Citizen science has its moment in the sun this weekend at Croome Reserve. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
From adrenaline-pumping stunts to creative inspiration, the region is bursting with experiences for every interest. Dive into the great outdoors at BioBlitz, hunt for treasures at the Garage Sale Trail, or explore more than 100 artisan stalls at the Wollongong Makers Market.
For thrill-seekers, Nitro Circus and the cheeky, cabaret-infused Infamous The Show promise unforgettable nights, while Santa’s Arrival Parade brings festive fun to the streets of Wollongong.
Writers and storytellers can find their spark at the NaNoWriMo workshops, and film lovers can celebrate a local classic with the 25th anniversary screening of Mullet. Meanwhile, Hot, Happy & Thriving offers a luxe, uplifting high tea for women navigating life’s next chapter.
There’s something to see, do, and discover for everyone — so mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and make the most of what the Illawarra has to offer this week.
Multiple Days
Every Friday brings a new way to spark your creativity in this month-long writing workshop series. Image: Kiama Library.
NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month Workshops
When: Friday 7 to Friday 28 November, 4 to 5 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong and Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: One session $30 | Four sessions $110 | Book via TryBooking.
Throughout November, this series of workshops at Kiama and Gerringong libraries will inspire and motivate your writing journey. From how to get started with your writing, to understanding the writing process, developing outlines for crime writing and crafting stories for any medium, dive into the wonderful world of writing at the library. Events every Friday are:
- Maria Lewis: Crafting stories for any medium (7 November, Gerringong Library)
- Dave Warner: Crime – developing outlines (14 November, Kiama Library)
- Maggie Dent: Understanding the writing process (21 November, Gerringong Library)
- Suzanne Leal: Story starters (28 November, Kiama Library)
Get into the great outdoors, bring your curiosity for the natural world and become a citizen scientist for the day (or a couple of hours). Image: BioBlitz.
Bio Blitz at Croom Reserve 2025
When: Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November, various times
Where: John O’Dwyer Oval, Croom Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Get ready to explore the wild side of Shellharbour at the third annual BioBlitz, a fun, hands-on event celebrating the incredible biodiversity of our region. Held over two days the BioBlitz invites everyone to become a citizen scientist for the day. No experience is needed — just curiosity and a love for the outdoors.
Join experts from the University of Wollongong, Shellharbour City Council, and local ecologists for a range of guided sessions. The fun begins on Friday night with a Guided Spotlight Walk, where you’ll search for nocturnal creatures like sugar gliders and tawny frogmouths. On Saturday, start your morning with the Bird Blitz alongside the Illawarra Birders, then take part in Wildlife Watch to uncover the secrets of local woodlands. In the afternoon, get to know our native flora with Croom Blooms, before the event wraps up with another magical evening spotlight walk.
Australia’s biggest secondhand treasure hunt, where preloved meets re-loved, is back. Image: Garage Sale Trail.
Garage Sale Trail
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, various times
Where: Various locations, view map
Cost: Free entry.
Over two massive weekends starting this weekend, millions of items will spill from garages, front yards, schools and community centres across the country. From vintage threads to vinyl, books to bikes, cookware to curios — there’s a bargain (or 10) waiting to be found.
Closer to home, the Southern Illawarra Men’s Shed is joining the fun, hosting its sale at 121 Industrial Road, Oak Flats on 15 November from 9 am to 2 pm. But that’s not all. Search the national map to uncover hidden gems near you, and give something old a new story.
Experience the creativity, community and craftsmanship of Wollongong this weekend. Image: Makers Market.
Wollongong Makers Market
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: UOW Innovation Campus, Innovation Way, North Wollongong
Cost: Free entry.
Discover the creativity and craft of the Illawarra as more than 100 local artisans showcase their handmade treasures. From jewellery, pottery and woodwork to fashion, fine art, sewing, knitting and more, this is the perfect place to find something unique for yourself or a special gift for someone else.
Enjoy a delicious selection of international food for breakfast and lunch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere with live jazz from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. Part of Wollongong’s growing makers movement, the market celebrates local talent and encourages supporting homegrown craft. Entry is free, with plenty of parking available, and the venue is easy to reach by foot, bus, or car.
Roll up, Wollongong — the circus just got scandalous. Image: Infamous The Show.
Infamous the Show
When: Saturday 8 November, 7:30 pm and Sunday 9 November, 6 pm
Where: Bulli Showground, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli
Cost: $64.50 to $262 | Book via Infamous.
Australia’s favourite 5-star touring cabaret circus is finally hitting the Gong. After wowing crowds across Australia and the USA, this high-energy spectacle makes its long-awaited south NSW debut. Expect two hours of jaw-dropping stunts, dazzling dancers, world-class acts and one hilariously naughty comedian keeping the laughter (and blushing) going all night long.
Arrive early to sip, snack and sway — the on-site cocktail bar, food and live music kick off an hour before showtime. Set within an intimate Spiegeltent tucked inside a grand big top, Infamous delivers a uniquely seductive circus experience — part cabaret, part chaos, and 100 per cent unforgettable.
Friday
Hold on tight, Wollongong, Nitro Circus is back and bigger than ever. Image: Nitro Circus.
Nitro Circus
When: Friday 7 November, 6 pm
Where: WIN Stadium, 46 Harbour Street, Wollongong
Cost: $39.90 to $139.90 | Book via Ticketmaster.
For one night only, the world’s wildest action sports crew hits WIN Stadium with their Off the Rails World Tour — a 360-degree stadium spectacular guaranteed to blow your mind. Created by legendary daredevil Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus brings its gravity-defying mayhem to Aussie shores with a 15-metre Giganta ramp, cutting-edge FMX kickers and an explosion of lights, pyrotechnics, and immersive effects.
Watch BMX and scooter superstar Ryan Williams flip the impossible, and FMX legend Jacko Strong soar sky-high in a heart-stopping display of skill, speed, and sheer madness. Expect explosions, rings of fire and stunts that have to be seen to be believed.
Saturday
Stella Stead leads this event, raising awareness (and good spirits) for women facing perimenopause and menopause. Image: Stella Stead Consulting.
Hot, Happy & Thriving!
When: Saturday 8 November, 1 to 4:30 pm
Where: Corrimal RSL Memorial Club, 168 Princes Highway, Corrimal
Cost: $48.98 | Book via eventbrite.
Ladies of the Illawarra are invited to a luxurious High Tea celebrating the journey through perimenopause and menopause. The afternoon promises a blend of connection, empowerment and joy, featuring inspiring speakers, delightful food, a complimentary glass of bubbly and playful appearances from the mischievous “Perimenopause Fairies”.
Guests can enjoy music, browse stalls and win fabulous raffle prizes, all while embracing this life stage with confidence and community. Dressed in bright spring colours, attendees will share laughter, meaningful conversation and a sense of celebration.
Sunday
Get ready to sleigh the start of the season. Photo: Supplied.
Santa’s Arrival Parade
When: Friday 9 November, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Centre Stage, Crown Street Mall, Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Break out the holly and round up the ribbons because Santa’s making his grand entrance this Sunday, complete with a festive parade bursting with colour, music, and merry characters. Catch Bella and Christian from i98FM as they spread cheer at the mall stage from 10:30 am, before the big man himself joins in at 11 am.
From 1 pm, Santa will take his throne at his beautiful retreat (Level 1, outside David Jones) — reindeer, toy soldiers and sleigh included — ready for photos and wish-list whispers until 5 pm.
The magic doesn’t stop there: Santa photos run right up until Christmas Eve, with Sensitive Santa sessions on Sundays from 16 November and Pet Santa sessions Mondays to Wednesdays from 17 November (plus select weekends).
Mullet
When: Sunday 9 November, 6 pm
Where: Gala Cinema, 204 Cowper Street, Warrawong
Cost: $10 | Book via Movietkts.
Ben Mendelsohn’s classic Aussie dramedy Mullet returns to the big screen, celebrating 25 years since its Illawarra debut. Join Screen Illawarra for a special anniversary screening of the newly restored 4K edition — right where it all began, at the Gala Cinema Warrawong.
Shot entirely in the Illawarra in 2000, Mullet follows Mendelsohn as an easygoing outsider returning to his South Coast hometown — and all the small-town tension, heart, and humour that come with it. Director David Caesar and producer Vincent Sheehan will be there on the night for a chat and some throwback memorabilia giveaways.
