The Southern Highland’s Tulip Time Festival is in full bloom this week. Photo: Lara-sh.
The school holidays are about to kick off and the Illawarra is ready to play. From backyard chicken workshops and LEGO picnics to rainforest night walks and messy art adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to keep kids entertained, curious and creatively inspired. Science fans can wow themselves with fizzing experiments, while little artists can paint, craft and build their own Aussie wildlife masterpieces.
And it’s not just for kids. Adults can soak up some culture with outdoor theatre, catch a magical musical, or raise a glass at a local Oktoberfest. Whether it’s hands-on fun, outdoor adventures or a touch of live performance magic, the school holidays are the perfect excuse to get out, explore and share some unforgettable moments.
So pack the imagination, grab the family and dive headfirst into a spring holiday season bursting with colour, creativity and adventure — here’s our bumper edition of things to do in the Illawarra this week.
Multiple Days
Whether you’re a keen gardener, a lover of photography, or simply looking for a fun day out, there’s something to delight both the young and the young at heart at the Tulip Time Festival. Image: Tulip Time.
Tulip Time Festival
When: Until Monday 6 October, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; Saturdays extended hours, 9:30 am to 6 pm
Where: Corbett Gardens, Wingecarribee Street, Bowral
Cost: Adult $18.50 | Concession/Youth $12.50 | Under 12s Free | Book via Ticketmaster.
Step into a sea of colour this spring at Tulip Time, one of Australia’s oldest and most loved floral festivals. Each year, the Southern Highlands bursts into bloom as Corbett Gardens, the heart of the celebrations, transforms with more than 75,000 tulip bulbs and 15,000 annuals arranged in breathtaking displays. Beyond the gardens, a further 30,000 tulips brighten parks and streets across the shire, creating picture-perfect backdrops at every turn. But Tulip Time is more than just flowers — it’s a true celebration of the season. Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities, delicious food and a program of special events and open private gardens that showcase the best of the Highlands.
Wollongong’s own genre-bending performance collective transforms tall tales into theatre, blending mystery, comedy and a dash of the bizarre. Photo: Children of Revolution.
Squatch Watch: LIVE
When: Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 September, 7:30 pm
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Pay what you feel | Book via Ticketsearch.
Could Australia’s Bigfoot really exist? Discover the undeniable truth as Merrigong Theatre Company’s MerrigongX program presents Vaguely Adjacent’s eccentric new show. Based on Australia’s most acclaimed cryptozoology podcast, this electrifying new stage work brings together Luke Standish (Stripped), Frank Dwyer (Where Shall We Meet?), Sophie Florence Ward (In The Event of Moon Disaster) and Nick Vagne (WALLY). After a decade of research and recordings, their findings finally take to the stage in a night of revelations, surprises and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether you’re embarking on your first expedition into the unknown, or you’re a seasoned Sasquatch hunter, this is a show you’ll never forget.
Children can unleash their creativity in this series of workshops. Photo: halfpoint.
Creative Journeys Workshops
When: Monday 29 September to Thursday 2 October, 9:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Creative Journeys, 15 Dobbie Avenue, East Corrimal
Cost: One Day $130 | Two Days $240 | Three Days $350 | Four Days $400 | Creative Kids Voucher Accepted | Book via 0449 008 928 or [email protected]
Give your child the gift of creativity these school holidays with Creative Journeys, where art becomes a space for self-expression, confidence and fun. No experience is needed — just curiosity and imagination. Each workshop is designed to spark imagination, encourage mindfulness and nurture young people’s unique creative voice in a safe and supportive environment.
The program includes:
Monday 29 September – Mixed Media Portraits: Students create a unique portrait of someone or something they love, learning new techniques and taking home a framed artwork.
Tuesday 30 September – Mindful Mandalas with Shells: A calming day of art and mindfulness, including (weather permitting) a beach walk to gather inspiration.
Wednesday 1 October – My Safe Haven: Children design and build a 3D model of their own special safe space, exploring creativity and reflection.
Thursday 2 October – Calming Box Creations: A day of soothing, hands-on activities to make personalised calming boxes filled with handmade tools.
Get inspired and celebrate the timeless art of woodcraft in Kiama. Photo: StudioPeace.
Kiama Woodcraft Group – Exhibition and Sales
When: Thursday 2 to Wednesday 8 October, Thursdays, 1 to 4 pm and Fridays to Wednesdays, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Old Fire Station, 57 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Discover the beauty and skill of handcrafted timber at the Kiama Woodcraft Group Exhibition and Sale. From finely crafted furniture to unique decorative pieces, members will showcase a wide variety of works, perfect for anyone seeking a special gift or simply inspired by the art of woodcraft. Interested in learning the craft yourself? This event is the perfect opportunity to meet the group’s members, who are always happy to share their knowledge and answer questions about techniques, tools, and the joy of working with wood. Alongside the exhibition, a selection of traditional tools will also be available for purchase — a chance to pick up something unique for your own workshop.
Friday
Get ready, ‘Gong schools — the Rocky Trail Academy is rolling back into Cringila Hills MTB Park for its thrilling Graduation Cup event. Photo: anatoliy_gleb.
Wollongong Schools Comp – Graduation Cup
When: Friday 26 September, 9 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Cringila Hill, Lackawanna Street, Cringila
Cost: Entry $60 | Book via Rocky Trail Academy.
Designed especially for high school riders, this action-packed day features three epic timed stages that test endurance, speed and technical ability. Riders get up to five runs per track, with their fastest time counting toward the final result. With no set track order and untimed liaisons, students can enjoy the outdoors, ride at their own pace and cheer on their mates between stages. It’s not just about individual results — riders will also earn points for their school, with bonus points for top finishers. Categories are based on year groups, so everyone competes alongside their peers in a spirit of fun and friendly competition. From beginners to seasoned MTB enthusiasts, the trails are designed to be rideable by all levels.
Backed by Rocky Trail’s experienced crew, students and schools can count on smooth event management, marshalling and first aid.
Saturday
Looking for a fun, hands-on outdoor adventure with the kids? Photo: Green Connect.
Green Connect’s Play & Picnic Day
When: Saturday 27 September, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue, Warrawong
Cost: $20 | Under 12 Months Free | Book via Green Connect.
Green Connect invites families to this three-hour experience full of play, learning and connection with nature. Children can spend time in the Children’s Garden, with plenty of free play options including a sandpit, mud kitchen and recycled and natural loose parts. Families will also head out on two mini farm tours in small groups, meeting and feeding pigs, sheep, goats and chickens, exploring the organic gardens, and discovering how food is grown sustainably. Bring a waste-free snack and a picnic rug to settle in and make the most of the morning. It’s the perfect chance to unplug, get muddy, and share quality time outdoors.
Please note: All participants (including adults) need a ticket, and children must be supervised at all times. The farm is a working site with uneven terrain, so come prepared with enclosed shoes, weather-appropriate clothing — and a sense of adventure.
All aboard! Step back in time to the grand old days of steam with the Yallah Express at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum. Photo: Region.
Yallah Express – Family Fun Day
When: Saturday 27 September, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adult $18 | Child 3 to 16/Concession $12.50 | Family $64.13 | Book via Illawarra Light Railway Museum.
Bring the family for a fun-filled day of train rides and nostalgia. Climb aboard the heritage steam train or enjoy a ride on the miniature railway, perfect for kids (and kids at heart). Explore the locomotive sheds, wander the museum and learn about the fascinating history of railways in the Illawarra.
There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, with food stalls, picnic shelters and playgrounds making it the ideal day out. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just looking for something unique to do with the family, the Yallah Express is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Prost to a day of beer, food, music and fun at Seeker Brewing. Image: Seeker Brewing.
Hoptoberfest
When: Saturday 27 September, 3 pm to late
Where: Seeker Brewing, 1 Industrial Road, Unanderra
Cost: Free entry.
Raise a stein and celebrate in true Bavarian style as Seeker Brewing, Unanderra hosts Wollongong’s Hoptoberfest. Sample a line-up of traditional and not-so-traditional hoppy beers, brewed specially for the event, while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Enjoy live traditional tunes from Rockordion, feast on German sausages and woodfired pizzas (including the classic Flammkuchen) and test your strength in the lively strong arm competition. Don your best Dirndl or Lederhosen for a chance to win great prizes in the best-dressed contest — the perfect excuse to go all-in on the Oktoberfest spirit.
Step back into the golden age of the violin with a program celebrating the birth of the instrument as we know it. Image: Bach Akademie Australia.
The Art of the Violin
When: Saturday 27 September, 5 pm
Where: Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Gleniffer Brae, Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Adult $65 | Concession $55 | Under 30s/Student $30 | Book via Humanitix.
At the end of the 17th century, master makers like Stradivarius transformed the violin into a star of the musical world, inspiring composers and dazzling audiences across Europe. This concert shines a light on how German, Italian and French composers each embraced the Baroque concerto, raising the violin’s profile to rival even opera in popularity. Experience the brilliance of works by Telemann, Leclair, Handel, Vivaldi and Bach in an evening that captures the excitement of an era when the violin was at its peak.
Join artistic director Madeleine Easton with virtuosos Rafael Font and Simone Slattery for a performance that brings history to life through music — an unforgettable journey into the sound world that shaped centuries of violin repertoire.
Monday
Sam Chapman as Snugglepot and Hamish White as Cuddlepie. Photo: McKenzee Scrine.
The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company presents: The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
When: Monday 29 September, 10:30 am and 2 pm
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, 40 Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: General $17 | Combined Ticket $27 | Book via Humanitix.
Step into the magical world of May Gibbs as the Eaton Gorge Theatre Company (EGTC) brings the beloved Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie to life in the lush surrounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden. In this enchanting outdoor performance, audiences young and old will follow the Gumnut Babies on their daring journey to catch a glimpse of a human. Along the way, they encounter a host of colourful characters — Mrs Kookaburra, Mrs Fantail, Mr Lizard, Little Ragged Blossom and the fearsome Big Bad Banksia Man.
With vibrant storytelling, larger-than-life performances and a stunning natural backdrop, this production captures the wonder of the Australian bush through May Gibbs’ timeless classic.
Curious if chickens might be the right pets for you? Photo: Image-Source.
Chickens make great pets
When: Monday 29 September, 10 to 11 am
Where: Thirroul Library, 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Discover the joys of keeping chickens at home in this hands-on workshop for children aged 8 and up. Learn the basics of housing, feeding, and general care, with live chickens and a variety of eggs on display. Participants will also explore different breeds and find out which might be best suited to their family and backyard. This practical, interactive session is perfect for young animal lovers curious about life on the farm. Spaces are limited — book early to secure your spot.
Wednesday
Whether your child is a budding scientist or just loves a bit of messy, colourful fun, this show is the perfect way to explore the magic of science in a safe and engaging environment. Image: Georgia Rose.
Kids Science Show
When: Wednesday 1 October, 11 am to noon
Where: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: $25 | Book via Warilla Bowls.
Prepare for a morning of fun, discovery, and jaw-dropping experiments with Fizzics Education. Designed for curious young minds, this interactive science show features hands-on demonstrations like elephants’ toothpaste, colourful flames, and other exciting experiments that will spark wonder and inspire learning.
Each child leaves with a science-themed goodie bag, packed with items to continue exploring and experimenting at home, making the experience both educational and memorable. Parents and carers are welcome to watch the show, with no ticket required.
This guided night walk offers an unforgettable opportunity for families to connect with nature and experience the rainforest from a magical, immersive perspective. Photo: Rawpixel.
Minnamurra Rainforest by Torchlight
When: Wednesday 1 October, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Lyrebird loop walk, Budderoo National Park, 345 Minnamurra Falls Road, Jamberoo (Meet at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre)
Cost: Adult $25 | Child (5 to 16 years) $15 | Family $70 (2 adults, 2 children) | Book via National Parks.
Discover the Minnamurra Rainforest in a whole new light on a family-friendly, after-hours guided tour through Budderoo National Park these school holidays. With an experienced NPWS guide leading the way, participants will explore the Lyrebird Loop Walk by torchlight, crossing suspension bridges and elevated walkways as darkness enhances the sights, sounds, and smells of the ancient rainforest.
This 1.6-kilometre adventure is suitable for adults and children aged five years and over. Visitors are encouraged to come prepared with closed shoes, warm clothing, a torch, raincoat, bottled water and a camera without a flash. Let your senses come alive as you search for evidence of nocturnal wildlife and listen to the critters that call this remarkable forest home.
Calling all brick masters young and old. Photo: iloli.
LEGO picnic @ Gerringong Library
When: Thursday 2 October, 10 to 11 am and 3 to 4 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Free | Book via TryBooking.
Get creative with the library’s extensive LEGO collection and design a plate, bowl or can of something delicious to add to the community LEGO picnic display. This hands-on activity is suitable for all ages, from 5 to 105, and is free to attend. Participants can choose to join a morning session from 10 – 11 am or an afternoon session from 3 – 4 pm, making it easy to fit into the day. Build, play and contribute to a fun, colourful LEGO feast that everyone can enjoy.
Celebrating 10 years of Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc. this Illawarra-based musical theatre society presents a magical stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, as the finale of their 2025 season. Photo: Adele Masters-Searle.
The Wizard of Oz Opening Night
When: Thursday 2 October, 7:30 pm
Where: IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $64 | Book via Woods-Ray Theatricals.
Young Dorothy Gale is swept from her Kansas farm to the enchanting land of Oz, where she meets a host of whimsical characters, including good and wicked witches, talking animals and walking scarecrows. To return home, she must follow the Yellow Brick Road to the mysterious Wizard in the Emerald City, making new friends and overcoming obstacles along the way, including the menacing Wicked Witch of the West. This timeless story reminds audiences that, ultimately, there’s no place like home.
Following the society’s successes with productions such as Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Frozen Jr, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Shrek the Musical, Woods-Ray Theatricals brings its signature charm and talent to this enchanting musical adventure. With the recent release of Wicked: For Good in Australian cinemas, audiences have a unique chance to experience the musical that inspired it all.
This session offers a colourful, educational and inspiring way to celebrate Australia’s unique wildlife. Image: Georgia Rose.
Kids Holiday Workshops – Paint an Aussie Animal Workshop
When: Thursday 2 October, 10 to 11:30 am
Where: Georgia Rose, 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $34 | Book via TryBooking.
Explore Australia’s iconic wildlife through art in this creative painting workshop. Children aged eight and up can paint beloved animals such as kookaburras, koalas, kangaroos and echidnas, using fun and engaging techniques. The workshop provides guidance while allowing participants to add their own personal touch to bring each Australian creature to life. All materials are supplied, and no prior experience is required — only imagination and a love of animals.
