What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra
What to do with your baby in Illawarra and Wollongong and how to meet other new parents and mums! As of 14 weeks ago, I officially became a “local mum” following the birth of my daughter Lenny. For all the new parents reading this, I firstly want to say the biggest well done to you on a hard job. So, if you are ready to venture out of the beautiful newborn bubble, but unsure where is baby friendly in Wollongong, here are some of our favourite baby-friendly activities, attractions and spots in Wollongong and the Illawarra.
You can also discover even more activities for babies in Wollongong with our list of music classes and swimming classes.
Discover the best baby activities Illawarra-wide
Those first weeks and months are so raw, with your body recovering, whilst navigating a roller coaster of emotions and a huge life adjustment. For me, getting outside was important to stay sane and find our groove amidst all the new things to get used to!
Plus you can also read our Best Things to do with Kids Illawarra & Wollongong here. Parents and carers we’ve got you covered! Now drumroll please for the best parks and activities for big kids and teens across Wollongong and Illawarra.
Don’t forget to also check out our list of Baby & Kids classes here – some of the classes listed here start from babies and go up – just remember to check in with the provider for ages.
Best Walks with a Baby around the Illawarra
I love a good walk especially when it gets me out into nature or looking at the beach, and judging by Lenny’s sleeping habits, so does she.
For parents with a bub + a toddler in tow, check out our What to do in Wollongong with Toddlers. Illawarra’s Best Kids Activities guide here
Whether in the pram or the carrier, my favourite gentle walk spots are:
1. Seacliff Bridge in Coalcliff (the wide pavement is great for prams).If you have enough energy, try and walk to The Scarborough Hotel for a coffee or lunch with a stunning view. It takes about 40 minutes form the bridge.
2. Bulli Beach Ocean Path – I love this part of the ocean bike path, there are two lovely cafes to stop and chill at.
3. Wollongong Blue Mile and Harbour – love this walk. SO many places to stop and admire the place where your baby will grow up! Plus rock pools, gentle harbour beaches, cafes and The Continental Pool awaits (it has a toddler and baby pool too).
4. Wollongong Botanic Garden – Immerse yourself in nature at Wollongong Botanic Garden (rated #1 on Trip Advisor by travellers of things to do in Wollongong!), with an excellent network of paths to explore and hidden treasures to discover. Babies will love spotting the wildlife, exploring the trails and visiting the duck pond and the sustainable garden.
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Wollongong Botanic Garden
Best Cafes for Babies and Toddlers in Wollongong
Nourishment- essential for new mums (and dads!). here are my best eating spots:
A good cup of coffee, burger or perhaps a delicious pastry is a fabulous reset especially if you have a grizzly baby or if having people over is a bit tricky, meeting family in pram friendly venues can be much easier.
For parents with both babies and older siblings/toddler siblings, check out our Restaurants with Play Areas & Playgrounds. Wollongong & Illawarra’s Best Kid-Friendly Dining guide here!
So here are some of our favourite spots: Best Baby Friendly Places around the Illawarra:
1. Headlands Hotel, Austinmer. A beautiful spot, with beach walks either side and amazing ocean views. There is lots of space indoor and outdoor and easy pram access everywhere. Great spot for any out-of-town baby visitors to stay too.
2. Boston Brew Cafe, Stanwell Park. Beautiful views, indoor/ outdoor setting, easy pram access, lots of space, easy walking circle nearby if bub needs some extra rocking. Some high tables that come in handy if you are having to bounce your bub in the carrier and your food has already arrived (this may have been a regular occurrence for us).
3. Wombarra Bowling Club, Wombarra. Cheap and cheerful with great outdoor setting, plus views of the escarpment and ocean.
4 .Bulli Beach Cafe. Ocean views, both indoor and outdoor settings or can grab take away and sit on the grass nearby. Great walking path nearby if you need to get a coffee to go.
5. Towradgi Beach Hotel. Good activities for older kids, lots of outdoor space with pram access. Breakfast menu available!
Baby playgroups and baby activities in Wollongong
Mothering and Fathering is a team sport. Finding other parents who are going through the same things can be very helpful, as is finding activities that are baby friendly, where you can breastfeed comfortably and crying babies are welcomed.
Wollongong City Libraries
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Wollongong City Libraries
Wollongong City Libraries are an inclusive, welcoming group of 7 library locations from Helensburgh to Warrawong and everywhere in between – and each library runs free baby and toddler programs.
Their Preschool Programs run during school term aim to support your baby or child’s early literacy and social development through engaging stories, lively songs, and fun play. No need to book—just drop in! Programs include Baby Beats, Baby Bookworms, Drop in Duplo, Preschool Storytime, Toddlertime and Wriggle & Jiggle. For babies – 2 years.
Find out more about activities for toddlers at Wollongong City Libraries here.
Mini Mondays – Science Space Wollongong
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Science Space Wollongong
Join Science Space Wollongong every Monday (during school terms) for a fun-filled morning of STEM exploration designed just for kids under 5. Enjoy guided activities and shows with their engaging educators, followed by free time to discover the wonders of the Science Space exhibits. Learn more here.
Sharky’s Play (Northern Bowl, Bellambi)
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Sharky’s Play
Delight your child in a sensory “under the sea” experience, with sea critters and creatures at Sharky’s Play – located within Northern Bowl, Bellambi. The multi-level playcentre features a separate toddler play area and big kids play area (3+ years) with slides, obstacles, mazes and more! The facility includes a seated area and cafe and toddler play area (0-3 years). Plan your visit with bub here now.
UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space
Perfect for children (birth – 10 years) and parents to enjoy together. The Early Start Discovery Space is the ultimate learn-through-play experience, located on the University of Wollongong’s main campus.
Open seven days a week from 9am – 1pm during school terms and 9am to 3:30pm during school holidays. Closed some Public Holidays.
Playgroup at Flip Out Albion Park
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Flip Out Albion Park
Playgroups are held every day during the week during school term, 9.30am-3pm at Flip Out Albion Park. Enquire now here.
Family Fun Day at Five Barrel Brewing – Baby Friendly!
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Five Barrel Brewing
Looking for a relaxed, baby-friendly outing in Wollongong? Join Five Barrel Brewing every 2nd Sunday of the month, 12:30pm – 2:30pm for family games, tasty food, and good vibes — all in a welcoming space for babies and toddlers too!
What’s on offer?
- FREE games for all ages — including gentle indoor activities perfect for little ones
- Outdoor fun with Giant Jenga, Connect Four, and more for bigger kids and adults
- Delicious burgers, snacks & drinks (plus space for prams and breastfeeding)
- Laid-back brewery atmosphere where babies and parents can feel at ease
- Rain or shine, this event moves indoors if needed. Bookings recommended: Call 02 4200 8881
Bring the whole family — babies included — for a fun, easy Sunday filled with games, good food, and great company!
Green Connect Farm
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Green Connect Farm
Did you know the award-winning Green Connect Farm welcomes babies? Located just 13 minutes from Wollongong CBD, their beautiful award-winning urban farm in Warrawong is the perfect spot for little ones (and their grown-ups!) to explore, connect with nature, and meet friendly farm animals in a safe, sensory-rich environment.
- Visit pigs, goats, sheep & alpacas
- Feed the chickens and collect eggs
- Play in our nature-based Children’s Garden with a mud kitchen, craft zone & loose-parts play
- Wander the veggie gardens and relax in peaceful, natural surroundings
There’s always something magical happening at Green Connect. Babies, toddlers, kids and adults are all welcome – just book ahead (no drop-ins).
Bundanon & Bundanon Mini
What to do in Wollongong with a baby. New Parents Guide to The Illawarra – Bundanon
For something a little further afield and outside of Wollongong – more of a day trip and ‘adventure day’ – a trip to Bundanon is a must!
Little ones will delight in exploring the vast, green lawns and rolling hills of the stunning landscape of Bundanon – set on 1,000 hectares overlooking the Shoalhaven River – 1 hour from Wollongong, next to Nowra. Plenty of places for them to run and explore in the Shoalhaven nature (cue them falling asleep in the car ride home). There is also the Ramox Cafe – with kid friendly eats too.
Time for the little ones to experience the Art Museum – Bundanon Mini: These free sessions include a 30 minute art making activity (all materials included) with Bundanon’s Learning team. Activities are suitable for children up to the age of 5. Siblings and babies welcome. Learn more here.
Support Services for parents with newborns – toddlers
Becoming a parent is far from easy and all of us have different ways and different people we lean on for that support.
If you are struggling with any of the numerous and different challenges that a new baby brings, please go to our Parenting Support Services for Baby Sleep, Settling & Post-Natal Depression – Illawarra & Wollongong Guide here or visit our Family Support page here.
If you looking for even more kid-friendly fun (and free) activities to do in the Illawarrra, check out our Fun Places To Take Kids page on our site HERE
Also if you are on Facebook, join these two beautiful mum’s groups – Illawarra Mums Group North and Illawarra Mums Group South. They are non judgemental, supportive and lovely places to hang out!
Wishing you all the magical moments with your baby, and a reminder that ‘this too shall pass’ when life gets tricky with your baby!
Olga x
Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!
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