COOKING SCHOOL

The Central Hotel is running Central’s Little Master Chef cooking adventures for chidlren from Monday to Friday. Time: 10am to 11.30am. Bookings essential: 4296 6619 or kidcooks@pub.com.au

BIGFOOT

Bigfoot Adventures will be operating from 11.30am daily through January subject to weather and track conditions. The one-hour tour up Mt Coolangatta includes a commentary. Bookings recommended:  0428 2440229 

WATER FUN

Jamberoo Action Park is open right through the school holidays from 10am to 5pm with water rides and attractions.

WILDLIFE

From rare rocks and plants to unique animals and cultural sites, our national parks are special places where you’ll experience wonders unlike anywhere else in the world. National Parks and Wildlife Service is running WilderQuest programs through January. Where: Various national parks including Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Merimbula, Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, Seven Mile Beach, Royal National Park and Maddens Falls in Dharawal National Park. Details: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

December 26 - February 21

OUTDOOR CINEMA

The IMB Sunset Cinema Wollongong will have movies under the stars from Friday until February 21. Where: Wollongong Botanic Gardens, Keiraville. For session times: www.sunsetcinema.com.au.

January 6-22

LIGHT RAIL

The Illawarra Light Rail Museum will have diesel train rides from 11am to 2pm from Tuesday until January 22. Entry is free but fees apply for train rides. Entry includes use of picnic grounds and barbecues.  Where: 48A Tongarra Road, Albion Park. Details: ilrms.com.au

January 9-17

Honk @ The Roo Theatre - Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Ugly Duckling", “Honk!” tells the story of an odd looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s Family Musical Masterpiece comes to life on the Roo stage this January, as the Roo Theatre proudly presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Roo Theatre Company proudly presents this school holiday production of Honk! - suitable for all ages. When: see www.roo-theatre.com.au. Tickets: $20 - Adult, $15 - concession

January 10-11

ALBION PARK SHOW

Come along for a great day of family entertainment. See the Show Girl Competition. Enjoy the showjumping in the main area, miniature ponies and the animal farmyard. Vintage cars provided by members of the South Coast Vintage Car Club, Dog High Jump, Motor Cycle Display, Hay Rolling Team Competition, Shellharbour Tug of War Competition, Novelty Events, Parade Lap of Derby Cars, Demolition Derby - last one on wheels wins and closing Fireworks. Where: Albion Park Showground. Details: www.albionparkshow.org.au

January 10

The SHIMANO Children’s Charity Fishing Competition will be held at Kiama Harbour on Saturday 10th January, 2015 with check in at 8am adjacent to the Scout Hall and Boat Ramp, Fishing starts at 9am and finishes at 12 noon. Presentation will be at 12.30pm. Charity BBQ courtesy of Minnamurra Lions Club. Where: Scout Hall/Boat Ramp @ Kiama Harbour off Blowhole Point Road, Kiama. Entry fee is: Under 6 years - $5/child, 6 to 10 years - $10/child, 11- 16 years - $10/child. Children must bring their own fishing gear and bait.

STENCIL ART ON RECORDS

From 1-3.30pm at Wollongong Art Gallery, FREE

Learn the medium of stencil art with five-time Australian Stencil Art Prize finalist Poncho Army. Pick a musical icon from a range of pre-designed stencils and learn how to cut and spray paint a multi-layer piece onto a vinyl record. Suitable for beginners.

January 12

Warilla Pool Open Day - Free entry, free sausage sizzle and giveaways.  Where: Warilla Pool, Benaud St. When 2-5pm. Details: Shellharbour City Councul 02 4221 6111 or www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

January 13

Meet the Frog Man @ Albion Park Library. Join our nature adventure; learn about and play with frogs. Ages 5+. Cost $3.00. Time 11am. Bookings essential

Summer Fire Truck Adventure @ Warilla Library. Climb on board Oak Flats Rural Fire Services truck and learn about fire safety! Ages 5-12. Time 11am. Cost: Gold coin donation to OFRFS (Oak Flats Rural Fire Service). No bookings required.

 January 17

Super Wrestling Heroes School Holiday Disco Party 2015. Looking for some great entertainment during the school holidays,  Interactive Games, Dancing, BBQ, Face Painting, The Famous Cake "in the face" Smash, Raffle and Lucky Door Prizes, and some great Disco music. Followed by photos and meet and greets of your favourite Stars.  Be sure to come dressed as your favourite SUPERHERO or WRESTLER for a chance to win the best dressed competition on the night! There will also be running a canteen with plenty of nibbles and refreshments. Where: Dapto Ribbonwood Centre. When: 5- 7.15pm. Presale Tickets Available Now $8 each or 3 for $20 ($10 @ the Door). Available from www.superwrestlingheroes.com.au/store

January 17

LIVE MUSIC

360 - Utopia Regional Tour and Special Guests - Crucial Music and Village Sounds are proud to announce 360, the country’s hottest and most controversial rapper is taking his stellar LP Utopia out to the elements of regional Australia. Where: Waves. When: 8pm. Cost: $35 + Booking Fee. Details: www.towradgibeachhotel.com.au

January 17

Bass Point Coastal Discovery Walk - Discover the amazing biodiversity of the intertidal rock platform at Bass Point and see the unusual plants and animals that call this environment home. We will be doing some rock hopping and reasonable level of fitness is required. Bring your own lunch and we’ll have a quick picnic on the way. Children aged over 12 years are welcome if accompanied by an adult.  Priority for this free event will be given to Shellharbour City Council residents. Places are limited and bookings essential. Details: Shellharbour City Council 4221 6111 or email sustainability@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

January 19

Albion Park Pool Open Day - Free entry, free sausage sizzle and giveaways.  Where:  Albion Park Pool, Russell Street. When 2-5pm. Details: Shellharbour City Councul 02 4221 6111 or www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

January 19

Junior Coastal Explorer Activity at Bass Point - Kids aged 5-12 years, come and join us an adventure exploring the rock platform, discovering what’s washed up on the beach and creating a beach art/sand castle masterpiece. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Priority for this free event is given to Shellharbour City Council residents. When: 1-3pm. Places limited and bookings essential, call Council on 4221 6111 or email sustainability@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au.

January 21

 “The Princesses of Pop” is a brand new, uplifting show paying tribute to three of the world’s most popular Pop Music icons:‘Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna’. The one-hour family and school holiday show brings the chart-topping music, flamboyant performances and outrageous costumes of these global superstars to local stages around the country. Where: Woonona Bulli RSL Club. When: 11.30am. Ph: 4284 1577

January 21-23

Make & Do - Fun for everyone school holiday program, activities for boys and girls aged 6-12. Each session there will be something different to make and take home.  $60 DAY - 10am - 3pm, all materials and morning tea supplied. Call the Bradman Centre to book your place 02 4862 1247 or book online www.bradman.com.au.

January 23-24

SHOW

Kiama Show, leading up to Australia Day, Kiama will host the 167th Annual Kiama Show on Friday and Saturday. Located at the Kiama Showground right beside Kiama’s Surf Beach.  Features; Kiama Cattle Show, the Horse Sections, Equestrian events including notable riders some who have competed in Olympic and International events, the woodchop competition, baking competitions, art and culture show, presentation of the Kiama Showgirl Competition a full entertainment programme of rodeo, haystacking competition, farmyard nursery, reptile exhibition, pet show, mini horse trotting, whipcracking exhibitions, clowns and street theatre and much much more... Saturday night’s grand finale is a spectacular fireworks display. Details: www.kiamashow.com.au

January 24

RECORD FAIR

From 9am - 4pm. Wollongong hasn’t seen a record fair since the day the Compact Disc ruled the earth so this is your chance to pick up a bargain or perhaps finally get your hands on that long sought-after Holy Grail

January 26

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

OZ Day in the Gong, family friendly, alcohol-free community celebration is the largest event on Wollongong’s calendar. Activities start early in the morning with the Illawarra Aquathon and continue throughout the day with multiple entertainment stages, stalls, amusement rides, hands-on children’s activities, street theatre and beach and water fun culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Wollongong harbour. Details: www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

January 26

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Australia Day Aquathon and Community Walk, based on participation, the swim and run ’Aquathon’ or three kilometre ’Blue Mile Community Walk for Charity’ offers events for the younger and older participant, first timer to the elite athlete, and all in between. Try it solo with shorter and longer distances, team up and tag team with a friend, form a group or as a family - it’s all about having a go! Theme-up and splash your favourite Australia Day look and come and see why it’s Australia’s favourite swim and run. Australia Day Aquathon is proud to partner with local charities and not for profits with over AUD220,000 raised to date. Details: www.aquathon.com.au/

January 26

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Celebrate Australia Day with style in Kiama. Breakfast will be served at various venues, and visit Hindmarsh Park, off Terralong Street, for an afternoon full of music, child friendly entertainment and fun. There will be an awards ceremony held in Hindmarsh Park at 11am followed by a concert and the kids will be completely occupied with the many activities being held. This is a free event so celebrate your Australian heritage in Kiama. Details: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au

January 26

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake - Join in Shellharbour City’s largest Australia Day festivities with the annual Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake celebrations. Bring your family down to the lake from 7am to enjoy breakfast at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra with proceeds from sales going to charity. The day will also feature the citizenship ceremony, free entertainment, face painting, and a sand modelling competition with cash prizes. Dress in green and gold and get into the spirit of the day. Details: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

January 31

TALK WITH THE EXUBERANCE OF YOUTH

From 1-3.30pm at Wollongong Art Gallery, FREE. Zondrae King talks about her experiences as a music venue operator in the 60s, hanging out with local, national and international acts.