What’s better than sharing a few refreshing ales, a couple of cheeky cocktails, and delicious local wine with friends or family in the Illawarra??
Doin’ it somewhere with a kickass view!
Nothing beats the Illawarra scenery – with the drama of the escarpment to the west and the coast to the east, there’s plenty of local spots where you can sit back and enjoy the view as well as a few bevvies.
Here’s a list of some of our faves to head to for drinks with a view in the Illawarra….
1 :: Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough
Another clifftop winner, we love the huuuuuge beer garden here. Great views and lots of space. Grab a table with a brolly and set in for the arvo.
2 :: The Imperial at Clifton
Clifftop vibes here just south of the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, this historical landmark got a facelift in 2021 and now the inside is looking as snazzy as the view outside!
3 :: Headlands Hotel, Austinmer
One of the best! Headlands Bar and Beer Garden is the place to watch the colour of the ocean change in front of you as the sun goes down. Hit up the Airstream for dumplings and Sharkie’s pizza on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday lunch. Oh and the bistro is open for brekkie, dinner and lunch every day of the week.
4 :: The Links, Shell Cove
With cracking views across The Links Golf Course, this place is unpretentious and super relaxed.
5 :: Illawarra Yacht Club, Warrawong
Club prices, casual dining at the Boat Shed, gorgeous views across Lake Illawarra and a side of drag bingo…what’s not to love about Illawarra Yacht Club?
6 :: Steamers Bar & Grill
Spacious [LOVE the high ceilings] and with one of the best views of the Wollongong lighthouse, this place has pocketed the Best Contemporary Australian Restaurant – NSW Regional award recently too.
7 :: North Bar, Palisade and Pepe’s at The Novotel, North Wollongong
This popular hotel has got plenty of wining and dining options, most with some bangin’ views too. Head to Palisade Kitchen & Bar for great food and views over Northbeach, North Bar for delicious wine and fancy sangas [get a booth seat if you can] and for over-sized cocktails and a fun, light & breezy beachside destination.
8 :: Wombarra Bowlo
Back a block from the beach but perched up high, you’ll get great views, cold beers, club prices and a chance to throw a few jacks down at the Wombarra Bowlo.
9 :: Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club
It’s known as the club with the million dollar views and that’s cos’ it is. We love that it’s still got that club feel [+ prices!] but when you look out over Gerroa Beach and Seven Mile Beach, all the way down to the Shoalhaven, it feels like you’re livin’ the high life – literally.
10 :: Yves, Kiama
Waterfront dining at The Sebel Harbourside, Yves offers up a la carte menus, coastal classics and a tasty snack menu with their big range of wines and fun cocktails.
11 :: Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, Wollongong
If you’re going to add fresh seafood to your drinks catch-up, this is where to do it! Crisp, white wines with fresh seafood and views across the harbour out to sea…..heaven.
12 :: Bulli Beach Cafe
It’s hard to go past this view from Waniora Point, and it’s also hard to go past the margaritas and espresso martinis.
13 :: The Hill Bar & Kitchen and Gather By The Hill, Gerringong
Perched high up in the town centre of Gerringong, this place is perfect for a casual beer in the sun, long lunch or weekend cocktails. Easy bar food and head or pop around the corner to their sister bar, Gather by the Hill for ocean views, $1 dumplings on Thursdays.
14 :: Ocean Beach Hotel, Shellharbour
Right across the road from the beach, pull up a pew in the beer garden overlooking the ocean and settle in.
15 :: Humber Bar, Wollongong
A cityscape counts as a view and Humber Bar’s rooftop bar offers that in spades. Head to the top floor for cocktails, palm trees, fab lighting and sunsets.
16 :: Silica Restaurant + Bar, Kiama
Another one to hit up if you’re going to add fresh seafood to your drinks catch-up with friends! Right across the road from Kiama’s Surf Beach, you can have your plate of oysters and your view too!
17 :: Diggies, Wollongong + Kiama
These guys do coastal vibes soooo well at their Wollongong and Kiama cafes [+ North Beach Kiosk which is tucker around the side of Diggies Wollongong]. Go for the views, stay for the cocktails.
18 :: El Corazon – Cocina de Mexico, Kiama
Just across the road from Kiama harbour, book a table on the terrace at El Corazon with your amigos!
19 :: Thirroul Beach Pavilion
Uninterrupted views, you are right on the beachfront here. Head here on a Sunday for Bottomless Weekends…come at me!
20 :: Crooked River Wines
Glorious, rolling green hills with a side of tasty local wine, cheese platters and good friends, and you’ve got yourself a pretty spesh drink with a view at Crooked River Wines [go when there’s live music or one of their awesome outdoor concerts to really up the drinks with a view ante!].
21 :: Georgia Rose, Shell Cove
Take a seat at Georgia Rose overlooking the marina at Shell Cove. Line up your gatho for a Sunday and get cocktail specials, beer pints and cocktail jugs while listening to smooth tunes from vinyl playin’ DJ’s!
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