Plenty of pubs around Australia have one thing in common: a long-running rivalry over which is the oldest. Phrases like “oldest licensed” or “longest running” get thrown around a lot, and while dozens of venues opened their doors back in the 1800s and are still going strong nearly two centuries later — like this old-world pub just a stone’s throw from Sydney — the official title is still up for debate. One cosy contender is the Macquarie Arms Hotel in Windsor, a famously well-preserved historic suburb in NSW, which first opened in 1815 and has been serving pints and hosting community gatherings ever since. Visit for a drink by the fire, stay for the history. Here’s everything you need to know about one of Australia’s oldest pubs.
Macquarie Arms Hotel
Opened in 1815, the Macquarie Arms Hotel lays claim to being the oldest pub on the Australian mainland, and it’s one of the country’s best-preserved examples of early colonial architecture. Though it’s now known as a heritage-listed inn, it didn’t start that way — the building was built by convicts and served as a private home for several decades before becoming a hotel in the 1870s.
These days, the hidden gem balances its age with a few modern touches, including regular live music gigs, cosy fireplaces for cold winter days, a breezy beer garden out the back, and plenty of hearty pub staples. If you’re keen to catch a glimpse of its storied history, though, you won’t be disappointed. Step through the wide front door and you’ll still find original timber features, a grand Georgian doorway, rustic wooden tables and chairs, and subtle ornate detailing that nods to its early days.
If you’re in town, don’t forget to take a wander through Windsor on a crisp winter’s day. As the third-oldest place of British settlement on the Australian mainland, this historic town feels like a true step back in time, packed with colonial architecture, quaint wineries, and a surprisingly solid food scene. The pub is set on the banks of the mighty Hawkesbury River, so plenty of outdoor adventure is on the cards too.
Find out what’s on this winter and read more about the Macquarie Arms Hotel here.