There’s something about Wollongong that just begs you to take things outside – especially when spring rolls in. With longer days, salty breezes, and plenty of sunshine, it’s the perfect time to swap cosy corners for open-air tables and soak up the coastal vibe.
From beachside bites to leafy beer gardens and rooftop sips with a view, Wollongong has no shortage of spots made for lingering outdoors. Whether you’re chasing a lazy brunch, a post-surf coffee, or cocktails that stretch into dinner, alfresco dining is where the city really shines this season.
The Boathouse North Wollongong – Deck Dining Done Right
Spring and seaside dining go hand in hand, and The Boathouse delivers it in spades. Perched on the northern end of North Wollongong Beach, its expansive deck offers uninterrupted ocean views and a front-row seat to salty breezes and golden afternoons. It’s the kind of spot where you can wander straight up from the sand for a cold one or settle in for a special occasion with friends.
With a lively bar pouring creative cocktails, crisp wines and local tap beers, plus a menu of small bites crafted from the freshest local produce, it’s all about relaxed indulgence in the open air. Walk-ins are always welcome, and if you’ve got a crew of 8 to 30, bookings make it easy to lock in your perfect spring session by the sea.
Resin Brewing – Sunshine, Pints and Good Times
Nothing says spring quite like sipping a freshly poured craft beer in the sunshine – and Resin Brewing has perfected the art. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building in Bulli, this brewpub has become a go-to gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Their spacious outdoor area is made for long, lazy afternoons, with plenty of seating under the open sky and a warm, welcoming vibe. Bring your mates, bring your appetite, and yes – even bring your dog, who’ll feel right at home in the leafy front garden.
With Resin’s rotating taps of small-batch beers, tasty bites, and a friendly crew behind the bar, it’s the kind of alfresco spot that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Humber – Rooftop Sips & Laneway Vibes
If alfresco is your love language, Humber has you covered from every angle. Home to Wollongong’s only rooftop bar, this city favourite is all about sipping cocktails under the sun by day and the stars by night. Up top, you’ll find a breezy escape from the bustle below – the perfect perch for sunsets, sky-high drinks and good company.
Down at street level, Humber’s outdoor laneway brings the fun with a cosy, open-air setting that feels effortlessly cool. It’s a go-to for bottomless brunches, live music sessions and group celebrations that spill into the afternoon.
Whether you’re chasing golden-hour vibes or a moonlit cocktail, Humber’s alfresco spaces make the most of every spring moment.
North Kiosk – Sandy Toes & Sunshine Feasts
For the ultimate in laid-back alfresco dining, it doesn’t get better than North Kiosk. Set right on the sand at North Wollongong Beach, this local favourite has been serving up fresh coastal bites since 2003 – and it’s the kind of place where sandy toes are always welcome.
Order a burger, smoothie or barista-made coffee, then pull up a spot overlooking the ocean and soak in the golden spring sunshine. Whether you’re grabbing a quick juice post-swim or settling in for a casual breakfast with friends, North Kiosk makes outdoor dining effortless, delicious and oh-so-Wollongong.
South Sailor – Seafood, Sunshine & Surfside Feels
Spring afternoons don’t get much better than this – fresh seafood, a sea breeze and a spot in the sun at South Sailor. With a relaxed outdoor area just steps from the sand, it’s the perfect place to kick back after a swim or surf and savour a long lunch in the fresh air. The menu blends classic chip-shop favourites with more worldly flavours, thanks to their in-house sushi and poké bar.
Pair a bucket of tiger prawns with a crisp glass of wine, or sip on a local craft beer (including their own South Sailor Pale Ale on tap) as you watch the day drift by. With alfresco seating, a family-friendly vibe and a bar designed for good times, this is outdoor dining at its most effortless.
Towradgi Beach Hotel – Big Flavours, Bigger Beer Garden
Towradgi Beach Hotel has been buzzing with energy for decades, and its spacious beer garden is where the good times really come alive. Stretching out with plenty of room for groups, families and long lazy catch-ups, it’s the perfect spring hangout to soak up the sunshine with a drink in hand.
The menu is all about hearty pub classics done right, with something to please everyone – whether you’re fuelling up for an afternoon of live entertainment or tucking into dinner under the stars. With family-friendly activities, live music, and a vibrant social atmosphere, TBH’s beer garden makes alfresco dining feel like a celebration every time you visit.
When the sun’s out and the days get longer, Wollongong’s alfresco dining scene is where you’ll want to be. From beachside bites and breezy decks to buzzing beer gardens and rooftop cocktails, there’s no shortage of places to soak up the spring air with something delicious in hand.
Whether you’re planning a family lunch, a sunset session with friends, or a laid-back weekend feed, dining outdoors in Wollongong is more than a meal – it’s a vibe.