Looking for places to enjoy the nightlife in Wollongong, Australia? Do not worry; we have compiled a list of the 5 most popular pubs in Wollongong, where you can party all night and dance the night away. Wollongong, a famous coastal city, attracts many tourists for its water activities and natural scenic beauty. After exploring the beaches and enjoying water sports for the entire day, everyone needs a place to unwind with a drink. Hence, the pubs in Wollongong offer their guests a wide selection of handcrafted beers, cocktails, and wines.
Discover Wollongong City
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There is a myriad of adventures and natural beauty in and around Wollongong City that has not been fully discovered. From the lovely Illawarra-wide view from Bald Hill lookout or the beautiful drive along Sea Cliff Bridge to a walk through the forests of Mount Keira, this city never disappoints anyone. The city’s hidden gems include the Botanic Garden, which focuses on wellness and nature, and Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve, where you can spot 130 species of migratory birds.
For people who love to explore a city’s art and culture, there is the Wollongong Art Gallery, which you can visit or take part in the large-scale community art project known as ‘Bright Lives’. A leisure walk between the two lighthouses on Wollongong Harbour or the foreshore walk around Lake Illawarra would be an amazing experience for a nature lover.
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5 Best Pubs In Wollongong
Wollongong is a fantastic tourist destination with several equally excellent pubs. Some of the best and most popular pubs in Wollongong are given below:
1. Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar
Once you are here at this bar, it will be more challenging for you to leave this place. Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar is Wollongong’s best-kept secret and one of the most popular pubs in the city. Open for people since 2017, this pub in Wollongong has lowered the standards of other pubs in the town.
Located in an alley off Crown St, Wollongong, this dimly lit pub is like a haven for people who wish to escape the outside world. The pub remains open for people seven days a week offering comforts and libations. No matter what is your taste, Howlin’s Wolf Whiskey Bar caters to all with its diverse range starting from its 350+ whiskies, a tin of Victoria’s Best, a Pappy Van Winkle Old Fashioned to a Fireball Booze n Juice. This is the city’s best place to enjoy the fullest nightlife while enjoying a Yamazaki Mizanura Oak while listening to Van Halen on vinyl.
Address: 103/53-61 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Price: Rs 2000 onwards per person
2. Humber Rooftop & Cocktail Bar
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One of the coolest rooftop pubs in Wollongong, Humber Rooftop & Cocktail Bar is a unique 3-level property located in the heart of Wollongong CBD. The pub is in the old Hillman Humber building, which is itself an ancient building of over 80 years. This is Wollongong’s only rooftop bar offering a refreshing outdoor experience and the ideal inner-city escape. Visit this rooftop pub to savour a cocktail under the night sky or enjoy a stunning sunset view.
Coming down from the rooftop bar, there is a glamorous and inviting cocktail bar at the Humber’s middle level, which offers the ultimate nightlife experience in Wollongong. The bar’s ambience features vibrant colours that add to its character. In the entire Wollongong city, this cocktail bar is the ideal place to unwind while enjoying its scrumptious cocktail menu and selection of tapas plates.
Address: 226 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Price: Rs 3000 onwards per person
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3. The Illawarra Brewery
Visit The Illawarra Brewery, one of the most popular pubs by the beach in Wollongong. Established in 2001, this brewery is the largest Taphouse in Wollongong, offering the most extensive range of craft and commercial beer on tap. The pub has a wide selection of drinks to suit every taste.
You can choose from the 24 beers on tap and a wide variety of wines to get the perfect beverage to enjoy with friends or family. The beachfront location of the pub makes it one of the most-visited bars in Wollongong. Whether you are here for a casual drink or a party, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the beach and the fantastic atmosphere anytime. Last but not least, the food at The Illawarra Brewery is sure to hit the spot. The extensive menu of the bar has something for everyone to enjoy with their drinks.
Address: Eastern Terrace, Win Entertainment Centre, Crown St & Harbour St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Price: Rs 1500 onwards per person
4. The Black Cockatoo Bar
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Away from the bustling streets of the city, hidden in the back of a coffee shop is The Black Cockatoo Bar which is a small and cosy bar in the city. One of the best pubs in Wollongong City, this pub is unique in its way as it allows just 50 patrons inside the bar; hence, if you are not a fan of overcrowded pubs, this is the place for you to enjoy your drink and the ambience. Whether you are here for a BYO vinyl night, or just catching up with your friends on a Saturday night, it feels like visiting your friend’s place that has just been fancier.
In this bar, you get quality Australian beer, cocktails, and eclectic Australian favourites such as pies, oysters, and pavlova. You get to taste the most impressive range of tinnies with new brews arriving every month in this pub. This bar is famous for serving a wide range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, however, its specialities are Aussie beers and cocktails.
Address: 88 Kembla St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Price: Rs 2500 onwards per person
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5. North Wollongong Hotel
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An iconic pub in the heart of Wollongong, North Wollongong Hotel is a multi-storey establishment with several different spaces, including The Main Bar, The Garden Bar, and The Level One Bar, each featuring a unique atmosphere and ambience.
North Gong Hotel prides itself on being the home of the number one pub in Wollongong. Whether you want to catch up with your friends over a drink, watch live entertainment on the weekend while sipping on a beer, or enjoy a delicious pub feed, this hotel has different pubs to suit all types of celebrations and gatherings. Other than these three pubs, the latest addition is the Teddy’s which is the ideal spot to go for great grub and a healthy dose of competition. You can enjoy live sport on the big screens and play various games to challenge your mates at this pub.
Address: 3, Flinders St, North Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Price: Rs 2500 onwards per person
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After exploring the beaches and enjoying the adventure activities, it is time to relax and unwind at one of the best pubs in Wollongong city. Visit any of the pubs mentioned above, and you won’t regret it. In fact, you will enjoy the night to the fullest with a glass of whiskey in hand and dancing to the beats of the music. So, next time you are planning your trip to Australia, do enjoy the nightlife at Wollongong at one of these popular pubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pubs In Wollongong
How is the nightlife in Wollongong?
With several pubs and bars in Wollongong's CBD, the nightlife at Wollongong is quite happening with weekly events and functions. There is so much to do in Wollongong to enjoy the weekend night starting from partying in a pub, to enjoying a cocktail menu at a rooftop bar from where you can witness the breathtaking views of the cityscape.
Which town in New South Wales has the most number of pubs?
Balmain has the highest number of pubs in New South Wales.
What is Wollongong famous for?
Wollongong is popular among tourists for its natural beauty and happening nightlife. There are spots like Illawarra Escarpment and the Royal National Park where you can take nature walks and explore native wildlife. You can also surf or swim at one of the stunning local beaches in Wollongong. Other than this, you can have a fun night at one of the popular pubs in the city.
What is the best time to visit Wollongong?
The best time to visit Wollongong is from September to February during the Spring and Summer seasons. In these seasons, the weather remains pleasant and ideal to enjoy the beaches of Wollongong and admire the surrounding natural beauty.
Which is the nearest airport to Wollongong?
The nearest airport to Wollongong is Wollongong (WOL) Airport which is 18 km away from the city center. Other nearby airports include Sydney (SYD) at a distance of 59.9 km and Canberra (CBR) at a distance 183.8 km from Wollongong.
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