The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling in Wollongong & the Illawarra
Thinking about homeschooling your kids in the beautiful Illawarra region? You’re not alone – and you’re definitely not stuck doing it solo at the kitchen table! Whether you’re just curious about homeschooling or already knee-deep in lesson plans, we’ve pulled together all the essentials to help you get started, stay inspired, and (most importantly) have fun along the way.
In this Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling in the Illawarra, you will find excursions ideas, meetups, how to find your community, how to get started, and much more.
Table of Contents
Why Homeschool in the Illawarra?
The Illawarra is an absolute gem for homeschoolers. Think beaches for marine biology, escarpment walks for nature study, museums and art galleries for culture–and an awesome community of like-minded families who love learning outside the box. You’ve got a unique combo of nature, resources, and people that make homeschooling here something special.
How to Start Homeschooling in NSW
First things first: the admin. It’s not as scary as it sounds!
- Register with NESA – That’s the NSW Education Standards Authority. You’ll need to submit an educational plan that shows how you’ll meet your child’s learning needs.
- Create a Learning Program – This is where the fun begins. Your plan doesn’t have to mimic school – it just needs to cover the key learning areas. There’s heaps of flexibility to tailor to your child’s interests and learning needs.
- Get Your Registration Approved – After you submit your application, you will be contacted to arrange a home visit (sometimes done by video call). After a home visit, you’ll get your official registration to homeschool. Woohoo! Note: depending on your area and the amount of applications, the process from applying to getting approved can take up to three months. So best to apply as soon as you decide.
Tip: There are amazing Facebook groups and experienced homeschoolers in the Illawarra who are more than happy to share their plans and tips, or brainstorm ideas with you.
Building Your Homeschool Community
Building your community is the secret sauce of homeschooling success! The Illawarra is full of life when it comes to homeschooling, with a variety of meetups and co-ops that are welcoming, relaxed, and fun for kids of all ages. There’s plenty of ways to connect with new people and find your tribe.
These gatherings often shift and evolve each term, so joining local Facebook groups (like the ones listed below) is a great way to stay in the loop. Worried about socialisation? No need! In fact, the challenge here isn’t finding things to do—it’s finding time to fit everything in! From nature days to creative workshops, there’s always something happening.
Many families also connect with groups in nearby regions to join in on exciting excursions, camps, and events just beyond the Illawarra. And let’s be real—when you’re homeschooling, everything is learning!
- Illawarra Homeschoolers: A welcoming and inclusive group for families homeschooling in the Illawarra region. This group serves as a hub for sharing local resources, organising meetups, and providing support for both seasoned and new homeschoolers. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone looking to connect with the local homeschooling community. It also has over 2000 members (and growing), so you can know you are definitely not alone on this journey.
- Homeschooling Teens Illawarra & Surrounds: A relaxed, supportive space for local families homeschooling teens. It’s all about connecting, sharing ideas, organising meetups, and finding community with others on a similar journey through the high school years.
- Christian Illawarra Homeschoolers: This group focuses on supporting Christian families who homeschool in the Illawarra area. Members share faith-based resources, organise Christian-themed events, and offer spiritual encouragement, creating a nurturing environment for families integrating faith into their homeschooling journey.
- Illawarra Homeschool Co-op: A cooperative group where homeschooling families collaborate to enrich their children’s education. The co-op organises group classes and shared learning experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among families.
- Shoalhaven Homeschool Network: Serving the Shoalhaven region, this network connects homeschooling families for social events, educational outings, and resource sharing. It’s a valuable resource for families seeking to expand their homeschooling community beyond the Illawarra.
These groups exemplify the strong sense of community and support among homeschooling families in the Illawarra region. Whether you’re seeking local resources, spiritual encouragement, or collaborative learning opportunities, these groups offer a wealth of support for your homeschooling journey.
Check out these articles for more free local meetups. We have collated the best beaches to hang out, the best playgrounds for all ages, and the best bush walks, all in the Illawarra. Invite your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy hours of fun for both the kids and adults, filling your social cups.
Educational Excursions South Coast NSW (That Don’t Feel Like School)
Learning in the Illawarra doesn’t mean being stuck inside! Here are some top-notch, local excursions:
Science Space
Science Space in Wollongong is a hands-on wonderland for homeschoolers, packed with interactive exhibits and cool science shows. From the planetarium to the robotics displays, it’s a fun way to spark curiosity and explore STEM in a super engaging setting. Also see Special Homeschool Day Event coming to Science Space below.
Circus Monoxide
Circus Monoxide will be offering Home School classes starting in Term 3, 2025. Classes run for an hour and are on Tuesdays at 10:30am. This is a fun filled class covering everything circus from balance and juggling to tumbling and aerials to kick off the day for all homeschooled children.
Juggling, trapeze, silks, hula hooping, plate spinning, poi, mini tramp, acrobatics and games; this class offers a bit of everything. Perfect for those completely new to circus to dabble in everything before you find your forte, and a great non-competitive alternative to sport.
Their experienced and friendly trainers teach you new tricks and show you just how much you’re capable of! Parents are encouraged to enroll on the waitlist to express interest for next term.
Flip Out Albion Park
Flip Out Albion Park: Boost your homeschool curriculum with Flip Out Albion Park! They offer specialised programs to get kids active – burning energy on trampolines and socialising with peers. They will love their P.E class at Flip Out Albion Park! Enquire now.
Early Start Discovery Space
The Early Start Discovery Space is the world’s first dedicated children’s museum on a University campus. The Discovery Space provides interactive experiences, stimulating evidence-informed programs & learn though play opportunities for children aged birth to 10 years and their adults!
Group Booking options are available for groups (including home-schooling groups!) of over 16 or more people wishing to visit together, and requests can be made by emailing discovery-space@uow.edu.au. Group Bookings are subject to our Group Booking Terms and Conditions. Key information needed to process bookings includes proposed date, purpose of visit, number of visitors (ratio 1:5 adults to children required), and billing contact details.
Junkyard Rascals
Junkyard Rascals offers loose parts, nature and STEM-inspired PLAY brought directly to your space -anywhere that PLAY is needed. This type of play is wonderful for self-directed learners. Junkyard Rascals can run play sessions at any location for groups of homeschoolers or they can book in directly at any of Junkyard Rascal’s Regular Play Pop Up sessions at the Wollongong Botanic Garden – these are run using a playwork approach, child-led with no defined activities, just PLAY glorious PLAY!
Wollongong Art Gallery
Wollongong Art Gallery: Wollongong Art Gallery offers a creative and inspiring outing for homeschool families. With a mix of contemporary and traditional art, plus occasional workshops and kids’ programs, it’s a great way to spark imagination and talk about visual storytelling.
Wollongong Botanic Garden
Wollongong Botanic Garden: A favourite spot for homeschool excursions, offering plenty of space to explore, learn, and play. With beautiful themed gardens, a fun playground, and regular educational programs, it’s the perfect place for kids to connect with nature and each other while picking up some great science and environmental knowledge along the way.
HARS Aviation Museum
HARS Aviation Museum: A visit to the HARS Aviation Museum is a great way for homeschoolers to dive into the world of aviation history. Kids can get up close to real aircraft, hear fascinating stories from passionate volunteers, and even step inside some of the planes—perfect for hands-on learning and curious minds!
Illawarra Light Railway Museum
Illawarra Light Railway Museum: The Illawarra Light Railway Museum is a fun and interactive spot for a homeschool excursion. Families can take a ride on vintage trains, explore old carriages, and learn about how railways helped shape local industries—it’s a great mix of history and adventure!
- Shellharbour City Museum: The Shellharbour City Museum is a great local spot for homeschoolers to learn about the area’s rich history and community stories. With interactive displays and changing exhibits, it’s a relaxed and welcoming place to explore the past together.
- Shoalhaven Zoo & Treetops Adventure: Learning about native animals and ecosystems up close, make a day of it and head behind the zoo to Treetops Adventure to experience the zoo and the local views from the treetops.
- Minnamurra Rainforest & Illawarra Fly: A trip to Minnamurra Rainforest and Illawarra Fly is perfect for homeschool families who love nature and a bit of adventure. Kids can walk among ancient trees, spot wildlife, and then head up into the treetops for stunning views and a sky-high perspective on the forest ecosystem.
If you are after even more inspo for homeschool excursions and incursions, check out our Best School Excursions in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra guide here.
Special Homeschool Day Event at Science Space – Wednesday 15 October
Join in for a full day of STEM exploration designed exclusively for homeschoolers at Science Space, Wednesday 15 October at 9am. Enjoy interactive shows, hands-on activities, and free time to explore their exhibitions. Find out more/book here.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in the Illawarra is what you make it. It can be relaxed, adventurous, creative, and incredibly rewarding. You’ll find a community of people who support each other, kids, who thrive outside the classroom, and more opportunities than you can poke a paintbrush or microscope at.
So whether you’re unschooling, world-schooling, want a more traditional approach, or doing your own delightful combo – welcome! You’re in the right place!
Got a favourite homeschool meetup or tip? Let us know – we’d love to share it with our local tribe!
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 inspiration!
Check out these articles below for more ideas on things to do and places to see in Wollongong or the Illawarra (and surrounds):
- 10 Things to do with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra
- Best Things to do with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra
- Free Things to do with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra
- Best Playgrounds in Wollongong & the Illawarra
- Best Park Activities & Events for Teens in Wollongong
- School Excursions in Wollongong, Shellharbour & the Illawarra
- Best Playgrounds in Shellharbour
- Best Beaches in the Illawarra
- Best Family-friendly Bushwalks in the Illawarra
- Best Cycling Routes Around Wollongong
- Circus Monoxide
- Best Family Day Trips from the Illawarra
- Best Skate Parks for Kids & Teens in Wollongong & the Illawarra
- Treetops Adventure Nowra
About the Author: Lisa Hagan
Lisa, a proud mum of four, grew up in Thirroul and now spends her days homeschooling her kids and hunting down the best adventures the Illawarra has to offer. A lifelong learner at heart, she’s always on the lookout for fun and educational activities to share with her children. Whether it’s a hidden nature trail or a quirky local museum, Lisa loves exploring, learning, and making the most of every day with her little crew. She’s also a creative therapist, supporting families and adults across the Illawarra through music, art, dance, and movement—blending her love for creativity and connection.
