Classic pub fare, cold beer and leafy green terraces – enjoy the weekend all that more thanks to Australia’s best beer gardens.
When it comes to pubs, Australia is dotted with some of the best watering holes the world has ever seen. But, if you’re looking for that something bit extra for your next lunchtime feed or late-night catchup, we must point you in the direction of the best beer gardens from around Australia.
But what makes a good beer garden, good? Is it the atmosphere? The live music? The friendly staff? The overall space? Or the mouthwatering selection of dishes? In our opinion it’s all of these things and more. So, round up a few of your mates and cheers to good times ahead thanks to our list of the best beer gardens around Australia of 2024!
Best Beer Gardens in Sydney:
Photographed by David Collins. Image via Destination NSW.
The Beresford
If you’re looking for a beer garden in Surry Hills, The Beresford should be at the top of your list. Found on Bourke Street, The Beresford intertwines the look and feel of a neighbourhood pub with a touch and taste inspired by a modern Italian trattoria. Transporting you to Italy with their cobblestone floors, this beer garden features hanging lanterns, an overgrowing green wall and, of course, traditional pub fare. One of the best child-friendly beer gardens in Australia, this beer garden is also dog-friendly so no one misses out on a perfect day out!
Photographed by Jonas Jacobsson. Image via Unsplash.
Courthouse Hotel
Also known as the ‘courty’ to locals, this patriotic beer garden pub is a secret getaway from the hustle and bustle of Newtown. Turning off King Street, the Courthouse Hotel provides an intimate and relaxing outdoor setting decorated with fairy lights and overhanging trees. Dog friendly, this beer garden also features a retro games room, poster-lined walls and lots of friendly locals. Searching for a good feed? This is the place to be. Their menu includes burgers, salads, nachos and even meal options for your fury friend. Need we convince you anymore?
Image supplied via @goldenbarleyhotel Instagram.
The Golden Barley Hotel
If you’re looking for a child-friendly beer garden in Sydney, make a trip over to Enmore to experience the frivolity and fun of The Golden Barley Hotel. With live music, trivia, a games room and a beautiful outdoor beer garden, what more could you want? If you’re here for a feed or a catchup with friends, The Golden Barley’s hospitality goes above and beyond. Their menu includes everything you could want from a pub – classics, burgers, tacos, wings, salads, plenty of kids options and, if you’re needing something sweet, delicious desserts to fixate your sweet tooth. Better yet, you can even book a table online!
Best Beer Gardens in Melbourne:
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The Boatbuilders Yard
Also making our list as one of the Best Waterfront Bars and Restaurants in Melbourne, after one visit to The Boatbuilders Yard, you’ll soon realise why they receive so much praise. Blending the past and present, this waterfront beauty is swimming with nautical references – just take the docked boats outside for one. Considered as one of the best beer gardens in Melbourne, visitors will be floating away by their South American and Mediterranean style menu. With an outside deck that’s perfect to hang out on with friends, drinking and eating is done right thanks to The Boatbuilders Yard.
Image supplied via @collegelawn Instagram.
College Lawn Hotel
This beer garden in Melbourne’s CBD has been noted as the best, and for a good reason. It’s dog- and child-friendly with delicious food, great drinks and courtyard umbrellas, what more could you want? Despite their name, College Lawn Hotel welcomes guests of all ages. Open every day and perfect to visit year round, College Lawn’s convenient location is also a big tick on our list. Also one of the biggest beer gardens in Prahran, College Lawn Hotel hosts live events and will even let you stay the night if you’ve had a few too many to drink. A must visit in 2024!
Image supplied via @thefitzroybeergarden Instagram.
The Fitzroy Beer Garden
Melbourne is such a wonderful and eclectic city, and The Fitzroy Beer Garden lives up to that standard too. This beer garden in Fitzroy’s heart is as welcoming as it is delightful both inside and out. In the beer garden you’ll find hanging parasol umbrellas and fairy lights. Inside is just as charming with neon signs, hanging planter boxes and vintage-like furniture. With a cocktail list, daily food specials and fantastic staff; if you’re looking for the best beer gardens in Melbourne, The Fitzroy Beer Garden should be at the top of your list.
Best Beer Gardens in Hobart:
Image supplied via @boodlebeasleyhobart Instagram.
Boodle Beasley
An expansive indoor bar and an even bigger outdoor beer garden, what more could you want? If you need more convincing, Boodle Beasley’s menu is just as incredible as their North Hobart location. We’re talking bao buns, burgers, soups, salads and, our personal favourites the Popcorn Chicken, Peking Duck Roll with Plum Sauce and the Cheese Platter that’s perfect for any balmy afternoon session. With friendly staff and a casual ambience, they are more than one of the best beer gardens in Hobart – they are everything we are looking for.
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In The Hanging Garden
Just a touch away from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is one of the best beer gardens in Hobart, In The Hanging Garden. Exactly as what the name entails, In The Hanging Garden is a charming oasis made up of hanging ferns and green foliage touching every surface. Taking up nearly an entire city block in the heart of Hobart, In The Hanging Garden is a go-to for all things live music, cultural performances, a good feed and, of course, a schooner or two. Eat your way through pan-Asian or Mexican cuisine before heading into the beer garden, the Cathedral, to chill out.
Photographed by Arcade Publications. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Preachers
They say that you should practice what you preach. So, if you’re all about chill vibes, great food, even better beer and a general good time, Preachers should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for Australia’s best beer gardens. Nestled within the streets of Battery Point, Hobart’s best beer garden serves up exactly that. With an indoor bar and an outdoor beer garden, there’s plenty of spots to plonk yourself down with a couple of mates. Serving up traditional pub fare with a delicious modern take, we highly recommend biting into one of their mouthwatering burgers on offer.
Best Beer Gardens in Adelaide:
Photographed by Amie Johnson. Image via Unsplash.
The Gully Public House & Garden
Finding the best child-friendly beer gardens in Australia can be hard, but thanks to The Gully Public House & Garden your search has been made easy. A 30-minute drive north-east out of Adelaide’s CBD will wind you up at a Victorian pub with a thriving beer garden. Welcoming guests of all ages, The Gully features an expansive menu, live music and several activations year-round for guests to enjoy. Think pop-up igloos, petting zoos, cooking classes and more. One of the best beer gardens in Australia!
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission
Lobethal Bierhaus
Also making our list as one of the Best Craft Beer Breweries in South Australia, although they’re not in Adelaide’s CBD, Lobethal Bierhaus is still worth a mention as one of the best beer gardens in Adelaide. A crowd favourite amongst most, Lobethal Bierhaus is best described as a Belgian-style malt house with a brewery, cellar door, restaurant and, of course, quaint beer garden. Making beer brewing headlines, Lobethal Bierhaus is also renowned for their delicious menu including the likes of Buffalo Wings, Spiced Birdwood Venison and Prosciutto Sausage Rolls and cheese plates too. Considered as one of the best child-friendly beer gardens in Australia, you can also bring along your fury friends for a family day out.
Photographed by CA Creative. Image via Unsplash.
West Oak Hotel
Previously known as The Royal Oak, since their establishment in 1838, this traditional pub is regarded as not only one of the oldest continual licensed venues, but also as the home of one of the best beer gardens in Adelaide. After a few renovations and a new contemporary twist, the West Oak Hotel is our go-to for all things pub grub. We’re talking food classics, great beer and an even better beer garden. With a convenient location, there’s simply no excuse to visit this highly rated beer garden in Adelaide’s CBD.
Best Beer Gardens in Perth:
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The Brisbane Hotel
Despite their name, The Brisbane Hotel is considered as one of the best beer gardens in Perth, and for a good reason. This Perth pub is truly unique thanks to it’s tropical flavour. Largely populated by palm trees, the terraced garden makes for the refreshing spot to spend any balmy evening. With an overall laid-back feel, The Brisbane Hotel features an extensive menu including the likes of traditional pub fare that’s mixed in with a selection of pizzas, share plates and more. Shake things up with a cocktail or bring the whole family along as it’s also one of the bets child-friendly beer gardens in Australia. We’ll cheers to that!
Photographed by Teo Do Rio. Image via Unsplash.
The Garden Leederville
A short walk from Leederville Station will find you at one of the best beer gardens in Perth, it’s The Garden Leederville. This Perth tavern will have you covered for whatever reason you decide to visit. Drinks with mates? The Garden has you sorted. A delicious feed on the weekend? You have two menus to choose from. Salsa dancing, trivia night and even bottomless brunch? The Garden Leederville has all of this and more. The perfect hideout any day of the week, The Garden Leederville is not so secret anymore so book ahead for your next visit to one of the best beer gardens around Australia.
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Little Creatures Brewery Fremantle
It comes as no surprise that Little Creatures Brewery Fremantle has made our list as one of Perth’s best beer gardens, they’ve also been featured as one of the Top 10 Craft Beer Breweries around Western Australia. But what makes Little Creatures so special? Firstly, their American Pale Ale is a standout. Secondly, their Fremantle brewery is a haven for any beer lover. It’s traditional yet modern, it’s welcoming and, they have a gorgeous dog-friendly beer garden for you and your fury friend to roam around. Better yet, you can even sign-up to a tour to see how it’s all done!
Best Beer Gardens in Darwin:
Photographed by Nicholas Kavo. Image supplied via Tourism NT.
Lola's Pergola
This Darwin waterfront bar is more than just a funky watering hole. Lola’s Pergola serves up something special and we just can’t wrap our mind about what makes it so good. Is it the great drinks selection including a selection of classic cocktails? Is it the mouthwatering menu that will appease any craving? Is it the quirky decor that will catch your eye the moment you walk past? Or, is it the standout location making it by far one of the top beer gardens in Darwin? All we can say is that it’s all of these things and more. Be sure to put Lola’s Pergola at the top of your list, you won’t be disappointed.
Photographed by Michael Costa. Image supplied via Tourism NT.
The Precinct Tavern
Opening their doors in late 2012, The Precinct Tavern quickly rose to fame as the home of one of the best beer gardens in Australia. A favourite amongst both locals and travelers, The Precinct Tavern is known for their beer garden parties, festivals, beer dinners, charity fundraising events and more. With a gaming lounge and cafe, The Precinct Tavern is renowned for their award-winning alfresco beer garden that makes for the perfect spot to meet up with mates, chew down modern pub food and soak in the sun. One of the best beer gardens in Darwin that’s well-worth visiting in 2024!
Photographed by Greg Elms. Image supplied via Tourism NT.
The Trader Bar
Another favourite of ours. Although The Trader Bar has caught headlines as one of the Best Gin Bars around Australia, they are also one of the best bars with a beer garden in Darwin. This contemporary cocktail bar is housed within an old Darwin home that has been fitted with white-washed decor. Providing an intimate, comfortable and outgoing feel, The Trader Bar is the perfect destination for downing schooners, sipping on creative cocktails or eating through a magnificent menu. A must visit in 2024!
Best Beer Gardens in Brisbane:
Image supplied via @southbank_beergarden Instagram.
Southbank Beer Garden
Overlooking the Brisbane River, you may know Southbank Beer Garden as the birthplace of Beer Thirty. But, for us, it’s our go-to for one of the best outdoor beer gardens around Brisbane. Southbank Beer Garden let the important things do the talking: the food, the drinks and, of course, the view. Focusing on casual dining, their menu is made up of a selection of burgers, schnitzels, salads, wings and grill options too. Stuck on what to order? We recommend the Oven Baked Honey Camembert, the Brisket Burnt Ends Burger and, to wash it all down, a Raspberry Beret. Enjoy!
Photographed by Yasin Aribuga. Image via Unsplash.
The Triffid
If you’re all about live music and classic pub fare, The Triffid in Newstead is for you. Living by their mantra that “good music and good vibes are our thing’, if you’re needing a hangout that will get your head banging and the energy growing, this is the venue for you. Their beer garden is made up of an outdoor bar, hanging greenery, free music and delicious food. As for their food selection, it’s just as eclectic as they are with the likes of Pulled Chicken Tacos, Lemon Pepper Calamari and a Steak Sandwich sitting front and centre. If you’re looking to visit one of Brisbane’s best beer gardens, The Triffid will have everything you need.
After you’ve checked out the best beer gardens around Australia, head to the heart of the country for a feed at the Best Australian Country Pubs to Visit for Lunch. Or, if crashing waves suits you more, grab a drink at the 10 Best Beach Bars around Australia.
