Wollongong’s pop culture Holey Moley indoor mini-golf centre will explode on the ‘funtainment’ scene in the Gateway Building on Friday. The colourful 18-hole mini-golf course, cocktail bar and karaoke rooms will open from 11am until late seven days a week. It is located on the lower level of Wollongong Central between TK Maxx and David Jones Food Hall. Holey Moley brand manager Maleik Edwards said 40 people have been employed and the response from the community has been enormous. “We have been amazed so far,” he said. Read more: Cher adds Wollongong to her Australian tour dates The reaction is so impressive, Mr Maleik will not be surprised if Wollongong gives Melbourne a run for its money in achieving the record number of Holey Moley golf games played in a year. Melbourne has been the most popular of all 10 Holey Moley’s during the last 12 months with more than 300,000 games of mini-golf played. If the Illawarra achieves that kind of result, parent company Funlab will consider opening its other fun activity centres in Wollongong. “We also own Strike Bowling Bar as well as Archie Bros which is essentially an adult circus,” he said. “We like creating experiences which are a little out of the ordinary. Wherever there is demand we will try and bring a concept. We are really keen to see how Holey Moley Wollongong goes. If the community really loves us there is always the opportunity to bring the other brands.” Mr Edwards said all 18 holes had a pop culture theme. The most popular were the Simpsons-themed sensation of 742 Evergreen Terrace, the iconic Iron Throne from Game of Thrones and a Teevel Knievel hole for putters willing to try and recreate a famous Evil Knievel stunt. “They are designed for people to take a photo on Instagram,” he said. “We have two courses of nine holes. It is designed so you can come in and do nine or 18. Also you can book out nine holes for a private event. On a weekend we can have anything from kids parties in the morning to bucks and hens parties in the evening. We are very flexible. We want to have something for everyone and be as accessible as possible.” Mr Edwards said interest was so great that on Friday and Saturday nights he expects Holey Moley Wollongong will be open until 1am or 2am. “Families are welcome right throughout the day but it is very much an adult venue at night,” he said. “We call Holey Moley funtainment. When we started Holey Moley we wanted to do more than going around and knocking balls through some windmills. We wanted to provide a fun venue with great drinks, really, really nice cocktails and good food.” Holey Moley Wollongong was put through its paces on a family and friends night attended by 200 people. And it past the test with flying colours. Bookings are encouraged online but can also be made on phone or at the venue.