Soak up the sun in Sydney’s top beer gardens
Beer garden at Vic on the Park, Marrickville - Credit: Vic on the Park
A cold drink in a beer garden is a must during Sydney's spring and summer. Here are some of the most popular pubs and bars serving drinks outside in the sunshine. Best of all, many are dog friendly.
- 4 min read
The Oaks
Location: Neutral Bay
They’ve been pouring beers at The Oaks for more than 130 years with the iconic oak tree in the beer garden clocking in at an impressive 80 years old. Take a seat under its sprawling, fairy light-strung branches and dine on steaks chosen and cut by the in-house butcher.
The Oaks, Mosman - Credit: The Oaks
Public House Petersham
Location: Petersham
Known to everyone as the PHP, Public House Petersham is a huge beer garden that is the epitome of Inner West cool with street art murals, tables made from reclaimed wood, beer keg seats and plenty of dogs to pat. There’s also a woodfired oven turning out top-notch pizza and 16 taps pouring plenty of local craft beer. On long weekends, the fun even spills out into the carpark.
Public House Petersham, Inner West
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Location: Watsons Bay
Home to arguably Sydney’s most Inatgrammable beer garden, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel sits right on the edge of the water with rows of striped umbrellas and fairy lights twinkling out to the sand. Order the seafood platter and a bottle of rosé, look out over the yachts at anchor, and you’ll feel like you’re in the south of France.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay
Courthouse Hotel
Location: Newtown
One of the most famous pubs in the Inner West, Courthouse Hotel has been beloved by Newtown locals since 1859. Nicknamed 'The Courty', it’s still a laid-back, welcoming venue with a real sense of community spirit and the leafy beer garden is always busy. Dogs are encouraged, so expect to see quite a few snoozing in the sun while their owners chat over a beer.
The Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
The Henson
Location: Marrickville
What the beer garden at The Henson lacks in size it makes up for in style – think colourful murals, citrus trees and hanging plants. The menu is stylish too, offering a rotation of curries and veggie packed specials featuring organic and sustainable ingredients. There’s even a dedicated kids’ playroom in the old garage and dogs are always allowed outside.
The Henson, Marrickville - Credit: Alana Dimou
Vic on the Park
Location: Marrickville
Whether you want to catch a gig by your favourite local band, get the group together to shoot some hoops on the half court, catch a game on the big screen, or simply grab a table on the expansive deck to enjoy some craft beers and burgers, the massive beer garden at Vic on the Park is hard to beat if you have a large group – or pooch – in tow.
Vic on the Park, Marrickville
The Albion Hotel
Location: Parramatta
A historic pub on the edge of the Parramatta River and close to the CBD, The Albion Hotel is a popular spot for long lunches, after-work drinks and late-night revelry. The spacious beer garden is dotted with umbrellas and gets cool breezes from the river. Best of all, dogs are welcome.
The Albion Hotel, Parramatta
The Warren View Hotel
Location: Enmore
Dating back to 1870, the outdoor area at The Warren View Hotel has renovated into one of the Inner West’s best beer gardens. There’s a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor space, a huge central tree, lots of greenery and the obligatory fairy lights. Dogs and kids are both welcome.
Warren View Hotel, Enmore
Royal Cricketer’s Arms
Location: Prospect
Dating back to 1880, Royal Cricketer’s Arms looks like an English country cottage from the front. Out the back, the beer garden is dotted with century-old willow trees and spectacular jacarandas. The menu is all old-school pub favourites and big-name beers on tap. It’s a little slice of the slow lane in the buzzing surrounds of the Blacktown entertainment precinct.
Royal Cricketers Arms Hotel, Prospect
The Beresford
Location: Surry Hills
While the entire venue is expansive, The Beresford's main drawcard is its beer garden. Dog-friendly, decorated with lanterns, host to an overgrown 'green wall' and always brimming with an 'it' crowd. The courtyard especially comes to life on a sunny day or Sunday session with happy hour running from 5pm to 7pm.
The Beresford, Surry Hills - Credit: Merivale
The Golden Sheaf
Location: Double Bay
The sprawling beer garden at The Golden Sheaf is a famous local hangout. The leafy oasis is a nice escape from the inner city by day, and a renowned late-night party spot when the sun goes down. Dig into delicious food from the award-winning kitchen, grab a cold beer and get comfy under the giant oak tree, or step it up with cocktails on the rooftop and dance the night away to DJ-curated tunes and live bands.
The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay - Credit: Solotel Pty Ltd
Sauce Brewing Co
Location: Marrickville
If you are looking to enjoy some sunshine while cruising along the Inner West Ale Trail, Sauce Brewing Co's 'backyard' is expansive (and family-friendly). Filled with tables, wine barrels and astroturf, little ones can stretch their legs while those fancying a chat will have plenty of places to sit. Food trucks from Wednesday to Sunday mean you won't go hungry either.
Sauce Brewing Co, Marrickville - Credit: Mr
The Sussex Hotel
Location: Sydney CBD
Enjoy a cold beer in Sydney’s largest leafy beer garden at The Sussex Hotel, a heritage pub in the city. Their rooftop bar overlooks Barangaroo and the city, making it a popular inner-city local for a mid-week lunch and after-work drinks.
The East Village Hotel
Location: Balmain
The East Village Hotel is the kind of pub that everyone wants to have as their local. The stylish, modern beer garden (with one enormous tree at the centre) is the place to meet people and watch the game, enjoy meal specials and Sunday roasts. Dogs are welcome, the seasonal menu changes regularly and there are lots of local craft beers on tap.
East Village Hotel, Balmain
The Erskineville Hotel
Location: Erskineville
The Erskineville Hotel, or 'The Erko' as it's affectionately named by the locals, has an ever-rotating menu of tap beers which consists of old classics like Victoria Bitter to the latest range of craft beers from numerous local breweries in the area such as Young Henrys and Batch. Eat your way through their tasty menu, feasting on everything from prawn toast to seared barramundi.
The Erskineville Hotel, Erskineville - Credit: Oliver Minnett
The Tilbury Hotel
Location: Woolloomooloo
The Tilbury Hotel is where Italian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine meets modern refinement. Their duck fat confit hand-cut chips are a must, as is the grilled octopus and lamb back strap. With inviting outdoor areas, soak up some rays during the day or enjoy DJ sets each weekend.
The Tilbury Hotel, Woolloomooloo
Harbord Hotel
Location: Freshwater
Moments away from Freshwater Beach, Harbord Hotel is known for its great food, cold beers, and cracking tunes. Sit outside under an umbrella to watch the sun set before enjoying a gig or comedy show here.
Harbord Hotel, Freshwater- Credit: Harbord Hotel
The Alex
Location: Alexandria
Centred around its outdoor family-and-dog-friendly beer garden, The Alex features a bar in a converted shipping container, a basketball court, festoon lights, communal tables, a DJ stage that plays out of a hut, and a mix of original graffiti and some commissioned murals.
The Alex, Alexandria - Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Newport
Location: Newport
With beautiful views over Pittwater, colourful lounges and plenty of greenery, The Newport feels more like a resort than a pub. The vast decked beer garden is one of the best places in Sydney to spend a sunny afternoon. There’s also a regular schedule of events like trivia, meat raffles, and live music.
The Newport, Newport
The Welcome Hotel
Location: Rozelle
Craft beer is a point of pride for The Welcome Hotel. Expect to find brews from Riverside, Ekim, Hargreaves Hill, McLaren Vale and Rocks Brewing on tap. From classic pub staples like schnitzels to a refined steak tartare, this 130 year old pub offers elevated dining in its bustling dining room and leafy terrace.
