A Guide To The Best Wollongong Bars And Pubs

Discover our pick of the best bars and pubs in Wollongong.

Much of Wollongong’s charm lies in the friendliness of the locals, many of whom can be found gathering at Wollongong bars and Wollongong pubs. Pull up a stool to conduct a survey on why the city’s glass is always half full. What you’ll likely discover is that the best bars and pubs in Wollongong have an ease and attitude all their own. Here’s the lowdown on Wollongong’s best bars

1. Howlin’ Wolf Bar

The Howlin’ Wolf Bar broke new ground when it opened its doors in 2017. The Wollongong bar, which has an amber-lit ambience, boasts the Illawarra’s largest collection of whisky and craft beer. All up there are 260 different whiskies to try as well as 18 gins, 13 rums, 50 craft beers and expertly made cocktails. Slink into the Howlo for beers, whisky, burgers and beats alongside flanno-clad patrons who might be modern-day bushrangers but are more likely barbers.

the Howlin’ Wolf Bar is Wollongong — The Howlin’ Wolf Bar offers a large collection of whisky and craft beer.

Address: 103/53-61 Crown St, Wollongong

2. Yves

The Wollongong metropolitan area extends as far as as Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas and can we get a woot-woot for that? That’s ‘cos it means we can include Yves in Kiama, the waterfront bar and bistro overlooking Kiama Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.

clinking glasses over dinner at Yves bar, Kiama — Work your way through the tasty snack menu.

Embrace the stylised salty hair aesthetic and enjoy the casual drinking and dining culture in Kiama where you can resist the urge to order a main course and focus on bar bites. I’m looking at you lamb meatballs.

cocktails at Yves bar, Kiama — The waterfront bar and bistro serves a range of cocktails and spirits inspired by international flavours and literary themes.

Address: The Sebel Kiama, 31 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama

3. Bar Cabrón

This Mexican diner and tequila bar is both a sophisticated space to take your new squeeze or get together with the girls for $12 margaritas. Clock the artwork by The Space Cowboy on Instagram as a vibe check ahead of your visit to Bar Cabrón .

potted plants at Bar Cabrón — Bar Cabrón is dotted with lush foliage.

The bar serves an exceptional range of tequila alongside contemporary Mexican food such as corn ribs, pigs’ head tostadas and papas fritas. The bar captures Wollongong’s understated grungy soul. It’s not aiming for subtlety. And we’ve got a thirst for it.

a disco ball at Bar Cabrón — A disco ball adds a retro touch to the interior.

Address: 2/ 88 Kembla Street, Wollongong

4. Humber Bar

The old Hillman Humber building, which is over 80 years old, underwent a sleeker-than-sleek revamp in 2014 to become an inner-city sanctuary for a craft beer or cocktail. The three-level Humber Bar features a ground-floor eatery, cocktail lounge and rooftop bar strung with fairy lights, which is where the bar’s stylish clientele gravitates to. Book in for a bottomless brunch with rotating options such as Korean fried chicken and chicken fajitas with sparkling wine and Young Henrys Tinnies. Mosey down to the middle-level Art Deco cocktail bar to mingle with other singles.

Address: 226 Crown Street, Wollongong

5. Night Parrot Wine Bar

Like the bird itself, the Night Parrot Wine Bar pops with bright, vivid colours. Use your most raucous voice to order an Old Fashioned and then use your feet to grasp onto a stool until you’re served. This sophisticated bar, located in the heart of Wollongong, serves a range of Asian-inspired street food. Order ‘smaller’ plates such as kingfish sashimi, crab san choy bao, and spicy chicken wings to share or hog the pog with a ‘bigger’ option like braised wagyu brisket. The Korean popcorn chicken will also give you something to squawk about.

Address: 69 Crown St, Wollongong

6. The Black Cockatoo

Bounce from the Night Parrot to The Black Cockatoo to get a read on who the cool kids are in the Gong. This hidden hang is tucked away behind a hole-in-the-wall cult bakery in the heart of Wollongong. Look the part in a pair of jeans with bright red panels on the tail (like a black cockatoo) when you suggest a place to meet your date. Ready your beak for a few Tromba Tequilas and a bowl of crispy pork crackling.

drinks at The Black Cockatoo, Wollongong — The cocktail menu features classic drinks and house specialties.

Address: 88 Kembla St, Wollongong

7. The Prince

You’ll find skilled and friendly bar staff and DJs at The Prince , which is part of the same Good Times Only Group, whose hefty portfolio includes Howlin’ Wolf Bar and Dagwood . It’s worth visiting The Prince to read the menu alone which is divided into sections such as Smashable Classics, Beers from the Tap, and Fermented Grape Juice. Happy hour is positively jubilant here: wander down the laneway and take a seat under the wall mural by Kaff-eine and order salt and pepper squid and a jug of Hairyman pop ale. The chicken schnitzel with chips, salad and gravy is one of the best in the Gong.

Address: Globe Lane, Wollongong

8. Headlands Distilling Co.

The grain-to-glass philosophy is core to Headlands Distilling Co ’s products, which are available to sample at the distillery from 4pm-7pm on Fridays or from noon-4pm on Sundays. The four young blokes behind Wollongong’s first distillery kicked off the concept in 2014 and since then have produced hand-crafted whisky, vodka and barrel-aged gin. The affable young entrepreneurs conduct free tours of the distillery and tastings of their high-quality spirits, which include the world’s first Illawarra plum cask whisky.

the Illawarra Plum Cask Whisky at Headlands Distilling Co. — Grab the signature Illawarra Plum Cask Whisky at Headlands Distilling Co.

Address: 12/6-8 Ralph Black Drive, North Wollongong

9. Juniper

Thinking about drowning your sorrows after a messy break-up? Don’t expect the bartenders at Wollongong’s first dedicated gin bar to encourage such self-indulgent behaviour. While it’s true the Juniper staff keep everyone’s glasses nicely topped up, the only advice they offer you is which of their 58-strong list of boutique gins you should try. And who knows? After a few Four Pillars and gin martinis, you might even find your next crush at this sophisticated neon-lit bar where good vibes, casual bar food, and the humble G+T collide.

Juniper Wollongong — Juniper is Wollongong’s first dedicated gin bar.

Address: 121 Keira St, Wollongong

10. His Boy Elroy

Don your best flat cap and cardigan, pop in your going-out nose ring and do your best to rock the I-just-got-off-the-couch look before you wobble down the way to His Boy Elroy in Wollongong where you can vacuum down a few Illawarra Brewing Company IPAs with laid-back locals. The narrow space dedicated to burgers and beverages is full of Wollongong cool cats who remain unconcerned about their daily calorie intake. Enter the larger-than-life Fat Boy or Dirty Bird Deluxe.

hands clinking beer glasses at His Boy Elroy — Sip on Illawarra Brewing Company IPAs.

Address: 121 Keira St, Wollongong

11. Moomin Bar and Kitchen

This character-filled Czech pub looks like it might have been furnished from a squat house in Prague. And we mean that in a good way. You can’t manufacture this kind of charm: think cosy Nanna-style lounges, framed embroidery, butter-yellow walls, ‘70s-style lampshades and ceilings a-tangle with a mix of Chinese lanterns, party lights and bunting. Moo Minn opens at noon each day for tipsy tapas, which includes a rotating list of small plates such as crispy cauliflower, arancini, Slovak-loaded fries and spring rolls.

Address: 68 Crown St, Wollongong

12. Pepe’s on the Beach

You’ll probably bump into that guy you met splayed out on the hot sand in his skunnos, skin the colour of caramel, if you head to Pepe’s on the Beach on a Sunday, when scantily clad locals gather together to sway, cocktails in hand to the music.

food on the table at Pepe’s on the Beach — Dine on burgers and fun cocktails at Pepe’s on the Beach.

Curl up like a croissant in the hanging chair with beach views while enjoying Cali-inspired snacks such as crab and prawn tostadas and jalapeno poppers. Happy hour is held every Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm.

friends enjoying meals and drinks at Pepe’s on the Beach — The beachside space is dedicated to laid-back locals.

Address: 2-14 Cliff Road Wollongong

13. South Sailor

South Sailor has achieved a lot of attention since it opened in Thirroul. In fact, it’s fair to say it’s somewhat of a sensation. The neighbourhood fish bar is a jewel box of a place with tropical flower displays and botanical wallpaper that exudes “I’m in Costa Rica on vacation" vibes. Although the diners here usually doll up, there’s always a bit of “beach hair don’t care" ‘tude going on, too. Order a few cocktails, which look like they’ve been over-adjusted on Photoshop, and a seafood paella that seems tailor-made for this vibey village by the sea.

Sake, Lychee, Yuzu & Mint cocktail at South Sailor, Thirroul — Try the refreshing sake, lychee, yuzu and mint cocktail at South Sailor.

Address: 216-218 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul

14. Georgia Rose

It’s likely your bartender will sport a bowl cut and Lime Cordiale will be on the playlist at this dreamy Shellharbour bar, which features festoon lighting, striking murals, hanging greenery and water views.

the bar interior at Georgia, Wollongong — Sit with your drinking buddies under a vibrant canopy.

Georgia Rose is a cafe by day and cocktail bar by night barnacled to the vibrant marina precinct. Time your visit to coincide with the signature Sunday session or sign up for an art-inspired workshop.

an array of cocktail drinks at Georgia, Wollongong — Take a sip of your chosen cocktail.

Address: 1/9 Marina Dr, Shell Cove

The best pubs in Wollongong

15. Five Barrel Brewing

Five Barrel Brewing is a top spot to crack open a few cans with brewer Phillip O’Shea who took his love of home brewing and turned it into his business. The core range includes a golden ale, pale ale and ESB (extra special bitter) as well as a few single-keg batches that are only available in the taproom.

friends dining al fresco at Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong — Slink into Five Barrel Brewing for a few ales. (Image: Destination NSW)

The brewery is open throughout the week for tours and tastings and the kitchen is open Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

friends touring the Five Barrel Brewing brewery in Wollongong — Sign up for a brewery tour to gain insight into beer making. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 318 Keira St, Wollongong

16. North Gong Hotel

North Gong Hotel has some of the Gong’s best old-school bar bites such as chips and gravy and chicken wings which are best devoured in the sunny beer garden that overlooks the iconic Illawarra escarpment. The pub in north Gong has a great range of tap beer available from its three bars as well as a family-friendly bistro. The expansive sunny garden is the kind of spot every pub wishes for and is perfect for people-watching during one of its infamous Sunday sessions. Sports fans should head to Teddy’s for a toddy.

a crowded beer garden at North Gong Hotel, Wollongong — This pub in north Gong is a real crowd-pleaser.

Address: 3 Flinders St, Wollongong

17. Headlands Austinmer Beach

If you’re a fan of Instagram stars The Inspired Unemployed you’ve likely seen the lads camped out at Headlands Austinmer Beach with their entourage. That’s like another way of saying this place is hot property. Put your trust in the young capable staff who are an integral part of the experience here and can nudge you toward the brasserie and bar, or beer garden, depending on your mood. Had one too many slushie cocktails? Book a self-contained luxury apartment for the night.

people dining at Headlands Austinmer Beach — Headlands Austinmer Beach is an idyllic spot for an afternoon Aperol spritz.

Address: Cnr Headland Ave & Yuruga St, Austinmer

18. The Imperial at Clifton

Ready, steady, revamp. The Imperial at Clifton , 500 metres from the iconic Seacliff Bridge, has undergone a serious facelift. The heritage-listed building is one of the Greater Gong’s new super-swish clifftop hubs and we’re here for it. The menu is a magnet for road trippers who have been fantasising about beer-battered fish and chips since they pointed their car toward the South Coast from Cronulla. The ultimate weekend pit stop.

19. The Scarborough Hotel

The Scarborough Hotel is another one of the star attractions set between the sea and escarpment in the Illawarra. It’s a destination pub and a prime spot for a day trip from Sydney as it’s just a short walk from Scarborough Station.

friends ordering drinks at The Scarborough Hotel — Order tap beers and head outside to the garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Deploy the new Instagram font to let your friends know to #seeyouatthescarborough . Despite its middle-of-the-road location on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, there’s nothing mid or meh about those mad sea views. Nab an outside table to enjoy a snapper and prawn pie and a tinnie or two.

friends drinking al fresco under an umbrella at The Scarborough Hotel — Enjoy ocean views from the outdoor area. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 383 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

20. Resin Brewing

It’s pretty much always party time at Resin Brewing, where lumberjack chic and skullets are the dress code. The brewpub holds a lot of surprises from its fine selection of brews in every shade of amber to the pedigree of the artists that headline the Sunday sessions (think Ash Grunwald and Ben Lee).

the bar counter at Resin Brewing, Bulli — This drinking den took things up a notch with its fine selection of brews. (Image: Grainger Films)

Despite being housed in the once-derelict 1887 Bulli Railway Guesthouse, this is a brewpub that has moved with the times. The contemporary menu has scoured the globe for inspiration with everything from Egyptian falafels to Nepalese chicken sekuwa and house-made fishcakes on offer. Hop to it.

hands clinking drinks at Resin Brewing, Bulli — They offer a range of handcrafted beers to cater to all tastes. (Image: Grainger Films)

Address: 8 Station St, Bulli

21. The Illawarra Hotel

The Gong is about as grungey as a coastal Aussie town gets. But you don’t need to worry about doing some kind of grim time warp at the Illawarra Hotel. Although it feels like a bit of a secret, the locals won’t give you the 1000-yard stare when you wander in. Instead, they will likely doff their trucker hat in your direction. Despite having a refresh, the hotel built in 1938 is now well established as a family-friendly pub that has retained a lot of its Art Deco charm. Pay a visit to Hilda’s Bar, a mini museum dedicated to former owner Hilda Gertrude Condon, one of the only female-run hotels in NSW at the time.

Address: 160-164 Keira St, Wollongong

22. Smith St Distillery

Distil the modern-day Gong in a glass and you’ll get the Smith St Distillery. The distillery door is a haven for those who like to guzzle a Rosé Gin Spritz or swill its Signature Vodka with soda. Award-winning distiller Jared Smith is the brains behind the outfit which he co-founded with publicans Ryan and Nikki Aitchison (of the Illawarra Hotel). As well as being a bastion of good living and fun times, Smith St Distillery adheres to very stringent eco initiatives such as collecting organic waste from local hospitality venues to fuel their farmed botanicals and giving fresh produce back to local venues to form a circular food system.

Address: Unit 98/100 Smith St, Wollongong

23. Steamers Bar and Grill

All I want, and all I need, all I crave is a good pub feed. Start humming the chorus to Pub Feed by The Chats using Google’s ‘hum to search’ function and you might just influence the algorithm enough to drop a pin on the map and take you to Steamers Bar and Grill. It’s one of the best pubs in Wollongong and a top place to eat too. The contemporary venue has pub classics such as pasta cloaked in a velvety lamb ragù, tempura fish and chips, and a good ol’ surf ’n’ turf.

the exterior view of Steamers Bar and Grill, Wollongong — Steamers Bar and Grill sits on the foreshore of Wollongong City Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 1 Marine Drive Wollongong

24. The Taphouse at the Groundz Precinct

The Taphouse at the Groundz Precinct has enough on offer to keep the fussiest member of your family happy and well fed. The Dapto Showground precinct is divided up into different spaces such as the Poultry Shed for swilling whisky and The Taphouse outdoor bar where you can eat and drink until you’re ready to tap out.

The Taphouse at the Groundz Precinct at night — Swing by The Taphouse for live music and overflowing drinks.

The large green space morphs into a venue for live music, with a roster of food trucks, and an outdoor area with more than 350 seats.

people dining in the outdoor area at The Taphouse at the Groundz Precinct — Snag an outdoor table on the expansive lawn.

Address: 89-99 Princes Highway, Dapto

Discover the best things to do in Wollongong.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

A guide to the best bars and pubs in Wollongong