Wollongong

Wollongong Entertainment

Wollongong and the nearby Illawarra offer plenty of ways to turn time off into a shared experience. A night might mean a major stage production at IPAC, a concert or comedy show in Thirroul, or locally made theatre in Gwynneville. For daytime outings, families can explore a planetarium and hands-on science exhibits, while groups can choose laser tag, virtual reality, karaoke, mini golf, bowling, skating or indoor karting. There are also live musicians available for celebrations, receptions and corporate gatherings.

The choices below cover different kinds of entertainment, from imaginative play and interactive discovery to performance spaces and energetic group activities. Check each provider’s current programme, session arrangements and age requirements when planning a visit or booking.

🎭 Theatre, Comedy & Live Performance

Merrigong Theatre Company at IPAC

At the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Merrigong presents theatre, music, comedy, dance and community performances across several spaces. The IMB Theatre and Bruce Gordon Theatre accommodate larger stage productions, while the Bob Peet Studio creates a more intimate setting for cabaret, comedy, dance and smaller shows. Relevant spaces publish access services including hearing loops and captioning facilities.

IPAC, 32 Burelli St, Wollongong
☎ 02 4224 5999 — Box office

Anita’s Theatre

In Thirroul, Anita’s Theatre provides a nearby northern Illawarra setting for concerts, comedy, theatre, family stage shows and other touring entertainment. Its historic auditorium and adjoining Kings Room also support performances, screenings, celebrations and presentations. That combination makes it useful for settling in for a show or arranging a larger private occasion.

264–270 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul NSW 2515
☎ (02) 8240 2275 — General enquiries

Wollongong Workshop Theatre

Wollongong Workshop Theatre presents several stage shows each year, bringing local performers and theatre-makers together in an intimate setting. Audiences can enjoy locally made productions, while people interested in the creative process can find opportunities connected with auditions, volunteering and behind-the-scenes involvement.

190 Gipps Road, Gwynneville NSW 2500

🎶 Live Music & Event Entertainment

Short & Horny Jazz Band

Wollongong-based Short & Horny provides live music for weddings, social functions and corporate events. The band’s repertoire moves from jazz to rock and roll, giving organisers a choice between a relaxed musical backdrop and a more dance-focused celebration. Phil manages event enquiries for the band.

Wollongong service area — event bookings

🧩 Interactive Discovery & Family Attractions

UOW Science Space

UOW Science Space combines hands-on exhibits, live science shows, public events and NSW’s largest planetarium. Interactive displays include the Energy Futures Zone, where hydrogen, wind and solar energy are explored through practical exhibits. It offers an all-weather outing for families, curious adults and groups who enjoy learning by taking part rather than simply looking.

Puckey Avenue, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong NSW 2500
☎ 02 4286 5000 — General enquiries

Early Start Discovery Space

Early Start Discovery Space is designed for children and adults to play together. Indoor and outdoor experiences include imaginative construction, a LEGO play space, a performance area with costumes and props, and a large interactive train. The service is designed for children from birth to 10 years and their families, with general entry including the experiences and public programmes available on the day.

Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong NSW
☎ 02 4221 3777 — General enquiries

🎮 Games, Virtual Reality & Social Play

Revolution Laser Arena

Revolution Laser Arena combines team-based laser tag with VR arcade games and VR escape rooms. Laser-tag missions use different objectives within an immersive arena, while the virtual-reality experiences add multiplayer action and puzzle-solving. Party packages and venue hire are available. Laser tag is suitable from age five; VR experiences are recommended for ages 10 and over.

1/2 Drummond St, Spring Hill NSW 2500
☎ 02 4243 7801 — Bookings and general enquiries

Holey Moley Golf Club Wollongong

Holey Moley pairs pop-culture-themed mini golf with private karaoke rooms, bowling, arcade games and laser tag. The lower-ground-floor Wollongong Central venue also includes a cocktail bar and food menu, so a group can combine a game with a longer social outing. Under-18s are permitted until the published evening cut-off times, and younger guests are requested to attend with a responsible adult.

Shop No. LG S003, Wollongong Central – Gateway S/C, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

Strike Bowling Wollongong

Strike brings together bowling, laser tag, karaoke and arcade games for group play, celebrations and evening outings. Its laser-tag arena has an abandoned-carnival setting, and the venue also offers a cocktail bar and kitchen. Under-18s are permitted until the published evening cut-off times, with younger children requested to attend with a responsible adult.

Shop No. LG S003, Wollongong Central – Gateway S/C, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

🎢 Active Leisure & Adventure

Flip Out North Wollongong

Flip Out’s indoor trampoline and adventure park includes a main arena, airbag, junior zone, multi-level soft play, Mini Ninja course, running walls and basketball. Party rooms support celebrations, while movement and agility classes are available for children aged six and over. The venue publishes separate play options for younger children, making it possible to choose an activity suited to the group.

1/20 Ralph Black Drive, North Wollongong NSW 2500
☎ 02 4229 1752 or 0414 867 957 — General enquiries

C1 Speed Indoor Karting & Laser Tag

At Albion Park Rail, C1 Speed offers indoor go-karting, laser tag, a rage room and Colour Step for social groups, parties, private functions and corporate events. The main kart track has a published minimum height of 145 cm, with a mini track for participants between 95 cm and 144 cm. Laser tag is recommended for ages five and over.

176–178 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
☎ 02 4256 6566 — Bookings

GO Skating

GO Skating provides indoor roller-skating sessions from Oak Flats, with quad skates and inline rollerblades available to hire. Birthday-party and private-party bookings add a celebration option, while the operator also offers a portable ice-skating rink for hire. Children aged 13 and under must be supervised by a responsible adult.

137 Industrial Rd, Oak Flats NSW 2529
☎ 0448 997 635 — Bookings

Whether you are choosing a stage show, planning a family afternoon, organising a group challenge or booking music for a celebration, Wollongong’s entertainment providers offer plenty of ways to spend time together. Local businesses, bands, performers and operators are welcome to create or update their directory listing, and providers with upcoming shows can also share them through Events.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on wollongong.city.