Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (6 - 12 December)

Though the Illawarra has well and truly decked the halls with Christmas cheer, there’s plenty of other stuff going on in the region this year. From art exhibit openings to live outdoor music, antics at the Illawarra Fly and much more, you’re spoiled for choice in the lead-up to the holidays.

But if you are looking for ways to get into the spirit, you won’t be disappointed, either. Beyond the dozens of carols, markets and parades ringing in the festive season are Santa spectacles, festive food inspiration events and up-skilling opportunities in the Christmas crafts arena.

Here are nine things to do in the Illawarra this week.

Multiple Days

Mystery In the Rainforest at Illawarra Fly

When: Until 31 January, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Illawarra Fly, 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
Cost: Adult from $22 | Child (three to 15) $12 | Family $60 | Senior, Student or Concession $17.60, book here.

Inspired by Paddington In Peru, Illawarra Fly has created a tree-tastic experience. Pack a teddy bear picnic (marmalade sandwiches included, of course), collect your activity booklet when you arrive and embark on a mystery to help Paddington uncover what happened to his lost travel items. Climb to the top of Knight’s Tower along the Treetop Walk to begin the search and see if you can spot some unusual objects among the trees. While you’re at it, why not explore the Enchanted Forest and see what fairies and fantastical creatures you encounter?

International Day of People with Disability – Free Pool Entry

When: Until Saturday 7 December, various times
Where: All Shellharbour City Council pools
Cost: Free.

Last call – in celebration of International Day of People with Disability (3 December), Shellharbour City Council’s pools have been free for residents with disabilities for the week, ending this Saturday (7 December). A chairlift and portable steps are available to assist with entry (speak to the lifeguards on duty for more information). The participating pools are:

• Albion Park Pool: Russel Street, Albion Park
• Oak Flats Pool: 15 Hope Street, Oak Flats
• Warilla Pool: Benaud Crescent, Warilla
• Shellharbour Ocean Pool: Hockey Esplanade, Shellharbour

Saturday

Festive Feast at Stockland Shellharbour

When: Saturday 7 December, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Stockland Shellharbour, 211 Lake Entrance Road, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for new inspirations or planning your Christmas catering, this event is perfect for discovering festive flavours and traditional treats that will delight your family and friends. Enjoy food samples from fresh food retailers like Bushes Meat, Bakers Delight, Shellharbour Square Fish Market, Coles, Woolworths and more. From succulent meats and freshly baked bread to the freshest seafood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bikers Toy Run

When: Saturday 7 December, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong
Cost: Free.

This yearly tradition sees Santa local bikers dashing through the snow sunny streets of Wollongong to bring their gift donations to the City of Wollongong Giving Tree. The spectacle helps raise awareness of the initiative to help those doing it tough in our community this Christmas. Come along to see them in their best Christmas outfits on bikes decked out in red, white and green, and if you can, make a contribution of your own to the appeal.

The bike convoy will start at Shellharbour and is expected to arrive at Crown Street Mall around 11 am. They will enter from Kembla Street (near ANZ Bank) and ride towards the Christmas tree in front of the stage. Following their arrival, there will be some light entertainment and speeches from Lord Mayor Tania Brown, committee members and participating charities.

Being Alive: Songs Across the Lawn

When: Saturday 7 December, 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: 8 Dam Road, Wombarra
Cost: By donation | via Humanitix.

Against the backdrop of the towering escarpment, pitch a rug or grab a seat and settle in for a magical evening of musical theatre songs beneath the stars. Hear songs from Company, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, The Last Five Years, Matilda, Little Women, Guys and Dolls, The Outsiders and Strictly Ballroom. The talented artist line-up includes local Molly Stewart accompanied by pianist Joanna Li and singers Sydney Parker and Jagger Leith accompanied by pianist John Spence.

Sunday

Ride the Christmas Train

When: Sunday 8 December, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 48a Tongarra Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adults $18 | Under 17s $12.50 | Under 3s Free (with accompanying adult) | Book via ILRM.

You’ll find a touch of a Hawaiian Christmas at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum this year, which will once again be transformed into a Christmas wonderland of steam train and miniature train rides for all to enjoy. Catch up with Santa and his mates at 11 am and 1 pm, and enjoy food and coffee sales, souvenirs, picnic grounds, playgrounds, locomotive shed and museum tours, sausage sizzle and a few market stalls. If you’re keen to get in the spirit, don your best Hawaiian-themed threads.

Exhibition Preview and Opening: Shape Shifters

When: Sunday 8 December, 12:30 to 4 pm
Where: Gallery Foyer, Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.

Curator Angie Cass will lead an exclusive preview of Shape Shifters, taking guests on a walk through the exhibition and deep dive into the presented works. Shape Shifters examines how repurposed materials, concepts and subjects have evolved within an Australian context. Works in fabric, paper, moving images and found or domestic objects will be exhibited in a celebration of this thrilling and accessible art form.

Hang back for the official opening from 2 pm, with opening remarks by Oliver Watts (head curator, Artbank).

Monday

10 years of HONK! Oz – Illawarra Images Exhibition launch

When: Monday 9 December, 5 to 6 pm
Where: The LAB, Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.

HONK! Oz Street Music Festival is returning to Wollongong again this summer to celebrate its 10th anniversary. To help mark the occasion, Wollongong City Libraries are hosting a photo exhibition featuring the wonderful costumes, people and spirit of this colourful, inclusive and community-minded extravaganza.

Founded by members of The Con Artists community band, this free festival has become a cherished local tradition. During the exhibition launch, attendees will hear insights about the history of the event from one of the founding musicians and enjoy a live performance from The Con Artists band.

Tuesday

Christmas Sewing Workshop

When: Tuesday 10 December, 1 to 3 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.

Looking for ways to make your Christmas gifts extra special? How about a handmade touch? In this festive sewing workshop, you’ll learn to create reusable gift bags, perfect for filling with treats or presents. This workshop is open to adults aged 18 and over with basic sewing skills. All materials are provided. While free, bookings are essential.