It’s almost that time of year again – Wollongong Baking Show time, that is.

On August 20 bakers from across New South Wales will head to Illawarra TAFE in North Wollongong to battle it out in the Wollongong Baking Show.

Baking Association of Australia executive officer Tony Smith has said in past years the competition has been a highlight on the nation’s baking calendar. In 2023 this even included a 15-year-old apprentice travelling from Mudgee to Wollongong to enter – an eight hour round trip.

At the 2024 competition it was Lagom Bakery that took out the Champion Loaf of the Show – a title they also claimed in 2023 – for their traditional crusty baguette.

The Gumnut Patisserie was awarded the Most Successful Cake Exhibitor award, with Danielle Abela also taking home the Champion Cake/Pastry of the Show for her fruit flan. Jason Crouch from Bakers Delight Albion Park Rail was awarded the Most Successful Bread Exhibitor Trophy.

In 2025, the baking show also serves as the first opportunity for bakers to go in the running to claim the Triple Crown in 2026.  The Triple Crown is a prize that will go to a bakery that can claim all three of the Australia Best Sausage Roll, Australia’s Best Pie and Australia’s Best Pastie titles.

Tony said in 2025 there had been $5000 up for grabs, however with no bakery successfully manages to claim it.

“…so the competition will be good next year,” he said.

Entries for the show are still open. Entry forms and further information can be found on the Baking Association of Australia’s website.