WHEN IN-LAWS COME TO STAY // How To Keep Them Busy + Happy
A 48-hour itinerary to keep the outlaws busy and you [relatively] sane
If you’ve got parents or in-laws visiting from outside the Illawarra, chances are they’ll roll in, set up in the spare room, and expect you to play the tourist guide, right?
We get it, you’re juggling a lot, especially when your place transforms into a B&B for the weekend. That’s why we’ve whipped up an itinerary to keep the in-laws entertained, you shining with your wit and charm, and the grandkids having a blast.
Friday Night
Start the weekend with some sips and eats at The Builders Club in Wollongong.
The Botanist Gin Bar inside the club has over 365 gins to try [basically a gin a day for a year!] and with 315 of them being Aussie gins, that’s pretty darn cool.
There’s also the huge Legends Sports Bar that plays popular sports games from all over the world, so no matter what night it is there’s always a team for Grandpa to cheer on.
Afterwards, dine on pizza and other club bistro faves at Platform 61 or book ahead and get sizzling at Stonegrill Steakhouse. Impress everyone with a tasty and high-quality steak served up on a super hot stone, and hey, when the steak’s cooked right at the table like that, there’s less chance of a grumble about it not being done just the way they like.
Saturday Morning
Embrace the morning at the famous Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley. We recommend this for any visit from out-of-towners because it’s actually the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and has so much to explore. Wander the various rooms taking in the golden and grand architecture, check out the temple museum and maybe if you’re lucky, enjoy one of the festivals, markets or exhibitions they regularly put on.
Once you’ve done your exploring indoors, get everyone outdoors at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens. This is a wonderful spot for the green thumbs [or black thumbs pretending to be green thumbs] to admire some of the floral beauty that the Illawarra has to offer. There are different trails to discover around the gardens depending on abilities, a great park for the grandies to let off steam and a coffee shop to fuel the grown-ups. Again, check their events calendar for fun activities that may be happening on your visit.
Saturday Afternoon
Head north to Thirroul village for lunch at one of the lovely cafes and restaurants along Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Two popular choices are The Old South for hearty and tasty meals or The Hungry Monkey for all the cafe classics.
Afterwards spend some time strolling the streets, perusing all the wonderful shops and boutiques. Head into Collins Booksellers for all the latest and greatest reads and then pop over to The Niche Nursery for a bit of plant purchasing action.
If all that strolling has left the folks feeling a bit peckish then make your way down Pasticceria Massimo Papa in Fairy Meadow. Cannoli’s, cakes and coffee… you can’t go wrong. Whilst you’re there maybe pick up some tasty pastries and bread for tomorrow’s brekkie too.
Now that you’re fuelled up again and closer to Wollongong centre, Wollongong Art Gallery is worth a visit. Especially if your in-laws prefer to peruse paintings rather than shop windows. It’s one of Australia’s largest regional galleries and has both a wonderful permanent collection detailing the artistic history of the Illawarra area, as well as regularly changing exhibitions from local and international artists.
Saturday Night
Time to treat everyone to an amazing meal with an amazing view. We recommend one of Wollongong’s most iconic restaurants, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant.
Eat the best of the ocean whilst overlooking the gorgeous Belmore Basin with an a la carte menu that boasts fresh fish, shellfish and even meat options for those who prefer their dinners land-grown. There’s also a quality wine list with loads of Aussie drops to choose from.
Afterwards, take an evening stroll along the Blue Mile. It’s perfect for digesting, enjoying a spot of people-watching, and catching the ocean as it changes colours from day to night.
Sunday Morning
Sunday is usually market day in the Illawarra, so jump in the car and head to one of the local markets happening from the top to the bottom of town. Check out what’s on, when and where, here.
Once the in-laws are all shopped out, jump in the car again and head out to The Waterfront in Shell Cove. This new and exciting marina and waterfront precinct is sure to impress even the most discerning of visitors and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the water to get them caffeinated, hydrated and well-fed.
Let the Grandparents do what they do best by treating the kiddos to some sweet and spectacular donuts and epic milkshakes from Donut Jam. You guys might as well grab some for yourselves as well, you deserve it. Let the sugar rush commence in 3….2…..1…. then over to the Harbourside Kid’s Beach so they can burn off that sugar.
Once everyone’s worked up another appetite both The Waterfront Tavern and Georgia Rose have menus for all tastes… oh and they both serve up a mighty fine cocktail too. Score! Settle in for more wonderful views as the whole crew fill their tums for one last meal before the in-laws make tracks.
Sunday afternoon
Now, I know we said one last lunch but surely there’s still time for one last sip before we say goodbye.
Keep heading south to Crooked River Wines in Gerringong for a little sayonara vino or two. Their cellar door is open on weekends and it will give the folks a perfect opportunity to top up their home cellars as well as bring some excellent souvenirs back to their friends. It’s also one last chance for them to take in our stunning Illawarra ocean and mountain views before you send them up [or down] the road.
Aaaaaaaand… you’re done! Whilst you’re still in Gerringong might as well duck into Stoic Brewing for a quick drink. Just for you!
You’ve earned it…
