21 Awesome Spots In The Illawarra For Drinks With A View
Make the most of our stunning scenery by partaking in a bevvie or two with a glorious view
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….
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.
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!
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.
With cracking views across The Links Golf Course, this place is unpretentious and super relaxed.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s hard to go past this view from Waniora Point, and it’s also hard to go past the margaritas and espresso martinis.
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.
Right across the road from the beach, pull up a pew in the beer garden overlooking the ocean and settle in.
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.
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!
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.
Just across the road from Kiama harbour, book a table on the terrace at El Corazon with your amigos!
Uninterrupted views, you are right on the beachfront here. Head here on a Sunday for Bottomless Weekends…come at me!
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!].
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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