What to do in Wollongong – Best Activities Illawarra Wide

Looking for your next epic weekend plan or a must-do Illawarra experience? Whether you are a local Wollongong resident searching for a fun weekend activity, or a tourist, looking for the authentic Illawarra experience while on holiday, we’ve got you covered.

Check out this list of must-do activities below to enjoy the best our region has to offer. With a combination of indoor and outdoor options, there is sure to be something on this list for everyone.

Main title image c/o Early Start Discovery Space

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, and kicking off in Wollongong on Friday 2 October, plus community events, basketball clinics and kids’ programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Hawks.

Spring Offer: Stay 4 Pay for 3 at Holiday Haven

Make the most of Spring with Holiday Haven’s Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3 special across all 12 parks. From beachfront escapes and family adventures to relaxed coastal getaways, enjoy an extra night to explore, unwind and soak up the warmer weather. Book your Spring escape and enjoy a little more holiday for less. (T&Cs apply).

MORE Hot Deals with Holiday Haven Parks:

Book 7 nights, only pay for 5 at Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley.
Discover the perfect escape at Swan Lake and make your stay go further! Book a 7-night stay and only pay for 5 nights .
Make the most of your beachside getaway at Holiday Haven Culburra Beach – stay longer and soak it all in! Book a 7-night stay and only pay for 5 nights.
Make the most of your lakeside escape at Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie – extend your adventure and enjoy every moment! Book a 7-night stay and only pay for 5 nights.

The Icon

Discover The Icon – Wollongong’s Best Bar, Cafe and Restaurant for DJs, Dining, Cocktails and Functions. Located in the heart of Wollongong, The Icon is the perfect spot to kickstart your weekend with drinks, delicious food, and tunes in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The Icon is also home to what might just be the greatest Happy Hour on Earth! Every Thursday, enjoy their famous $12 Chicken Schnitzel with chips and gravy from 11am until late, alongside all-day Happy Hour featuring $12 cocktails and $7 tap beers, wines and shooters. Then keep the good times rolling Friday to Sunday from 4pm–7pm with $7 tap beers, wines and shooters, plus a $12 Cocktail of the Month. Whether you’re after a bargain lunch, after-work drinks, dinner with friends or a big night out, The Icon delivers some of Wollongong’s best food and drink specials. Bookings are highly recommended—call (02) 4244 3737 or book online.

What’s on School Holidays / Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama & Illawarra

Our HUGE Spring School Holiday Guide is packed with 40+ things for kids to do across Wollongong & the Illawarra – including events, adventures, shows, workshops + FREE and low-cost family fun. Save the guide, book your favourites + get the school holidays sorted!

Barefoot Bowls & Glow Bowls at Wiseman Park Bowling Club

Looking for a unique and lesser-known thing to do in Wollongong? Try Barefoot Bowls at Wiseman Park Bowling Club! Perfect for your next event, celebration, or team-building day, Barefoot Bowls offers a fun and relaxed way to connect with friends or colleagues.

For an even more memorable experience, check out Glow Bowls – bowls after dark with glowing balls and lights, available seven nights a week. Family and kids pricing available too. Book your group online today – fun on the greens awaits!

Altitude 1148’s High Tea with a view? Yes please….

Perched high above the coastline, Altitude 1148 serves up a beautiful high tea experience with sweet treats, savoury delights and endless tea – all paired with stunning escarpment and ocean views. Perfect for birthdays, catch-ups, bridal showers or a special occasion, it’s the kind of relaxed, scenic setting that turns a simple afternoon into something memorable. Book your table here now.

Illawarra Fly

Looking for one of the best things to do in Wollongong and the Illawarra? Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is an absolute must. Just a short drive from the coast, it offers a unique way to experience the region – walking high above the rainforest on the Treetop Walk, taking in sweeping escarpment views, and exploring the magical Enchanted Forest. For those chasing a bit more adventure, the Zipline Tour brings serious thrill and unforgettable views. It’s a standout local experience that combines nature, adventure and fresh air – perfect for visitors and locals alike. Book your Illawarra Fly adventure here.

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.

Skydive Australia

Experience Wollongong Like Never Before with Skydive Australia! You don’t need to travel overseas for a bucket-list adventure—one of Australia’s most spectacular skydives is right here in Wollongong! Jump from 15,000 feet, freefall at over 200km/h above the breathtaking Illawarra coastline, then soak up incredible views of Sea Cliff Bridge, WIN Stadium and the coastline before landing right beside the beach. As the only beach skydive in the Greater Sydney and Illawarra region, it’s an unforgettable experience whether you’re chasing your first jump or your next adrenaline hit. Book your skydive today and see home from a whole new perspective!

Wollongong Goals: What would make Wollongong even better? Have your say!

What would make Wollongong an even better place to live? Wollongong Goals is a world-first, non-commercial partnership between Canva and Wollongong City Council giving everyone a simple way to share their ideas for our city’s future. Thousands of goals have already been submitted, and you can have your say quickly and anonymously. Add your voice before time runs out at Wollongong Goals.

Hello Petal Flower & Sip Workshops – Sep & Oct Dates

Hello Petal Flowers’ Flower & Sip Workshops are one of the Illawarra’s favourite creative experiences. Spend two relaxing hours creating your own beautiful seasonal flower arrangement while enjoying a glass of wine with friends. September & October workshops are just $99 (usually $110) and include fresh flowers, a ceramic vase to take home, expert floristry tuition, and a relaxed, small-group setting in Fairy Meadow. Perfect for a girls’ night, birthday, hens party or simply trying something different—book early, as these popular workshops regularly sell out!

Miss Zoe’s School of Dance Adult Beginner Dance Classes

Always wanted to learn to dance? Now’s your chance! Miss Zoe’s School of Dance is launching brand-new Beginner Adult Dance Classes at its Wollongong studio, with welcoming 8-week courses in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Jazz—no experience required. Whether you’re looking to get active, improve your fitness, learn a new skill or simply try something different, these supportive classes are designed to help you build confidence while having fun. They’re also a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, make new friends and enjoy a regular social activity in a relaxed, encouraging environment. As Miss Zoe’s celebrates 20 years of inspiring Illawarra dancers, there’s never been a better time to join in. FREE trial Tap classes are available, but places are limited, so book your spot today! Learn more and get started here.

Make with Eliza – Sewing & Creative Workshops

Get Creative with Make with Eliza! Whether you’re a complete beginner, creative kid or adult keen to learn something new, Make with Eliza offers hands-on sewing and creative workshops for both adults and kids across the Illawarra. Led by lifelong sewer, designer, maker and teacher Eliza of Hot Chip the Label, workshops run from Curious Lane Studio in Albion Park Rail and Timbermill Studios in Bulli. Explore upcoming workshops, grab tickets or join the waitlist to hear what’s coming next.

MMJ Wollongong Aquathon, Tuesday 26 January, 2027

Illawarra’s favourite summer community fitness event, the MMJ Wollongong Aquathon, is back on Tuesday 26 January 2027 at beautiful Wollongong Harbour! Now in its 25th+ year, this much-loved event brings together swim-run Aquathons for kids aged 6–13 and adults, solo and tag-team options, plus the popular Blue Mile 5K Fun Run. Expect a brilliant community atmosphere, finisher medals, family fun and plenty of fitness by the harbour, all while supporting local not-for-profits and charity partner the Black Dog Institute. 2027 entries open October 2026 here!

Wollongong Botanic Garden – A Local Hidden Gem

Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do in Wollongong, the Wollongong Botanic Garden is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature. With scenic walking paths, peaceful garden collections, and loads of hidden treasures, it’s a must-visit for all ages.

Kids will love the all-abilities playground, duck pond, and wildlife spotting—from Kookaburras and Ringtail Possums to native bees and mini beasts. Wander the Go Slow for a Mo’ nature trail, or get lost in one of Australia’s largest Illawarra Rainforest collections. Whether you’re after calm or curiosity, this is where it all blooms.

Step into the Sky at HARS Aviation Museum

HARS Aviation Museum at Shellharbour Airport, is one of the Illawarra’s best-kept secrets for a fun, family-friendly day out! Step inside real aircraft, sit in cockpits, and explore Australia’s aviation history—including the last Boeing 747-400 in the country.

With hands-on exhibits and towering hangars full of flying legends, this interactive museum is a must for curious kids and history-loving adults alike. Check out their monthly Tarmac Weekends – details here.

Science Space Wollongong – Hands-On Fun for Curious Minds

Get ready for the ultimate interactive experience at UOW Science Space—NSW’s largest hands-on science centre, located at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus. With over 100 fun and quirky exhibits, a mind-blowing planetarium, live science theatre shows, and even a STEM-packed Science Shop, it’s no wonder this local icon is one of the Top 10 Fun Places for Kids in the Illawarra!

Perfect for ages 0–12 (and fun-loving adults too), whether you’re exploring the stars, launching rockets, or watching experiments explode—learning has never been this fun. Open daily and weekends.

Strike up some fun at Northern Bowl, Bellambi

This iconic Illawarra hotspot isn’t just a bowling alley — it’s a full-on family entertainment centre with arcade machines, a cosy café, and good vibes all around. Whether you’re catching up with friends, planning a fun day with the kids, or just after something different, Northern Bowl has something for everyone for some nostalgic fun.

Great Bowling Deals at Northern Bowl! Northern Bowl has you covered with $10 Cheap Tuesdays, great-value Family Passes, Unlimited Bowling every Friday & Saturday for just $29 per person (minimum 4 per lane), plus a Social Night Special with 2 games for only $22. Ready to roll? Call their friendly team at (02) 4283 6222 or book online here.

Get Airtime at Flip Out Albion Park

Looking for all-weather, all-ages fun in the Illawarra? Flip Out Albion Park is your go-to indoor adventure zone! Open 7 days a week, this isn’t just a trampoline park—it’s a full-on family experience packed with action, energy, and excitement.

From wall-to-wall trampolines to ninja courses and more, there’s something for everyone to jump into. Perfect for birthday parties, weekend fun, or rainy-day energy burns. Get ready to flip, bounce, and laugh the day away!

Step back in time at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum

All ages will love riding restored steam and miniature trains while exploring the rich history of rail transport in the region at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park. Get up close to trams, locomotives, and carriages, plus enjoy lively, history-filled tours. The Museum is opened to the public for Steam Train Rides on the Second Sunday of Each Month from 10am – 2pm. Bring a picnic, enjoy the café and BBQ areas, and make a fun day of it. Book your tickets online now!

Tickle your funny bone at Wollongong Comedy

As the Illawarra’s longest-running comedy club, Wollongong Comedy has been delivering top-notch Australian stand-up for nearly two decades! With open mic nights, comedy festivals, and monthly showcases, they’re your go-to for a good laugh.

Check out all upcoming events and get ready for some serious comedy fun!

The Sea Cliff Bridge

Ahh the majestic Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong. It’s one of the most scenic spots on the South Coast NSW Australia, the highlight of the famous Grand Pacific Drive. This top Illawarra tourist attraction is also on my daily commute.

Every morning I get to drive the half-kilometre of gently curving bends that hug the sandstone cliffs. Below, the glorious blue sea stretches out to the horizon, ever-changing. I’ve lived here all my life, and this stunning drive still takes my breath away. Read the Sea Cliff Bridge local’s guide to checking out this iconic landmark.

Enjoy a Picnic in Unbeatable Locations

One of the best things about Wollongong is the beautiful, natural landscape of where we live, so it’s no surprise that one of our favourite things to do when we have a little downtime is to relax and enjoy it. Choose from one of our Top Ten Picnic Locations around the Illawarra, and then create your own picnic or collect some takeaway from one of our favourite beach-side locations. It’s a simple, low-cost way to enjoy the region and the best way to get in touch with the spirit of this beautiful place we call home.

Take a Walk on one of our Favourite Local Tracks

If you prefer a more active way to connect with our stunning landscape, be sure to take advantage of one of the many walks throughout the escarpment and surrounding national parks. While there are too many to mention here, you can check out some of our favourites listed in a recent article, Five Walks in the Illawarra your Family will Love. Choose from lush rainforest to waterfalls and views that are well and genuinely Insta-worthy. Be sure to look for the notes on terrain to ensure it is an enjoyable experience for everyone in your group.

Plus you may also want to check out our other best local walks here:
Best Illawarra Escarpment Bushwalks. Where to Hike in Wollongong Nature
Mount Keira Walks & Lookout in Wollongong. Your Guide to Visit, Hike & Explore
Bald Hill Lookout. Reviews & All You Need to Know
Walking Wollongong’s Gibson Track – Illawarra Bushwalk Guide

Cool off with a Swim at our Local Pools and Beaches

If you had to pick one aspect of the Illawarra that sets us apart from the rest, it would have to be our beaches, pools and waterways. Especially in the warmer months, these are great places to enjoy with the family or when flying solo to reset the mind and body. In the cooler parts of the year, be sure to spend time enjoying the ocean and beaches, as the lower crowd levels make them the perfect place for long walks and exploration missions with the kids. Are you looking for a list of our favourite pools for summer? Check out our must-visit list here

Make sure you also put these popular ways to cool off on your bucket list:
Best Waterfalls Wollongong. Illawarra Walks with Swimming Holes and Waterfalls
Best Rock Pools and Tidal Pools for swimming around Wollongong & Illawarra

Things to do in Wollongong this weekend – Best Events Guide

Are you looking to get into something different this weekend? Wollongong’s event calendar is a tapestry of diverse experiences waiting to be explored. All year around, chances are there is something on somewhere to tickle your fancy. From vibrant Arts & Culture festivals to thrilling live music gigs that will have you dancing the night away. Our Live Music guide is updated regularly and is a great place to keep an eye on the local scene. From the lively atmosphere of outdoor markets to celebrations of Sports and community – there is something for everyone. Families can look forward to kid-friendly events filled with laughter and silliness, especially in the warmer months. We’ve written a round up of the best Music, Arts and Food & Drink festivals for the coming year here.

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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.