Wollombi Tavern - NSW

The Wollombi Tavern is renowned for good old fashioned hospitality, the gateway to Australia’s famous Hunter Valley Wine Country and more importantly – the home of the infamous Dr. Jurd’s Jungle Juice.

The tavern is situated in the historic village of Wollombi, on the convict built Great North Road. It was originally built as a public house during the early European settlements during the 1840s. It was then known as the Wollombi Wine Saloon and remained a popular stopping point for travellers until it was destroyed by fire in 1959. Unfortunately Wollombi didn’t have any electricity during this time and the beer and food had to be kept cool with kerosene refrigerators. On Christmas night of 1959, Mel Jurd accidently used petrol instead of kero and the subsequent fire burned the saloon to the ground.

Mel and his family were now facing a seemingly certain destitution, but the generosity and the great Australian spirit of the locals of Wollombi provided the light for them. Local builders worked to restore and return the saloon to its former glory.

Mel then thought of a great idea. One of his mates had told him of a bush remedy made up of a ‘nip of port’ and a ‘nip of brandy’ to help with illnesses. Soldiers knew of these remedies during World War 2 and this concoction was often called ‘Jungle Juice’. Mel created his version from leftovers from Port, brandy, wine, etc and then heavily experimented with various brewing techniques. The result is his legendary Dr. Jurd's Jungle Juice.

Address: Old North Road, Wollombi, NSW 2325 Australia
Phone: (02) 4998 3261
Fax: (02) 4998 3106
Email: info@wollombitavern.com.au