Friday Fast Five: Places you can hire on a budget
Whether you’re searching for the perfect location for your wedding reception, after a laid-back space for a birthday party, or looking to host a community event without breaking the bank, Wollongong City Council has you sorted.
Right now, many of us are tightening our belts and keeping an eye on our budgets. The good news is that celebrating in the ‘Gong doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how you can put on a fantastic event at a great local facility, while staying within your means.
Here are five locations and facilities that you can book today.
1. Book a park, beach, or garden
Image: MacCabe Park is the Wollongong CBD's largest green space and is perfect for events of all sizes.
Want to celebrate outdoors and make the most of Wollongong’s natural beauty? Council manages hundreds of green spaces across the Wollongong Local Government Area, from parks, beaches, and gardens.
When it comes to choosing a location, you can hold an event on almost any area of land that Council manages. Council charges a park hire fee of $182 making is one of the most affordable options for any large events or wedding. Visit the Park and Beach Hire webpage to book and to find out more.
Looking for something truly spectacular? Check out these local gems: Glastonbury Gardens in Austinmer, Flagstaff Hill near the lighthouse or MacCabe Park in the Wollongong CBD.
2. Hire a Community Centre or Hall
Image: Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is an option for those looking to hold an event on a budget at a great location.
There are 33 unique community centres and halls available for hire across the Wollongong area. From offices for small groups, to meeting rooms, spaces for kids’ activities and halls for large functions, there’s something to suit all needs.
Many Council spaces also have kitchen facilities and flexible seating options, which makes these spaces great options for community events, birthday parties, wedding receptions and funeral services.
Visit the Community Centres and Halls webpage for more information.
3. Splash into the pool at Beaton Park or play a game of squash at Lakeside
Image: Fancy a game of basketball at Beaton Park Leisure Centre?
Looking for a different way to celebrate a birthday or have fun with friends? Visit Beaton Park or Lakeside Leisure Centres and make the most of the fully equipped gyms, training areas, tennis and squash courts, heated pool, or basketball courts.
Wollongong City Leisure Centres have been providing fitness facilities, services, and support to the community for more than 40 years. With exercise options for people of all ages and abilities, it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for something a little outside the box.
For more information visit the Wollongong City Leisure Centres website or give Council a call on (02) 4227 7111 to discuss options.
4. Hold your next workshop at The Lab
Image: Old Boys Social Club making good use of The Lab at Wollongong Library.
The Lab is a dynamic learning space located on Level 1 of the Wollongong Library. This is the perfect location for community workshops, training and skills development activities.
Over the years, we’ve seen a diverse range of community-led events make the most of the space from Author Talks, to sewing and knitting groups, to movie sessions, and tech-skills workshops.
Check out the events happening at the Lab or request use of the space today.
5. Wollongong Botanic Garden
Image: Say 'I do' among the stunning collections of plants, flowers and trees at Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Want exclusive use of a space within Wollongong Botanic Garden? No worries! With the backdrop of Mount Keira and extensive collection of plants, the Garden is a stunning location for wedding and commitment ceremonies.
Due to high demand, the Garden is currently booked to capacity and unable to host any additional community events. That said, it’s still open for hire as a space for wedding and commitment ceremonies.
The Garden’s Towri Centre is also available for hire, and has accessible ramps and amenities, a kitchen, and meeting space for 15 – 30 people. The covered deck with garden views can also hold up to 60 people.
For more visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden website. Just want to take photos? We welcome bridal parties to take photos in the Garden at any time during opening hours. This is free and no bookings are needed. Please note restrictions apply around Gleniffer Brae Manor House, so please contact call the Garden Administration Office on (02) 4227 7667 if you would like to use this area.
And this didn’t make the official list as you can’t book it, but it’s worth a visit…
6. Mount Keira Summit
Image: Mount Keira Summit Park and lookout is located at the top of the Illawarra escarpment.
Talk about a view! Mount Keira Summit Park and lookout boasts some of the best vies of the escarpment and coastline in the Illawarra. It is a significant Aboriginal cultural and heritage site. It’s also a popular place for bushwalking, BBQ-ing and picnicking.
For more details about this area, visit the Botanic Garden website.
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