Coal Coast Magazine

The staccato sounds of “ciao” and “prego” break through the background noise at Millers’ Local Bakehouse. Italian isn’t a language you often hear around here, but given the recent addition to the menu, it’s not entirely surprising. Back in September, Bulli’s much-loved pastry paradise launched a gelato pop-up – and rumour has it, its creamy creations rival some of Sydney’s best.

For Amy Cuneo and Bronwyn Pessey, meeting over coffee at Amy’s Woonona cafe All & Sundry was fortuitous for the mums to be. Over ten years later, with kids in tow, they still catch up for Monday night dinners.

In a busy world, we all need ways to stop and reset our bodies. So how can we practice mindfulness with our kids?

Having circled the globe mastering their craft, two best mates are championing a new era of dining in Wollongong at Roy’s Restobar – one that doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

The rolling sand dunes were once an iconic part of the Illawarra coastline. So where have they gone?

Welcome to the Summer issue of Coal Coast Mag - your go-to guide for all things local, sunny, and oh-so-special in the Illawarra. Summer is here, and with it comes longer days, balmy nights, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer.

the port Kembla billy cart derby was a fan favourite for decades, with many homemade carts racing down the Wentworth Street hill and straight into the record books

Shantelle Thompson, the Barkindji Warrior, works to create opportunities for herself, her family and her community.

Step into a local slice of Scandinavia via Dansk in Helensburgh. A bar where the flavours are just like the owners, a blend of Danish and Australian, the mood is “hygee” and the warmth of giving back to a community they love.

For David and Henry, age is just a number. But for these two centenarians, discovering a new friendship has been the key to enjoying a new chapter of life.

Meet multidisciplinary artist and Bulli local, Samantha Arnull will present a workshop in tiny sculpture at Woodfest 2024

Direct from its world premiere season at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, The Queen’s Nanny is set to enthrall audiences in Wollongong. We spoke to playwright Melanie Tait to find out about her connection to the Illawarra and what makes this play so captivating.

In a thought-provoking new production, Rose Maher channels her childhood journey of growing up in the Catholic church to challenge authority and life’s big questions.

With the launch of her newest album 'Married to the Sound', Elana Stone speaks on her musical evolution, the impact of motherhood and her home of the Illawarra region.

Red Room Poetry and Wollongong City Council have partnered this year to plant a ‘POEM FOREST’ in Wollongong.

As a renowned chef, TV host, author and Indigenous food ambassador, Mark Olive, aka “The Black Olive” has achieved international acclaim, including his restaurant at the iconic Sydney Opera House. And at home on Dharawal Country, Mark is giving native ingredient bush tucker the world-class treatment at Killalea.

Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ is the world’s longest running play, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for over 70 years. Directed by Australian theatre icon Robyn Nevin, the regional tour will close its final curtain at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong. We caught up with leading actor Alex Rathgeber to find out what keeps people coming back to the genre-defining murder mystery…

This unique business idea has recognised that the coming-of-age story for many people with a disability needs to be re-written, which is leading to stellar experiences for so many here in the Illawarra and beyond.