Old Wollongong East Post Office

The Old Wollongong East Post Office is a two-story Victorian Free Classical building with a symmetrical front and masonry features completed in 1892. The structure combines classical proportions with decorative stonework details that create a formal and well-balanced appearance.

Construction began in 1890 and finished in 1892 following plans from the NSW Colonial Architect's Office, with builders Banks and Whitehouse overseeing the work. It was created during a period when Wollongong was growing as a port and industrial center, making postal services crucial for local commerce and communication.

The building displays Victorian Free Classical design that reflects how important postal services were to the growing town during that period. Its symmetrical front and careful details show the pride people took in public buildings back then.

The building sits on Crown Street in central Wollongong and is easy to reach on foot from nearby shops and services. Today it houses various businesses including a café, so visitors can step inside to see the original architectural details while having refreshments.

The ground floor originally served as the postmaster's residence, meaning the chief official and his family lived directly in the building. This arrangement was common in government buildings of that era, allowing the postmaster to respond quickly to emergencies or urgent matters affecting mail operations.