The Top 7 Pubs In Wagga - Australian Traveller

Whether you’re on the hunt for a cool little indie taproom or a reliable local pub that dishes up all your favourite comfort foods, these Wagga pubs deliver.

While Wagga Wagga isn’t coming for Sydney’s craft beer crown anytime soon, this Riverina city does have a number of fine pubs up its sleeve. From family-friendly taverns with huge beer gardens to independently owned and operated brewpubs, here is our pick of the pubs in Wagga Wagga.

1. Thirsty Crow Brewery

This family-owned and operated brewpub, the only one in town, ticks a lot of boxes. Aside from Thirsty Crow’s obvious drawcard (its solid range of house-brewed stouts, as well as rice lagers, fruit-flavoured weisses, and a number of ales) the venue also has a sizable menu that runs the gamut from tacos and nachos to salads, pizzas and burgers, and features options for kids too – making it one of our best restaurants in Wagga Wagga too. Plus, live music is a regular weekend fixture. Swing by and try out four of their beers for size with a tasting paddle.

Address: 153 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga NSW

Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga, Riverina, NSW, Australia — This family-owned and operated brewpub ticks a lot of boxes. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern

Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern . One of the pubs in Wagga Wagga that’s known for its vast beer garden, the Palm & Pawn is perfect for an al fresco dinner and drinks with friends, plus its sprawling kids’ playground will appeal to families. The generous portions of reasonably priced pub grub (think steaks, burgers and other protein-heavy dishes) will delight the budget-conscious traveller – be sure to exploit the rotating roster of weeknight lunch and dinner specials, too.

Address: 68 Hampden Avenue, North Wagga Wagga NSW

Palm and Pawn Motor Inn Tavern, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia — Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern. (Image: Palm & Pawn)

3. Jungle Duke Hotel

One of the more hip and modern pubs in Wagga Wagga, the Jungle Duke Hotel is the former Duke of Kent Hotel, reimagined thanks to a recent renovation that’s leaned into the younger crowd in town.

If you love margaritas, you’re in luck – this pub has four on the menu (go for the spicy margarita with its chilli-salt rim), and there are plenty of other cocktails to choose from, including two shared jugs. This is definitely the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night if you want a slice of the Wagga Wagga nightlife.

Food-wise it’s your usual upmarket pub fare, like ginger beer battered fish and chips, a particularly fancy steak sandwich and the classic chicken schnitzel. Our tip? Pop in for lunch, when six of the popular dinner meals are just $18.

Exterior of the Jungle Duke Hotel — The Jungle Duke Hotel is the former Duke of Kent Hotel.

Address: 125 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW

4. Turvey Park Hotel

Among the more sleek and chic pubs in Wagga Wagga, the Turvey Park Hotel underwent a total renovation in early 2021. And while, yes, there’s still a betting lounge with walls full of TV screens, there’s also a sizable courtyard where you can lap up the sunshine, G&T in hand, or a bright and inviting dining room where you can enjoy a thoroughly decent (and well-priced) pub meal. Located just a 10-minute drive from Wagga’s CBD, this suburban pub is a bit of a Wagga Wagga failsafe, whatever the occasion.

Address: 71 Bolger Ave, Mount Austin, Wagga Wagga NSW

Turvey Park Hotel, Wagga Wagga NSW Australia — This suburban pub is a bit of a Wagga Wagga failsafe, whatever the occasion. (Image: Turvey Park Hotel)

5. Union Club Hotel

Situated smack-bang in the centre of town, this popular watering hole promises 15 beers on tap, beautiful jarrah wood bar counters, and a wildly spacious wraparound balcony that’s perfect for sundowners. Moreover, vegetarians and coeliacs are well-catered to here. The pub’s bistro and steakhouse has a healthy smattering of gluten-free, vegan and veggie options lining the menu. But it’s the Union Club Hotel’s perfectly cooked steaks that routinely receive rave reviews.

Address: 122 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW

Union Hotel, Wagga Wagga NSW Australia — This popular watering hole is situated smack bang in the centre of town. (Image: Union Club Hotel)

6. Romano’s Hotel

There is oh-so-much to love about this Wagga Wagga pub, located on the city’s main shopping street, Fitzmaurice. Though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, this Wagga institution (going strong since 1857) has four different spaces to suit your every mood (and every season).=

Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar, all tiled floors, ambient modern lighting, and bentwood-style dining chairs. Enjoy summer afternoons in the pub’s shady ‘laneway’ with its picnic tables and benches and wall of greenery.

Kick back in the so-called ‘alfresco area’ come spring and autumn; fitted with both fans and heaters, the space is great whatever the weather. Or make a real night of it at Romano’s separate NYC-inspired cocktail and wine bar The Hampden.

You’ll find all your favourite pub food classics here – parmys, steaks, pies, pastas, calamari and more – plus daily specials too.

Address: 81 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW

Exterior, Romano's, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia — Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar. (Image: Romano’s)

7. Riverina Hotel

You can’t visit the pubs in Wagga Wagga without an appearance at its oldest institution. The Riverina Hotel has been welcoming locals and tourists alike since 1851 – considering Wagga Wagga was only gazetted as a village in 1849, that’s a pretty impressive run.

The Riverina (or ‘The Riv’ as locals say) kind of has everything. Sports fans will love the big-screen TVs playing major games all day and night, families will enjoy the kid-friendly bistro serving lunch and dinner, plus a variety of daily specials. If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday, book a table for trivia. When we say book, we mean it – the weekly event is often full-up.

Address: 188 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

The original article was written by Chloe Cann but has since been updated by Melissa Mason.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

From grub to craft brews – here are the top 7 pubs in Wagga