Green Connect is offering kids the chance to get their hands dirty and reconnect with nature. Photo: Green Connect.
As we head into the autumn school holidays, there’s plenty to do for families in the Illawarra – but it’s not all about the kids.
If it’s been too long since you’ve had an excuse to glam up, we’ve got good news for you: Boveda in Thirroul is hosting a black-tie event and all the proceeds go to a good cause.
Learn to draw with a drag queen in Dapto, hit up Port Kembla for the ultimate gig crawl, or dive right into the Shellharbour Ocean Swim, while the water’s still fine.
Between Tarmac Days at HARS, Green Connect Farm Play and Picnic Day and City Skate, there’s also heaps going on for the young’uns in our fair region.
Here are nine things to do in the Illawarra this week.
Multiple Days
Tarmac Days
When: Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: HARS Aviation Museum, Shellharbour Airport, 54 Airport Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adult $30 | Child $15 | Concession $25 | Family $70 | Book via HARS.
Australia’s first operational Sabre jet fighter from the 1950s joins with the unique sight and sound of three former submarine-hunting and marine patrol Lockheed Neptunes from the 1960s to highlight the April monthly Tarmac Days display at HARS this weekend. Adding to the interest, work will continue over the weekend on the engines of Connie, which is not only the official HARS mascot aircraft but also the world’s only remaining airworthy Lockheed Super Constellation airliner from the 1950s. The museum houses almost 60 aircraft from the Australian aviation heritage, holds tours and serves food and drink at its cafe, so you can make a day of it.
Friday
Dress to impress and be part of a night to remember — where every bid, sip and dance step makes a difference. Photo: Josh Scott.
Starlit Soiree: A Gala For Hope
When: Friday 11 April, 6 pm
Where: Boveda, 258 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $93 | Book via Now Book It.
It’s not every night a black-tie event comes to Thirroul. Join the local food and beverage legends of Disco Dining Group for this dazzling evening of entertainment, fine food and fundraising for the Stars of Wollongong. Your ticket not only includes mouthwatering gourmet canapes, Mumm Champagne on arrival, live entertainment, lucky door prizes and exclusive access to live and silent auctions – you’ll be supporting the Cancer Council in its vital research, prevention programs and support services for those affected by cancer.
Art meets comedy at this one-of-a-kind workshop. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Drawing with a Drag Queen
When: Friday 11 April, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Dapto Library, 93-109 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: $25 | Book via eventbrite.
Get ready to unleash your inner artist – Wonder Mama is here to lead you through a one-of-a-kind drawing workshop where art meets comedy. Expect plenty of laughs, creative chaos and a bit of sparkle. Your ticket includes all the materials needed to create your masterpiece plus fabulous guidance/entertainment – but bring your own snacks and drinks. Note: this event is strictly for ages 18 and above.
Saturday
Don’t miss this fun and educational outdoor experience for families and people of all ages. Photo: Green Connect.
Green Connect Farm Play and Picnic Day
When: Saturday 12 April, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue, Warrawong
Cost: $20 | Book via Green Connect.
What better way is there for your littlies to spend three hours than in Green Connect’s beautiful Children’s Garden, where they have lots of choices for free play including a sandpit, mud kitchen, recycled and natural loose parts and more. You’ll also head out on two mini farm tours, offered in small groups throughout the session, to meet and feed the Green Connect pigs, sheep, goats and chickens, explore the organic market gardens, smell their compost and learn a bit about how the farm grows food sustainably. Bring a waste-free snack and a small picnic rug (if you don’t want to sit on the grass, rocks or logs) to make the most of what is sure to be a fun and enriching morning.
One street, 10 venues and 40-plus artists – don’t miss this “true” gig crawl. Image: Port Kembla Festival.
Port Kembla Festival
When: Saturday 12 April, 2 to 11 pm
Where: Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free entry.
Port Kembla Festival is an annual event hosted by live music venues, barbershops, vintage motorcycle stores, laneways and outdoor gardens along the main strip of Port Kembla. A true gig-crawl and exploratory experience, the festival presents an exciting range of music from around Australia, set alongside markets, workshops and light installations in unexpected urban settings. The festival is free to attend with an RSVP.
Join Expressive Art Experience for a “Corks and Canvases” event at Cin Cin. Image: Expressive Art Studio.
Corks and Canvases
When: Saturday 12 April, 2 to 4:30 pm
Where: Cin Cin Wine Bar Kiama, Shop 6/4 Tingira Crescent, Kiama
Cost: $79 | Book via Expressive Art Experience.
Bring your partner, friends or family for an intimate gathering starting with a glass of bubbles on arrival. Graze yummy food throughout the night as you breathe life into your very own masterpiece to take home. You will draw inspiration from local photographer Darren Parlett, whose work is based on the Illawarra’s local scenery and water landscapes. All materials are provided, and additional drinks can be purchased at the bar.
City Skate is coming back to the Wollongong CBD. Image: Wollongong CBD.
City Skate
When: Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 April, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Crown Street, Wollongong CBD
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Calling all skateboarding enthusiasts – join in another epic weekend with plenty of free action in the Wollongong CBD.
It’s the perfect school holiday activity and there’s plenty to get excited about including skate lessons (free, but bookings are required) and demos with pro riders George Richards, Shaun Paul and Ben Weir, workshops, live DJs all weekend and a competition prize pool of $2000 cash and giveaways valued at $2000. Spaces are limited, so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Sunday
With more than 30 stalls and lots of expert advice on hand, whatever sustainable lifestyle steps you want to take, you are sure to find the answer here. Image: Rotary.
Greenfest Sustainability Expo
When: Sunday 13 April, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Corrimal High School, 80 Pioneer Road, East Corrimal
Cost: Free entry.
With a focus on inspiring young people, this family day out will share practical insights into fun and sustainable practices and solutions to use in day-to-day life. Expect hands-on demonstrations, workshops, giveaways, kids’ activities, market stalls and information to help you learn how to live more sustainably at home and in our communities. From solar panels to flourishing veggie gardens and happy worms eating their leftover dinner scraps to where our power will come from in the future, learn from local experts about what they are doing and how you can become involved. Join a group or start practising new ideas in your own home.
From the 400 m junior swim for children aged from eight years old to the 2 km ocean swim, this event offers something for all swimmers. Photo: oneinchpunchphotos.
Bluescope WIN Community Partners Shellharbour Ocean Swim
When: Sunday 13 April, from 8 am
Where: Shellharbour Boat Harbour, Wollongong Street, Shellharbour
Cost: 400 m Swim $15 | 1.2 km and 2 km $40 | Book via Oceanswim.
The Bluescope WIN Community Partners Shellharbour Ocean Swim is said to have some of the nicest and most picturesque set of ocean swims in NSW. The two main point-to-point swims start at the Shellharbour Boat Harbour and take swimmers out into the ocean and north towards the stunning Shellharbour main beach. There’s also a junior swim that takes place at main beach so the whole family can get involved.
