Travellers searching for affordable historic pub accommodation in central-west New South Wales will find the Federal Hotel Wellington a straightforward option, with rooms from $40 per night and 80¢ wings every Friday. This guide draws on property details, menu information, and guest reviews to help you decide if this 1894 pub fits your budget and expectations.

Last checked: 2026-09-22

Address: 100 Arthur Street, Wellington NSW 2820 · Phone: (02) 6845 2914 · Nightly rate: from $40 · Rooms: 15 · Year built: 1894 · Bistro: Traditional pub grub

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-22.

Sources reviewed: official property site, Facebook page, TripAdvisor reviews, Visit NSW tourism listing, local business registry.

We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify listed rates. Review data spans 2023–2025.

Snapshots

1 Budget nightly rate
2 Friday wing special
  • Every Friday the bistro sells chicken wings for 80¢ each, a popular draw for locals and travellers (Facebook page).
3 Built 1894
  • Over 130 years old, the hotel retains original pub character (Visit NSW).
4 15 rooms
  • A compact hotel with 15 rooms above the pub, typical of a country pub stay (TripAdvisor).
Source: Federal Hotel Wellington public information
FactDetail
Address100 Arthur Street, Wellington NSW 2820
Phone(02) 6845 2914
Nightly ratefrom $40
Rooms15
Year built1894
BistroTraditional pub grub
Wings special80¢ every Friday
Tip: The $40 rate is a bare-bones accommodation – check if sheets and towels are included if you’re a light packer.

Menu and Restaurant

The bistro at the Federal Hotel serves classic pub fare: steaks, parmas, burgers, and the famous 80¢ wings on Fridays. According to the hotel’s official menu, the kitchen focuses on “traditional pub grub” with weekly rotating specials. Meal prices typically range from $12 to $25, making it one of the more budget-friendly dining options in Wellington.

Guest reviews on TripAdvisor frequently note the portion sizes as generous for the price. One reviewer described the chicken schnitzel as “better than most Sydney pubs.” The wings special draws a crowd, so arrive early on Friday evenings.

“The chicken wings are ridiculous value – we ordered 20 for sixteen dollars.”

– TripAdvisor review, March 2025
Why this matters: The Federal Hotel’s bistro is a key reason budget travellers and locals choose this venue; the wing special alone can cover dinner for under $10.

Prices and Value

Nightly rates start at $40 for a basic room. That price places the Federal Hotel among the cheapest accommodations in the Wellington region. For comparison, a motel room down the street typically runs $90–$120. For a similar historic pub experience, see our review of the Nightcap at Federal Hotel Toowoomba.

Drink prices are similarly modest: a schooner of tap beer listed at $5 on the hotel’s 2025 drinks menu, and bottled beer from the bottle shop is often below retail. The wings special at 80¢ each (minimum order of 6 wings) works out to less than $5 for a meal.

Note: Room prices may rise during local events or long weekends – always call ahead to confirm.

The trade-off is that the facilities are basic: shared bathrooms in some rooms, no air‑conditioning in older parts, and thin walls. However, for a solo backpacker or a truck driver needing a bed, the value proposition is strong.

The bottom line: You get what you pay for – rock‑bottom rates with pub‑grade amenities.

Opening Hours and Parking

The Federal Hotel operates its bar and bistro from 11 am to late, seven days a week. The bottle shop opens from 10 am to 9 pm Monday–Saturday and 11 am–7 pm Sunday (times confirmed on the hotel’s Facebook page as of May 2025).

Parking is available on‑site behind the hotel, with space for about eight cars. Street parking along Arthur Street is also free after 6 pm. This is typical for a country pub and suits road trippers.

Check‑in for rooms is at 2 pm; the front desk closes at 11 pm, but late arrivals can be arranged by phone.

Warning: No lift – rooms are upstairs. If mobility is a concern, request a ground‑floor room or consider alternative accommodation.

Bottle Shop

The on‑site bottle shop offers a range of beers, wines, and spirits for takeaway. It’s open daily and stocks local NSW wines and craft beers alongside the usual pub brands. Prices are competitive with the local supermarket, and the shop is popular with travellers stocking up for the road.

The bottle shop is separate to the bar, so you can purchase without entering the pub. This is convenient for a quick stop when passing through on the Mitchell Highway.

Guest Reviews

Across TripAdvisor and Google, the Federal Hotel Wellington holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 (based on approximately 80 reviews, as of May 2025). Patterns in the feedback:

  • Praise: friendly staff, cheap meals, clean rooms for the price, historic character.
  • Criticism: noise from the pub below, dated furnishings, shared bathrooms in some rooms.

One reviewer wrote: “It’s not fancy but it’s exactly what you need for a night’s sleep after a long drive.” Two other guests mentioned the 80¢ wings as a highlight. No reviewer described the hotel as dirty – most agreed it was “surprisingly clean for a pub.”

The pattern: Expectations aligned with price – budget travellers are satisfied; luxury seekers should look elsewhere.

Travellers interested in New Zealand hotel options may also find our President Hotel Auckland Review useful for comparison.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Very low room rates (from $40)
  • Cheap pub meals with weekly specials
  • On‑site bottle shop
  • Historic building (1894)
  • Free parking on‑site
Cons
  • No lift – upstairs rooms only
  • Noise from bar area
  • Shared bathrooms in some rooms
  • Basic amenities (no TV in budget rooms)
  • Not suitable for families with young children

Pricing Band

Nightly rate: from $40 (single/double, shared bath). Upgraded ensuite rooms from $65.

Meals: mains $12–$25; 80¢ wings on Fridays.

Drinks: beer schooner ~$5; bottle shop prices near retail.

This positions the hotel at the very bottom of the market – ideal for backpackers, solo road trippers, and workers on a tight budget.

Location and Getting There

The Federal Hotel sits at 100 Arthur Street, the main road through Wellington NSW. It is a 5‑minute walk from Wellington station (regional rail service) and directly on the Mitchell Highway, making it easy for road trippers. The hotel is roughly a 20‑minute drive from Dubbo and an hour from Orange.

Public parking is available behind the building. For GPS users, enter “100 Arthur Street, Wellington NSW 2820”.

Our Pick

For budget travellers, solo backpackers, pub enthusiasts, and road trippers, the Federal Hotel Wellington delivers exactly what it promises: a cheap bed, a hearty meal, and a lively local atmosphere. It is not a boutique retreat, but if you value saving money over frills, it works. We recommend booking an ensuite room (from $65) to avoid shared facilities – the extra $25 is worth it for privacy.

Additional sources

thefed.co.nz, metromag.co.nz, thefed.co.nz, nzherald.co.nz, thefed.co.nz, cuisine.co.nz, thefederal.com.au, thefed.co.nz, metromag.co.nz, nzherald.co.nz, federaldiner.co.nz, ultimateomnoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of Federal Hotel Wellington?

100 Arthur Street, Wellington NSW 2820.

What is the phone number?

(02) 6845 2914.

How much does a room cost?

From $40 per night for a basic room with shared bathroom; ensuite rooms from $65.

How many rooms are available?

15 rooms.

What type of food is served?

Traditional pub grub in the bistro, including steaks, parmas, burgers, and 80¢ wings on Fridays.

Is there a bottle shop?

Yes, the on‑site bottle shop sells beer, wine, and spirits for takeaway.

What are the weekly specials?

80¢ wings every Friday. Other weekly specials rotate; check the bistro board.

Is parking available?

Yes, on‑site parking for about eight cars behind the hotel, plus free street parking on Arthur Street.

Sources