Epochal Hotels has expanded the offering at the Harbord Hotel with the launch of Bombies, a new rooftop bar and live music venue overlooking Freshwater Beach.
Designed with a 1970s surf aesthetic in mind, what was once the hotel’s caretaker’s residence has now been repurposed into a space that appeals to locals and visitors, catering to growing demand for live music and late-night hospitality.
“Bombies is more than just a bar – it’s a feeling,” says Glenn Piper, CEO of Epochal Hotels.
“It’s like stepping into a friend’s beach house where the night unfolds effortlessly – live music, cold drinks and an electric energy that just clicks. Whether it’s post-surf beers, sunset sessions, or a late-night dance floor moment, Bombies is where the best nights just happen.”
Located just metres from the spot where Duke Kahanamoku famously introduced surfing to Australia in 1914, Bombies draws on the Harbord Hotel’s longstanding connection to surf culture. The name Bombies references “bomboras” – offshore reef breaks known for producing powerful, unpredictable waves.
This next chapter in the Harbord Hotel’s restoration has been brought to life by architects Alexander & Co, blending deep, warm tones and natural finishes with mid-century modern furniture. Murals by Ash Holmes, Paul McNeil and Tiarna Herczeg of artists, musicians and tastemakers bring a creative edge to the space.
The food and beverage offering at Bombies also taps into Freshwater’s coastal heritage and seafood features heavily, with dishes like spiced prawn tacos and crab sambo on the menu. Other highlights include mortadella skewers, chicken espetada and Bombies Sando, made with chicken schnitzel, pancetta, avocado, egg, mayonnaise, gem leaves and potato crisps.
Tropical flavours dominate the drinks offering, with standout cocktails such as the Pico de Mango (Grey Goose Vodka, mango liqueur, Lillet Blanc, habanero and lime), Bombora (Patrón Silver, triple sec, pineapple acid and orange) and Piper Perch (Brookie’s Slow Gin, hibiscus, Peychaud’s bitters and lime).
Creating a destination pub
Having recently acquired the Bermagui Hotel and neighbouring Beachview Motel, the opening of Bombies forms part of Epochal Hotels’ strategy to become a full destination brand by enhancing the Harbord Hotel’s entertainment offering, with a boutique hotel also on the way.
“I’m a Northern Beaches local so it stems from the lack of options for that offering. I’m a big lover of live music and supporting the arts and entertainment, so we’ve always had the vision that the Harbord would have this offering,” Piper explains.
Until now, the group has been using the main bar to provide an entertainment service while it waited on approvals and refurbishments of the rooftop bar. Completion of Bombies allows the Harbord Hotel to have a dedicated entertainment space, where Piper says the group can uphold the world-class standard it delivers across its portfolio.
Equipped with state-of-the-art staging, Bombies will host a mix of local and international acts, live bands and DJ-led events, positioning itself as a dedicated space for both emerging and established talent.
“Our target market is music lovers – all ages, all genders, anyone that really enjoys their live music. We’ll be looking for a slightly higher pedigree of artists to come through Bombies, like Sneaky Sound System, they’re locked in, groups like Lime Cordiale.
“The reason that’s important to us is that we want to provide some accessibility to the Northern Beaches. Currently, to see that calibre we need to travel, and so to have it in the Freshwater basin is a good offering for Northern Beaches locals,” Piper added.
Designed to be an evolving hub for entertainment, the lineup will also include live-band karaoke, curated film screenings, comedy, and Harbord Saturdays takeovers on the rooftop. A state-of-the-art recording studio will also open later in the year for local artists to use.
Bombies will kick start its entertainment line up this weekend, throwing a four-day twilight After Dark Club to celebrate its opening. The celebrations include a mixture of free and ticketed events, featuring Keli Holliday and DJ Tommy Trash.
Take a look at Bombies below:
