Our how-to guide for Australia Day at Wollongong Harbour

An evening of entertainment, food and fireworks will mark Australia Day at Wollongong Harbour on Sunday 26 January 2025.

To make sure you have a great Australia Day, we’ve pulled together this how-to guide for the City of Wollongong community event.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

When and where do I go?

Activities will start at 5pm on Sunday 26 January 2025 across Osborne Park and Wollongong Harbour.

There will be activities for the kids in Osborne Park with jumping castles and inflatable slides, a lantern making workshop, plus a range of roving entertainment and food vendors. See the event program.

When will the fireworks start?

The fireworks display will start at 9pm. The fireworks will be sent high so they can be enjoyed from the many vantage points around the Wollongong Harbour.

The fireworks will go ahead if it is raining, but not if there are high winds or a major storm. Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook for any weather announcements.

What about road closures?

Some road closures will be in place on Australia Day so the event at Wollongong Harbour can go ahead safely. Please note, details may change at short notice.

Australia Day 2025 Road Closures Map PDF, 3193.5 KB

The following roads will be closed between 4pm and 10pm:

• Cliff Road between Marine Drive and Georges Place
• Marine Drive
• Endeavour Drive
• Harbour Street between Market Street and Cliff Road
• Hector Street
• Hinton Street
• Campbell Street from Corrimal Street to Wilson Street
• Wilson Street
• Smith Street between Corrimal Street and Harbour Street
• Market Place
• Parkside Avenue

The following roads will be closed between 8pm and 10pm for the fireworks display:

• Crown Street from Harbour Street to Marine Drive

Please note, there will be managed access for residents. The affected residents will be advised directly.

How do I get to the event?

If you’re planning on driving, plan ahead as parking is very limited and roads will be very busy.

On Australia Day, the Free Gong Shuttle will continue operate on the public holiday schedule until 10.50pm, running every 10 minutes. People arriving by train to Wollongong or North Wollongong Station can also hop on shuttle to travel to the event, just look for the green 55A or 55C buses.

Due to road closures, the Gong Shuttle diverts via Corrimal Street (instead of Cliff Road) for the duration of the evening. The screenshot below shows the updated route and nearest stops.

Prefer to cycle? We’ve completed works on the Wollongong CBD pop-up cycleway which links the Wollongong train station and Crown Street Mall to the Blue Mile. Head here for more information.

Will there be food?

Yes! Visit Osborne Park from 5pm to 9pm for lots of great food and drink options.

Or if you’d rather dine in town, visit the Wollongong CBD website for suggestions.

Is this an alcohol-free event?

Yes. Please leave alcohol at home for this event.

Can I bring my dog?

Fireworks can cause dogs a lot of stress. Unless you’re bringing an assistant dog, we ask you leave your four-legged friends at home, preferably with their favourite toys and snacks.

Pets should be secured particularly for the fireworks at 9pm.

Will there be rides?

There will be activities for the kids in Osborne Park with jumping castles and inflatable slides, a lantern making workshop, plus a range of roving entertainment and food vendors. See the event program.

What’s the plan for music during the fireworks?

If you’re watching from the harbour, you’ll get to hear our backing track which has been curated by our sponsor i98FM.

You can also tune into 98.10FM via your radio wherever you are.

Will there be an accessible viewing area and how do I book a place?

We are partnering with Cram Foundation to provide an Accessible Viewing Area for people with disability or accessibility requirements, and their family, to watch the fireworks.

Bookings for this area have now closed.

Note: The drop-off zone for this viewing area has moved to Market Place (instead of Endeavour Drive) due to updated road closures. Refer to purple line on the Australia Day 2025 Road Closures Map PDF, 3193.5 KB

Am I allowed to camp overnight at parks/beaches/foreshore areas?

No. While shade structures or tents are allowed during the day, they must be packed away by 8pm every day of the year.

What else is happening on 26 January?

• MMJ Aquathon
• Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony

The Australia Day Community Event is brought to you by Wollongong City Council, National Australia Day Council and supported by i98FM, the Illawarra Mercury and the Cram Foundation.