A Development Application has been lodged for Swing Factory Illawarra at Port Kembla Golf Club
It’s official: Swing Factory Illawarra just moved a step closer.
A Development Application has now been lodged with Wollongong City Council for Swing Factory Illawarra, our redevelopment of Port Kembla Golf Club in partnership with Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club. It’s a major milestone in bringing our brand of golf and entertainment to the region.
This project has strong backing behind it. In 2025, Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal, a clear signal of how much support there is for what’s ahead.
[SUPPLEMENTARY IMAGE: Existing venue — Toptracer bays in use] Alt text: Golfers using Toptracer technology at a Swing Factory driving range
What’s Planned for Stage 1
The first stage of Swing Factory Illawarra is designed to bring some serious variety to the site:
- A state-of-the-art driving range fitted with Toptracer technology
- An architecturally designed 18-hole mini golf course
- Pickleball courts
Later stages will bring clubhouse improvements and further upgrades to the golfing infrastructure, building on a course that’s already considered one of the region’s best.
[SUPPLEMENTARY IMAGE: Existing venue — group socialising / mini golf] Alt text: Friends playing mini golf together at a Swing Factory venue
A Destination for the Whole Community
Swing Factory Illawarra is being built with everyone in mind. Golfers, first-timers, families, schools, community groups and local businesses all have a place here.
Swing Factory CEO Erich Weber says the vision is simple. “Our vision for Swing Factory at Port Kembla Golf Club is simple: to create a destination that the entire community can enjoy, whether you’re an avid golfer, a first-time player or simply looking for a great place to spend time with family and friends,” Erich says. He points to the combination of world-class golf technology through Toptracer Range and a lively social atmosphere as the foundation for a facility that grows participation in golf, supports local businesses and becomes a genuine community asset.
Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club CEO Danny Munk shares that same sense of purpose from the club’s side. “This is an important step forward in delivering the vision our members supported and creating a facility that will serve the Illawarra community for generations to come,” Danny says, adding that the redevelopment builds on the club’s reputation as one of the region’s premier courses by opening up new ways for the community to participate, connect and play.
Good for the Game, Good for the Region
Beyond the fairways, Swing Factory Illawarra is expected to draw visitors from across the Illawarra, Greater Sydney and interstate, supporting local jobs and businesses along the way.
Visit Wollongong General Manager Jeremy Wilshire sees it as a meaningful addition to the region’s visitor economy. “Swing Factory represents a significant opportunity to strengthen Wollongong’s visitor economy while delivering a high-quality leisure and entertainment destination for both visitors and residents,” Jeremy says, noting that as visitation to the region grows, including through the future expansion of the cruise market, attractions like this one will play an important role in broadening what the Illawarra has to offer.
What Happens Next
The Development Application will now move through Wollongong City Council’s assessment process, and we’ll share updates as Swing Factory Illawarra progresses. In the meantime, it’s business as usual on the course. Golf operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the works.
Want to Be First to Know?
Register your interest below to get updates on Swing Factory Illawarra as they happen, from approval milestones through to opening day.
