What to do in Wollongong this Week and Month. Find Events & What’s On Illawarra wide
Looking for things to do in Wollongong tonight, this weekend r the month ahead? Welcome to What’s on in Wollongong & Illawarra Guide! Your insider guide to planning best days and nights out. Find all upcoming events in the Illawarra including Music, Arts & Theatre shows in Wollongong, Our Local Illawarra Markets, Wollongong Sports & Activity Events & Family Frendly Events & Things for Kids do Illawarra wide. We can’t wait to show off our most awesome events and things to do near you!
What’s on in Wollongong Today, this Weekend and the Month Ahead – Find Events and Things to Do
- Find all Wollongong and Illawarra events for tonight, the week and the month ahead by clicking here
- Find Wollongong, NSW South Coast & Illawarra Markets
- Find Illawarra Live Music, Theatre Arts & Shows here
- Discover Illawarra & Wollongong’s Best Sports and Adventure Events & Activities here
- Find What’s on For Kids & Families in Wollongong & Illawarra here
Things to do in the stunning Illawarra – above photo c/o Chilby Photography
Main article photo c/o Warren Keelan Photography
What’s On – Best Events & Places To Visit THIS Month!
Your Christmas is sorted at Dapto Mall!
The big man is almost here and there’s plenty to be excited about at Dapto Mall! From $10 off your Santa photos to gift wrapping, gift-spiration to more time to shop!
Christmas magic is in the air and they are ready and waiting to help you get your Christmas sorted – Get all the Xmas fun and event details here.
School Holiday events have LIFT OFF! What’s on for Kids this Summer
We’ve found the best Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra School Holiday programs, events, activities & low-cost kids holiday FUN. The school holidays are fast approaching, but don’t worry there are plenty of fun things to do with kids. Read here for the best What’s on for Kids School Holiday Guide.
Need more Illawarra School Holiday Activity inspiration – we have even more school holiday ideas at Parents Guide Illawarra HERE
Turn up the heat with Steamy Sundays at Steamer’s Bar & Grill
Ease into those Sunday evening vibes with The Alto Social Club – Steamers’ two legendary local DJs bringing the perfect Sunday soundtrack from 4–6 pm. All summer long, soak in the views, savour their extended happy hour, and let the music take you to that Sunday state of bliss.
Free entry | $12 Cocktails $6 Draft beers $6 Red and white wine.
Bring your friends and end every weekend on a high note, right here on the deck at Steamers Bar & Grill. Learn more here.
What’s on at Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong
Five Barrel Brewing is a family-owned and operated brewery right in the heart of Wollongong! Amazing craft beer, awesome live music and incredible food & burgers make this a popular hangout for l ages.
What’s on this week and beyond at Five Barrel Brewing:
- NEW Summer Offer: $20 Pints & Prawns every Thu – Sun all day.
- NEW Trivia Night with awesome prizes: 2nd Thursday of every month
- Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
- $10 Spicy Chicken Burgers every Thursday
- Live Music every Saturday + Soul Sessions on Sundays
See you at the taproom! Open Mon-Sun. Visit the link here to learn more now.
What’s coming to The Waterfront Tavern at the Shellharbour Marina in December!
The Waterfront Tavern got your holiday gatherings and end of year parties sorted!
- Boozy Afternoon Tea on the Deck: Held every month – dates as follows: Sat 11 January & Sat 8 February. Join us for the latest addition to the Taverns events, our Boozy Afternoon Tea on the Marina Deck! Perfect for a Christmas celebration with family or friends. Book now.
Best Christmas Party Ideas, Venues and Packages in Wollongong and Illawarra!
Christmas Party Ideas, Venues and Packages in Wollongong / Shellharbour & South Coast of NSW. Get inspired, plan for Christmas Function success. What’s on in Wollongong has researched fantastic ideas for Work, Corporate or Social Christmas Parties across the Illawarra.
Whatever your budget, these Christmas party venues, ideas and catering options will make a wonderful celebration. Get planning now here!
Illawarra Hawks Pre-Game Tail Gate Parties – Sage Hotel Wollongong
Take your NBL game day experience to the next level across the 2024/25 season and celebrate the Illawarra Hawks at WIN Stadium with a pre-game tailgate party at Sage Hotel Wollongong!
Arrive early and head to Sage Wollongong for your pre-game entertainment, live music and outdoor dining in their special pop-up beer garden.
Pre-Game fun kicks off around 2 hours before game tip-off! Learn more here + get all the Hawks Home Game dates and get planning!
Bottomless Brunch every Sat & Sun – Dreams on Crown, Wollongong
Dreaming of that perfect Bottomless Brunch? Make that dream come true! Gather your crowd and dream bottomless! Dreams on Crown in Wollongong are now offering a Bottomless Sunday Brunch every Saturday and Sunday morning – bookings essential.
Just $65pp for 2 hours of selected/unlimited cocktails, house wine, tap beer & soft drink paired with a chef-curated brunch menu. Times are 11.30am – 1.30pm or 2pm – 4pm.
If you’re wanting the balcony (very popular!), booking in advance would be strongly advised – secure your spot now here.
Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back for another unmissable summer of outdoor movies! 12 Dec – 22 Mar!
From the 12 December, screening Thursday to Saturday, Sunset Cinema Wollongong will be bringing its signature mix of new releases, family faves and all-time classics from under the stars at the Wollongong Botanic Garden. PLUS – this December there will be two weeks of Christmas Films.
Cozy up on a bean bag, grab burgers from His Boy Elroy + enjoy a fully licensed bar & fresh popcorn. Perfect for date night, family fun, or a night out with friends. Secure your tickets now.
Discover Sanctuary By Thrive – Wollongong’s leading clinic for skin health, laser treatments & holistic care
Enjoy $50 off your first skin treatment!
From tackling lines, wrinkles, scarring and acne to managing rosacea, menopause & weight, Dr. Jemima Grant’s clinic offers evidence-based care that transforms your skin & health. With advanced aesthetics & medical expertise, achieve radiant skin and long-term wellness now. Book now or learn more here.
The Ultimate Holiday Celebration Awaits at Wests Illawarra
Wests Illawarra is a fantastic venue to enjoy a night out with friends & family with a variety of entertainment leading up to the festive season! Check out the Live Shows and Festive FUN coming to the Wests Illawarra stage!
- Get ready to test your brainpower at West Illawarra’s Quizzame every Thursday night! Bring your friends, family, and competitive spirit for a fun-filled evening of trivia, laughs, and a chance to win $100 worth of prizes! It’s free and open to all ages.
- The ULTIMATE Holiday Celebration Awaits you at Wests Illawarra this December – and they’re making it a month to remember with over $50,000 in prizes to be won in their Toy Raffle, Tech & Gadget Raffle, Ham Raffles and Seafood Raffle. Learn more here
BIGWAVE Skydive Shellharbour Gift Vouchers / Summer Bookings
Enjoy a scenic flight up to 15,000ft enjoying panoramic coastal and bushland views, before jumping out and freefalling over Shellharbour’s new marina! Bigwave Skydive’s experienced and friendly team, and exclusive location provide for the ultimate skydiving adventure.
A skydive makes for the perfect gift, providing family or friends with lifetime memories. PLUS – Bigwave Skydive will beat any price or deal by $20 – for a beachside skydiving experience around Wollongong!
Greenplan Plant Sales – 3rd Friday of the month at Wollongong Botanic Garden
Make your garden greener by picking up some gems from the Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Plant Sales!
- Bring your garden to life with high-quality plants & expert advice! Held on the 3rd Friday of each month (except Dec), these sales are the perfect opportunity to grow your green thumb.
- Wide range of native ground covers, grasses, trees, shrubs + stunning exotic plants.
- All plants sold at subsidised prices.
- Chat with expert horticulturists to find the perfect fit for your garden.
- Plant Sales kick off 2025 from Friday 17 January from 7.30am to 2.30pm at the Garden’s Nursery – 65 Northfields Avenue in Keiraville. Please note: The nursery entrance is separate to the Garden’s entrance on Murphys Avenue.
- Learn more here.
Guide to Christmas Day Lunches & Catering – Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Christmas Day? Whether you’re after seafood specials, a casual pub or club lunch, restaurants open for a festive feast, or at-home catering for a fuss-free day, we’ve got you covered! Check out our guide here.
Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas in Wollongong & the Illawarra
Looking for the perfect presents for your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, or colleagues? We’ve curated a list of the most popular & unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. Get our Guide now here.
New Year’s Eve Party at The Lagoon! Tuesday 31 December
Ring in the New Year with a night that shines brighter than the rest! Join us at the Lagoon Restaurant for our New Year’s Eve GLOW Party!
Enjoy a deluxe 4-course menu and a premium drinks package with spirits, as you toast to the new year surrounded by friends & family. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal or dancing the night away, this glowing celebration will light up your New Year’s Eve like never before!
Please book online to secure your ticket or alternatively give our restaurant a call on 02 4226 1677.
Celebrate NYE at Steamers Bar & Grill, Tuesday 31 December
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025 at Steamers Bar and Grill, Wollongong’s award-winning restaurant with a great vantage point of the 9 pm fireworks. A la carte menu plus NYE specials available.
Bookings are filling fast! Don’t miss out—secure your spot now for a night of great food, drinks, and ocean vibes. Secure your spot here now.
New Year’s Eve Ball 2024 – The Fraternity Club, Tuesday 31 December
Welcome 2025 in style at The Fraternity Club’s New Year’s Eve Ball!
Ticket price includes Cocktails and Canapés on arrival, Banquet style main meal & enticing Dessert Buffet, PLUS 5-hour beverage package! Triage will be setting the mood with live entertainment all night long. Book here now.
New Year’s Eve Events at The Shellharbour Club: All That Glitters NYE & FREE Family-Friendly Glow NYE Event – Tuesday 31 December
- All That Glitters NYE Event – Get ready to sparkle and shine as The Shellharbour Club welcomes 2025 in dazzling style with live entertainment, glitter cocktails and Sydney fireworks on the BIG SCREEN! Event on from 6pm. Free Entry. Learn more here.
- All-Ages FREE Glow NYE Event: Get ready to shine, sparkle, and GLOW into 2025 at The Shellharbour Club’s New Year’s Eve Glow Fest! It’s a night bursting with bright lights, exciting activities, and unforgettable memories for the whole family. Event from 5.30pm. Learn more here.
New Year’s Eve – The Balgownie Hotel, Tuesday 31 December
Kick off the New Year the right way The Bally! Join in for a good time, live music by Glenn Whitehall & The Getups Band Downstairs and their very own Dj Hollipops upstairs. Watch the Wollongong fireworks from their balcony too! Book here.
NYE on the Marina at The Waterfront Tavern – Tuesday 31 December
The Waterfront Tavern are excited to offer an ELEGANT dining experience leading into a PARTAYY in the Sports Bar.
Dining seatings will be at 5:30 pm, for a 2-hour seating OR 8:00 pm with the opportunity to stay with them all night long. LIVE DJs will be PUMPING from 8 pm, till 1 am in the Sports Bar with some cheeky Patron specials. Book now here.
NYE – Sea You Into 2025 at The Imperial Clifton – Tuesday 31 December
Ring in the New Year with retro summer vibes, great eats & epic tunes at The Imperial at Clifton!
- Time: 7pm – 12.30am
- Bubbly on arrival
- Grazing station, canapés & desserts
- We Play Records live to keep you dancing
- Competitions & prizes for Best Dressed
- FREE transport home!
Don’t miss the best beachside bash of the year! Book now here
City Skate: The Roller Remix, 18 – 22 January
Join us in Crown Street Mall for a free roller-skating experience at City Skate: The Roller Remix! From 18 – 22 January, you can glide, spin, and have a blast with family and friends on an open-air roller rink.
Skate to the rhythm of 70’s tunes and enjoy the awesome vibes summer. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate skater, this rink is designed to offer a fun and safe space for all skill levels. Learn more here.
Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, 17 – 19 January
Located at Bulli Showground, the Illawarra Folk Festival presents over 100 performers over 3 days, 8 venues, on-site camping and so much more. Enjoy the intimate, vibrant, community & family-friendly atmosphere the festival has become renowned for. Kids U12 are FREE.
As well as performances by some of the best national and international folk acts, the program features the intensive folk school workshops, sessions, dancing, the Youth Folk Traditions awards, instrument makers, poet’s breakfasts, and an array of beautiful international cuisines and craft stalls. Get in quick to secure your Earlybird Tickets on sale now.
MMJ Aquathon, Sunday 26 January, 2025
Illawarra’s favourite summer community fitness event, MMJ Aquathon celebrates edition number 25 on Sunday 26 January 2025 at picturesque Wollongong Harbour. It’s all out fitness across swim-run ‘aquathon’s’ and the popular Blue Mile 5k Fun run. The Aquathon is a swim and then a run with distances for Kids 6-12’s, and options across the Mini, to the Short and Long for ages 13+. Do it solo or tag team-one swims, one runs. Awesome vibe, finisher medals, family fun and a perfect community event.
A proud local event supporting local non for profits and charity partner Black Dog Institute. Don’t miss out entries are now open.
Get Inspired by Wollongong’s Top Sights & Attractions, including FREE things to do Illawarra wide!
Now’s the time to book your memorable South Coast adventure with Jervis Bay Wild!
Jervis Bay Wild offers a range of breathtaking Whale Watching & Dolphin cruise options for you, your family and your friends to enjoy all year-round.
Explore the Wonders of Jervis Bay Marine Park with Jervis Bay Wild! Discover the hidden gems of the South Coast with their Jervis Bay Passage Cruise.
- Cruise past the majestic cliffs of Point Perpendicular
- Relax in the protected lagoon of Honeymoon Bay
- Glide along the whitest sands in the world at iconic Hyams Beach
- Watch Bottlenose Dolphins, sea eagles + so much more!
Ready to experience the magic of Jervis Bay? Book your adventure now!
Catch an historic Steam Train Ride at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum, Albion Park
Visitors of all ages can enjoy rides on restored light rail vehicles and learn about the evolution and history of railways in our region at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park Rail.
Ride the steam trains and miniature rail trains whilst getting a fascinating glimpse into the history of our rail transport. The tours are lively and full of history, you’ll get up close and personal with all the trains. The museum features a collection of trams, locomotives, and carriages + you and the kids will LOVE riding the miniature trains. Book online!
The Museum is opened to the public for Steam Train Rides on the Second Sunday of Each Month and On the Forth Saturday of each month for Diesel Train Rides from 10am – 2pm.
With a cafe and BBQ picnic areas to enjoy, make a day of it! Visit now here.
Find The Illawarra’s BEST Beaches here. Wollongong’s coastline is stunning and diverse so we help you find the right beach or the right Wollongong ocean pool and rockpools here
Find our best Illawarra and Wollongong bushwalks, hiking trails and family friendly walks here
Want to bring your dog along for the adventure? Read our Best Illawarra & Wollongong Dog Friendly Walks, Beaches, Parks and Cafes here
Want to find the best Picnic Spots locally? Read our Wollongong & Illawarra Picnic Guide here!
Visit our sister site Parents Guide Illawarra for What to do with Kids & Families in Wollongong here
If it’s School Holidays We list all the Kids Fun, Activities, Workshops & Camps Illawarra wide here
Whether local or tourist, Wollongong’s Seacliff Bridge is a MUST DO! Click to discover best ways to enjoy the STUNNING Seacliff Bridge Guide here
Seacliff Bridge Wollongong – a must do!
Eating & Drinking Guide to Wollongong & Illawarra – with What’s On in Wollongong
Want Cheap Eats in Wollongong & Illawarra – read our best dining deals here.
Want Romantic Restaurants in Wollongong? Read our Top Illawarra Picks here
Read more Eat & Drink Inspiration Illawarra wide here
Love a Happy Hour Deal? Find Best happy Hours Wollongong wide and in your Illawarra suburb here
Discover Wollongong Best Breweries & Illawarra Distilleries here
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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These lands, waters and skies are a true paradise, and a gift to experience. We offer deep respect and gratitude to the traditional custodians, the Dharawal nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respect to elders past and present.