THE hotels in Wollongong, south of Sydney, went through a major transformation during the 1930s, following a population explosion after the establishment of Hoskins Iron and Steel Works at Port Kembla in 1927. The works, a few kilometres south of Wollongong,… Read More ›
By MICK ROBERTS © THE 19th century produced many notorious publicans. Arguably none though were as notorious as ‘baby farmers’, John and Sarah Makin, one time hosts of Wollongong’s Royal Alfred Hotel. John and Sarah Jane Makin were convicted in 1893 for… Read More ›
By MICK ROBERTS © WAY before pokies and TAB machines, pub drinkers found other means to gamble, and try their luck at winning a ‘quid’ or two. Cards, dice, billiards, bagatelle and other illegal lures were often used by publicans… Read More ›
By MICK ROBERTS © WHILE many who call Bellambi home know of their historic watering hole by the railway station, some may be surprised to learn of their first pub, down by the sea. Today’s Bellambi Hotel – opened in… Read More ›