When it’s not too hot and not too cold…. Just right!
We are well and truly into the thick of spring now. And it looks like rain is clearing up [touch wood], and the wind has finally died down [also touch wood].
Let’s get out and about to make the most of this Goldilocks weather before the silly season kicks in, and we are all just too darn busy.
Here are eight fun ideas to make the most of spring in the Illawarra.
1 // Wollongong Botanic Gardens
Spring is one of THE BEST times to pay the Wollongong Botanic Gardens a visit. Many of the flowering trees and shrubs are bursting into bloom, giving us a stunning display of colour. If you’re lucky, you might catch some adorable baby ducks paddling around the pond as well… squee!
For an even more garden-y experience, check out their weekly Garden Discovery tours and learn all about this beautiful spot in the heart of the Illawarra. What a wonderful way to enjoy spring nature in the Illawarra.
2 // Kiama Coast Walk
This magical walk is best done before the weather heats up too much, making spring a fab time to give it a go. Stretching 9kms from the Minnamurra River down to Kiama. This walk is a good half-dayer with the reward of a pub lunch at the end…. Aw yeah! Here’s how it went down when we gave it a crack.
You don’t need to be in Melbourne to live your best Spring Racing Carnival life. There is plenty of action this season at Kembla Grange Racecourse, so dust off your suit jackets and make sure there are no bits of carrot stuck in your fascinator [a la Kath Day Night]. Giddy up!
Beautiful all year round, but extra beautiful on a spring day when the wildflowers are in bloom. Entry to the rainforest is free, but you do need to pay for parking. There is even a picnic and BBQ area if you want to make a day of it. The friendly staff at the Rainforest Centre are ready and keen to chat all things Minnamurra with you. Here’s our guide to the Falls Walk.
5 // Hit Up A Market
Looking for a reason to hit the markets this spring? We’ve got three! Fresh produce, gorgeous weather, and if you’ve already tackled your spring clean, you’ll have extra room for some fab new finds!
Here is our list of regular markets in the Illawarra to get shopping at. Why not challenge yourself to visit as many as you can this season? Sounds fun to us!
6 // Picnic O’clock
We looooooove a spring picnic. The sun is shining [but not sweltering], the grass is [mostly] dry, and it feels like the whole of the Illawarra is waking up from their winter slumber. Round up your crew and turn your next free day into a picnic adventure- it’ll be a blast!
Check out this list of awesome picnic spots to check out all around town.
7 // Get In The Garden
Spring’s the perfect time to dive into those garden projects you’ve been dreaming up. If you’re looking to add some natives to your space, don’t miss the monthly Greenplan Plant Sale at Wollongong Botanic Garden. And for all your garden needs, we’ve got plenty of stocked centres around town.
Or for a fun day out, head up to Robbo and visit Native Grace. It’s your go-to for native plants, garden design, and landscaping, plus it’s great for the whole fam-bam. Think doughnuts, coffee, and kid-friendly activities. Oh, and it’s doggo-friendly too, score!
8 // Whale Watching
Whale-watching season in the Illawarra usually runs until mid-November so, if you haven’t had a chance to lock eyes on a whale yet this year, don’t miss your chance. There are some pretty good spots on land for a looksie, like The Imperial at Clifton [also a choice spot for a drinky-poo], Gerringong Whale Watching Platform and the Minnamurra Headland.
Or if you’d like to get even closer, book a tour with Shellharbour Wild Cruises and get right out on the ocean for some seriously good spotting.
We hope you’re feeling loads of spring-spiration now!
And don’t forget to keep an eye on our socials and event directory for year-round fun. And you might as well sign up for our newsletter whilst you’re at it so you don’t miss a thing.
Happy pollen season peeps!