Melbourne is probably Australia’s greatest bar city, and its beer garden culture is a major contributing factor. As soon as the first wafts of summer air stir the city, people head outside – often for a drink with friends.
The city is jam packed with unique and fun watering holes, all of which are great places to hang out with friends and colleagues during long summer afternoons and evenings. And there are plenty of indoor gardens too, so winter doesn’t have to be a write-off.
So grab your jacket, because we are heading to some of the best beer gardens in Melbourne.
Location: 89 Albert Street, Windsor, VIC 3181 Ph:(03) 9525 0239
This watering hole might be named after the royal palace in England, but it is anything but a castle. The place has more of a beach-inspired vibe, and looks like a bar that you might find in Hawaii. And then there are the pale pink elephants on the roof…
Everywhere you look, there are bright and inspiring colours. And plenty of seating means that there is space for lots of people.
For those who like a bit of taxidermy, have a gander, and you might spot one of the stuffed peacocks.
Fun and lively, the Windsor Castle is one of the top beer gardens in Melbourne.
Huge glass windows, hanging lanterns, as well as a winding tree give The Garden State Hotel an otherworldly feel.
The four-level bar is more of a drinking ‘greenhouse’ than garden, but with light pouring in from all angles, you will feel like you are outdoors.
There is plenty of beer on offer, with favourites like McCracken, Peroni, and Fat Yak. But their wine list is also worth a pop, as are their Cocktails.
Full of bright young things looking to party, Garden State Hotel really pumps at the weekends.
Despite being wedged between the back of Jimmy Watson’s and the stairs to Wolf’s Lair Treetops, this nature-packed beer garden will make you feel like you have left the city.
With plants and trees all around, it is the perfect spot to grab an end of day drink with friends, and escape the busy Lygon Street just below.
Bask in the sun during the summer months. Or snuggle up to one of the heaters in the winter.
Oh. And there’s also a rooftop bar for those long, warm evenings.
Is the Corner Hotel Richmond the best-loved pub in Melbourne? Well, although many of us have a special place in our hearts for our local, few of those have as big a following as this iconic spot.
Ideally located at the city end of Richmond and within stumbling distance of the MCG on a match day, the Corner is so much more than simply a boozer. First and foremost, there is the famous band room. One of the most intimate and adored live music venues in the country, over the years, thousands of budding rock stars have strutted its stage.
But that’s not all that the Corner Hotel has to offer. This is a genuine, grungy pub with an expansive rooftop bar and beer garden in the adjacent car park.
Staff are friendly and efficient and the pub grub menu is pleasingly diverse. Both the Corner Chicken Parma and the Eggplant Parma are fantastic with a glass of Wine. We’re also big fans of the Ricotta Gnocchi.
Whether you’re catching a new act or not, the Corner Hotel is perfect for a great night out.
With Yarra views, a splash of greenery and reasonably priced Drinks, the Riverland Bar is a cool little oasis, just behind Fed Square.
On a sunny day, it’s a great spot to meet friends for a catch up or 2 chill after seeing an exhibition at the NGV.
The Food leans towards crowd-pleasing rather than innovative. Think an Italian-centric Antipasto Board, Chicken Parma and a selection of Pizzas. Although the Roasted Pumpkin Dip with Leek, Tahini, Pepitas and Sourdough goes down particularly well with a Cold Beer.
If you’re thirsty, it’s worth dropping by for Happy Hour Mon – Fri from 4-7pm. Then you can treat yourself to a Riverland Spritz, a Glass of WIne or a Pint or 2 of Lager. All whilst soaking up the some Vitamin D.
This spot is a real social hub and a bit of a party zone for those in the know.
The decor is eclectic and the vibe is lively. Depending on the night of your visit, you’ll find different themed evenings. For example, Mexican Monday has $15 Quesadillas, Parma Wednesday offers $20 Parmas including a drink, and so on. There are also DJ sets and Happy Hour promotions from 5-7pm during the week.
The Fitzroy Beer Garden can get loud, but sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
However, the real surprise – and a lovely one at that – is the fabulous beer garden out the back. Lush and green it’s an unexpected oasis and a great place to kick back with a craft beer or one of their refreshing Cocktail Jugs. We’re suckers for the Watermelon Marg with its seductive mix of tequila, triple sec, watermelon liqueur, mint & lemonade.
Give it a try, it’s one of the top beer gardens in Melbourne.
Location: 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC 3056 Ph:(03) 9380 4090
Chill with some great live music and the perfect garden at The Retreat. The venue is known for hosting top local talent, who keep the music flowing just like the beer.
This is a rather paradoxical bar – indoors you have a busy dance floor. But then outside, is the fairytalesque garden lined with pretty lights and a cherry blossom-like tree.
It is the best of both worlds – complete with some of the finest Fried Mushy Bites in town – and one of the best spots in Melbourne to drink a beer with your best pals.
Location: 134 Lygon Street, East Brunswick, VIC 3057
Combine a coffee-shop style garden with a jungle and you get The Alderman. It kind of looks more like a remote working space than a beer garden, but this just gives it a unique feel.
It is an intimate little spot. The perfect place to bring your partner or your closest of mates for a relaxed drink and chat.
Grab one of their well-loved craft beers, and be amazed by all the plants which seem to be flowing out of every corner. In our opinion, it’s definitely one of the best beer gardens in Melbourne.
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The Great Northern has been supplying good memories to the people of Melbourne for well over a century, having opened its doors in 1883.
The well-known drinking spot has a huge reputation, not because of its age, but because of the beer garden. And The Great Northern proudly claims that it’s the biggest in Melbourne, if not all of Australia.
This is a must visit beer garden in Melbourne. You are sure to meet plenty of new faces and share at least a few drinks to good times.
Location: 520 High Street, Northcote, VIC 3070 Ph:(03) 9020 7940
Welcome to Thornbury has a rich history, a bright future, and is one of most fun spots for evening drinks in Melbourne.
For the majority of the 20th century the bar was a bustling car factory. And nowadays it is Melbourne’s only permanent bar and food truck stop*, as well as the second largest beer garden.
Get ready to stuff yourself with tasty food as the venue rotates food trucks on a daily basis. And wash it all down with a glass or two and plenty of company, as the garden can hold up to 700 people.
The Stomping Ground Brewery is a top-notch joint to spend some time enjoying a beer with friends.
The large, open dinking area creates great atmosphere, and they have plenty of craft beers to wet your taste buds with. But if you just can’t decide, then no worries. One of their offerings is the ‘twisted-six’, which allows you try 100ml of any 6 beers on the menu. Not bad at all!
Ohh, and don’t worry about the designated driver. Hang up the keys because this place has bike racks.
Editor’s Update: The rumour mill says that the folks from Stomping Ground have taken over the glam premises of the sadly folded Deeds Brewery in Glen Iris. Whilst the demise of Deeds is a gut-punch to those of us who love their locally brewed Beers, we are ecstatic to learn that the schmick premises are re-opening. Apparently, it will be operating under the name Huzzah.
Location: 60 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, 3182 Ph:(03) 83739451
With a name like ‘secret garden’, it would be fair to assume that this spot is a dainty little green space for relaxed chit chat and a sophisticated drink.
Well, you would be wrong. That is not to say that you can’t do this, but on the weekends The Secret Garden goes off! You will likely find yourself still sipping away there until 1am on a Saturday, or even 3am on a Sunday.
Why? Well, because amongst other attractions, this spot hosts house DJ sessions.
Cabins and booths are available for hire, and bottle service can sort your group out with the refreshers.
Location: St Kilda Sea Baths, 10/10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda 3182 Ph:(03) 8534 8999
We’re off to the beach for the next of our best beer gardens in Melbourne.
Give the Captain an “aye aye” and enjoy drinks with a view. Captain Baxter delivers the goods with a stunning rooftop balcony which looks out onto the ocean, over St Kilda Beach. The decor is very St Tropez, with relaxed timber benches and blue and white striped cushions.
Beer is not the only port of call here. The menu also has daily drinks and food specials, along with a great cocktail list. Seafood eaters will love Fridays thanks to $2 oysters, and brunchers can enjoy yum-cha on weekends.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, in this case you will want to see the doctor anyway, because Dr Morse Bar is one of the finest boozing and eating joints in the city.
Consistently ranked as one the best beer gardens in Melbourne, the Doctor prescribes quality ales, and these are customer favourites.
A thorn in the side of lots of Melbourne beer gardens is the unpredictable weather. But trust Doctor Morse to find a solution. The venue has roofed a sizeable area of the garden, meaning punters can get a roof over their head if the rain starts to fall.
Location: 23 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf, VIC 3006 Ph:(03) 9686 5088
You will not be building any boats here, but you will at least have a view of them as you knock back a few bevvies with your friends.
The long terrace-style beer garden is impressive, and whilst sitting there you get great views out onto the water.
Fancy taking a walk after some drinks? Then stroll over to the harbour at South Wharf Promenade and you will set sights on the amazing bridge, which can only be described as an engineering masterpiece.
We’re completing our look at the best beer gardens in Melbourne with a real summer favourite.
The Arbory Bar and Eatery has jumped on the shipping container building-style scene, and sits on the Yarra river.
Finding the place can be a little difficult, but we got you covered. From Flinders Street, take the pedestrian walkway underneath the train tracks. This will lead you to the Yarra River, and you will see the entrance to The Arbory.
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Renowned for its food as well as beer, the burgers are what draw in customers, and there are options for meat eaters and veggies alike.
The venue holds something special in store for the summer months as well. They set up a floating bar on the water, rightly naming it the Arbory Afloat.
Last year Arbory Afloat adopted the whites and azure blues of the Turkish Riviera as inspiration. For the 2022/23 season, the team are planning a give patrons a Balearic Beach Club vibe.
What does this mean?
Well, the Balearic Islands include such iconic holiday/party destinations as Ibiza, Mallorca and Minorca. With this in mind, expect Spanish dishes like tapas and cocktails like Pina Coladas. Personally, I’m hoping this will be the summer that Melbourne finally embraces the joy of a decent jug of Sangria.
Arbory Afloat opens late September. Get booking and don’t forget to try the Sangria!
Location: Moon Dog World, 32 Chifley Dr, Preston, VIC 3072 Ph:(03) 9428 2307 See Website for Further Locations
Moon Dog Craft Brewery has come a long way since it first begun in Abbotsford in 2010.
From it’s humble beginnings, the beer maker has slowly spread its fun-loving tentacles across Melbourne and now has a number of venues : There’s Moon Dog OG in Abbotsford, Moon Dog World & Moon Dog Cooler in Preston, Moon Dog Doglands & the Jungle Room at Moon Dog in Docklands, Moon Dog Wild West in Footscray and Moon Dog Beach Club in Frankston.
Firstly, with room for 725 customers, it’s huge. However, this is far from being one great big, open drinking space. Instead, there’s a pool, an indoor waterfall, a play area for kids, a tiki-themed disco bar – and more! Always busy, this place has oodles of buzz and a surprisingly chilled vibe – due largely to the fabulously accommodating staff.
Give Moon Dog World a try. It really does have something for everyone, and that has to put it amongst the best beer gardens in Melbourne.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
