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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.