Step into a corner of living history in the historic town of Gulgong. Pouring pints and serving up stories since 1872, the ‘classically country and a little quirky’ Prince of Wales Hotel presents a rich past and a warm welcome.
Enjoy award-winning food, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to the town’s past, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, a local establishment where stories are shared and memories are made. The Ellis family, who took over ownership in 1976, have kept the pub’s spirit alive, blending the old with the new. From quirky interiors – think bicycles and old photographs hanging on the walls – to family recipes passed down through generations, this pub exudes a special kind of spirit.
The building began life as a shack known as Dillon’s Hotel in 1872. Being only the second pub in Gulgong, it quickly became a beloved watering hole for local patrons and passersby. In 1898, it was officially renamed the Prince of Wales Hotel by the Egan family. Some 40 years later, the Ellis family took over ownership, swapping farm life for the iconic pub. The connection between the Egans and the Ellis family? Let’s just say, beer may as well run through their veins.
Fast forward over 150 years from its humble beginnings, the Prince of Wales looks a little bit different – to say the least. The building has seen numerous upgrades – including the addition of modern motel-style rooms – yet it never lost its old-world charm. Today, the Prince of Wales is an award-winning hotel and pub. In 2019, the Prince of Wales won the Australian Hotels Associations Pub Accommodation of the Year for its clean, comfortable and budget-friendly rooms.
With a long-standing legacy of hospitality, the Prince of Wales has learnt a thing or two about serving up mouthwatering fare. The hotel’s menu is packed with hearty meals that cater to every palate, from the hungry traveller to the health-conscious diner. But if there’s one thing that draws people in, it’s the hotel’s signature dishes – crafted from long-lived Ellis family recipes, overseen by the Ellis family’s matriarch herself.
And then there’s the Sunday Roast Lamb with Yorkshire pudding; a dish that’s so popular, that it’s been entered into the AHA Awards for Excellence. Expecting just another pub roast? Think again. This may well be the best country pub roast in New South Wales.
You might visit for the food, drink or history, but you’ll stay for the people and the ambience. Locals, tourists, families, and foodies all find a place here, whether you’re having a cold beer, watching the footy, or simply enjoying the company. Had a little too much fun? If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, take advantage of the courtesy bus to get home safely.
Alongside the Prince of Wales, Ellis Family Hotels has expanded with the addition of the Commercial Hotel – now the Commercial Travellers House – and the Telegraph Station. Why not turn your visit into a pub crawl? We’ll meet you there.
