As 2025 draws to a close, the Illawarra is gearing up for a spectacular send-off. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, enjoy family-friendly fireworks, or soak up the carnival atmosphere, the region has an event to match every mood for New Year's Eve.
Fireworks and Family Fun
The skies above Wollongong will light up not once, but twice this New Year's Eve. The main family-friendly fireworks display at Wollongong Harbour is scheduled for 9pm, offering a dazzling early show. For those seeing in the midnight hour, The Illawarra Hotel in the Wollongong CBD will launch its own pyrotechnic display at 12am.
Adding to the festivities, the popular Wollongong Summer Carnival returns to Lang Park. It opens at 2pm on December 31 and will continue running until January 4, 2026, providing plenty of post-New Year fun.
Live Music and Nightlife Highlights
Music lovers are spoilt for choice with a huge lineup of acts performing across the region's pubs, clubs, and hotels. At Wollongong's iconic Heritage Hotel, 90s cover band Royale With Cheese takes the stage from 7pm, promising hits from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Green Day.
For a different vibe, La La La's will host a special DJ set from Touch Sensitive starting at 8pm, known for his Italo-disco and piano house grooves. The North Gong Hotel presents a massive bill with Chillinit, The Terrys, and Redhook, plus DJ sets across multiple stages from 4pm.
Complete NYE Gig Guide Across the Region
Here is the full rundown of confirmed New Year's Eve entertainment across the Illawarra:
- Dicey Riley's: Spooks n Specks Party with Rumfire and Sons of Mercury from 7pm.
- Dapto Leagues Club: Raoul in The Lounge from 5pm; The Squids in The Mill from 8:30pm.
- Balgownie Hotel: Gloss from 8:30pm.
- The Fraternity Club: Control from 7:30pm.
- The Shellharbour Club: Shirley's Temple Band from 6pm.
- Towradgi Beach Hotel: Bakers Eddy, Dating Kane, and Sultans of Spin DJs from 6pm.
- The Beaches Thirroul: Kick INXS Show and Elevate from 7pm.
- Pepe's: Jordan Brando from 4pm.
- Grand Hotel Wollongong: Bl3SS from 8pm.
- The Illawarra Hotel: Block Party from 5pm.
- Bulli Workers Club: Last Stand from 8:15pm.
- Oak Flats Bowling Club: The Beatnix from 5pm.
- The Waterfront Tavern: FABBA Tribute Show from 9pm.
- Grand Hotel Kiama: Brazen Lyres Band from 8:30pm.
- Kiama Bowling Club: The Narrators from 8pm.
- Gerringong Bowling Club: Soul Tide & Ocean Wizard from 6:30pm.
With road closures planned around the Wollongong foreshore for the fireworks, revellers are advised to plan their travel in advance. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the Illawarra offers countless ways to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the new year with a bang.
