Butterflies, Books, and Blockbusters: Monday Magic in Wollongong Today

Butterfly Encounters and Outdoor Cinema Lead Today's Wollongong Events

As the summer school holidays continue to sizzle across the Illawarra, Monday, 19 January 2026, brings a diverse array of community activities to Wollongong. From interactive nature experiences for children to thought-provoking public exhibitions and starlit cinema, there is no shortage of ways to spend your Monday in the city.

Nature and Discovery at Thirroul Library

Thirroul Library is a central hub for activity today, hosting two distinct events that bridge the gap between education and environmental appreciation:

• School Holidays: Butterfly Experience (10:00 am – 12:00 pm): This free, family-friendly event invites children and parents to step into a magical space filled with real butterflies. Participants can marvel at, interact with, and explore the lifecycle of these fascinating creatures in a hands-on environment.
• Native Garden & Bush Medicine Talk (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm): For the adults, Jesse will host an evening yarn focused on the living kin of our native plants. This session explores traditional ways native flora care for the body, spirit, and Country, offering deep cultural insights into local botany.

Exhibitions and Community Insight

Those seeking culture and quiet reflection can visit Wollongong’s major public spaces for ongoing exhibitions and community projects:

• Voices of Insight Photographic Exhibition: Running today at the Wollongong Library from 9:00 am to 4:53 pm, this exhibition features de-identified photographs and descriptions capturing the lived experiences of those facing domestic and family violence. It is a powerful, free public installation designed to build awareness and empathy.
• Summer Book Sale: If you are looking for a summer read, the library’s Summer Book Sale continues today across all seven Wollongong City Libraries locations. Visitors can browse hundreds of pre-loved titles at bargain prices during standard opening hours.

Evening Entertainment and Science Adventures

As the sun begins to set, the action moves to the lush surrounds of the Botanic Garden and the high-tech halls of the Innovation Campus:

• Sunset Cinema at the Wollongong Botanic Garden: Doors open at 7:00 pm for an iconic outdoor movie experience. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a modern blockbuster under the stars in the heart of Keiraville.
• UOW Science Space Planetarium: For those looking for indoor excitement, Science Space is running its "Supercharged Science" program. Planetarium shows, including "Tycho Goes to Mars" (11:15 am) and "Solar System Expedition" (11:45 am), offer an intergalactic escape for all ages, complemented by live science shows like "Bubbleology" and "Up in Flames" throughout the day.

Whether you are looking to engage your children in a workshop or settle in for an evening film, Wollongong's local venues are offering plenty of reasons to get out and explore this Monday.