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    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.

    Main title image – Killalea State Park, also known as The Farm. Image: Dee Kramer Photography

    Holiday Park Availability on South Coast NSW (Christmas, New Year & January) – with accommodation still available for summer school holidays!

    Ready to snag the last beachfront cabins and summer holiday spots on the South Coast NSW? You’re in luck—because while Christmas, New Year and January 2026 usually book out months in advance. Over at our sister site, Parents Guide Illawarra, we’ve uncovered rare, golden-ticket availability at several incredible Holiday Haven parks! Think beachside cabins, riverside retreats and family-friendly caravan parks with pools, playgrounds, calm swimming spots and all the chilled-out holiday vibes. These vacancies are as rare as hen’s teeth and will disappear fast—so grab your dream cabin or camping site before someone else beats you to it!

    The Ultimate Christmas Gift Just Got Bigger! $70 off Skydive Australia Tandem Skydives & Gift Vouchers

    Skydive Australia is turning up the festive thrills with their biggest Christmas offer of the year, giving you $70 off tandem skydives and gift vouchers for a limited time. Even better, there’s no rush to jump – skydives purchased now can be redeemed anytime up until 31 December 2026, making this a stress-free gift with maximum flexibility. Whether you’re buying for someone special, planning a summer adventure, or ticking off a bucket-list dream, this is a Christmas gift that delivers unforgettable excitement. Book now and let gravity take care of the rest.

    Surf Club Sundays – The Boathouse, North Wollongong

    Surf Club Sundays has landed at The Boathouse, North Wollongong. Expect weekly Yours & Owls artists, a few moves on the terrace, and $18 Spritz or 2-for-$30 Aperol Spritz all afternoon. Every Sunday, all summer long – walk on in.

    Champagne Season Deal at The Boathouse, North Wollongong

    Celebrate the warmer weather and festive season with $120 bottles and $20 glasses of Veuve Clicquot NV, available all day, every day from 4 November to 24 December at The Boathouse, North Wollongong. Book your table for lunch or dinner here.

    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% tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!

    Habitat Plant House, Port Kembla

    Looking to shop local, ethical, and downright awesome this year? Step into Habitat Plant House — Port Kembla’s hidden gem for lush indoor plants, beautiful pots, plant-care essentials, and feel-good gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Discover stunning greenery, thoughtful presents, and unique, sustainable treasures, including rare and exotic plant varieties and hard-to-find care products. It’s a one-of-a-kind space that blends the charm of a local makers’ market with the cool, creative energy of a modern plant haven. And yes — Betty the shop pup is usually on duty, offering day-brightening pats and emergency cuddles for anyone who needs them. Visit now and see what all the fuss is about!

    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.

    Joylands Carnival – Windang, 26 December – 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.

    Saunaus Wollongong

    Have you tried the Illawarra’s most trusted contrast therapy retreat? Saunaus Wollongong is a purpose-built wellness haven dedicated to the ancient practice of hot and cold therapy. Move from the deep, enveloping heat of the traditional hot rock sauna to the invigorating plunge of ice-cold Odin baths, creating a powerful thermal contrast that supports circulation, reduces inflammation, aids recovery, and promotes mental clarity. Saunaus offers a calm, safe and welcoming environment designed to help you relax, recover, and reset.

    Saunaus also offers a curated range of gift options including beautifully boxed pamper packages, hooded recovery robes, and flexible sauna bundles and gift cards. From rest lounges with complimentary tea to infrared sauna and massage options — Saunaus Wollongong is a standout destination for recovery, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Visit now 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.

    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.

    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!

    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!

    Wollongong Tennis Club

    Make the most of the sunny season at Wollongong Tennis Club! Gather your friends for a casual hit on their hard or grass courts, join a social comp, or take a coaching session to sharpen your skills. After the game, cool down with delicious food and drinks in their relaxed, friendly venue. With great facilities, member discounts, and plenty of ways to play, it’s the perfect summer activity in the Gong. Enquire now and get your game on!

    Book a Summer getaway with Holiday Haven Parks

    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.

    Water Park – Jamberoo Action Park

    Ultimate Guide to Wollongong – Jamberoo Action Park

    Jamberoo Action Park is the best water park in the Illawarra for kids or adults of all ages. It is a fantastic day out and will be somewhere the whole family will want to return to time and time again. At Jamberoo Action Park, you can set yourself up at a picnic and lose the big kids for the day, only seeing them for fuel to keep playing, or you can spend the day together exploring the huge variety of slides, pools, toboggans, and the awesome wave pool. You can bring your own food or buy lunch and ice creams from the great selection of cafes onsite.

    Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli Showground, 16-18 January, 2026

    Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, returning to Bulli Showground from 16–18 January 2026 for three unforgettable days of music, culture, and community. With over 80 acts across multiple stages, the festival features a vibrant mix of folk, indie, world, roots, bluegrass, Balkan, and Celtic music, plus poetry, comedy, and dance. Enjoy the intimate, family-friendly atmosphere the festival is known for, with artisan markets, international food stalls, and late-night sessions that keep the spirit alive.

    Whether you’re a seasoned folkie or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone — and with kids under 12 free, it’s perfect for the school holidays. Early bird tickets are on sale now, including single-day passes, full 3-day access, and camping packages – but spots are limited, so book early and get your folk on!

    Australia Day 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.

    MMJ Aquathon, Monday 26 January

    Illawarra’s Favourite Summer Fitness Event is Back!

    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!

    Enjoy Illawarra 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.

    Best Local Eats, Kids Eat Free & Restaurant Deals

    Ultimate Guide to Summer – Steamers Bar & Grill

    Wollongong has some award-winning and wonderful places to eat, ranging from bars to cafes to restaurants. Whatever your favourite style is, you will find it in Wollongong. We have amazing lunch & meal deals in Wollongong here, lots of beachside & ocean view Wollongong dining options, places where kids eat free, and lots of romantic restaurants for couples to choose from.

    Best of Wollongong dining right now!

    Get our top picks for the best dining deals, brunches & sunset sessions right now! Eat, drink, and soak up the season’s best at Wollongong’s top spots.

    Our Top 10 Picks:

    + even more local dining inspo here

    Summer Champagne offer at The Boathouse, North Wollongong

    + Summer/Festive Champagne offer at The Boathouse, North Wollongong – Celebrate the warmer weather and festive season with $120 bottles and $20 glasses of Veuve Clicquot NV, available all day, every day from 4 November to 24 December.

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

    Ultimate Guide to Summer – Best Happy Hours, Wollongong

    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

    Summer Dining at The Lagoon Restaurant

    Savour Summer with a bite and a bev on the deck at The Lagoon Restaurant. Lunch special available Monday-Friday, à la carte available 7 days a week. Plus – Summer nights are best spent dining under the stars at The Lagoon Restaurant. Their summer menu is bursting with fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and bright, summery flavours. Your perfect dining experience at the Lagoon awaits! Book your table now here.

    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!)

    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

    Ultimate Guide to Summer – Cycling around Wollongong

    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

    Ultimate Guide to Summer – Best playgrounds Wollongong

    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

    Ultimate Summer Guide – Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong

    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.

    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.

    After more events and businesses near you? Never suffer FOMO again with our Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your in-box! Sign up HERE

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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 surrounds. Searching for fun and educational activities are her favourites for her kids whom she homeschools.