Sydney’s best beer gardens

BEER gardens are to pubs as to what an oasis is to the desert. They are wonderful places relax, rehydrate and while away a hot summer arvo in the shade, enjoying a cold beer, a Rosé or cocktail. Here are 8 Sydney beer gardens that you need to enjoy.

BEER gardens are to pubs as to what an oasis is to the desert. They are wonderful places relax, rehydrate and while away a hot summer arvo in the shade, enjoying a cold beer, a Rosé or cocktail. Here are 8 Sydney beer gardens that you really need to enjoy.

Fortunately (for us), the great Australian beer garden is evolving into a destination that stands out from the crowd by offering unique attractions that keep patrons loyal.

Here are eight of Sydney’s favourite beer gardens.

1. SALISBURY HOTEL

118 Percival Rd, Stanmore

At Stanmore’s Salisbury kids flock to the 80-year-old KB Brewery Dodge truck in the middle of the beer garden like flies to an uncovered pub rump steak. Co-owner Ged Dore says it was all about designing a space that would stand out. “You see those old trucks with trees growing through them in the bush, and we want it to feel like a country pub in the middle of the city,” he says. Knowing your market is important, which is why Dore set out to create the family friendly beer garden.

The expansive beer garden at The Newport has views looking out over Pittwater. Picture: Toby Zerna

2. THE NEWPORT

2 Kalinya St, Newport

This has always been a destination pub, with the sprawling outdoor area overlooking Pittwater but it has kicked up a notch since Merivale bought it a few years ago. There’s a kids’ play area, multiple food stations and bars to minimise queues and live music (left).

3. SINCE I LEFT YOU

338 Kent St, City

No need to feel claustrophobic in the CDB, this small bar hidden between three heritage-listed storehouse opens out into an urban concrete courtyard. Street art murals add colour and character and the industrial feel is softened with greenery and fairy lights.

The Oaks at Neutral Bay. Picture: Instagram @theoakshotel

4. THE OAKS

118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay

Is it even possible to write a story on beer gardens and not include The Oaks? There’s a reason for that. The beloved towering oak tree in the middle of the courtyard (left) is turning 80 this year and the pub keeps its offering fresh with a series of entertainment and events including the lost art of spearing wooden beer kegs on Friday nights.

5. THE HENSON

91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville

This is the ultimate family friendly pub. The kids are entertained in their own room, complete with ball pit, while mum, dad and four-legged family members can hang out in the beer garden without the little ones complaining of being bored.

Go from a beer to the beach at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Picture: Jane Demoster

6. WATSONS BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay

Set right on the water, you can literally go straight from a dip to dinner. Although not technically a swimming beach, there are paddle boarders aplenty who make the most of the shallow water and protected cove.
And who doesn’t crave fish and chips after a swim?

7. THE GEORGE HOTEL

760 Elizabeth St, Waterloo

This nondescript neighbourhood pub has been descended on by carnivores since Hughes BBQ opened late last year. Anton Hughes, ex Bovine and Swine, and his pit barrel smoker ensure the beer garden is the place to tuck into everything from brisket to beef short ribs and pulled pork.

Beer garden at The Courthouse Hotel in Newtown, Sydney.

8. THE COURTHOUSE

202 Australia St, Newtown

The Courty is beloved by locals and Sydney Swans fans. On game day, the spacious, leafy courtyard with lots of seating and chilled vibe is transformed into a rowdy sea of red and white on game day when Buddy and co take to the field.

Dan Nicholson and Chantel St Quintin lunch while her children Thierry, 15, and Felix, 4, play in the truck. Picture: Simon Bullard