What’s On // Your Guide To Living Your Best Life In The Illawarra In January
Must Do’s, Don’t Miss Outs + You’re Nuts If You Don’t Go...
Woah it’s a new year already!
But even though the calendar year has changed, the fun level in the Illawarra stays the same… and that’s super-duper high!
We love the vibe of the Illawarra in Jan and there’s nowhere else in the world we’d rather be this month. Locals are loving life, everyone soaking up the outdoors, enjoying that extra free time, and chilling with friends and fam. What a dream!
We’re always up for an adventure, so we dug through our fantastic Event Directory and handpicked some top-notch activities for January.
What a way to kick off 2025—let’s make it an epic one.
DAY OF CULTURE // Nan Tien Culture Festival
Spend New Year’s Day immersing yourself in community at the annual Nan Tien Culture Festival. Although the festival actually starts in December, the 1st of Jan is one of the best days to visit as there are loads of fun events happening and yummy bites to eat
HOLIDAY, CELEBRATE // School Holiday Fun
January is school holiday month which means there are tons of kid-friendly activities happening all around town. Here’s our guide to 10 fun things to do in the Summer school holidays, and head to our event directory for even more fun.
START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT // New Year’s Day at Crooked River Estate
Head to this local winery on the first day of the year for some live music and happy hour specials. It’s dog friendly as well so your pupper can join in the celebrations.
MOVIE TIME // Sunset Cinema Wollongong
There’s just something special about watching a movie outdoors in summer and that’s why we’re so glad the Sunset Cinema at Wollongong Botanic Gardens is back for another season. There are 14 screenings to choose from in Jan with something for everyone.
ROLL UP, ROLL UP // Wollongong Summer Carnival
Head to the carnival right on Wollongong Harbour running from the 31st of December to the 5th of January. Loads of fun rides including dodgem cars, tea cups and bungy trampolines. There’ll also be food trucks to get your snack on.
WATER MOVIE TIME // Dive-In Movies at Jamberoo Action Park
Okay if you’re looking to step up your outdoor movie watching even further, what about watching a film in the pool?! Every Saturday in Jan you can float in the Outback Bay whilst watching a fun film on the big screen. The screenings are free on the day with paid entry admission to the park.
OVER AND OVER AND OVER // Hot Chip at The Pavilion Kiama
It’s soooo cool that this UK electronic pop group is making their way to our part of the world this month. Grab your tickets before they sell out [and they likely will] and get ready to boogie 2006 style!
SOMMELIER STUDENTS // Learn to Taste Wine
Wanna learn your Merlots from your Malbecs, pick up tips, tricks, and wine hacks to impress at your next dinner party, and have a good time with your pals? Then book your spot for this two-hour guided tasting and sensory experience featuring six different wines. Hosted by South Coast Wine Academy at Nova in Kiama this is the kind of learning we can totally get behind.
BRUNCHY BUNCH // Wollongong’s Biggest Brunch
Okay, this sounds like an EPICALLY good time. The crews from Bevanda Bar & La La La’s are joining forces and taking over Globe Lane and throwing the biggest brunch in Wollongong on January 11th.
This is an 18+ event and tickets are on sale now for both the 2pm and 5pm sittings.
CREATE TOGETHER // Family Clay and Paint
Black Duck Studio’s hosting a range of family-friendly creative clay sessions over the month. Adults can try their hand at slab building mugs or trinket bowls, while kids have the option to create the same or craft an animal. Complimentary tea, coffee and hot choccy is included as well.
MUSIC TIME // Honk! Oz Festival
It’s back for 2025 and we cannot wait to get boogying. Community musicians from all over the Illawarra and Aus will get together in Wollongong from the 9th- 11th for some musical fun. Check out the whole lineup here.
PACK THE SNACKS // Picnic Time
We love a summer picnic. Snacks, sun and some good times. Here’s a list of awesome spots to hit up for a picnic with the crew this January… don’t forget the sunscreen and the mini sangas.
UNDER THE SEA // The Little Mermaid at The Roo Theatre Company
This beloved fairy tale goes full panto-style for select dates in Shellharbour. A great one for all ages with lots of laughs, fab costumes and local talent. We love supporting our Illawarra creatives and getting entertained at the same time.
SHOW TIME // Albion Park Show
It’s been going since 1887 and is touted as ‘the biggest little show on the coast’. Expect all your country show faves like agricultural animals, cooking and art, woodchop, demolition and loads of great market stalls.
TROUBLE // “Get the Party Started” Tribute Pink Show
Fans of Alecia Beth Moore Hart, aka Pink, won’t want to miss this tribute show at the Tap House in the Groundz Precinct, Dapto. It’s a fantastic venue with a top-notch bar and an awesome atmosphere. Plus, food trucks will be there to keep you fueled for the fun!
MORE MUSIC // Illawarra Folk Festival 2025
It’s back for another year and is set to be a biggie. The lineup of national and international acts is huge with everything from folk, indie, world, roots, bluegrass, Balkan, and Celtic music to poetry, comedy, and dance.
Camping is available onsite or crash plus there’s plenty of parking. Bulli train station is just a short walk away as well.
SWIM AND RUN // Aquathon
One of the funnest and fittest things to do on the 26th is hitting its 25th anniversary… woah!
Choose from the long, short or mini event, plus events for the kids and the fun run for the whole crew. Find out more about getting involved before it’s too late.
Okay, so the forecast for January is a month packed with activities, fun, and entertainment!
For more event inspiration, dive into our Event Directory. And hey, while you’re out enjoying the fun, remember to show some love to our local shops, as well as food and beverage outlets!
Let the month [and year] of good times begin.
