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.

Built by 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. After more than 15 years working in event planning, wedding coordination and creative styling, they realised Wollongong was missing something: a luxury venue for small, meaningful celebrations that do not feel rushed, crowded, or commercial.

They imagined a place where guests feel at home.

Where every detail matters.

Where couples could celebrate with only the people who truly matter.

So they created it.

The transformation

Turning a café into a venue meant designing every detail with intention.

Soft lighting.

Greenery and florals.

Art Deco textures and elegant décor.

A laneway greenhouse atmosphere that feels warm, intimate and a little bit romantic.

The result is a space that works for micro-weddings, elopements, baby showers, milestone birthdays, proposals, private dinners and styled shoots. It is private enough to feel exclusive, yet close enough to Wollongong’s main strip to be easy and accessible for guests.

A venue that supports local vendors and the community

Part of Hideaway Lane’s story is community. Rather than locking couples into strict rules or in-house options, the venue welcomes local florists, bakers, photographers, planners and creatives. Every event becomes a collaboration and every booking becomes an opportunity to support small businesses in Wollongong. 

Future plans even include midweek barista service to encourage foot traffic and add vibrancy to the laneway, creating a place where people gather beyond events.

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.