The North Wollongong Pub
north gong for short, north wollongong train station. the "local" for the university of wollongong, across the princes hwy from the north wollongong train station. major renovations in 2006 provided several bars, including a spacious outdoor garden, a bistro and bar inside, and a more formal and dress-coded so you can't just wear your thongs/flip-flops upstairs cocktail lounge. although frequented by uow students, north gong remains popular with all ages.
Hotel Illawarra
or just the 'illawarra, large hotel/pub recently refurbished in wood and chrome. it receives the early morning crowd as it is the only bar that consistently closes at 3am most nights of the week. somewhat upper class - smart casual dress.
Five Islands Brewery
win entertainment centre for directions see below, â +61 2 4220 2854 fax:+61 2 42202855, (http://www.fiveislandsbre...) [[email protected]]). brew their own beer and the sixth island bar serves bar food and has a fantastic terrace with a bbq. there is also an 80 seat restaurant. sit and drink watching the surf roll in from the pacific ocean just 50 m away. or don't. quiet nice to take the older kids on a sunday afternoon, with the park in front and the beach close.
CBD Sports Bar
Auburn st, just off crown st near the city train station. very relaxed atmosphere that translates into very high drink prices. only 'non-leagues club' bar in the city that serves resches draught, a traditional sydney beer that used to be far more common.
The Builders Club
61 church st, close to the city centre (http://www.thebuilders.com.au/). mainly older laidback crowd but the builders is also very popular with students taking advantage of cheap drinks and $2 pool. the builders is fantastic for a few early drinks and then maybe kicking on to the nightclubs later. worth visiting to see the huge mural painted on the front wall. thursday night and friday day poker games.