From Café to Luxe Event Venue: The Story of Hideaway Lane

Found along Church Street in the heart of Wollongong CBD, Hideaway Lane is the kind of venue many people walk past without realising the magic inside. What once lived as a café has now transformed into one of Wollongong’s most intimate luxury event spaces, designed for micro-weddings, elopements, baby showers, birthdays and heartfelt private celebrations.

This is the story of how it happened.

A space with history and heart

For more than 30 years, the address was known as a local café. People walked in for coffee, food and casual meetings. It was familiar and loved, but beneath the surface was potential waiting to be unlocked.

Fast forward to today, Hideaway Lane has been re-imagined as a private venue full of warmth, character and nostalgic charm. The laneway garden remains, but instead of café tables, the space now holds candlelit dinners, florals, champagne glasses and celebrations that feel personal and unforgettable.

Two sisters with a passion for events

Hideaway Lane is led by sisters Katrina and Julia, both with deep roots in hospitality and the wedding industry. With over 15 years of experience in event planning, wedding coordination and creative styling, they were drawn to a space that already held heart and potential — and set out to thoughtfully continue and elevate the work that came before them.

Building on that foundation, they shaped Hideaway Lane into a place where guests feel at home. Where every detail matters.

And where couples can celebrate with only the people who truly matter — without feeling rushed, crowded or commercial.

A space refined with care, intention and love.

The transformation

With respect for the space’s original charm, Hideaway Lane has been thoughtfully refined into a venue designed for meaningful gatherings.

Soft lighting.

Lush greenery and florals.

Art Deco textures and elegant décor.

All coming together to enhance the existing laneway greenhouse atmosphere — warm, intimate and quietly romantic.

The result is a versatile space perfectly suited to micro-weddings, elopements, baby showers, milestone birthdays, proposals, private dinners and styled shoots. It feels private and exclusive, while remaining just moments from Wollongong’s main strip, making it both intimate and effortlessly accessible.

A venue that supports local vendors and the community

Community is at the heart of Hideaway Lane. Rather than locking couples into strict rules or in-house options, the venue welcomes local florists, photographers, musicians and creatives. Every event becomes a collaboration, and every booking is an opportunity to support small businesses across Wollongong.

Hideaway Lane is proud to be a space where local talent is celebrated and local connections are strengthened — creating more than just a venue, but a community hub.

Why intimate events are the new luxury

Weddings and private celebrations are changing. More couples are choosing smaller guest lists, personal styling touches and meaningful spaces over large, traditional venues. Hideaway Lane was designed for this.

Smaller celebrations mean more time with loved ones.

More detail.

More emotion.

More memories.

For couples who want something elegant, unique and deeply personal, Hideaway Lane offers exactly that.

A hidden gem worth discovering

From the outside, Hideaway Lane is easy to miss. From the inside, it feels like a secret garden tucked into the city. If you are hosting a micro-wedding, planning an intimate party, or searching for a private laneway venue with style and heart, this space may be the perfect match.

Enquire now to book a walkthrough or check available dates.