Kiama

When Felicity Gardner moved to Shellharbour, it unlocked a new source of inspiration - the Illawarra itself.

Sick of filling your trolley with grocery “specials” that don’t feel special at all? Take control of your spend (and where it ends up) by supporting the Illawarra’s local providers.

Bulli’s main street is home to pretty much anything you could need, from butchers to bakers. While not quite the candlestick maker, the Heritage Hotel might be an even better find; a pub that welcomes all.

In 2026, celebrated the centenary of the first auction of the 280 blocks of land in Werri Beach. This was an initiative of local dairy farmer James Muir Miller. The development was certainly ahead of its time as it was marketed primarily to prospective buyers from Sydney as a holiday destination.

WAH-WAH Australia is a Knitwear brand that walks the walk and talks the talk, designer Kaylene Milner shares the muses and the message behind the merino wool.

Few stories feel as intrinsically Australian as Miles Franklin’s literary classic My Brilliant Career, yet this new musical adaptation proves that even the most familiar narratives can evolve into something startlingly fresh.

Imagine hosting a supper party for an entire orchestra in a flat so small you have to bring guests in waves because that’s the only way to fit them inside. You’ve got champagne taste, a beer budget, and absolutely no shame about it. That was Ethel Hayton. She was unapologetically theatrical, wildly determined, and absolutely dedicated to shaping (and let’s be honest – setting up!) Wollongong’s arts and cultural scene.

Indie rock quartet Pacific Avenue have been turning heads in the Australian music scene since 2017. Their latest single, Working Class Hero, is a heartfelt tribute to their hometown of Gerringong. We sat down with Ben to chat about their upcoming album, sharing the stage with their idols and the summer festival season.

You’ll find stories that celebrate the energy, resilience, and connection that make the Illawarra such a great place to live year-round.

Now more than ever, businesses need our support! You can check out some great local traders to get behind.

Some of the best ideas start over coffee, and that’s exactly how the Bulli Crop Swap came to life.

Nelli Hegi is one half of the design duo from HEGI Design House. Husband and wife team Nelli and Juri founded their eponymous studio right here on the South Coast in 2020. Originally from Kazakhstan, and having previously lived in Germany, Nelli is influenced by her European background, creating bespoke furniture pieces that merges functional art with emotional depth. Let’s explore how Nelli has shaped the making of HEGI

Where cultural practices and modern techniques, community and creativity meet: get a taste of your new favourite spirit (and its story).

How the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design is reframing the way we view Country.