Get ready for all the charms of the Kiama Show Society, one of the oldest agricultural societies still in existence in Australia. Photo: Kiama Show.
From adrenaline-fuelled competitions to creative workshops, there’s no shortage of action, laughs and family fun to dive into this week in the Illawarra.
Watch the best in the country at the Battle Axe Open or cheer on more than 2500 participants at the Wollongong Aquathon. Let the kids bounce, splash and get creative at pool open days and clay workshops, or your teens embark on daring Dungeon Crawl adventures across Wollongong libraries.
Looking for laughs? Don’t miss Sketchy at Best, a sketch comedy show created from scratch in just 24 hours.
For a slower pace, paddle along the Kangaroo River on a guided cultural canoe tour or settle in for stories, music and inspiration with author Kate Rowe.
With fireworks, food, fun and plenty of ways to get moving, here are nine perfect excuses to get out, try something new, and make summer memories.
Multiple Days
Kiama Show – 178th Year Celebration
When: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 January
Where: Kiama Showground, Bong Bong Street (off Manning Street), Kiama
Cost: Adult $15 | Child $10 | Concession $5 | Family $40 | Book via Kiama Show (fees apply for purchase at the gate).
Celebrate 178 years of community at the Kiama Show, the region’s longest-running event. Set against the stunning backdrop of Surf Beach, the show brings together locals, farmers, and businesses for a day of fun and tradition. Enjoy agricultural displays including cattle, horses, showjumping, wood chopping and a pet show. Wander through more than 2000 pavilion exhibits, sample delicious food from a variety of vendors, and finish the day with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Kiama sky.
Don’t miss four days of epic competition among some of the best battle axe throwers in the country, in the ultimate axe-throwing showdown. Image: Battle Axe Throwing.
Battle Axe Open – IATF Double Major
When: Friday 23 to Monday 26 January, various times
Where: Battle Axe Throwing, 284 – 286 Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: Spectators free.
Back for its third year, the Battle Axe Open returns as an official International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) Double Major, a highlight of the tournament circuit and a direct pathway to the International Axe Throwing Championships. Almost all events are sold out for competitors, but spectators are more than welcome to get in on the action and witness some of the best battle axe throwing in the country in action.
Over four action-packed days, competitors of all skill levels will go head-to-head in a series of unique events, including the Battle Axe Open Tournament and the Australian Championship, with two guaranteed spots up for grabs in the IATC. Friday kicks off with Premier Big Axe in the morning and Premier Doubles in the afternoon. Saturday features 1.5 Blackjack – ATW in the morning and the Battle Axe Open IATF Major in the afternoon. Sunday brings Under 55 (Premier) Average in the morning and the Australian Championship IATF Major in the afternoon. Monday wraps up with the Australian Yahtzee Championship in the morning, Bucket of Axes – ATW, the Awards Presentation, and Dicey Riley’s Official After Party.
Roll for adventure! High schoolers, join our Dungeon Crawl across the Illawarra with standalone D&D games, snacks, and cosplay fun at the final session. Photo: Esther Derksen.
Dungeon Crawl: Play Dungeons & Dragons Across the Illawarra
When: Various dates and times
Where: Various Wollongong libraries and venues
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Join a Dungeon Crawl and experience Dungeons & Dragons like never before. Hosted by an experienced Dungeon Master, each session is a standalone game with snacks provided. All high school students are welcome, whether you’re just starting or a seasoned adventurer. At the final Wollongong session, dress up as your D&D character for the ultimate cosplay showdown. Borrow D&D books from the library to level up your skills and strategy along the way.
This week’s sessions are:
- Tuesday 27 January, 10 am to 2 pm, Dapto Library, 93-109 Princes Highway, Dapto — book via eventbrite
- Wednesday 28 January, 10 am to 2 pm, Warrawong Library, Level 1, 67-71 King Street, Warrawong — book via eventbrite
- Thursday 29 January, 10 am to 2 pm, Wollongong Youth Services, 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong — book via eventbrite
Friday
Giant inflatable, free sausage sizzle, music, games and summer fun for the whole family – dive in to this pool open day. Image: Albion Park Pool.
Pool Open Day
Date: Friday 23 January, 1 to 3 pm
Location: Albion Park Pool, 8-10 Russell Street, Albion Park
Price: Free.
Make a splash this summer at Albion Park Pool. Jump on the giant pool Inflatable, grab a free sausage from the sizzle, dance along to the tunes, join in the games and soak up the fun. Kids 10 and under need a responsible adult with them, and anyone wanting to tackle the inflatable will need to show they can swim 25 metres on their own – lifeguards have the final say. The inflatable is for kids up to 14 years old.
Remember, it’s all about fun and safety: follow pool rules, listen to lifeguards, and bring your best summer vibes. Front counter check-ins make sure everyone knows the ropes so the day runs smoothly. Shellharbour City Pools can’t wait to see you for a sun-soaked, laughter-filled afternoon.
Pool inflatables, obstacle fun, sausage sizzle and treats – grab a shallow or deep water pass and dive in. Photo: UniActive.
UniActive Pool Inflatable Day
When: Friday 23 January, 1 to 4 pm
Where: UniActive, 13 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Shallow water pass $15 | Deep water pass $20 | Book via eventbrite.
Dive into a fun-filled afternoon at UniActive. Challenge your friends on the pool obstacle course, bounce on inflatables and enjoy a sausage sizzle, ice-cream and drinks. Choose a deep water pass for full inflatable access or a shallow water pass for selected areas – both include pool entry, food and drink. Supervising parents and guardians don’t need a ticket, so bring the whole family for a splashy summer afternoon.
Saturday
Wollongong and Sydney’s funniest scramble will create a brand-new sketch show in just 24 hours – chaos guaranteed. Photo: Side Door Theatre.
Sketchy at Best: A Sketch Comedy Show Made in 24 Hours
When: Saturday 24 January, 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Side Door Theatre, 293-297 Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: General $20 | Concession $18 | Groups $15 | Book via Humanitix.
This is comedy on the clock. Watch some of Wollongong and Sydney’s funniest writers and performers take on the ultimate challenge: writing, rehearsing, and performing an entire sketch comedy show in just 24 hours. From wild improvisation to clever satire, every sketch is created from scratch under extreme pressure, making for a night that’s unpredictable, chaotic and absolutely hilarious. Expect rapid-fire laughs, unexpected twists, and moments of sheer brilliance as these comedians race against the clock to deliver a show you won’t see anywhere else.
Monday
Swim, run, repeat — join more than 2500 participants at the Wollongong Aquathon for a fun, sun-soaked morning of action, prizes and charity support at the iconic boat harbour. Photo: Aquathon.
Wollongong Aquathon
When: Monday 26 January, various starting times from 6:15 to 11:15 am
Where: Various Wollongong Harbour starting points
Cost: Various registration fees | Free to watch.
Australia’s favourite swim-run is back for its 26th edition. The MMJ Wollongong Aquathon takes over the stunning Wollongong Boat Harbour with more than 2500 participants diving into a mix of five events. From four swim-run aquathons to the popular Blue Mile 5 km Fun Run, there’s a challenge for beginners, first-timers, or seasoned athletes. Go solo, team up with friends in the aquathon relay, or enter with your family and make it a day to remember.
Enjoy a professionally run, fun-filled morning with finisher medals, division prizes, spot prizes, stalls and sponsor giveaways. With the 2025 World Triathlon Titles calling this home and charity partner Black Dog Institute on board, it’s the ultimate summer event for locals, visitors and even international guests.
Tuesday
Join a guided cultural canoe tour on the Kangaroo River and experience storytelling, reflection, and local treats in a serene summer morning. Photo: Valley Outdoors.
Guided Summer Cultural Canoe Tour – Kangaroo Valley
When: Tuesday 27 January | 9:30 am to 12:45 pm
Where: Bendeela Recreation Area, off Lower Bendella Road, Kangaroo Valley
Cost: $195 | Book via Valley Outdoors.
Connect with Country on a gentle, immersive paddle along the Kangaroo River. Valley Outdoors, in partnership with Gadhungal Marring and Caterina KV, invites guests to share a 14-seat canoe, listening to cultural storytelling and engaging in reflection as you move slowly along the river. This welcoming, accessible tour is perfect for singles, couples, beginners, families or anyone seeking a meaningful summer experience in Kangaroo Valley.
Along the way, enjoy Indigenous herbal teas and handmade lemon myrtle and wattleseed biscuits, thoughtfully prepared by Caterina KV, a simple offering that celebrates local connection and hospitality. Places are limited to preserve the intimacy of the experience, making this a morning not to rush or miss.
Thursday
Laugh, cry and be inspired as author and activist Kate Rowe shares stories of survival, self-discovery and music with her band Wahine Soundz. Photo: Supplied.
Author Talk with Kate Rowe
When: Thursday 29 January, 6 to 7 pm
Where: Thirroul Library, 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free (18+) | Book via eventbrite.
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon with LGBTQIA+ activist and author Kate Rowe. She’ll share her life story, perform music and dish out hard-earned lessons from a journey that’s taken her from addiction and trauma to Ironman races, ukulele jams and everything in between.
Kate’s memoir, How the F*ck Would I Know?*, chronicles her survival, self-discovery, and the lighter moments that kept her smiling through life’s mess. From fleeing to Australia as a “Ten Pound Pom” to embracing her sexuality at the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, to kidney donations, love letters to her cats and tackling 10 Ironman events, Kate’s stories are equal parts heart, humour, and resilience. Stick around for a special performance by her band, Wahine Soundz, after the talk.
If you’d like to read How the F*ck Would I Know? ahead of time, you can reserve it via the library catalogue.
