Summer Guide in Wollongong & the Illawarra. Cool Things to do…

Hello best things to do in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra wide over summer. Discover our best swimming spots, fantastic summer events, best local eats and how to keep the kids entertained. Whether you live here and have the whole summer to explore or are visiting for a weekend or holiday, here’s our insider What’s on in Wollongong guide. Discover what’s on & the best things to do this summer.

What’s On in Wollongong, the Illawarra’s leading guide to the best events, markets, live music, eats & drinks, and family fun.

Best Summer Experiences & Activities:

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. Book now – an unforgettable Wollongong experience awaits.

Book a Summer getaway with Holiday Haven Parks + Hot Deals on now!

Make the most of summer at Holiday Haven Parks, with 12 stunning locations across the Shoalhaven and South Coast – from beachfront and lakefront escapes to riverfront and wildlife-filled settings. Enjoy modern self-contained cabins or powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, perfect for a summer family getaway, short break, or weekend adventure.

Book 7 nights, only pay for 5 at the following Holiday Haven Parks (T&Cs apply):

Stay 5 Pay 4 Special (January Only) at Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley

Summer Holiday Special! Stay 5 Nights, Pay for Just 4 at Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley! Make the most of the January school holidays with an extra night FREE at beautiful Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley! Stay 5 consecutive nights between 9–31 January 2027 and only pay for 4, on both cabins and camping sites. Enjoy more time to relax, explore the stunning Kangaroo Valley and make summer memories with family or friends. T&Cs apply. Explore the offer and book your summer getaway here.

Whale watching & takeaway picnic hampers at The Imperial at Clifton

Perched along the scenic Northern Illawarra escarpment just 500m from the Sea Cliff Bridge, The Imperial at Clifton offers award-winning breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and gourmet picnic hampers. Enjoy stunning coastal views, relax with delicious food, and take in spring whale watching right from your table or nearby spots. Perfect for a scenic spring outing.

PLUS – you can check out our guide to further whale watching spots across the Illawarra here!

Illawarra Fly

Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Wander high above the rainforest on the 1.5km Treetop Walk, climb Knights Tower for spectacular views across the Illawarra, explore the magical Enchanted Forest or add some adrenaline with a Zipline Tour. With the rainforest coming alive for the new season, it’s a beautiful spring day trip for families, nature lovers and adventure seekers. Plan your visit here now.

Gelato Emporium, Bulli Tops

Perched at Bulli Tops with sweeping escarpment and coastal views, Gelato Emporium is a must-visit for artisan gelato lovers. Enjoy handcrafted gelato, quality coffee, gourmet sandwiches and sweet treats in a relaxed, family-friendly setting with alfresco dining. Browse a curated range of Australian-made pantry products and gifts, or pick up everything you need to create your own gelato, sorbet or frozen yoghurt at home. Perfect for a scenic coffee stop, takeaway treat or even small functions, it’s a delicious destination for locals and visitors alike. Plan your visit to the Gelato Emporium here.

Go Bowling at Wiseman Park Bowling Club

Soak up the sunshine and good vibes this summer at Wiseman Park Bowling Club, home of the Illawarra’s premier Barefoot Bowls. Just 2km from Wollongong CBD, it’s the ultimate spot to gather your mates, enjoy a friendly game on the greens, and relax with great food and drinks from Il Lago. Whether you’re here for a casual barefoot bowls session or want to light up the night with Glow Bowls, Wiso’s delivers the perfect mix of fun, socialising, and summer feels — and yes, your pets are welcome too!

Urban Rec Wollongong’s Summer Social Sports – registrations now open

This is your sign to get out more in 2026 — your Summer sport + social life starts here! Looking for a sport that’s actually social, mixed, fun and beginner-friendly? Urban Rec Wollongong are launching their Summer Leagues for ages 18+, and spots sell out every season.

Join as a team or sign-up solo (the easiest way to make instant mates!) and choose from Volleyball, Basketball, Pickleball, Flag Football, Summer Soccer and more — there’s truly something for everyone. With epic social perks and a buzzing community, this is more than sport — it’s your new social circle. Enquire now and lock your spot in before they’re gone. Not sure what to join? Contact Lindsay on 0478 745 155 or [email protected] and she’ll help you out fast.

Visit Treetops Adventure Nowra

Ok Treetops Adventure, we love your action park! it’s a little drive south of Wollongong to Nowra (only 59mins!) but so worth the trip. You and the kids (age four up), can literally climb up, zipline and adventure through the trees next to the tranquil and coastal Shoalhaven River. Treetops Adventure Nowra is an epically awesome adventure park on the South Coast of NSW. It’s safe too with their harness system and different courses / challenges for all ages. Plus, it’s next to Shoalhaven Zoo so you get free little sneak peaks of the animals (or pay for entry to the Zoo if you want close up’s and a double whammy day trip experience!).

Saunaus Wollongong

Shake off winter and head into the new season feeling refreshed with a spring reset at Saunaus Wollongong. Move between the heat of their traditional sauna and invigorating ice baths, then slow down in the recovery lounge with complimentary tea and fruit. You can also add an infrared sauna, massage or massage chair session for some extra downtime. A great way to carve out time for yourself, reset and recharge for spring. Visit here.

Summer Classes & Workshops at The Illawarra Woodwork School

Ready to get hands-on, creative & learn the timeless craft of woodworking? Unleash your inner woodsmith at the Illawarra Woodwork School.

Led by expert furniture makers Stuart Montague & Ed Oliver, get hands-on this summer with 2 woodcarving workshops – perfect for absolute beginners (16 years +):

Carve Wooden Small Animals & Figures – 3-week series (Sat 31 Jan, Sat 14 Feb & Sat 28 Feb): learn safe whittling & carving tool skills to shape animals, small figures + more.
Bowl-Carving Workshop – Single 3-hour session (choose from Sat 10 Jan, Sat 17 Jan or Sat 14 Mar)

The school also proudly supports NDIS participants of all ages. All workshops held at 1 York Place, Woonona. For workshop enquiries, contact Stuart or Suzanne Montague at [email protected], 0438 510 145 or learn more here.

Have a go at Pickleball at Game Point Coniston

Looking for a fun thing to do in Wollongong for kids, teens and adults? Game Point Coniston is Illawarra’s home of indoor pickleball — a welcoming, purpose-built venue where all ages and abilities can play, learn and get social all year round. Whether you’re introducing kids to a new sport, teens keen to build skills and confidence, or adults looking for a fun, low-pressure way to stay active, pickleball is easy to learn and seriously addictive from the first rally.

Game Point offers social play, coaching, intro programs, court hire and regular kids, teens and adult sessions, with all equipment provided and paddle hire available. With easy bookings, plenty of parking and a friendly community vibe, it’s a great all-weather activity for families, friends and locals. Find Game Point at 30 Miller Street, Coniston, or call 0438 800 250 for details.

For The Art Of It: Paint Your Own Vase or Planter Pot Workshop (Paint & Sip)

Get Creative This Spring! Paint Your Own Vase or Planter Pot! Looking for a fun spring activity with friends? Unleash your creativity with For The Art Of It’s Paint Your Own Vase or Planter Pot Workshop in Wollongong! Enjoy a relaxed, hands-on experience creating your own colourful masterpiece to brighten your home or garden. No artistic experience needed! Perfect for a girls’ catch-up, creative date or something different to do this spring. Explore the workshop + book here!

Best Summer Events:

A New NBL Season is Here – Get Behind the Illawarra Hawks!

Looking for an awesome thing to do in Wollongong? Catch the Illawarra Hawks live at WIN Entertainment Centre! A Hawks home game at the WIN Entertainment Centre brings together fast-paced NBL basketball, big-game atmosphere and live entertainment for an exciting outing with family or friends. Cheer on Wollongong’s home team, experience the action courtside and make a night of it in the heart of the city. With home games throughout the NBL27 season, + community events, basketball clinics and kids’ programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Hawks – explore flexible 3-game & 5-game memberships, group bookings + more.

Santa Fest 2026 – North Gong Hotel, Saturday 12 December

Santafest 2026 at North Gong Hotel – Festive Family Fun, Live Music & Christmas Celebrations! Get ready for a huge day of Christmas fun on Saturday 12 December, all supporting Surf Life Saving Illawarra! Bring the family from 12pm–4pm for Santa photos, a Christmas Tree Decorating Race and live music from Dave White and Gang of Brothers. Then, from 4pm, the celebrations continue with live music from A Shuffle and an 18+ Santa Pageant with $1,000 cash up for grabs! Gather your friends and family for a festive day out while supporting a great local cause. Grab your Santafest tickets here.

NYE at North Gong Hotel ft. Will Sparks

New Year’s Eve at North Gong Hotel – Featuring WILL SPARKS! Get ready for one of Wollongong’s biggest NYE parties as North Gong transforms its beer garden into an epic outdoor dance party! Ring in 2027 with international electronic music star Will Sparks, bringing an hour of high-energy techno and rave beats, alongside Jessi Lowkey, Ember and Jaida Rose, who’ll keep the party pumping through the midnight countdown and beyond! Gather your crew, get your dancing shoes ready and grab your NYE tickets here before they sell out!

Greenplan Plant Sales – Wollongong Botanic Garden

Mark your calendars! With a huge range of native trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers, plus expert horticultural advice on-site, it’s the perfect time to green up your garden. Wollongong Botanic Garden runs regular Greenplan Plant Sales once a month on selected dates – your go-to for affordable, high-quality plants and expert advice. Pick up a wide range of native groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, and trees suited to Illawarra conditions, plus unique exotic plants. Add a coffee van on site, sunny vibes and school holiday energy, and you’ve got the perfect morning out

Click here for remaining 2026 & upcoming 2027 Plant Sale Dates

Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake, Tuesday 26 January

Celebrate Australia Day, Tuesday 26 January 2027, at beautiful Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra! Bring your picnic rug + the family for a morning of delicious BBQ brekkie, live music, market stalls + FREE family entertainment by the water. Running 8am–12pm, it’s the perfect way to kick off Australia Day with family + friends! Plan your day out here!

Best Summer Dining:

The Icon: 50% off Food Fri – Sat, $12 Schnitzel Thu + All Day Happy Hour

Right in the heart of Wollongong, The Icon is a great all-in-one spot for cheap eats, cocktails, after-work drinks and late-night dancing. Whether you’re heading in for an affordable dinner, kicking off Friday drinks or staying late for the DJs, there are some seriously good weekly deals to take advantage of:

50% OFF Food – Fri & Sat, 9pm–midnight: Their full kitchen menu is available at half price, with the kitchen open until midnight.
$12 Schnitzel Thursdays: Chicken schnitzel, chips & gravy for just $12 – available lunch and dinner.
$12 Cocktails Every Thursday: Choose from classic cocktails and favourites from their extensive cocktail menu.
Happy Hour Fri–Sun, 4pm–7pm: $7 tap beers, house wines & shooters, plus a $12 Cocktail of the Month.

Altitude 1148, Bulli Tops

Enjoy breakfast or brunch high above the Illawarra at Altitude1148, where panoramic views make every meal memorable. From light, fluffy pancakes to hearty options like eggs benedict, paired with expertly brewed coffee and fresh juices and smoothies, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the spring sunshine and start your day relaxed and refreshed over the Illawarra escarpment.

Happy Hour: Fri & Sat 4pm–6pm + Sun 3.30pm–5.30pm – sip, relax and take in the spectacular Illawarra views.
High Tea: Available daily, with sweet treats, savoury bites + endless tea, coffee or soft drinks. Add endless bubbles for $10pp – perfect for birthdays, catch-ups and celebrations with a view. Bookings essential.

Altitude 1148’s location also offers an ideal starting point for a scenic bushwalk – check out any of the amazing Illawarra escarpment bushwalks close by here.

Spring into Summer at Dapto Leagues Club

Spring into Summer at The Mill, Dapto Leagues Club – Fresh Seasonal Specials! Longer lunches, dinner dates and delicious new dishes are on the menu at The Mill! Enjoy four fresh seasonal favourites, including Classic Prawn Cocktail, Thai Crispy Pork Salad, Bulgogi Pulled Beef Tacos and Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends or an easy dinner out. Available 13 October–27 November 2026, while stocks last. Explore the Spring into Summer menu and book your table here.

Steamers Bar & Grill – Date Night

Turn date night into a little taste of Italy at Steamers Bar & Grill! Enjoy an evening of Italian wines, live music and beautiful food, sharing Slow Roasted Lamb Ragu and Wild Mushroom Risotto before finishing with the Chef’s special dessert. Just $95 per couple, it’s an easy excuse to book a table, switch off and enjoy a delicious night out together. Secure your table here now.

Cleaver & Co Quality Meats – fire up the BBQ this Summer!

Warmer days, longer afternoons and eating outdoors make spring the perfect time to fire up the BBQ with family and friends. Cleaver & Co Quality Meats has you covered with quality, ethically sourced beef and lamb, free-range chicken, sausages, burgers and premium steaks, all prepared by their team of butchers. Whether it’s an easy family BBQ, entertaining friends or a big weekend gathering, stock up at their Gwynneville butcher shop and make the most of spring dining outdoors. Location: Cleaver & Co Quality Meats 2/4 Murphys Ave Gwynneville.

Warilla Hotel

NEW Cocktail Nights have landed at Warilla Hotel! Kick off your weekend with $15 cocktails every Friday from 3pm–6pm – and yes, that includes the ENTIRE cocktail menu + Cocktails of the Month! Gather your crew – Friday drinks sorted at Warilla Hotel. Visit now here.

The Balgownie Hotel – NEW Summer dishes have just landed

NEW Summer Menu at The Balgownie Hotel! Summer dining just got even better at The Balgownie Hotel, with a fresh new menu ready to enjoy! Round up your friends or family, settle in for a relaxed lunch or dinner and discover what’s new on the menu. Bring your appetite and book your table now!

Bar Lina’s The Good Hour

Make the most of your weekends with The Good Hour at Bar Lina, Wollongong, every Saturday & Sunday from 4pm–5:30pm! Settle in for good tunes, $5 oysters + gildas, $8 vermouth and $12 house wines, martinis + Aperol Spritz, alongside delicious Italian-inspired bar snacks. Grab your mates, order a few plates + stretch out your afternoon! Walk-ins only.

The Boathouse North Wollongong

Celebrate spring at The Boathouse North Wollongong, perched on the top level of the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club with breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy coastal-inspired bistro dishes for lunch and dinner or relax with casual drinks and small bites on the sun-soaked terrace.

The Lake Illawarra Hotel

Great news – the new Spring Menu is here at The Lake Illawarra Hotel! They’ve just launched a fresh lineup of pastas to suit every tastebud – from rich and creamy Boscaiola to flavour-packed Prawn & Chorizo and delicious Ravioli. No matter what you’re craving, we’ve got something you’ll love. Come in and taste the flavours of Spring at The Lake Illawarra Hotel today!

Barney’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Wild Game Butchery + NEW Dining Courtyard & Pop-Up Bar

Open Wednesday to Saturday in Woonona, Barney’s has built a loyal local following for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted menu and unique Australian wild game offerings, including venison, boar and wallaby. With seven new pizzas, Kids Eat FREE Wednesdays, a New York-inspired venison lasagne, fresh seasonal sides and desserts that are worth the trip alone, every visit delivers something memorable. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeaway or taking advantage of their new home delivery service, Barney’s is serving up bold flavours and quality ingredients that set it apart from the ordinary.

Saturday evenings just got better at Barney’s Pizza & Wild Game! Their NEW courtyard is now open for alfresco dining, with NEW pop-up bar Third Space serving Australian wines, local beers + cocktails alongside Barney’s famous wood-fired pizzas! Barney’s courtyard is open Weds-Fri BYO, and on Saturday with Third Space bar open. Family-friendly, walk-ins welcome and weather permitting. Gather your crew and make a night of it! Learn more here.

Best Bars & Happy Hours. Cold Beer & Frozen Cocktails!

Going out somewhere local and enjoying happy hour in the local area is bonus fun! Read Illawarra’s local happy hour deals. Read our Best Wollongong and Shellharbour Bars and Pubs here

Best Bottomless Deals & Brunches

Say hello to Illawarra’s tastiest brunch & bottomless dining deals with amazing food, free flowing cocktails (+ some with even ocean views). Perfect for a birthday, a catch-up with friends, or a long lunch in Spring. Get our guide to the best bottomless brunch deals here.

Best Sunday Sessions in Wollongong, Shellharbour & the Illawarra

The best Sunday Sessions in Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Illawarra for dining deals, great music, cocktails and relaxed vibes. Whether you’re searching for Sunday restaurant specials, cheap eats on Sundays, or simply where to enjoy delicious food, drink and fun on Sunday afternoon, here’s the top local venues. Plan your Summer Sunday Sesh with our guide now here.

Best Swimming Pools, Rocks Pools & Beaches

Stay cool this summer! Check out the Illawarra’s best beaches for kids, Wollongong’s best rock pools, and the best pools that take in the beautiful views and atmosphere of our wonderful area.

Some of the best Wollongong & Illawarra beaches include (but are definitely not limited to):

Stanwell Park: A great beach often with big surf. Stanwell Park Beach has a fantastic playground and cafe. It is also patrolled. It is a beautiful spot, with plenty of parking, toilets, and even a creek for the kids to splash in when the surf is too big.

Austinmer: The ever-popular Austinmer Beach is another northern Illawarra-patrolled beach. It has good parking but gets very busy in summer. There are takeaway shops or cafes to eat in across the road, a fantastic beach pool and easy access to toilets.

Woonona: Woonona has a lovely long stretch of beach to find the perfect place to spend your day. There is a great park behind the beach and a lovely cafe across from the park; the food and coffee there is delicious. Woonona also has a beautiful ocean pool to enjoy.

Sandon Point: The famous Sandon Point Beach is very popular for surfing and swimming; on the north side of the point is McCauley’s Beach, which is a great dog beach, and on the south side is patrolled and a beautiful place to stretch out and swim. The surf club has toilets as well. On the south end of Sandon Point Beach is the gorgeous Bulli ocean pool, and there is also a fantastic cafe for lunch or coffee.
tiest brunch & bottomless dining deals with amazing food, free flowing cocktails (+ some with even ocean views). Perfect for a birthday, a catch-up with friends, or a long lunch in Spring. Get our guide to the best bottomless brunch deals here.

Waterfall Walks with Swimming Spots

Stay cool discovering Wollongong’s best waterfalls! Discover our 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!

Best Summer Markets

Whether it’s Christmas markets or markets by the beach that have a fun summer vibe, Wollongong has some amazing markets in the area. There are enough, in fact, that every weekend has one somewhere. Check out our article on all the local markets in our area, including the summer and Christmas markets.

Spring Picnic Spots in Wollongong

View from Mount Kiera Lookout

There’s no better way to enjoy the South Coast of NSW than a leisurely picnic with stunning ocean views. The native wildflowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and it’s prime time to laze in the grass, soak up some vitamin D, and munch on your favourite snacks.

Whether you’re planning a day out with kids, friends, fur babies, or even a spring date, our Top 10 Wollongong & Illawarra Picnic Spots guide has all the insider tips to help you pick the perfect location for a relaxed, scenic, and fun-filled spring day. Discover our Top 10 Wollongong & Illawarra Picnic Spots to Explore here.

Luxury Spring Picnics with Pony & Wolf

Celebrate spring with Pony & Wolf Pop-Up Picnics at Wollongong’s most scenic spots. Perfect for couples, groups, proposals, bridal showers, or birthdays, each picnic is styled with plush cushions, blankets, boho teepees, and gourmet grazing platters. Choose your setup, soak up coastal views, and enjoy a stress-free, unforgettable spring celebration. Learn more here.

Get in touch today to start planning your dream event – PLUS mention What’s on in Wollongong & receive a FREE add on of their awesome Polaroid camera with 10 instant Polaroid camera shots with your booking

Enjoy Illawarra’s Best Walks

Ultimate Guide to Summer – Seacliff Bridge – photo c/o Jo Wetten

Wollongong has some great walks to explore, both bushwalks and others. In summer, discover our Best Wollongong Walks with Waterfalls and Swimming Holes. Here is a great article on how to explore the Seacliff Bridge. There are some beautiful bush walks to make the most of our beautiful escarpment while in the Illawarra. And why not get the family out of the house and into nature with some of these great walks in Wollongong that are family-friendly.

Best Illawarra & Wollongong Bike Rides

Get the breeze on your face! Wollongong has a fantastic selection of bike rides for various age groups and abilities. Whether you are looking for great family-friendly bike rides or other cycling routes around Wollongong and the Illawarra, you will find what you are looking for here.

Best Illawarra & Wollongong Playgrounds & Places for Kids

Wollongong has heaps of terrific playgrounds and activities for kids of all ages. Follow these links for playgrounds and activities to suit your family and give you a great day out. Pack a picnic, take a soccer ball, or simply enjoy the equipment, and why not choose a playground with BBQ facilities for a perfect lunch out? Here are the links; each article has everything you need to know: toddler-friendly playgrounds, fenced playgrounds, playgrounds and activities teens will love, and the best playgrounds around Wollongong.

Best Illawarra & South Coast NSW Festivals

Festivals are an awesome and fun way to spend summer, something truly memorable and special. We have researched and found the best festivals in Wollongong and the Illawarra area for you. We just know that whichever one you choose, it will be a fantastic day out.

Summer Wedding Proposal Ideas in Wollongong & the Illawarra

Did you know spring is the busiest season for wedding proposals? With blooming flowers, warmer days, and longer sunsets, it’s the perfect time to pop the question and create a magical moment. If you are after wedding proposal inspo, check out our 14 Breathtaking Proposal Locations & Ideas on the South Coast in Spring here.

And now that you’ve popped the question – explore our guide to the best wedding proposal locations – including outdoor wedding locations perfect for spring here!

Best Events & Whats on Guide Wollongong & Illawarra

Wollongong has a range of activities to do this summer. For a range of activities, events, and a list of programs that will leave you spoiled for choice, check out our What’s on in Wollongong & Illawarra Events Page and browse the huge range of things to do.

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