Easter is here, along with the school holidays, and there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar. Photo: Envanto/Sonyachny.
Whether you are looking to get your hands dirty on the farm, sharpen your skills on the cricket pitch, or enjoy a laugh for a good cause, the Illawarra has lined up a massive week of school holiday adventures for you to enjoy.
This week, we are celebrating everything from the high-tech triumphs of our world-champion local robotics team to the glowing mysteries of our nocturnal rainforests.
Kids can hunt for chocolate eggs in Shellharbour or get up close with slimy sea creatures in North Wollongong, while the grown-ups can settle in for a night of world-class stand-up comedy.
It is a fantastic mix of high-energy outdoor action and fascinating indoor discoveries, perfectly capturing the vibrant, diverse energy that makes our region so special.
Saturday
Whether you’re after gourmet treats or a fresh braid at the hair station, this indoor extravaganza is the ultimate family-friendly destination. Photo: Supplied.
Mega Indoor Easter Market
When: Saturday 4 April, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Stadium, Croome Road, Croome
Cost: Adults $2 | Under 12s Free | Payable upon entry.
With over 100 stalls to explore, shoppers can hunt for unique treasures while the kids get stuck into a DIY Slime Station and free Easter plaster painting. The atmosphere will be buzzing thanks to live tunes from local musician Rob and a special theatrical performance by Black Cat Theatre. Keep your cameras ready for a visit from the guest of honour, the Easter Bunny, who will be posing for free family photos and handing out more than 700 Cadbury chocolate eggs.
Tuesday
This is an immersive educational experience designed to inspire the next generation of ocean protectors to keep our blue backyard thriving for years to come. Photo: travnikovstudio.
Diver Dave Ocean Adventures
When: Tuesday 8 April, 10 am to 3:45 pm
Where: Science Space Wollongong, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong
Cost: $15 – $24 | Book via Science Space.
Prepare to get your hands wet and your mind blown as Science Space welcomes the legendary Diver Dave for a deep dive into marine biology. This interactive, high-energy session brings the wonders of the NSW coastline indoors, allowing curious minds to get up close and personal with a variety of incredible sea creatures.
Beyond the thrill of touching a starfish or observing a sea urchin, Dave shares his vast knowledge of marine diets, habitats, and the vital importance of conservation.
As the sun sets over the South Coast, a different kind of light begins to stir in the depths of our rainforests. Photo: David Finlay.
Ghost Fungi of the Illawarra
When: Tuesday 7 April, 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: Free | Book via TryBooking.
Join acclaimed photographer and bioluminescence buff David Finlay for an illuminating talk on the mysterious Omphalotus nidiformis, better known as the Ghost Fungus. This session coincides perfectly with the peak of the local fungi season, offering a deep dive into how and why these ethereal organisms glow with an eerie green light. Attendees will learn the best local hotspots for a nocturnal fungus hunt and pick up expert tips on how to capture the bioluminescent magic on camera. It is a must for nature-lovers and budding photographers looking to see the Illawarra in a brand-new light.
Wednesday
Strap on the pads and sharpen those cover drives because the Sydney Thunder is coming to town to scout the next generation of cricketing superstars. Image: Sydney Thunder.
Illawarra Coaching Clinic
When: Wednesday 8 April, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: North Dalton Park, Pioneer Road, Towradgi
Cost: $89 | Book via Play HQ.
This high-energy coaching clinic at North Dalton Park is designed for boys and girls aged seven to 14 who are keen to elevate their game in a professional, fully supervised environment. Participants will rotate through a variety of tailored drills and games focused on batting, bowling, and fielding, all led by qualified coaches. Whether your child is a seasoned club player or just starting their journey to the Big Bash, this session offers a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and pick up expert tips under the Illawarra sun.
Get ready for a kaleidoscope of chaos as North Dalton Park trades traditional whites for a splash of every imaginable hue. Image: Sydney Thunder.
Sydney Thunder Girls Colour Bash
When: Wednesday 8 April, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: North Dalton Park, Pioneer Road, Towradgi
Cost: Free | Book via Play HQ.
The Sydney Thunder Girls Colour Bash is the ultimate summer holiday ticket for girls looking to dive into cricket without the pressure of a scoreboard. This isn’t your typical training session; think backyard-style fun amplified with water balloons, fast-paced games, and clouds of vibrant powder. Thanks to the Australian Government Play Our Way Grant, this four-hour whirlwind of activity is completely free, making it the perfect opportunity for beginners to pick up a bat and find their confidence. With all equipment provided, the only requirement is a sense of adventure and a willingness to get messy.
Thursday
Why settle for basic bricks when you can learn from the best in the world? Photo: Project Bucephalus Facebook.
Project Bucephalus Robo Camps
When: Thursday 9 April and Friday 10 April, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Building X, Wollongong TAFE, Foleys Lane, Wollongong
Cost: Introduction to Robotics $160 | Grand Sumo $190 | Book via TryBooking.
Fresh off their historic Impact Award win in the USA, the Illawarra’s own Project Bucephalus team is back to mentor the next generation of engineers. These two-day workshops cater to all levels of LEGO obsession, from the “Introduction to Robotics” course for beginners to the high-octane “Grand Sumo” camp for those ready for battle.
Students will learn to code sensors and build autonomous machines, culminating in a legendary robot tournament where families can cheer from the sidelines. It is a high-energy, hands-on masterclass in problem-solving that proves science is anything but boring.
Trade the iPad for an afternoon of mud-pies and munching goats at the Green Connect Farm Kindy. Photo: Green Connect.
Farm Kindy at Green Connect
When: Thursday 9 April, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue, Warrawong
Cost: $25 | Book via Green Connect.
Designed for adventurous spirits aged two to five, this immersive outdoor program encourages little ones to dive headfirst into the world of sustainable agriculture. Children will spend their morning navigating the sandpits, meeting friendly farm animals and using natural materials to create rustic masterpieces. It is a sensory-rich experience where getting dirty is highly encouraged and sturdy boots are a non-negotiable.
While the farm’s steep terrain provides a natural obstacle course, the focus remains on free-play and discovery, fostering a deep-rooted connection to the land in the heart of Warrawong.
When the sun dips behind the escarpment, the Wollongong Botanic Garden transforms into a mysterious playground for the region’s nocturnal residents. Photo: Rawpixel.
Torchlight Wildlife Walk
When: Thursday 9 April, 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: Botanic Garden Towri Centre, 61 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: $25 | Book via Eventbrite.
This guided expedition invites brave nature-lovers aged five and up to venture into the shadows to spot Tawny Frogmouths, brushtail possums, and the elusive Giant Water Spider. The evening kicks off with a lively presentation before groups set off with torches, fitted with red cellophane to keep things animal-friendly, to explore the darkened groves.
With expert guides leading the way, participants will discover a secret world of mini-beasts and glass shrimp, making for a magical, starlit trek that offers a completely different perspective on our local flora and fauna.
Grab a drink, find a seat early and settle in for two hours of non-stop laughs that prove doing good for the community can be a hilarious affair. Image: Kiama Lions Club.
Comedy for a Cause
When: Thursday 9 April, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Kiama Leagues Club, 109 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: $40 | Book via Kiama Lions Club.
Prepare for a night of side-splitting humour as some of the brightest stars from the Melbourne and Sydney International Comedy Festivals descend upon the coast for a great cause. This top-tier showcase brings a rotating lineup of seasoned professionals to the Kiama Leagues Club stage to help raise funds for the local Lions Club. It is a rare chance to catch world-class stand-up outside of the big city lights, featuring everything from sharp observational wit to chaotic physical comedy.
