The weather’s cooling down but the fun is heating up
Those back-to-back beach days might be coming to an end, and the cooler months are rolling in, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to fully hibernate with a blankie and a cuppa.
The Illawarra is still popping off.
There’s a heap going on around this Autumn, from festival fun to outdoor adventures, and much more.
We’ve rounded up some of the hottest things to check out this cosy season, so go get amongs it besties!
1 // TAKE A HIKE
Autumn is the perfect time to get out on a bushwalk in the Illawarra. The weather is cool enough to work up a sweat without overheating, and the days are still bright and clear.
There are plenty of great walks to explore. Whether you are after an easier one like Cascade Trail or feeling ready for a glute burner like the Ken Ausburn Track, there is something for everyone.
Or maybe this is finally the time to take on the iconic Kiama Coast Walk. We say go for it!
2 // Catch A Flick
Embrace the great indoors and make a date with the movies.
Gala Cinema in Warrawong is the Illawarra’s only independent, locally owned cinema. They screen local, foreign, and independent films, and the snack bar is super reasonably priced too.
In extra exciting news, they will be hosting the Alliance Française French Film Festival from the 12th to the 21st of April, screening eight different French films. Très cool.
And if you consider yourself a bit of a cinephile, why not join the Illawarra Film Society? Meet up with other locals who are fans of the big screen and enjoy a wide range of films on Sunday nights from February to November.
3 // ENJOY EASTER
One of our fave things about Autumn has to be the Easter break. And we swear it’s not just because we get to eat our weight in choccy [although that’s a pretty big part of it, hehe]. It’s also because there’s loads of hoppin’ good fun happening.
The Albion Park Community Hub Easter Market is set to be a goodie, with lovely stalls, Easter eggs for everyone, and a beautiful backdrop for photos. Plus, there’ll be lucky door prizes and craft activities for the kids.
We’re also mighty pumped for the Towradgi Beach Hotel’s annual Easter Show. Now in its 13th year, it’s a huge day of fun with carnival rides, market stalls, and live entertainment.
Check out more Easter awesomeness in our directory here.
4 // LONG LUNCH
Pull out your phonebook, pop on your stretchy pants and rally the gang together for delish long lunch.
Not sure where to go?
All G!
We’ve popped together a list of places for feasting with fam and friends. From kid-friendly options to fancy pants flavours. Narrowing it down might be the tricky part but who says you have to? Autumn is three months long after all!
5 // CAMP OUT
Remember how we said Autumn is a fab time for bushwalking?
Same goes for camping!
Make the most of the public holidays or cash in some of that annual leave for a couple of nights in the tent. And you don’t have to go far to heed nature’s call, with plenty of great camping spots in the Illawarra.
Here’s 8 to check out.
6 // SPA DAY
As the weather gets drier and colder, it can really take a toll on your skin.
Sounds like the perfect excuse to treat yo’ self to a spa day.
Facials, massages, manis, pedis, body scrubs… we’ll take the lot!
Our directory is packed with local salons ready to have you feeling your best [and prepped and pampered for the chilly months ahead. Eeek!]
7 // FESTIVAL FUNÂ
As if the party stops when the temp starts to plummet! No siree!
We’ve got so much happening. Port Kembla Festival is back again, and after how brilliant it was last time we legit cannot wait.
We are counting down the minutes until the legendary Castagne Day at The Frat with market stalls, entertainment and those oh-so-delectable roast chestnuts.
Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival is gonna be a weekend long celebration of creativity by the ocean, and Cali Fest at UOW sounds like rockin’ good time.
Ooo and we can’t forget Comic Gong, we’re putting the final touches on our cosplay costumes as we speak!
And for all our fitness friends then don’t miss Ride Wollongong’s Festival of Cycling, celebrating the legacy of the UCI with races, stalls, entertainment and bike expos.
Explore more festival goodness here.
8 // SCULPTURE IN THE GARDEN
We love paying a visit to Wollongong Botanic Garden any time of the year but will be definately timing our next visit with April’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibition.
18 different sculptures will be exhibiting their works throughout the garden for you to explore and enjoy. There’ll also be artist tours, walk and talks, workshops and kid friendly sessions which are all FREE!
Pack a picnic and make a whole day of it!
9 // LEST WE FORGET
ANZAC Day falls almost right in the middle of Autumn, and there will be dawn services all across the Illawarra you can attend.
Afterwards, play a classic game of two-up at a local RSL or pub. One place you’re sure to find packed to the rafters is the Mount Kembla Village Hotel, well known for their lively and loud games.
The Waterfront Tavern, North Gong, Warilla Sporties and TBH will also be hosting ANZAC events.
10 // ONE LAST BEACH DAY
Suuuuuurely we’ll score one [or more] last warm day to hit up the surf and sand.
And if we’re lucky enough, you bet we’ll be making our way to a local beach or ocean pool. You can even take fido along to one of our doggo-friendly beaches.
Or maybe you’re made of much heartier stuff than us and hit the beaches all year round [go you], like the folks we sometimes see splashing around at the Continental Pools right through the dead of winter… champions!
Ready to take on Autumn?!
We sure are.
And don’t forget to keep an eye on our 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 leaf falling season folks.