People ride the Waveswinger ride at a previous Shellharbour Summer Carnival. Image: Shellharbour Summer Carnival Facebook.
As the post-holiday routine sets in for some, the Illawarra is still buzzing with summer fun. From the outdoor thrills of the Shellharbour Summer Carnival to the indoor quiet of perusing books in the summer book sale in Wollongong to a creative camp in Kiama, the region offers plenty of ways for kids and adults to make the most of the school holidays.
Here are our top nine picks for the week.
Multiple days
Green Connect is offering farm experience days with mini farm tours and play time. Photo: Green Connect.
Green Connect Farm Play and Picnic Days
When: Saturday 11 January at 9:30 am and Thursday 16 January at 9:30 am
Where: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue, Warrawong.
Cost: $20 for children and adults, infants under 12 months free. Book here.
Green Connect has started farm play and picnic days to offer a fun and educational outdoor experience for families and people of all ages. Participants will be able to spend up to three hours in the children’s garden, with options for free play through the sandpit, mud kitchen, and recycled and natural loose parts area. The experience will also include two mini farm tours, offered in small groups to meet and feed pigs, sheep, goats and chickens, explore organic market gardens, smell some compost, and learn about how to grow food sustainably. A waste-free snack and a small picnic rug are also welcomed.
The Little Mermaid: The Pantomime starts 10 January in Shellharbour Village. Photo: The Roo Theatre Company.
The Little Mermaid: The Pantomime
When: Various dates and times from Friday 10 January to Saturday 25 January
Where: The Roo Theatre, Corner of Addison and Wentworth streets, Shellharbour Village
Cost: Adults $32, concessions $27, family of two adults and two children $110. Book tickets.
The Roo Theatre Company is staging a full pantomime style production of The Little Mermaid to appeal to all ages. The show will tell the story of Princess Ariel who tries to venture to the surface. It also features her twin sister Persil and best friend Lobster Thermidor trying to discourage her without success. Directed by Renee Brighton, it will feature popular Illawarra actor Josif Jovanovski as Persil.
This month, pick up a new read for 50 cents at Wollongong City Libraries. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Libraries Summer Book Sale
When: Monday 13 to Saturday 25 January
Where: Wollongong City Library, 41 Burelli St, Wollongong
Cost: Free. Books priced at 50 cents each.
If you’re looking for a summer read, Wollongong City Libraries is holding its annual summer book sale. Books will be priced at 50 cents each, with a range of adult, young adults and junior books, along with magazines. Items will be restocked throughout the sale period, meaning you may want to make more than one trip to the library to find a bargain. All proceeds will go to the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries to help support literary programs.
UniActive is running its School Holiday Sports Program. Photo: UniActive Facebook.
UniActive School Holiday Sports Program
When: Multiple dates from Monday 13 January, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Sports Hub, Building 9, University of Wollongong, Keiraville
Cost: Daily rate $55 per child, or full session rate $200 for all four days. Book tickets.
If you’re looking for a way to keep kids entertained that also keeps them active, then UniActive has brought back the summer sports program for the holidays. Aimed at children from Kindergarten to Year six, the program includes sports and games that will keep them moving while having fun. They also have the benefit of being able to cool off with a splash in the pool. Learn more on Facebook.
The carnival has returned to Shellharbour Village for another summer. Photo: Shellharbour Summer Carnival Facebook.
Shellharbour Summer Carnival
When: Until Sunday 26 January, 7 – 10 pm
Where: Pioneer Park, Addison Street, Shellharbour Village
Cost: Unlimited ride wristbands $40 per person.
If you’re looking for the perfect night out with the family, head along to the annual Shellharbour Summer Carnival, where you’ll find a range of rides, games and carnival food. There are unlimited ride wristbands available each night to allow you to experience the merry-go-round, slide, fiesta wheel, cup and saucer, and the paratrooper. Note: The carnival running each night is dependent on the weather. Learn more on their Facebook page.
Saturday
Honk! Oz. The Red Brigade Band from 2015. Photo: Mike Antares, Wollongong City Libraries -P51002.
HONK! Oz Street Music Festival 2025
When: Saturday 11 January
Where: Various Wollongong locations; see schedule here
Cost: Free.
Bands and musicians from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US will take to the streets as part of the 10th anniversary of Wollongong hosting HONK! The acts and music are often irreverent, revelrous and with a DIY approach to instrumentation and attire. While the main grand street parade and festival will take place on Saturday, there will also be musicians performing during night markets on Thursday 9 January at 5:30 pm and at The Wentworth in Port Kembla on Friday 10 January.
Tuesday
A creative camp will be run in Kiama. Photo: Destination Kiama.
One Day School Holiday Creative Camp
When: Tuesday 14 January
Where: 1 Blowhole Point Road, Kiama
Cost: $97. Book a spot.
Led by Coached by Ciara, participants will enjoy dance games and learn fun choreography that boosts their skills and confidence. Liv from Kiama Art Workshops will then guide participants through gelli printing activities exploring textured, colourful prints to be transformed into unique collage artwork. The camp is ideal for primary school aged children from age six to 12, with a special 20 per cent off discount code available when booking with a friend.
Thursday
Race Pace MX School will be at the Wollongong Motorcycle Club at Mt Kembla. Photo: Race Pace MX School.
Race Pace MX School at Mt Kembla
When: Thursday 16 January from 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Mt Kembla Motocross Track, 340 Harry Graham Dr, Kembla Heights
Cost: $120 for single, $110 each for family of two, or $100 each for family of three-plus. Book online.
Race Pace MX Schools are run at various clubs and will be visiting Wollongong Motorcycle Club for a one-day MX School at Mt Kembla. All skill levels and ages are welcome, with bikes 50 cc up to 450 cc, except PW50s. All the basics are covered at the motocross school, with advanced techniques taught for the more skilled racers. The day consists of exercises including body positioning, use of controls and more advanced techniques such as passing manoeuvres and race starts. You can learn more on Facebook.
The Water Runners will sing songs of the South Coast. Photo: The Water Runners.
Charity Concert Night
When: Thursday 16 January at 6:30 pm
Where: Heritage Hotel, 240 Princes Hwy, Bulli
Cost: By donation. Book tickets.
The Illawarra Folk Club is presenting a charity night concert as a prelude to the Illawarra Folk Festival. It will provide a taste of the line-up of artists to appear at the festival. Among the artists will be Broken Creek, The Water Runners, Zumpa, and Smith and the Devil. You can choose to donate any amount from $10 for entry, and proceeds will go to the charity Support Act, an organisation that supports artists.
Loading ...
