Australian Darts Masters champion Gerwyn Price. Photo: PDC – Professional Darts Corporation.
When teen darts sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler hits the stage in Wollongong this weekend, he won’t just be drawing applause — he’ll be helping provide a major economic boost to the Illawarra.
Australian Darts Masters returns to WIN Entertainment Centre from 7-9 August, with the near sold-out event bringing a surge in tourism and trade to the region as about 90 per cent of spectators arrive from outside the region.
Now in its third year, it has become a firm favourite in Destination Wollongong’s major events portfolio, not just for its global profile, but for being one of the city’s most valuable annual drawcards.
Data from the 2024 tournament revealed the event injected an estimated $1.55 million into Illawarra’s economy, with strong growth already evident in 2025 ticket sales.
Just 8.9 per cent of 2024 ticket purchasers came from within the Illawarra region, with more than 28 per cent travelling from interstate or overseas, and the remainder from within NSW.
Destination Wollongong acting general manager Jeremy Wilshire said it positioned the event as one of Wollongong’s most successful in attracting out-of-region visitation.
Mr Wilshire said the tournament highlighted the power of sport to drive visitation and vibrancy during the quieter tourism periods.
“To be the only Australian city on the global darts tour is a real coup, but what’s more important is the value it brings to our city, from packed hotels and buzzing restaurants to international exposure and a growing reputation as a go-to events destination,” he said.
“This is a world-class event with a world-class atmosphere, and our local economy is the winner.”
Spendmapp data captured a 44 per cent uplift in tourism sector spending and a 9 per cent rise in food retail spend across the Wollongong CBD during the 2024 event weekend, compared to surrounding weekends.
Per capita, it ranks as the highest visitor economy uplift of any event in Destination Wollongong’s calendar.
This weekend’s event will feature a star-studded line-up, including 2025 PDC world champion and teen sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler, and defending Australian Darts Masters champion Gerwyn Price.
They will be up against 2024 world champion Luke Humphries, recently crowned World Cup of Darts champion Josh Rock, and iconic referee Russ Bray, who will all be part of a Destination Wollongong social media activation in the lead-up to the event this week.
A similar activation last year saw a social media reel draw more than 89,000 views and 1500 interactions.
Return of the Australian Darts Masters continues Wollongong’s rapid rise as one of the country’s most vibrant hosts of international sport and entertainment.
It’s part of a broader flood of high-impact events for Wollongong this year, including International Netball where Australia will go up against South Africa, Nitro Circus: Off the Rails, Down Under CrossFit Championships and 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals.
Mr Wilshire said securing and supporting major events remained a core priority for Destination Wollongong.
“Each event brings a fresh wave of visitors, energy and spend,” he said.
“Our goal is to make sure Wollongong keeps punching above its weight when it comes to tourism, reputation and results.”
Limited tickets are available for the Australian Darts Masters held from 7-9 August at WIN Entertainment Centre and the Steelers Club in Wollongong.
