Guide to Australia Day in Wollongong & Illawarra. Events & Fireworks
There’s no doubt about it, Australia Day in Wollongong & Illawarra is simply iconic! Discover what’s on for fun and adventure for all ages this Australia Day, Sunday 26 January 2025 in Wollongong. We’ve created a list of the top Australia Day events near you.
After even more January Long Weekend events inspo? You can check out all the events happening on the January Long Weekend, 24 -26 January, across Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Illawarra here!
Wollongong City Council’s Australia Day Celebrations
Spend Australia Day 2026 at Wollongong City Council’s free, family-friendly celebration at Wollongong Harbour, bringing the community together for an evening of culture, entertainment and fun by the water. Festivities kick off at 5pm with a Welcome to Country, followed by cultural art workshops, street performances, roving entertainment, jumping castles and food trucks, before the night wraps up with a spectacular 9pm fireworks display over the harbour. The event runs until 9:10pm across Wollongong Harbour, Osborne Park and Belmore Basin. Check local road closures before you go and plan your trip. Learn more here.
Salsa Sundays at The Icon – Australia Day Long Weekend, Sunday 25 January
Enjoy FREE salsa and bachata classes from 5pm, Happy Hour from 3–7pm, DJ Lalo on the decks until midnight, and live music from Loren Alain with his Latin band Lorenzo Y Su Swing, bringing the sexiest salsa and bachata beats to keep you dancing all night. Feast on traditional Latin American flavours, including The Icon’s famous Colombian homemade empanadas. Book your table now to secure dinner, drinks and your salsa class (limited spots), or call (02) 4244 3737 to book direct.
Get 10% off for Wollongong Locals with Skydive Australia
Ready to take the leap over Wollongong? Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with Skydive Australia, freefalling from up to 15,000ft right above North Wollongong Beach, soaking up breathtaking views of Wollongong and the Southern Sydney coastline. Based in Stuart Park, just 100 metres from the sand, the Wollongong drop zone is perfectly positioned for unbeatable scenery and easy access.
Locals can now save 10% on 13,000ft and 15,000ft tandem skydives with the LOCALS10 promo code. The offer starts 12 January 2026, is stackable with current specials, and is valid for bookings and jumps completed by 31 December 2026. Book now – an unforgettable Wollongong experience awaits.
Breakfast by the Lake, Lake Illawarra, Monday 26 January
Join in on from 8am–12pm for a classic lakeside celebration packed with sunshine, smiles, and great vibes. Kick off the morning with a sizzling BBQ breakfast, then dive into hours of FREE family fun – from slip n slides, water play, and jumping castles to parkour, rock climbing, laser tag, and stand-up paddleboarding. Kids will love the face painting and arts & crafts, while the whole family can enjoy live music and browse vibrant market stalls. With food, fun, and festivities all in one spot, it’s the perfect family day out – don’t miss it! Brought to you by Shellharbour City Council. Learn more here.
Australia Day at Woonona Bulli RSL
Celebrate Australia Day the local way at Woonona Bulli RSL Club on Monday 26 January 2026, with a relaxed, family-friendly day packed with good food, live entertainment and great vibes. Enjoy live music from CK & Shannon, sip your way through the cocktail menu or choose from a solid lineup of beers on tap, and tuck into special Australia Day Brasserie lunch and dinner specials available all long weekend (Saturday to Monday). Whether you’re coming for a meal, a drink or just to soak up the atmosphere, Woonona Bulli RSL is the perfect spot to spend Australia Day with friends and family.
Level up your cocktail game! Mischief Brew Cocktail Collaboration with Woonona Bulli RSL – now until end of January
On now until the end of January 2026, Woonona Bulli RSL Club is teaming up with Mischief Brew to serve up two exclusive summer cocktails — and they’re seriously good. This Aussie brand is loved for its sustainable approach, strong community values and commitment to flavour and quality, making it the perfect pairing for a summer sip at the club.
Inspired by Mischief Brew’s natural Grapefruit Soda (made with South Australian grapefruits, finger lime pearls and SA pink salt), the Grapefruit Paloma delivers the ultimate balance of bitter, sweet, salty and zesty. The Wattle Mojito, featuring Golden Wattle Soda with hand-picked wattle from Adnyamathanha Country, lemon aspen and finger lime, is fresh, minty and made for warm summer days. Celebrate summer & support local this January – check out this cool summer cocktail collab now here.
Australia Day Celebrations & Dining Specials at The Lake Illawarra Hotel
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 at Lake Illawarra Hotel with a fun-filled day for all ages. Enjoy venue games from 12pm, live entertainment from 2–5pm, a kids’ temporary tattoo station, best-dressed prizes, Aussie-themed food specials and themed cocktails. Plus, for the first time ever, they’re introducing a Community Local Award — know someone deserving? They’d love to hear from you. Book your table now and don’t miss out!
Oz Day at Dicey Riley’s Hotel
Celebrate Australia Day the right way at Dicey Riley’s Hotel, with a full day of live music, cheap eats and laid-back local vibes. From 12pm, catch The Stubbie Holders, followed by an Oils Tribute band live from 3pm, plus a classic $2 sausage sizzle running 12pm–7pm. With free entry all day, it’s the perfect excuse to lock it in, round up your mates and settle in for a big Oz Day session at Dicey’s.
Australia Day/January Long Weekend at The Bally Hotel
Celebrate Australia Day with summer vibes, snags and songs at The Balgownie Hotel, as Bally Pub keeps the long weekend rolling from Saturday 24 January. After two big days of Hottest 100 countdowns, settle in for a relaxed afternoon session featuring live local music from 1–5pm, a FREE community sausage sizzle from 4pm (until they’re gone), plus cold taps and refreshing summer cocktails flowing all day. Skip the crowded beaches, grab a seat in the beer garden, soak up escarpment views and enjoy classic pub hospitality with your crew. Book your table for lunch or dinner and make a day of it.
Australia Day Throwback Party – The Lagoon Restaurant
This Australia Day, it’s all happening at The Lagoon with a Throwback Party you won’t want to miss. Kicking off from 3pm, expect a full afternoon and night of throwback tunes, celebration vibes, great food and flowing drinks. With three bars open, Australia Day small plates, DJ Claude & Stantheman on the decks and fireworks lighting up the harbour at 9pm, this is set to be a standout way to celebrate. Save the date and book your table early — this one’s going to be BIG.
MMJ Aquathon, Sunday 26 January
The MMJ Wollongong Aquathon returns on Monday 26 January 2026 (Public Holiday) at the stunning Wollongong Harbour! For over 25 years, this iconic swim-run event has been a highlight of the local community calendar, welcoming participants of all ages for a day of fitness, fun, and charity. Take part in the swim-run Aquathon, or join the Blue Mile 5k Fun Run — with distances for kids (6–13), teens, and adults, plus solo or tag-team options. Enjoy the fantastic vibe, finisher medals, family fun, and the chance to support the community and the Black Dog Institute. Don’t miss out — entries are now open here!
Australia Day at Warilla Hotel
Join Warilla Hotel for Australia Day 2026 and enjoy a laid-back, family-friendly celebration. There’ll be a kids’ temporary tattoo station, friendly Aussie-themed competitions, best-dressed prizes, and live entertainment from 1–4pm, plus Aussie-inspired bistro specials and themed cocktails. For the first time ever, they’re also introducing a Community Local Award — know someone deserving? They’d love to hear from you. Book your table now and celebrate Australia Day together!
Joylands Carnival – Windang, 26 December – Australia Day 26 January
Joylands Carnival is bringing the fun to Windang these Christmas and Summer School Holidays, lighting up Windang Memorial Park every night from Boxing Day, 26 December 2025 through to Australia Day, 26 January 2026. Running nightly from 6pm–10pm (ticket box opens 5.30pm), this classic seaside carnival features thrill rides, family favourites, sideshow games and loads of delicious food trucks. Pre-book online to save on 4-hour unlimited ride armbands, which can be used on any night of the carnival, or purchase ride coupons on-site. Expect big fun, bright lights and non-stop excitement all summer long.
Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back! 11 December – 28 March – get 20% off tickets with What’s On In Wollongong
Get ready for magical summer nights under the stars as Sunset Cinema returns to Wollongong from 11 December 2025 to 28 March 2026! Set in the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden, this outdoor cinema is the perfect way to unwind with friends, family, or someone special. Enjoy a stellar lineup featuring festive favourites like Love Actually and Elf, along with exciting new releases including Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.
Get 20% off tickets with What’s On In Wollongong: Use discount code WhatsOnGong20 at the online checkout when purchasing your tickets online.
You’ll find all the movie-night essentials on-site — from freshly popped popcorn and sweet treats to a food truck and licensed bar — or you can pack your own picnic for a classic outdoor experience. Children under 3 are FREE. Book your 20% off tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!
Australia Day – North Nowra Tavern
Join North Nowra Tavern for Australia Day 2026 with a full day of classic Aussie fun. Expect friendly themed competitions, a kids’ temporary tattoo station, live entertainment from 1–4pm, best-dressed prizes, plus Aussie-inspired bistro specials and themed cocktails. Plus, for the first time ever, they’re introducing a Community Local Award — know someone deserving? They’d love to hear from you. Book your table now and celebrate!
Double your Australia Day celebrations with Pro Sound & Lighting – get 3 days hire for the price of 1
Double the Aussie vibes and double the celebrations this Australia Day with Pro Sound & Lighting with their unbeatable offer of 3 days hire for the price of 1!
This 26 January 2026, level up your BBQ, beach day or backyard get-together with a Pro Sound & Lighting package designed to bring the party atmosphere without the stress. From crystal-clear sound to mood-setting lights, they’ve got everything covered so you can focus on good times and great mates.
Get in touch with Claude and make this Australia Day one to remember. Call (02) 4226 1177, the Wollongong team at Pro Sound & Lighting for expert advice, quality gear and reliable service.
MORE AUSTRALIA DAY EVENTS HAPPENING ACROSS WOLLONGONG & THE ILLAWARRA COMING SOON – STAY TUNED!
We offer our gratitude and deep respect to the lands, waters and skies of Dharawal Country. We stand in solidarity with its traditional custodians, the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi people, whose sovereignty was never ceded.
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About the Author: Lisa Hagan
Lisa grew up in Thirroul and is a mum of four children. A student to life, Lisa loves learning and searching for the most fun things to do with her kids. She loves exploring the Illawarra and its surroundings.
Main title photo image c/o The Courier Mail