Darts delivers: Wollongong reaps economic win from international showcase
Photo: PDC – Professional Darts Corporation
August 6 – Wollongong is set to score another major economic boost with the return of the Australian Darts Masters this weekend, continuing its rapid rise as one of the country’s most vibrant hosts of international sport and entertainment.
Now in its third year, the sold-out event at WIN Entertainment Centre has become a firm favourite in Destination Wollongong’s major events portfolio, not just for its global profile, but for the substantial visitor spend it delivers across the city.
Data from the 2024 tournament revealed the event injected an estimated $1.55 million into the local economy, with strong growth already evident in 2025 ticket sales.
Just 8.9% of 2024 ticket purchasers came from within the Illawarra region, with more than 28% travelling from interstate or overseas (the rest being within NSW), positioning the event as one of Wollongong’s most successful in attracting out-of-region visitation.
Spendmapp data captured a 44% uplift in tourism sector spending and a 9% rise in food retail spend across the Wollongong CBD during the 2024 event weekend, compared to surrounding weekends. Per capita, it ranks as the highest visitor economy uplift of any event in Destination Wollongong’s calendar.
Destination Wollongong Acting General Manager Jeremy Wilshire said the tournament highlights the power of sport to drive visitation and vibrancy during softer tourism periods.
“To be the only Australian city on the global darts tour is a real coup, but what’s more important is the value it brings to our city, from packed hotels and buzzing restaurants to international exposure and a growing reputation as a go-to events destination,” Mr Wilshire said.
“This is a world-class event with a world-class atmosphere, and our local economy is the winner.”
The event’s drawcard status is again on display, with a star-studded lineup that features 2025 PDC world champion, the teenage sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler, and defending Australian Darts Masters champion Gerwyn Price.
Also in Wollongong is 2024 world champion Luke Humphries, recently crowned World Cup of Darts champion Josh Rock, and iconic referee Russ Bray, who will all be part of a Destination Wollongong social media activation on Thursday.
Last year’s reel from that activation drew more than 89,000 views and 1,500 interactions across social media.
The darts showcase is part of a broader flood of high-impact events headed Wollongong’s way in 2025, including:
- International Netball: Australia vs South Africa at WIN Entertainment Centre
- Nitro Circus: Off the Rails
- Down Under CrossFit Championships
- 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals
Mr Wilshire said securing and supporting major events remained a core priority for Destination Wollongong.
“Each event brings a fresh wave of visitors, energy and spend,” Mr Wilshire said.
“Our goal is to make sure Wollongong keeps punching above its weight when it comes to tourism, reputation and results.”