Fortune of War Hotel, Sydney

The Fortune of War Hotel has been pouring drinks in The Rocks since 1828, which makes it one of Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pubs—and one that has seen just about everything the harbour could throw at it. The building you see today dates from 1922, dressed in Federation Free Style with brick façades, arched windows, and decorative tiling. Long before that, this corner was already busy with sailors, soldiers, and dockworkers looking for food, drink, and a bit of relief after time at sea. The name says it all: this was a place shaped by chance, conflict, and hard-earned pay.

Inside, the mood alters comfortably into early 20th-century pub territory. Timber panelling, brass details, and walls lined with old photographs give the rooms a lived-in feel, as if generations of conversations never quite left. The main bar remains the heart of the place, where locals mix easily with visitors pausing mid-exploration. It still works as a neighbourhood pub first and a heritage site second, which is exactly why it feels authentic rather than staged.

The Fortune of War also carries strong ties to Australia’s military past. During both World Wars, it served as a familiar meeting point for servicemen, a role remembered through honour boards and memorabilia displayed inside. Today, live music, straightforward pub meals, and its long-standing presence on George Street keep it firmly part of daily life in The Rocks. It’s less a museum piece and more a reminder that history here wasn’t quiet or polished—it was loud, social, and usually accompanied by a drink...

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and sv1ambo.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Fortune of War Hotel
Sight Location: Sydney, Australia (See walking tours in Sydney)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

The Rocks Walking Tour

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