylcing paths, ocean views, cafes, picnic […]

Apr 01
Best Pizza Restaurants & Pizza Deals in Wollongong & Illawarra

Looking for the best pizza restaurants in Wollongong and the Illawarra? The What’s On in Wollongong team took on the ultimate pizza mission, and let’s just say—we’ve had a delicious time doing it. Whether it’s Wollongong’s finest woodfired pizza, best takeaway pizza, best pizza deals or discovering new Italian restaurants near you, we got you […]

Mar 31
Best Illawarra Escarpment Bushwalks. Where to Hike in Wollongong Nature

Want to hike, walk and explore the stunning Illawarra escarpment? Let us recommend our best Wollongong walking tracks. The stunning and rugged escarpment on NSW’s South Coast, is renowned for its biodiversity, indigenous significance and of course its views and walks. The heavy canopy of rainforest hides many special walking tracks, all of which are […]

Mar 28
Top 12 Wollongong & Illawarra Picnic Spots to Explore

Picnic locations with ocean views across Wollongong & the Illawarra, what way to enjoy the South Coast of NSW. The native wildflowers are out, the sun is warm and prime picnickin’ season is upon us! Ah, the humble picnic, what is more nourishing than a slow day lazing in the grass together, soaking up some […]

Mar 24
Where to Volunteer in Wollongong & the Illawarra

Want to know where you can volunteer in Wollongong? We’ve researched what organisations offer volunteer roles Illawarra wide. Whether you’re keen to give back, meet like-minded locals or just try something new, there are plenty of incredible ways to get involved. Here at What’s On in Wollongong, we shortcut you to the best of our […]

Mar 22
Best Rock Pools and Tidal Pools for swimming around Wollongong & Illawarra

Our Wollongong and Illawarra region has dozens of tidal rock and ocean swimming pools just waiting to be discovered. These delicious ocean refreshed pools range from rock pool to Olympic in size and design. Read on for a What’s on In Wollongong local guide to the best rock pools in Wollongong and Illawarra. What’s On […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Mar 16
Best Bike Rides & Cycle Routes / Wollongong & Illawarra

Get on your bike and discover our best bike rides, cycle paths and mountain bike trails around the Illawarra. At What’s On in Wollongong, we know cyclists are spoilt for choice locally. From flat coastal tracks to challenging mountain terrain, Wollongong truly offers something for everyone – from learner riders, to lycra clad pro’s and […]

Mar 05
Free Function Room Hire & Party Venues Wollongong & Illawarra

Need Wollongong’s free or low cost room hire for a milestone birthday, engagement, celebration, or party? You’re in luck! Here’s our amazing function venues Illawarra wide, that offer free room hire (yes, really) or low cost party packages and unforgettable vibes. At What’s On in Wollongong, we shortcut locals to the best function venues, from […]

  • Eat and Drink
Mar 03
Best Craft Breweries in Wollongong, Illawarra & the South Coast NSW

If you're a beer lover visiting Wollongong, you're in luck! The city boasts a thriving craft beer scene with plenty of top-notch breweries to explore. To help you plan your next beer tour, we've put together a list of the 10 best breweries in Wollongong. From traditional ales to experimental brews, these breweries offer something for everyone. Whether you prefer a cozy taproom or a sprawling beer garden, you'll find plenty of options on our list. So grab your friends and get ready to discover Wollongong's hidden beer gems.

  • The Wollongong Local
Mar 01
Best Museums in Wollongong: Discover Illawarra History

We have amazing Museums from planes, trains to automobiles, plus science, art and numerous historical societies. Wollongong is even home to Australia’s only Children’s Museum, Early Start Discovery Space! Discover our best museums, top historical attractions and venues in Wollongong. Here at What’s on in Wollongong, we’ll show you the best ways to discover our […]

Feb 25
Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve Wollongong. Walk, Swim, Find Nature & Enjoy.

Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve, nestled beside Fairy Meadow Beach, is a beautiful walk and place to visit in Wollongong. This What’s on in Wollongong insider guide covers all you need to know about visiting and walking Puckeys Estate. From how to get there, bushwalks and best activities for kids and families. Puckeys Estate is a […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Feb 10
Your Local Guide to the Best Swimming Pools in Wollongong & Illawarra

Calling all water-babies big and small! We have some glorious warm weather coming our way, so now is the time to explore some of the best swimming pools around Wollongong. We are so lucky to have an abundance of swimming options in our local area, so whether you love to dive in for a few […]

Jan 27
Best Waterfalls Wollongong, Illawarra, Shoalhaven & South Coast. Best Walks with Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Dive into Wollongong’s best waterfalls! What’s On in Wollongong‘s waterfall walks around Wollongong & the Illawarra, plus bushwalks with natural swimming holes. These are some of the loveliest bushland and coastal walks for all ages and fitness levels – its just a bonus that there is a swim waiting for you at the end! Even […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Nov 30
Best Bottomless Deals & Brunches in Wollongong / Illawarra

Discover Wollongong’s best bottomless deals & bottomless brunches. Hello Illawarra’s tastiest Brunch Deals amazing food, free flow cocktails and even ocean views. Perfect for a birthday, a catch-up with friends, or a long lunch with flowing bubbles! What’s On in Wollongong is the Illawarra’s leading guide to the best events, markets, music, food, drinks and […]

Nov 04
Best RSL Clubs & Sports Clubs Wollongong & Illawarra

We love these Wollongong and Illawarra RSL and Sports Clubs for great food, cheap eats, happy hours, entertainment, and family-friendly dining & play areas. What’s on in Wollongong is your insider guide to the best things to do Illawarra wide, including discovering our region’s best RSL’s, Bowlo’s and Sports Clubs. After more food inspo and […]

  • Eat and Drink
Nov 01
Mount Keira Walks & Lookout in Wollongong. Your Guide to Visit, Hike & Explore

Mount Keira is a stunning Illawarra lookout area for a scenic bush walk, a sensational view or a picnic. A chance to admire the sights of Wollongong and sounds of nature at its finest. The lush bush land and iconic views are some of the best in the Illawarra. This What’s on in Wollongong insider […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Nov 01
Best Barefoot Bowls in Wollongong & the Illawarra. Including Glow Bowls & Bowling Parties

Searching for the best barefoot bowls in Wollongong? Then welcome. Whether it’s glow-in-the-dark bowls with mates, barefoot bowls for kids in the school holidays, or a work bowls party on the green with a beer in hand – the Illawarra’s got you covered. We’ve rolled a few bowls barefeet ourselves (some of us with more accuracy […]

  • Sports & Activities
Sep 07
MTB Wollongong & Illawarra. Best Mountain Bike Trails & Rides. Including Mount Kembla

Googling ‘Great MTB trails near me’? Want to know about Mount Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, (yup they are open!). Wollongong & the Illawarra region is a Mountain Bike Trail Riders paradise. Whether you are starting out and learning mountain bike skills (berm baby, berm!). Or, looking for the ultimate gnarley, steep black-diamond MTB ride, we […]

  • The Wollongong Local
Sep 02
Brokers Nose: Family Friendly Bush Walk in Wollongong

Finding an Illawarra bush walk that is suitable for everyone to enjoy can be tough but that’s why we love Brokers Nose Walk in Wollongong. What’s on in Wollongong is your trusted guide to the best things to do and this walk is awesome. We also cover What’s on in Wollongong and upcoming events here. […]

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